Ch. 1141..1150

Chapter 1141 Do You Even Respect Me

It’s Natalie! Helma could recognize Natalie even if the latter had been reduced to ashes in a fire. Her face contorted as her entire being exuded hostility.

Sensing the change in Helma’s expression and seeing that she was silent, Geert followed her gaze and saw a photo sticking out of his file.

“Helma!” Geert was flustered. He thought he had kept the photo hidden. Alas, he was careless enough, and Helma had spotted it in plain sight.

“What is this?” Helma deftly pulled out the photo pinned beneath the file and waved it at Geert. “A photo of Natalie? Father, I have nothing but respect for you, but how could you keep a photo of this woman?”

Bastien’s betrayal had devastated her enough, so seeing Geert keeping Natalie’s photo was like rubbing salt in her wound.

“This woman seduced Bastien and made him cancel our engagement. I ended up becoming the laughingstock of the upper-class society.” Helma’s chest heaved in fury. “You’re my father! Instead of avenging me, you have her photo and harbor indecent thoughts about her! She’s successfully stolen Bastien’s heart, and now she’s seducing you!”

Geert’s expression was icy cold. “That’s not true.” The woman in the photo wasn’t Natalie but someone who resembled her.

If Helma were to observe it, she would realize it was a low-resolution photo. Although the photo paper was quite new, it was obvious that the photo was a restoration of an old photo.

However, Helma was drunk with rage and had lost her mind. She didn’t notice the details of the photo. Waving the photo in her hand, she sneered, “Not true? The photo is right here. How could you deny it?”

It was hard to keep the photo even though it was recently restored. If it was destroyed, he would never find another one.

Nevertheless, the photo was still useful. Natalie was a pawn that he could never give up. “Helma, give me back the photo,” Geert barked as he stretched out his hand.

Helma’s eyes turned wide as saucers. She couldn’t believe that the man she respected the most was yelling at her just to get Natalie’s photo back. “No way! Father, you’re no longer young. Why are you still thinking about her? Even if you want a woman, why does it have to be Natalie? She’s nothing but a vixen!”

Geert paid no heed to her words and stared at the photo she was holding. “I said, give me back the photo.” Disappointment overwhelmed Helma when she heard those words.

She started laughing as though she had just heard the world’s greatest joke. Standing before Geert, she didn’t bother returning the photo to him and ripped it into shreds instead.

“Father, since you yelled at me to get it back, I shall tear it apart!” Helma declared furiously as her eyes turned red. “I won’t let her make a fool out of you!”

Geert could only watch as the photo was ripped to shreds, with its remains fluttering to the ground. He almost burst a blood vessel.

I told Helma to give me back the photo, but she refused to listen! How could she do this to me?

Shaking in anger, Geert lifted his arm to give Helma a tight slap.

Helma gazed at him incredulously. “Father…”

Geert yelled, “How could you tear the photo? I told you several times to give it back to me. Why did you tear it? Do you even respect me as a father?”

 

Chapter 1142 The Wavering Of Your Mind

Helma lost all sense of rationality after getting slapped by Geert. Father? Is he my father? I hate Natalie so much that it is engraved in my bones, but he still lusts after her and slapped me just because I tore her photo! After stealing my beloved, is Natalie going to steal my father away from me too?

“Father, did you just slap me because of that stupid photo?” “It has nothing to do with the photo.” Geert pointed at her and snapped, “You know nothing, so you have no right to question me! Remember, no matter how capable you are, I’m still your father. You have to comply with my orders!”

Helma covered her swollen cheek and snorted out loud. She then spun on her heels and stormed out of Geert’s study. Geert watched as his daughter left in a haste. Instead of going after her, he crouched down and furrowed his brows.

Patiently, he picked up the remains of the photo and pieced them together. He managed to piece the shreds into a somewhat complete photo.

There were a thousand different emotions flashing across his face, some of which were greed, adoration, and hatred. At the Bowers residence, Emma was taking care of the kids who were having dinner.

Samuel was talking to Steven, who was in Chanaea, on a video call in his study.

