Chapter 1 Chapter 1 Provoking Mrs. Johnson

"Let's get a divorce..." The two people in the room had just gone through a passionate encounter, and Natalie Walker's voice still held an irresistible charm in her voice as she lay weakly on the messy and luxurious bed. With sweat-soaked strands of hair clinging to her exquisite face, a hint of desolation lingered in her expression. She listened to the man's fumbling as he dressed silently. Recalling how Cedric Johnson had initiated this act while being highly intoxicated, Natalie felt her stomach churn in disgust. She had loved this man for ten years. Now, there was nothing left to cherish. Cedric paused abruptly in his actions, and he turned his cold eyes toward her. "Divorce?""Yes!" Natalie said determinedly. Having said that, she got out of bed and tried to stumble to the bathroom based on her memory of the place. Cedric coldly stared at her for a moment. Eventually, he couldn't bear it any longer and approached her. "I'll help you," he said as he reached out to assist her. Natalie forcefully slapped his hand away. However, that took her remaining energy, and she fell to the ground. "Go away. I don't want your help. You're filthy." Just sharing the same roof with this man made her feel nauseated. Cedric's expression darkened instantly. His outstretched hand was frozen in midair, and the air around them became even colder. She said he was filthy?! Bracing herself with both hands on the ground, Natalie slowly got up. She looked to be in a wretched state as she continued her search for the bathroom. Once she reached it, she turned on the scalding hot water and repeatedly washed herself. Her fair skin quickly turned completely red from the heat and scrubbing. She wished she could peel off every inch of skin that he had touched! After she was done, she exited the bathroom and fumbled toward the wardrobe. She hadn't been blind for long, but she still hadn't adjusted to the pitch-black world. She could only move forward slowly based on faint impressions. Relying on her senses, Natalie found a piece of clothing and put it on. She fumbled around and retrieved their marriage certificate. "Let's go. We're heading to the clerk's office right now." Cedric clenched his fist angrily, his joints cracking loudly at the action. Unable to contain himself any longer, he suddenly got up, strode over to the woman, and forcefully grabbed her collar. "Natalie! How long will you keep kicking up a fuss like this? Look at yourself! If we divorce, how will you survive?" She had nothing. A blind woman without any relatives in this vast city couldn't possibly make it! Where did she get the courage to make this decision?! Natalie remained surprisingly calm in the face of his anger. She gently removed Cedric's hand from her collar. Her vacant eyes resembled still waters as she shook her head with determination. "No, anything is better as long as I'm not with you." She suddenly chuckled and murmured, "Ten years...""What?""I've known you for ten years—seven years of dating and three years of marriage. What did I get out of it? In the end, you took my eyes to save another woman. Was that a fair enough price for you?" That was the reality of her marriage—it was twisted and despicable. She had had enough of this man's heartlessness. Even death didn't induce despair as bad as staying with her husband. She just wanted to leave this cage of suffering as soon as possible. The man's demeanor turned instantly cold. "You call that a price? If you didn't want to do it, why did you sign the consent form for the surgery in the first place?""Was I even given a choice?" She laughed bitterly, not even bothering to ask if he had ever regarded her as his wife. "We're not talking about this anymore. The matter is closed. I'll pretend you didn't say those things just now." Natalie's laughter grew even louder. His condescending tone was laughable to the extreme! "No! I will get a divorce today!""Natalie!" Cedric hissed through gritted teeth. In the end, a gust of wind brushed past her as the man walked away. "You don't have the right to bring up divorce." The man slammed the door behind him. Outside the door, his hurried footsteps sounded like he was escaping. Natalie's legs gave way. She collapsed on the ground, completely drained of strength. All the pretenses were stripped away when she was alone. Only her true self was left.

