Chapter 72 Shining Brightly
While she was planning to divorce Cedric, it wasn’t as if she felt nothing when people portrayed her in that
way.
Who would willingly accept unfair treatment?
Unfairness was one thing, but having to endure humiliation time and time again was quite another.
Natalie glanced at Rebecca. In her all–black evening gown with her hair elegantly coiled up, Rebecca truly exuded the presence of a queen.
Even her speech carried irresistible authority.
In the past, Natalie had been driven to lose her patience when confronted with this kind of gossip. She would retreat to the kitchen, which led people to assume that the kitchen was where she belonged.
A smirk tugged at her lips. “I’m afraid not. After all, I’m still the young mistress of the Johnson family, aren’t I?”
Rebecca retorted, “You’ve got some nerve!”
“Enough!” Cedric intervened just as Natalie was about to continue.
He swept her into his arms in a protective manner and said firmly. “She’s the young mistress of the Johnson family, not a servant. There’s no need for her to be in the kitchen.”
“You’re still protecting her at this point?!” Rebecca hissed.
She was on the verge of screaming her lungs out!
If it weren’t for the crowd of onlookers, she might have given Natalie a piece of her mind. Things were getting increasingly difficult to manage, and her composure was slipping.
Cedric didn’t say much more. Instead, he took Natalie’s hand and said, “Let’s go and wish Grandma a happy birthday.”
Rebecca was left frozen there, her heart pounding in rage.
If it weren’t for the presence of so many people, she wouldn’t have been able to hide the resentment in her eyes. Despite all these years in the Johnson family, she still needed some time to recuperate after this encounter.
She swallowed all her frustrations and grievances for now
She would settle the score with Natalie after the banquet!
Natalie and Cedric became the center of attention wherever they went. All eyes were on Natalie,
especially the jewelry she was wearing.
Finally, someone with a discerning eye spoke up.
This created a stir among the crowd!
“Weren’t they about to divorce? Why can they still afford this year’s creation by Lux? And it had to be the
one I couldn’t even get my hands on!”
“It looks quite ordinary to me.”
“Take a closer look. Can’t you see it?‘ Someone said with a dissatisfied glint in their eyes.
Seriously? There were actually people here who couldn’t understand?!
Lux’s design might seem ordinary this year, but there was a deeper meaning to it if one looked carefully.
It was practically…!
The value of this necklace was extraordinary.
“Her dress is also a creation by J.G, the famous designer of this year. She doesn’t look like someone who’s getting divorced.”
The women who recognized the items believed that Cedric had bought them for Natalie.
If they were really getting divorced, why would he spend so much on her?
Discussions were already in full swing at the event!
Tonight, the birthday girl was the most sought after. The guests had brought many gifts, but these were mostly symbolic.
They had come with ulterior motives, either to explore potential business collaborations with the Johnson family or to see if Natalie and Cedric would indeed divorce, holding out hope for possible marriage in the future.
Christina remained by Elizabeth’s side. Her demeanor as a young lady was very endearing, and it drew many admirers tonight
People born into prominent families often felt a certain sadness, as they often found themselves treated like commodities, available for anyone to choose.
Elizabeth also didn’t particularly like Natalie
Upon seeing Cedric bringing Natalie along, her gaze grew more serious. It lacked the gentleness she had displayed while looking at Christina.
Joyce has also come, Ced. Why don’t you go see her? Rebecca had taken a liking to Joyce, and
Elizabeth shared this sentiment.
People who had lived together for so many years had peculiar ways of viewing others and their habits. Natalie appeared unfazed composed, even though Elizabeth was publicly rebuking her.
Cedric, on the other hand, tightened his hold on Natalie’s hand.
“I don’t know her well,” Cedric replied.
Elizabeth was already in a bad mood, and it grew even more somber upon hearing Cedric’s response.
His answer could be seen as a slight to her.
Natalie chimed in with a smile, “Ms. Lambert is a refined young lady. For a married man like Cedric to visit her alone would tarnish her reputation, don’t you think?”
Elizabeth was silent at Natalie’s words.
“Even if he wanted to visit her, he should wait until after the banquet is over.”
Natalie’s words were seemingly casual, but they stung everyone involved like a slap to their faces!
Jocelyn’s father, Henry Lambert, had just presented a gift to Elizabeth and intended to have a brief
conversation.
When Elizabeth instructed Cedric to see Joyce, he understood the Johnson family’s stance.
But who could have anticipated that the soon–to–be–divorced Mrs. Johnson would utter such words?
What did she mean by that? What did she mean that Cedric should visit Jocelyn only after the event had ended? Was Natalie implying that his daughter was just like those unruly women outside and had to sneak around with a man?
The atmosphere in the room grew awkward.
Natalie, in contrast, maintained a calm appearance, thoroughly infuriating those present.
Elizabeth glared at Natalie viciously. “Ced has really spoiled you!”
Her tone was as gentle as possible, but Natalie could sense the emotions in Elizabeth’s tone.
She met Elizabeth’s gaze indifferently.
Where she used to be respectful, she was now defiant. Once a silent presence in the background of banquets, she now stood brightly at Cedric’s side.
“I’m a bit hungry,” Natalie said to Cedric.
Cedric rose. He left the gift with Elizabeth and offered some blessings before taking Natalie to the dining
area.
“Try to control your temper,” Cedric whispered in Natalie’s ear. He knew she was annoyed with the people
in this family. While it was acceptable under normal circumstances, it was inappropriate in the current
setting.
Natalie put a small piece of cake in her mouth, but it felt a bit too rich for her liking.
“Do you think I have a bad temper now?”
As she spoke, she licked the cream off her fingers, looking incredibly alluring. Cedric tensed up from her actions.
“You little minx…!”
He was sorely tempted to deal with her right here!
Christina approached them. Although she had never liked Natalie, she now put on a show of politeness.
“Nat, my necklace just broke. Would you mind coming with me to pick out another one from my room?”
Christina spoke gently but cast a glance at the necklace around Natalie’s neck.
Clearly, she had heard the gossip from the banquet. She hadn’t noticed it when she was near Elizabeth earlier. But now, seeing Natalie in her expensive outfit and jewelry, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of Jealousy.
She hadn’t expected that amidst Natalie’s uproar, Cedric would buy her such things to appease her. She had thought he would lose patience with this hypocritical woman and tell her to leave, but looking at her
Natalie smiled faintly and replied, “Sure.”
Cedric knew that they didn’t get along privately, and he understood the purpose of their visit today!
It was to tell everyone that he and Natalie wouldn’t be divorcing!
He hoped Natalie understood his intentions and wasn’t willing to let others interfere in their affairs at this
time.
