Chapter 71

  Situation 

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 casually inspected her painted nails. “How does it compare to your other woman?” 

Cedric retorted, “You can stop talking now!” 

This woman could be so infuriating! 

As soon as she opened her mouth, she could piss him off! 

Natalie shot him a sideways glance and said, “What, don’t you like to hear it?” 

Thope we can get along peacefully today, and I’ll give you whatever you want afterward.” 

Cedric sighed inwardly. He just didn’t want to argue today. 

Natalie replied, “That depends on whether you leave me in a good mood or not. 

Cedric felt frustrated once again 

Was she saying that she acted out because he forced her to? 

Wasn’t it because she…? 

The atmosphere in the car grew icy. Natalie glanced around. Yuvan wasn’t present, and the driver was trying to keep the car steady. She thought of saying something, but ultimately decided to stay silent. 

Cedric reached out to hold her hand, caressing her palm. “Can we stop fighting, please?” 

He really didn’t want to continue this argument. 

He missed the obedient Natalie from before. 

Natalie looked at him silently. 

Stop fighting? 

Was she the one causing all the trouble? Did he not understand why she acted this way? There was no use explaining to this man. She couldn’t be bothered! 

“That necklace looks unique. Did I buy that for you?” Cedric asked, his gaze falling on Natalie’s neck. 

It was a diamond necklace. 

No, he wasn’t the one who bought it for her! 

At first glance, this necklace seemed ordinary. But upon closer inspection, he realized it was crafted by the renowned jewelry designer, Lux. 

His jewelry had always been a favorite among high society ladies, appearing simple but enduring. 

Moreover, he was extremely proud and only released one necklace per year. If Cedric remembered correctly, the necklace around Natalie’s neck was this year’s creation. 

His eyes narrowed, and the good intentions he had harbored toward her completely crumbled at this 

moment. 

Natalie remarked, “How long has it been since you last gave me a gift? Can’t remember, huh?” 

Indeed, how long had it been? 

He hadn’t given her any gifts this year. 

But if he didn’t, did that mean she would accept gifts from others? 

Who gave it to you?” 

“Stephen? Or was it Irwin?” 

Hearing 

Cedric’s questions, Natalie’s breath tightened. 

He had been investigating her uncle?! 

But judging by his attitude, it seemed he hadn’t uncovered deeper secrets. During the few months abroad, Stephen often took her to visit various relatives. 

As long as Cedric investigated that social circle thoroughly, he would surely learn about her relationship with Stephen. Now, it appeared that he had only scratched the surface. 

That was good. She didn’t want him to know about her connection with Stephen. 

“Tell me!” Cedric became furious as Natalie remained silent. 

This was how things were between them. 

Whenever they were together, it was either Cedric losing control or Natalie losing control. The harmony between them that once existed was no longer present. 

Cedric felt that Natalie should be locked in Scarlet Villa. Ever since she started causing trouble and talking about divorce, her world had become full of different men. 

He hadn’t figured out what was happening with Stephen yet, and now there was Irwin! 

He wished he could break her wings and make her lose her longing for freedom completely. 

A dangerous tension surrounded Natalie. She closed her eyes, turned to Cedric and said, “Today is your grandmother’s birthday. Are you sure you want to quarrel with me?” 

Cedric was taken aback momentarily, then snapped back to his senses. 

Even if something significant happened today, he couldn’t quarrel with her. 

During this time, she had shown him her true character. 

Returning to the Johnson Manor in this manner would only embarrass the Johnson family, worsening the already strained relationship between her and his mother. 

In the end, Cedric endured it and said, “I’ll deal with you later tonight. 

His words implied that they would return to Scarlet Villa once the banquet was over. 

When they arrived at the Johnson Manor, Rebecca was receiving the guests, and a respectful Jocelyn accompanied her 

Everyone tacitly understood Jocelyn’s future status as the future Mrs. Johnson. It was evident that tonight, Jocelyn basked in all the glory. 

However, no one expected that Cedric would return with Natalie on his arm! 

The onlookers collectively held their breath when they saw this scene. 

Rebecca’s expression changed upon seeing Cedric bringing Natalie along. However, she suppressed her 

emotions, considering the numerous people present. 

She maintained an elegant smile on her face as she approached the couple. When she glanced at Natalie, 

there were no traces of warmth in her gaze. 

She asked Cedric in a hushed tone, “Why did you bring her back? Don’t you feel embarrassed?” 

Earlier, when she overheard people privately discussing Jocelyn, they all said she had found an excellent 

future daughter–in–law. 

Now, with Natalie and Cedric appearing together at such an important birthday celebration at the Johnson Manor, it completely shattered the previous divorce rumors. 

As a result, the expressions of those people who had been watching Jocelyn became increasingly strange. 

Jocelyn felt somewhat embarrassed, but a lady like her could conceal her emotions better than the average person. 

Cedric replied, “She’s my wife. How is it inappropriate for her to be here?” 

Rebecca was seething with anger. Now, just looking at Natalie made her furious, especially since Natalie was acting so unruly these days. 

Jocelyn tugged on her sleeve and said, “Aunt, my mother is over there. I’ll go to her first, okay?” 

“Sure, that’s fine,” Rebecca forced a smile. 

At this moment, Jocelyn didn’t quite fit by her side in this gathering. However, recalling how gracefully Jocelyn had stood beside her earlier, she found Natalie even more displeasing. 

You can handle the desserts tonight,” she said in a low voice, her tone far from amiable. 

After all in previous years, Natalle had been in charge of the desserts at these annual banquets. 

a 

When Natalie heard this, a faint smile crept onto her lips. Just the thought of the treatment she had 

received here in the past brought a tinge of bitterness to her heart. 

In that instant, a twinge of pain even surged through her. 

Whispers filled the banquet hall. 

“Is that Mrs. Johnson? She’s quite beautiful. I haven’t seen her much before.” 

“Considering her background, it’s already quite an achievement for her to have lived in the Johnson family. 

for three years. How could she attend an event like this?” 

“But she’s here!” 

“Who knows how she managed to bewitch Mr. Johnson?” 

All the comments placed her in the most unfa