Chapter 332

Leaning back slightly, Natalie pressed her lips together in thought before smiling and saying, “We’ll have to wait a bit longer. The people Wendy arranged won’t withdraw until Jennifer appears.

“Having just taken control, Jennifer is sure to introduce major reforms and will undoubtedly let go of a number of employees, even some of the company’s key personnel.

“She’ll replace them with her own people. By the time she realizes she’s been left with an empty shell, it’ll be too late. Without the resources she once had, no matter how good her current resources are, her company won’t be able to go far.”

Natalie envisioned Jennifer being absolutely furious by then.

In this tough business climate, even if Jennifer was capable, she could at best maintain the status quo.

During this time, Natalie knew it was her perfect opportunity to act. She planned to head overseas with Murray after attending Zoe’s baby’s one-month celebration.

“Natalie, do you think Mr. Chambers will be interested in this project we’re working on?” Luna asked, her tone laced with concern.

Natalie smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry. As long as the technology is solid, it’ll work out.”

Luna felt relieved. Over the past two years, Natalie had never truly been idle, always busy developing new software. “Natalie, you’ve really been putting in the work these past two years. If Professor Montes knew, she’d be thrilled. You turned down her invitation to join her research team back then, and I heard she was upset for quite some time,” said Luna.

Natalie smiled apologetically. “I just couldn’t see myself doing it. Spending every day in a lab surrounded by endless data—it’s too dull for me. That kind of life doesn’t suit me.”

She had declined the offer partly because of Easton, but mostly because she genuinely didn’t enjoy it.

Luna didn’t press further. A person’s energy is limited, and Natalie was already remarkable.

By noon, the snowstorm had eased a little. When they arrived at the restaurant, Natalie got out of the car and told Luna to park first.

Maurice had arrived earlier and was already waiting for her at the door.

“Natalie,” Maurice called out as he walked toward her with an umbrella, thoughtfully positioning himself to shield her from the wind.

Natalie smiled warmly. “Maurice, it’s been a while.”

“It’s been half a month, and you’ve lost weight,” Maurice said, his concern evident. Her face had indeed thinned, and her jawline was more pronounced.

Natalie chuckled. “Not at all! It’s just that I’m bundled up in winter clothes. I haven’t lost weight. On the island, I ate very well every day. Even in this snowy weather, we could still enjoy fresh seafood.”

“Seafood doesn’t nourish you as much as beef. Come on in—I ordered your favorite beef for you,” said Maurice.

He held up the windscreen curtain for her, letting Natalie step inside first. As he watched her cheerful figure, his gaze softened further.

Natalie smiled as she walked in, and Maurice followed after closing his umbrella.

Not far away, Easton and Xavier were also heading to the same restaurant. From the car, Easton noticed Natalie.

He had frozen for a moment. It had been half a month since he’d last seen her. She looked finer, her sharp jawline accentuating her already striking features.

This city, without her presence for the past two weeks, had felt emptier than ever, leaving a nesting void in his chest.

Watching her interact warmly with Maurice, Easton clenched his fists as anger seized him.

He thought, Even my grandfather likes Maurice, and Natalie apparently likes him too. Natalie once said she loved me. Did she stop loving me just like that? Now she loves Maurice instead? Her love was too cheap.

Easton sneered, realizing she hadn’t taken his last warning seriously. She still dared to get close to another man.

With a darkened expression, Easton strode into the restaurant.

Seeing his icy expression, Xavier grew anxious, knowing that he was on the verge of losing his temper.

“Natalie, how did things go on the island?” Maurice asked with a smile.

Natalie, meeting his concerned gaze, returned his smile. “Everything went smoothly. I made sure everything was settled before coming back. Zoe had a healthy baby boy—he’s absolutely adorable.”

“Congratulations to her on the new addition to her family! As for you, I’ll keep looking after you like before. Your brother calls me every day, worried you might be mistreated,” said Maurice.

Maurice wasn’t exaggerating—James truly called him daily, asking him to take good care of Natalie. Even though Maurice had already promised, James remained uneasy.

Natalie chuckled. “My brother really looks out for me. Thank you, Maurice, for not finding him too bothersome.”

Maurice replied, “Not at all. He’s busy with an overseas project, and we’re actually collaborating on it. He handles things on that end, and I’m managing it here—it’s been very effective.

“Our nightly work discussions always include a quick chat about you. Far from being a bother, it feels rather comforting.”

His refined demeanor and calm tone naturally left a positive impression.

Soon, the dishes arrived, and the server brought out a beef stew. Natalie’s eyes lit up the moment she saw it.

Having eaten seafood on the island for weeks, she was genuinely craving some beef.

“Wow! It smells amazing!” Natalie picked up a piece of beef, took a bite, and found it really tasty.

Seeing how much she enjoyed it, Maurice smiled gently. He put a few more pieces of beef on her plate, saying, “Natalie, eat more. You’ve lost weight.”

“Thank you, Maurice! I really love the flavor of this beef stew.”

“Then have as much as you want,” Maurice said, still smiling.

After eating several pieces, Natalie finally brought up the topic on her mind. “Maurice, I’ve been developing an AI system for the past two years.

“Chris and I will form a research team, and in about six months, it should be ready for commercial use. Would you be interested in collaborating?”

Chapter 332

Maurice was surprised by her expertise in this area. “Natalie, I had no idea you were this skilled."

Natalie paused and then said with a smile, “If you’re open to collaborating, I wouldn’t need to seek other partners for this project.

“This system has been in development by Chris’s team and me for two years. We had slower progress for a while due to other commitments, but I’ve picked it back up recently.

“Over the next six months, if you have time, you’re welcome to participate in the development process. Once the system successfully launches, what I’d need are your resources—my funding situation is viable for now.

In six months, there’s also going to be a business conference where I’ll be giving a presentation. I’d like any support when the time comes."

Natalie was well aware of how extensive Maurice’s resources were.

Pulling out a USB drive, she added, “Maurice, this drive contains all the details. Take your time reviewing it. There are still six months to go—you can decide then whether or not to collaborate. No pressure.

“I know your company operates in a related field, but really, there’s no rush or obligation on your part."

Maurice smiled and replied, “Natalie, no pressure at all. I’m already aware of your talent. The designs you’ve worked on sold incredibly well in our livestream sessions.

“What started as a small viewer base has grown into a daily sales volume beyond what anyone could’ve predicted.

“Give me the USB drive. I’ll review it carefully when I get back. I’m really excited to work with you." He felt a strong desire to build a future together with her.

Natalie smiled as she handed Maurice the USB drive, but before it could reach him, a pretty hand intercepted it in mid-air.