Reborn From Oblivion

In the bustling city, the daughters of elite families would seize the chance to visit Nathalie, hoping to cozy up to her. They feared Nathan's influence and were eager to win Nathalie's favor to shield their families from his potential wrath. Nathalie, however, found these interactions draining. Still, she maintained a facade of pleasant conversation out of courtesy.

That was until Ashley stepped into her hospital room. Unlike the other girls, Ashley naturally carried more weight and status. So when she discreetly suggested the others leave, they respectfully obliged, saying their goodbyes to Nathalie and slipping away quietly.

Without waiting for an invitation, Ashley settled into the chair by Nathalie's bed, her aura of confidence as natural as breathing. Nathalie simply watched, waiting for Ashley to break the silence.

Ashley let out a sigh. "I bet you're wondering why I'm here, aren't you?"

Nathalie replied, "Everyone else came bearing chocolates and flowers, yet you show up empty-handed. I have a feeling you're not here for a friendly chat about my recovery."

Ashley looked a bit sheepish. "I figured you didn't need another box of sweets, so I skipped it."

Nathalie cut to the chase, "Let's skip the small talk. What brings you here, really?"

Something stirred within Ashley, her eyes suddenly glistening with emotion. "Nathalie, I'm begging you, please, let the Stewarts off the hook."

Nathalie raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Let them off the hook? I haven't done anything to them. Why should I intervene?"

Ashley's agitation grew. "You might not have directly, but it's because of you that he's going after them."

Nathalie caught on that "he" was Nathan. Protective of her own, Nathalie responded coolly, "He's ambitious. A newcomer trying to outdo established families is bound to face challenges. His current edge is due to his strategic thinking. Business is a game of wins and losses. I can't, in good conscience, disrupt his path for personal reasons."

Ashley was near tears. "Do you know, he pushed my grandfather to the brink, almost to...taking his own life."

Nathalie was taken aback. "Your grandfather's a veteran in the business world. Setbacks are part of the deal; his resolve shouldn't be that fragile."

Ashley lamented, "For months, the Stewart business has been nearly wiped out by Maple Company. We've been stuck in a rut, bleeding money daily. If he doesn't lift the sanctions, we'll be bankrupt. My grandfather was hopeful until your accident..."

Nathalie's suspicion grew. "What's happened lately?"

"The campus fire incident suddenly made headlines everywhere. It devastated my grandfather..."

Nathalie went quiet. After a long pause, she finally spoke, "I was a victim of that too. You're asking me to help those who helped cause this. Don't you think that's harsh?"noveldrama

Ashley dropped to her knees. "I know the Stewarts wronged you, but Nathalie, the past is past. Don't let it fester into more pain."

Nathalie waved her hand dismissively, "I want nothing to do with the Stewarts. Please leave."

Ashley pleaded, "Nathalie, I'm begging you..."

Nathalie's eyes misted over. Initially, she wanted to shield Ashley, let her live in blissful ignorance. But Ashley's persistence was too much, and she didn't grasp how cruelit was to ask forgiveness from the wronged. So, Nathalie decided it was time for some harsh truths.