After talking about work, they started chatting about daily life. Steven was worried about Samuel’s health. “Sam, are you sure you’ve recovered completely?”

“Yeah.” Samuel pursed his lips and chuckled. “You’re just like Natalie. Why do you think I’d lie to you?”

“Well, you did that before. You rarely lie but came up with that previously. That traumatized me for life,” Steven complained.

He couldn’t help but grow emotional whenever he recalled Samuel putting on a show.

“Natalie is really forgiving. If I were in her shoes, I would definitely pursue the matter even after treating your condition.”

“Of course. No one can be as generous as Nat,” came Samuel’s reply. He was belittling Steven and bragging about Natalie at the same time.

Knowing Samuel was showing off, Steven played along and nodded. “Yes, you’re right. No one is as generous as Natalie!”

“Then when are you going to get me a sister-in-law?”

Suddenly, Steven’s face froze on the screen.

It took him a while to regain his composure. He pretended to be oblivious as he asked, “Sister-in-law? What are you talking about?”

“Steven, you know who I’m talking about.”

“Sam, how would you know when I don’t?” Steven chuckled dryly and turned away from the computer screen.

Samuel knew Steven was trying to avoid the topic, but he wasn’t about to give up this soon. “I’m talking about Luna, Luna Garcia. Previously, I asked her to act with me, so it was natural for you to hesitate. Now that you know the truth, what are you resisting?”

Samuel was right. Steven was resisting.

He had thought that Luna had destroyed the relationship between Samuel and Natalie and had spoken harshly against her.

Upon learning the truth, he recalled how ungentlemanly he had been toward Luna and blamed himself for not acting like a man.

“Sam, I—”

“Man up, will you?” Samuel snapped. “Why are you hesitating? I don’t care whether you love her or not, but please be more decisive. Luna and I were only putting on an act, and our act ended the moment the lie was exposed. Steven, Luna is a great person. If you want to pursue her, hurry up. She can’t handle the wavering of your mind.”

 

Chapter 1143 As Though I Am Useless

After ending the video call, Samuel went downstairs to see the table full of pastries. The kids were delighted at the sight of the pastries. They just finished dinner but were gobbling up the pastries excitedly.

Emma was busy wiping the crumbles off the kids’ lips. After finishing her share, Sophia didn’t forget to offer Emma one. “Mrs. Bunton, you should eat, too!”

The pastries were pretty expensive, so Emma thought she wasn’t in the place to enjoy them. She froze, not knowing whether she should accept the pastry from Sophia. Seeing her reaction, Sophia blinked in confusion and asked adorably, “Mrs. Bunton, why aren’t you eating? The pastries Mommy bought are delicious. Try it!”

As Emma didn’t take the pastry, the other children grew anxious. “Mrs. Bunton, try it!” “Join us, Mrs. Bunton.”

“It’s really yummy, Mrs. Bunton.” Emma grew tearful at how caring they were. She accepted the pastry from Sophia and placed it in her mouth, chewing on it slowly. “Oh, this is the best pastry I’ve ever had!”

Hearing that, Sophia arched a brow smugly. “I told you so, Mrs. Bunton. It’s really yummy!” When Xavian spotted Samuel coming down the stairs, he immediately called out, “Daddy, come here, quick! Mommy bought yummy pastries for us!”

Samuel came over to Xavian but didn’t take the pastry the latter offered. Instead, he parted his lips and asked, “Where is your mommy?” The pastries might look scrumptious, but they weren’t as appealing as Natalie.

“Mr. Bowers, Ms. Nichols is in the kitchen,” Emma informed. “Kitchen?”

Afraid that Samuel might misunderstand, Emma hastily said, “Mr. Bowers, I wanted to cook for her, but she refused to let me enter the kitchen. She said she can cook a bowl of noodles herself.”

“Okay. I’ll go take a look.” Inside the kitchen, Natalie had just placed the noodles in the pot and was stirring them with a fork silently. She had no idea Samuel was standing at the door leading to the kitchen.

Samuel leaned against the doorframe lazily. The tenderness and affection he had for her were evident on his handsome face. “What are you doing?” He broke the silence.

