Nathan pulled out the wad of cash he had on him, his expression slightly irritated.

"I've only got three thousand here. That's all I have."

"I need forty," Elizabeth stated, finally relenting.

"Just wait. I'll get the money together."

Nathan didn't say another word. He didn't even ask her why she needed the money. He immediately started calling all his friends to gather the cash, even though carrying large amounts of physical money was uncommon nowadays.

In fact, Nathan had to make more than a dozen calls and drive all over Crestwood to collect the cash from his friends.

Eventually, they managed to gather the forty thousand Elizabeth needed, requiring a large bag to hold it all.

"Is that really enough?" Nathan asked her then, sounding concerned it might be insufficient.

"Yes," Elizabeth replied.

"I can make a direct bank transfer first thing tomorrow when the bank opens," Nathan quickly offered.

"You don't need to—"

"I'm a very generous financier," Nathan declared with an air of grandeur. He was slightly overweight but still somewhat handsome. His casual clothing made him look more like an overgrown boy-next-door, naturally approachable and far less regal than he was trying to appear.

Elizabeth smiled in amusement.

"Thank you, your lordship. Look, I know you're just being kind, but I have no idea when I'll be able to repay you. I promise I'll pay you back as soon as I can—"

"Did you think I was joking?" Nathan asked, his tone suddenly turning serious.

Elizabeth stared at him.

He wasn't?! But if he was serious...

What self-respecting woman gets involved with a close friend like that?! Even that kiss earlier...

It went on for a while, but it was completely innocent! "I'm dead serious here," Nathan grumbled irritably.

"Really? You'd actually make a move on a friend?" Elizabeth teased.

"Is that what you think of me? I've never seen you as just a friend!"

Elizabeth was genuinely taken aback.

"Fine, let me spell it out for you—I've had feelings for you since we were kids, but I treated you like a buddy because you never showed any interest in me. Hell, there was one time I had flowers and gifts ready, all set to confess my feelings, only to see you and Ethan making out outside Levine Manor."

Nathan seemed pained as he mentioned that memory.

The scene from back then felt like it happened yesterday, a splinter permanently lodged in his mind.

Elizabeth gaped at Nathan—she had never sensed any romantic interest from him, let alone realized he had witnessed that moment! "Look, I buried my feelings deep so you wouldn't feel awkward, and I always maintained our friendship.

Honestly, you have no idea how much it hurt me to see you depressed over Ethan—so many times I wanted to come clean, but I was terrified we'd lose even our friendship.

Do you have any idea how difficult these years have been for me?"

Nathan grew more agitated as he continued speaking.

"You always said money attracts all the girls," Elizabeth pointed out.

"I-I never forgot about you!"

Nathan was clearly flustered and deflated.

"I mean, sure I go drinking at clubs, but I never messed around. I have principles too!"

"I didn't say anything." Elizabeth smiled.

It felt good talking to Nathan again, just like always feeling relaxed around him.

She had been drowning in despair, crushed under unbearable pressure, but just a few exchanges with him had lifted her spirits considerably.

Life suddenly didn't seem so bleak anymore.

Nathan stared at her nervously.

"W-Well... Is it a deal then?"

"You've already paid me, haven't you?"

Elizabeth pointed out.

Nathan beamed instantly.

His boyish features made him look like an overgrown teenager experiencing first love. For some reason, it gave Elizabeth a warm, fuzzy feeling.

Then she remembered something and checked the time before saying quickly, "I need to get home now."

"Oh, right."

Nathan immediately looked wistful and crestfallen.

"Look, we can move in together tomorrow," Elizabeth said bluntly.

"I just have some things to take care of right now."

"A-Ahem!"

Nathan actually choked on her directness! Even though Elizabeth had never been in a serious relationship, she had worked in the entertainment industry for years and had grown accustomed to its complicated affairs.

That's why she could always maintain an open-minded perspective about such matters.