NovelEnglishChapter 656:
Elyse nodded thoughtfully.
“It seems you're sure about your plan. I'll take Nina hlater so | don’t get in your way.”
“It’s fine,” Natalie replied with a calm air as she applied lipstick in front of the mirror.
“That fool being around only makesshine brighter.”
With that, Natalie gathered the files from the table and strode back into Daniela’s office.
Cedric remained by the floor-to-ceiling window, prompting her to cast him a quick, indifferent glance.
“Mr. Phillips, | hope you don’t mindasking, but are you a fan of the renowned painter Monica Miller?” Natalie
asked with a warm, easygoing smile.
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Cedric’s expression shifted to one of surprise.
“How could you possibly know that?”
Monica was undeniably a celebrated artist, and Cedric had never shared his admiration for her with anyone.
Natalie's lips curved into a knowing smile as she gestured to the handkerchief in Cedric’s breast pocket.
“The pattern and style are so reminiscent of her work. | used to admire her, too, but | was quite disappointed
when | heard she retired.”
Cedric was on the verge of replying when the office door swung open.
Daniela stepped into the doorway, fully aware Cedric had been waiting for her but surprised to see Natalie there
as well.
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Trusting her instincts, Natalie quickly briefed Daniela on her work progress before stepping out and closing the
door behind her.
At that moment, she epitomized the role of a capable and efficient secretary.
Outside, Nina had caught sight of the brief exchange between Cedric and Natalie. Her face twisted with jealousy.
Natalie noticed Nina’s envious glare and responded with a faint, disdainful sneer.
“Idiot,” she muttered under her breath before walking away.
But Nina wasn’t done. She hurried after Natalie.
“Would you dare show Cedric the real you? You're just hiding behind a mask!”
Natalie didn’t even bother to dignify her with a response.
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With her gaze lowered, she slipped her hand into her purse, retrieving a small wallet adorned with an oil-painting
motif. A gentle smile graced her lips.
In the office, Cedric remained by the window, unmoving, as if rooted to the spot where he had stood all night.
Daniela lingered by the door, hesitant, uncertain about how to take the first step forward.
There were countless explanations she owed him, yet faced with Cedric’s presence, the words seemed to
evaporate from her mind.
Perhaps, she thought, an apology could serve as a starting point.
But she knew Cedric would probably say, “It’s all right.” And then she would have to admit, “I still can’t make our
relationship public. Can you understand?” But what could Cedric say in response to that?
She could feel it in her gut—no matter what she said, Cedric’s spirit would remain bruised.
Daniela had done everything to shield him from the burdens that were hers to bear, yet in the end, he had
carried them for her instead. She couldn't bear to see the once-proud man seem diminished in her presence.
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