Caught off guard, Natalie stirred the noodles more violently, causing one drop of boiling water to splash onto the back of her hand. At once, she took a sharp intake of breath in pain.

Hearing that, Samuel hurried over to her and took her hand. He then blew on it instinctively. Natalie lowered her head to see Samuel holding her hand as he blew on the red spot at the back of her hand.

“Come here!” That obviously wasn’t enough. Samuel dragged her over to the sink. He turned the tap open and placed her hand under the running water. The water flowed on the back of her hand, and Samuel was standing behind her.

“Why are you so careless?” Samuel asked in his deep voice. “If you want to eat noodles, just let me know. I can cook them for you. Just sit down and wait for me to serve you.”

Despite getting chided, Natalie was touched by his gesture. Nevertheless, she couldn’t help but complain, “I can cook the noodles myself. You don’t have to do that for me. Why are you acting as though I’m useless?”

“You’re not useless.” Samuel stiffened. “Who dares to say you’re useless?”

Why do I feel more useless after hearing that?

After washing the spot Natalie scalded herself, Samuel said, “Go and wait outside. I’ll be done soon.”

As Samuel insisted on cooking noodles for her, Natalie didn’t press on and returned to the dining room to wait for him.

The kids were no longer in the dining room. They had returned to their rooms after finishing the pastries.

When Samuel finished cooking the noodles and came out, Natalie was the only one left in the dining room.

 

Chapter 1144 The Truth Is Not Always Pretty

The hot pasta and Emma’s homecooked food were simple but the best meal for the end of a tiring day. Natalie picked up her fork and started digging into her pasta. At the same time, she cried out, “The pasta made by my hubby is certainly worlds apart from the pasta you can get outside. It’s delicious!”

Her eyes were bright as if all the stars in the sky had fallen into them when she voiced the compliment. Her lips were curled, and her eyes were crescents from the smile. Samuel was enamored.

“Why are you staring at me?” Natalie asked when she noticed Samuel’s burning gaze. “Is there something on my face?” “Mhm,” Samuel hummed with a solemn look.

“Where?” As Natalie said that, she rubbed her face. She found nothing, so she furrowed her brows. “What? Why can’t I find it?” Natalie mumbled. “Samuel, help me take a look at it. Why can’t I find it?”

“Come over.” Without hesitation, Natalie leaned her face over, blinking. She did not doubt the man’s words at all. However, in the next second, the man’s thin lips pressed against her soft ones, stopping her from breathing. “Mm… Mm…”

Natalie thought that Samuel was going to help wipe her face for her; she never thought he was going to turn into a beast at the dining table by grabbing and kissing her. Although they were at home, they were not the only ones there.

The five children could come down at any time, and that was the same for Emma. If any of them caught sight of her getting kissed in a frenzied manner by Samuel, she would experience another moment of absolute embarrassment.

Thus, once Samuel loosened his grip on her a little, she shot him a glare. “B*stard, we’re still at home! Aren’t you scared of the kids seeing us like this?”

“If you’re quieter, it’ll be less likely that they’ll come in and see us like this.”

“You—” Natalie gritted out as she looked at the man with wild eyes. All of a sudden, she felt like the man was coming up with more nonsense logic after returning from the highland. Furthermore, his desires had become more intense.

Samuel had held back more or less in the past, but now, it seemed like he had given up on that and decided to do anything he wanted. The two of them then kissed again for a long while.

Only after satisfying his craving did Samuel finally let Natalie go. As Natalie slowly ate her now room-temperature pasta, she angrily thought, Was he calculating the time earlier? He didn’t kiss for too long or too short, and now, the pasta is at room temperature.

Once Natalie was done with her pasta, and just as she was about to stand up and clear away the table before returning to the room, Samuel abruptly grabbed her wrist, forcing her to halt in her tracks.

“Hm?”

“Why did you burn your hand?”

Natalie stiffened for a second before answering, “You scared me.”

“You’re a pretty alert person,” Samuel uttered, “and I’m not a man-eating monster. You must have been preoccupied with something else while cooking to have been startled by my voice.”

Natalie was taken aback momentarily, but she soon realized there was nothing for her to be surprised about.

