Chapter 269

Chapter 269 Palm Pearl

Natalie still heavily relied on Zane.

Over the past two years, she had been able to quickly grasp control of the company, and Zane’s

contribution was undeniable.

His capabilities were impressive for an assistant, making him a formidable opponent if he

were t were to go solo.

However, taking a sudden six–month leave–was he poached by another company?

“Ms. Walker, Mr. Jacobs said there was a very important family matter, so he call.”

The thought made Natalie’s heart race. Soon, the manager from the HR department arrived.

Wefter:

phone.

“So, there was no leave request?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

The HR manager broke into a cold sweat, sensing Natalie’s displeasure.

“What kind of family matter requires six months to handle?”

At Natalie’s question, the HR manager shuddered. She had asked the same thing at the time, but Zane

didn’t provide any explanation.

Natalie’s options were limited.

If it were someone else, Natalie would have fired them immediately.

But Zane… was different.

Even after such an incident, she only expressed anger and didn’t bring up termination.

“You can leave,” Natalie waved her hand, her patience wearing thin. In the past two years, her life had

been relatively calm.

Suddenly, within a few days, it felt like too many things were happening, some of which she couldn’t

comprehend.

Thinking about Cedric’s questioning earlier, Natalie picked up her phone and dialed Stephen’s number.

He answered quickly, “Nat.”

Unele, have you arranged everything?”

Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”

Hearing her uncle’s reassurance, Natalie felt a slight feller.

Cedric had come. She had thought he would remain behind bars. People, even in their closest

moments,

y not fully understand each other, as evidenced by Cedric.

Natalie realized that the ten years they spent together only scratched the surface of Cedric’s

true self.

“Oh, by the way, remember to stop by Sylvan Gems tonight and pick up some jewelry for your

aunt.”

“Sure, I’ll swing by.”

Natalie hung up the phone. Sylvan Gems‘ headquarters had moved to Simeria a year ago

year ago due to the international success of the brand. Natalie’s designs, created whenever she had

spare time, were especially sought after.

It was a pity that, despite a full year passing, the designs she created were still tightly controlled and

had limited circulation.

Zane had left. Now, only Karina remained by her side. Wendy Anderson was brought in from the

assistant department to replace him. But being a new addition, it would take time for her to adjust.

As evening approached and the end of the workday neared, Natalie glanced at Wendy. “Pay more

attention to the business district in Simeria recently. Report any unusual activities promptly.”

“Got it. I have something about it to report now.”

Natalie paused, her hand holding the pen stiffening for a moment. She looked at Wendy with inquisitive

eyes. Wendy was a girl who dressed in a very androgynous and sleek style. She exuded an icy aura

despite being a woman. She had a crew cut, which was a fashion choice not every woman dared to try.

Opening a folder and placing it on the desk, Wendy pushed it toward Natalie. “Four days ago, a

company named Palm Pearl Inc. suddenly went public.”

“Palm Pearl?”

Who would choose such a name for a company? Moreover, going public?

“Yes, it’s a newly emerged company, and what’s even more strange is that it went public out of

howhere.”

Natalie pondered for a moment. Going public involved complex procedures, and many companies

struggled for years without achieving that status.

“What’s their business?” Natalie asked while reviewing the documents.

The special assistant department of Regal Horizons International was indeed meticulous, promptly

collecting information on potential business developments.

“It involves various fields, but there’s something interesting.”

“What is it?”

“As soon as they emerged, they clashed with Premier Garden Corporation and Imperial Luster

Ventures. They snatched away a major project from each, causing a stir in the industry.”

At these words, Natalie’s heart skipped a beat. Premier Garden Corporation was Caleb’s division. She

was also familiar with Imperial Luster Ventures–it was a company under Irwin.

Natalie examined the information on Palm Pearl. The legal representative and various details were

unfamiliar, making it difficult to discern anything significant.

However, based on Wendy’s report, it was clear that the people behind this were likely enemies of Irwin

and Caleb.

Tthe confrontation was so obvious for it not to be.

“Help me investigate the people behind this.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“And…” When Natalie reached this point, her tone became serious. Looking at Wendy, her gaze was

particularly stern. She said, “Inform everyone in the departments to be more vigilant, especially in real

estate.”

Cedric had arrived.

The tension between them was palpable, and with Isabella in the mix, coupled with the uncertainty

about Christina’s actions from within prison, it was better to be cautious.

Wendy didn’t understand the reason for Natalie’s vigilance, but she obediently nodded. ” Alright.”

After Wendy left, Natalie was alone in her office. Closing her eyes, she rubbed her temples, which were

throbbing.

Palm Pearl Inc.!

A sudden emergence of a company, which based on Wendy’s report, had influential backers. At first

glance, it seemed they had a grudge against Irwin and Caleb. But in business conflicts like these,

others would inevitably be affected.

Besides, Regal Horizons International held a significant share of the market in Simeria. If things

escalated, Natalie might not gain an advantage and could potentially suffer losses.

For this reason, Natalie paid close attention to the individuals behind Palm Pearl Inc. After work,

Natalie drove directly to the headquarters of Sylvan Gems.

The manager there knew Natalie was coming to pick up the jewelry and had prepared everything. After

receiving the jewelry, Natalie walked towards the parking garage. Upon reaching the area, she spotted

Cedric leaning against her car door with two cigarette butts at

his feet.

Natalie’s initially calm mood turned cold the moment she saw him.

Perhaps due to his high status, Natalie especially disliked this kind of attention now.

So, for Cedric to appear so effortlessly by her side meant that…

Undoubtedly, he was keeping tabs on her movements.

“I thought you wouldn’t come looking for me lately,” Natalie said. In fact, she believed he might never

come again.

Cedric opened the car door for her. “Get in.”

Natalie looked at the passenger door he opened with a frown and asked, “What? You even want to ride

with me?”

She didn’t like Cedric, who was always presumptuous, even though he had once been a part of her

world.

Cedric replied, “Then you

drive!”

Saying that, he got into the car directly. This natural and familiar gesture made it seem as if they were

still a married couple, and whoever drove was all the same.

Natalie’s chest heaved, unable to suppress her anger.

“Get out!”

She couldn’t restrain her anger, and her tone naturally wasn’t friendly.