With the successful collaboration with Apex Global, Natalie's studio gained some recognition overnight.Even with Cedric's influence, the workload for the studio was bound to increase. As long as her uncle intervened, she wouldn't have any problems on her end.Karina flipped through her notes and said, "We have a meeting with a client from South City this afternoon."South City? They had clients from another city overnight?"Is it because of my uncle's connections?!"Karina shook her head. "No, it's because all the design drafts from yesterday are now well-known."That made sense.There were very few people who could defeat Cedric. Since he took a substantial hit here, it had earned their little studio some credibility."By the way, Mr. Warren called and said Mr. Frazier would like to have lunch with you."Natalie nodded. "Okay!"It was about time she had lunch with Irwin.Natalie could feel a headache building whenever she thought about Cedric's recent behavior. Until their
"I'd rather earn my own money than endure more of your family's nonsense! It's not like I can't make a living on my own!" After saying this, she walked past the man, leaving Cedric alone.She indeed had the skills! After all, she had managed to secure a deal with Irwin!What methods had she used?-Natalie and Irwin were sitting not far from Cedric. Natalie had her back to him, and Cedric's gaze at that moment could only be described as murderous.Irwin, on the other hand, seemed unaffected and behaved like nothing was wrong. When the steaks arrived, he acted like a true gentleman, cutting Natalie's steak into small pieces. Natalie smiled gently and thanked him."Have you been to this restaurant before?" Irwin asked.Natalie replied, "I rarely dine out." She knew about the good places in Verde City, but she seldom went out to eat. After all, Rebecca used to give her a hard time whenever she left the house.In her free time, she preferred to stay at Scarlet Villa reading b
Cedric was taken aback by the sudden slap and had been utterly defenseless against it. He clearly didn't expect Natalie to slap him over Irwin, and the already foul mood he was in became even worse."What's this? Did I ruin your little tryst? Come on, tell me, where were you planning to go in his car? A romantic getaway, a mountain resort, or a hotel?" His tone was filled with anger and growing more provocative by the moment.He couldn't believe she had the audacity to slap him for another man. How could she?!The anger on his face was obvious, and there was no trace of the indifferent expression he usually had.Natalie stood her ground, staring up at him. Despite the significant height difference, she showed no signs of backing down."Cedric, I warned you before! Behave yourself! If you interfere in my affairs again, I won't forgive you!"Affairs? She actually dared to say it!Cedric chuckled. "Is there something between you two that you don't want people to know about?"P
Every time there was a banquet at the Johnson Manor, Natalie was always too busy to dress up so elegantly. Even the custom-made dresses in her closet that Cedric had given her had never been worn. For so many years, he had never seen her in a dress. But now, looking at her, she shone like the bright stars in the sky. She was so close, yet she gave off an elusive feeling.Cedric's heart inexplicably skipped a beat. Natalie got into the car. Upon seeing Cedric's expression, she coldly asked, "What are you looking at?""You look beautiful in that dress!" Cedric snapped out of his trance and said with complicated feelings.She was truly stunning. He had never really known his wife's beauty...! This was probably how it was. In all the years they had been together, it seemed like he had never truly understood her. He had thought he knew her well enough, but now he realized that he didn't know her character. He didn't even know what she looked like in a dress.Natalie casua
While she was planning to divorce Cedric, it wasn't as if she felt nothing when people portrayed her in that way. Who would willingly accept unfair treatment? Unfairness was one thing, but having to endure humiliation time and time again was quite another.Natalie glanced at Rebecca. In her all-black evening gown with her hair elegantly coiled up, Rebecca truly exuded the presence of a queen. Even her speech carried irresistible authority. In the past, Natalie had been driven to lose her patience when confronted with this kind of gossip. She would retreat to the kitchen, which led people to assume that the kitchen was where she belonged.A smirk tugged at her lips. "I'm afraid not. After all, I'm still the young mistress of the Johnson family, aren't I?"Rebecca retorted, "You've got some nerve!""Enough!" Cedric intervened just as Natalie was about to continue. He swept her into his arms in a protective manner and said firmly, "She's the young mistress of the Johnson fam
Just as Christina was about to take hold of Natalie's wrist, Cedric pulled Natalie to his side and said, "She'll be accompanying me to meet some people. Find someone else to go with you."With so many debutantes present, choosing someone she didn't get along with was a clear indication of Christina's intentions. Cedric had previously turned a blind eye. He thought Natalie could handle everything, and he believed she had taken things well. However, he hadn't anticipated the mess that had been brewing behind the scenes.Christina glanced at Cedric resentfully. In the past, this look would have gotten her anything she wanted from him. But now, Cedric firmly held onto Natalie and said, "Let's go!"His attitude was unwavering. He had no intention of giving Christina an opportunity to spend time alone with Natalie. At this point, Natalie understood Cedric's intentions. He was declaring his attitude towards her in such a domineering manner, making it clear to the people of the John
Rebecca was seething with anger. The room was buzzing with discussions. Cedric stared at Natalie, his eyes filled with icy rage. His clear and handsome face was filled with anger towards her.Previously, their arguments had always been kept behind closed doors. Even when some of it was exposed, nobody knew the full extent of it. But now, it was out in the open. What was this?!Did she truly want to get rid of him so badly, even resorting to such an extreme measure? That was how Cedric saw it.Natalie had used an extreme method, didn't she?She had done it on purpose.It definitely was on purpose!Her attitude towards Isabella had always been indifferent, but now...! He could see the disappointment and despair on Natalie's face. There was also genuine hatred in her eyes.Cedric wondered what he had done to make her hate him so much.He clenched his fists.Staring at the small woman before him, he said, "Natalie, go home immediately!"Even at this moment, Cedric was
Christina concealed her joy and approached Rebecca. She supported her while looking somewhat regretful and said, "Mom, don't be angry."In her tone, there was a hint of relief. With Christina's assistance, Rebecca came to stand in front of Isabella. This was the moment when Yuvan wished he could disappear.What should he do now? Cedric had left, leaving him to deal with this hot potato."Get out of here, right now!" Rebecca's tone was far less patient when addressing Isabella. She no longer needed to maintain a façade of tolerance, as she had with Natalie.Natalie had been the Johnson family's young mistress for many years. Even though Rebecca didn't like her, she had to be somewhat polite in front of so many guests. However, when it came to Isabella, there was no need for any such courtesy.Just a short while ago, Rebecca had to keep her composure with Natalie, but now she could vent all her frustration on Isabella."Mr. Johnson has already left, yet she still dares to sho
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