The man adored her, so how could he not know what kind of person she was?

She could easily hide the thoughts in her mind from the five children and Emma, but she could never do the same with Samuel.

“I really can’t hide anything from you, can I, Samuel?” Natalie sighed. “I think I’m going to be finding out the truth behind my birth circumstances soon. I look forward to it, but before everything is revealed to me, I can’t stop my mind from running wild. I’m worried that the truth I’ve been seeking all this time will only bring me endless pain because I know not all truths are pretty.”

 

Chapter 1145 To Truly Love Someone

To Natalie, the secret was like Pandora’s box. The box was so attractive that she could not help but be tempted to open it so that she could see what was inside. Yet, at the same time, a voice in her mind told her that many things would become far more complicated once that box was opened. As Natalie’s heart raced, she looked at Samuel and smile bitterly. “Samuel, I seem… particularly indecisive, aren’t I?”

Before Samuel could say anything to that, Natalie continued, “To be honest, I should just stay away from it if I’m truly scared. But at the same time, I want to know the truth. I’m stuck in the middle of two choices, and it feels horrible. I’m afraid of knowing, and I’m afraid of not knowing. I feel like a headless chicken running around and around in circles…”

The frustration Natalie felt was audible in her voice. She had always been a decisive woman, and yet, she kept wondering if she should proceed to learn the truth about her birth circumstances.

When she heard nothing from Samuel and realized that the man was only staring at her, she blurted out, “Am I pointlessly wishy-washy? Then, you—”

“I’m just feeling happy to learn that you’ve changed,” Samuel told her as he cupped her face and lifted her chin. “You used to take on everything by yourself regardless of whether the matter is good or bad. Now, you’re telling me the thoughts you have in your mind, and you’re letting me share your sorrows and joys.”

The moment those words left Samuel’s lips, Natalie’s heart skipped a beat. Indeed, ever since she had been set up by Yara and nearly died, she had become used to enduring everything in silence alone.

That did not mean she did not trust the people around her, however, simply that she could not fully trust them. Fragility like this moment was something she would have never revealed in the past. “I…”

“It’s normal for you to be hesitant,” Samuel said to Natalie in a low voice as he caressed her cheek. “Although you’ve found new clues about your birth circumstances, the future is still unknown to you. Nevertheless, regardless of what your history is and who your father is, you’ll always be my wife, and you’ll always be the mother of our five kids. That is something that will never change.”

Every word that came out of Samuel’s mouth was exactly what Natalie needed to hear. She parted her lips, only to realize that her words seemed to have grown spines and were stuck in her throat.

All she could do was stare at those determined eyes of his and see the love and gentleness in them. Samuel’s words had melted her heart. “Okay.”

Natalie nodded vigorously as happiness re-entered her bright eyes. Samuel pulled her into his arms. He had been watching her change into someone more emotional, and now, she knew how to fully love a person.

It was wonderful. Life continued mundanely.

Ever since the hair sample was secretly sent to the organization, Cynthia had been waiting for the result.

Soon, per her order, Demi took the result of the test from the lab.

When Cynthia saw Demi returning, she anxiously urged, “Where’s the report? Give it to me!”

Upon hearing Cynthia’s anxious yell, Demi sped up and passed her the report.

“You’re dismissed.”

Once Demi was gone, Cynthia became the only one left in the room.

Her hands holding the report began to tremble uncontrollably.

It took her a deep breath before she could stop the tremble in her hands. After steeling herself, she opened the folder.

The report stated—Probability of Paternity: 99.99%.

It was a result Cynthia expected, but she still could not stop herself from inhaling sharply upon seeing the words.

I knew it. I knew it! Natalie Nichols is really his biological daughter!

“This is fate!” Cynthia gripped the report so hard she crumpled the paper. “Everything is part of God’s plan…”

 

Chapter 1146 More And More Confusing

Life went on without any problems arising. Time passed in the blink of an eye, and soon, half a month was gone. It seemed peaceful, but no one knew what was lurking under the still waters.

