Hesper maintained a polite demeanor, but Enzo didn't seem inclined to arrange for anyone to accompany them. He merely observed as Hesper and Riley departed.Once out of Enzo's sight, Hesper and Riley exchanged glances. Riley raised an eyebrow and remarked, "I didn't expect to be granted such freedom. It seems they're genuinely sincere."Considering the Simmons' prominent status in Montequinto, giving Hesper unrestricted access was surprising. Hesper was cautious, not willing to accept this trust at face value. Such open trust could be a facade, and she wouldn't easily fall for it. It appeared excessively deliberate, and she wondered if Sullivan's subordinates knew this level of trust.Sullivan wasn't the sole Simmons family member; there might be many people keeping a watchful eye. Even without full knowledge of the Simmons' inner workings, it was conceivable that they had a well-established structure.Could the imposing walls surrounding the estate be solely for ensuring Sullivan'
It was highly unlikely that anyone who could enter the Simmons Manor so brazenly at this hour was an intruder sneaking in from outside, right? Treating guests as trespassers without any prior investigation indicated that this man had been excessively pampered within the Simmons and had grown accustomed to acting without considering the consequences. He could casually order anyone to be thrown into the dungeon.His subordinates acted similarly, showing no interest in verifying the identities of these newcomers. In general, they appeared to be a group of dull and uncompetitive individuals. However, the more inept people there were within the Simmons, the easier it might be to gather information. With this in mind, Hesper and Riley made no move to resist. If Hesper genuinely wanted to resist, these individuals likely wouldn't even provide a warm-up for a real fight."You two can forget about leaving this place. Those who cross me never leave here in one piece," the man said smugly. "Do
Hesper spoke up, not with a commanding tone, but the coldness in her voice inexplicably froze everyone present, if only for a moment.In the crowd's minds, a sense of absurdity emerged. 'Why would we suddenly obey her orders?'"Don't you know that the Simmons have guests today?" Hesper gazed at the men with a half-smirk. "You brought the two of us here so casually; aren't you afraid that we might be someone you can't afford to offend?"Initially, they hadn't considered this possibility, but now, looking at Hesper, they couldn't help but feel that she was a formidable figure not to be trifled with.Typically, these men followed Raegen around town, and there were rarely individuals they couldn't afford to offend. Even if problems arose, someone from Sullivan's entourage would resolve them on their behalf. But now, looking at Hesper, they hesitated to make another move."Why are you all standing still? Take them inside!" Raegen raised his voice and commanded.His men hesitated and d
Hesper had a keen understanding of Raegen's soft nature, and it was evident that he would yield under pressure. On one hand, it was clear that Raegen was very afraid of Enzo, so as long as Hesper could exploit his weakness, he would undoubtedly become the best source of information.With this thought in mind, Hesper turned her head, glanced at Riley, who still wore a cold expression, and let off a subtle smirk.It was a rare sight to see Riley in a situation where he was being pushed around by someone else, and it was inexplicably amusing. Riley seemed to have noticed that Hesper was enjoying the spectacle, and he turned his head away with an annoyed expression."What would you like to see around here?" Raegen was on the verge of tears and couldn't understand why these two troublesome individuals hadn't asked Enzo to take them for a walk but insisted on him leading the way.'Is it because they find me easy to bully? I think so; it must be because I'm a pushover.'However, Hesper c
Raegen had done an excellent job of maintaining his image as an oblivious younger brother, leaving both Hesper and Riley in silence.It was worth noting that Liam was the last person who reminded Hesper of someone capable of raising such an innocent younger brother, implying that this remarkable person must have quite a character.However, thinking about Liam and Christopher, Hesper also understood that appearances could be deceiving at times. Such a person could remove their façade and betray you at any moment."Nothing seems interesting or worth knowing outside of the Walls. Murray takes care of everything, and he's quite an old-fashioned person. If you happen to run into him, don't mind what he says," Raegen added.They might not meet him on the first day, but Hesper and Riley would be visiting the Simmons' estate often in the future, so they would surely have the opportunity to see for themselves whether they were dealing with a friend or a foe someday.From Raegen's implicati
There was a sense of awkwardness.However, Hesper did not overreact. After all, she and Rickard were already a married couple, and Riley had seen her in even more embarrassing states, so there was no reason for her to be too concerned."I'll see you tomorrow then. I have something to take care of here in Montequinto, so I won't be staying with you during this time," Riley said at this moment.Hearing this, Hesper was a little surprised. She hadn't heard of Riley having any relatives or friends in Montequinto. He seemed to only have a younger brother who had died many years ago, and she had never heard him mention any other family members. She assumed that the relationship between Riley and his family was not too good or that none of them were alive anymore.As for friends...Riley had always been by Nathaniel's side in the past, and the people he knew were likely limited to those he had met through Nathaniel. Hesper hadn't really considered that he might have other friends living
"It's fine," Rickard said, "I believe you, and I know there must be things you haven't said yet. If things here end early, I'll go back with you."Hesper nodded. There was not much she wanted to say. The events of the past were complicated, and she did not want to delve into them any further. However, when she looked deeper into those events, it seemed like there was nothing to say.She just considered it as closing the chapter on the past and being a witness.*There was still no news from Sherese. Hesper could only pray that she would not take the next step before things went from bad to worse. After all, Sherese was a pawn to force both Hesper and Rickard to take action. However, now that they were not acting, Sherese might do something even more outrageous to attract their attention.Thinking about this, Hesper felt a headache coming on.It was also her fault. If she had discovered Sherese's anomaly a bit earlier and stopped her from leaving, none of this would have happene
However, things never develop as expected. As soon as Hesper entered the room, she noticed another woman sitting there. Enzo was also shocked, not expecting a woman to appear. However, he quickly lowered his head respectfully and greeted her, "Mrs. Simmon."When the woman turned around, Hesper could finally see her face clearly, and she was stunned. Hesper was a person with normal aesthetics, and she had never considered herself exceptionally beautiful. However, the woman before her was truly stunning.Moreover, the woman looked very young, and she did not look like Sullivan's mother at all. If someone said she was his sister, Hesper would easily believe it. If it were not for Enzo addressing her as Mrs. Simmon, Hesper would have doubted her identity.Sullivan's mother could be described as stunning and dignified. Those who had laid their eyes on her would not be able to peel their gaze away anymore. "Are you guests of Sullivan?" the woman asked.Hesper nodded. "Yes, I'm also a f
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