Chapter 2 Chapter 2 She Remained Proud

The familiar clicking sound of high heels echoed along the hall with the pungent scent of perfume. It was Isabella Morgan! She was Cedric's lover and the woman who had taken her eyes. Natalie furrowed her brow in disgust. Before she could call for help, Isabella spoke first. "Don't bother calling for anyone; I've sent them all away." Her tone was triumphant. "Why are you here?" Natalie was anything but polite. She had lost everything, so what else could Isabella possibly want from her? Isabella paid no heed to her attitude. She merely smiled and said calmly, "I've got some news for you. Well, I have good and bad news." Natalie remained silent and waited. "You're pregnant." Pregnant?! Natalie's face turned ashen in an instant. Seeing this, Isabella grinned with satisfaction. "Of course, Ced has no intention of keeping this child! Because I'm also pregnant!" Isabella was also pregnant?! Natalie's eyes widened, and her composure shattered. 'Cedric, how could he?' Her already ashen face grew even paler, and she trembled violently in her wheelchair. Natalie clenched her fists tightly and tried to hold back the emotions that crashed through her. She knew this woman had come to gloat. She was already in a wretched state, and she didn't want to lose her last shred of dignity. Despite violently trembling, Natalie took a deep breath and struggled to remain calm. "Is that so? I've asked him for a divorce, but he hasn't agreed." The woman standing not far away froze at Natalie's words. Natalie could clearly sense her surprise. With that, a smile curled on her lips. "So what if you took my eyes? Even if you're pregnant, so what? It seems that Cedric isn't inclined to give you the position of his wife." She said this not because she cherished Cedric but because she didn't want this woman to continue trampling on her. Although she had decided to end things with Cedric, she remained unyielding in the face of this woman's provocation. "Hah! You're saying all this to imply that he loves you, right? But, Natalie, ask yourself this. If he really loved you, why would he insist you give me your eyes without a second thought?" Isabella's eyes brimmed with satisfied malice, and she carried the satisfaction of someone who had won. Isabella's laughter stabbed Natalie's heart even more, completely tearing apart her façade! Undoubtedly, these words hit Natalie hard. She was right... If Cedric truly loved her, she wouldn't be in this situation now. Their ten years of love had ended so brutally... Natalie didn't know when Isabella had left and sat there for a long, long time... When she finally snapped out of her daze, a thick smoke had enveloped her. She choked to the point of tears in her eyes. Realizing something was wrong, panic and fear overcame her. She wheeled her chair toward the door. But everywhere she went, there was the sound of things crashing and falling. After a few consecutive falls, she lost her sense of direction entirely. "Cough! Cough...!" Natalie sat on the ground, staring helplessly at her surroundings with hollow eyes. She clutched her throat, which was sore from inhaling the smoke around her. Her pale face was filled with fear. But at this moment, the voices outside the door were especially jarring. "How could the master do this? Does he actually intend to burn the madam alive?! Quick! Call the fire department!""Shut up. We'll pretend we didn't see anything." The words they exchanged caused Natalie's blood to run cold. Was it Cedric who wanted her dead? Despair completely overwhelmed her. She lost even the courage to escape. Death... was good. After all, it would be a kind of release for her. The smoke grew even thicker around her. It became increasingly difficult to breathe. When Natalie discovered Cedric had an affair with his secretary, she hadn't cried. When she opened her eyes in the hospital bed and was greeted with darkness, she was frightened, but she hadn't cried. But now, after learning that Isabella was pregnant and Cedrice wanted to burn Natalie alive with their unborn child despite their ten years of love... She cried. A wave of scorching heat washed over her, burning her skin gradually. "Ahhhhh...!!!" Her despairing scream echoed through the entire villa. At that moment when the flames devoured her, Natalie only wished time could turn back and free her world from the man named Cedric.

