By the time Natalie finished her shower, it was almost eleven. The nanny had left, so Natalie placed pillows around the bed to ensure Luna's safety."Mama, Mama!" Luna gleefully climbed over her, clearly in a delightful mood.Natalie's expression softened. "Oh, you. My little princess!"Luna nestled against Natalie. Whether rolling around in her arms or rubbing her face against Natalie's, their joyous interaction was harmonious.Unintentionally, Natalie thought of Cedric's tenderness towards Kayla. Though she held no affection for him, the thought of his affection for Kayla made her uneasy. Perhaps she felt she always played second fiddle in Cedric's world. Now, she found herself comparing Kayla and Luna, wondering if Cedric would prioritize Kayla as he had done Isabella similarly in times of need.Based on Cedric's current attitude towards Kayla, it seemed very likely."Mama! Milk!" Luna mumbled sleepily, showing signs of exhaustion.Natalie cradled her gently, her heart fl
The atmosphere on the scene tensed instantly!"Cly, take the child..." Just as Clyde was about to step forward with clenched fists, Natalie's voice stopped him in his tracks.When Clyde and Cedric's eyes met, it felt as if two wild wolves had met. Their gazes were terrifyingly intense."Go on," Natalie said, shooting Clyde a fierce glance when she saw him hesitating.Eventually, Clyde shot Cedric a resentful look and left. Luna had already been wheeled into a hospital room.When Kyle parked and entered, he immediately noticed Luna being escorted away by the doctors. A fleeting glance at the child sent chills down his spine.He instinctively scanned the scene, especially noting Clyde's cold demeanor as he passed. Although Clyde seemed calm, anyone familiar with the man would know the depth of that chill.With Clyde gone, Cedric forcefully pressed Natalie against the cold, disinfectant-scented corridor wall, his eyes burning red with anger."Why didn't you answer my calls?"
Inside the hospital room, Clyde glanced at the child resting on the bed. Despite the fever, Luna remained in a deep sleep, unaware of her surroundings. "Her nose and mouth resemble his so much," Clyde muttered, his brows furrowed.Natalie remained silent.Recalling her earlier encounter, she felt fortunate that Kyle had stopped himself. Had he not, and if word got back to Cedric, the entire Simeria might have been thrown into chaos!Even without full knowledge, things had already escalated significantly. The implications of what might happen if the truth came out were unthinkable."Please don't mention it," she pleaded."Cedric just made a call to Wexford," Clyde revealed."Was it to do something to you again?" Natalie's head began to throb.Cedric's unpredictable temperament always left her on edge. Each of his actions seemed hasty, without forethought. How had she not noticed this about him before they married? Why did he seem increasingly unreasonable now?!"He suggest
Three days flew by in the blink of an eye.One day before the banquet, Natalie received numerous custom gowns and various products from Sylvan Gems. There were even makeup artists and stylists for the day itself.Natalie felt a pang of distress when she saw such a grand display. "Mom, it's really not necessary.""Why wouldn't it be? You and Cly will be performing the opening dance tomorrow. My princess needs to look the most stunning!" Heather emphasized."But isn't this a bit too..." Natalie trailed off."...""I have too many things," Natalie admitted truthfully. Ever since she returned to the Jarvis family, Heather had been showering her with the best of everything. The disparity between her and Winona had once confused Natalie, but now she understood. Over the past two years, Stephen had been searching for Clyde. So, the responsibilities of Regal Horizons International had fallen on her shoulders during that time.Now that Clyde had returned, Stephen's spirits were lif
In a splendid hall where gowns shimmered and champagne glasses clinked, the atmosphere was one of laughter and conversation. As the music began, Natalie's delicate hand found its place within Clyde's broad palm. At that moment, they stood on an elevated platform and drew envious gazes from the crowd."They're..." Someone gasped, rendered momentarily speechless as they observed Natalie's petite stature beside the towering Clyde. A path naturally cleared for them as they descended from their elevated position, and they walked slowly to the center of the dance floor.As the melody shifted, they began to dance. Their synchronized movements were like a fairy tale come to life, drawing collective gasps of admiration from onlookers."Your dancing is quite good," Clyde whispered, squeezing Natalie's hand. Natalie's fluidity was evident when he dipped her backward, leaving spectators breathless. As Clyde pulled her up again, their cheeks brushed in intimate proximity."You're not
The grand banquet of the Jarvis family caused a sensation throughout Simeria, with major media outlets vying for coverage. The accompanying photos were of Natalie and Clyde holding hands. Their faces were so similar that one would never believe they weren't twins. A family portrait further cemented the close bond between them in the eyes of the Simerians.-After the event was concluded, Bianca elegantly walked out of the banquet with Zane's coat over her shoulders, a distinguished gentleman escorting her. Such a sight prompted further media attention, especially since Zane's whereabouts had always been elusive.But what was this? He appeared in public with his wife?!Malcolm stood at the entrance to their respective cars, looking cold and distant. He has changed his companion again after previously causing such a sensation in Simeria with Natalie.Now, he was up to his old tricks again.Their eyes met, and a smirk played across Bianca's lips. Her gaze was deep, full of a
"You're a pig, Cedric! And not even one that's cute like Ginger!"Cedric may be a pig to Natalie, but he wasn't even a cute one! If Cedric were a pig raised in an ordinary household, he would undoubtedly be the most infuriating pig. When Natalie mentioned Ginger, Cedric's eyes instantly clouded over. It felt as if he had been transported back to Verde City.Ginger!He had gifted Natalie that tiny pig on one of her birthdays. Over the years, it remained the same size. It was perhaps the most joy Natalie had ever expressed over a gift. And she... had never demanded much from him!Somehow, Cedric found himself in the backyard after the conversation with Natalie. He saw Stephen seeing off the last of the guests.Stephen's expression darkened upon seeing Cedric. Both exuded an unsettling aura, the evening's events weighing heavily on Cedric's mind."I understand your feelings for her, but you're too extreme," Stephen said in a deep and calm tone.While everyone else saw Cedri
Irwin's involvement with Isabella had only accelerated the breakdown of the marriage between Natalie and Cedric. Stephen's face darkened at this realization. While Irwin bore significant responsibility for the pain Natalie endured, there was some truth to what he said. Given Cedric's demeanor towards Isabella at the time, even if it hadn't been her...His lifestyle was complicated, and another woman might have easily taken Isabella's place.-After the party concluded, the entire staff at Lotus Villa buzzed with activity, hurriedly tidying up. Natalie had someone drive her back to Hillside Villa, where Luna eagerly awaited her.Upon seeing Natalie, Luna giggled. She waved her chubby arms and rushed towards Natalie, dressed only in a simple outfit and a diaper. Natalie found Luna's chubby legs utterly endearing as the child approached her."Mama! Mama!" Luna called out, trying to climb up Natalie's legs.While many claimed that little girls were more reserved, Natalie no
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