Vivian was shivering, possibly traumatized. Kisa, regretting her own hastiness, was afraid that Vivian would break down and go crazy again like she did before. She knew she should have asked the questions only after Vivian's leg had completely healed, but she just could not wait any longer.Adrien had been at the Mullen residence, seemingly watching her and Gilbert's every move all the time, and the person who used psychotropic drugs on her had yet to be identified. Feeling that danger still lingered everywhere in the Mullen residence, she wanted to find out about David and get out of there as soon as possible.Vivian was shaking all over, her hand gripping the handrail, her knuckles turning white from using too much force.Kisa stared at her anxiously. As she thought of changing the subject, Vivian suddenly asked her, "What is your mother's name?"Hesitating for a few seconds, she then said, "Emilia Becker."Vivian's face turned pale instantly. That made Kisa wonder why and what
Kelvin had goosebumps all over his skin. He rubbed his arms as he came up to Kisa, frowning at her. "What's wrong with you again? It is dark, and the courtyard is already eerie enough. You scared the hell out of me by shouting like that.""No. I just saw what looked like a glimpse of a person under this lamppost."It scared the daylights out of Kelvin. "Stop scaring me. How could there be anyone here?" Kelvin said, glancing around.Besides the two of them, there was no one around. They had come from Vivian's place, which was a bit far from the main building. There were many winding paths leading to various corners of the courtyard in between these two places. The spot they were at now was the most remote, most eerie, and most tree-lined section of the path.But Kisa was sure she had really gotten a glimpse of someone under the streetlight and that someone must be hiding in the wood. Thinking about the eerie, malicious eyes that she felt every time previously, a thought came to her
Gilbert had been working in the room. The computer was on in front of him, with some documents next to it. When they came in, he was writing on a piece of paper. After hearing what Kelvin said, he put down the pen in his hand and looked at Kisa, seemingly checking to see if she was injured.Kisa deliberately let her hair down and her bangs just covered the bruise, which arose because Vivian had hit her with a teacup.Gilbert glanced over her and looked at Kelvin. "Why did you say that?""Your woman was being paranoid all day, saying that she saw a shadow under the streetlight at night and someone was hiding behind trees. It's creeping me out. I'm not going to walk with her at night anymore. I'm afraid she would scare me to death instead of other things."Hearing Kelvin grumbling and seeing his resentment, Gilbert said to him light-heartedly, "You should really work on your guts. Even Gracie has more guts than you."Kisa covered her mouth and giggled.Kelvin glared at her. "I have
Kisa snapped back and met Gilbert's anxious eyes.Gilbert tapped the bump on her forehead with his finger, his face serious. "What happened?"Kisa took down his hand, covered the bump with her hair, and mumbled, "I ran into the wall by accident."He could tell at first glance that Kisa was not telling the truth. Thinking about Kelvin's hesitant look just now, it was not difficult to guess that the bump on her forehead was caused by her quarrel with Vivian. Since she did not want to talk about it, he would not push her."Keep your eyes on the road next time.""Mmm-hmm." Kisa nodded vigorously.Gilbert suddenly leaned back and narrowed his eyes at her. He felt Kisa had changed a lot these days, more submissive, more well-behaved, and gentler. He wondered if it was because of her pregnancy. If he had known it, he would have told her about the baby earlier. Gilbert subconsciously tightened his arms around her."Let me hug you a little longer."He rested his head against her forehea
Kisa tilted her head and put on a smile. "I'm serious. I'm also serious about what I'm saying to you."Seeing her giggling and nonchalance, Gilbert was so mad that he gritted his teeth. He rarely confessed his feelings, but when he did and admitted to her the mistakes he had made back then, she looked like she couldn't care less. So he got angry, feeling that his expression had gone to waste. But the more he thought about it, the angrier he became, and the harder Kisa laughed. Annoyed, he pushed her down.A thought came to Kisa's mind. leveraging on the force, Kisa took several steps back and fell on her buttocks on the floor. She put her hand to her belly and looked at him with resentment. "Are you trying to murder your own child?"Gilbert panicked and immediately got up to crouch in front of her. "Are you okay?" He looked panic-stricken and had a hard time putting his words together. "I-I didn't mean to push you. I-I didn't use a lot of force. I was angry but I-I just pushed you g
"Think carefully. After coming to the Mullen residence and eating there yesterday, what else have you eaten?"'What else have I eaten?' Kisa carefully recalled the scene yesterday afternoon. A long while later, something flashed through her mind, and she instantly became excited."It's tea." Kisa grabbed Gilbert's arm. "It's the tea I took at Vivian's place. Come to think of it, when I was at the Mullen residence, I visited Vivian almost every day and drank the tea in her place every time.""Vivian?" Gilbert slowly narrowed his eyes, and his dangerous aura rose.Kisa shook her head. "I'm not too sure yet, because Kelvin also drank the tea, and I haven't seen him experience the same thing as me. Tell you what, I'll go and verify it today."Gilbert looked at her for a long while and asked, "Do you need my help?""No, it might arouse suspicion if you go. I have a feeling that if the problem really lies in the tea at Vivian's place, it may not be Vivian who wants to harm me. Anyway,
'Could it be that Mr. Mullen Sr. has also made his move?' Kisa subconsciously looked toward Anthony's room on the second floor, where she saw a tall figure standing silently in front of the see-through floor-to-ceiling window. He was wearing a black shirt and black pants, like a ghostly demon roaming the earth. 'He really loved Lea, didn't he? But he loved her the wrong way and caused irreparable regret and sadness.'As Kisa was thinking, Gilbert suddenly brought over a bowl of soup."Drink it. It's a stew I made with my own hands. It has a strong taste, but I guess you can drink it."Kisa looked at him in bewilderment. "Didn't I just finish my breakfast?""Eat some more. You're losing weight. I'm worried that my baby will be underweight when it is born," Gilbert said, and used his hands to make an exaggerated gesture.Kisa rolled her eyes at him, but still finished the soup. It tasted a little strange, sour, and spicy, but quite appetizing. She also ate two chunks of chicken meat
In fact, she had thought of a method yesterday, but it would inevitably break Gilbert's heart. Feeling upset at the thought, Kisa stood up and silently walked outside.Just then, Gilbert quickly pulled her back and retorted, "What are you trying to do by leaving right after I complained about you? Can't you coax me a little?"Kisa looked at him quietly, while he looked irritated."I reproached you because of those hurtful things you said. Yet you're acting unhappy about it. Kisa, do you care about me at all? I can't wait to love you with all my heart and mind, yet you keep doubting me. What do you want from me?"Kisa secretly clenched her hands at her sides, in a predicament. If she wanted to use that method to get to Adrien, then this was the best opportunity to 'break up' with Gilbert.She had thought to explain the situation to Gilbert before, asking him to stage a 'break-up' with her, and then she would pretend to work with Adrien against him. After she had gained Adrien's tru
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