In the Holly family's residence, Crystal had been waiting for a while. When she saw Carol, a flash of jealousy flickered in her eyes. But it quickly vanished, thanks to the many lessons she'd learned over the years. Despite being away for so long, Carol still looked vibrant, while Crystal felt like an aging granny."It's been many years, and you've changed a lot," Carol said, looking down on Crystal, who used to be her subordinate in the Holly family.Crystal always wanted to surpass Carol, but Curtis and Eleanor always trusted Carol. Plus, she was always by their adopted daughter's side. So, naturally, Crystal felt inferior in front of Carol, despite her efforts to elevate Seraphine's status in the family to gain more for herself. However, she never expected to be kicked out of the Holly family in the end."I can never compare to you!" Crystal couldn't hide her resentment as she looked at Carol.Carol didn't bother arguing with her and simply said, "Let's go. He wants to see you."
Back inside, Curtis set down his teacup, and Carol approached him. "Sir.""Is she gone?""Yes, she's gone," Carol nodded.Curtis glanced at Carol. "What do you think?"Clearly, after all these years by his side, Curtis still trusted Carol a lot. Despite some personal grievances between her and Crystal, Carol would set aside all emotions when it came to important matters."If I may speak frankly, Ms. Seraphine truly needs her," Carol began. "But having her by Ms. Seraphine's side may pose more harm than good to her. As you know, Crystal raised Ms. Seraphine."At that time, she could be considered Seraphine's nursemaid.Crystal would undoubtedly stand by Seraphine's side, and that was the most frightening aspect.And Curtis obviously had considered this point. "We should find an opportunity to send her away," Curtis decided. Having such an unpredictable person around, especially one who posed a threat to his only daughter, was something Curtis wouldn't allow.Carol agreed. "Yes, sir!"-
"Let's go back." Horatio didn't know what to say at this point. These two had always been like this, explosive when together. So, Horatio knew whatever had just happened inside had likely been earth-shattering.Malcolm seethed with rage. "That damn woman." Anger filled his entire being.Horatio wanted to say something, but he didn't know what to say. After all, he knew Bianca's temperament. No matter when, it was hard to pin her down and know what she wanted!After all these years, despite their turbulent past, he had to admit, they had spent many years with Bianca. Yet now, he realized they seemed to understand Bianca well, yet not well enough. Her thoughts were deep. No one knew what was truly going on in her mind.-Meanwhile, seeing Crystal return, especially noticing her grim expression, Seraphine's heart sank."Crystal, what happened?" She knew Crystal had gone to see Curtis, and it had been weighing heavily on her mind.Upon seeing Seraphine, Crystal immediately g
"I'm really tired now. Can you leave me alone?" Bianca was genuinely exhausted, especially with this lawsuit weighing heavily on her mind.However, Malcolm had always been someone who did things his own way. When did he ever consider others' feelings? Even though Bianca didn't want to talk about anything right now, he... was insistent."Some things need to be talked about," he insisted."I don't want to talk right now!" Bianca refused bluntly and directly.But Malcolm, seeing this refusal, interpreted it as being about Zane.His expression darkened completely!"Bianca!"The moment he spoke again, his tone was biting."I'm really tired!" This exhaustion wasn't just physical; it was also mental. Seeing this man so desperate for an answer made her feel drained.Malcolm's expression turned even darker. "Why don't you trust me?"There they went again!Bianca sighed internally. She felt like this conversation was endless."Can we just skip this topic?" Why did it seem like th
Clearly, Bianca had never thought about it.Why did things between her and Malcolm become so chaotic? It was because she loathed that man. He ruined her job."That's not acceptable.""Are you reluctant to let it go?""It's not that.""Why did you become a lawyer, Bia?" Curtis asked more questions since Bianca seemed willing to talk.When asked why she became a lawyer, Bianca hesitated.Why?Everyone had reasons for doing things.Why did she choose to study law?"Because I thought Nat wouldn't fare well," Bianca finally said."What?" Curtis was surprised.Bianca remembered.However, Curtis was somewhat surprised. He knew Bianca had always had a good relationship with the daughter of the Jarvis family, but he didn't expect their relationship to be so strong. Was Bianca's decision to become a lawyer really because of Natalie?And Bianca wasn't lying."I didn't initially choose law as my major. It was later, when I saw Natalie and Cedric dating," she explained.From the m
As Bianca listened to Curtis express gratitude for her grandmother and foster father, she felt a tightness in her chest. She hadn't traced what exactly happened in the past, but given Eleanor's previous hysteria towards her, there probably wouldn't be an ounce of gratitude when discussing this topic."They don't need your gratitude," Bianca said calmly.Undoubtedly, at this moment, everyone from the Holly family was still in the same category in her mind. She subconsciously grouped Curtis and Eleanor together. She still didn't know Eleanor's real identity.Of course, she had no interest in finding out.Curtis looked at her and said, "I'm sorry.""Let's not talk about this anymore. I don't like it," she replied truthfully. She wasn't fond of heavy topics like this.Curtis nodded. "Alright."Bianca didn't say anything further, just continued eating. She had always found solace in food when her mood was particularly bad.Watching Bianca eat, Curtis's smile grew warmer. Until lat