Chapter 3 Chapter 3 Early Morning Divorce Drama

"Ah..." Natalie's eyes shot open, and she abruptly sat up from the bed, drenched in cold sweat. It felt as if her body was still in pain from being burned by intense flames. A strong arm stretched across her slender waist, and a familiar scent filled the air as a man patiently coaxed, "Shh. Go back to sleep." Natalie's hand trembled, and she instinctively pulled away. Turning around, Cedric's handsome face entered her sight, and Natalie gasped. Her mind went blank. 'I... I can see! B-but how?!' She closed her eyes briefly and then snapped them open again. She could see a brightly lit room before her. Sunlight peeked through her eyelashes, warming her heart. The ceiling light, curtains, and bedsheet—everything felt so familiar. Was it possible? Pushing the man's arm away and sitting up, she reached for her phone in disbelief. The screen displayed the date from a few months before her death by fire. Had she been reborn? Her movements had disturbed Cedric, who woke up with sleepy eyes and a hint of morning grumpiness. "It's so early in the morning. What are you doing?" Natalie gripped her phone tightly, her gaze fixed firmly on the date displayed on the screen. It was the day before that woman was kidnapped?! "What's wrong?" Seeing Natalie's unusual behavior, Cedric furrowed his handsome brows. He could see from the morning sky that it was still early. Ignoring the man in bed, Natalie hurriedly went to the bathroom. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, still with a hint of baby fat on her face. She gently touched the contours of her eyes, which still felt sore. Then she felt her arms, which were still tingling from the burns. She had actually been reborn! She could still vividly remember the despair and excruciating pain of being engulfed in flames in her last moments. Natalie sank down to the ground, hugged herself, and comforted, "Natalie, God is fair and just. You shouldn't have died." After that, she walked back to the bedside. She took a deep breath and looked at the man. "Cedric, let's get a divorce," Natalie stated calmly. Cedric's hazy eyes suddenly snapped wide open. He fixed his gaze on her, his expression darkening. "What did you just say?""I'll have Bianca prepare a divorce agreement for us. If you're worried about your rights, I can have your company's lawyer draft it.""What on earth are you talking about?" He had woken up to a series of strange events early in the morning, and now this sudden declaration from Natalie confused and angered him even more. Natalie seemed completely unfazed by Cedric's anger. She continued calmly, "When did you two start your affair?" He was incredibly good-looking, especially his eyes, which remained alluring even when he was angry. Ten years had passed between them, yet time seemed to have left no traces on his face. How fortunate could one be? "Natalie!" Cedric's tone turned warning, and he struggled to contain his suppressed emotions. "But it doesn't matter. I've grown tired of being Mrs. Johnson. Give that woman the position if you want. But let me make it clear: we've known each other for ten years and spent seven of them in a relationship. All my youth was wasted." Cedric was speechless. "But don't even think about hiding my rights as your wife for the past three years from me. We have joint property rights, and we're splitting it equally. If you try anything funny... I'll make sure you and that woman are publicly disgraced together." Veins bulged on the man's forehead. His gaze was cold and furious, as if he wanted to tear Natalie apart. What on earth had triggered this woman? Last night, she clung to him with passion, and now she was talking about divorce in the morning? Natalie paid no heed to the man's furious gaze. She quickly put on her clothes and strode towards the door. Clatter! Bang! There was a sound of something falling behind her, followed by the man hissing through gritted teeth, "You do know we've been together for seven years, right?" Natalie didn't answer him. She just paused for a moment and then went upstairs without looking back. - Natalie dialed a familiar number. After a few rings, a woman on the other end quickly answered, "Nat.""Help me draft a divorce agreement, right now." As soon as Natalie said that, the air grew still. Half a second later, the voice on the other end exploded, "You've finally come to your senses? I'll get up right away to draft it for you. Give me half an hour.""Okay." Natalie closed her eyes. Over the past year, news of Cedric's affair had frequently reached her ears. Even her friends knew about it, and everyone had been advising her to get a divorce. But she... had always believed in him! Tomorrow was the day the other woman got kidnapped, and it marked the beginning of the collapse of her relationship with Cedric. This time, she wouldn't passively allow that homewrecker to come into her life and flaunt herself. She wouldn't allow that other woman to show off being pregnant with Cedric's child, or allow her to steal her eyes again!

