Clyde's embrace made Natalie feel secure and warm. So, this was the charm of family strength. Since returning to the Jarvis family, this warmth had been everywhere."When is the surgery scheduled?" Clyde asked."Tomorrow.""Then I'll stay here with you.""Okay," Natalie replied.Hearing that Clyde would accompany her, Natalie felt even warmer inside. She felt much more reassured by his presence.Clyde tightened his arms around her. He didn't ask Natalie what darkness truly looked like! Even if the surgery succeeded, it was probably a pain she wouldn't want to face in her lifetime.-In a wooden building not far away, Cedric and Irwin stood together. They watched as Clyde held Natalie.At that moment, Cedric's eyes held more than just sadness and bitterness. He spoke in a hoarse voice, "I once thought that her world revolved around me.""So, at one point, you also believed that she could never live without you, right? You thought that no matter what happened, she could never
The coconut juice from Evergreen Peak was famous. It was even available in Simeria. Heather often drank it, claiming it was excellent for the skin."It's so fresh and has a subtle taste," Natalie remarked."Authentic juices tend to be like that," Clyde said.Natalie nodded. "Yes, it's very nice."The taste was indeed pleasant, something she had grown accustomed to. She used to dislike coconut juice for its thick, cloying taste, but this one had a refreshing sweetness. It was the taste of nature.Not far away, Cedric and Irwin stood on a wooden platform, watching the bonfire party in the square. Irwin asked, "Are you leaving now?"Cedric nodded. "Yes, I'll go ahead.""..."Irwin hesitated, feeling a tightness in his chest."Why aren't you over there?" Cedric inquired."Clyde is there. Also, she's likely happier without my presence."As he said this, Irwin's voice carried endless bitterness.Cedric said he felt trapped and that there was no way out for him and Natalie.W
The night passed peacefully.Natalie was happy because of Clyde's presence, and her lingering discontent towards Irwin and Cedric dissipated. Due to that, she was able to sleep well.Although Heather had been calling her, expressing her desire to be by her side, Natalie had been hesitant to accept for fear of revealing her vulnerability to her family. Deep down, however, she longed for their company.Girls were like that. They wanted their family by their side during the toughest times. They didn't want to show their vulnerability, but they craved their family's presence more than anything.-Natalie slept soundly, but for a few, sleep evaded them throughout the night.The next morning, Lydia and Xyla hurriedly finished their breakfast before Natalie woke up. As Natalie couldn't eat due to her surgery today, they had to finish before she woke up."Let's go," Clyde's voice rang out.In the next moment, he scooped Natalie up in his arms."Are you going with me to the surgery?"
Clyde kept comforting Natalie, "Don't be afraid. Listen to me and relax. Take deep breaths. It's okay...!"After a long time, Natalie finally relaxed under Clyde's reassurance. Those horrible memories gradually faded away.Her heart also calmed down completely, and Clyde felt somewhat relieved when he saw her like this.Then, the surgery began.Just as they were about to administer the anesthetic, Natalie asked, "Can you tell me whose corneas are being used?"At her words, Clyde subconsciously glanced in Cedric's direction, and Cedric was also looking at him!The two men locked eyes, sparks of tension and resignation flying between them.Finally, Clyde looked away. "I don't know. They were donated.""And the person?""Deceased."Natalie fell silent, and Cedric said nothing.Clyde's straightforward answer indicated his unwillingness to dwell on the issue any further, so what else was there to argue about now? Perhaps this was the best resolution for all of them!At that mo
"I won't let go of her hand. I won't leave her side!" Irwin said, each word simple yet resolute.Clyde raised an eyebrow. Hearing Irwin's strong words felt almost like a joke to him.The next moment, Clyde retorted, "If you want to keep her, it depends on whether you have what it takes!"Clyde's words were meaningful, and no one knew Irwin's thoughts after hearing them. Clyde then entered the room, leaving Irwin alone in the corridor.Irwin's eyes shimmered with an unprecedented determination.Too much! He had inflicted too much pain on Natalie. This time, he just wanted to do everything to stay by her side.When Dylan approached Irwin, he couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy seeing the desolation in the man's silhouette. Even as a man, Dylan's heart tightened at that moment."Sir." Dylan stepped forward, bringing Irwin's attention back."Did he leave?" Irwin asked."Yes.""Where did he go?""Well..." What could Dylan say? His tone was heavy, and Irwin understood t
What kind of existence were Irwin and Cedric to the Jarvis family? A heartbreaking one—especially in Clyde's view.After witnessing Natalie endure so much pain, Clyde wished they would never appear in her world again. So, who cared what Irwin and Cedric were like, and what had they endured?It didn't matter!If Clyde had his way, neither Irwin nor Cedric would ever set foot in Natalie's world again.However, at this moment...Irwin said, "He said there's no hope between him and Natalie. He said there was... no way out for them!" When Irwin had heard Cedric's words, he sensed endless despair in his speech. Yes, Cedric's despair! What could have driven a man to such a point?"At least he knows it very well," Clyde said sharply.Irwin chuckled bitterly. The laugh was bitter and painful. "You really are her brother," he said to Clyde. From how Clyde reacted, it was clear that he and Natalie were siblings. They were emotionally indifferent to a similar extent.Clyde
Bianca's words were profound and icy.Yvette's complexion was already bad, and it turned even paler at Bianca's words. Anyone who knew about Yvette's past knew what kind of feelings she harbored towards Zane.Whether in the past or during the years she spent with Alto, Yvette had always been dissatisfied with how things had turned out.That kind of dissatisfaction...!It caused a suffocating sensation in Yvette's chest whenever she thought about it!Bianca's statement about how Yvette had ended everything echoed fiercely in her mind, tearing at her rationality. Bianca was right. It didn't matter that Yvette had ended things. It wouldn't lead to a new beginning. But Yvette couldn't accept it. Back then, she and Zane had been doing fine. They had been about to get married!So, why had those things happened?And why did she have to bear it all? She didn't want to! No matter what, it shouldn't be her burden!"Whether Frederick is in Malcolm's hands or not... You know in y
After a while, Zane said, "From now on, don't go to the Jarvis family again."He was talking about what she had done two days ago!When Zane suddenly disappeared, Bianca panicked! So, she hastily went to the Jarvis family because they were Natalie's parents.At that time, the only ones she could rely on and help her were the Jarvis family!Unexpectedly, Zane came back after that."In the end, you still don't want to involve the Jarvis family," Bianca said."They won't be involved." Zane's words were calm and rational, and what he said was true.What kind of existence was Stephen in Simeria?He was like an old fox!If he was going to be involved in the Entes family, he would have done it long ago. Why would he wait until now?So even if Bianca had gone to meet Stephen, he ultimately wouldn't have gotten involved if he didn't want to."It's good that you're back," Bianca said after a while.After Zane came back, Bianca had actually asked where he went. However, he never ans
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