Carol's cooking skills were really impressive. As soon as they tasted the soup she made, any gloom in their hearts, caused by Eleanor, vanished."This soup must be a specialty from Verde City, right?" Natalie had tried making them before, but failed. The last time Bianca went back to Verde City, she went straight to the tea house she and Natalie used to frequent and had this soup. It was evident that Bianca really liked them. She never expected to find this taste in Simeria."The master knew you liked them, so I made sure to learn the recipe," Carol said before Curtis could speak.Bianca glanced at Curtis. "Anyway, it's just food. I'll eat whatever."Implicitly, she meant not to trouble themselves so much!But Curtis replied, "Being able to eat what you like can really improve your mood. It's different from just eating anything."Bianca fell silent.But this was really too much effort. No wonder Carol had to wake up at four in the morning, stew the meat for the oatmeal, and th
Curtis exuded an invisible pressure all over.Even Malcolm, unable to endure Curtis, left eventually. When he emerged, Horatio could still feel the chill emanating from Malcolm.Clearly, Curtis had really gotten under his skin!"You think he's doing it on purpose, don't you?" From the start till now, Curtis had been bringing up Seraphine.Horatio shuddered. Obviously, he knew what Malcolm meant. Seraphine being placed with him was meant to separate him and Bianca. It would have been okay if it were someone else, but it just had to be Curtis now."Lord Malcolm, Mr. Holly is just protective of his daughter." Naturally, the daughter in question was Bianca. And using Seraphine to pressure Malcolm now was obviously intentional. Seraphine, from beginning to end, was nothing but a pawn of the Holly family.Malcolm's heart surged with emotion at Horatio's words. Curtis was protecting his daughter. Before, Bianca seemed lost, but now she was found and protected by Curtis.Bang! He
Bianca was still pondering how to reject Malcolm. Undoubtedly, even when she sought him out a week ago and proposed they get married, she hadn't truly wanted to marry him. As she contemplated things now, she even anticipated how crazed Malcolm might become when she presented her decision.Her phone buzzed with a call from Malcolm. In the past, Bianca would have ignored it outright, but now... she wasn't one to burn bridges."Hello?""I'll be there in ten minutes. Come down.""It's quite late."Just like before, whenever this man wanted to talk to her, especially about meeting up, she couldn't muster a pleasant expression.The man on the other end of the line simply stated, "I want to see you."Bianca’s heart clenched at those words. She was accustomed to Malcolm's cold, domineering demeanor. Even when he desired a woman, he maintained that haughty attitude. So, hearing such tender words from him was beyond her expectations."Hmph.""Come down, okay? I have a surprise for you."
As Zane reached halfway up the hill, he noticed a familiar car parked outside. Neil, the butler, was waiting outside, and upon seeing Zane return, he approached respectfully."Lord Zane.""Who's here?" Zane frowned, glancing at the brightly lit villa.What was going on? Usually, this place was dim in the evenings, but today, everything was unexpectedly bright."Ms. Stewart has returned," Neil replied.Zane's mind went blank for a moment. He stared stiffly at the butler, his pupils rapidly constricting."Ms. Stewart arrived this afternoon."Yvette!The familiar name flashed through Zane's mind like a gust of wind. How many times had he wanted to hold onto her? But in the end, for various reasons, he had to let her go bit by bit.And now, Yvette was back!Where had she been all this time?Since leaving Simeria, it was like she was a bird that had escaped its cage and soared into the sky, never to return. Zane had asked the Stewart family about her once, but even they didn't kn
"Maybe something happened," said Bianca.Natalie felt her eyelids twitch in response. What kind of terrifying situation was this?"When I say 'something happened,' I don't mean anything bad, but..."But what?In that moment, Bianca's gaze toward Natalie deepened, and she understood what her friend meant."You mean...?" asked Natalie.Bianca nodded silently.Natalie fell quiet as she pondered the situation.What if that was really the case?Natalie couldn't help but admit that if it truly was, it would naturally be a favorable outcome for her."Don't forget, if he can come, he can also leave. He can't change anything here, so it's better for him to return to the world he belongs to," Bianca explained.During this time, Natalie had transformed Simeria into a fortress. But even in such circumstances, Cedric had mysteriously vanished. Up until now, there hadn't been any clues. Even Kyle had been through so much, yet hadn't uttered any useful information.So, it had to be said t
