"Okay," Hesper replied. It was as if Hesper had had an appointment with Liam, and Rickard was just reminding her. Their conversation was so seamless that even Briar did not suspect anything.Hesper was initially a bit puzzled, but after a few steps, she realized that Joffrey's sons had been watching Briar. She did not believe there was anything fishy going on.Rickard had been subtly observing the surroundings, so he asked her to leave to make her see this?As Hesper pondered, she turned her head and noticed that Lily had left again at some point. Her heart sank further as she noticed Liam was nowhere to be found.She had been so preoccupied probing and confirming Rickard's identity that she had not noticed the situation. She did not expect Lily to go missing within five minutes.Hesper furrowed her brows and called Lily on the phone, but no one answered. She hung up and dialed Liam.It seemed to her that someone had taken Lily away while they were distracted.Hesper never expec
Upon hearing Rickard's words, Briar nodded with a smile and then remained silent. In any case, he assumed that their plan had succeeded. Whether he could keep Rickard here was not important at all. Hesper had already gone over, and she would surely notice that Lily was gone. However, she was too late. There was nothing she could do about it. Things would not have progressed so smoothly if it were not for Joffrey's useless sons. These two were remarkably foolish. Not only did they collaborate with outsiders to plot against their family members, but they were also foolishly useless.Briar knew Hesper was clever. She had a good relationship with Lily, so she would surely guess someone would target Lily tonight. Given Hesper's intelligence, she could protect Lily. However, Briar was not a fool. He wanted to take advantage of this time difference. If Hesper suspected that someone might target Lily, she would be more vigilant and keep an eye on those who might harm Lily. After all, th
Hesper suddenly froze. Only now did she understand that what Briar wanted was not Lily's life but the most important thing for a young girl.He wanted to take Lily's chastity!If something happened between Lily and Norman, she would be forced to marry him even if she did not want to. Hesper hurriedly took all the room cards. Fortunately, with Lily's badge, she could access all the Turners' resources.Hesper's heart raced with anxiety. If it turned out as she suspected, the harm to Lily would be lifelong. She had once experienced that kind of despair. Even though she managed to escape, she still had nightmares in the following years. Therefore, she absolutely could not let Lily experience such things.With the thought in mind, Hesper quickened her steps as she messaged Liam. After listening to her speculation, Liam angrily wanted to seal off the area and search room by room. However, Hesper quickly stopped him.If something had happened, it would only put Lily in a tight spot. Al
Everyone stared at the screen displaying Hesper's face with confusion. Following that, the camera zoomed out a bit, revealing the scene behind Hesper to everyone. It was a room. On the bed lay a man who seemed to be unclothed. Hesper said, "Hello, everyone. Please forgive me for appearing like this."People began murmuring, eager to understand what was happening. Seeing the person on the bed, Briar's face had completely darkened. While others might not recognize the person on the bed, Briar could see it. This person was none other than Norman, who was supposed to have succeeded by now but was currently bound and naked on the bed. Briar looked at Rickard and said, "Norman is just a child. He doesn't understand anything. There's no need to go this far, right?"Recalling Hesper's previous sarcasm about how parents would shamelessly claim their children were just kids whenever they made mistakes, Rickard said, "If Hesper hadn't arrived in time, the one about to be ruined now would be
Hesper did not want others to bring this matter up and criticize Lily. After careful consideration, she decided to expose the fact that Norman was not retarded. The Andersons had carefully orchestrated Norman's portrayal as intellectually disabled for many years. Whether they chose to disown Norman or compromise their reputation would entail acknowledging their deceitful actions.It would be a significant loss for the Andersons. Hesper understood this better than anyone else. As she looked into the camera, it seemed she had seen through Briar's soul.Briar's face had completely darkened. "Mr. Chronos, must you go to such lengths to make the Andersons your enemies?""Well…" Rickard raised his head and said, "I don't know where you get the confidence, but we have never thought that the Andersons pose a threat to us."Briar never expected Rickard to be so arrogant. After all, he was infamously indifferent and had always disdained involvement in such matters. He only decided to step in
He had someone arrest them before leaving. Christopher was not present, and no one dared to offend Mr. Chronos. Although they were suspicious of Rickard's action, they still let his people escort them away."Great minds think alike." Hesper smirked, finally feeling relieved. She then said, "This is good. At least we accomplished everything what we wanted, and Lily hasn't suffered any substantial harm."However, the future still seemed worrisome when she thought about it. Lily was still taken away even when so many people protected her. But Hesper could not stay here forever."Don't think too far ahead," Rickard said, and Hesper came to her senses. She realized that she might have been overly anxious. As long as there were challenges, there would be countermeasures. Even if Lily were her daughter, she could not protect her forever. "You're right." Hesper leaned on Rickard's shoulder as he continued, "It's not that you lack the ability. Don't shoulder everything yourself."It was a
"Thank you…"It was a matter concerning the Turners, and Hesper and Rickard were not obligated to assist him. Rickard had shallow personal connections with them. If not for Hesper, Liam would not even have known Rickard."Is Lily's family here?"The report was out, and Liam did not say anything more.After learning that Lily was fine, Hesper heaved a sigh of relief. It was late at night again, and Hesper felt uncomfortable when returning.When getting out of the car, she almost stumbled forward. "Be careful."Fortunately, Rickard had noticed Hesper's condition. He promptly caught her and held her in his arms. Hesper felt momentarily dizzy and took a deep breath in Rickard's embrace."Something is wrong, but I must think it through again."With no other tasks in these two days, Sylvie and Renee would come over soon, allowing Hesper to relax.Perhaps due to the late hour or Hesper's discomfort, she quickly fell into a deep sleep upon returning to her room.On this night, she
She wondered if they had sorted things out. Hesper checked herself and did not feel any discomfort. She got out of bed and opened the door for the two. They were in the middle of a conversation, but the next moment, they saw Hesper."Ms. Rivera!" They both exclaimed in unison. Seeing them, Hesper couldn't help but smile. "Come in."Sylvie and Renee entered the room. Upon noticing the two people occupied the space, they fell silent—they could not be blamed. After Rickard and Hesper went to Leafdelle Island, their relationship progressed rapidly. Sylvie and Renee had not been around Hesper much, so they could feel the two people's dynamic changes.It was as if a few days ago, they were still arguing and targeting each other, and now suddenly, they had become a well-known loving couple. For a moment, it felt a bit absurd.However, they also knew that Hesper and Rickard must have gone through a lot together. They had been in love and finally decided to acknowledge their emotions.Taki
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