“Grandpa?” The voice was too familiar. It was the voice that protected her so many times in the past, so how could she forget?“I guess you still remember me.” Mr. Duval Sr. was touched; which could be heard through his voice. She couldn’t stand hearing Earnest sound sad. “Grandpa, what do you mean? You treated me like your own granddaughter, so how could I forget who you are?”“Let’s meet up then.” Ernest invited her, and she wasn’t going to reject it. She drove to the rendezvous point, which was the hotel where she and Rickard held their wedding. Since Rickard didn’t like her, and they had never rekindled, now seeing this place after all these years, it still looked the same. Hesper felt sad but she quickly snapped out of it. She opened the door to the room when Ernest smiled at her. “You’re here, kiddo.”The friendly smile warmed her heart. Hesper walked over and sat across him. “How have you been, Grandpa?”“I’m alright. I’m old and frail. I might die soon.” Ernest
The moment she waved goodbye, her heart ached and she became confused. Grandpa really just wanted to see her. She thought that he would put in a word for his family.However, his honorable attitude made her feel even worse because the more she wanted revenge on the Duvals, the more it would hurt him. How would she find the balance between Ernest and the rest of the Duvals?Meanwhile, Julie and Sophia were enjoying a spa that was brought to them at home. Sophia had always loved to indulge. Rickard forbade her from leaving but she was still able to spend lavishly and pay for people to come over. The duo lay on the comfortable couch and had golden masks on while enjoying the massage from two masseuses.“Oh, this is so comfortable.” Julie gave a satisfied sigh and asked the masseuse to put more pressure. “Lower, lower, do it properly.”“Yes, ma’am.” Julie took a sip of her fresh juice and asked her mother, “Mom, when is grandpa coming back? I thought it was soon. Why haven’t
Ernest lived a simple life. He founded Duval Group and couldn’t stand seeing them think that they were better than other people. He said in an annoyed tone. “You know that Rickard is the capable one, so he doesn’t need you. All you have is that sharp tongue?”“No!” Julie thought that she was misunderstood and felt even more annoyed by Ernest. She knew that nothing good would come out of the old man’s return! But Ernest wasn’t done yet. He sat down on the chair, his eyes fearsome. “I wasn’t feeling my best and didn’t pay too much attention to the family, but now that I’m back, I won’t let you do whatever you want anymore. Do you understand?”Julie paused. “Dad… Are you going to run the household?”“If you continue running it, I don’t know what more will happen. Do you have anything to say about me taking over?”Of course she had something to say. She had been in charge of the household for so long and was very used to barking out orders at the helpers. Now that he was taki
“You…” Ernest sighed. “If you really are that obedient, then when didn’t you treat Hesper well when I asked you to?”“Grandpa…” Rickard’s throat was a little dry because he didn’t know what to say or where to start. In the end, all he said was, “I’ve done her wrong.”“You know your mistake?” There was hope in Ernest's old eyes as he helped Rickard up. “Well, what do you plan to do then?”Rickard didn’t understand what he meant. Ernest didn’t want to drag it on. “To be honest, I met Hesper before coming home. The child didn’t complain to me. Rickard, she’s been loyal to you. Are you really just going to let her go?”“She… doesn’t need me anymore.” Rickard pressed his lips together.They all witnessed how much she had changed. She used to be sincere, that was true, but now she was a phoenix reborn and had probably forgotten about him. “No, I know the kiddo well enough. She was sincere and honest. You were someone she loved with all her heart, so she couldn’t have just let you
If she didn’t call, Hesper would have forgotten about this. She stifled her laugh and said in a raspy voice. “No, if you want to recover, you need to go through this.” Juniper was speechless. Her orifice was swollen, and she only called because she could no longer stand it. “Alright, I’ll hang in there since tomorrow is the last day.”“Okay, remember to pay me the rest of the money then.”“Don’t worry, Wights wouldn’t try to get out of a bill.”The next day, Juniper’s face was restored. She touched her bright skin and started crying tears of joy. “Finally, I’m normal! I’ll see who will still laugh behind my back!”“Yes, my daughter is finally alright.” Mrs. Wight couldn’t stop smiling. When her daughter turned ugly, she was very disturbed. She could finally relax now that she was fine. However, Juniper suddenly said, “Mom, a lot of people know what happened to me, even the people at the station. Now that I’ve recovered, why not throw a party and show everyone that I’m back
“Isaac, why would you tell that to a kid?” Although Hesper interrupted him, she was still smiling.“I’m not short of money, Ren. However, I can’t and shouldn’t just say no when the Wights are offering to pay me money, right?”Renfrew nodded with just a hazy notion. The only thing that was occupying his mind was what Isaac did not get to say. Hence, when Hesper went to the study, he took advantage of the situation and scurried up to Isaac.“Uncle Isaac, what were you going to say about Mommy before?”“Huh?” Isaac was stunned, knowing that Hesper did not like him talking about her past too much. He continued to say unconcernedly, “It’s nothing, young master. Ms. Lane is doing well now, so there’s no need for you to worry about her.”“Really?” The little fella misunderstood, thinking that the adults just did not want him to worry. He clenched his little fair hands and swore deep down.‘Since Daddy has a lot of money, I’ll take some from him and give it to Mommy! Apart from that, I h
Rickard looked extremely confused.‘Hesper is destitute? From where did he get this hearsay?’Seeing that Ernest’s expression did not look good, Rickard quickly explained himself before a third kick could come. “It’s not that I don’t want to give her anything. I did try to give her money twice before, but she refused to accept it.”“Huh? What about…” Ernest’s expression turned a little more lenient. He turned around and asked his great-grandson, “What’s going on here?”Renfrew continued to comment innocently. “Mommy has a very strong personality. Perhaps she doesn’t want Daddy to look down on her.”“Hmm. That makes sense!” Ernest thought so too. He waved his hand, forcing Rickard to sign a check that was worth $3 million, and shoved it into Renfrew’s little golden piggy bank...The next day, Hesper went to the Wight Manor to attend the banquet.“You’re finally here.” Juniper was waiting for her by the door.Seeing that her honored guest was finally more formally dressed, barrin
Juniper’s pupils constricted, and she finally came to her senses. “It’s you... You’re that medical genius?!”“How about it? Since you’ve recovered, don’t you think I’m good?” Hesper had a smirk on her face that could provoke anyone. Juniper was so exasperated that her expression changed drastically.‘I never would have guessed that the doctor who treated me was that b*tch, Hesper Rivera! And I actually paid her such a high reward!’After realizing that she had been tricked, Juniper said angrily, “It turns out that you’ve been playing tricks on me from the very beginning. Did you force me to take those black pills on purpose?!”“It seems that you’re not as dumb as you look. You’ve got it all figured out.” Hesper sneered, not hiding her mockery in the slightest.Juniper, already having lost her cool, was about to hit Hesper. “You b*tch! We’ll see if I’ll beat you to death right here, right now!”“Ms. Wight, are you sure you want to make a move on me right here and now?” Hesper did
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