Chapter 132

Chapter 132 Coveted Identity

The collaborations that Rebecca had suppressed all returned to Auro Studio.

days…

Natalie had been in Sylvan Gems for the past few days, with Karina taking full responsibility for the

studio’s operations. She had recruited three batches of designers consecutively!

As for Apex Global, the detailed interior design was delegated to the design team after the blueprints

were done. Natalie only needed to perform the final review.

In just a few months, the studio had developed in an unexpected direction. It attracted significant

attention to Natalie’s image as a career woman.

Rebecca was completely unaware of Natalie’s current involvement with Sylvan Gems, and was busy

plotting how to drive her away.

In a towering skyscraper, Cedric stood by the large window. Yuvan stood beside him, reporting on work

matters.

Then, he added, “Also, Madam Rebecca has been quite active lately.”

“What has she done?”

“She’s been in close contact with Mr. Benjamin. It seems they want to force Ms. Walker out of Verde

City,” Yuvan replied.

Ms. Walker?

Yuvan’s way of addressing Natalie had changed from “Madam” to “Ms. Walker.”

Moreover, Yuvan’s report on Rebecca’s actions had a formal tone.

Cedric watched as the vehicles passed below and felt a twinge. “Force her out of Verde City?”

“Ms. Walker’s recent actions led the company to lose two important projects consecutively. Madam

Rebecca is unlikely to tolerate her.”

That was the truth!

Cedric knew Rabecca’s personality all too well.

ick in the Clohnson family, the two didn’t get along. After the divorce and chees, Rebecce p

+15 BONUS

Initially, Yuvan thought Cedric wouldn’t be bothered by it, given his indifferent attitude during this

period.

However, after hearing the report, Cedric turned around. He casually grabbed the car keys from the

desk.

Yuvan was puzzled and moved to follow. “Sir, where are you going?”

“Don’t follow me,” Cedric replied coldly.

Yuvan’s eyes darkened for a moment.

It seemed… Cedric couldn’t suppress his emotions when it came to Natalie?

No, there was no need to think too much into this!

To Yuvan, someone like Natalie was completely undesirable. A woman who didn’t stay at home

properly

and caused so much trouble was nothing but a nuisance!

After leaving the company, Cedric drove straight to the Johnson Manor. The dinner table had already

been cleared, Benjamin had left.

When he returned, Rebecca and Elizabeth were in deep discussion. Rebecca’s expression seemed off,

and Elizabeth didn’t look pleased.

“So, are we powerless against her now?” Elizabeth asked with a sharp gaze.

That was the truth!

“Let’s not do anything rash. We have to first investigate where she comes from!” Rebecca said.

Rebecca increasingly felt that something was amiss.

Considering his high–profile status, Stephen’s repeated protection of Natalie should have attracted

significant attention.

Even if Simeria’s journalists dared not report it, what about international news? Yet, there was no news

of the slightest marital discord.

She found it hard to believe that Heather had no objections to her husband protecting a young girl so

pondered, she felt that something was off about this situation.

and and said, “Involving Benjamin in this matter was the right thing to do. Even if it

able to maintain a good image with him

Over the years, the most significant disputes had been with Benjamin and his family. If Benjamin wasn’t

causing trouble, there wouldn’t be any issues.

Now, Benjamin was involved. Even if things didn’t work out, it would be fine. With how concerned he

was about preserving his reputation, he would likely find a way to suppress the matter rather than

trouble

them.

“Yes, take advantage of this time to investigate the relationship between Natalie and Stephen,”

Elizabeth

advised.

“No need to investigate!”

Rebecca’s words were cut short by Cedric’s voice echoing from the doorway.

Both Elizabeth and Rebecca were momentarily stunned, especially when they saw Cedric’s displeased

expression.

Their hearts skipped a beat. Undoubtedly, every time they criticized Natalie in the past, Cedric wore

this

expression.

They hadn’t expected that even after their divorce, Cedric would still behave in the same manner.

“Ced, I…” Rebecca stood up and walked towards Cedric.

Dressed in high–end custom attire, her entire demeanor exuded a certain stiffness. Her appearance

made

it impossible to reveal the intended warmth she was trying to portray at this moment.

Cedric tossed the car keys into the entryway key basket.

Then, he walked to the side and sat on the sofa. Crossing his legs, he pulled out a cigarette and lit it

before taking two deep drags.

This agitated demeanor never existed when Natalie was around, and it made Elizabeth and Rebeccal

exchange a glance. There was an unspoken understanding as they both looked at Cedric, waiting for

his

explanation.

Midway through his cigarette, Cedric spoke, “Stephen is her uncle.”

cca and Elizabeth were speechless. They exchanged another glance, a bit bewildered.

The atmosphere suddenly turned cold, and even a pin drop could be heard in the silence.

moment, Rebecca finally reacted and nervously asked, “What do you mean?

aid Cedric replied.

Exactly what he said?

Stephen was Natalie’s uncle?

Cedric looked at his mother and then at Elizabeth. “You heard correctly. Stephen is Natalie’s uncle,

Natalie’s mother’s brother.”

Now, Rebecca and Elizabeth fully understood.

Uncle!

A familial relationship.

Natalie was Stephen’s niece?!

“How is that possible?” Rebecca asked, disbelief evident in her tone.

Indeed, how could it be?

Three years!

No, not just three years–Rebecca had known since the beginning of Natalie and Cedric’s relationship.

At

that time, she had started investigating Natalie’s background. The results showed that Natalie had no

family and no relatives.

Since then, she had opposed their relationship. But her son was too stubborn, and she couldn’t stop

them,

In the end, they got together. They dated for seven years and were married for three.

With Rebecca’s excessive attention to Natalie’s background, how could she not know that Natalie had

an

uncle?!

“That’s right, Ced. How is this possible?” Elizabeth was also shocked.

They had long heard about Stephen’s formidable presence, and their understanding of him had

deepened.

during this time while he had been involved with Natalie.

The term “highly successful individual” didn’t do justice to Stephen!

Since Natalie had such an uncle, how could neither they nor Cedric have known all these years?

How is this possible? Yeah, that’s the question. I don’t know! I don’t know how this was possible!”

Cedric took a fierce drag from his cigarette, Inhaling it right down to the butt, indicating his current

frustration

red to know, how was this possible?!

Rebecca and Elizabeth exchanged a glance, shock evident in their eyes.

It was clear they needed some time to process this news. It had come too suddenly!