Greta stood off to the side, her toneced with sarcasm. "Sister, I''m not trying to be harsh, but getting all worked up over a guy? You''re way too caught up in this romance stuff."


    Nathalie, already on edge, became even more agitated. Her eyes, red with emotion, shot daggers at Greta. "If you don''t want any trouble, you''d better back off."


    Feeling wronged, Greta turned to Lincoln with aint. "Uncle, just look at her. It''s really concerning."


    She had a sly look in her eyes, eager to see Nathalie pushed aside by her own father. But Lincoln wasn''t ying by Greta''s rules.


    He walked over to Nathalie and gently tidied her messy hair, offering herforting words. "Vivian, if you''re upset, just let it all out. I''m right here with you."


    Nathalie copsed into Lincoln''s arms, tears streaming down her face. "I''m sorry, Dad..."


    She felt guilty for worrying him.


    Lincoln softly patted her back. "You''re my daughter; we never need to apologize to each other. Honestly, I should be thanking you for giving me something to care about, for giving my life some meaning."


    Greta was taken aback.


    Lincoln''s tender affection for Nathalie stirred up jealousy in Greta, making her realize that taking Nathalie''s ce in Lincoln''s heart would be no small feat.


    "Uncle, Nathalie, you know he''s not been well. Don''t upset him like this," Greta said, trying to manipte the situation.


    She reminded Nathalie of Lincoln''s health, hoping to shut down any chance Nathalie had ofining about her to him.


    But she underestimated the depth of Lincoln''s love for his daughter.


    Lincoln firmly addressed Greta. "I''m in great shape. Vivian, you can tell me anything. We''ll handle it together."


    Nathalie looked at her father, seeing the genuine concern in his eyes. She knew that if she yed it right, father would have Greta out of Stewart Enterprises in no


    time


    that would reveal there was tension between her and Greta.


    Nathalie didn''t want her father to learn about her past struggles. She feared his


    heart wouldn''t handle such a revtion.


    So she decided to keep the peace. "Dad, I''m alright."


    Nathalie got up,posed herself, and shot Greta a fierce look, silently


    promising, "Try to mess with me, and you''ll see what happens."


    Greta, undeterred, made another move. "Uncle, maybe Nathalie could use a break. She looks exhausted and could benefit from some rest."


    Lincoln, noticing Nathalie''s weary expression, agreed with Greta''s suggestion. "Vivian, maybe you should take your sister''s advice and rest at home for a while."


    Nathalie nced at Greta, knowing she wanted her out of the way to climb higher. But Nathalie wasn''t about to give in.


    "Dad, I can take a break at home. But there''s something you need to agree to: the mall in the south is looking for new tehants. Dawson International wants to renew their contract at a reduced rate, and I


    can''t let that slide."


    Lincoln frowned. "But isn''t Dawson International your brother-inw''spany?"


    Greta jumped in, "Yes, Uncle. My


    husband''spany is going through a rough patch, and they''re short on funds. He hoped Nathalie would lower the rent, but she''s not showing any family loyalty"


    This was a calcted move to rile up Nathalie.