Dream Corporation and the Leitz family signed an order for a bulk purchase of rough stones. Helma reported the matter to Geert. After raking his gaze across the contract, Geert praised, “Helma, you’ve done well.”

However, there was no smile on Helma’s face as she uttered, “This is just my duty.” Ever since Geert had slapped Helma, the feelings of familial love she had for Geert had dissipated.

If Helma used to be the beloved princess, then now, she was a princess who had taken off her crown, as well as her elegance and pride. No one could figure out what was going on in her mind anymore.

Helma once believed in her family, but that was no longer the case—she now trusted no one but herself. “Helma, are you still angry with me?”

“I don’t have a good memory,” she said in a flat tone. “When did that happen again?” Geert was initially stunned by her response, but he soon laughed. “Helma, you’ve grown mature.”

“Is that so?” Helma answered nonchalantly. “I don’t think I’ve matured enough yet.” As if a kind father, Geert patted Helma’s shoulder.

“Take your time.”

Despite his words, Helma curled her lips slightly as feelings of disgust rose in her chest.

“Helma, I know that you still despise Natalie…” Geert started, his hand still on Helma’s shoulder. “But Natalie has a unique identity, and you can’t lay a finger on her unless you have a good reason to do so. Do you hear me?”

Helma sneered inwardly.

A unique identity? Are you sure Natalie hasn’t cast a spell over you?

Those words of Geert were words that Helma Leitz could not believe in anymore. To her, the supposed uniqueness of Natalie was just a cover for Geert’s perversion.

Although she disliked it, Helma was not going to be foolish enough to confront Geert head-on anymore.

Therefore, despite her beliefs, she said, “I understand.”

“Wonderful, my good girl.”

After leaving Geert’s study, Helma made a call.

“I’ve already built the connection with Dream per your instructions. As for the next step…”

“Be at ease,” Mistem uttered. “King will fulfill the promise he has made to you. That shipment will soon be transported to Yaleview from the border, and when they find out that there is something wrong with that shipment, Natalie’s reputation will be ruined.”

Helma beamed when she heard the promise.

She felt that she was finally harvesting the fruits of the hardship she had to endure all this while.

In the meantime, a shipment was getting transported to Yaleview’s port.

People of various forces all had eyes on the shipment.

“There’s something wrong with the Leitz family’s shipment,” Joseph reported to Bastien.

Bastien, who had mostly recovered by then, quietly sipped on his tea as he listened to Joseph’s report. When he registered what Joseph had told him, a rare hint of emotion flickered in his eyes.

Joseph knew that Bastien was worried about Natalie.

However, he did not receive any further instructions after reporting the matter to Bastien, so he was stuck standing there awkwardly.

Bastien did not speak, so Joseph dared not take any action about it.

Eons seemed to go by before Joseph finally heard Bastien say, “Forget it. We won’t do anything about this. If she doesn’t go through any hardships, she might never see the love I have for her.”

Joseph was a little surprised by his decision.

He worked closely with Bastien, and he thought he knew Bastien well. Yet, lately, he seemed to be unable to read Bastien’s mind as well anymore.

 

Chapter 1147 Targeted

King appeared before Mistem in a mask. “Mistem, how were things going when I wasn’t around?” King questioned. Mistem positioned his right hand before his chest and half-kneeled before King. “All arrangements have been made. However, Ms. Helma might be affected if we were to force Natalie into danger.”

King scoffed. “Geert’s two daughters are just like him, all pride with no capability. That’s the case for his eldest daughter, and that’s also the case for his younger daughter. If I had managed to marry her back then, our daughter could have been someone like Natalie Nichols.”

At that, Mistem lifted his head to look at the masked man. Mistem had seen King’s face before, and he knew that no one would ever expect that certain man to be the one leading Blaze all these years.

The wind was strong that day. After three days and three nights on the sea, the shipment finally arrived at Yaleview’s port and entered Dream Corporation’s warehouse.

Yandel was staring out the window, daydreaming. When Natalie stood up to pour herself a glass of water, she filled a glass for Yandel as well. “Yandel, what’s on your mind?”

