At that moment, all eyes were fixed on the butler.Callum's brows knitted in irritation. "Why do you look so shocked? Speak clearly.""There are people inside..." The butler struggled to regain composure, his face turning beet red. "Clara and Mr. Chad are inside...""Nonsense! Why would they enter the guest rooms? Get them out here at once." Callum did not realize the seriousness of the situation, thinking that the two were merely slacking off.The butler quivered, his complexion shifting from red to purple. He stammered, "I-I dare not enter... It’s better if you see it for yourself, sir."Before anyone could step into the guest room, sporadic moans and a man's pained screams reached their ears from a distance. The sounds were suggestive of something indecent, yet they felt something oddly amiss. Why would a man experience such agony during sexual intercourse?Callum commanded the butler to unlock the door. As it swung open, the assembled spectators were left dumbfounded and a st
"Pfft..." Chloe inhaled sharply, struggling to contain her glee.Was Clara not supposed to be Xavia's lackey? Yet, it seemed like she had been playing two roles—one for the public eye and another behind the scenes.At that moment, Xavia quivered as if she had been struck by an intense force. She appeared as delicate as a sheet of paper on the brink of crumbling. She swiftly bolted out of the door, fleeing as if desperate to escape the scene.As the crowd grew larger, Chloe was struck with an idea. She subtly nudged Zoelle with her elbow, and the latter instantly grasped her thoughts. As Xavia rushed past them, Zoelle extended her foot. Consumed by anger, Xavia failed to notice this subtle motion and tripped. As she headed face-first to the ground, Zoelle quickly caught her by the waist."Oww, are you okay? You should watch where you’re going.”Xavia, not wanting to be here, swiftly shook Zoelle off and continued running without a word in response."So? Did you manage to feel anyt
Zoelle flashed a mischievous smile and playfully inquired, "What do you think? Are you hoping that she is?""I think she is. She and Kenneth seem like a good match."Most importantly, even if Xavia were pregnant, Callum would not let her truly marry into the royal family.Zoelle smiled and nodded. "Nah, wrong. I think you shouldn’t play guessing games.""Xavia isn't pregnant?""Nope."Chloe narrowed her eyes in contemplation, murmuring to herself, "So how did she deceive them?"The royal family possesses a dedicated medical team and the most advanced medical equipment. Kenneth must have brought Xavia to the royal castle for examination. The chances of Xavia hatching a plan with the medical staff within a month seemed unlikely.Zoelle shrugged and responded, “I don't know, but I can confirm she shows no signs of pregnancy."On top of that, Xavia’s period had just ended."Colluding with the medical staff is unlikely, but she might’ve colluded with someone else," Noah said as he
Chloe could not argue with that statement as it was true. She was no longer the naive and trusting girl she once was, no longer willing to leave herself vulnerable to others. It seemed wiser to deceive others than to be deceived herself. However, she genuinely did not believe this to be a big deal. If Zoelle cared that much, she would be honest about it.Observing that Chloe had no intention of elaborating, Zoelle let out a heavy snort and pressed on, "I don't know what happened between you and Joseph, but you're engaged to Noah now, who happens to be my good friend. I won't tolerate any betrayal from your end. If I get so much as a whiff, I won't be so quick to forgive you then.""I don't—""Enough. I’m going to engage the company of some handsome men.""Shall we go to the bonfire or head home?" Noah asked flatly as he watched Zoelle walk away.Chloe looked toward him, a hint of disappointment in her eyes. "The bonfire," she replied. She had yet to inform Ophelia about Xavia's fa
The enraged Noah threw himself at Joseph.Joseph, knowing Noah was well-versed in fighting, knew that simply dodging would not work. He chose the right moment and delivered a powerful punch.They quickly broke out into a full-on fistfight.Chloe watched as her heart pounded. For a moment, she forgot her own pain and hobbled forward, wanting to find someone to pull Joseph and Noah apart. But there was no one within their vicinity, so hoping someone to pass them was hopeless.Noah and Joseph started sporting bruises as they threw punches at each other.With determination, Chloe spread her arms apart as she positioned herself in between them. She shouted angrily, "Stop fighting!"At that moment, Joseph had already thrown his punch and could not retract it. He quickly changed direction, and the punch that was headed for her landed on the wooden column of a pavilion. The impact between flesh and wood produced a loud thud, sounding rather painful.Chloe's face turned pale with fright
On the road, Noah threw glances at Chloe seated in the passenger seat. He seemed deaf and blind to everything else around him as he mechanically turned the steering wheel. His mind was filled with images of Chloe worrying over Joseph. It was like an enlarged photo constantly flashing before him, and he felt as if his heart was tearing into two.He could not understand why Chloe still chose Joseph over him after everything he had done. Was his five years of feelings for her worth nothing?Noah had never felt this miserable before. Throughout his life, things he worked hard for would eventually yield results. Achieving excellence in his academic endeavors, devoting himself to Exotic Star, diligently preparing for his graduate exams… He thought it would be the same with Chloe. He thought that by being by her side day after day, bringing her favorite foods, buying delicious candies, and building their careers together, she would come to like him one day.But today, he realized how pathe
