The atmosphere in Cedric's office was suffocating.Yuvan nodded respectfully. "Yes, sir. I'll check right away."As Yuvan turned to leave, Cedric's thoughts were racing a mile an hour. Just as Yuvan put his hand on the door handle, Cedric stopped him. "Wait.""Yes, Mr. Johnson?""Also, check if Isabella has any other enemies.""Yes, sir!" At first glance, it seemed to be related to Natalie. However, with recent events piling up, many of Cedric's previous convictions were shaken. So, this time, he would approach the matter involving Natalie with caution, especially given her consistent denial of any involvement in Isabella's affairs.-Meanwhile, Natalie was busy with her own affairs. The recent product launch was successful, and Auro Studio was pushing its limits. In addition, the eastern suburb project with Irwin was about to begin.The details in her drawings needed to be perfected, so she was working late into the night. When Cedric called, she almost wished she coul
At Johnson Enterprise, Natalie watched as Yuvan, Lucas, and others moved in and out. Several departments were urgently called for meetings, and she watched Cedric's diligence and seriousness in the work environment.He looked so familiar, yet so strange. Her heart was cold! As he said, no one would be sleeping tonight. Issues arose with the foreign projects, and it was a colossal matter. All departments returned to work overnight to address the problems.During a brief break, after Cedric had conducted three consecutive meetings, he sat across from her and observed her tired state.Sensing his gaze, Natalie perked up and stared at him, "I genuinely hope this damn company won't make it through tonight!""You'd better pray that everything gets resolved tonight. Otherwise, you won't be sleeping until it does, understand?" In essence, if he couldn't sleep, neither could she. It was retaliation. It was Cedric's retaliation against the frustration Stephen imposed on him, which
When the two returned to Scarlet Villa, everything had indeed been prepared. Natalie sat quietly at the dining table, eating her food. She had been silent ever since Cedric defended Christina again in the car.At this moment, her face appeared calm, but it gave Cedric the feeling of it being the calm before the storm."Nat." In the end, he couldn't help but break the silence."What?""I know things at the Johnson Manor weren't too good for you before, but it's all in the past now, hmm?""Are you advising me to go back? Or are you letting it go because of my uncle?" Natalie sneered.In the past?! That was not how she understood it. Although Cedric showed her that he could stand proudly at the pinnacle even without her uncle's support, Rebecca's actions gave her a different feeling at this crucial moment. She felt uncomfortable inside!"Your mother must be regretting it now, right? She did set aside her pride and approached me, you know? Seems like she doesn't have much conf
If Cedric hadn't started pestering Natalie like this, Christina wouldn't relentlessly hold onto Natalie either!That way, Natalie could really do as her uncle said. She would be able to stand in her own position and walk towards her own future...!Just like the moment she divorced Cedric, she had let go of everything between them!But no!Cedric didn't let go.Christina didn't want to let go either.And Isabella wouldn't give up!So, she could only slowly uncover the ugly faces of these people!-Back in the room, the sky had brightened.Cedric initially didn't plan to go to the guest room, but Natalie was firm. She refused to be alone with him.Cedric was worried that pushing her too hard would backfire. So, he could only temporarily let her be. Besides, everyone was tired after staying up all night.Because of that, he didn't insist too forcefully.At this moment, Natalie was wearing a bathrobe as she stood at the large window. She had a glass of red wine in her hand and
Bang!Natalie slammed the tray in her hand heavily on the small table.The sound clearly conveyed Natalie's current dissatisfaction.The man showed no signs of anger!"You seem quite unhappy?""Should I be feeling something else?""Remarry me, and your days will be better. Just like before, you do whatever you want, hmm?"Natalie sneered.The phrase "do whatever you want" made it sound as if she had been so carefree by his side before!"It wasn't like I could do whatever I wanted to do by your side before! Cedric, do you think too highly of yourself?"The mockery in her tone was so obvious.Evidently, she was ridiculing him for not being able to protect even his own wife.The man emerged from the bed, taking long strides toward her.His tone finally carried a hint of annoyance. "Are those things in the past still unforgivable in your eyes?""What, you think I'm going too far?""Natalie!"Natalie met the man's angry gaze.Cedric hadn't rested well, and his temper was no
Between Natalie and Cedric, it might seem like Cedric is exerting pressure on her, but in reality... no one was more frustrated than Cedric at this moment! Natalie continued with her daily routine. She went to work, attended meetings, and dealt with Cedric!-In the office, Natalie's landline rang. She answered, "Hello.""It's me." Irwin's gentle voice came through from the other end of the line, and it warmed Natalie's heart."You're back?" Natalie looked at the number on the caller ID and recognized it as Apex Global."Yeah. Shall we have lunch together at noon?" Irwin suggested."…Sure!" Natalie hesitated for a moment but eventually agreed. Originally, she shouldn't be meeting Irwin like this now, but things have changed for her.Setting aside other matters, she wouldn't allow her professional interaction with Irwin to be reduced.If Cedric couldn't even understand this point, then she...!After hanging up Irwin's call, Natalie picked up the internal line. "Hello?"
The restaurant where Natalie met Irwin for lunch was the same one they had gone to dinner before.Irwin expertly cut the steak and placed it in front of Natalie. There was a gentle smile on her lips as she said, "Thank you."Irwin raised the red wine in front of him and took a sip. Natalie pulled out a folder and handed it to Irwin. "Take a look later when you can.""No rush," Irwin replied. Natalie nodded.Irwin glanced at her and asked, "What's the deal between you and Cedric now?"Natalie's heart skipped a beat. When she looked at Irwin, there was a hard glint in her eyes. Clearly, she doesn't appreciate Irwin mentioning Cedric.Irwin's gaze was sharp as he met Natalie's eyes. Just as she struggled to respond to his question, Irwin said, "You don't have to hide it from me. His actions..."Irwin trailed off, but Natalie didn't need him to finish his sentence to understand. Her face turned a little pale as she looked at Irwin.Did he know everything?!Without waiting
At the Johnson Manor, Christina was in her room, staring at her reflection in the mirror. There was a sharp glint in her eyes as she stared at the photo on her phone.She tapped on the device and sent out a message.Natalie, oh Natalie! The days they had were so peaceful. Why make it so difficult?The phone rang, and she answered, "Hello.""Mr. Phelps is returning soon," a deep, masculine voice came through the phone.Christina smirked, a triumphant expression on her face. "Alright, I got it."So, he was finally coming back, huh?She had to admit that things had moved so slowly this time, but at least it happened.Ultimately, it wasn't that bad!Satisfied, she hung up and descended the stairs.Downstairs, Rebecca was dressed elegantly with newly styled hair. There was an air of sophistication around her. She was just about to leave when she saw Christina coming down. Rebecca paused briefly as she remembered something. She said to Christina, "Mr. Channing's son is ret
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