Yandel took the glass from Natalie and said without any reservation, “I’m thinking about how our collaboration with the Leitz family is going a little too smoothly. There hasn’t been a single hitch, and that doesn’t make sense. But I can’t figure out what’s amiss.”

After saying that, Yandel realized he was not making any sense.

“Boss, you don’t really understand what I’m talking about, right? Honestly, it feels like I’m speaking in tongues, and I’m confusing myself too.”

“Well, I have to admit it’s a little confusing.” Natalie patted Yandel’s shoulder. “But it has nothing to do with the way you’re expressing it. Something is up about this matter. Maybe the hitch you’re waiting for will pop up soon.”

A look of surprise manifested on Yandel’s face when he heard her.

“Boss, you know what problem is going to pop up already?”

“I don’t.” Natalie blinked and shrugged before chuckling.

“Then why are you still laughing?”

“Why shouldn’t I be laughing?” Natalie threw the question back at him. “I’m a changed woman. Even if I’m in some kind of danger, you guys will think of a way to fish me out of it. Moreover, do I look like a doormat?”

Danger was coming, but Natalie found herself feeling more at ease than before.

There were many things in life she could not avoid, so she saw no point in worrying about them.

Furthermore, she did not need to bear the burden of everything by herself anymore.

Natalie’s words stupefied Yandel for a while. Once he registered her response, he started chuckling too. It was then he realized that Natalie had changed over time without his knowledge.

She had become even more brilliant and stronger.

“Boss, if you’re a doormat, you might hurt someone’s foot,” Yandel teased.

“Let’s wait for a little longer.”

Speak of the devil, and he shall come.

Before the two of them could even finish their glass of water, a group of uniformed police officers came to Dream’s office. They seemed like they were in a hurry, and they were clearly coming for Natalie.

Yandel drew his brows together. “This is…”

Natalie glanced at Yandel before turning to look at the leading officer.

“Are you Natalie Nichols?”

“I am,” she calmly answered.

“The police have reason to suspect that you’re involved in a drug dealing case. Please come with us now,” the leading officer said as he took out handcuffs. “Please cooperate with us. If you do not, we’ll have to resort to force.”

Hearing that, Yandel moved to stop them, but Natalie shook her head at him.

“Remember what I told you earlier?”

Yandel was upset about it, but he knew what Natalie meant.

Evidently, Natalie and Dream Corporation were now someone’s target.

This was unavoidable. Instead of trying to flee from the problem, what they should be doing was thinking of a way to resolve it.

With a click, Natalie was cuffed.

 

Chapter 1148 Work With Each Other

Bad news travels fast. News spread like wildfire in Yaleview when the cops arrested Natalie for drug dealing. There was a point in history when drugs had nearly destroyed Loang. That was why the royal family and citizens hated drug traffickers to the bone.

No matter how prestigious a person was, he or she would be sentenced to death if they were found to be associated with drugs. After handcuffing Natalie, the cops led her into the patrol car and sat beside her.

“You’re young, gorgeous, and the chairwoman of a company. Yet, you chose to be a drug dealer. You must be out of your mind, huh?” One of the female cops tilted her head, studied Natalie from head to toe, and made a sarcastic remark.

“No one is above the law. Anyone who gets involved in drugs is just courting death. Be prepared to face capital punishment once you’re convicted!” another cop said. Natalie glared at them before giving them a calm response. “I didn’t do it.”

“Still feigning ignorance when all the evidence and witnesses are against you?” One of them snorted. “You think you can get away with it just because you’re rich? Listen carefully, missy. Deny all you want, but trust me, we have ways to get you to confess your crime.”

Natalie had thought she would go through a proper trial, but upon hearing that, she began to feel that something was amiss. Her eyes darkened. The witnesses, evidence, and the trial… It looks like the person had everything planned out.

It was clear that the mastermind wanted to pin the crime on her. Natalie felt a surge of emotions in her heart, as she knew justice would not be on her side once she was taken to the police station.

Instead of paying attention to the female cops’ sarcasm, she shut her eyes and pretended to be asleep. We can only see through a person when we’re in dire straits. The fact that the Leitz family could sneak suspicious items into the stockpile meant that there was a traitor in Dream. Perhaps it’s the right time now to weed the rat out.

