Chapter 42 Settling Old Scores 

From the numerous past scandals, it was evident that Isabella had feelings for Cedric 

Therefore, it wasn’t surprising that she would behave so generously in front of Cedric. Though Rebecca 

didn’t like Isabella, the way she was now did bring some relief to Rebecca. 

However, Rebecca couldn’t help but wonder. “Why is this news circulating now?” 

“Because Natalie has been refusing to apologize,” Christina said in a low voice. 

This remark only infuriated Rebecca further. Talking about Natalie was a surefire way to make her wish she could tear Natalie to pieces. 

“She did such a malicious thing! Even if she was asked to give her eyes to Isabella, she would deserve it! Yet she remains unrepentant and refuses to apologize?!” 

Rebecca’s anger grew with every word. 

Isabella had already spoken in such a forgiving manner, and Natalie still wouldn’t apologize. 

What the hell did she want? 

Christina sighed, “If she continues like this, Isabella might just hand over the evidence to the police.” 

“That wretched woman!” Rebecca fumed. 

The situation had already caused considerable embarrassment to the Johnson family. If Natalie were to end up in jail, their reputation would be dragged through the mud. 

The more Rebecca thought about it, the angrier she became. 

In the end, Rebecca called Natalie again. This time, Natalie answered. 

Before Natalie could say anything, Rebecca said furiously, “Come back immediately.” 

No matter what happened, Rebecca wanted Natalie to apologize to Isabella and put this matter to rest! 

Natalie had always respected her elders. However, she curtly replied, “I’m busy.” 

“What could you possibly be so busy with? Since you married into our family, we haven’t let you work a single day. How dare a young mistress of the family like you tell me that you’re busy-” 

Before she could finish, the sound of the call ending interrupted Rebecca’s scolding. 

At this moment, Rebecca no longer exuded the air of a refined lady. She looked more like a woman full of 

“She’s gotten completely out of control!” Rebecca screamed, unable to hold back her anger anymore. 

Christina watched as Rebecca fumed, and she couldn’t resist adding fuel to the fire. She said, “Ced is 

also at fault! Since he isn’t getting a divorce, he should take control of the situation. If she goes and 

apologizes to Isabella, this whole matter will be resolved!” 

Apologize? 

Christina was well aware that Natalie would never apologize to Isabella. She was using this method to 

ruin Natalie and Cedric’s future relationship. 

When Rebecca heard that, she decided to call Cedric, 

On Cedric’s side, everyone felt like they had crawled out of hell after a long meeting. People gradually left the room, leaving Cedric alone. He picked up his phone and saw the push notifications for the top headlines. 

The Johnson family had been a hot topic in Verde City for some time. Even if they managed to suppress most of the public opinion, any small incident could bring all the suppressed issues back to the forefront. 

Even without news coverage, online comments and discussions could still ignite a storm of public opinion! 

Now, headlines about how Natalie injured someone using underhanded means, how she had escaped legal consequences, and many others were being pushed as hot topics. 

“Yuvan!” Cedric exploded in anger. 

Yuvan had been waiting outside and rushed in upon hearing Cedric’s call. 

“Yes, sir?” 

Yuvan’s expression wasn’t much better. It was clear that he knew what had transpired. 

Cedric asked, “Have you seen this?” 

“Yes, sir!” 

“Shut it down immediately!” 

Such extreme articles hinted at the kind of person lurking behind them He also wanted to make those responsible understand the consequences of their ne 

Exploiting others‘ private matters for profit came at a price! 

“I’m already on it,” Yuvan said. 

He had anticipated this situation and arranged for it to be dealt with as soon as he saw the news, even 

before Cedric’s meeting had ended. 

Just then, Cedric’s phone vibrated. He checked and saw that it was a call from the manor’s landline. 

Cedric massaged his throbbing temples and said, “Spread the word. No company in Verde City is to 

employ Natalie. Otherwise, they’ll be going against us.” 

She wanted to distance herself from him in this way? 

Did she think she could support herself like this? 

Well, that depended on whether she even had the chance. 

Yuvan was taken aback. 

Was Cedric now planning to blacklist Natalie in the entire city? 

This… was probably going to make things even messier! 

In Cedric’s view, Natalie behaved like a completely different person now. In the past, as long as he ignored her and gave her a few days to cool down when she kicked up a fuss, she would come back to 

him. 

But this time was different! 

Was it because of the public opinion about him and Isabella? Was that why Natalie was becoming increasingly unruly and had crossed all boundaries? 

Cedric didn’t want to deal with other issues now, such as the man Natalie had on the side or her divorce. 

He only wanted her to understand one thing: if she left him, she wouldn’t have the chance to be independent. 

As for the man overseas and other matters, he would address them in due time. 

For now, he wanted her to come back home. 

The calls from the Johnson Manor kept coming in, and Cedric eventually couldn’t stand it anymore. 

He picked up the call and asked, “What is it?” 

His tone was unpleasant. 

Rebecca, who had been waiting impatiently on the other end of the line, was furious. 

“What’s the matter with you? Do you know what kind of mess that woman has caused our family?!” 

Cedric pinched his nose in exasperation. 

He didn’t answer. 

Seeing how he remained silent, Rebecca continued to shout, “Make Natalie apologize to Isabella immediately! She dared to do such a thing, but she doesn’t dare face the consequences?! You’ve spoiled 

her too much! 

“Look at what you’ve turned her into. She dares to do such malicious things. Such a woman has no place in our family!” 

“If there’s nothing else, I’m hanging up.” 

Cedric didn’t want to hear any more of this. 

Thinking Cedric was going to continue protecting Natalie, Rebecca lost her temper. 

“Are you still protecting her?!” 

“I have a meeting soon!” Cedric said, then hung up. 

He absentmindedly ran his fingers through his perfectly groomed hair, making it instantly messy. 

His once clear and deep eyes were now filled with irritation and gloom. 

With Cedric asking her to apologize and Rebecca forcing her to comply, Natalie would have given in to their demands if it was in her past life. 

She would also have fallen into depression and drowned in her sorrows. 

But things were different now. She was Incredibly busy. 

She didn’t even have time to enjoy the satisfaction of seeing those people frustrated. 

On the way back, Karina said, “We’re going to be busy for the next few days.” 

Natalie nodded in agreement. That was good. 

Being busy helped divert her attention. In the current tense atmosphere, work was the only thing that could help her escape the depression. 

So, she was grateful to have her uncle’s support. 

However, she didn’t know that Cedric had blacklisted her. 

She received a call saying that a design project she had discussed the day before had been canceled. 

“You haven’t seen my design yet. Can you tell me why you’re canceling the contract today?” Natalie asked, 

puzzled.