Chapter 4 Chapter 4 Shredded Tenderness

Natalie received the divorce agreement quickly. She printed the agreement and signed her name on it without hesitation. Then, she took the agreement downstairs to find Cedric. She couldn't find him. The maid said he had left from the backdoor. Natalie's heart sank. She had to divorce Cedric today; she couldn't wait a moment longer. She faxed the agreement to her company. When the secretary saw the header on the document, she stammered, "M-madam, Mr. Johnson hasn't arrived yet.""When he arrives at the company, have him sign it immediately. Ask him to bring the agreement to the clerk’s office once he's done. I'll be there.""Y-yes, ma'am!" Even through the phone line, Natalie could sense the secretary breaking into a cold sweat. She hung up the phone and went upstairs to change her clothes. Natalie looked at herself in the mirror. She couldn't deny that she was beautiful, but... It didn't mean men would stay faithful just because a woman was beautiful! As the saying goes, the grass was always greener on the other side! - After an appropriate amount of time had passed, Natalie drove to the clerk’s office. She waited for a full two hours. It was almost closing time, but he still hadn't shown up. She took out her phone and video called Cedric. It wasn't until the very end that he finally picked up. Seeing the projection behind the man, she knew he was in a conference room. Natalie got straight to the point, not bothering to preserve his dignity, "I've been waiting for you at the clerk’s office for two hours. Are you not satisfied with the terms of the divorce settlement?" On the other end of the phone call, the atmosphere in the conference room instantly turned ice-cold. All eyes around the long conference table were fixed on Cedric, who had a grave look on his face. Natalie wanted a divorce?! And she wanted to divide their assets? Just a glance at the man's ice-cold eyes had everyone else immediately lowering their heads as if they hadn't heard a thing. But this news was truly explosive! It left a thunderous mark on everyone’s mind. "Take a thirty-minute break." The man said and stood up, adjusting his tie with an air of irritation. He looked like he was about to beat up the woman on the other side of the line. As soon as he left the conference room, the room exploded into discussion. "Mrs. Johnson actually asked for a divorce?""I didn't expect such a gentle woman to blow up like this.""Isn't that playing right into Ms. Morgan's hands?" - The discussions in the conference room continued in hushed tones. Meanwhile, Natalie was growing impatient on the line with Cedric. "When are you coming?""Natalie!" Cedric gritted his teeth. Natalie was fearless and continued, "Or should I bring a clerk to your office?" She would do it if he wasn't afraid to have his reputation shredded. In reality, she had already trampled on his pride with what everyone had heard earlier. Cedric sneered, "Ten minutes.""Alright. I've brought our marriage certificate with me," Natalie replied. Cedric hesitated but said nothing more. Natalie hung up the video call, satisfied. Staring at his phone's blank screen, he angrily smashed it against the wall the next moment. The man's extraordinarily handsome face could not hide his rage. He never thought Natalie would ask for a divorce. This woman had caused a scene in the morning. And now this. He felt like he was dealing with a bold, unpredictable animal. - On the other end of the phone, Natalie held the marriage certificate firmly in her hand. She was determined to go through with the divorce. When Cedric arrived, he saw the shining marriage certificate in her hand, and his anger flared even higher. His calm features seemed slightly distorted from the irritation. From early in the morning until now, he had been almost constantly angry. - Natalie saw him getting out of the car. It was as if she were looking at a stranger. However, the next moment, the man she thought would enter the building to divorce her suddenly lifted her onto his shoulder. "Hey, you..." She was stuffed into the car as if she were a bag of potatoes. "Cedric Johnson! You shameless man!" Natalie tried to pull the car door open, but it was locked. The man radiated coldness as he grabbed her ankle and forcefully pressed her onto the backseat. The driver, seeing the situation, quickly fled the car. Natalie struggled, "Let go of me, you... Ugh! It hurts!" The pressure on her jaw made it hard for her to breathe.

Chapter 5 Chapter 5 She Dared to Threaten Him

Natalie winced in pain. She raised her hand and slapped Cedric in the face. The already tense atmosphere became even more stifling. Cedric's hand shifted from her jaw to her delicate neck, and his breathing was harsh. "You've been acting strange all day. Explain yourself." At this moment, Cedric finally realized that Natalie wasn't just playing around. She had always been composed and knew her boundaries. If it were just a tantrum, she wouldn't have pestered him like this, especially after he had ignored her in the morning. Natalie glared at him. She held his wrist and said, "The clerk’s office closes in twenty minutes. We should handle the paperwork before it does.""Natalie Walker!" The man's breath was unsteady with frustration. Natalie forcefully pulled his hand down, pushing him away. However, he remained steady as a rock and unmovable. Natalie could do nothing else but glare angrily at him. Cedric eventually lost his patience and decided to take her home. There was no way he could go to work after today's commotion. On the way back, the driver struggled to maintain control of the car, a testament to the intensity of Cedric's anger. Upon reaching home, Natalie sat on the couch, and Cedric sat opposite her. "Can we talk now?""We have nothing to talk about," she replied. Talk? What was there to talk about? He had been involved with his personal assistant for the past six months, and the whole world knew about it. Had he given her any explanation? The man's sharp gaze bore into her. Natalie turned her head away, refusing to look at the man whose temples pulsated angrily. Her indifferent attitude only seemed to make his gaze sharper. "Natalie, no man from the Johnson family has ever divorced; there have only been widowers." Natalie trembled slightly. She looked into the man's eyes, which were filled with complex emotions and anger. So, was this the reason he had burned her to death in her past life? With a trace of coldness in her eyes, she said, "Fine. Either you can be the first divorcee in your family, or you can go to hell!" Cedric was speechless. He stood up, and the air around them felt colder. He looked down at Natalie, emanating a strong sense of dominance. Natalie fearlessly met his gaze, her infuriating expression pushing Cedric to his breaking point. He finally turned away. Continuing this conversation might lead him to lose control and strangle her. Natalie watched him walk away. Even if it was just his back, it had once given her an immense sense of security. But now... "Wait," Natalie called out to him. Cedric paused but didn't turn around. "You should calm yourself. Don't contact me until you figure out how to talk to me." Thinking about the people's reactions in the conference room, he genuinely wanted to dissect her mind and see what she was thinking. He had never imagined she would bring up divorce. For the past six months, she hadn't questioned the rumors circulating outside. Now, she was suddenly talking about divorce! He attempted to leave again, but Natalie spoke up from behind. "If you dare to step out that door today, I'll take Bianca to see that woman in the afternoon. Her name is Isabella Morgan, right?" This time, Cedric was thoroughly provoked. He turned around instantly. At that moment, he almost wished he could tear her to pieces. Natalie also stood up. She crossed her arms and looked at Cedric. She knew that divorcing this man today was impossible. But as for Isabella, she would be abducted tomorrow. Since she couldn't get a divorce, Cedric had to stay with her today. If the blame were going to fall on anyone for this mess, it would be him. After all, he was the one who had caused it! "You're quite something," he remarked. She dared to threaten him. What a truly unruly woman! Natalie responded, "Two can play this game!"