Soon, Samuel learned that Natalie had been detained at the police station.

The expression on Emma’s and the five children’s faces stiffened when they heard about the news. They were mad that she had been made a scapegoat, but at the same time, they were also worried she would be gone for good.

Samuel pressed his lips as his eyes darkened. He looked away, as he could no longer hide the bloodlust in his eyes.

“Daddy, will Mommy…” Sophia gently pulled the corner of his shirt and started crying. “Will Mommy come back?”

Samuel was in an utterly bad mood, but he pulled himself together and said to the five children, “I’ll think of a way to rescue your mommy. She’ll return safely, I promise. But I need all of you to stay home and listen to Mrs. Bunton.”

The children wished they could help, but they knew there was nothing much they could do.

Causing a commotion would not do any good and might even add to Samuel’s burden. The children were aware of the consequences.

“Daddy, don’t worry! We’ll listen to Mrs. Bunton! You must bring Mommy home.”

The children were exceptionally thoughtful.

Emma bobbed her head in response. “Don’t worry, Mr. Bowers. I’ll take good care of the children.”

After squatting down and giving each of them a peck on the forehead, he bade them farewell, turned around, and left the house.

Billy was already waiting for him by the door in his Hummer.

“Billy,” Samuel called out.

“Mr. Bowers,” Billy greeted him respectfully.

Once he got into the back seat of the Hummer, Samuel said, “Billy, Mrs. Bowers and I are now in a quandary despite being miles apart. But from now on, we have to work with each other to turn things around.”

 

Chapter 1149 I Am Innocent

Over at Luna Palace, Cynthia was practicing calligraphy when she learned about the news from Demi. Her hand froze instantly. The excess ink in her pen seeped through the paper. After a short pause, she regained her composure and gave Demi a baffling look. “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely,” Demi replied. “Her arrest hasn’t been announced publicly, but I got this information from a reliable source. I wouldn’t have told you if it was an unverified rumor, Lady Cynthia.” “Got it.” Cynthia put aside her pen.

Beneath her deadpan expression, she was overwhelmed by emotions on the inside. If Natalie is found guilty of drug trafficking in Loang, she’ll face capital punishment. The fact that the cops have nabbed Natalie means they have evidence against her. At this point, nobody will care if the evidence is credible or fabricated anymore.

Cynthia was pleased with the outcome. It’s time for Natalie to pay back what her mother had done to me. A few seconds later, Cynthia started laughing hollowly.

Somehow, Demi could feel that Cynthia was laughing to vent her hatred and she could not wrap her head around it. “You can leave now.”

“Understood.” After trying to process her thoughts for a few seconds, Demi came to her senses and left the room. Cynthia picked up the stained paper and glanced at the words she had written on top.

Overwhelmed by mixed feelings, she crumpled the paper with intense hatred in her eyes. Jen, I’m surprised you survived the ordeal and sought refuge in Chanaea. You chose to stay in a faraway land instead of returning to your home country. But in the end, your daughter still returned to Loang—the country you escaped from years ago!

Cynthia continued squeezing the paper so hard that her fingernails sank into it. She gritted her teeth and muttered, “I won’t let her off the hook. Just you wait!”

Meanwhile, the cops did not lock Natalie up at the police station. Since her arrest was related to drugs, she was put away in a special interrogation unit.

After changing into the outfit provided by the cops, Natalie was locked within four walls with no light and windows.

Not only did the cops cuff her limbs, but they also removed her accessories and confiscated her communication device. Clad in a grey outfit, she could only sit quietly in the confined space.

There was not even a clock she could refer to in the pitch-black room. It was so quiet that she could hear her breathing, heartbeat, and the sound of her swallowing the fluid lodged in her throat.

She was all alone in total darkness.

After a long time, she finally saw a glimpse of light when two uniformed men entered the room.

“Your name,” the leader asked with an unamused expression. He sounded as though he was about to draw his gun and point it at her forehead.

Natalie lifted her head and shot daggers at the man. “Natalie Nichols.”

