"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
The Schneider family? Abigail Schneider? Natalie had heard about her before. Her fox-like eyes were truly captivating!There was a deep and mysterious glint in Natalie's eyes."And what about you?" Natalie looked at Irwin with a meaningful smile on her lips.Their eyes met. In that instant, Irwin seemed completely disoriented by the emotions he saw reflected in her eyes. At this moment, he had to admit that Natalie was indeed enchanting."Me?""Yes, you.""What do you want to hear?""Now that I'm your fiancee, how do you plan to maintain the existing balance between us?"Balance?When Natalie mentioned the word,' a chilling glint flashed in Irwin's eyes, but it was fleeting."So, do you admit that Cedric's current situation is deliberate on your part?""That missing half of the document must have caused you more than just a minor inconvenience," Natalie remarked sarcastically.Inconvenience?It was much more than that. When Casey presented her with that informati
"Do you know Ms. Schneider?" Irwin asked as his grip on Natalie tightened.Natalie tilted her head slightly, but the man's grip grew even firmer. "Let go!" she exclaimed."Natalie.""Yes, I know her!" Natalie cut straight to the point.Irwin took a sharp breath, his gaze deepening as he looked at Natalie.Seizing the moment when Irwin was momentarily distracted, Natalie slipped her hand out of his grasp and moved to the side."How did you two meet?" Irwin asked.Associating with people from the Schneider family wasn't a very well-received act in Wexford. It was as if merely knowing someone from that family would bring misfortune. Yet Natalie, once a homemaker, actually knew them?And no one had known?How?!"Does Abigail know about the missing half of the documents?" Irwin asked."Mr. Frazier!" Natalie's tone grew heavy, her eyes reflecting a hint of sarcasm. "Are you asking if Abigail knows about the widely known missing documents?"Irwin fell silent, stunned.Indeed!
Natalie's lips curled into a smile.But obviously... from the smile on her face, Irwin could tell things were far from being as simple as she claimed.Dissolve the engagement with her? Ever since the Jarvis family announced her identity, so many people from Simeria had stepped over the threshold of the Jarvis family.It was clear that if Irwin were to announce this news, what awaited them was…!"It hurts!" Irwin suddenly pinched her cheek, looking exasperated like he was dealing with a child. Tears welled up in Natalie's eyes from the pain."So, you know that it hurts, huh?" Irwin said."Of course I do!" Natalie shot back.She glared at Irwin resentfully.The tense atmosphere that was present moments ago eased instantly with Irwin's action.However, this relief was short-lived.Irwin's expression turned serious. "Nat, I know you hate him and me, but...!"At this point, Irwin paused. He had to admit that Natalie genuinely despised Cedric. From the moment she arrived in We
"Summon him to meet me," Irwin commanded after a moment of silence.Dylan was silent, and his already serious expression deepened further. "You know, Mr. Yarbrough's men have never betrayed him."They only followed orders, devoid of emotion!Irwin remained silent. The weight of Dylan's words had clearly impacted him. If the Schneider family were known to be cunning people, then the men loyal to Clyde were known to be notoriously difficult to deal with in Wexford. If they were to intervene, the situation might leave no room for maneuvering.Observing Irwin's somber demeanor, Dylan took a deep breath. A chilling glint flashed in his eyes as he asked, "So, do we proceed?"The implication was clear.Irwin's gaze sharpened as he looked at Dylan. Beneath the dim lighting, a palpable tension swirled between them. Irwin knew that Natalie couldn't be made aware of the current situation. The only way to stop it from happening was to do something to Casey...!However, he quickl
After leaving the banquet, Cedric immediately parted ways with Abigail.As he got into his car, Lucas delivered some unsettling news.He pulled irritably at his tie, frustration evident in his eyes!He had to admit that Natalie had really given him such a grand "gift"! The Schneider family...!He clenched both fists tightly, his knuckles cracking."So, Casey has discovered everything?" Cedric queried."Yes, he has located Aspen from that incident at the Redwood Slope," Lucas replied with a grave tone.Aspen was the person most significant to that woman... After she was gone, Cedric had dealt with everyone around her. However, Aspen was the exception. If there was anyone left from back then, it was Aspen.Unexpectedly...!"Clyde's people are indeed cunning, just as the rumors suggest," Cedric expressed, his tone tinged with underlying irritation.Aspen must be nearing forty by now. After leaving Redwood Slope, Aspen traveled to various places.Cedric had thought it woul
Clyde stated firmly, "She has the right to know.""Yes, sir.."Clyde had to admit that the matter at hand... the way Cedric and Irwin had handled it years ago had been quite meticulous. Despite spending so many years in Wexford, Clyde remained unaware of the intricate animosities between Irwin and Cedric, much less the significant events that had transpired in Wexford back then. While other involvements could be overlooked, the fact that his sister was now entangled was another story altogether.Hah!However, observing Natalie's recent tumultuous experiences in Wexford, Clyde felt relatively untroubled. He instructed, "Don't meet Cedric and Irwin. Inform Nat directly.""As you wish, sir.""Also..."A cold glint flashed in Clyde's eyes as he pondered. Knowing Natalie's actions and demeanor in Wexford, he was certain she wasn't someone easily manipulated. If she were to discover this information, Wexford would be thrown into chaos."Have Whitney accompany her," he decided
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