Chapter 345

Natalie watched as Wendy cried, feeling a faint ache in her heart from their blood connection.

Wendy sobbed hard, realizing how painful it was to be misunderstood. "Natalie, I didn’t come to ask for money; thanks to your warning, I saved myself and the Tompson family. Thank you for telling me about all of Nick’s lies. I know I’ve made serious mistakes before; I was blind. I’m grateful to you for saving your brother’s life. Everything that happened before was my fault."

As Natalie listened to Wendy’s sincere apology, she felt bittersweet longing for her Mom’s love. But what she received was humiliation and disdain from Wendy. Those past events were behind her now, though.

Natalie spoke firmly, "I don’t accept your apology, nor will I ever see you as my Mom; our relationship is not Mom and daughter anymore."

Wendy realized that Natalie wouldn’t forgive her, but she didn’t expect such strong rejection. "Natalie, what I did can’t be forgiven. But now I understand my mistakes. I’ve cut ties with Jennifer; from now on, you are my only daughter."

Natalie found her words amusing. "You once said Jennifer was your only daughter and that I’d only bring you shame. You know I was brought back from the countryside, and you were too ashamed to admit I was your biological daughter. Were you scared I’d embarrass you? I’m your blood. How did you treat me when I returned? My clothes were all hand-me-downs from Jennifer while you spoiled her with a 300,000 outfit and told me I should wear cheap stuff. I don’t need a Mom like you. I owe you nothing. My debts are completely paid."

Natalie remained cold; even though she didn’t care anymore, the pain lingered on. Wendy knew Natalie’s nature; Natalie had decided not to forgive any of them from the moment she left. Truthfully, Natalie was very talented. She had stayed quiet before, not wanting to fight with Jennifer, a fact Wendy didn’t know. Wendy had seen Jennifer provoke Natalie, but everyone defended Jennifer in those moments. Jennifer was raised with Wendy’s care, and Wendy sympathized with her for not having her real parents. Wendy thought it was all her fault. With her biological daughter back, Wendy feared embarrassment and labeled Natalie a sponsored child to protect her reputation. That behavior from a Mom was disgusting.

Wendy stood and pleaded, "Natalie, I see my mistakes; can we start over?"

Natalie quickly rejected her, saying, "We cannot, for in my heart, you are all demons. So stop disturbing my life."

In her past life, Natalie had seen everyone’s true nature. "I spoke the truth because you could help me with Jennifer. You and Nick decided to cast me aside at Jennifer’s birthday party; you both meant it, like I mean it now. Your fates don’t matter to me. Wendy, please leave. Take your chicken soup; I don’t want it.”

Natalie’s attitude was freezing; she truly would not forgive. Wendy left in tears, not taking the soup, her figure showing deep sorrow.

Natalie stood and called for Luna, asking Luna to return the thermos to Wendy before getting back to work. No one could stop Natalie from her pursuit of success. By making herself stronger, she could find her place in this tough world, weathering the storms and keeping her heart warm. She wanted to chase dreams once out of reach, allowing hope to shine bright again. Taking a deep breath, Natalie prepared to work hard, as many documents awaited her.

Meanwhile, when Wendy reached the first floor, Luna caught up with her. "Take it back; Natalie doesn’t need this."

Wendy had checked on Luna and knew Luna was Natalie’s assistant. Tears in her eyes, she asked, "Luna, has Natalie been going well?"

Luna replied, "She’s been thriving. We grew up with her; even without parental love, she’s truly wonderful–beyond what you could ever understand." After her icy response, Luna placed the thermos in Wendy’s arms and turned to leave.

Standing in the cold wind and snow, Wendy quietly sobbed, knowing Natalie would never forgive her in this lifetime. A mocking female voice echoed behind her. Wendy looked up to see Camellia. Camellia, wrapping her arm around Nick, wore a smug expression as she looked at Wendy.

Wendy quickly straightened up. "Nick, is this your mistress of over ten years?"

Caught off guard by Wendy knowing about that, Nick stammered, "Wendy, it’s not as you think…"

Wendy interrupted him with a smile. "Nick, how generous of you! You still treat Camellia well despite her cheating; it’s true that trash gathers with trash." Camellia had been involved with her old classmate for years. This was Nick’s karma for his infidelity.

Furious, Camellia shouted, "Wendy, what nonsense are you talking?"

Wendy activated her phone, aiming a mocking smile at Nick. "Nick, take a good look at what her relationship with Colin truly is."