Irwin remained silent. He tried to hide the pain in his deep eyes fixed on Cedric, but it was unmistakable.Was it painful?Regarding Blair's matter, yes, it was painful.But concerning Natalie, the pain... was worse!He took several deep breaths but was unable to suppress the heaviness in his chest. "Natalie is important to you and equally important to me."What about Blair?At this point, Irwin didn't want to recall those unbearable memories. He only knew that he had ultimately lost in his entanglement with Natalie.And now, he was in a wretched state.Cedric was silent. There was a hint of fierce danger in Cedric's eyes as he looked at Irwin."But you let her be with someone from the Entes family."Irwin fell silent.That was indeed the case. There was no denying it.When Cedric left, he had no intention of returning to Natalie's side. He had entrusted her completely to Irwin. However, in the end, Irwin couldn't stop Natalie from getting involved with the Entes family.
Natalie stood by the French window, gazing at the picturesque scenery outside. She could hear the sound of the nearby waterfall roaring in her ears. The refreshing scent of nature was everywhere.They were in Dawnvale and staying at Westhill Enclave.Austin embraced her from behind. "Nat."Natalie turned around and said, "This place is really nice!"They had been here for three days already. Everything here was well arranged, and it seemed that Austin had made all the preparations before their marriage."Do you like it?""Yeah, I do."Since arriving here, Natalie found that these three nights were the best she had slept in years. There was nothing here. They were far from the hustle and bustle, giving her a sense of deep inner peace."I sent the Entes family's seal to Zane. Consider it a gift to Bianca."Natalie had been relaxed, but she instantly stiffened at his words. She turned around and looked at Austin with shock in her eyes."You've had the seal all along?"Initially
"Don't say anymore, Nat!" Austin held her tighter. He seemed to want to use his intense body warmth to thaw Natalie's completely cold heart. Cedric had used Isabella and Kayla to push Natalie into an iceberg. Later, Irwin's schemes regarding Blair plunged Natalie into an icy abyss.Even if Natalie wanted warmth now, she couldn't find a trace of it in her world.When Natalie was at her wit's end and unable to find any warmth or way out, Austin approached her like a madman. He swept away all the concerns in everyone's hearts and brought her out of that suffocating world."No one can hurt you again." Austin comforted the trembling Natalie continuously. At this moment, Austin felt Natalie resembled an injured little animal in his arms. Natalie's heart was covered in wounds. Regardless of how she protected herself before, she had completely broken down emotionally and was showing him her most vulnerable side."What if you're the one who hurts me?" Yes, what if it was Austin?
Perhaps Cedric had considered letting go. But when he tried, he felt too reluctant to do so.Ultimately, he repeatedly found himself utterly unable to let go.-After Bianca hung up the phone, Neil entered the room."Lady Bianca, Lord Malcolm is here."Bianca instinctively put away the items when she heard Malcolm's name, and a hint of gloom entered her eyes."Let him in.""Yes, ma'am." Neil respectfully nodded and left.Soon enough, Malcolm entered.The man exuded an icy chill.Bianca met the dangerous gaze of the man fearlessly. As she looked at him, her heart surged.She wanted everything to end."Did Austin send something to you?" Malcolm broke the silence first. His tone was sharp, cold, and even more dangerous. His eyes were like those of a hawk, and they seemed poised to crush Bianca.When she heard his words, Bianca smiled mockingly."What do you mean?""Give it to me!" Malcolm said in a sharp and commanding tone.Bianca's smile widened at his harsh words.So
In the dining room, Natalie and Luna had just sat down when Austin returned. Natalie began to rise when she saw the man, but Austin gently said, "No need to get up.""Daddy!" When Luna saw Austin, she slid down from her chair and ran towards him. Natalie's heart trembled as she watched Luna run towards Austin. Clearly, after their time in Dawnvale, Luna and Austin's relationship had grown stronger. Natalie could see how much Luna longed for a father's love during this time.Seeing Austin scoop the child into his arms, Natalie couldn't help but feel a pang of bitterness. Luna was adorable and innocent. How could Cedric ever bear to hurt her? How could he even consider using Luna to save Kayla? Did he ever consider what might happen if something went wrong during the surgery?Perhaps he never thought that mistakes would happen, and that was why he acted so boldly.Regardless, it didn't matter anymore.It was all over now, and Natalie silently celebrated.As a woman and a mo
When Austin returned to the main hall with Natalie, he saw Cole standing there with a grave expression.The fact that both Cole and Martin were here indicated that Austin was truly cutting ties with Simeria this time.Natalie felt uneasy when she saw the two men."What's the matter?" When he spoke, the hint of dissatisfaction in Austin's tone was obvious. He was clearly displeased with Martin's interruption earlier. Natalie didn't expect Austin to be so petty, especially seeing how tense Martin was. Instinctively, Natalie placed her cool palm on the back of Austin's broad hand.Instantly, he clasped her small hand in his own.When he looked at her, the coldness in his eyes softened into endless tenderness.Cole didn't answer Austin immediately. Instead, he subconsciously glanced at Natalie.Understanding his subtle gesture, Natalie asked, "Should I go check on Luna?""Go ahead," Austin nodded. Although uncertain, he anticipated that Cole's forthcoming words might pertain
Cedric gazed sorrowfully at Natalie, who remained silent. There was a cold, threatening glint in her eyes.Anger mixed with melancholy surged up within him."How long have you known him? Why are you protecting him?" Cedric asked."What about Isabella? You hardly knew her back then. Have you forgotten how you protected her?" Natalie retorted coldly."That's all in the past!" Cedric roared. "Isabella is dead!"She was gone, so why cling to those matters?Natalie's expression grew even colder at his words.Since Isabella was dead, those matters should be left in the past. Was that what he was saying?Natalie looked indifferently at the man before her and said, "He is my future."Which one was more important? The past or the future?Cedric was speechless. He felt as if he had been struck by lightning. He stood rooted to the spot, struggling to say something.But at this moment, it seemed like there was nothing he could say.He simply stared silently at Natalie.The future...
When Lucas and Kyle saw that Cedric was injured, their hearts sank even deeper. Before they came to Dawnvale, Lucas and Kyle knew that this trip was likely futile. If Natalie could marry Austin in front of Cedric, then there was no turning back. Now, despite coming here, they were met with such a result."Madam Johnson and Ms. Johnson are on their way here!"Somehow, Christina had managed to persuade Icarus to spare her. However, her dreams were shattered nonetheless. Despite knowing Icarus' ulterior motives for wanting to marry her, she held onto her dreams. Now that they shattered, she refused to return to prison under any circumstances.Fortunately, she escaped disaster!When Cedric heard that Rebecca and Christina were coming to Dawnvale, he fell silent.Ultimately, Rebecca was his mother. No matter what happened, the bond of motherhood was unbreakable. However, Christina was different. The coldness in Cedric's eyes deepened as he instructed, "Send Christina back to
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