Ophelia searched around the bonfire but could not find Chloe anywhere. She handed her wine glass to Otto and said, "I'm going to make a call."He wrapped his arm around her waist and smiled. "Who are you calling?""Chloe. We made plans to deal with Xavia today, but Chloe’s nowhere to be found."Otto narrowed his eyes slightly. "Don't bother looking for her. Once we're married, I'll take care of Xavia for you."Ophelia pushed him away and sneered. "You? I'll be grateful as long as you don’t turn our family upside down.""I’d never do that to you," Otto said affectionately, but there was a hint of cunning in his eyes. "Darling, what's mine is yours. Once I take over Duskfall, you can handle Xavia however you want."The roles were well-defined in Duskfall, and nobody was to interfere with each other's tasks. Although he was not very clear on what tasks had been assigned to Xavia, he would not help Xavia, nor would he stop Ophelia. If Ophelia was willing to use the royal family's pow
Chloe was taken aback. Her thoughts were still foggy from just waking up. She recalled only drinking a glass of water that a helper had brought over last night, so how had she slept so soundly? If someone had entered her room, she should not have been completely oblivious to it.She pondered over the matter, and an answer slowly formed in her mind. Someone must have spiked her water. And other than Noah, she could not think of anyone else who would have done so. Chloe’s anger surged, and she pounded on the door with all her might. "Open the door!" The palms of her hands turned red from the force.After a few minutes, a helper came by. She cautiously approached the door and said, "I'm sorry, Ms. Chloe, but I don't have the key. I can't open the door.""Get me Noah then!" Chloe shouted."Mr. Noah isn't here. He went to work." "What about Grandpa?""Mr. Desmond left for an overseas trip this morning as arranged by Mr. Noah. He's not here either..."Chloe's pupils contracted. She
After Chloe calmed herself, she realized that the place she was in resembled the villa she lived in while overseas five years ago. However, upon closer inspection, the exterior scenery was different. She realized something and froze."Did you build a villa identical to the one I stayed in five years ago?" she asked.Noah was busy bandaging himself. Upon hearing her question, he replied, "Yeah, doesn't it look almost identical?"Chloe's gaze swept over every item in the room, and she admitted that she was touched. She turned back to Noah and looked at him gently as if she had returned to the time when she simply treated him as a little brother."How did you convince Tiffany to cooperate with you?"Tiffany had made her move while Noah distracted Desmond."I just told her about it, and she agreed."Chloe asked, "Do you think you’re treating her fairly?"Noah said flatly, "I’ll compensate her."Compensate? How? Chloe thought that youth was the most precious thing in the world, but
In the Whitman family home, Joseph went to deal with a bunch of urgent company matters after putting Jasper to sleep. By the time he finished, it was already past three in the morning. He contemplated calling Chloe to ask about Noah's situation, but thinking it might disrupt her sleep, he abandoned the idea.When Joseph woke up the next day, it was already half past six. He recalled Chloe mentioning that Exotic Star had a new product launching today and that she would have to wake up early. He reached for his phone on the table, intending to call her.However, his hand slipped and the phone fell to the floor. The loud thud caused his heart to tremble. He stared at the shattered phone screen as he got a bad feeling. He grabbed his spare phone and quickly dialed Chloe's number. After ringing for some time, a cold, mechanical voice informed him that there was no one available to answer at the moment. Without hesitation, he immediately headed to the Sullivan Manor. When Joseph got ther
“Yes, Grandpa, and I hope you won't stop me when the time comes," Noah said. "You're not discussing this with me. You're just informing me!" Desmond said exasperatedly. "I'm sorry, Grandpa.”Desmond hemmed and hawed for a long while, at a loss for words. He seemed to age ten years as he stared into the distance through the window. After a while, he said, "I've already had someone contact doctors abroad regarding your condition, so don't worry. All you have to do now is just focus on recovering. Don't give up so soon."Sensing Desmond's determination, Noah's eyes filled with tears. He too wished to spend a few more years with his grandfather.When they arrived at the Sullivan manor, the foreign doctors had replied. Upon learning that the renowned healer, Z, had treated Noah but only achieved limited success, they decided not to intervene.Noah was not discouraged by this. He comforted Desmond and said, "Grandpa, I would like to go abroad for a few days. It's been a long time sin
