Chapter 37: Persuaded Her

"No, you can't go," Evette objected, but she was totally ignored. She stomped her feet furiously and was about to chase after them. The bodyguard who had given her a slap stepped forward to block her way, "Miss Carter, you are not invited."

Evette backed up, remembering the pain on her cheek, but still, she yelled, "Nathalia, get back here! Right now! Do you hear me? Get back here!"

Nathalia didn't even turn around.

They arrived at a café around the corner. The pleasant smell of coffee welcomed them as they entered. Cheerful music was playing.

Nathalia finished her vanilla ice-cream and cheesecake slowly, enjoying every bite. She felt relieved and cozy. As she sipped her coffee, she noticed Spencer had not touched his chocolate cake.

Spencer watched her, guessed her thoughts, and placed it in front of her. Nathalia simply picked up her fork again and sampled it. Yummy. Love how it just melts. She thought to herself joyfully.

Her refined table manners revealed her good upbringing as a little lady; at the same time, she couldn't hide her cheerfulness like a cheeky child. Spencer found her mysteriously attractive.

He couldn't keep his eyes off her. A sudden desire swelled inside him, but he quickly suppressed it.

She was the first girl that he had seen to be so true to herself in front of him. She was devouring two pieces of cake like a naïve child, totally ignoring him watching.

What does that mean? He wondered, and the corners of his lips tilted up in a playful smile.

Nathalia put down the fork, wiped her lips gently with a tissue, and picked up her coffee, content.

"So, what's your purpose? What are you plotting?" She asked.

"Well, I fell in love with you at first sight and can't stop thinking of you ever since," Spencer said sweetly as he looked Nathalia in her eyes lovingly. He was in a playful mood.

"Tee-hee," Nathalia spit out some coffee onto his shirt. "Come on. I know what you are like."

Spencer's cheekiness was defeated, and he tried to wipe off the coffee. "Alright, I'll be serious then. Let's collaborate."

Short and brief.

Nathalia frowned. "Collaborate? You and me?"

They were basically from two different worlds, at two different levels. What was there to collaborate on? He had power, money, reputation, network, everything he needed while she was fighting on her own. What could she offer him?

"Yes, you and me," Spencer confirmed and beckoned Nathalia to sit next to him. She pouted her lips but accepted reluctantly. Nathalia's face changed as Spencer whispered his plan in her ear.

"I don't think I can say no, can I? You know what you are doing." She commented.

Spencer smiled, his eyes sparkling. "You aren't losing anything. On the contrary, you will gain a lot of benefits. Think about it. Take your time. No rush."

Nathalia looked out of the window, pondering. Spencer observed her closely while he sipped coffee and waited patiently.

Rosy lips, tapering chin, pointed nose tip, flawless skin. She seemed ordinary-looking compared to the girls he had dated. But her clear and twinkling eyes brightened up her face.

He could see her fire-like passion and her tranquility like a gently running stream. There was so much in her.

Is she really just 18 years old?

He felt the same desire to grow inside him again. He wanted to taste her lips.

After a while, Nathalia turned to look at Spencer. Her sparkling eyes meeting his, she said clearly, "I have three conditions."

Spencer lifted his eyebrows, "Go ahead." Clever girl. He thought.

Nathalia put her hand up, thumbed out "No.1, stay away from my personal life," then forefinger out "No.2, I can leave whenever I want to;" than middle finger out "No.3, don't trick me again."

She knew she couldn't say no. Spencer Davidson always got what he wanted.

Spencer laughed and said, "Deal." One would rarely see him laugh.

Thus, they started their cooperation. Spencer arranged a date with Nathalia a few times and got the paparazzi following them about. Before long, pictures of the two holding hands, dating at fancy restaurants, were on the front pages of all the tabloids and newspapers. Everyone was talking about Spencer Davidson and Nathalia Carter.

It was breakfast time. Nathalia put on a light purple dress, a dab of rouge and lipstick, a pretty crystal hairpin adorned her soft and smooth hair. She grabbed her schoolbag, came downstairs, humming a cheerful tune, looking jolly.

"Morning, dad, morning, mum, and morning Evette." She sat down, and Martha passed her milk and toast.

Anne looked up and down at her and knitted her brows.

Frank put down the newspaper he was reading and asked Nathalia, "What's going on between you and Spencer Davidson? Are you two really dating?"

He noticed Nathalia had dressed up a little bit today and was looking pretty, but he was certain that Spencer, who had seen so many girls of beauty, talent, and excellence, could not be interested in her. Could it be possible that he is just trying something different this time? Well, if so, it won't last long anyway.

Nathalia blushed and nodded slightly.

Is that why the Davidson Group got involved and stopped business with us? For her? Frank frowned and wondered. If it is true, then I need to really think about it and re-plan.

"If you two are serious, why don't you invite him over for dinner, and dad will have an eye on him for you," Frank suggested.

On hearing so, Evette threw her fork on the table and stood up to protest "No. I don't allow it. Nathalia, Spencer is just playing games with you! Who do you think you are? You really think he likes you?!"

Evette had been giving Nathalia the cold shoulder since the last time she encountered Spencer and had to watch them walk off. Yet, Nathalia had not cared at all, but, instead, indulged herself in showing off the sweetness Spencer had shown her in front of Evette so as to vex her even more.

Nathalia wasn't pleased with what she heard and retorted, "Evette, there's no need for you to be concerned at all. It's between Spencer and me. Nothing to do with you."

Evette screamed and shouted, "Nonsense! I will never, never ever allow you two to be together!" Then she turned to her parents, "Dad, mum?!"

Frank thought it over and realized there was no benefit to gain for him if Nathalia ended up with Spencer. "Nathalia, Spencer Davidson is not the guy for you. Think about his background." He persuaded her.