"You're so punctual.""Why did I come so early?" Gilbert coldly said with a poker face.Kohen grinned dully. He forgave Gilbert for how he reacted. He then pulled him to walk toward the center of the party.Gilbert frowned as he withdrew his hand. He then stared seriously at Kohen."I remember that you have a good relationship with Jensen. And, he became how he is now because of me. So, why were you still willing to help me?"He wanted to ask this question when he first arrived in Raworth.Initially, he did not expect Kohen to help him because of Jensen. The first person he discussed with was not Kohen either.However, that partner of his refused to help him. That was why he talked to Kohen.Unexpectedly, Kohen was more cooperative than he imagined. He actually agreed to help him immediately.Gilbert's impression of Kohen was not a good one due to the rumors regarding him in the world of business.Rumor had it that there was nothing Kohen would not do in the business world. H
'Kohen is radical and scary.'But come to think about it, I'm his wife, I won't want to hurt him.'As long as I don't mess with him, he wouldn't hurt me.'As she thought that, she felt that Kohen was not actually that terrifying."Nothing is absolute. Be careful, you might regret your words one day!"Gilbert laughed softly at Kohen when he saw Eylul walking in his direction.Kohen smiled gently as he shook his head, "I've never regretted anything in my life. To be honest, I don't know what it feels like to regret something. I want to experience it someday.""Don't get carried away. I'm sure your wife will make you feel what it's like to regret one day.""You think too highly of her." Kohen scornfully said, "She just doesn't have what it takes and isn't good enough to make me regret.""Really?" Gilbert smiled faintly. He stared over Kohen at Eylul who was standing behind him.He smiled at her as he greeted, "Hi Mrs. McCray!"Kohen's body was noticeably stiff for a moment.He
Kisa did not sleep the whole night. She was sitting by the window staring outside in a daze when her phone rang.Her phone was on the coffee table.She glanced at it and saw that Kohen had sent her a message.She confusedly frowned.She had not been in contact with him for a long time. 'Why did he suddenly send me a message? Is it an emergency?'With doubts, she hurriedly opened the message.Suddenly, she saw a picture.She was stunned for a moment.She could see that Gilbert was surrounded by a few young, gorgeous ladies in the photo. The ladies were toasting at him. At first glance, it felt like Gilbert had many concubines with him.Kisa stared at the picture for a long time. She then calmly leaned back in her chair. She barely showed any expression.She did not reply to Kohen even after a long time had passed.Perhaps, because of that, Koen sent her another message. [Did you see the photo? How do you feel?]Based on that text, it seemed like Kohen wanted to gloat about w
Kohen frowned, and he turned his head to look at the center of the party.Gilbert drank his alcohol as he gently smiled. "Looks like someone is trying to ruin your party. Aren't you going to have a look at it?"Kohen stopped staring in that direction. He casually smiled as he said, "It's not a big deal. It's just some ladies quarreling. Everything will be fine after they're done fighting."Right after he finished saying that, his butler ran toward him hurriedly."It's bad, Mr. McCray. Mrs. McCray is fighting with Rose Williams from the Finlay Group!"Kohen suddenly furrowed his eyebrows. "Who's fighting with who?""Mrs. McCray and Rose Williams."Kohen got up before his butler finished speaking. He then strode toward the noise.Gilbert could not help but smile.'Humans. Indeed, all of us would unknowingly fall in love with someone.'No one knew if he said that about himself or Kohen.The pastry stand at the side of the party was knocked over.Eylul was stained with butter c
"You're the one who's lying!" Rose immediately yelled emotionally.Then, she turned to Kohen with tears in her eyes."Ever since you married this woman, I knew my place, and I stopped bothering you. But, you invited me to this banquet. Did you ask me to come here just to get humiliated by that scheming woman?Besides, everyone here saw how your woman picked on me. They all saw it. If you don't believe me, you can ask them."Suddenly, the women around them chimed in and agreed."That's right, Mr. Kohen. That woman was clearly at fault just now. She started getting aggressive at Rose first.""Besides, this woman's not fit to be your wife at all.""She's merely a country bumpkin. She has no right to be here."Kohen immediately looked around him.The voices of the women around him promptly grew softer. They all avoided his gaze and lowered their heads.Kohen's gaze swept across them briefly before finally landing on Eylul."Do you admit it?"Eylul had a calm expression. "There'
Gilbert's slender fingers inadvertently tapped on the photo gallery icon. The first photo that popped up was a photo of that woman.It was a photo he secretly took.There was a candid and pure smile on her face. Gilbert did not know what she had encountered to beam that brightly.He stared fondly at the photo.He continued staring and was suddenly reminded of the contract.Then, his gentle gaze abruptly turned terrifyingly dark.He locked his phone and leaned against the chair in annoyance.Gilbert wanted to go home and see the woman. He wanted to see her right this instant.However, he felt reluctant about the woman dominating his emotions and thoughts.He gripped his forehead in pain, as he could not verbalize the frustration he felt within him.Sometime later, Kohen's butler walked up to Gilbert. "Mr. Kooper, our second young master said you had some drinks, so you should rest here tonight. He needs to discuss the particulars of some work-related things with you tomorrow."