Chapter 6 Chapter 6 Explanation

At lunchtime, Cedric answered several company calls and barely ate anything. Meanwhile, Natalie sat quietly. It was hard to believe that a woman who had been insisting on divorce could still eat so heartily. Cedric was irritated as he looked at Natalie in dissatisfaction. After hanging up the phone, Cedric said, "I need to go on a business trip to South City. I'll be leaving this afternoon and will probably be away for about three days." A few days away might be for the best. He hoped that she would calm down during this time and not bring up the frustrating matter from today when he returned. Finally, Natalie lifted her head to look at him. Her beautiful eyes sparkled, and she casually brushed her long hair aside. It was a gesture that exuded elegance. Cedric narrowed his eyes, and he felt tense all over. After being married for many years, he still couldn't resist her. Natalie didn't know what was on the man's mind. She blinked her long lashes and remembered that in her previous life, this man had also gone on a business trip in the afternoon when he received news of Isabella's kidnapping. Later, he had rushed back in a hurry. She replied after some careful consideration, "Sure. Bianca has some free time this afternoon, so I think it would be a good time for me to speak to Ms. Morgan and get the legalities out of the way." Cedric couldn't leave today. He had to stay with her. Cedric was genuinely furious after he heard what she said. Natalie was causing such a ruckus until it affected his work?! "This is completely unlike you, Natalie! You weren't like this before!""Did you even remember what I was like before? Or do you remember what you used to be like?" He mentioned the past, and it struck a chord with Natalie. The past?! Cedric had the audacity to bring up the past!? Cedric also realized that Natalie was making a fuss about the events of the past six months, something she had ignored until now. He had assumed she trusted him, so he hadn't explained. But who would have thought that she would bring up divorce directly because of this matter? "You finally asked," he said, realizing that the trust between them had always been his own presumption. Natalie knew what he was thinking but chose not to say anything. At this point, talking too much wouldn't make a difference. Cedric continued, "The rumors that are going around about us... That's not what it is between me and her.""I don't care about what happened between you two. Right now, you either go ahead with the divorce, or you stay at home and seriously consider it," Natalie stated firmly. Cedric clenched his fists at her words, and his gaze fixed on Natalie. He had no desire to say another word. She had always been a stubborn woman. If she didn't throw a tantrum whenever something happened, that was the end of it. But if she did, it would take days of cajoling to calm her down. Right now, what she needed most was to calm down. Natalie was firm on her decision. Regardless of what happened today, Cedric couldn't leave their home. Not a single step. However, what infuriated her was... He left while she was using the restroom! Standing in the spacious villa, she closed her eyes. Thinking about her situation after tomorrow, a chill ran up her spine. After a while, her phone rang. The screen displayed Bia's name, and Natalie answered. "Hello, Bia.""How's it going, Nat? Did that scumbag sign the divorce papers?" Bianca got straight to the point. Before Natalie married Cedric, Bianca had advised her that the Johnson family was one of the top families in Verde City and that Natalie wouldn't be able to handle such a man. Once a marriage crisis occurred, Natalie would be the one to suffer. What had she replied to Bianca at the time? She had said, "We've been in a seven-year relationship; if there was a chance our feelings would change, there's no way we'll get married." Thinking about it now, that statement was truly ironic. Taking a deep breath, she replied, "No.""What? He cheated and is still trying to justify it? He won't agree to a divorce?""Enough, Bia. Do you know of any handwriting analysis agencies?""Why?""I need one," she said urgently. One pitfall couldn't keep her down in the same place for two lifetimes, right? Since she couldn't change what happened today, she needed to be fully prepared for what would happen tomorrow. "Yes, I do. I'll send you the information right away.""Okay.""How about tea in the afternoon tomorrow?""Sounds good." Natalie's lips curved into a smile. When she thought about it, these three years as Mrs. Johnson had been quite frustrating. Since getting married, she had rarely gone out with her friends. She was supposed to be the high-and-mighty daughter-in-law of the Johnson family. Her mother-in-law, Rebecca Carter, insisted the people she met had to match the Johnson family's status.

