Clearly, Irwin wouldn't offer Natalie a reasonable explanation for this matter. After all, as Dylan had previously analyzed, the most challenging aspect to explain would undoubtedly be Cedric's side of the story.Natalie fell silent.Irwin was withdrawing his people?In regards to this matter, Irwin was...?!She turned and watched Irwin's retreating figure.Irwin's slightly intoxicated voice echoed back to her, "Nat, regardless of what you find out, don't forget that you're still my fiancee."Natalie remained rooted to the spot, offering no response to his words as he disappeared from her view.-Though she didn't receive satisfactory answers from Irwin, Natalie wasn't in a rush. However, the situation in Wexford piqued her curiosity and chilled her heart more with each passing moment. Cedric was a mystery, indeed!While Irwin had appeared quite intoxicated in front of Natalie, he didn't retire to his room. Instead, he found solace in his study. He took several deep drag
"What did Clyde's people find out?" Cedric's tone was far from pleasant.As Dylan had mentioned, the one who was most worried right now... was Cedric!Undoubtedly, Clyde's people were formidable. Whether it was Cedric or Irwin, neither had a favorable relationship with Clyde. Given this history, any discoveries by Clyde's people would undoubtedly reach Natalie's ears! And now, Irwin had even withdrawn his people from obstructing the investigation...!"It's hard to say for sure, but Madam is aware that you and Mr. Frazier were interfering in their investigation. It's inevitable," Lucas replied.It was only a matter of time before Clyde's people had discovered it, after all.After hearing that, Cedric's demeanor grew even colder. "So, she undoubtedly knows now.""Yes, sir," Lucas affirmed.Cedric fell silent, taking several drags from his cigarette. The study was now veiled in a thick haze, an embodiment of the oppressive atmosphere surrounding him."Who is by her side now?
Natalie said sharply, "You...!""I went to great lengths to make sure you would eat well, Nat," the man's tone remained gentle.Natalie's rising anger felt like there was no place to vent her anger, which made her even more upset."Eat more, okay?" he coaxed, looking at her gently."Why should I eat after you've already drunk from my bowl?" Natalie retorted, pushing the bowl aside.The atmosphere froze instantly.Every gaze directed at Natalie held complexity. Was she rejecting their esteemed master? The stares made Natalie frustrated.She sternly told Irwin, "Don't do things that can cause misunderstandings. We aren't that close."With that, she left the spoon in the bowl on the table and stood up. Behind her, Irwin chuckled softly.It was evident that Irwin had done it on purpose!These days, Natalie had been too dull. So, teasing her like this seemed like a good idea.After breakfast, Irwin departed. Natalie knew she had thrown a bombshell into the Wexford, and the af
In the end, Natalie went out.She sat beside Cedric in the car, leisurely filing her nails as if transported back to those years when she had ample time to waste by his side."Did you send information to the seventh lord?" Cedric finally spoke, his voice restrained.Information? What information did he mean?Obviously, it was about the half of the documents he held.Previously, Natalie had given Malcolm information about Frederick.Now?She had directly sold him out to Zane?!Cedric had to admit that Natalie was undeniably ruthless to him and Irwin!Thinking about both incidents, Cedric's gaze upon Natalie intensified."Yes," Natalie replied calmly, pausing her actions to look Cedric directly in the eyes. A gleaming smirk appeared on her lips, causing Cedric's expression to darken. "You dare say it so casually?""Of course," she affirmed without hesitation. As she observed his increasingly stormy demeanor, she continued, "Didn't I say it before?""...""I've always
At this moment, Cedric was at a loss for words."Is there anything else? If not, I have matters to attend to," Natalie said, swiftly opening the car door.But just as she was about to step out, Cedric grabbed her wrist.Casting a sidelong glance, Natalie asked, "What is it?""Don't let Clyde's people continue looking into this," Cedric finally voiced out!The way Natalie had reappeared in Wexford had done more than just create trouble for Cedric and Irwin.There were many unresolved matters... like the root of Irwin's manipulation of her and the true reason Cedric had approached her all those years ago!Given the current situation, Natalie couldn't naively believe that Cedric had fallen for her at first sight. Perhaps under the hydrangea tree on campus, she had caught his eye. But...! The real reason might not be as simple as that!"Are you willing to tell me yourself?" Natalie turned back with a gentle smile, but the softness of it only heightened Cedric's sense of dange
Cedric couldn't do it?!No, it wasn't that he couldn't.He just wasn't willing to do it!Isabella was so important to him, and so was Kayla!How could he bear to do such a thing?!Natalie turned and walked inside."Nat, do you have to do this?" Cedric was talking about Kayla. Ever since Kayla came into his life, Natalie seemed unwilling to let go of anything pertaining to her.Kayla was just a child!Seeing Natalie's intense hostility towards the child and thinking about Kayla's dependence on Natalie, Cedric immediately felt a pang of pain go through his heart.Natalie didn't answer his question and continued walking in.How exactly were things between Natalie and Kayla?Cedric had already clearly seen it before, so it was surprising that he could still ask such a question now!-At noon, Irwin had yet to return.At the table, a young maid brought the soup Natalie usually drank at Lotus Villa and prepared some dishes that Natalie loved."What kind of dish is this? It's
"Don't think that just because I'm supposedly your fiancee now, I must bear the responsibilities of one!"Irwin was silent, and he froze instantly!He had to admit that this woman was truly maddening.His heart constricted painfully. In the end, Irwin pulled her tightly into his embrace, as if he wanted to completely engulf her."Nat, you're truly enchanting."Indeed.She really was!Natalie coldly listened to his honeyed words, offering no response.Irwin felt helpless.Actually... after a decade, after so much time had passed, she had completely given up on Cedric. Cedric, too, had tasted the pain of losing someone.But why did it seem like Irwin was experiencing the same emotions?"Don't let Casey investigate further!" Irwin's hold on her tightened, his voice growing deeper.Natalie replied, "Both you and Cedric don't want me to investigate. Now I'm genuinely curious about what's going on!""Ever heard the saying?""What?""Curiosity killed the cat!" Some things, on
In the evening, amidst a lavish banquet with wine and champagne flowing, the cream of Wexford's high society was present. When Irwin arrived with Natalie by his side, nearly all eyes were instantly fixated on them.Natalie also attracted numerous hostile gazes at that moment."It seems you're quite the popular figure here in Wexford!" Natalie glanced around, feeling the envy radiating from many younger women.The comment carried a hint of sarcasm.It was a dig at Irwin and Cedric, suggesting she knew nothing, but it was clearly also mocking herself. Sensing the undertone in her words, Irwin tightened his grip on her hand and whispered, "Since we're here, you'll have plenty of time to discover just how sought-after the men around you are. So, cherish the chance, alright?"His tone was teasing.Irwin effortlessly dismantled Natalie's sarcasm.In response, she shot him a cold look.When Cedric arrived, he saw Natalie and Irwin standing together. At that moment, Natalie's delic
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