Kohen suddenly growled lowly.Eylul stopped in due time and turned to him. "Is there anything else?"'Her distant tone didn't sound like how a woman would speak to her husband. Unless she has never treated me as her husband,' thought Kohen.At this sudden thought, Kohen quickly shook his head.'How ridiculous. Why am I having such thoughts? Once there's a child, this marriage will naturally end. Isn't it a little excessive to fuss over such things?' he thought again.He slowly lowered his dark gaze onto her flat stomach."Go get a checkup at the hospital tomorrow.""Okay." She asked again as if she were a servant, "Is there anything else?""Get lost!""Okay," Eylul nodded. Her attitude was considered well-behaved.However, this irritated Kohen. The more he looked at her, the angrier he felt.Just as the woman was about to walk out, he suddenly grunted, "I'll go to the hospital with you tomorrow!"Eylul was startled. A moment later, she nodded, "Okay.""Can't you f*cking sa
"What is wrong with you? Don't you watch where you're going?"It was a sharp, arrogant shriek from Sharon.'But, why do I also seem to hear Lea apologizing?' Kisa wondered.Kisa frowned and turned over. She saw Lea getting up from the floor as Sharon berated her. Meanwhile, Sharon seemed to be getting more and more worked up.Kisa got up and walked over."What's wrong?"Kisa helped Lea up and turned to Sharon icily.Sharon sneered and bluntly said, "Your lackey didn't watch where she was going and bumped into me, so I slapped her."Ever since Carolyn and Adrien's relationship got publicized, Sharon had been acting cocky on set.It was not an exaggeration to say that she had been running amok.Ariella whispered beside her, "She was on her phone and bumped into Lea. She's a thief crying thief."Kisa's gaze darkened upon hearing Ariella's words.Just as she was about to settle the score with Sharon, Lea abruptly tugged her forcefully.Kisa turned to Lea out of reflex and noti
In a small town in the South, a gentle breeze caressed the cheeks of passersby, creating a pleasant and serene atmosphere. This town, known for its tourism, was adorned with flowers even in its narrow alleys. The surrounding houses were all quaint inns, exuding a poetic and picturesque charm.Beneath an arching bridge, Kisa set up an easel to display and sell her paintings. She had always loved painting since childhood. Although she had not achieved great success in this field, her vivid and evocative paintings were very popular with tourists. She would sell most of her paintings every day.On weekends, Blake would join her at the stall, but today was Wednesday, and she was alone. After arranging her paintings, she had barely sat down when people began to gather around. Some admired her art, while others immediately offered to buy. Her paintings were reasonably priced, which attracted many customers."Miss, I'd like that painting of the snow-covered rose garden at night.""Alright,
In the backyard, Kohen looked at his older brother's calm expression, a hint of worry in his voice. "Bro, are you alright?""I'm fine," Hayes said, adjusting the blanket on his lap. "Tomorrow, take me to meet those medical geniuses you found.""Oh, sure..." Kohen nodded in agreement, but after a moment, he could not help but ask, "Bro, what did that woman say to you that made you change your mind so suddenly?"Hayes gazed at the stars in the sky, his voice cool and distant. "She told me she's doing well, very happy. Then she pointed out how pitiful and miserable I am right now. She asked me if I don't feel envious, knowing how well she is doing compared to me."Kohen grimaced, realizing that the woman had provoked his brother into action.Hayes lowered his eyes, a faint smile on his face. "That's right. How could I not be envious? So, I want to heal my legs, live a good life, and show her that I can do better than her."Kohen felt a pang of sympathy for his brother. From Hayes's
Mentioning Hayes, Eylul's expression became complex. "Hayes is reclusive and doesn't like to see people. Only a single old servant has been taking care of him all these years. I only met him once, back when I married Kohen."Mia's heart ached, recalling the enigmatic yet deeply emotional man. She could not help but feel a lump in her throat. "How's his health?" Mia asked.Eylul replied, "His health is fine, but his legs have remained the same. Kohen has found top orthopedic experts for him and even sought out Kelvin Hoover from Calthon, but he refuses treatment. For so many years, he hasn't even stepped outside the backyard.""You mean he's been living in the backyard all this time?" Jensen asked gravely.Eylul nodded. "Yes, Kohen wanted him to live in the main house, but he refused. He only likes staying in the backyard. Moreover, the room he stays in used to be..." Eylul glanced at Mia. She had heard that Mia used to live in that room.With a complicated expression, Mia pursed h
"Let's forget everything that just happened,' Mia said.Jensen looked up at her. In the moonlight, his eyes were deep and complex, profound and unfathomable.Mia tried to muster a smile. "You don't have to feel burdened. In a way, I forced you. And you must have always disliked me. Actually, I didn't come to you for money; I just wanted to see you. Now that I have, I should go. Jensen, from now on... take care."With that, she walked away, fearing that if she lingered any longer, she would not be able to leave. But after only a few steps, she was embraced from behind.Jensen's voice was low and hoarse. "Stay with me."Mia trembled at his words. Jensen continued. "But I still have so many things to do and someone in my heart I can't let go of. I don't know... when I will be able to give you a satisfactory answer. If you don't want to stay with me without any promises or guarantees, you can—""I'm willing," Mia blurted out, "as long as I can be with you, I don't care about anything
