What happened in the afternoon had no impact on Natalie whatsoever. She appeared as cold as ever. After Cedric left, she immersed herself back into work. In the afternoon, Leon came by with a somewhat solemn expression."Any news about Bia?" Natalie asked.Even though Natalie had to put up with Cedric for information on Bianca, that didn't mean she stopped investigating on her own end.It was evident she didn't want deeper interactions with Cedric.However, to Natalie's disappointment, Leon shook his head."None.""None?" Natalie's heart tightened.But Leon's expression was more than solemn. Natalie could tell it was more than just the absence of news about Bianca."Is there more to this?" Natalie asked bluntly.Leon frowned, and the atmosphere turned heavy. Leon had been with Natalie for a long time, and it was rare he looked like this.It looked like... the situation was more complicated than Natalie thought.He glanced at her and said, "The person behind this probably s
Cedric understood.At this critical juncture, the reason she decided to acquire Palm Pearl Inc. was undoubtedly a silent response to their relationship for the public eye.There was a suffocating feeling in his chest."I'll have Lucas handle the relevant documents as soon as possible," Cedric said hoarsely.Apparently, he would cooperate with Natalie on the procedural issues.Natalie raised an eyebrow.When she looked at Cedric, it was clear she found his quick agreement somewhat surprising. In her mind, he was always one to resist, and she thought making him cooperate would require some effort. She didn't expect him to comply so easily with her actions.Unbeknownst to Natalie, the establishment and rapid listing of Palm Pearl Inc. in Simeria was a plan Cedric had devised for her. The projects involved were vast and intricate...! He had always planned to hand the company over to her, but not... under these circumstances."Aren't you going to take that?" His phone was
As the man finished speaking, Isabella could distinctly feel the weight of his breath from the other end of the phone.Her own breath tightened in response. Yes, it wasn't just Cedric, but also... Natalie! Otherwise...She couldn't understand why this person always got involved with Cedric and Natalie and took action against Cedric whenever they were together. If it was only hatred for Cedric, then couldn't this person have ended everything during Cedric's two years in prison?"Bella, you're really such a naughty girl, hmm?" the man on the other end of the phone said, his tone both tempting and filled with a sense of danger.But it also carried a warning, tinged with a threat. Isabella remained silent.Before she could speak, the man continued in a coaxing tone, "Go. Don't disappoint me."It was more of a threat than coaxing. Without waiting for Isabella to say anything more, he hung up.He didn't directly answer Isabella's question, but it definitely strengthed her gues
However, this restraint had almost reached its limit. In the end, Isabella took a deep breath and said, "I actually don't hate you anymore."Natalie was silent.Hate?!So, Isabella was telling Natalie that she initially came after her because of hatred? But that hatred no longer existed now?"You don't hate me anymore?""Yes, I don't! Not anymore!" Whether Natalie believed it or not, Isabella was speaking the truth at this moment.In the beginning, it was hatred. Why did she hate Natalie? It was because of Natalie's mother, and the hatred persisted until the moment Natalie perished in the flames. After that, Isabella no longer harbored hatred. She felt nothing even when she received news of Natalie being alive again. She only thought that Natalie was incredibly lucky. However, now...!Natalie's tone became sharper. "So, you came just to tell me this?""Leave Cedric!""..."So, the topic inevitably circled back to Cedric!"Do you love him?""Yes, I love him. Cons
Upon Lydia's remarks, the coldness in Natalie's eyes dissipated and was replaced by calmness. Was this what the person behind Isabella wanted? The person in the shadows...!After tonight's encounter, Natalie was almost certain of it—Stephen's previous speculation was correct.Isabella had someone backing her.With this thought in mind, Natalie picked up her phone and called Leon.He answered promptly, "Yes, Miss?""Just make sure Cedric sees what I mean." She implied that there was no need for real force, but she wanted Cedric to learn a lesson.-It was a restless night for Natalie.Early the next morning, Stephen saw Natalie at the breakfast table in Lotus Villa and was somewhat surprised."I thought you wouldn't be back anytime soon."Natalie looked at Stephen and said, "You previously mentioned that Isabella had ulterior motives in approaching Cedric and me, right?""Why bring this up all of a sudden?""I think you're right. I could feel it," Natalie said.Stephe
Natalie didn't know how she returned to the company. After receiving a call from Heather and hearing what she said, tenderness filled Natalie's eyes. "Thank you, Aunt." Her tone was full of gratitude and emotion."Silly child, what are you saying? I'm here, so you can stop worrying, hmm?" Heather responded."Yeah." Natalie had to admit that it was true. Since Heather arrived in Snow City, Natalie had indeed felt more at ease. After all, Heather was a meticulous person.-Lily looked at Isabella, who was silently having breakfast.Then, Isabella heard Lily say, "Master said he's very satisfied with the results this time.""Hah!" Isabella sneered.Before Lily could speak, Isabella continued, "Of course, he's satisfied. The entire Simeria now has a negative view of Natalie, and Regal Horizons has experienced some turbulence because of it, right?""...""Is this his goal?" Was his true goal Regal Horizons International?With these words, the atmosphere in the living roo
In the evening, Cedric personally came to pick up Natalie. When Natalie saw him, her expression wasn't great. But thinking of Bianca, she reluctantly got into the car. This time, Cedric didn't head toward Hillside Villa but directly to Peach Garden.Upon reaching the entrance, Natalie noticed something different—the lights had all been replaced. Natalie had to admit that this man was efficient. It had taken half a month to replace all the lights in Hillside Villa after she returned, but he had managed to change the lights in Peach Garden in just one day."How does the lighting feel now?" Cedric asked cautiously as he helped her out of the car.Natalie looked at their joined hands, her eyes dimming. This morning, he questioned her about Isabella. Now, he was acting so intimately with her?!She discreetly pulled her hand away from his.Feeling the sudden emptiness in his palm, Cedric also felt a void in his chest. He started to talk, "Nat, actually, things between us-"
Her technique?One that she used with Irwin?Watching the anger and sorrow in the man's eyes, a sense of satisfaction flashed through Natalie's heart. "What's wrong? Don't you like it?"Imitating Cedric, she gently traced his chin with her fingers.Cedric pinched her mischievous hand.In the end...!His powerful hand firmly gripped her slender waist. He placed her onto the sofa and then stood up. His back exuded loneliness and chill as he ascended the stairs.When Lucas arrived, he immediately sensed that something was amiss in the room."Madam..." Lucas greeted her and stepped forward anxiously.Natalie smiled. "Oh, you're here."“Mr. Johnson, he's...?""Not satisfied!" Natalie's tone was playful."..." As a mature man, Lucas easily understood the teasing in Natalie's tone. However, he didn't expect Natalie to speak so bluntly.-Lucas went directly upstairs to the study. Upon entering, he immediately smelled a strong smell of smoke. Cedric sat in the dimly lit