After returning home, Natalie received a call from Stephen. Natalie informed him that she would not be returning to Simeria for the time being, but would instead open a studio in her field of expertise. Stephen immediately promised to support her.Throughout the years Natalie spent with Cedric, he had never allowed her to work, shaping her into a full-time housewife who had learned to endure and comply with everything. Her daily life revolved around managing in-law relationships and household chores.Everyone envied her for marrying Cedric and living a life where she was pampered. However, only those who had actually experienced being a full-time housewife in a wealthy family knew how challenging it could be.With Stephen's support, her new venture would be much smoother.When Bianca returned in the evening, she found Natalie earnestly sketching on a piece of paper while holding her pig in one hand.Bianca approached and smiled. "I was worried that you wouldn't be able to survive
Isabella lowered her head, concealing the fleeting sharpness on her face. Her tone was pitiful and sad as she said, "She's your mother. It's only natural for me to visit her. I'm sorry.""You don't need to apologize," Cedric said, obviously frustrated.Especially when he saw Isabella in this fragile state, he...!There was a time when Natalie acted the same way as Isabella toward him. However, no matter what trouble arose recently, even if it seemed like everyone wanted to tear her apart, she never bowed down to him again. She would rather seek help from the police than ask him for protection.Isabella took a deep breath and said, "I know that your mother look down on me, but I didn't choose to be in this state. My entire life has been ruined..."Isabella trailed off and started to cry softly.Cedric had initially planned to ask about the evidence, but with Isabella like this, he completely forgot about it. He ran his fingers through his already disheveled hair. "Don't worry;
A fiery pain spread across her face, and the narrow space fell completely silent at that moment. Cedric was stiff as he looked at Natalie, whose head was turned to the side. Then, he slowly looked at his own hand as his eyes widened.Both of them were breathing heavily.Finally, Natalie turned to look at Cedric. When she met his eyes, she smiled.It was a mocking smile, one that was cold and biting!"Hah! You hit me. Why? For that woman's sake?" She almost couldn't hear her own voice. It was an instinctual question.Cedric had hit her.He had hit her for another woman.If Natalie had only felt disappointment towards him earlier, she was now completely heartbroken by this man.People say that letting go was just a thought away. So, heartbreak must also happen in an instant. At this moment, her feelings for Cedric... were completely dead.Cedric also finally came to his senses. He looked at her, his small face covered in red marks. He extended shaky hands toward her. Even hi
Natalie went upstairs.Bianca had been waiting for her. When she saw Natalie with disheveled clothes, marks on her neck, and finger imprints on her face, she was instantly furious."He hit you?!" She asked. Even her breathing had become heavy with how angry she was.Natalie nodded. Her complexion didn't look too good. When she recalled Cedric's gaze, which looked like he was about to devour her, she...!When she closed her eyes, all she could recall was the stinging sensation on her face from his slap.Her face still burned from the impact, and the sensation of being strangled around her neck lingered.Bianca placed a coat over her shoulders, and then she pulled on her own jacket. "Let's go to the hospital," Bianca suggested."It's fine," Natalie said hesitantly. These injuries were relatively minor, and she didn't think they required a hospital visit. But Bianca's response caught her off guard."This is domestic violence! It'll be helpful in the legal battle," Bianca exp
Natalie didn't answer his question. She simply gazed at him in silence. The conversation she had with Bianca in the car had deeply touched her. Now, her eyes were only filled with coldness as she looked at Cedric.There was also an underlying disbelief!She found it hard to believe that this man, who she hadn't thought would ever lay a hand on her due to Isabella, would do so. He even...!"What were you thinking when you hit me for Isabella?" Natalie asked suddenly.Cedric responded, "What?""When you hit me for Isabella, what was going through your mind?"As those words left her mouth, Cedric's eye twitched in annoyance. His eyes showed traces of smoldering anger. "Do you really think I hit you for her?""Wasn't it?"The man fell silent. The rage in his eyes burned so brightly that it looked like it would explode at any moment.And as Natalie looked at him, it was as though she was staring at a stranger. When had they reached such a level of mutual distrust? These tho
When Natalie left the hospital, it was already three in the morning. She had spent several hours there.She looked apologetically at Bianca and said, "I'm sorry, Bia.""Cut it out; you don't have to say such things to me."Bianca didn't care. She only wanted to help Natalie break free from Cedric as soon as possible. If this continued, she was genuinely worried it might lead to a fatality. The people around Cedric were not to be underestimated, and Natalie had suffered countless hardships by his side over the years.Now, the way those people were acting clearly indicated their intention to corner Natalie.Bianca was also a smart person. After learning about the evidence, she understood that everything before had been a trap set for Natalie.-That night, Natalie couldn't find any peace.Cedric wasn't at peace in the hospital either, given Isabella's eye infection. The doctors were actively treating her and recommended surgery to prevent further complications. However, they face
An hour later, Natalie lay on a hospital bed. She was drenched in cold sweat, and her head ached. Her face was scrunched up in pain as her right arm had been dislocated again."You need to rest properly. It's easy to dislocate your arm again if you're not careful," the doctor advised while carefully bandaging her.Natalie was in too much pain to respond. Cedric stood nearby, his demeanor far from comforting. He watched Natalie, but his gaze lacked warmth.Once the doctor had finished, he left with the nurse, leaving Natalie and Cedric alone in the room. Natalie turned her head away, refusing to look at him.Cedric's tone was domineering as he scolded her, "You are not allowed to drive anymore."Natalie had been lucky she had only knocked into another car. If it had been a truck, she would have probably lost her life.Natalie didn't respond. This man had yet to understand what had happened between them. How could he still feel entitled to dictate her life?Seeing how she remain
Her hatred stung his heart, but he remained resolute."I'm not asking you to remain blind forever. It's temporary. Isabella needs the surgery now, and I will find suitable eyes for you as soon as possible..."Before he could finish his sentence, Natalie slapped him hard across the face.Temporary?What was that supposed to mean?She glared at Cedric one last time and turned to open the hospital room door. Then, she said coldly, "She can't afford my eyes, and neither can you."With that, she left, ignoring the man who radiated an icy aura behind her.Cedric had finally said it. Natalie had given up on having any illusions about him, but it still hurt when it came to this moment. Ten years. They had ten years together...!What drove him to make such a decision for another woman?! What was the reason behind it all? Natalie asked herself these questions repeatedly but couldn't find the answers. If Cedric didn't tell her, she... would never know.-Natalie had no recolle
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