What Sherese said was similar to what Camille told them earlier. Camille probably made up a lie to help Sherese hide her identity. Sighing, Hesper asked, "Are you not planning to come clean about your identity? I think Rickard noticed something. If you come clean, the Savatiers will take you in."Sherese shook her head hesitantly. "Mom said living the way I am isn't necessarily a bad thing, as I might lose my freedom if I return to the Savatiers. I want to fulfill my mother's final wish.""...Final wish?" Hesper's heart dropped as Sherese looked down. "Yes, my mom is no longer around because of the hallucinogen… I wish we had met you and had Vitalis when it happened."Hesper didn't expect that. They must have gone through a lot. Rickard's mother surely had her reasons when she left the Duvals, but wouldn't' this be too cruel to Rickard?Hesper clenched her fist. The hallucinogen again. That drug caused families to break apart. If not because of it, they would have grown up happ
Hesper never brought what happened up again. Something suddenly came to her mind. She handed a photo of Ranfik to the two. "This is Ranfik Mustafa."Camille's pupils constricted when she saw the picture. "That's him."Hesper was surprised to hear that. She thought about the man Camille mentioned. That was Ranfik? Why did he approach Camille?Hesper frowned. "Did he not tell you anything? He just pretended to bump into you?""No, he didn't say anything or ask me who I am." Camille then suddenly remembered something. "Although he didn't ask, the lady at the front desk asked who the ID belonged to."Hesper and Sherese exchanged looks and Camille smiled a cunning smile. "But I was worried someone would use the information and try to get something from Sherese, so I just made something up and said the ID was my mother's." Camille understood why Ranfik approached her. "Ranfik must have known who the ID belonged to beforehand and thought I was Brigette's daughter."Sherese and Hesper
Since Camille took the identity that wasn't hers, Hesper and Shrese decided to just go along with it and let Ranfik think Camille was Brigette's estranged daughter. They wanted to see what he planned to do. Now she had to go meet Quincey; she felt nervous. Quincey was at the door when she opened it. Although he didn't look different from his usual self, she could tell from his actions that he was more careful and nervous. He was probably excited to meet his newest descendant. Furthermore, it was Brigette's daughter. "I—" Hesper cut him off. "Are you trying to verify the authenticity of the rumor?"Quincey smiled sadly and fell silent. Hesper pushed, then said, "It's not true. I spread it so that Ranfik thinks Camille is Brigette's daughter."Hearing that, Quincey's face fell in disappointment. "I thought…"Quincey didn't continue what he wanted to say but just smiled sadly. "It makes sense. If Brigette had a child, why would she abandon her identity and stay adrift? I wa
But Hesper could still feel something different from the past."If you want to ask me about anything, I welcome any questions now."Rickard did not say anything directly when he heard her words but fastened the buttons for her, then lifted his head and sighed. "Forget it. I won’t ask if you want to keep it from me."Rickard seemed to have completely changed recently. If Hesper had not personally confirmed that Rickard’s identity had not been taken over by someone else, she would wonder if someone had been trying to deceive her through despicable acting.Hearing Rickard’s response, Hesper felt a little guilty. After all, she had secretly promised herself that she would never deceive Rickard again and that she would always be truthful with him, but it was about Sherese this time. This was her backstory and she wished for it to not be known.‘I can’t reveal anything so casually.’"It doesn’t count this time." As if he knew exactly what Hesper was thinking, Rickard rubbed the top of
"After all, Ranfik is now... Hmm, if he really thinks that Camille will become his spear in his plan to overthrow the Savatiers and wants to take advantage of this new member of the family, things will still be very favorable for us."Camille had not thought of this either, but what Hesper said did make sense, so she nodded. "Tomorrow will be the key to everything."Sherese stood on the side with a serious expression—— After all, Camille only took on this risk because she had assumed her own identity, and even though both of them shared their childhood together, Sherese still felt a little sorry for her.After all, she knew how much Camille did not want to take this risk.‘She’s successfully avoided her responsibility of coming to Leafdelle Island before this. I bet she didn’t expect to get herself involved in this matter after all this.’Noticing Sherese’s gaze, Camille sighed and gave off a faint smile."Forget it, I guess this is my fate. It seems that no matter what, I’ll sti
That was why Sherese was even more nervous than Camille. After all, if something were to happen there, she would be the last to know, and the unknown itself was very intimidating."Don’t worry, the main character of today’s event might not even be Camille. Even if Ranfik has a plan, Camille is now the young lady of the Savatiers. He won’t be able to do anything to her so blatantly." Hesper comforted Sherese and then continued, "Master Rikihisa will step up and help us when the time comes, so there’s no need for you to worry too much."Shun had already promised Hesper that he would attend the banquet, and the news that the side effects of the hallucinogenic drug could now be cured was of course more eye-catching than the main event of the banquet, which was Ranfik's bride selection. Hesper wanted to embarrass Ranfik during such an important moment.Hesper was still worried that there was no suitable opportunity for her to promote herself. Being able to slow the toxins caused by the h
