"Not me. I didn't. I didn't. I didn't. It is not true, Gilbert. Let me explain, Gilbert." Kisa sat up in horror, her chest heaving violently, her forehead stained with sweat. She scrambled out of bed, desperate to explain to Gilbert.Lea rushed over and hugged her. "Kisa, where do you want to go? You have just woken up and are still very weak."Hearing Lea's voice, Kisa came to her senses. She looked at the rustic surroundings and was startled. "How did I get here? Those reporters—""You fainted in the Case residence. I brought you back." Lea helped her sit down. "Kisa, you are not well. You need to rest.""You brought me back?" Kisa stared at her with a frown, feeling something was wrong.Lea nodded and said indignantly, "You have obviously fainted, but those people still won't leave you alone. They kept pointing their cameras at you and asking questions. They were trying to drive you to death.""What about Gilbert?""H-He just watched you lying on the ground with cold eyes." S
After something like this happened, she could believe no one now and did not even dare to think any further.Lea was terrified by the scarlet look in her eyes. "Kisa, what's wrong with you?""Did you see Howard when he went up there?"Lea subconsciously shook her head. "I listened to you and hid in that corner. I didn't see Howard go up until Sharon went up with many guests. Not only Howard, but no one else went up there." Lea looked sincere.If what Lea said was true, then Howard and the press had been hiding upstairs from the beginning, waiting for her to appear. In other words, the trap had already been laid. Whether she disguised as a maid or not, and whether Sharon discovered her whereabouts, as long as she wanted to get back her mother's belongings, she would fall into this trap.A chill ran up in her spine as she thought about this. It turned out that no matter what, she was always in the open and the trap was always in the dark.She wrapped her arms around her knees helpl
A dim wall lamp illuminated the room.Gilbert was digging his hands into his pants pockets, standing quietly in front of the window with his back to her, looking a bit lonesome.She wrung her hands as she walked over to him nervously. "Gilbert, w-will you listen to my explanation?"He said nothing. There was only silence in the air.She pursed her lips and whispered, "It was Sharon who set me up. I didn't fool around with Howard. I was in the loft of the Case residence, just trying to get my mother's belongings back."Gilbert finally turned around and looked at her quietly, his look of disappointment and disgust hurting Kisa.She bit her lip, holding back the sadness that swept through her. "The only reason I went to the Case residence and dressed as a maid was to get my mother's belongings back, but Sharon and Anthony had already set this up. They bribed Howard to play the part on purpose. ""What I saw was that he had you pinned down." Gilbert looked at her, his lips curled in
"I'm really curious..." Gilbert bent over, propped both hands on the edge of the bed, and confined her to his arms, "whether I'm really inferior to Howard.""No, it is not..." Kisa shook her head in panic. "Don't listen to the media. There is nothing between me and Howard.""If you had nothing to do with him, would you drag me down again and again just to hype him up?" Gilbert said, suddenly tugging at his tie.Kisa panicked. "Gilbert, what are you doing?""What am I doing?" Gilbert laughed softly, his cold eyes devoid of any sentiment, only mockery. "You set me up and manipulated me five years ago. Now... heh.""No!" Realizing what the man was about to do, she panicked and tried to escape, but was quickly dragged back by her feet. "No, Gilbert!" she hissed, but could only see his cold, mocking eyes of the man on top of her. He really hated her, so much so that he wanted her dead. Their relationship had come to the point of no return.The time was incomparably long. Bruises cover
"That's enough!" Gilbert spoke soberly, his eyes torch-like. " Hold a press conference tomorrow. I will apologize to the media.""Mr. Kooper, how can this be?""There is nothing wrong with that. I don't care if I will be laughed at as long as I can salvage GK Pictures's reputation."Outside the door, Kisa clenched the newspaper in her hands with a ruthless look in her eyes. She was a woman with principle; she would repay those who were kind to her with her life and would give as good as she got to those who cheated her.The north of the city was a remote area with ongoing development, the road condition was bad with few shops opening there. Kisa quietly sat in a window seat in the cafe. The business in the cafe was poor, and there was no one else but her. The soft music did not relax her, as she clenched her phone and stared icily at the cafe door.It did not take long before a man wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses walked briskly. He first raised his eyes and looked around, th
"You really have no intention of trusting me," he said in an icy voice.Kisa snickered. "I trusted you; I chose to trust you from the beginning, but you were too obvious the second time you cooperated with Sharon to set me up," she said with a flash of sadness on her face. "I always thought we were sort of friends. I was willing to give up my life to help you get your role back, but you teamed up with Sharon to set me up. You're the one who failed my trust in you, not me who refused to trust you."There was a touch of emotion and guilt on his face. "Kisa, I—""Did you think you'd get away with colluding with Sharon and Anthony?"Howard was surprised. "You know about Anthony, too?"Kisa shook her head and laughed. "Yes. After these two news incidents, your popularity has gone through the roof and almost everyone knows your name, but how long do you think you can keep that up? When this is over, do you think anyone will remember you? Do you think Gilbert will let you remain in the e
She thought he would stay at the Kooper residence for the next few days. After last night's incident, she could not tell what it was like to see this man again; there were feelings of bitterness, embarrassment, and resentment."M-Mrs. Kooper, you are back."Yesterday's incident was such a big story that her identity was no longer a secret. Even the people in this villa looked at her with strange eyes, and the way they addressed her did not sound right.Gilbert leaned against the cabinet by the window and smoked, not sparing her a glance, as if she was just a stranger.Kisa pursed her lips and walked upstairs. Had she not had to accompany Madalyn, she would not have stayed here. After walking a few steps, Sharon suddenly came out of the washroom and called out joyfully, "Kisa, you're back?"She did not expect to see Sharon here. After a moment of shock, she continued to walk upstairs. She told herself that everything would be over tomorrow, anyway. Whether or not Howard worked with
"You will regret it one day to protect her now.""The thing I regret most in my life is meeting you. Without you, none of the tragedies would have happened." Gilbert stared at her indifferently, his voice calm yet frosty.An emotion surged inside her, and tears blurred her eyes. She grasped the carpet with indignation, her eyes bloodshot. She suddenly let out a self-deprecating laugh. "So did I. All my misfortunes started when I met you.""Is that so?" Gilbert smirked and stopped looking at her, instead pulling Sharon outside.It was not until they drove away in the car that Kisa tried to get up from the floor. Her back hurt like hell from hitting the cabinet, and her body felt as if it was going to fall apart whenever she moved. She gritted her teeth and walked slowly to the coffee table, picked up her mother's ruined notebook, and held it in her arms, then slowly walked upstairs. She trudged forward, not only the dull pain coming from her back but also the familiar pain that floo
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