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 Isabe 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 ces. 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,e 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 be increasingly immersed in his world.


    Even having a casual afternoon tea could cost more than some people’s monthly sry. It was no


    wonder that when she married Cedric, many people spected that she was marrying him for his


    money.


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    “So, what changed your mind?” Bianca asked while stirring her coffee.


    Natalie looked down, and her longshes 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 circting outside were true. It took a lot of courage to let go of


    a ten-year rtionship, something not everyone could do.


    Bianca appeared nonchnt, 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 nce before her gazended on Isabe Morgan, who was standing beside


    Christina.


    Isabe 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 Isabe.


    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 Reba 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?” Isabe’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 l*ps curved into an icy smile.