Half an hour later, Desmond and Noah walked out of the ward together.Desmond said, "The doctor told you to stay in the hospital for a few more days, so why don't you just listen? If something happens to you again, they can treat you immediately."Noah smiled warmly and said, "It's okay. The medical equipment at home is sufficient."Desmond sighed. It would be good if Noah stayed at home as well. At least there would be more pairs of eyes on him.Desmond instructed the driver to come to the hospital’s basement car park. When he hung up the phone, he looked around the corridor and wondered, "Wasn't Chloe just sitting here? Where is she?"Noah did not say anything and just lowered his head."And where's Tiffany too? Call her. We need to go home," Desmond said as he took his phone out to call Chloe.However, Chloe did not answer his call. Noah did not call Tiffany. Instead, he said, "Her brother had something to discuss with her, so he came by and brought her home. Maybe Chloe ha
Chloe looked at Tiffany and said sarcastically, "Not everyone is willing to contribute their entire life knowing that the other person doesn't like them."Tiffany had a heart problem. She might die at any moment, yet she chose to live around someone who did not love her back. Chloe often marveled at the greatness of love, but she would never possess such a sacrificial spirit.Tiffany laughed coldly. "It’s because I have compassion and you don't. When Xavia died before your eyes, you just coldly stared at her body."Chloe raised her head sharply, glared at Tiffany, and shouted at the top of her lungs, "Xavia took my child, stole my man, and wrecked my marriage! She nearly got me killed several times! If she hadn’t died, it might have been me! I should've celebrated her death with fireworks! None of you know what I've been through, so stop pointing fingers at me!"At first, she had felt responsible for Xavia's death, but she had since come to her senses. Xavia's death had nothing to
Desmond was taken aback that he even forgot his cane and almost tripped on the carpet. He quickly got back up and headed for the second floor. The butler immediately called for an ambulance while the other housekeepers guided the panicked guests away.Chloe furrowed her brows, following Desmond into Noah's bedroom. The curtains were drawn tightly, blocking out all light. But just standing at the door, one could detect the strong scent of rust from inside.A helper flipped a switch, and the room was flooded with light. The wooden furniture was neatly arranged while neatly folded clothes sat on the sofa.Chloe looked around but did not see Noah. She then looked toward the bathroom and her face sank.Tiffany pointed to the bathroom and said, "He's in there."Desmond trembled as he pushed open the bathroom door. Inside was a mess, with red stains covering the floor. Noah was in the bathtub, his wet clothes clinging to his body. His arms hung limply over the tub's edge, and his head sl
Chloe did not know how to answer."Say something. You wanted her dead, right? Are you happy now that she is dead?!” Kenneth shouted angrily at her, his eyes bloodshot and his gaze piercing.He was so loud that it drew the attention of many nearby. Callum and Joseph rushed over, and Joseph shielded Chloe behind him. He pushed Kenneth back several steps and said sternly, "Never speak of that woman in front of Chloe again. Otherwise, there'll be consequences!""Hah! Are you protecting a murderer?" Kenneth laughed. "Oh yeah, you’re both responsible for Xavia's death after all."Smack!Callum slapped Kenneth across the face, instantly silencing him. "Get a grip, Ken! Xavia deserved to die. Stop embarrassing yourself in front of Chloe.”Kenneth held his face as he muttered, "Yeah, you're right… Xavia should’ve died. She was evil. She deceived and took advantage of me… She should die..."Then why was he so tormented over her death? He could not sleep or eat. He knew Xavia deserved th
Joseph frowned. "Of course not. Her death has nothing to do with you. Promise me you won’t think such thoughts."The unexpected turn of events caught both Chloe and him off guard. Xavia clearly wanted to haunt Chloe forever by killing herself in front of her. Although he felt shocked, he was not deeply shaken. After all, he had not witnessed Xavia's jump, and Xavia probably thought that the third floor was not enough to kill her. After all, being in the hospital for treatment was better than being detained by the police.Chloe looked at Joseph with vacant eyes and smiled bitterly. "You're right. It’s good that she's finally dead. She got what she deserved, and I should be happy," she said."Exactly. Even if she didn't jump, the police would’ve arrested her," Joseph said gently, "It's my fault for asking you to buy us some time. If she comes back as a ghost to haunt you, I'll stop her."Joseph, Tyson, and a few officers had arrived just moments after Xavia jumped. He had brought a g
Everyone erupted into gasps. As a deafening crash came from below, the staff scattered. Some ran downstairs to try and rescue Iris. Some who had rushed to the windows shouted anxiously, "She's still alive!"Everyone around Chloe was running as her mind was filled with an endless ringing. The whole world became a blur. She never imagined that things would end like this. The meeting hall was on the third floor. It was not too high, but it could be fatal if one were to land on their head. Everyone's accusatory gaze fell on Chloe, and the crowd started to murmur."Damn, how could she do this to Iris? Do you think she’ll be haunted by nightmares tonight?""Yeah, why does she insist that Iris is Xavia?""What if Iris dies? Won’t Ms. Chloe indirectly become a murderer?""Do you think Iris will come for revenge in the middle of the night when she dies?"Something inside Chloe snapped, and she shouted, "It wasn't me! What she did has nothing to do with me!"Her outburst silenced the ro