Chapter 7 Chapter 7 Reliance

It was a sleepless night for Natalie. She spent the entire night thinking about various moments from her previous life—how Cedric and Isabella had been together and the heartlessness with which Cedric had made her sign the surgery consent form. The only thing she didn't want to recall was the seven years of their love and the three years of their marriage. Yesterday afternoon, Natalie sent the divorce agreement to the handwriting analysis center. Upon waking up, she immediately called to inquire about the results. Once she had that sorted out, she went to where she had arranged to meet Bianca. Bianca had arrived ahead of her and was waiting at the entrance. She wore a professional outfit with a windbreaker, which was Natalie's favorite look. However, she hadn't dressed that way since her marriage to Cedric. So, every time she saw Bianca, she envied her for her mature appearance. Natalie asked, "Why didn't you go in first?""You're Mrs. Johnson, remember? Your chosen venues are all exclusive members-only places. They don't entertain non-members." Natalie stiffened upon hearing that. She looked at Bianca with a guilty expression and said, "I'm sorry. I...""Oh, come on, I'm just teasing you." Seeing that Natalie didn't know what to say, Bianca interrupted her and pulled her inside. It had to be said that since being with Cedric, Natalie had become increasingly immersed in his world. Even having a casual afternoon tea could cost more than some people's monthly salary. It was no wonder that when she married Cedric, many people speculated that she was marrying him for his money. "So, what changed your mind?" Bianca asked while stirring her coffee. Natalie looked down, and her long lashes concealed the emotions in her eyes. Her tone was calm as she replied, "I simply had a moment of realization." Six months ago, when Bianca had advised her to divorce Cedric, she had been angry for over three months and hadn't spoken to her best friend during that time. She now looked apologetically at the woman opposite her and said, "Bia, I'm sorry for before. I wasn't really mad at you. I was just scared." She had been afraid that all the rumors circulating outside were true. It took a lot of courage to let go of a ten-year relationship, something not everyone could do. Bianca appeared nonchalant, her words direct and sharp as ever. "I understand. After all, you've been together for so many years. A man like him is quite charming when you're in love." Natalie remained silent. "Marriage really isn't suited for you," Bianca stated matter-of-factly. Natalie nodded. Over these three years, only she knew what kind of life she had been living. Just as Natalie and Bianca were about to continue their conversation, an unpleasant voice interrupted them, "Well, well. Who do we have here?" Natalie turned around at the voice and saw Christina Johnson looking at her with disdain. Christina was Cedric's sister, or rather, the adopted daughter of the Johnson family. Natalie only spared her a glance before her gaze landed on Isabella Morgan, who was standing beside Christina. Isabella might not be considered drop-dead gorgeous, but she had an appearance that was easy on the eyes. Natalie's eyes dimmed, and she clenched her fists. She trembled with anger at the sight of the woman. "Bia, let's go." Natalie didn't want to stay here for another second. She was afraid that she might lose control and confront that woman. It was a special day today, and she couldn't afford any conflict with Isabella. Bianca couldn't stand people who thought they were superior just because of their family background. So, she easily replied, "Sure. I should get back to work too." But Christina couldn't resist taunting Natalie. "It seems you still haven't learned your lessons from Mom's teachings, huh? You're still associating with these unsavory sort.""Christina Johnson!" Natalie couldn't hold back her fury any longer. She turned around, intending to retaliate, but a hand reached out to grip her wrist tightly. "Nat," Bianca said firmly. "Oh, what's this? Are you angry? Over someone like her?" Christina mocked. "Christina, where are your manners? You're still considered to be part of the Johnsons, aren't you?" Natalie retorted without holding back. She knew that being adopted was a sensitive topic for Christina. Even Rebecca never openly acknowledged Christina's status as an adopted daughter to outsiders. Seeing how Christina's face had paled from the reminder, Natalie huffed and pulled Bianca's hand. "Let's go." Christina suddenly shrieked from behind them, "How could my brother be interested in a woman like her?!""That's enough. Why do you even bother with her?" Isabella's tone was gentle as she subtly asserted her authority. Based on how she spoke, there was no doubt that she thought she was the true young mistress of the Johnson family. Natalie's lips curved into an icy smile.

