The two locked eyes in a silent confrontation.Seeing the disappointment in Cedric's eyes, Natalie's gaze remained calm and unyielding. "My child's father doesn't love her. You wouldn’t want even me to push her to the edge as her mother, would you?"Clearly, her words were directed at Cedric.As she finished speaking, Cedric visibly trembled."I didn't. I...""She didn't eat anything for three days!" Natalie's icy interruption cut him off mid-sentence.Cedric fell silent.Confronted with Natalie's calm demeanor and sharp words, he felt as if he were suffocating."She's not even two years old! She doesn’t eat food from strangers. Did you want her to die?!"Cedric was speechless again!He wanted to explain, but words failed him.Natalie was right. That child... was still so young.How could she have endured those three days without food?!"You knew she was your daughter, didn’t you?" Natalie continued.Cedric remained silent.Yes, he knew.It was this knowledge that mad
Natalie took life too lightly!Did she think losing one's life was so easy for someone?Otherwise, why this indifferent attitude?However, Cedric seemed to forget that life and death were incredibly heavy burdens for Natalie.The blaze at Scarlet Villa and the detention center...!She could vividly remember even now... what it felt like when the flames burned her...And the injuries she had suffered...!How did Cedric have any right to accuse her of being cold-hearted?Comparing her suffering to what he and Isabella endured, what did their sacrifices even mean?He claimed he did it all for her.Natalie pondered if Cedric thought he was responsible for her rebirth too. Yet, even if that were the case, so what? The moment he threatened Luna, any warmth between them turned to ice.-Cedric left.Natalie seemed indifferent to Kayla's situation, engrossed in playing with Luna when Irwin arrived."I heard you were looking for me?" Irwin approached and said in a gentle tone
"Level the playing field?"Irwin's words seemed too casual. He played with a strand of her hair. It had a pleasant scent, evident from the slight satisfaction on his lips."Is that unacceptable?" His voice softened.No one could resist his gentle approach. But Natalie shot back, "Are you prepared to endure a pain a thousand times greater than mine?"Indeed, pain!Irwin's words seemed trivial. While Cedric was the root cause of everything that transpired between them, there was no doubt that Irwin played a significant role behind the scenes. The extent of Natalie's suffering was known to no one!Level the playing field?Forgiveness?!Why bother seeking forgiveness if he had done it in the first place?Natalie... would never forgive all the people involved in this."If you inflict it, I'll endure it," Irwin said. He gazed deeply into her eyes, masking emotions that Natalie couldn't quite decipher.It was fleeting, a momentary lapse that made Natalie question herself. Irw
And to the people at Malcolm's side, it was evident that Bianca's actions were deliberate!At this crucial juncture for the Entes family, her current actions, being Zane's wife, undoubtedly aligned with Zane's interests.Bianca smirked at the frosty Conrad. "Tsk, is Lord Malcolm's right-hand man trying to command me now?""Lady Bianca!" Conrad's tone grew sterner.Bianca's expression instantly cooled. "So, you still remember that I'm the seventh lord's wife? Anyone unfamiliar might think you're my master from how you talked to me.""I wouldn't dare!""He's not at the hospital now?""It's risky for you to act this way. Lord Malcolm doesn't have time for your antics," Conrad responded.He noted the provocative glint in her eyes and subconsciously clenched his fists.Bianca caught Conrad's reaction, and her smirk widened. Her antics, huh?What, Malcolm couldn't handle a little play?"You're mistaken. I'm merely returning the favor. Once, I had no time for Malcolm's antics eit
"Of course you dare. What don't you dare to do? Haven't you always acted without any boundaries?" Bianca's smile deepened.Her breathing was slightly labored with how hard Malcolm was pressing down on her shoulder, but she didn't show the slightest hint of fear.She only continued to glare at him with a challenging glint in her eyes.It made one wish they could gouge out her eyes.Once, her rebellious spirit seemed fascinating. It had made Malcolm want to tame her.But now, it just irked him.Malcolm only wanted to see how Bianca would look when she finally relented.Unfortunately… this woman was too cunning!Before he could subdue her, she immediately clung to his dear brother, Zane! She had actually sided with him!She had positioned herself directly against him, a situation Malcolm had never anticipated.He never imagined that he'd lose control over Bianca.And now, he had no time to play with her!"Enough already. Just stop it, okay?" Malcolm's voice was laced with dang
Malcolm's already grim expression darkened further. His eyes flared with a crimson hue when she emphasized his name. He suddenly found his name to be so jarring when she spoke it."Do you even have the right?" he shot back."Whether I do or not, I'm currently the seventh lord's wife. Etiquette dictates I should address you as Malcolm," she retorted coolly.Her audacity was unparalleled! "Malcolm, do you think replacing something so valuable with something similar can truly compensate for the loss?""What are you implying?" Was Bianca saying she wouldn't accept it?Bianca retorted without hesitation, "When I was a partner, I got there by my own effort! I had everyone's trust, which was how I obtained my unshakable position! What you're giving me now... do you think it's the same? Can what you offer me even compare to what I had?"Indeed, it couldn't.Bianca's reputation in Verde City wasn't just that of a partner. It was of someone truly trustworthy. With her at the helm, the
After all, when one set Isabella aside, Cedric's relentless pursuit of Natalie showcased his deep intentions. Yet, every time Isabella's name came up, matters spiraled out of control. This had been a question others had posed before. Bianca had also asked this.Back then, how had Natalie responded?"It doesn't matter anymore."Indeed, it didn't matter anymore.When Clyde echoed the same question, Natalie's response remained unchanged. Why Isabella held such significance to Cedric was of no interest to her. Regardless of Isabella's importance, messing with Luna was unacceptable! Clyde observed the evident hostility that clouded Natalie whenever Cedric's name surfaced, but he refrained from voicing his thoughts."Will Julian accompany us?" he asked, changing the topic."No, he won't," Natalie affirmed."And what about Leon? He's already there," Clyde pressed."No need for him either.""You..."None of them?What was she planning? Natalie reassured Clyde, "I'll mana
At the breakfast table, Natalie carefully fed Luna. "Little moon, open wide!" Natalie's tone was playful and gentle. Luna smiled radiantly and obediently opened her mouth, revealing adorable little teeth that melted hearts. How could anyone resist such a sweet child? And how could Cedric, of all people?Thinking of Cedric, a coldness flashed in Natalie's eyes. But being beside her daughter, she quickly suppressed it, softening her gaze as she looked at Luna.The family was enjoying a pleasant moment until a servant entered, disrupting the serene atmosphere. "Sir, Madam," the servant began hesitantly."What is it?" Heather's brows furrowed at the sight of the items the servant held.Though the items were elegantly packaged in high-end gift boxes, Natalie and Heather instantly recognized them as top-tier brands they were familiar with due to Luna."Mr. Johnson had his people send these for Miss Luna..." the servant explained, noting the palpable tension in the room. "They
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