Rebecca had urgent matters to attend to and had to leave. Seeing that Christina was there, Rebecca decided to leave her there to accompany Isabella."Stay here with Bella for two hours, okay? I'll be back soon. Also, don't let her answer any calls!" Rebecca was a bit muddle-headed at this moment. She had forgotten that she had broken Isabella's phone a while ago.Christina's heart burned with jealousy, but she nodded obediently. "Don't worry and go; I'll be here.""Oh, you're such a darling girl." Rebecca was relieved to find Christina so reliable, then left without worry.When only Christina and Isabella were left, Christina looked at Isabella's pale face with a mocking smile."You're even more difficult to deal with than Natalie."The words carried a hint of sarcasm. Back in the Johnson family, aside from Cedric, no one liked Natalie. On the contrary, Isabella was formidable. Everyone, especially Rebecca, liked her a lot. Rebecca's approval meant so much.And Isabella
Hearing this, Cedric looked at Isabella's sincere face. He closed his eyes and said, "We'll be fine."They would be fine, of course!After Isabella's affairs were settled, he would deal with Natalie properly!Thinking about his time in a frenzy because of Isabella's affairs and how Natalie had caused a mess...!In Isabella's heart, a storm raged. It was constantly contorting, but she covered it up exceptionally well. "Go and comfort her. She loves you so much; I'm sure she'll remarry you!"Cedric remained silent. When he thought of Stephen being Natalie's uncle, a sense of anxiety filled him. When did she start completely isolating him from her life? She didn't share anything with him.During this time...!Stephen gave her everything she had, and she even sat in the CEO's position at Sylvan Gems. In the past, Cedric never believed that Natalie had any work capabilities. At this moment, he still doubted her talents. Looking at her studio, he had to admit that she at least
To Stephen, marriage meant responsibility to the family, the children, and the woman. Stephen treated Heather exceptionally well. Despite any temptations throughout the years in Simeria, he never wavered. That was why he felt that Cedric had committed an unforgivable sin by hurting Natalie. She was his wife, and he was supposed to protect her. Even if Natalie was more important to him in his heart, harming his own wife for the sake of another woman was a grave offense in the world of men."I can rest assured now that you see things clearly," Stephen said with a hint of approval.Did Cedric care about Natalie? Whether he did or not was his own business. Stephen had worried that Natalie might make mistakes, fearing that she might soften her heart because of Cedric's feelings."I thought you were going to start lecturing me."Earlier, Stephen's attitude did seem like he might.But now, he stood up and waved his hand dismissively. "Perhaps he cares for you deep in his heart, b
After Cedric left, Christina looked at Rebecca's exhausted face and suggested, "Mom, why don't you also head back first?"While saying this, a calculating hint flashed in her eyes.Rebecca glanced at the still-sleeping Isabella and said worriedly, "It's okay; I'll stay here with her. The period after surgery is the most challenging alone.""I can take care of her. You shouldn't tire yourself too much. Alright?""Let's wait until she wakes up," Rebecca replied.Seeing her persistence, Christina didn't continue. But she felt a bit uncomfortable witnessing Rebecca's deep concern for Isabella. When Christina was hospitalized for appendicitis, she didn't see Rebecca personally staying by her side. Instead, she had sent caregivers and household servants to care for Christina.Those ladies used to say that Rebecca treated her like her own daughter.But now, compared to Isabella, it seemed otherwise!-Several days passed, and Cedric hadn't appeared before Natalie during this time.
In an unusual turn of events, the two individuals who had always been at odds whenever they met surprisingly found themselves in a pleasant conversation this time. After a while, Wanda approached and respectfully asked Rebecca, "Madam, the food is ready. Shall we start the meal?"Rebecca nodded. In a rare good mood, she turned to Benjamin and said, "Uncle, why don't you stay for the meal?""No need," Benjamin replied."Please, do stay," Elizabeth insisted as she descended the stairs, having overheard the conversation between them just moments ago. That was how things were in big families. If the disputes between them didn't reach an irreparable point, there was always still hope for the members to bond.As she passed by Rebecca, she gave her an approving look. Elizabeth had always been satisfied with her daughter-in-law. The Johnson family had been turbulent recently, and things had been too chaotic! Now that things had calmed down, there was a natural desire for a family gat
The collaborations that Rebecca had suppressed all returned to Auro Studio.Natalie had been in Sylvan Gems for the past few days, with Karina taking full responsibility for the studio's operations. She had recruited three batches of designers consecutively!As for Apex Global, the detailed interior design was delegated to the design team after the blueprints were done. Natalie only needed to perform the final review.In just a few months, the studio had developed in an unexpected direction. It attracted significant attention to Natalie's image as a career woman.Rebecca was completely unaware of Natalie's current involvement with Sylvan Gems, and was busy plotting how to drive her away.-In a towering skyscraper, Cedric stood by the large window. Yuvan stood beside him, reporting on work matters.Then, he added, "Also, Madam Rebecca has been quite active lately.""What has she done?""She's been in close contact with Mr. Benjamin. It seems they want to force Ms. Walker out o
Cedric left after dropping such earth-shattering news. Even if he didn't say anything else, Rebecca knew what to do now.Half an hour later, Rebecca and Elizabeth snapped out of their stupor. When their eyes met, confusion still lingered in their eyes. "Stephen's niece?""Yes," Rebecca nodded."Stephen Jarvis from Regal Horizons International?""Yes," Rebecca nodded again."S-she..." Elizabeth faltered, unsure of what to say at this moment.Rebecca was also unsure of what to say now. Natalie was Stephen's niece, a result that no one had anticipated. Though only a niece, he was Natalie's only family in this world. Judging by Stephen's attitude, it was clear that her existence was extraordinary in his world.Rebecca turned pale. Her lips trembled as if trying to say something, but at this moment, nothing came out.Christina entered and sensed that something was amiss. She approached and asked, "Mom, what's wrong?""Tina...""Huh?"Rebecca still didn't know what to say and
Natalie was still unaware of what had happened at the Johnson Manor.She had been in meetings the whole day in the office. When she returned to Elegance Bay, Stephen was already waiting for her at the dining table. He had told her that he had planned to leave in three days, but then had extended his stay for some unknown reason."The dishes tonight look good," Natalie sat down and remarked to Stephen.Stephen glanced at her and said, "Of course! They're all your favorites.""Thank you, Uncle.""You've settled everything on your end, so I should be heading back tomorrow," he mentioned.He had received the news in the afternoon. Rebecca had revoked all actions against Natalie, indicating that the Johnson family was now aware of their relationship. As long as they knew their limits, he felt reassured.Natalie raised an eyebrow at him. "Tomorrow?""Yes."Natalie was silent."I stayed because I was worried about you, but now it seems there's nothing to worry about!" he teased.
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