Reborn From Oblivion

Ashley was caught off guard but quickly put up her defenses against Nathalie. "He's my fiancé. There's no way he's an old friend of yours."

She lashed out, "Nathalie, I can't stand how you try to outdo me at every turn. You've gone after Nathan, the family's spotlight, and now even my fiancé. You're just a thorn in my side. Do you have any idea how much I despise you?"

Nathalie felt like she'd hit a wall.

"I'm not trying to compete with you..."

Ashley cut her off, her voice getting louder. "He's never left home, so how on earth could he be someone from your past? You're just trying to mess up my happiness by getting close to my guy..."

Nathalie was at a loss, unable to say a word in her defense.

"I have a brother who went through something awful. I've been searching for him for ages. Ashley, I think the young master of the Rowland family might be him."

Ashley was stunned. "No way..."

"I need to know-is he 21 this year? Does he have a scar on the back of his hand?" Nathalie pressed, not ready to give up.

Ashley's eyes widened, and she stumbled slightly.

"You say he's from your past? Were you two close?"

"Yes," Nathalie replied without missing a beat.

"How close?"

"Close enough to lay down our lives for each other," Nathalie answered.

Ashley turned pale.

"What kind of relationship do you have?"

"We're siblings."

Ashley exhaled with relief but still fibbed, "You've got the wrong guy. The second young master of the Rowland family is almost 25."

Nathalie's hopes were dashed.

Was the lead she'd worked so hard to find just a dead end?

"I'm sorry, it's not him."noveldrama

"Alright."

Ashley left, stumbling as she went.

The biggest human trafficking ring in town had been busted-soon news of the bust was everywhere: on TV, the internet, and even flashing across digital billboards.

Photos of rescued children filled the screens, and info about the crime ring was plastered everywhere. Notices offering rewards for tips on the gang's whereabouts were posted all around.

While Nathalie was signing a contract with Benjamin, she looked up during a pause and caught ta mugshot of the crime ring leader on a massive screen across the street.

With a greasy mustache and a mole between his brows, he was the spitting image

of the villain from her past.

"I know him," Nathalie said, her heart tightening. She suddenly shouted out.

Benjamin teased, "How could you possibly know someone like that? He's the head of a human trafficking ring, dealing in international abductions."

A fierce determination burned in Nathalie's eyes. "I'd recognize him anywhere. He's the one who broke Nathan's leg, left him with whip scars and caused his eating

vein

disorder. I spent forever nursing him back to health. Poor Nathan's leg has never totally healed. Nathalie's voice wavered, tears brimming as she spoke.

Benjamin's hand shook, causing his signature to smudge.

Nathalie looked at him, confused. "Why are you so jittery?"

"Oh, nothing. Just slipped," Benjamin said with a sheepish grin.

Nathalie handed him another contract, pushing her sadness aside. "No worries, I've got plenty of spares. You're not getting off the hook today."

Benjamin chuckled, slightly embarrassed. "I never had any intention of bailing."

Nathalie eyed him with suspicion. "If you're not planning to bail, then what's with the nerves?"

Her gaze shifted to the screen. "You don't happen to know that crime boss, do you?"

Benjamin swallowed hard. "Nathalie, you can get food wrong, but not your words. I'm a straight-laced businessman. How could I possibly know someone like that?"