As she thought about it, she remembered the day the servant had prepared two identical meals for Peter. A sudden suspicion crept up on her.'Could there be someone else in Peter's room?'Her eyes narrowed as she walked up to the door and tried to turn the knob, but it would not budge.She pursed her lips and then whispered into the room, "Jolina, is that you?"But there was no answer. She wondered if she was being too suspicious. Just as she was about to leave, she heard the sound of breaking dishes coming from inside the room. Her heart sank.'Could Jolina really be locked up in there?'Kisa's eyes darted toward the lock, and then she spun around and bolted down the stairs. She burst into the room to find Gilbert coolly smoking by the window. She did not waste any time explaining the situation to him and started rummaging through her things for wire or anything that could help her pick the lock."I suspect Jolina is locked upstairs. I'm going up to pick the lock and see. You ge
Kisa's heart skipped a beat, thinking it was Peter returning. But when she looked closer, it was Gilbert. He had somehow managed to get a car and was leaning against the door, waiting for her."Aren't you leaving yet?" the man impatiently urged when he saw Kisa frozen in place.Kisa quickly helped Jolina and moved toward the car, wondering why Gilbert was suddenly willing to help her.She looked at his cold, tense profile for a moment before finally murmuring, "Thank you."Gilbert ignored her and started the car. As they merged onto the main road, he suddenly asked, "Do you know where you're going?"Kisa hesitated and looked toward Jolina, who was staring down with a trembling lip. Kisa let out a sigh and said, "Let's find a hotel for now.""A hotel?" Gilbert chuckled. "This is Oceanville. Peter will find her in no time."Kisa was crestfallen, but Jolina suddenly spoke up, her voice slow but firm. "It's okay. I'll try to leave the city. He won't find me."Kisa hugged Jolina tig
Jolina vigorously nodded her head, her pallid face finally regaining some color.On the way back, Kisa was weighed down with heavy thoughts.Gilbert spoke in a subdued tone, "Actually, we can take her away from Oceanville tonight."Kisa did not respond.Gilbert continued. "But you and I both know that Peter has gone mad. She can't escape. No matter where she goes, with Peter's resources and power, he'll surely catch her soon. So the problem lies with Peter. If you really want to help her, you can only convince Peter to let her go."Kisa felt powerless.'If it were that easy for Peter to let go, he wouldn't have such an obsession.'"Do you think Peter loves Jolina?" Kisa murmured while gazing out the window at the heavy snowfall.Gilbert smirked. "A man who has gone crazy over a woman, do you think he loves her?"He had been the same way with her in the past. He chuckled self-deprecatingly."This kind of obsessive love, isn't it a burden for you guys?"Kisa looked at him in s
Kisa's heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively grabbed Gilbert's arm tightly.She looked at Peter, her voice trembling. "Don't do anything stupid. Let's talk this through."Peter shook his head, enunciating each word. "I just want to know where Jolina is."Watching Peter with his psycho obsession, Kisa groaned in frustration. " You've already put Jolina through so much pain and suffering. What the hell do you want from her now? I thought you loved her. If that is the case, why don't you do right by her? Treat her well instead of terrorizing her. You're just pushing her away and driving her to the brink of insanity.""Shut the hell up!" Peter was beyond reasoning with, muttering like a madman."Uncle Adrien was right. If I can't have Jolina, no one can. I will destroy everything in my path. We will go down in flames together... hahaha... hahaha..."Peter broke into a sinister laugh, looking crazed and unhinged.Kisa's eyes narrowed in realization; Adrien was behind this twist
"Peter!" Kisa exclaimed in shock.Suddenly, Mr. Webb Sr. and Thomas came rushing out."What in tarnation is going on here? Someone come and get help, quick!" Mr. Webb Sr. shouted frantically at the servants.Within moments, several of them ran out and carried Peter inside. Thomas looked at Kisa, seeming unsure of what to say.After a long pause, he walked over to her and Gilbert, apologizing, "I'm sorry. Peter hasn't been in the best state of mind lately. Please forgive him. I'll call a doctor for Mr. Kooper's injury.""No need," Gilbert replied coolly, then took Kisa by the arm and led her inside.Thomas hesitated, as if wanting to call Kisa back, but Mr. Webb Sr. stopped him. "You'd better keep Peter's background to yourself. I don't want to be known as a man who can't keep his word," Mr. Webb Sr. whispered sternly."But Mrs. Kooper really wants to find her brother.""That's her business, and you'd better not say a word."Back in the room, Kisa quickly fetched some alcohol a
One of the bodyguards respectfully replied, "Yes, Mr. Kooper instructed us in the wee hours of the morning to make sure Miss Wayne gets back to her hometown today.""In the wee hours?" Kisa furrowed her brow. "What time exactly?""Probably around three in the morning," the bodyguard replied.Kisa's brow furrowed even more tightly.'Gilbert left the Webb residence around 1 am last night, so was he handling Jolina's situation last night?' she wondered."Do you know where Mr. Kooper is now?" she asked the bodyguards.Both bodyguards shook their heads.Suddenly, Jolina grabbed Kisa's hand and whispered, "Kisa, Mr. Kooper said I can leave without worrying about Peter bothering me anymore.""How's that possible?" Kisa had seen Peter go crazy last night. She could not believe he could just let go so easily and wondered what Gilbert had done and where he was now."Yes, Mrs. Kooper. Mr. Kooper said that Peter won't bother Miss Wayne anymore, so you and Miss Wayne can rest assured," the
Kisa's body jolted, and she instinctively sat up straight.Peter grinned and dropped his gaze."He said he had been just as desperate as me once upon a time, but he ended up with absolutely nothing."He flicked the ash off his cigarette and looked at Kisa."So, do you still carry a torch for him?"Kisa pursed her lips."He is the only man I have ever loved.""Uh-huh, his predicament is totally different from mine. At least you love him. But Jolina..."Peter's lips curved into a self-deprecating and bitter smile."What's the point of clinging on? I'm scared she'll end up dead. Gilbert told me you almost died in front of him once, and that was the most terrifying moment of his life. If Jolina dies, I don't think I'd be able to keep on living. So, I need to let go. I still want her to have a good life."Peter's voice was laced with discontent and helplessness.Kisa felt a pang of sadness listening to Peter's words. She tried to reassure him."Don't think of it that way. It's j
Kisa cocked her head in confusion. "Say what?""Nothing." Peter chuckled and walked out of the coffee shop, wrapped up in his coat like a burrito.Kisa stood there like a deer in headlights. She could not do anything but wait for Peter's message.When she got back to the Webb residence, it was snowing again. Mr. Webb Sr. and Thomas were posted up in the living room.Thomas kindly passed her a hand warmer, saying, "Mrs. Kooper, it's freezing outside. You should stay in and chill until the weather clears up, then I'll take you around Oceanville."Kisa smiled. "I went to see my friend. She's leaving Oceanville, and I wanted to say bye. Gilbert thought it was too cold, so he told me to come back, and he will take care of it."Mr. Webb Sr. raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "Did Mr. Kooper help you see your friend off? That must be why I didn't see him this morning.""Haha, yeah, he will be back tonight." Kisa grinned.But Thomas probed, "Your friend... she isn't the woman that Peter h
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