"Don't worry," Natasha said with a smile. "I've been keeping a low profile lately, and hardly make any public appearances. I've already assigned people to handle company matters."

"Glad to hear that," Dustin responded with a nod.

After Blanche left, his life returned to its usual calm.

Natasha started visiting the villa even more often. She no longer carried the constant rush of business affairs as she used to. Instead, she deliberately made time to savor simple moments with Dustin.

It was the weekend, and she arrived early in the morning, carrying several bags.

"It's such a beautiful day. Let's go on a picnic," she said with a bright smile, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "I had the chef prepare a lunchbox, along with some fruit and pastries."

Dustin looked out at the bright sunshine filling the courtyard and nodded.

"Sounds good. Where to?" he asked.

"I know a place not far from here," she replied. "There's a meadow with a gorgeous lake view."

They drove out of the c