Kisa ignored his scornful expression and placed the bowl of chicken soup in front of him."I made you some chicken soup; it's good for you."Gilbert glanced at the creamy chicken soup before turning to her sharply, "Stop beating around the bush. Tell me, what is it that you want from me?"He refused to believe there was no hidden agenda behind her kindness to him.'Everything nice that she had done for me had ulterior motives,' he thought.Just as he had expected, she stopped putting on a facade."I need your help with something."Gilbert scoffed and did not respond.Kisa quickly added, "It's not something difficult. I was hoping that you could take me to the Case family's house sometime this week,"'Sharon has set a trap for me; that's why she wants me to attend Grandpa's birthday banquet so badly. As long as I get my hands on my mother's belongings before the banquet, Sharon will have a hard time pulling off her plan. However, I won't be able to step foot into the Case famil
Their arrival was quickly greeted by Christopher Case and Carolyn Marshall.The Kooper family and the Case family had always been on good terms. However, due to the Kooper family's growing power and status, the Case family was slightly fearful of them and would butter them up.Exhibit-a, just as Gilbert got out of the car, Carolyn pulled him aside affectionately. She gave him a smile that was so endearing it was almost as if she were looking at her own son."Gilbert! What brought you here today? Sharon's still on set right now, so she hasn't come home yet," Carolyn said.When she saw Kisa get out of the car, the endearing smile on her face instantly dropped.Carolyn pointed at Kisa, "She... What's she doing here?"She was so shocked that her speech was garbled.Carolyn had always hated Kisa. Back then, she often abused Kisa. However, she did not dare to openly exhibit her hatred toward Kisa in front of Gilbert.Meanwhile, Christopher was also staring at Kisa with a deep frown.
Kisa was so eager to retrieve her mother's belongings that she ignored the show Carolyn had put on. She allowed Carolyn to drag her toward the staircase.However, just as they got to the staircase, Carolyn came to a stop.Then, she turned to Gilbert with a smile, "Gilbert, dear, has Mrs. Kooper Sr. regained consciousness yet?"Gilbert froze momentarily."Not yet," he answered coolly.Carolyn made a surprised expression, "Ah, I see. I thought Mrs. Kooper Sr. had regained consciousness. After all, Kisa was reckless back then when she injured her. If Mrs. Kooper Sr. hasn't regained consciousness, why are you helping Kisa to retrieve her mother's belongings? Don't you hate her?"Gilbert's expression instantly darkened. His two hands that were resting on his knees tightened.When Christopher saw his reaction, he feigned anger and yelled at Carolyn, "What're you talking about? Hurry up and take Kisa upstairs."Meanwhile, Carolyn quickly feigned an apologetic look."I'm so sorry, Gil
It was Carolyn. Christopher immediately ran upstairs.Gilbert's gaze darkened before he quickly followed suit.When Christopher and Gilbert got upstairs, they saw Carolyn hugging Mr. Case Sr."How could you be so heartless? He's your grandfather!" Carolyn shouted at Kisa through tears.Meanwhile, Kisa stood there with an indifferent expression.She did not panic; she had seen plenty of set-ups like this,"What happened?" Christopher asked urgently while peering at Mr. Case Sr.Mr. Case Sr. was lying on the ground in pain.Carolyn wiped her tears and said, "I told Kisa to wait here while I go retrieve the attic keys. On the way there, I saw Nicholas, so I told him that Kisa was over. Nicholas was overjoyed; he said that he wanted to see Kisa as well. When I returned with the keys, I saw Kisa brutally shove Nicholas down the stairs. Thankfully, this stair flight isn't long. Otherwise, with Nicholas's age, he could've been badly injured."Christopher was furious. He strode toward
Christopher was stunned, "Gilbert! You... You're defending this wench?!"Carolyn felt indignant. She quickly chimed in, "That's right, Gilbert. She had injured your grandmother so badly that she has still yet to regain consciousness. Why are you defending her?"Gilbert flung Christopher's arm away coldly."You can blame me for what happened today. If anything happens to Mr. Case Sr. because of the fall he'd experienced today, you come to me. As for her..." Gilbert said icily.He turned to Kisa coldly, "I was the one who brought her here, so I'll naturally be the one taking her home."Then, he grabbed Kisa's arm and prepared to leave.However, Kisa did everything to get to the Case family's house to retrieve her mother's belongings. She was unwilling to leave without getting a glimpse of her mother's belongings.Carolyn's holding the keys to the attic door, and the only thing keeping me from my mother's belongings is this very door. I'm so close. I'm so close to my mother's belon
This time, Kisa did not try to break free from Gilbert. Instead, she allowed him to drag her out of the Case residence.After getting into the car, Gilbert loosened his tie irritably. He looked at Kisa and asked, "Tell me the truth, why did you come to the Case residence today?Kisa pulled her hands away and laughed. She looked at the man beside her who had bloodshot eyes. "You never believed in me and never intended to believe me, so why are you asking? Don't you already believe what they said?""Kisa Becker," Gilbert growled. "How do I believe in you if you don't tell me anything?""Ha. I don't tell you anything?" Kisa chuckled. Okay, do you believe me if I told you my grandfather fell onto the ground on purpose and made the whole thing up with Carolyn Walker?""Mr. Case Sr. fell on purpose?" Gilbert obviously did not believe her words. "Kisa, you're such a bad liar. Mr. Case Sr. is in his eighties. You think he would risk his life by deliberately falling just to frame you? Ha.
Although it was spring in the Sandy Bay, the cold wind at night still felt chilly to the bone.Kisa sat quietly by the river, letting the icy rain fall onto her. Her hair was wet, and her pale and thin face was filled with raindrops and tears. The red and swollen handprint on her face looked terrifying under the rain.She clenched her hands tightly, her eyes full of indifference. 'I don't care if the Case family wants to frame me. All I want is my mother's antique.'Suddenly, she heard the sound of footsteps behind her, and a thick coat was draped over her shoulders. Her heart trembled slightly. She turned around to see who it was, but a hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes.'That's right. Gilbert wholeheartedly thought that I was lying and that I am a vicious monster. He hates me and wants me dead. How could it ever be him?'Howard was startled when he saw the handprint on Kisa's face. "Kisa, y-your face... Who hit you?""It's nothing," Kisa said as she stared blankly at t
'Ha. And I was worried that she would get hurt or something out here. I forgot that the person she loved was that man. No matter what kind of hurt or humiliation she suffered, she would always run into that man's arms to seek comfort.'As Gilbert thought of Kisa's flattery the past two days, the corners of his lips filled with mockery and indifference. 'Every nice thing she does for me is done with the intention of gaining something. I shouldn't feel touched by her actions. I really shouldn't.'Gilbert returned to the Sandy Bay in the middle of the night, reeking from alcohol. He was soaking wet, and his hair was messy. At the sight of this, a servant hurriedly sit him down and said, "Sir, how much did you have to drink? You're all wet from the rain. You'll get sick."The servant then went to bring Gilbert a bowl of soup. However, when Gilbert saw the soup, he violently smashed the bowl to the ground. "I, Gilbert, don't want anything from that woman. Soup? Good for the body? Well, I
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