"It’s been quite some time, Mr. Mustafa. I wonder when exactly you met my sister-in-law?" Hesper stepped in front of Camille.Ranfik was stunned for a split second by her heavenly face, but his expression immediately dimmed. "Ms. Moreau can’t be by your side all day every day, can she? I only met her by chance."As soon as they met each other, the hostility was at an all-time high, so it was only natural for the people around them who had been observing their interaction to sense the tension between the two. However, Hesper did not give off any excessive emotions and only grabbed Camille’s hand before taking a step backward.Ranfik raised his eyebrows but did not utter a single word. He only took a glance at Camille, who was now standing behind Hesper, and could not feel any sense of reliance. He saw her unintentionally looking back at him a few times.‘If Camille makes the right choice today, it’ll be much easier for me to get my hands on information about the Savatiers in the fut
"Is there no one else in the Savatiers? Why are there only three of you?"Hesper smiled and stared at Delphine with a hint of sarcasm beaming in her eyes, but because her almond eyes were wide open and innocent-looking, she looked extremely harmless.Delphine gritted her teeth, only to hear Hesper’s response. "It’s not like we’re here to participate in a beauty pageant championship, so why bring so many ladies along?"At first glance, the Bernards must have sent more than a dozen people here, all of whom were women. Even the members of the Bernards would not believe it if one were to claim that the Bernards did not come with an ulterior motive.Delphine’s face paled when she heard Hesper’s refutation. After all, everyone knew that she and the Mustafas were not on good terms. When the Bernards asked her to bring so many ladies here, that made Delphine feel rather ashamed, and Hesper actually sold her out directly.‘...This is so embarrassing!’Based on what they knew about Delphin
He had never anticipated that he would end up loving her so deeply.It could be said that amidst all the misunderstandings and complexities, their journey together had taken many winding paths."I wouldn't risk getting into trouble just to set off fireworks for someone I didn't even like," Rickard said, his voice gentle. "You dummy."His words were soft, but as Hesper listened to his explanation, she cleared her throat, and her eyes turned bloodshot. She had never imagined that the person she had loved so intensely in her youth had, at some point in their lives, secretly admired her.Hesper attempted to smile but ended up with teary eyes. Seeing this, Rickard reached out and affectionately ruffled her hair. "If it's going to make you cry, I won't say anything more."Hesper pursed her lips. "If you don't want to talk about it, then don't."Rickard, despite understanding her reluctance, couldn't help but reflect on the past and openly admitted to the emotions he had felt in his you
They were flooded with memories, and Hesper couldn't help but admit that she had been through so much with Rickard. Her eyes welled up with emotion.The livestream ended, as they couldn't maintain constant surveillance of their lives. Even though they hadn't gone home yet, the crew had left.In the past two days, people had gotten to know them quite well, so the crew decided to give them some alone time.Hesper sat in the passenger seat and stole a glance at Rickard. She couldn't help but say, "I never expected that the only time you were seen as making a mistake in Grandpa's eyes was because of me.""There are many things you don't know," he replied. Hesper raised an eyebrow and asked, "Like what? Tell me."Suddenly, Hesper recalled the countless times Rickard had looked at her. Yet, during those moments, Rickard had always had feelings for Juniper. She knew that was the reality, so she never expected that Rickard might have had the same strong feelings for her as she had for h
Hesper glanced at Rickard, who remained emotionless, but she still reached out to hold his hand.[This is tough to see. Both of Rickard's parents are no longer here… Sigh.][Hesper immediately checked on Rickard. If I were Rickard, I'd love her so much.]Ernest shook his head and remained silent as he flipped to the next page. Most of the pictures were of Hesper after that. She hadn't realized she had so many childhood photos. Julian appeared in some of them, too.Before everything went sour.Rickard didn't have many pictures. As he grew older, he became quieter.Most of them showed Hesper standing next to Julian, but there was something off about them.[Did you notice... In many of those pictures, Hesper was looking at Rickard, and in others, Rickard was looking at her.][Oh my god, is this puppy love? I had no idea!][I remember Rickard had another lover.]Hesper had noticed, too, but there was no need to remind people that Rickard used to hate her, so she dismissed it as a
