Sebastian looked at his former friend. So this was their true, ugly face. All this time, he had watched them hurt an innocent Natalie just to curry favor with Joanna.


    He had been one of these viins too.


    Karma would eventually catch up to them. A proud man like Adrian could be left for Joanna to slowly torture.


    Joanna didn''t love anyone but herself. Everyone around her was just a stepping stone on her climb to the top.


    "Adrian, if you didn''t hear me clearly, I''ll say it again. I am canceling all business ties with the Kingsley family."


    Sebastian enunciated each word, a storm brewing in his eyes.


    Adrian didn''t understand. Where had it all gone wrong?


    He used to insult that bootlicking Natalie just like this, and Sebastian never said a thing.


    This time, for Natalie''s sake, he was severing ties with the the Kingsley family. This was serious.


    Adrian looked at Sebastian''s determined face, forgetting his own pain as he stared nkly.


    Sebastian, however, strode away to chase after Natalie.


    Joanna watched Sebastian''s departing figure, a sh of mockery in her eyes. So, Sebastian finally realized he was wrong?


    Too bad it was toote. Joanna knew how terrifying she was terrifying enough to create an environment where everyone revolved around her, where everyone would fight her battles.


    As far as Natalie was concerned, her feelings for Sebastian were long dead. She would never forgive him.


    Sebastian''s two friends, Julian and Adrian, were both infatuated with her. She knew that, which was why they always defended her.


    She, Joanna, was truly brilliant.


    "Adrian, are you in pain? Let me take you to the hospital."


    Joanna looked at him with concern.


    But Adrian didn''t hear her. He was still staring nkly at Sebastian''s retreating back.


    Sebastian was serious. For Natalie,


    he was willing to draw a line with the Kingsley family. This couldn''t happen. His family''s business had grown so much over the years


    because of their connection to Sebastian.


    Adrian slowly got to his feet and looked at Joanna, who was watching him with a worried expression.


    Natalie''s words echoed in his mind: Joanna is a thief.


    Before returning to the country, he had heard from Julian about what had happened between Natalie and Sebastian Natalie had finally signed; the divorce papers during a staged kidnapping that Joanna hado orchestrated.


    He had thought Joanna was just desperate to marry Sebastian, and he was still willing to believe she was kind at heart.


    Since his return, he had actually heard about Joanna''s family situation, but the habit of protecting Joanna and bullying Natalie was hard to break.


    Damn that Natalie. If she had never shown up, none of this would have happened.


    "Adrian, thank you for protecting me, and for getting into a fight with Sebastian


    because of me," Joanna said, her face a mask of guilt.


    Then she tried to console him.


    "Natalie is just like that. She makes everyone miserable whenever she''s around. Don''t be angry Adrian


    Sebastian is just mad. Helbe fine once he cools down."


    But Adrian ignored Joanna and turned to leave.


    That kick from Natalie had been powerful, and he walked away,wincing in pain.


    Joanna watched him go with a cold smile.


    Tsk. By this time, Susan was probably freezing to death.


    And now, it was time for her moment in the spotlight.


    Joanna walked with elegant grace toward the media.


    Over there, Zane was waiting for her.


    The news of Joanna winning the 24th annual Fashion Cup was the top trending topic, orchestrated by Zane to rebuild her public image and make her look like an absolute prodigy.


    Joanna''s outstanding achievements her piano awards, her design prizes were all being showcased on the big screen.