Chapter 172 Take Action 

It took a lot of willpower for Christina not to crumble under Cedric’s sharp questioning! 

Just when she feared Cedric might ask something else, he finally let her go. 

“You can leave now.” 

This sentence was like a reprieve for Christina. 

She had never wished to escape so badly before. 

Before this, she had always tried to spend as much time with him as possible when she could. 

But today, he had exuded such an imposing presence. 

It was terrifying! 

After Christina left, Cedric was alone in the car. It took a long time before the storm in his eyes dissipated. 

It was evident that both Rebecca and Christina hadn’t lied. 

So… what was Natalie hiding from him? 

At Sylvan Gems, as Natalie returned to her office after the meeting, she received a call from Stephen. 

His tone was somewhat serious! 

“Are you getting close to Cedric again?” 

“Uncle!” 

“Is he threatening you?” 

Natalie sighed, rubbing her temples. “It’s nothing like that.” 

“Zane and Karina told me something different. Also, I called Elegance Bay. You didn’t go back yesterday.” 

“Karina even said she picked you up from Scarlet Villa!” 

Karina! 

She really couldn’t keep quiet about these things… 

“Don’t be angry with Karina and Zane. Since I placed them by your side, they wouldn’t dare to conceal anything when I asked.” 

Natalie was silent. 

Fine! 

They were both her uncle’s people, after all! 

Stephen was a clever man. From what Karina and Zane told him, he had a good grasp or 

happening between Natalie and Cedric 

“He’s such a capable man, huh? How dare he cause trouble at Sylvan Gems?” 

“Uncle… 

“I’m coming over right away!” 

“No, I can handle this on my own.” 

“How will you handle it? Stab him with a knife?” 

That might be the only way to completely rid themselves of the problem. 

Until then, it was just a fruitless dream. 

Natalie fell silent. 

what was 

was 

How to handle this?! 

Honestly, she hadn’t figured it out yet. 

These past few days, she had lost her composure due to Cedric’s relentless pursuit. Now that Stephen knew, maybe she wouldn’t have to do anything! 

“Alright, why don’t you come over then…” 

Now that Stephen knew everything, Natalie could rely on him! 

At this moment, she could almost imagine the storm that Stephen and Cedric would brew together. 

She hung up the phone and massaged her throbbing forehead. 

Then, Zane entered with some documents in hand. 

These need your signature.” 

“Zane, I’m not-” 

“You should tell Mr. Jarvis what’s happening with you!” 

“To be blunt, you’re well aware of what kind of presence Mr. Johnson has in Verde City. I’m sure you know better than me. Even Mr. Frazier has been…” 

Zane trailed off, but Natalie understood his meaning. Zane was sharp, and he would investigate if he 

sensed something was amiss. 

That was evident when he uncovered Irwin’s matter. 

“Fine, I understand. You can leave; I want to be alone for a while.” 

Zane nodded and left. 

Once the office was empty, Natalie threw a cup on the floor in frustration. If possible, she really wished 

she could take Leon and the others to beat Cedric up! 

She wanted to beat him until he was dead! 

But she knew it was impossible. 

That would only result in Leon being dismembered. 

Cedric returned to the office, and Lucas followed him. 

“Mr. Johnson!” 

“Lucas, check her call records.” 

Cedric was referring to Natalie. 

“What is the period you’d like me to check?” 

The time around Isabella’s kidnapping.” 

“Well. It’s been a while. It might be challenging to find,” Lucas replied after estimating the time in his mind 

Go and try! 

“Yes, air Lucas nodded. 

+15 BONUS 

Cedric took a sip of water as he stared blankly at the wall. There was an indescribable glint in his eyes. 

He seemed to remember something as he asked, “Has Yuvan returned?” 

“He’ll be back tonight.” 

“Have him come to see me tomorrow.” 

“Yes, sir,” 

With that. Lucas left, leaving Cedric alone in the office. A profound darkness flashed in his eyes as he 

contemplated Natalie. 

Considering how much she had changed during this period, Cedric couldn’t help but suspect something 

had happened to her. 

What had he…! 

Closing his eyes, he concealed the chilling gaze that flickered through his eyes. 

It was no wonder she hated him so much! 

In the past, he was the first one she would run to whenever something happened. 

But later, during the chaotic time at Scarlet Villa when he was entangled with Isabella’s matters, she bore 

so much alone. 

And that was only what he knew. 

What about the things he didn’t know? 

Recalling those days now, he understood that during the time he wasn’t there, the despair she 

experienced might have been much more traumatizing than he had imagined. 

Flipping through his phone, he looked at two photos. In one, she appeared like a little tiger, seemingly eager to bite him. 

The hatred in her eyes was evident–it was a profound hatred that went beyond ordinary resentment…! 

He tapped his phone a few more times and sent out the photos. 

That afternoon was anything but peaceful. 

Natalie was initially in a meeting but was forcibly interrupted by a phone call 

Zane brought the phone in and explained, “It’s a call from Mr. Jarvis!” 

Natalie could already guess why her uncle had called. 

She glanced at everyone in the room and said, “Take a ten–minute break!” 

As soon as she said that, everyone stood up. They took their documents and left the meeting room. When the room was cleared out, Natalie picked up the phone. 

“Uncle.” 

“Did you already know from the start?” Stephen’s serious voice came from the other end of the line. 

Natalie could hear that he was in a noisy place. 

It was clear that he was currently at the airport. 

Natalie was at a loss for words. 

“What the hell is he up to? He stopped me from coming to Verde City and forcibly made you 

Scarlet Villa? Is there anything else I don’t know?” 

“Not for now!” Natalie replied. 

She still didn’t mention Irwin’s matter. 

return to 

From Stephen’s tone, she could sense his current anger. She didn’t want to stir up more trouble but also 

realized that the situation between her and Cedric was beyond her ability to resolve! 

de City now?” 

“And, what’s the deal with the reports from Verde City 

“Reports?” 

What reports? 

Natalie’s heart skipped a beat when she heard those words. 

Despite her victory against public opinion, it had undoubtedly left a considerable psychological shadow. 

“You don’t know yet?” 

“I don’t 

“Look at your phone! 

With that, Stephen angrily hung up. 

Hearing the beeping sound that indicated the call had been cut, Natalie was momentarily bewildered 

But she immediately opened her phone as Stephen had told her to. 

When she saw the overwhelming headlines, her eyes narrowed!