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
Zane nodded, "I understand." This time, Zane was quite satisfied with how Natalie chose to handle the situation. He had to admit that sitting in her current position required such boldness. Regardless of who it was, she needed to respond forcefully without any reservations. This was what Stephen wanted. Earlier, Stephen had allowed Natalie to be buffeted by public opinion to temper her character and develop her resilience. Individuals like them had to be strong; after all, she was the future leader of Regal Horizons, and she would need to handle many matters personally.As Zane left, the office door slammed open.Natalie looked up from the computer and saw Cedric standing at the door, exuding an ominous coldness.The coldness... was shrouded in danger!Natalie closed her eyes. "What do you want?"Leaning against the doorframe, Cedric said, "Do you want to confess voluntarily, or should I interrogate you?""Do what you want!" Natalie was infuriated, and she flung her p
After Cedric left, Natalie tried to suppress the impulse in her chest. But ultimately, she failed. She picked up her phone and called Stephen.Cedric's parting words undoubtedly reminded her that he wouldn't let things go easily.As Irwin had said... She wasn't alone.Cedric was manipulating her now, confident that she wouldn't dare to say anything to her uncle. But Natalie felt a strong unwillingness to just let his threat go unanswered."Nat.""How's everything going?" Natalie asked.Cedric's stunt had caused Stephen a lot of trouble. When Natalie thought about it, she wished she could tear Cedric to pieces."Don't worry; everything has been taken care of.""Uncle!""Hmm?""Is there any trouble within Regal Horizons?" Natalie asked, thinking of potential issues similar to the Sylvan Gems incident from before. She hadn't caused those problems, but in her current position, everything was her responsibility. Even the aftermath of the last shake-up had given her a headache
Though the remaining kidnapper was currently overseas, Natalie had her eye on him. She was determined to find the person no matter what means necessary.The private investigator reported, "I've essentially determined the general direction. I'm narrowing down the search now. Rest assured, there won't be any mistakes."This implied that the kidnapper was likely surrounded by the private investigator's people.Natalie finally felt a bit relieved in her heart. Taking a deep breath, she said, "You're doing well. Time is of the essence.""Don't worry."The voice on the other end sounded confident.After hanging up the phone, Natalie felt her world calm again. She didn't want to do this and even disdained to do it all. But since those people insisted, she had no choice but to be ruthless!-After Natalie informed Stephen about everything, everything was overturned in an instant as she had expected!When Cedric came to pick her up after work in the evening, Natalie stood before he
Natalie said, "Whether I hide well or not is none of your concern! But you... It's best if you try harder to hide it better!"Cedric was not someone to be trifled with. If he found out that his people had contacted Isabella without his orders, it would be a serious matter.Yuvan's expression changed at her words."Ms. Walker, don't you think you're too selfish?" he retorted."Oh?""She's your sister. Don't you think you're being too harsh on her? Because of you, she's had a tough time until now."Natalie understood now. The fact that her father's inheritance was all left to her and was no longer a secret around Cedric. And Isabella was indeed good at playing the pitiful victim card."It seems a cup of coffee isn't enough; get out!""You...""Get out!" Natalie didn't want to continue looking at Yuvan. If he stayed, she was afraid she might lose control.Ever since she learned about Isabella's identity, she detested people saying that Isabella was her sister. It was an in
"Cedric, she's dead! Do you understand?!" As Isaac finished speaking, he instantly erupted in anger. This was the first time Cedric had seen Isaac this angry. His heart tightened at the sight.He had to admit that an easy-going person like Isaac was only that way because no one had crossed the line with him.But now, things were different. The person he had been searching for all these years, the person he had never let go of...She was dead, and Isaac had gotten the news in the worst possible way.There was a dangerous glint in Isaac's eyes. There was no trace of the cheerfulness that usually lined his face. There was only an endless coldness."Isaac, I know you're upset, but I don't know what to tell you right now!"There was a lot to be said about this matter right now. However, there was nothing Cedric could say until his investigation was complete.The only thing he could do for now was to say nothing.Isaac's face hardened."Are you still protecting her?"Was he r
After Natalie said that, Yuvan and Queenie's expressions changed.Cedric stood stiff in place. Then, the door was closed, shutting out the outside world. However, it felt like there was a storm in his heart. He was unable to calm down for a long time.Natalie was truly extraordinary in her arrogance!Cedric closed his eyes, covering the conflicting emotions in his eyes. Cedric didn't want to think about it. If things were as what Isaac had uncovered, would Cedric end up killing Natalie with his own hands?Isabella was Ivan's sister.Putting aside everything else at the moment, Isabella needed the best care. And she was also Natalie's sister. If Natalie really was behind everything, she...!Before, a voice in his heart had constantly told him not to blame her, no matter what Natalie was like. Don't let go of her hand. Accept her!But now, that voice was completely covered by his anger and despair. What if Natalie turned out to be that kind of person?What would he do
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