"I understand."After Liam left, Hesper stepped out of the room and locked eyes with Rickard. She then remarked, "What video? I didn't know about this."Rickard appeared perplexed, but Hesper wore a knowing smile. "You were merely trying to frighten him, weren't you? He's been quite helpful to us, yet you attempted to deceive him.""Some aspects were deceptive, but I possess a video," Rickard admitted.Hesper was taken aback by this revelation."Do you recall what Lucian mentioned?"Hesper immediately recollected her conversation with him. "He said he had been on the ship since as far back as he could remember?"Rickard nodded. "However, it wasn't the black market ship but the vessel on which you were brought. He was a child on that ship, hiding in a corner while filming, unnoticed by anyone.""That's how Cheney uncovered all the individuals involved even after so many years. They have a video."Hesper had never imagined that such a video existed. Having a video wouldn't neces
Upon hearing this, Rickard paused, as they hadn't heard about Sherese in a while. Sullivan had intentionally directed their attention to that place, but what was his plan now? How was Sherese?"I wasn't in my best shape before this, so I didn't realize that, although the mole knows me well, they don't know you well enough. How could they create such a convincing deception?"Hesper remembered Sherese returning late one night but hadn't thought much of it then. She might not have returned just to check on them; there could have been ulterior motives. Strangely, no one seemed to remember that Sherese used to be a famous thief, even though she had quit long ago.Hesper had placed too much trust in Sherese and hadn't noticed something so obvious. Hatred had a way of blinding anyone.Sherese couldn't see past her hatred, which had led her to commit many actions before this. Hesper couldn't guarantee that she would remain calm if someone she loved was harmed. In such a scenario, how would
It was true that the assistance they had received earlier had likely been arranged by Cheney, probably at Vivienne's request. Otherwise, Hesper might not have received any help during Cheney's "test." A hint of helplessness appeared in Cheney's eyes as she began, "It's about your brother's engagement to Dianthe Bayless. If it's not resolved soon, I fear Vivienne will be the first to lose her composure."There was no need to elaborate on how much Vivienne cared for Matthew. Hesper shared some concerns, but since Matthew was staying with her in Montequinto, he certainly wouldn't marry Dianthe anytime soon."While I will indeed take action to terminate the engagement between Dianthe and Matthew, I can't force him into a relationship with Vivienne if he doesn't care for her, can I?" Hesper sighed and rubbed her forehead. "I can handle everything else but can't manipulate matters concerning his feelings."There wasn't much to add to this matter, and Cheney clearly understood. However, sh
After Cheney left, Hesper called Isaac and instructed him to take good care of Renfrew. Their situation was like a delicate game of chess, requiring strategic moves. If Renfrew were to get involved again, it might disrupt their plans.Hesper was aware that their situation would never be particularly optimistic with the mole among them. It was even possible that the other party had gained control over Renfrew's previous position. Thankfully, Hesper had already asked Isaac to relocate Renfrew as soon as she learned the mole's identity.As she looked at Renfrew on the video call, her gaze softened. "We'll be able to return home once things are settled here. Then, you can be a good boy for Daddy and Mommy, and we'll never be separated again."Renfrew couldn't fully grasp the intensity of the longing in Hesper's eyes, but he nodded earnestly. "I'll patiently wait for you and Daddy to come back."After ending the call, Hesper remained silent. When Rickard approached and saw her expressio
And it was his to keep.Rickard nodded. "I'll be waiting for you."Though they both understood the risks involved, neither would blame the other. Sometimes, happiness comes at a price. They could only hope for a smooth and safe outcome in this precarious situation.Without further hesitation, Hesper returned to her room.For over 20 years of living without her parents, for the life Asher had sacrificed, and for all the others affected, especially those who had lost their lives and happiness due to the hallucinogenic drugs.Hesper had never imagined she would become such a selfless person, but despite the countless challenges and dangers ahead, she pressed forward.Early the next morning, Benji opened the door to Hesper's room, and as expected, she was gone.Rickard had specifically asked him to come, and Benji complied with determination. When Cheney had revealed the mole's identity, Benji had been the first to disbelieve. After all, she was someone he loved and had once held cl
Hesper lifted her gaze, and while her words sounded casual, a provocative undertone seemed to spill from the corners of her lips and bloodshot eyes, making Sullivan feel a bit uneasy.But if she already knew the mole's identity, why come here? She should have known that she wouldn't get a second chance."We're going to the password-protected vault to open it now," Sullivan said, taking a deep breath to calm himself down. Hesper didn't appear surprised upon hearing the plan, as if she had anticipated it.Many rumors were circulating recently, and Sullivan couldn't afford to delay any longer. After all, Hesper had become a person of great interest to many, and someone else might beat him to the vault if he didn't act soon.'He didn't take me there directly last time, so he must have had concerns. Have those concerns disappeared now?' Hesper wondered, wishing she had Frankie's ability to read emotions. Looking at Sullivan's determined profile, she couldn't discern anything.Sensing t
Hesper's hope rested on the absence of unforeseen circumstances. As she sensed the car's speed gradually slowing down, she couldn't help but sigh. Her heightened perceptual abilities resulted from her previous stay in the small dark room."We're almost there." Sullivan's voice came beside Hesper, confirming her thoughts. Despite this, she remained silent until the car finally came to a slow stop, and Sullivan pulled back the curtains on the car window.Indeed, the sun was almost setting on the horizon, signifying the passage of a whole day. Hesper couldn't help but feel concerned about the long distance they had covered, worrying that those following them might struggle to catch up or that unforeseen events could occur.However, her concerns were alleviated as she turned her head and saw a tiny firework explode in the distance, not far away. It was a signal they had agreed upon—if everything was going as planned, they would set off a small firework.While not the most secure method
Upon hearing the familiar names, Hesper's eyebrows twitched slightly, and Sullivan naturally noticed the change in her expression. He said, "Since we're already here, allow me to bring you to see them first."Sullivan's arrogance stemmed from the fact that he had arrived at a familiar place, and the journey had been very smooth. Moreover, when he saw Hesper's reaction, he wanted to savor the fruits of his victory, so he was in no hurry.Regarding Renee, Hesper did not have much to say. It was her fault for not seeing through and understanding someone after such a long time of companionship. What was once a long companionship had now become an illusion.But the one Hesper wanted to meet now was Sherese. Only by seeing her could Hesper know whether she was beyond redemption, see what the current situation was, and decide on her next course of action.Taking a deep breath, Hesper was a little anxious about the outcome. Sullivan led her forward, and although she was not tied up, numero
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