"Garden? Silhouette of a woman?"Gilbert frowned deeply, "Why'd you have such a dream? You even had the same dream twice. Have you been to that garden? Do you know that woman?"Kisa shook her head."I find it odd too. Ever since I started staying at the Mullen residence, I've been having this dream. I also keep finding the Mullen residence really creepy."Gilbert stroked her back gently, "Alright. It's just a dream, not a foreshadowing. Otherwise, you may as well be Superman."The man said in a feigned light-hearted tone. He was just trying to calm the terrified woman down.Her forehead was drenched in sweat; it seemed like she was terrified by her dream.Kisa nodded, "I also don't think it's a foreshadowing. I would think it's a coincidence if I had such a bizarre dream once since I've changed to a different place to stay and am not used to it. But this is the second time I'm having this dream, so it's really weird.""After this, go see Kelvin."Kisa turned to him in astonish
"I heard that a summer retreat was built in there; a water pipe connects to the stream of the mountain beside. The water's cool during the summer and warm during the winter. Moreover, its interior is also exceptionally stunning. I also heard there's a massive garden that looks like paradise."'A garden?' wondered Kisa.For some reason, she suddenly thought of the bizarre garden in her dream.She could not help but shudder.Moments later, she shook her head.'It's just a dream. How could it be so coincidental?' she thought.She looked at Gilbert, "Do you really buy it? A summer retreat?"Gilbert shook his head, "Of course not. After all, there's no need to act so mysteriously and guarded if it's a summer retreat.""I don't, either. It would make more sense if other people in the Mullen family could enter. The thing is, Mr. Mullen Sr. isn't allowing his family members inside either and there are many bodyguards in the restricted area. That's why I think there's definitely a secre
'She had even chosen her gravesite...' thought Gilbert.Gilbert was leaning on the wall in the courtyard outside. When he heard Kisa's words, his heart clenched.'Back then, she must've had the mentality that she was definitely going to die. Thankfully, she survived. Otherwise, what would I do?' he thought."But I... I'm worried that I'll get my hopes up for nothing, " Vivian gripped her blanket and said dejectedly. She was feeling a mix of emotions.Just as she was about to speak, three persons entered the courtyard.It was Mr. and Mrs. Mullen Sr., and Adrien.Seeing Adrien, Kisa got an idea. She said to Vivian, "You should give it a shot, even if it's a small glimmer of hope. Otherwise, how will you stand up and make that person pay? Go find that person and avenge yourself, right?"Then, she subtly glanced at Adrien.Unfortunately, Adrien's expression remained indifferent, as if he were just an outsider.Kisa's gaze darkened. She suddenly found the man's calmness and indiffe
"That's... That's for Mrs. Kooper, sir. I can get you another cup if you want some."The servant seemed really panicked and almost reached out to snatch the cup back.Kisa stared at the servant skeptically. She had a nagging feeling something was off.'It's just a cup of tea. Besides, Kelvin is here to treat Ms. Mullen's legs; this makes his status more distinguished than mine, so that cup of tea should be given to Kelvin first. Since Kelvin had snatched it away himself, it should be fine. Why's this servant in such a panic?' she wondered."I can't drink it just because it's for her?" Kelvin glanced at the servant icily.He continued, "As a guest of the Mullen family and someone who's here to treat Ms. Mullen's legs, I can't even have a cup of tea when I'm thirsty?"Then, he downed the entire cup of tea angrily.'Tsk! I'm the young master of the Hoover family and have an entourage whenever I leave the house, yet here I am, being sidelined by a servant. I'm speechless,' thought K
The tea was refreshing.After that, Kelvin began treating Vivian with his needle technique for the first time.Kisa was a little annoyed when she thought about how Gilbert did not stay with her after coming here together.So, she went outside to look for him.However, she did not see Gilbert anywhere. The only signs he had been around were a few cigarette butts around the edge of the wall.She glanced at the logo on the cigarette butts and found out that it was Gilbert's go-to brand.'It seems like he stayed here for some time.'Kisa looked up and gazed around, but still could not see him anywhere. 'He probably left,' she thought to herself.Then, she turned around and looked at Kelvin and Vivian.Kelvin had a thin and long needle made of silver in his hand Then, he poked it into Vivian's leg carefully.Vivian looked very nervous and excited.'I guess the treatment isn't going to be done anytime soon.'Kisa thought to herself. Then, she turned around and walked toward the a
"What's the point of you forcing her to be with you?"You should know very well that everyone in your family, including you, looks down on her. None of you will ever let her be a part of the Mullen family. Why won't you just leave her alone? If you really care about her, you should've been more considerate and defended her when you had the chance, instead of treating her like trash. Not only that, why did you blame her for embarrassing you when she was the one who was mistreated?""Hmph. Care?" Anthony scoffed. "I've slept with so many women. She's the worst and cheapest one I've ever been with."Kisa clenched her fists and smiled coldly. "Doesn't that just give you one more reason to leave her? None of the women you slept with had treated you genuinely other than her."Is it that hard for you to let go of a woman that you don't care about, yet loves you so much?""Shut up!"Suddenly, Anthony yelled at her.Then, he said to Kisa coldly with his bloodshot eyes, "You'd better stay
"What do you mean I didn't pay enough attention to you? Heh. Tell me now, what did you do to care for that baby?" Kisa gazed at him deeply and spoke in a sarcastic and indifferent tone.Gilbert got mad and said in a low voice, "Just go ahead and think whatever you want then. It's not like you'd trust anything I say anyway."He turned around and walked back to the main building in the mansion after saying that.Kisa tightened her fists and as she froze in place.'Why didn't he give me another month if he really cared about that baby? Why would he be so eager to send me to prison? He only acted like this because he wanted me to tell him where Sara was, didn't he? Hmph. Now he's telling me that he cared about that baby?! As if I'd believe him!' Kisa thought to herself furiously as her eyes reddened.Gilbert noticed that Kisa did not follow behind him after walking for a while.He sighed soundlessly. Then, he turned around and retraced his steps.He saw Kisa standing under that big
"A group of bodyguards in suits appeared out of nowhere and gave me a heart attack before I could see anything inside. All of them were armed, too. If I hadn't acted fast enough and ran out of there, I wouldn't be here in front of you two. Ugh. This place is f*cking terrifying!"Kisa looked at him in surprise. "Really? How many bodyguards were there? Did you see clearly?""Ten, at least. All of them looked big and ferocious," Kelvin said in a deep voice. "What do you think is in there? The security's so tight. Could the Mullens be hiding some kind of treasure inside?""You're right," Kisa answered subconsciously.Kelvin froze. Then, he looked at Kisa curiously. "Really? Mr. Mullen Sr. probably already has everything he could ever want, right? I wonder what kind of treasure would make him take such strict security measures?""I don't know." Kisa shook her head. "Mr. Mullen Sr. admitted that there's something precious in there, and he even warned me not to go inside without permissi
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