Kisa stared at the photo inside the crystal pendant. Then, she fell into deep thought.'Since that young man is Mr. Mullen Sr.'s grandson, I might stand a chance if I approach him. But, there are so many people at the banquet. I don't even know if I'll get the chance to meet him,' she thought.Then, she turned to look at the massive villa in front of her.The villa was several stories high and built on a large plot of land.'I heard everyone in the Mullen family stays in this house because Mr. Mullen Sr. likes a lively environment. Besides, his sons are always finding ways to butter him up. That's why everyone scrambled to stay with him as if they were worried that they'd missed the opportunity to curry favor with him. There are so many of them staying together, yet his few sons are not from the same mother. Needless to say, this big family must be pretty complicated. I wonder if they'll agree to let an outsider like me stay here,' Kisa thought.While Kisa was thinking to herself
Kisa only followed the few women for a bit before they suddenly heard a commotion nearby.Other than the people on the dance floor and at the pool, everyone turned in the direction of the commotion.The few women looked at each other."Don't tell me Ms. Reyes rooted out the barmaid and beat her up?""No way. Ms. Reyes cares about her reputation."Kisa panicked. She did not bother listening to their conversation and quickly walked toward the commotion."You lowly b*tch!"Ms. Reyes wore a classy dress as she stood arrogantly in front of a woman.Meanwhile, the woman lying on the ground had red, swollen, and messy slap marks on both sides of her cheeks.Ms. Reyes picked up Lea's purse and took out a diamond necklace. She snorted icily, "You're caught red-handed. How are you going to deny it?""It wasn't me. I didn't steal your things. You clearly stuffed that necklace into my purse," Lea said through her tears.SLAP!Ms. Reyes slapped her again roughly.Blood started coming o
While Kisa was a celebrity actress, high-society women like Ms. Reyes looked down on people like her.Even though she was the wife of GK Pictures's CEO and Gilbert Kooper's wife, she was still born and bred in Calthon and did not frequent Athadale. That was why many did not know or recognize her.Obviously, Ms. Reyes did not recognize Kisa.Ms. Reyes walked up to Kisa and Lea. Then, she snorted sardonically, "What's the matter? Was a barmaid not enough, so another one came?"Lea seemed to be terrified of Ms. Reyes.She subconsciously cowered away when Ms. Reyes walked over.Kisa shielded Lea. Then, she turned to the arrogant-looking woman in front of her, "Who are you to hit my friend?""Ha-ha. So, you really are her friend. Two lowly barmaids from a bar.""Shut your mouth!" Kisa growled icily.She continued, "You slapped her until she's like this. Tell me, should I help her slap you back, or will you voluntarily apologize to her?""Hahaha..."Ms. Reyes looked as if she had
"What's with all the ruckus?! What do you take the Mullen residence for? A market?"Kisa turned to the source of the voice.She saw an old woman with an air of refinement walk toward them.The old woman had gray hairs but a healthy complexion.She wore a floral-patterned evening gown. She also had light makeup on her face, a pearl necklace on her neck, and a diamond ring on her finger.She looked incredibly regal.Next to the old woman was a slightly younger woman who was supporting her.That woman also dressed decently. Even though she was getting on in years, one could tell that she used to be a beauty in her younger years from her eyes.However, in terms of elegance, the woman was still miles away compared to the old woman.This was because her gaze constantly shifted as if she lacked confidence.While Kisa observed them, the old woman and the lady helping her had already walked over."What's going on? What do you take the Mullen residence for?"The old woman asked in a
Carrie sneered and said to Lea deliberately, "My grandma asked you a question. Did Anthony bring you here?" At that moment, Lea did not dare to look at Anthony. She understood what he wanted her to do when he stopped standing up for her. 'He wants me to pretend not to know him because... He thinks I'm a disgrace!'"Hey! We're asking you...""No," Lea suddenly replied in a low voice before Carrie could finish her words.Carrie was startled. It was as if she did not expect Lea to deny it. "How could that be? I clearly saw Anthony leading you in here," she said, as she was not satisfied with her answer.Kisa snorted coldly and said, "Why don't you ask Anthony if you don't believe her?" As she said that, she glanced at him angrily. She resented him the moment he stopped standing up for her. She felt that it was not worth it.After hearing that, Carrie turned to look at Anthony again, but Anthony sneered, "Carrie, she told you that I'm not the one who brought her in here. Why can't you
When Carrie was proudly showing the photos and everyone was mocking Anthony, Kisa suddenly said, "My, my, Mrs. Mullen. You took pictures? Isn't that too obvious? Are you afraid that people wouldn't know that you've been trying to harm your brother-in-law?" Kisa had roughly sorted out who they were as she watched everything unfold. 'That old lady must be Mrs. Mullen Sr., and everyone is afraid of her. Carrie must be her second daughter-in-law, the wife of her second son.' Kisa even wondered if Mrs. Mullen Sr.'s second son was her own, judging by how she treated his wife. 'As for Jane, she should be Anthony's mother. The dynamic between the Mullen family members feels chaotic,' she thought.Carrie's face suddenly changed when she heard what Kisa had said. "That's outrageous. It just so happened that I took the photo. It wasn't intentional.""The photo you 'unintentionally' took looks somewhat intentional, though. Look, everything in the photo is blurry except for Anthony and my friend.
Mrs. Mullen. Sr. opened the letter and met Kisa's well-mannered gaze. However, there was still a hint of contempt. She closed the invitation and returned it to her as she said, "That old man did invite you. It looks like you aren't just some artist."Kisa smiled at her politely and said, "Thank you, Mrs. Mullen Sr. I came here from Athadale to celebrate Mr. Mullen Sr.'s birthday. I brought my friend here to enjoy the banquet, but I did not expect to be treated like this by the Mullen family.""Hah. Ms. Reyes is not from our family. Don't put the blame on us if she's the one who offended you and your friend. The Mullen family is the most respected family in Athadale.""What about her?" Kisa pointed at Carrie and asked. "She was the one who didn't want to let my friend go.""It's all just a misunderstanding, isn't it? She thought your friend was a bar girl. Now that I think about it, that's impossible. I mean, how could a big star like you befriend a bar girl?" There was a hint of sa
"Well, just now. I found my necklace in her purse. She's a thief!" Karen impatiently said."That means you didn't see her steal from you, right?" Kisa replied."I told you. My necklace was found in her purse. Isn't that enough to show that she is a thief?"Kisa nodded with a smile and answered, "So, according to you, whoever has the necklace in their bag is a thief?""Isn't that how it works?" Karen snorted coldly. Kisa smiled and looked at the floor. There were two bags on the ground. Looking at the material and color of the purses, it was immediately recognizable that the bright red bag belonged to Karen. On the other hand, Lea's bag was in a simple and plain white design.Kisa picked up the red purse, and Karen instantly frowned. She rushed over and said, "What are you doing?"When Karen came to snatch her bag away, Kisa secretly unclasped her bracelet and slipped it into Karen's purse while no one was paying attention. Karen patted her purse in distaste as if her bag had beco
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