Chapter 378

In that moment, Daniela's impulsive urges were tempered by reason.

She stopped in her tracks, her eyes locking onto Natalie, whose features mirrored her own. A subtle smile appeared on her lips. "Natalie, it's been a while."

Natalie, a top-tier graduate with international experience, stood in stark contrast to Nina. She radiated a confident, composed aura.

At a remarkably young age, Natalie had founded a publicly traded company.

"Daniela, my mother sent me to help you," Natalie said, her smile calm and confident. "I majored in Finance and minored in Law, with additional studies in Psychology and Investment Banking. I believe I can be a more effective assistant than Lillian. I've prepared a workflow diagram based on Nina's tasks. Please take a look, and if it suits you, we can begin today."

Natalie's tone carried an undeiable air of superiority,her confidence evident. Though she framed it as a suggestion, there was an underlying tone of authority.

Nina, usually quiet and obedient, couldn't help but feel dwarfed by Natalie's presence. There was no denying that Natalie's professionalism was both commanding and efficient.

Daniela glanced between the two women."Alright.Natalie is competent and reassures me. You two can handle the details. I'm off for a morning run."

With that, Daniela left the villa.

On her way, she received a message from Ryan."Natalie just returned!"

Daniela responded,"I saw her."

"What? She even visited you? I believe she had something to do with what happened to your mother back then."

Back then, Brylee had been manipulated by a psychologist Katrina had brought in. The only reason the psychologist had been allowed to stay in the house was because Natalie had claimed to have feelings for him.

Natalie had persuaded Brylee to let him stay.Otherwise, someone as cautious as Brylee would never have allowed an outsider to remain in her home.

While Katrina was the direct instigator, Elyse and Natalie were the ones pulling the strings behind the scenes. Before leaving the villa, Daniela took one last look behind her.

The sky above was heavy with an impending storm.

The air was thick with the scent of rain.

The weather mirrored the day Brylee had died in an almost eerie way.

It all felt as though destiny had orchestrated these moments.

The shadows began to surrender the faces of those who caused Brylee's death, and Daniela vowed to hold every one of them accountable.

Seated in the villa's plush sofa,Natalie surveyed her surroundings with an air of ownership, her tone dripping with condescension. "Mom says you've been quite the rebel lately."

Nina stood to the side, feeling herself shrink under Natalie's domineering presence. "I'm just going after someone I care about. I don't think that's wrong," she retorted after mustering her courage.

Natalie let out a frigid laugh. "Ridiculous. If this house lacks a mirror, perhaps you should seek one elsewhere.Even if Cedric were completely blind, he wouldn't spare you a second look. In terms of looks, intellect,or capability-do you genuinely believe you're on the same level?"

Nina bit her lip. "I won't give up until the end. Love isn't always won by the most capable."

Nina clung to the belief that she still had a chance.After all, not every affluent man was drawn to domineering women.

"And even when it comes to talent, you don't measure up to Daniela," Nina added, refusing to back down.

Natalie's confident demeanor cracked instantly. "How dare you!" she snapped, the words striking her raw nerve. Her lifelong failure to outshine Daniela had always been her most painful insecurity. "Nina, are you trying to provoke me? I might not touch Daniela, but making you pay would be far simpler."

Nina clamped her mouth shut, knowing it wasn't wise to push further.

"Mom's plan is to remove Daniela, marry me to Cedric,and elevate our family to the top. You'd do well to cooperate-or don't blame me if I show no mercy."

Natalie's threat hung in the air. Nina bit her lip. "Cedric might not even fall for you."

At the mention of Cedric's name, some of the tension left Natalie's face.

She had nursed feelings for Cedric since their school days, and her celebrated return after a flourishing career abroad had been fueled by her long-held yearning.

She was resolved to win Cedric's affection and revive the dreamshe'd clung to for years.

Overflowing with confidence, Natalie fixed Nina with a cold stare. "You will assist me," she declared.

Exiting the villa, Natalie made her way to Elite Lux.

Elyse had informed her that Cedric, who had arrived the previous night, was in Daniela's private lounge at Elite Lux.

Without hesitation, Natalie swung open the office door and found Cedric standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, looking flawless in his tailored suit.

The sight of him sent her heart racing, as if her lifelong ambition had just stepped into reach.

From his composed posture, Cedric exuded the effortless elegance she remembered, his quiet dignity bathed in the soft glow of morning light.

Warmth rose to Natalie's cheeks. Clearing her throat,she addressed him. "Cedric."