Cedric's face was red with fury. He had been so determined to acquire the eastern suburbs projects, and now he had lost!When the results were announced, he angrily threw his phone. Two months of intense preparation involving several renowned designers and even a seasoned design team recruited from abroad had all been in vain!And his defeat was not at Irwin's hands, but his wife!Irwin had submitted the proposal, but the design came from Natalie's studio."Mr. Johnson!" Yuvan hurried to catch up with Cedric.Natalie shook hands with Irwin, feeling a sense of relief. As she watched Cedric storm away in anger, her mood improved inexplicably."Please contact Dylan for the relevant details," Irwin told Natalie.Natalie nodded and said, "Thank you!" This was her first major contract, and it undoubtedly boosted her confidence."Would you like to have a meal together?" Irwin suggested."Sure!" Natalie agreed, feeling it was only appropriate to treat such a significant client t
Cedric and her... could never return to what they once were!And this tenderness, it was just to take away her eyes for Isabella, to tilt the balance between her and Isabella!Cedric was so determined to do so that he didn't hesitate to be so gentle with Natalie again, who had long been disappointed. But unfortunately, Natalie couldn't bear this kind of tenderness!At the dinner table, there were all the dishes that Natalie liked."Why aren't you eating?" Cedric looked at Natalie from across the table. He was somewhat annoyed, but he managed to hold it in.Natalie replied, "I'm afraid you might have poisoned the food."That was a brutally direct statement!That's right! In her previous life, she had woken up in the operating theater after having a meal with him!How could she dare to casually have a meal with him again?Cedric's face changed, and he viciously stabbed the fork into the plate. "Have you thrown enough tantrums?!"He had always had limited patience, and Nat
The way she looked when she smoked was incredibly alluring! Because of her petite stature, it didn't convey the authoritative aura often associated with smoking. Instead, it was a unique blend of elegance and charm that was distinctly hers.In his presence, she had always been poised and refined. She had never smoked or drank. But now, her demeanor while holding the cigarette and the emotions reflected in her eyes seemed to exude the solitude that came after enduring the ups and downs of life. Within that loneliness, a profound sense of disdain also lingered."Don't you think that was good?" She asked, showing no concern.It was this nonchalance that stung Cedric's heart. "You...""Who was she?" Natalie inquired with a smile that showed no care. It was her indifference that was most infuriating.Natalie continued, "You could tell at a glance that she's a proper lady. You two would make a perfect match, you know? Your mother does have good taste.""Natalie!" Cedric could
When Cedric heard the beeping sound on the phone, he eventually... smashed the phone in anger! He had compromised to such an extent! He initially wanted to talk to her about returning to Scarlet Villa.After all, she was the young mistress of the Johnson family and his wife. Scarlet Villa was her home.If Natalie weren’t willing to give up her eyes, he wouldn’t pursue the issue further.Didn't this level of compromise suffice? The more he thought about it, the more irritable he became!Bang! Crash!He swept the vase on the table to the ground. But even with doing this to vent his anger, he found no solace deep within. His nerves were still on edge, and he was far from relaxed. Nothing he did made him feel better!-Compared to Cedric's anger and frustration, Natale was relaxed and calm.However, she didn't have Karina drive her back to Elegance Bay. She called Bianca and made plans to meet at the Enchanted Melody for some drinks. Although she was still feeling somewha
If it were up to Stephen himself, he would have retaliated instantly without letting Natalie know about it! However, Natalie didn't know that her uncle was currently grooming her to be the successor to Regal Horizons International!When he had asked for her opinion, he knew that she wouldn't readily express her wants. It was a way to train her response and decision-making abilities in this regard. So, after Stephen found out, he didn't even bother calling Natalie.And she had reacted the way Stephen had expected. When the real problem was presented to Natalie, she didn't actively seek him out."I understand," Natalie nodded, her tone indifferent.Karina asked, "So, what do we do now?"What should they do?Before, when public opinion was against her for her ruthless treatment of Cedric's mistress, she had directly exposed the divorce agreement she had signed to turn public opinion around. Natalie thought for a moment.She said, "Let's not do anything for now.""What?!""W
To Rebecca, her son was the most outstanding person in the world. Also, the position of the future matriarch of the Johnson family was something all the women in Verde City coveted. And now, Natalie's words had left her face red with anger."Don't you want it? Don't you want to be with Ced?" Rebecca asked."It was he who begged me. Have you forgotten?" Natalie replied."You..." Rebecca was furious!Natalie's complete lack of respect and her willingness to talk back made Rebecca unsure of how to respond. She used to be able to vent her anger on Natalie, but now she couldn't even say a word!Rebecca seethed with anger, but Natalie remained unfazed. "So, why did you summon me?"Rebecca had even used Bianca to threaten Natalie, which indicated how furious the former was.Slam!Rebecca turned and threw a document folder directly in front of Natalie. Natalie raised an eyebrow and looked at her but made no move to pick it up.Rebecca angrily asked, "Tell me, what's the deal with
Christina's heart skipped a beat. In her eyes, there was a flash of hostility towards Jocelyn. However, she managed to hide it in front of Rebecca. Just as Natalie had mentioned at the police station, Christina wouldn't be fond of anyone who had a relationship with Cedric.So, how could she possibly become friends with Isabella? Although it was unclear how she had distanced herself from Natalie's words, one thing had to be acknowledged: Christina was a skilled actress in the Johnson family. To win the favor of someone as discerning as Rebecca, Christina definitely had some tricks up her sleeve.-After Jocelyn left, Christina cautiously asked, "Mom, have you really looked into Joyce?"Rebecca remained silent at the question. "After all, she spent so many years abroad. What exactly is it like out there? Who knows what might have happened in such a distant place?"Over the years, Rebecca would secretly investigate anyone who had spent several years abroad and expressed a
"What do you mean by that?" On the other end of the line, Rebecca sensed something was amiss. However, Cedric didn't want to engage in further conversation with his mother at this point. He hung up the phone and said to the others in the meeting room, "Let's conclude today's meeting here."His mind was buzzing with thoughts, all centered around what Rebecca had said.Natalie had driven a Bugatti Veyron to the Johnson Manor today.He took out his phone and carefully examined the messages but found no bank transactions. So, she hadn't used his bank card for the purchase? While there were no spending limits on his account for her, such a substantial expenditure should have prompted a confirmation call from the bank. Yet, there had been no call, no message!If it wasn't his money, whose car was it? In Verde City, Bianca was Natalie's only close friend. Bianca didn't have the means to lend her such an extravagant car, so whose was it? If it wasn't borrowed, then whose ca
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