Natalie felt her heart leap into her throat, thinking she was about to tumble. Then, a sudden force gripped her waist, and a familiar touch enveloped her.The moment she steadied herself, she pushed him away without even needing to think...Obviously, it was Cedric!He was the man she least wanted to encounter."Waaah! Waaah!" Luna cried out from a short distance away.Upon hearing her child's cries, Natalie's initial cold demeanor melted away, and she seemed disoriented. "Luna, it's okay!" Rushing to her daughter, Natalie enveloped her in a comforting embrace. "Mommy, I'm scared!""Don't be afraid. Mommy's here.""There's a bad guy... A bad guy!" Luna's fear stemmed from seeing Cedric. Observing the mother and daughter embrace from a distance, especially hearing the child's description of him, filled Cedric with a bitter taste. A bad guy—that was how he was remembered in Luna's eyes.Yes, that was the memory he left behind for her."Yes, he's a bad man. Don't be afrai
Cedric furrowed his brows, his gaze fixed in the direction where Natalie and Heather had just departed."Stop looking at them!" Stephen commanded, his tone significantly graver. There was an unmistakable difference in his attitude.Before, Natalie was his niece.Now that he confirmed Natalie was his own daughter, everything was different!Many things had transpired that Natalie hadn't spoken of since her return from Wexford, but Stephen had learned much from Clyde. Hence, his stance toward Cedric now was markedly different than before.Cedric glanced at Stephen and began, "She just...""As you've seen, her vision has deteriorated rapidly. The doctors say that without surgery, she won't have much time left with her vision," Stephen cut him off coldly.At that moment, Cedric felt an overwhelming pang and suffocation in his chest. "How...?" he managed to murmur."Heather mentioned that Irwin took her to Mount Elven," Stephen elaborated.Mount Elven? Cedric's heart tighten
"Mr. Jarvis..." Cedric looked at Stephen in disbelief, clearly taken aback by the words that had just left Stephen's lips.Stephen cut him off sharply, "She's just a child. Is that what you're trying to tell me?"Hadn't Cedric emphasized time and time again in front of Natalie that Kayla was just a child?"Just because she's a child, does that mean Natalie has to accept it? Did Luna have to be sacrificed because of that?" Stephen's words hit Cedric like stones, each one piercing his heart like a blade.These were universal truths everyone understood!Yet, when faced with reality, people often showed favoritism. And Cedric's favoritism was clearly directed towards Isabella and her daughter.Did he feel trapped at that time? Even if he did, his actions were unforgivable to Natalie and Luna!"This is your last warning, Cedric!" Stephen's voice was icy and dangerous. "Leave this place. Now!"With those final words, Stephen departed. Cedric was left rooted in place, struggling t
When Clyde returned, he saw Cedric standing in the courtyard, seemingly hesitant to leave!Clyde frowned and glanced inside instinctively. His fists clenched as he approached. The moment the two stood together, an air of tension enveloped them.Clyde remarked, "I didn't think it would be possible for you to be here at this time!"What was happening in Wexford? Since Stephen had completely pulled out of there last time, Natalie hadn't been involved or informed about the situation. But Clyde knew. He understood the significance of Wexford for Cedric and Irwin right now. Given the circumstances, one would expect Cedric and Irwin to be fully engrossed there.Yet here Cedric was, seemingly splitting his attention.Looking at Clyde, Cedric noticed the striking resemblance between him and Natalie. A complex emotion flashed in Cedric's eyes. In the previous life, he had been unaware that Natalie and Clyde were siblings. A closer look would have revealed their similarities. If he h
Clyde's warm fingertips gently grazed her eyes.Feeling this warmth, Natalie felt as if she had been scorched. A stifling sensation rose in her chest.Clyde said, "The doctor mentioned your condition is severe. You need to listen this time, okay?""Okay."Previously, Natalie's family had insisted on an immediate surgery. However, perhaps due to her past life's harrowing experience with darkness, Natalie still harbored deep-seated fears. Regardless of the advice given, she resisted, not wanting to plunge back into that abyss.In truth, she was terrified!The risks associated with the eye surgery were high. Should it fail, she would be plunged into an endless darkness. In her previous life, she had suffered enough within that void. So this time around, she was adamant about not spending even a second enveloped in it. Like a devil's lair, the overwhelming darkness left one feeling utterly trapped—a sensation only those who've endured could truly grasp."Nat.""Hmm?""Try to
Despite the situation in Wexford, Cedric still had to come to Simeria. Apart from Natalie being the reason, it was also naturally because... of Luna!After what happened the last time, there was no need for others to guess just what kind of presence he was in Luna's heart.Kyle took a deep breath. When he spoke, he couldn't help the tightness in his voice."Did you see Miss Luna?"Luna...Thinking of her reaction to him and how she had hid in Natalie's arms...Luna's eyes had been filled with fear when she saw Cedric, and he felt more than just a suffocation in his chest.He took several deep breaths, but it did little to quell the stifling sensation in his chest. He moved to the nearby couch and lit a cigarette. "Is there any news about that person?" he inquired gravely.At Cedric's words, Kyle promptly stepped forward, nodding. "Mr. Larkin is currently in Yuloria.""Yuloria?""Yes, we've obtained his address. He's been living in seclusion there for years."Edward Lar
At this moment, Kyle finally understood that Cedric wasn't feeling good about the decisions he had made. Unfortunately, these choices were ultimately beyond anyone's comprehension! Or, more accurately, Natalie was one of the people who would never understand his decisions!"If you go to Yuloria at this time, it'll take at least six months," Kyle solemnly reminded Cedric.Indeed.Six months!Under normal circumstances, half a year already felt like an eternity. Who knew what would happen in Wexford during that time?Given this situation, Kyle was firmly against it.However, Cedric seemed determined.Clyde's words echoed in his mind.Priorities... and choices!In life, there were many significant considerations. Sometimes, one must make difficult choices.He owed Natalie so much... from across both lifetimes! Everything she had gone through ultimately traced back to him. "Alright. I understand." Kyle nodded.At that moment, his eyes were unwavering. All his doubts ab
When did she present her terms? When? At the very beginning, Bianca had repeated the same things.Faye's fall had nothing to do with her. Let her go!She had also said Malcolm had no right to treat her this way!All these incidents were conditions Bianca set forth for Malcolm. But what was the outcome?For two long years, she watched as he slowly dismantled her career in Verde City and tarnished her reputation. Rumors swirled in Verde City about the true nature of the undefeated lawyer...! No one knew the turmoil within Bianca when people read those articles filled with lies about her."When you destroyed me, weren't you adept at it? I never thought emotions would ensnare a man like you, Lord Malcolm!" As Bianca continued to speak, her tone grew colder.Indeed, she had clearly laid out her desires and revealed all the facts to Malcolm. Yet, he never listened. Now, he wanted to hear her terms, but Bianca felt there was nothing left in her life worth bargaining fo
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