“When we’re carrying out our routine inspection, we found controlled substances in Dream’s warehouse.” The man then tossed a few photos and raised his voice. “I can call it controlled substances, but we all know they’re illegal drugs! How dare you smuggle drugs to Loang? Do you know drug trafficking is punishable by death?”

The interrogator exerted intense psychological pressure on her.

Besides being confrontational, the man adjusted the table lamp and aimed the light at Natalie’s eyes. The intense light beam caused her to shed tears uncontrollably since her eyes had been accustomed to the darkness.

Refusing to answer his question, Natalie kept her eyes shut.

The man slammed on the stainless steel desk. “Natalie Nichols, we found evidence in your warehouse. What say you?”

Natalie remained silent. Is this all they can do? Why should I plead guilty if I didn’t do anything? No one can force me to confess a crime I’ve not committed.

The teary-eyed Natalie opened her eyes and glared at the man. She refused to give in. “The photos may be real, but I didn’t do it. I’m innocent.”

 

Chapter 1150 Why Am I Panicking

Natalie showed no sign of fear or weakness, although tears had welled up in her eyes. “Based on our investigations, Dream Corporation in Chanaea is involved in the pharmaceutical and entertainment industries,” the interrogator said.

After a short pause, the man carried on with his assumption. “Is your pharmaceutical business involved in producing those illegal substances? Did you sneak them into Loang in the name of expanding your jewelry business in our country?”

Natalie responded with a cold snort. “What are you laughing at?” the man questioned her.

“I’m laughing at the assumption you made based on the limited information you gathered.” Natalie stopped smiling and pulled a straight face. “Pharmaceutical is a noble industry. You can make deductions from the available evidence, but please stop making unsubstantiated allegations against me!”

“You…” The man was taken aback by how steady Natalie was. W-Why am I panicking? After putting the lamp back on the table, the man sneered, “You think you can get off scot-free just by denying it?”

“You arrested me because you’re performing your duty,” Natalie said nonchalantly. “I’m also exercising my rights by telling you the truth. You can’t force me to admit something I didn’t do.”

Bang! Upon hearing her remark, the man once again slammed the desk. “How dare you deny when the evidence is against you? Stop playing with words!” “I didn’t play with words. I was just telling you the truth.”

“It’s all just sophistry!” The man stared at her from the corners of his eyes. “Since you refused to confess your crime, I have no choice but to do something to make you spit the truth!”

Natalie licked her dry lips. I should keep my mouth shut since the answer I gave was not what they were looking for, and I couldn’t provide them with the response they wanted.

The cops had not offered her a glass of water since they locked her in the room. When are they going to give me some drinking water though…

Natalie continued to ignore him, and he exploded, “F*ck! Say something!” Natalie still gave him the cold shoulder. “Okay! I guess we have to do it the hard way!” The man gave his partner an eye signal, and the latter went out of the room.

A few minutes later, his partner returned with two carts of instruments of torture, like a blunt knife and a chain whip. The man walked up to Natalie and lifted her chin.

“Speak!” He inched closer and whispered in her ear, “Confess your crime right now. You can’t escape the death sentence, but we can spare you the suffering while you’re still alive. You’re a lady, and I’m sure you don’t want to go through hell. For your information, the person outside has given me permission to do anything to you.”

Natalie’s eyes narrowed when she heard that. Who’s the person? Is the person the mastermind behind this? Is he or she from the Leitz family?

Yandel and Natalie had taken all the precautionary measures when they decided to work with the Leitz family, as they were aware of the risks. Yet, she had still fallen victim to their scheme. We have a traitor lurking around, and I’m sure this traitor is someone holding a high-rank position in Dream.

“Is the person waiting outside Helma Leitz?” Natalie asked.

“The Leitzs can’t make me do anything.” The man snorted and expressed his disdain.

Natalie began to wonder who orchestrated this. Who else if the mastermind is not Helma or the Leitzs?

She still could not figure out who the person was after pondering for some time.

“I’m giving you one more chance to confess your crime right now!” The man picked up the chain whip from the cart and started swinging it in the air.

Natalie glared at him and responded, “I’m innocent!”

Upon hearing that, the man lashed her with a whip.