Hesper and Rickard entered the room and awkwardly informed Ernest that everything had been live-streamed just now. Ernest was shocked, but upon hearing that it was something people do, he nodded."It's fine. There's nothing that others can't hear."Hesper pursed her lips and glanced at Rickard before saying, "We didn't expect the Summers to come and see you. You should move in with us so these people will leave you alone."If Ernest lived with them, no one would dare intrude because they represented power and influence.Who would dare challenge them?"I don't want to get involved in your life. Renfew and Renarie would keep you occupied enough."Hesper understood that he had already made up his mind not to live with them, so she didn't press the matter further.She could understand his concerns, as many things might become inconvenient. Besides, Ernest didn't want to disrupt their lives either."We'll be heading to Fredonia soon, so even though we have filming to do, we wanted t
So what if the cameras were still recording?"Was my son's life not as valuable as your son's?"If he had grasped this earlier, recent events might not have unfolded. Jade had a point.The live chat fell silent. Though they lacked the full backstory, they could deduce what had transpired in the past.[I heard Rickard lost his parents when he was a child. I feel sorry for him.][His parents died because of that incident. It's no surprise if he harbors resentment.][Truthfully, this old man has no shame. If my child were responsible for another child's death, I'd beg for forgiveness.]Everything unfolding before their eyes was purely coincidental, and no one had control over the situation. They could only watch and terminate the livestream immediately if anything escalated.Fortunately, Jade received a stern talking-to and refrained from discussing the matter further, but Mrs. Summers did not fare as well. Hesper and the others bore witness to her irrational behavior.[This is e
"We've known each other for years, Ernest. I saved your life once, and now your descendants want to take my son's life!"As they approached, Jade Summers was angrily berating Ernest before him. Hesper's countenance immediately turned frosty as she walked over to Ernest."You should conduct yourself more appropriately, Mr. Summers Sr."Jade was taken aback to see Hesper, but he composed himself, took a deep breath, and fixed her with a hatred-filled gaze."If it weren't for you, none of this would have happened. You're just a woman. Since when do you get a say in the Duval family matters?"In the 21st century, people were all for equality. Besides, Hesper was no ordinary or unintelligent woman. Naturally, she had a voice in these matters.The viewers were inundated with comments when they heard Jade's words, and the live chat exploded.[Who is this guy? He looks old but lacks respect.][What's the argument about?][I sense some drama.]Rickard walked over. Jade had thought he
[Didn't Hesper mention that Mr. Duval Sr. took care of her? Maybe she did grow up well.][I'm certain she did. Hesper doesn't strike me as someone who would tolerate mistreatment.]Hesper and Rickard were under constant surveillance throughout the journey, and they hadn't allowed Benji to accompany them. Rickard was behind the wheel, with Hesper in the passenger seat.During the drive, they remained silent, but to observers, it appeared as though they were in harmony.Upon arriving at the ancestral mansion, Hesper noticed other cars parked around and cast a curious glance at Rickard. Visitors to Ernest's home were a rarity."Sir, Ma'am, you're back," a young housekeeper greeted them. It was the same person who had assisted Wendy earlier, but they couldn't recall her name. Nevertheless, Hesper had faith in her.Noticing the housekeeper's troubled demeanor, Hesper deduced that the guest inside was likely unwelcome. However, she couldn't fathom who would disrupt Ernest's life. Given
Rickard noticed something in Hesper's expression, prompting him to ask, "Is there something else you haven't told me?"Being intimately familiar with each other wasn't always without its challenges. Hesper could never conceal anything from him.She sighed and replied, "It's nothing. Just that Pennleigh will also be on the list."Rickard fell silent.Hesper was aware that sometimes Rickard might not appear bothered, but Pennleigh's presence did bother him.Observing Hesper's awkward expression, Rickard lowered his gaze and suddenly took on a pitiful appearance, like a big dog caught in the rain.Yet, she knew he was merely putting on an act. Still, every time she saw him like that, she couldn't help but miss the Rickard who didn't engage in such playful antics. His character had undergone a change.Hesper found it amusing but didn't quite know how to express it. She sighed and added, "It's a fantastic opportunity. I know you'll let me go, right?"Rickard had no intention of inte
"Sullivan lied to her. He had her parents quietly killed. She found out after she turned her back on you."Benji lowered his gaze. "She was already dead when you came back. It was suicide."The conclusion lacked the weight necessary for such a betrayal. Hesper shut her eyes. The person she had trusted most was Renee. They had shared countless years together.Hesper acknowledged that their bond might not have been a genuine friendship. Renee had abandoned her when given the choice.However, Hesper had faced such situations before.Thankfully, there had been someone who had placed her first in their heart, reassuring her that she wasn't always relegated to being an option. Hesper stood in silence for a while before simply nodding.There was nothing she could do to aid Renee now. Renee had entered and departed alone, leaving no trace behind with Hesper.When the topic was broached, it weighed heavily on her heart. Hesper understood the situation but found herself at a loss for word