Natalie sighed. She didn't want to continue with what she was about to say."Alright, that's enough. Don't dwell on it. You speak so bitterly as if you haven't let go of it yet!" Bianca couldn't stand seeing Natalie like this. In her eyes, Natalie was a good person and should be cherished.But Cedric... Hah!"I’m not bitter. I'm just telling you, don't be mesmerized by a man's 'I love you' too easily based on my past experience.""I won't!" Bianca retorted.Men and emotions, huh? After witnessing Natalie's situation, who would dare to get involved in that? These things were deadly!Back in her office, Natalie called Irwin. Just the thought of Cedric's words about ten lives...! She was genuinely worried. Apart from learning design, she had also studied a fair amount of relevant law and knew the risks involved.She was genuinely concerned!Her heart was aching in a subtle and intricate way.Finally, someone answered the call. "Hello, how can I help you?""May I ask who yo
The night was chaotic and tumultuous!Natalie received several calls from Karina while she was waiting by Irwin's side. As Karina was in charge of the eastern suburbs project, she would be the first to receive any updates if anything happened on-site.That was how Natalie knew that something had happened in the eastern suburbs!The people involved in the incident were not ordinary people. They were all very important and capable people under Irwin, and Stella was also part of the group who were on site!"Why did it collapse? Investigate the situation!" Natalie's heart tightened.This project was now in trouble, and their studio was inevitably involved.On the phone, Karina said, "I'll investigate the situation. You go back to Simeria for now, okay?"Natalie was silent.Go back to Simeria? She just remembered that she had promised her uncle to arrange the work at Sylvan Gems and return to Simeria for a while. But in just one day, so much had happened in her world. What s
Natalie didn't know how she managed to return to Auro Studio. At this moment, Karina was still there. Upon seeing Natalie's pale face, she checked the time on her wristwatch and remarked, "You should be on your way to the airport now. Why are you here?""Do you really think I can leave?" Natalie asked Karina. Cedric had ruthlessly instigated everything this time. Now, Natalie suspected the incident in the eastern suburbs was his doing."Are you referring to Mr. Johnson...?""No, it wasn't him. I probably can't leave the city myself now.” The eastern suburbs incident and what happened at Sylvan Gems were both major issues. The relevant departments wouldn't let her leave Verde City easily. At least, not until these two matters are completely resolved. They wouldn't let her leave.Karina said, "Let's go. I'll take you. We have to give it a try!"Having worked within Regal Horizons International for such a long time, Karina naturally understood that the current situation was
Cedric's projects abroad?! Natalie hadn't been aware of those before but realized how deep Cedric's roots had gone since this incident. In just one day, such a thing happened on her side. Natalie genuinely worried about Stephen's situation.She couldn't help but ask, "You won't have any problems on your end, right?""No.""Has Cedric done anything to you?""No."Hearing this, Natalie breathed a sigh of relief.Despite being in a state of mutual destruction, she was genuinely concerned about Stephen. With Cedric's intense hatred towards her, no one knew what crazy actions he might take.-Christina's situation this time was unexpected.She was always cautious, but this time...!The bank records and the timing matched up. During the questioning, she claimed to be running errands for her mother and herself, but she couldn't produce any evidence. Consequently, her inconsistent statements raised suspicion.Inside the detention center, Christina shouted frantically, "I wan
Lucas looked at the chilling aura surrounding Cedric. The words 'innocent' seemed stuck in his throat. At this moment, in the entire Verde City, anyone connected to Natalie in Cedric's eyes probably wasn't innocent. However, Lucas was personally investigating Natalie's affairs, and no loopholes could be found. Therefore, the possibility of reconciliation between Cedric and Natalie, in Lucas's view... was thoroughly impossible!-Natalie was working tirelessly at the Auro Studio, dealing with the major issue arising from the east suburb project. Previously, she had managed to secure many clients due to her uncle's influence and Irwin's reputation. Now, they were all calling to terminate their contracts. Karina was handling it entirely.After careful verification, Natalie found that the problem in the eastern suburbs didn't originate from her end. She slumped in her chair, feeling completely drained. When Karina entered, she saw Natalie's pale complexion and handed her
Cedric believed in Christina.He believed in the sister he had grown up with since childhood... So why bother investigating those things? What was the point of finding evidence and presenting it? Bianca was currently paying the price for everything.After hanging up the phone, she called Zane again and gave him instructions. It was also about Christina, the same thing she had told the private detective.There was no need to continue digging deeper. She wasn't disappointed. She wasn't hopeless. This was her letting go.She understood.She understood that Cedric wouldn't believe in anything she said.He only believed in Christina, not Natalie.She wasn't trusted! Not only was she not trusted, but using her methods to defend herself would also implicate those around her. Cedric's obsession with his sister was almost disturbing.-Natalie personally went to the police station. After that was done, she went to collect Bianca from where the authorities were holding h
Natalie emerged from the airport, completely unaffected by Cedric. After receiving a call from Zane, she drove straight to Sylvan Gems.Rebecca greeted her as she entered the lobby of Sylvan Gems. "Nat." Despite the recent turmoil, Rebecca still managed to address her with the familiar nickname, showing her deep understanding of the situation.The receptionist nervously stepped forward, "Ms. Walker, Madam Johnson insisted on waiting for you."Not knowing Natalie's current work hours made it a bit awkward for the receptionist when Rebecca insisted on waiting. After all, Rebecca was part of the Johnson family. Despite the recent controversies, most people dared not be disrespectful.Natalie waved her hand, signaling the receptionist to leave.Turning to Rebecca, Natalie's tone was icy as she asked, "What do you want with me?""It's about Tina. I know she..." Rebecca stumbled when talking about Christina. "Nat, your previous discord with Tina in the family was because of me.
Rebecca had always believed that she understood Christina well enough. But now, she began to reevaluate."Mom, why are you looking at me like that?" Christina's heart tightened as she observed Rebecca's expression.Rebecca stared at Christina with a searching gaze, silent and unmoving. Christina felt increasingly uneasy and said, "As for Natalie, I... M-Mom, it was her! S-she forced me!" Christina was genuinely panicking.Rebecca was usually serious at times, but now there was a gravity in her scrutiny that seemed to question Christina's very soul. Ever since Natalie's identity was exposed, Rebecca repeatedly warned her not to trouble Natalie and to avoid conflicts. Christina had been taken away by the police this time because someone affiliated with Natalie had dug up her account. Although she had registered it recently, she never expected it would be automatically linked through the phone she was using.Christina had to admit Natalie was no longer the pushover she use
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