'Sara tampered with the tea to hypnotize me. She wanted me to set myself on fire and burn to death, but there was no way people would believe that my sudden death on Mullen grounds resulted from suicide. So, she needed a witness. In this case, the witness was supposed to be Kelvin.''Kelvin is a good friend of Gilbert's; there is no better witness than him. No one would suspect a thing if he were the one to tell them that I killed myself. Even the media would back off from finding fault with the Mullen family,' Kisa thought.'Her ultimate goal in doing all this was to kill me. Before Kelvin came over, she poured gasoline all over the room and my body. She wanted me to throw the candle on the ground so that this place and I would catch on fire. If I really had been under her control, I would've burned to death.'Kisa shuddered at the thought of everything. Fortunately for her, she had noticed a problem with the tea and had not been hypnotized by that woman. Otherwise, Kisa would have
Kisa's heart skipped a beat.'What's this old man trying to do? Does he still want me to drop dead in front of his family?'She was still confused about why Mr. Mullen Sr. wanted her dead.'Sara wants to kill me because of Gilbert, but why did this old man help her? Why does he follow her commands? Could it be that he… has feelings for Sara?!'The more Kisa thought about it, the more puzzled she felt, mainly because Mr. Mullen Sr. was old enough to be Sara's grandfather. She quickly dismissed the random thought in her mind and decided it would be best to get out of the basement.'Who knows if she has a backup plan?' she thought.Boom!Boom!!!Suddenly, there was a burst of loud noise. Like an earthquake, the ground began to shake, and all the room's decor fell to the floor one by one. Even the cabinets, tables, and chairs crashed to the ground. Everyone staggered around as the whole place shook violently; some fell.Kelvin hurriedly supported Kisa and entreated Mr. Mullen Sr,
"When all the bombs go off, the basement will turn into rubble, and all of them will surely die. Hehehe…" Sara laughed coldly, about to press all the buttons on the remote control."Stop! Do you think you won't face consequences if you kill them?" Adrien hurriedly said. "Do you actually think that people won't suspect you if the entire basement collapses and the Mullens die down there?""It'll be difficult for them to convict me," Sara smiled softly, a little complacent. "After all, no one knows that I was living down there. The basement could have collapsed due to poor structure. I've done my best to help you curry favor with that old man for six years, Mr. Tanner. I'm not asking for anything in return, but can you please get out of my way?"Adrien narrowed his eyes coldly upon hearing that. He thought that Sara was an easy pawn to wrap around his fingers; he did not expect her to be so messed up.The ground below his feet kept on shaking, and he presumed that the basement was beg
A wave of sadness hit Kisa when she heard what Kelvin said. After all, she was the one who brought him into this mess.'What would Gracie do if anything happened to him?'Kisa tried her best to stay calm and took out her phone to turn on the flashlight.Everyone then remembered that they had their phones on them when they saw Kisa do that. One of them immediately tried to call the fire department, but there was no signal after the place started to crumble.BOOM!BOOM! BOOM!More and more bricks and stones fell from above. The basement seemed like it would be buried in no time. The people ran toward the hall while the flashlight from their phones illuminated the way. There were stairs in the hall, so they would be safe as long as they could climb up.Mr. and Mrs. Mullen Sr. were old and slow, even with the help of their canes. The two were soon left behind by everyone. In the end, Arthur broke away from his mother's grip and turned back for them. Mrs. Mullen Sr. was closer to him
Kisa nodded heavily. "Yes. We're getting out of here! You're going to see Gracie, and I'll see Gilbert."Boom!Unfortunately, just as she said those words, a loud noise sounded again, and the spiral staircase collapsed. Those who had rushed up to save themselves all fell to the ground. One unlucky guy was even directly buried under the stairs. The hall was filled with painful screams and cries.Arthur and Jacqueline, who had just arrived before the scene as they helped Mrs. Mullen Sr. over, were too scared to speak.After the staircase fell, the entire hall started to crumble. The ground kept shaking, and loud noises were coming from all directions. The ceiling, the bricks, and the lights began to crash down one after another.Kisa could hardly stand still in that situation and had to dodge the falling bricks. She then had no choice but to separate from Kelvin. The two tried their best form getting hit by all the debris. Suddenly, half of the roof caved in, and Kisa narrowly escap
Kisa was startled and began to feel curious. 'Strange… How can there be light?'The tiny spot of light was not very bright. Kisa stared at it for a long time, only to realize that it was coming through the cracks of the ruins. The rubble from the collapse had formed a wall. Kisa needed to find out whether someone was there or if someone had dropped their phone. The faint light looked like a flashlight from a mobile.Kisa touched her way around but still could not find a way out. "Hello? Is anyone there?" she shouted, but no one answered.'Someone must have dropped a phone on the other side,' she thought. 'This will be much easier if only I can grab it.'Kisa put her hands on the wall and continued walking along it, but she still could not find an exit. Suddenly, she heard a vague sound of people talking. The voices sounded familiar.'That sounds like Anthony and Mr. Mullen Sr.'"Actually, I don't hate you, Anthony. On the contrary, son, you're the most important child to me. I on
Kisa leaned against the rubble weakly, staring at the figure shrouded in a faint light. She did not dare to move. She feared that the figure would disappear like a bubble if she moved.'I'm having a hallucination. Am I dying? But… At least I get to see him.'Suddenly, Kisa did not feel so afraid or helpless anymore.She smiled at the figure and muttered, "Will you blame me for not protecting our child?"The man appeared in front of her as soon as she said that. He knelt down and stared at her without blinking. Under the faint light from the phone's flashlight function, the man's black eyes looked like coal.Kisa looked carefully into his eyes; there was resentment behind it. She then could not help but smile sadly and said, "I guess I really hurt your feelings, huh? Look at you. You look so angry still, in my imagination."All of a sudden, Kisa burst into tears. "I'm so sorry… I'm so sorry… I didn't mean to hurt you, Gilbert. I didn't mean it…"While she said that, she reached o
"Kisa… Where are you? Kisa…"Kelvin kept calling her name and dug through the dirt and rubble with his bare hands. After a while, his hands were covered in blood. "You can't die on us, Kisa. What will Gilbert do if you're dead? How is he going to live without you? Kisa… Please be okay… Kisa…" His eyes were red with tears as he roared frantically into the ruins.Adrien stood aside, smoking a cigarette and surveying at the damage thoughtfully. 'Is that woman really dead? How will I keep up this game if she's dead?'He narrowed his eyes coldly, and he seemed irritated."You lot, go and look for them. Make sure you rescue Mr. Mullen Sr. and Mrs. Kooper," Adrien ordered the bodyguards behind him.He then walked toward Mrs. Mullen Sr. and said, "Are you alright, Mrs. Mullen Sr.?"The old lady shook her head but covered her face and cried, "I'm fine, but my husband…""That was scary. How could the basement collapse like that?" Lydia said with lingering fear as she clutched her chest.
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