Mia's face changed instantly. " You... you know I like Jensen, why would you...""Heh, if you like Jensen, shouldn't you be willing to do anything for him? If you can't even do this, how can you claim to love him?""I won't do it! Doing this would be betraying Jensen. I would risk my life for him, but I can't do this."Adrien stared at her flushed face and gently chuckled, his words loaded with meaning. "Aren't you feeling all hot and bothered yet?"Mia frowned. Her body was indeed getting hotter and more agitated. 'Why would Adrien ask this? Could it be the drink...?'As the thought crossed her mind, her heart sank. Seeing Adrien's cold expression and the man's playful smile, Mia turned and ran. But before she could take more than a few steps, she was dragged back. Weakened by the drink, her desperate struggles were futile. As the man pressed her down, playing with her like a toy, she closed her eyes in despair. She thought she could never face Jensen again. With a bitter laugh,
Adrien Tanner, Jensen's father, stood before Mia with a warm smile. "My son is truly awkward when it comes to matters of the heart. He's even willing to refuse such a beautiful young woman like you."Mia stared at him, her tears suddenly streaming down her face. "I only wanted to see him, even if it was to face rejection. Wouldn't it better to say it clearly to my face?""Yes, it would." Adrien agreed. "But standing here stubbornly won't help, because he left on a business trip a couple of days ago."Mia's heart ached even more, realizing that Jensen had avoided using the front door just to evade her.Adrien continued. "I have a way to make him come to you willingly, but it depends on whether you're willing to cooperate."Mia nodded. "What do I have to do?"Adrien motioned to his bodyguard, who handed him a glass of wine. "Drink this," he said.Mia furrowed her brow, hesitant.Adrien gently patted her shoulder, like a father would."Don't be afraid. I won't harm you. From the
Filled with guilt, Mia stepped forward, but Kohen suddenly pulled out a handgun and aimed it at her."Get out!"Jensen pulled Mia back. He looked at the cold man before him. It was this man who had taken him in years ago. At that time, Kohen was young, a carefree and privileged young man. Now, he seemed to have grown up all at once, his eyes colder and more distant.Jensen said with a troubled expression, "If you ever need me in the future, don't hesitate to find me."Kohen sneered coldly; pain etched in his brow. He mocked himself. "I never should have taken you in back then. In the end, it was I who harmed my own brother."Jensen pursed his lips, not knowing what to say, only feeling an unbearable pain in his heart. It was the first time he felt he owed someone. That sense of indebtedness suffocated him."Get out, and don't let me see you two ever again."On that night, Jensen and Mia left the McCray family. As a result of Hayes's ordeal, the McCray family underwent tremendous
"What on earth happened?"Jensen did not speak. Mia choked out. "The collaboration between the Burton family and the McCray family was a trap. We were ambushed by the Burton family, and Hayes... he was hit by a car trying to save us.""Damn it!" Kohen cursed under his breath, abruptly pulling a knife from a nearby bodyguard and pointing it at them. "What are your lives worth? Why would my brother save you? Why?"Mia bit her lip, tears streaming down her face. 'It's my fault. I wanted to save Jensen, but I should have gone alone. I shouldn't have dragged Hayes into this. He seemed cold-blooded and heartless, and I never thought that he would risk his life for me. Why was he so good to me?'"Kohen..."Suddenly, a weak cry rang out. Hayes had awakened.Kohen hurriedly moved closer, gripping Hayes's hand. "Bro!"Hayes's face was deathly pale. He did not look at Kohen, but instead turned his gaze to Mia. His eyes were calm. He saw Mia's red-rimmed eyes and the tears lingering there,
Hayes was sent flying by the car, his body crashing into a wall before bouncing back.Mia's entire body felt ice-cold as she trembled, yelling, "Hayes!""Kill them all!" A hoarse, aged voice suddenly rang out from the entrance. It was Curtis. He looked at Kendall's lifeless body on the ground, his eyes filled with rage, shouting, "Run them over! I want them to join my grandson in death!""Ah!" Jensen roared, disregarding the guards' swinging knives, and like a madman, charged at Curtis. Curtis's face changed, desperately pulling a nearby guard in front of him as a shield. But it was useless. Jensen, like a crazed beast, attacked anyone in his path. Soon, his knife was held against Curtis's throat.Curtis trembled all over. "Wh-What do you want?"Jensen, covered in blood with splatters on his face, looked like a demon that had emerged from a battleground. He grabbed Curtis and held him hostage in front of him. "Let us go!""Don't even think about it!" Curtis retorted angrily. "You