Chapter 8 Chapter 8 Turning Hostile

"Nat, there's no need to bother about them because of me," Bianca said, looking at Natalie with concern. Clearly, she was worried about Natalie's miserable days in the Johnson family. After all, they were still not divorced, and being a wealthy family's daughter-in-law was no easy task. Natalie waved her hand dismissively and said, "They haven't treated me well either. Now that we're getting divorced, there's no need to hold back and continue pretending." Because of Cedric, Natalie had always tried to please the Johnson family, no matter how difficult they made life for her. She had hoped they would accept her if she did so. But in the end, there was no acceptance. There was only a status quo that remained the same forever. Just then, her phone vibrated. She checked it and saw that it was Cedric calling. She glanced at Bianca and answered, "Hello.""What did you say to Tina?" Cedric's voice was tense. "Don't you already know? By the way, she's with Ms. Morgan now. I didn't know that woman had become so close to your family." Natalie made sure to emphasize the last two words. Even through the phone, she could feel Cedric's breath hitch for a moment. Natalie quickly hung up the phone and closed her eyes, concealing the sharpness in her gaze. Bianca glanced at her and commented, "I didn't expect your relationship with him to be so strained." That attitude Natalie had on the phone? That was unexpected. Especially since it was a call from Cedric. If Bianca didn't hear it wrong, he had called to question Natalie about Christina. Just a minute after Natalie hung up Cedric's call, her mother-in-law, Rebecca, also called. Natalie glanced at Bianca again, feeling a headache coming on. "Bia, I'm sorry, but I won't be able to see you off. I need to leave first." She didn't want her best friend to see her in such a wretched state. Bianca nodded and didn't stop her. Natalie only answered the call after she got into the car. Without waiting for her to speak, Rebecca's displeased voice came from the other end, "Come to the mansion immediately.""No can do. I don't have the time," Natalie replied instantly. She didn't give Rebecca a chance to speak further. She hung up the call decisively and put her phone on silent mode. No matter how many times it rang afterward, she didn't answer. - Upon returning to the villa, Natalie called for the housekeeper, Zoe, who had always been kind to her. It so happened that today, they needed to replace the potted plants and arrange flowers in the villa. For the entire morning, Natalie and Zoe worked together to tidy up the place. The landline rang, and Natalie said, "Zoe, please answer the call.""Of course, ma'am." Zoe walked over and picked up the phone. Natalie couldn't hear what was being said on the other end, but she noticed Zoe glancing at her. Then, she responded to the caller, "Madam returned around nine." Natalie was confused at the conversation she could hear. "Yes. She has not left the villa since her return." Snip! The sound of scissors cutting through rose stems echoed loudly suddenly. Natalie's gaze sharpened as she lowered her head. Isabella had been kidnapped. There was no doubt about it. Unperturbed, she continued arranging flowers. Zoe then hung up the phone and came over. Natalie casually asked, "Who was calling?" Zoe replied, "It was Mr. Johnson who called." Natalie couldn't help but sigh. Hah. That was her husband, huh? The first thing that came to his mind when that woman was kidnapped was to suspect his own wife. It had been ten years, and what had she gained? Even though this was her second life, Natalie couldn't help but feel a sense of desolation in her heart. "What did he want?""He asked when you returned and whether you went out after that." Natalie nodded and hummed in response. She... was about to face a major battle. Setting down the scissors in her hand, she said cheerfully, "Please inform the kitchen that I'd like to have beef wellington for lunch." She wanted to celebrate! Even though she was about to face a flood of troubles, how could she face them without a hearty meal to strengthen herself?