"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
"I thought we had made up, really. For a few days, I thought we were loving each other like a normal couple."Kisa closed her eyes. When she opened them again, they had turned icy. "What made you think I would make up with you, Gilbert? What makes you think I will forget those wounds, pains, and that poor child? What makes you think I will ever forgive you?""I-It wasn't me who started that fire—""So what if you didn't start it?" Kisa cut him off indifferently. "Weren't you the one who caused it? If only you had let me give birth first and then sent me to prison, I wouldn't have hated you so much. Gilbert, when love is gone, it doesn't come back so easily. Not only did I lose my child, but I was also wounded. If I hadn't been so mentally strong, I would have been dead, just like Lea. It's not easy to forgive with such pain.""I'm sorry. I'm sorry." Gilbert tightened his arms, almost cradling her entirely in his embrace. He buried his head in the crook of her neck, apologizing repe
"Uncle Adrien..." Kisa cried with anguish. "I hate him. I want revenge. I must have revenge."Adrien's eyes flickered, and he said, "Calm down. Tell me what is going on."Kisa kept crying, and the anguish on her face seemed real. Adrien took her back to his room and poured a glass of water for her. She held the glass, her eyes looking blank, her expression full of hurt and sorrow. Adrien sat across from her and asked with concern, "Tell me what happened."Kisa raised her eyes slowly with tears in them. "I hate Gilbert," she said, with full hatred in her voice.Adrien suddenly smiled. "I saw Mr. Kooper treat you quite well these days. In the eyes of outsiders, you two look like a loving couple.""Heh!" Kisa snickered sarcastically. "That's only in the eyes of outsiders. The enmity between him and me is too deep. We'll never be a loving couple."Adrien stared at her for a long time, then said absently, "I saw that you two were fine this morning. So, tell me what happened.""He fou
Kisa hissed, "He deserves to die. Jensen is still in a coma, those ugly burn scars on my body will never fade, and that baby of mine will never come back. So how can he live so well? He's the one who deserves to die!"It hurt her to say this. She clenched her hands, looking indescribably grief-stricken.Adrien exhaled a ring of smoke and urged her, "Silly girl. If you murder him, you'll have hell to pay. It's not worth it to put your life on the line like that.""I don't care." Kisa covered her face and cried with grief. "He hurt me, and he hurt the person who treated me the best. I hate him. I hate him to death."Outside the door, Gilbert listened quietly to the conversation inside, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. He had been worried about her, so after she ran out, he followed her. He could not help himself worry about her although he knew she hated and resented him. And now, listening to her hateful words, his worry seemed so ridiculous. He laughed at himself, with g
There was a sudden knock on the door.Adrien looked alarmed. "Come in."As the door opened, it was one of the Mullen family's maids standing in the doorway. "Mr. Tanner, may I ask if Mrs. Kooper is with you?"Adrien looked over at Kisa, who asked the maid, "Is there something I can do for you?""Miss Mullen would like to see you."Kisa was surprised that Vivian still wanted to see her, and that it was so soon. She nodded her head. "Okay, I'll be right over. You can go now.""Yes, Mrs. Kooper."After the maid left, Adrien smiled at her. "You seem to care about Vivian.""I can't help it. Both of were hurt by our beloved and are suffering miserably. We are in the same boat." Kisa chuckled. "It would be great if Kelvin could heal her. It would be worth it for the Mullen family to show me their hospitality.""By the way, Kisa, may I ask, why are you thinking of staying at the Mullen residence for a while?"Kisa pursed her lips, thinking, 'It seems that he has already begun to susp
The maid bowed her head slightly and said respectfully, "After Miss Mullen had a fight with you yesterday, she was afraid that you'd be angry and unwilling to see her, so she asked me to make sure you go over."Kisa nodded. "I'll go with you now." On the way downstairs, Kisa asked the maid casually, "How'd you know I was with Mr. Tanner?""Mr. Kooper told me," the maid replied.Kisa's heart skipped a beat. 'How did Gilbert know I was in Adrien's room? Had he overheard the conversation I had just had with Adrien?' she thought to herself, feeling a chill running up her spine. She felt helpless and had mixed emotions. 'Screw it. We will eventually come to this. When I'm done with Adrien, I will explain to him,' she said in her mind.Little did she know, however, that when the truth surfaced later, she would realize that she was the one who owed Gilbert the most in this world. At that time, all her explanations and confessions would be meaningless.In the room, Adrien puffed on his ci
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