Kisa's body tensed as she looked at him. "W-What do you want?" she asked, her heart pounding."You're always trying to please me, aren't you? So why don't you use your body to do it?" the man said as he unbuttoned her coat. His slender fingers reached into her collar, his dark eyes showing no desire, only a mocking grin."If you want to seduce me, at least put some effort into it, won't you?"Kisa's heart raced as she gazed deeply into his dark eyes."Gilbert, please don't do this."Gilbert chuckled softly, his powerful fingers lingering on her neck, threatening to snap her delicate neck at any moment."Then tell me, what should I do?"Kisa was speechless as his hand tightened around her neck. Despite his smile, she felt more terrified and vulnerable than when he was angry."But really, I'm giving you a chance," he continued. "If you can lower yourself and please me, I might even fall for you. And then, you could easily kill me, couldn't you? Or maybe you're always thinking abo
"They wouldn't come over in the helicopter if it wasn't fixed yet. Don't you worry, you won't die in a crash."Kisa rolled her eyes at the second half of the sentence, but at that moment, Kelvin and Davian joined them. Kisa looked at Davian, surprised to see him alone. "Where's Felicity? Isn't she coming with us?""She's busy with some business here, she'll come find me in Calthon later," Davian replied. He had changed a lot since his past days of being emotionally distant. Now, when he talked about his beloved, his eyes shone with happiness.Kelvin sat behind Kisa and handed her a newspaper. "Have you read today's news? It's a big one."Curious, Kisa opened the newspaper. It was a report on Anthony, who was said to have gone insane. The report included some photos of Anthony acting wild on the street, tightly clutching a small bottle in his arms. Kisa assumed it was Lea's ashes. He had finally decided to take her out and about. With this news, Adrien would surely believe that Anth
Kisa swiveled her head to sneak a glance at the man who was previously engrossed in his magazine, only to catch him now drifting off to dreamland with his eyes closed. She rolled her eyes.'Not even a moment ago, he was as wide awake as an owl. Now, after a quick chat with Kelvin, he decides it is nap time? How petty can he get?'She seethed with frustration, biting her tongue to keep from lashing out.Kelvin, on the other hand, was livid. "We're not even yelling, for crying out loud. Can't we have a normal conversation without you being such a control freak?"Gilbert, without even bothering to open his eyes, shot back in a monotone voice, "One more word from you, and I will have Davian toss you out of this aircraft.""How dare he?" Kelvin glared at Davian, who was busy tapping away at his phone, sending sappy messages to Felicity. Davian grinned sheepishly at Kelvin, then hunched down in his seat to avoid being noticed.Kelvin let out a derisive snort before tugging Kisa by the
Gilbert shot her a piercing glare before resuming his meditation. Kisa breathed a sigh of relief, mentally scolding herself for being such a pushover. Despite being the one who was angry, she had turned into a timid mess as soon as Gilbert's mood shifted. 'Ugh, I'm beyond pathetic!'Suddenly, Kelvin's message interrupted her thoughts.Kelvin: [Is Gilbert not letting you come over?]Kisa: [Yeah, he's acting like a crazed lunatic, accusing me of trying to seduce you.]Kelvin: [Geez, he is seriously off his rocker. I have no idea what this guy's deal is.]Kisa: [Sigh, never mind. It's just his usual neurotic behavior.]Kelvin: [Well, let's just ignore him. By the way, do you want me to take you to Oceanville?]Kisa hesitated upon seeing his message. Gilbert was in no condition to take her there but going alone was risky. She did not know the place well and did not have any contacts there. On the other hand, Kelvin was familiar with the area and had connections, but he almost died o
Kisa's eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at him.Gilbert glared at her shocked expression and sneered, "What, don't you understand?""I-I do!" Kisa nodded vigorously. "I'll be good, I promise. Really good."Gilbert rolled his eyes in annoyance and turned away, ignoring her.By the time they arrived back at the Kooper residence, it was already afternoon. Kisa sat nervously in the helicopter, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. Now that she knew Andrew and Ada were her own children, her feelings toward them were different. Plus, it was the weekend, and the children were not at school. The thought of finally seeing her own children filled her with excitement, but also made her more nervous than ever.Gilbert had already made his way to the cabin door and was annoyed to see Kisa still frozen in her seat. "Can't stand up again?" he sneered.Shaking her head, Kisa stared up at him with a silly grin. She was beyond thrilled that Andrew and Ada were really her children; she fe
Madalyn's sullen face instantly transformed into a kind one as she said, "Yes, yes, yes... I knew you guys were coming back today, so I had the servants prepare some food. Come on in, quick."Madalyn had prepared a huge table full of food, expecting that Davian and Kelvin would stick around for dinner. But, to her surprise, they both slipped away as soon as they got off the helicopter. So, Kisa sat at the big dining table with a few children and Gilbert, feeling warm and cozy inside. Even though the memories of the Kooper residence were not all good for her, she still felt like it was home and full of warmth.Madalyn had always been mean to Kisa and treated her badly, but when it came to her children, including the one still in her womb, she was nothing but kind. She even had the servants make several kinds of nourishing soups for Kisa, who was experiencing morning sickness. The soup bowls were lined up in front of her, and Madalyn said, not so nicely, "I know you've been feeling sic
Gilbert was being stared down by the three children.Andrew said, "Daddy, you can't be so harsh on Ma'am."Ada said, "Daddy, Ma'am is pregnant. You need to be more considerate."Blake said, "Uncle Gilbert, you got to be gentle with Ma'am. She's not feeling well."Kisa was so touched by the children's defense of her that she was on the verge of tears.But Gilbert did not let the moment linger, he addressed the children with all seriousness. "I'm doing this for her own good. Do you want to see her looking all pale and gaunt? Or your future little bro or sis all skin and bones?"The three little ones all shook their heads in unison."So, what do you think? Should Ma'am be a good girl and drink her soup?" Gilbert asked.Again, the three little ones nodded in agreement and turned to look at Kisa."Ma'am, Daddy's right. You got to drink your soup quick." Andrew piped up."Ma'am, it is for the baby's sake. Even if you can't swallow it all, you've got to try." Ada added."Ma'am, Unc
"Hmm." Gilbert suddenly responded in a flat tone.Madalyn frowned. "What do you mean by 'hmm'? Have you really come to terms with the truth and let go of that woman?""Hmm." Gilbert repeated the same sound.Madalyn was pleased. "That's good, that's good. So, you brought her back to the Kooper residence for the sake of her child, right?""Hmm.""Well, of course. How can the descendants of the Kooper family be left wandering outside? We should let her have the child first and then send her away.""Hmm." Gilbert seemed to only have this word in his vocabulary.Madalyn was happy and did not mind. She stood up with her cane and walked unsteadily to Gilbert's side, patting his shoulder in relief. "I'm so glad you've come around. After the child is born, just use money to send her away. We'll have done our utmost for her, considering she's an unforgivable sinner.""Hmm."Outside the door, Kisa listened quietly to the conversation.'It turns out that Gilbert really has kept me by his
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