"What?" Gilbert turned to look at Kisa, pulling his hand away as if he hated her touch. Kisa took a deep breath, suppressed the pain in her heart, and said calmly, "I have something to tell you.""Is that so? Go ahead then." The man's tone was light. He walked to the window, opened it wide, and took out a box of cigarettes. He grabbed one of the cigarettes and lit it. Kisa noticed that Gilbert had been smoking more and more these days.The man took a big puff and exhaled the smoke before impatiently saying, "I don't have all day, you know. Time is ticking, and I have matters to attend to. So, talk."Kisa grabbed her blanket tightly and said, "I saw Sara in the Mullen family's basement."Gilbert paused. He looked directly at Kisa, but her dull eyes showed no emotion. "What are you trying to imply?" he chuckled."I'm not implying anything. I'm just stating the facts.""Oh? What are your so-called facts then?" the man asked casually. Under the lingering smoke, his handsome face beca
"True feelings? Heh, Uncle Adrien, you are too easy to fool. That guy didn't rescue me out of the kindness of his heart, he just stumbled upon me while searching for Sara in the basement. Saving me was just a happy coincidence. Do you really think he has feelings for me? It was all an act! Who knows if it's just a ploy he and Sara cooked up together? And now he is keeping me locked up in his private villa, torturing me every day. So, do you still think he has feelings for me? I'm here to get revenge, for everything that has happened to me and Jensen. No matter what he does, it won't change my mission."Adrien seemed pleased with her response. "Alright, Kisa, I'll help you get revenge. Just stay close to Mr. Kooper and gain his trust. When the time is right, I will let you know what to do. Take care of yourself.""Thanks, Uncle Adrien," Kisa said, hanging up and letting out a smile. She felt that Adrien was so eager to see Gilbert and her fight each other to the death, but the more he
He roared, tossing Kisa to the side with a flick of his hand, sending a few strands of hair fluttering in the air."Ow!"Kisa's scalp throbbed as she fought off the dizziness. She mentally cursed the man a million times over.'What kind of guy hits a girl? And pulls her hair? Unbelievable!'Despite the rage boiling inside her, she plastered on a fake smile. After all, she had to keep this brute calm until she could clear things up. She did not want to feel his wrath anymore.The more Kisa grinned, the more the man scowled. He narrowed his eyes and balled up his fist, as if he could crush her like a bug. When her happy act did not work, she switched to a pitiful one, batting her eyes and pouting. They say tears are a girl's best weapon, so she forced a few droplets out of her eyes and looked up at him with all the innocence she could muster."Those words you overheard were just a misunderstanding," she whimpered. "I was lying to Adrien. You've got to believe me. I said I hated you
Kisa's face scrunched up as she thought of her way up to the spot. With how hard it was for her to move, the ten-minute trek would take a lot out of her, and the thought of a 20-minute round trip was daunting, especially when she was on crutches. But she put on a brave face and approached Gilbert with a plan to haggle. That was until he shot her a cold, hard look that cut off her words mid-sentence. It made her grit her teeth and grip her crutches a little tighter in frustration.Gilbert's eyes darted down to his wristwatch and spoke with a flat tone, "It's been a minute already."She could not help but notice that it was the very watch she had gifted him earlier and her anger dissipated just a little bit, thinking no matter what, he still carried with him the things she gave him.She opened the car door, after a quick glance at the road ahead, she turned to him and asked, "And if I don't come back in half an hour, what then?""Then I'll leave you in the cemetery for the night and
As she walked over, the whimpering sounds caused by struggling grew more and more pronounced. Kisa was still a little scared, so she walked over to the other side of the aisle, thinking that in case something happened, she would have an easier time making a run for it.As she ascended a few steps, passing two rows of graves, she suddenly spotted two burly bodyguards, clasping their hands over a man's mouth and nose, while pressing him hard onto the ground. And who was that guy if it was not Anthony?"What are you two doing?" Kisa yelled, "I have called the cops and they are on their way!"One of the bodyguards started walking menacingly toward her, like he was going to rough her up or something. But the other one glanced at Kisa and suddenly remembered something, so he grabbed his buddy and drag him away.Kisa was on high alert, ready to flee at a moment's notice, when she suddenly saw the two men pulling and tucking each other, walking away.She was taken aback and could not help
"Hehehe..." Anthony suddenly let out a howl of laughter that echoed through the cemetery. He looked at the photo on the tombstone, shaking his head, but his laughter was so wild that tears streamed down his face. "You women, are you all heartless like this?"Kisa, who was leaning on her crutches, was taken aback by the sudden outburst of laughter. She scowled and crouched down to meet Anthony's gaze. "We are heartless because you men hurt us first," she shot back in a low growl."Athadale isn't a very nice place, and I don't think Lea would like it here. Take her ashes with you and go. She loved the mountains that touch the sky, the rivers that flow freely, and the grasslands that stretch far and wide. But Athadale was never her cup of tea. It hurts to imagine her ashes stuck here, amid all this sorrow."Anthony's his expression lit up. "Take her away?""Yes, live your life to the fullest and show her all the beautiful sights this world has to offer."Anthony looked down at Lea's
Adrien's expression suddenly became serious, and he seemed to have trouble believing Kisa's words. "He's gone mad?"Kisa nodded solemnly. "Yes, it seems that my friend's death was too much for him to handle. He mistook me for my friend, and then suddenly treated me like an enemy. He nearly choked me to death. It was a struggle to escape. From what I've heard, he's given away all the inheritance that Mr. Mullen Sr. left him. It looks like he has gone mad."Adrien looked at her for a few seconds, took a drag from his cigarette, pondering over Kisa's words. "I never thought that someone like him could go crazy over a woman.""Perhaps he loved her deeply. Even bad people have emotions and desires. Don't they?"Adrien nodded, but his smile seemed forced.Kisa sighed. "I've already contacted the Mullen family. We'll see if they come to find him. It's sad that he's gone mad like this."She looked up at the hill and then turned to Adrien. "Uncle Adrien, would you like to go up and see hi
Kisa gave a firm nod. "I got it."Kisa was just about to ask Adrien for a ride when he suddenly took on a righteous expression and told her, "Hold up, Kisa. Why don't you stay here and see if that guy still cares about you? If he comes back for you, it means there's still hope for you to win his trust. But if he doesn't, then I can come to your rescue. How does that sound?"Kisa's lips curled up in a stiff smile. 'This man is going to extreme lengths to test Gilbert's feelings for me. On Kerrona Hill, he went to great lengths to gauge Gilbert's affection for me. It is as if the more Gilbert and I loved each other, the more excited this man became, almost relishing in the idea of us hurting each other.'Kisa fought back a sigh and flashed him a wry grin. "Sure thing, just Uncle Adrien. I mean, this cemetery is a little creepy, don't you think? And the sun is setting, so if he's not back by seven I'll give you a call and you can come pick me up."Adrien patted her on the shoulder, hi
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