Bianca’s calmness and composure, despite her young age, spoke volumes about how her experiences and wisdom had shaped her thoughts.Curtis, initially worried about her, felt somewhat relieved seeing the tranquility and maturity in his daughter’s eyes.He nodded slowly. "Hmm."In the end, he agreed.After all, she was his daughter. Despite not being raised by him since childhood, Curtis could see it clearly. Like her mother, Bianca would stick to her decisions, impervious to outside interference.Seeing Curtis finally eating, Bianca felt a sense of relief. After lunch, she considerately accompanied her father for a stroll before allowing him to rest.When Carol emerged from Curtis' room, she saw Bianca waiting nearby and hurried over respectfully."Miss.""How is he?" Bianca inquired."Sir is still worried about you, miss," Carol replied sincerely.Having been by Curtis' side for many years, Carol naturally understood Bianca's significance in his heart.Bianca sighed. "It wil
As she spoke, Seraphine felt the already dangerous aura around the man grow even darker, sending her heart racing. She tried to speak, but found herself speechless."Hmph, you useless thing!" Zane cursed menacingly.Cold sweat soaked Seraphine's back completely."There must be a way," she choked out, her tone tense.At that moment, Seraphine recalled what Zane had said to her before she came back to Simeria.He had told her that he never kept useless individuals around him. To gain his protection, one had to be useful. And now, Seraphine's only use—her engagement to Malcolm—had been effortlessly annulled."Heh," Zane sneered disdainfully.For Seraphine, this disdain was not only humiliating, but also starkly different from her experiences with Eleanor. In Eleanor's presence, she had never faced such disrespect. But now, it seemed like anyone could trample on her.In the past, even members of the Entes family wouldn't openly show contempt towards her, but now… Those past comfort
Seraphine had always harbored resentment towards Bianca. But Bianca had always been a rather composed individual, rarely resorting to such actions.So, what was she doing now?"You..." Seraphine's initial fury had been turned to speechlessness by Bianca's aggression.When Seraphine glanced at Bianca, she caught a glimpse of malice in the other woman's eyes.Before Seraphine could utter a word, Bianca bluntly asked, "You know, don't you?"Seraphine stayed silent.Know what?"You knew that Lord Malcolm and Lord Zane are half brothers You also knew why Lord Zane sought you out and took your side, right?" Bianca continued.Seraphine's face drained of color in an instant. And every subtle change in her expression was noticed by Bianca, whose eyes were filled with icy mockery.Stepping forward, Bianca gripped Seraphine's delicate chin. Seraphine instinctively tried to evade, but Bianca's hold was firm."You still dare claim this is your home?" Bianca scoffed."This has always been
When would the cycle of revenge end?While Bianca hadn't decided what to do about Eleanor's actions, Zane had already shown his claws.When would it end?If someone kept chasing after a person, what could they do?"Bia…"Curtis wanted to say something to his daughter, but was met with her unwavering gaze. Clearly, she wouldn't back down this time, just like her mother never did when faced with such situations. Both women faced things head-on, without flinching."Don't worry, okay?" Bianca reassured Curtis.There was another reason she was insisting on staying in Simeria—Bianca knew Curtis wouldn't leave with her. So, she wouldn't leave either.-Bianca and Curtis talked for a long time.Curtis still wanted to send her abroad, but her resolute attitude left him powerless. Moreover, from various pieces of information gathered earlier, it was clear that Bianca was a strong-willed child.No matter what problems she faced, she had her own opinions. So, asking her to leave was s
When Bianca returned to the Holly family’s residence, she found Curtis staring gravely at some documents. When he started coughing violently, his face turning as pale as a sheet, Carol hurried over to check on him."Sir, let Ms. Bianca handle these documents. Please don't strain yourself," Carol said, her tone full of concern."I see now," Curtis muttered heavily, as if he had just realized something crucial.Not understanding what he meant, Carol simply urged, "Your health can't handle this strain. Don't tire yourself out. You must trust Ms. Bianca."Curtis fell silent.Trust?He had always trusted Bianca, but now he regretted bringing her back. If he had never found her, would things be different now?"Where did she go?" Curtis asked."Ms. Bianca went out, but she'll be back soon," Carol reassured him, gently taking the documents from his hands.Ever since Bianca told the older woman about Curtis' health problems, Carol had been extra vigilant, making sure he avoided anythin
Bianca stared at the dangerous man, memories of their harmonious past flashing through her mind. Those moments had once seemed so genuine, yet now felt laughably absurd."Haha, how ridiculous!" Bianca scoffed, her laughter bitter."Bianca!" Zane's voice was sharp, cutting through her mirth."Zane, what if I reveal your true intentions to everyone? What will they think then?""Who would believe you?" Zane interrupted coldly, not letting her finish.Bianca's smile froze on her lips. He was right.Who would believe her? Curtis might, and so would Natalie. But was their trust enough?Clearly, it wasn't.But did it matter?"It's not your concern who believes me. I have never needed anyone's belief to stand strong," said Bianca.Many had doubted her before, but none had ever managed to break her spirit. The dangers she faced now might be greater, but for Bianca, they were just another set of challenges.She had overcome every hardship she encountered. This time would be no differe