"Hey, it's my birthday. Could you show me some respect?""Didn't I send you a text wishing you during midnight? This morning, I sent someone to bring a present for you too. Are you saying those were not enough respect?"Gilbert pulled a long face and replied, "I don't care. I'm the birthday boy, so I'm in charge. You must grant all my wishes."Gilbert chuckled and began drinking.Kelvin smiled and turned toward Gracie and Davian, "You guys can continue singing. I'll stay here and chat with Gilbert."Soon after, the room was filled with singing again. This time around, it sounded much better than the screams before.Gilbert gulped two glasses of beer. He was silent the whole time and looked tense. It was obvious that he was not in a good mood.Kelvin raised his glass and clinked glasses with Gilbert. Kelvin then said casually, "I saw Kisa today."As expected, Gilbert stopped drinking upon hearing that.Kelvin laughed at him quietly and purposely remained silent. He was waiting
Kelvin was confused and asked, "D-didn't you end things with her already? Why are-"Davian quickly knocked Kelvin's shoulder, signaling him to keep quiet.Kelvin looked at Gilbert's dark face as if he understood something.Kelvin pursed his lips and stopped asking questions.Deep down, he could not help but commented internally, 'This man is always like this. He would never express properly when he cares about something. This is why others always misunderstand him. Sigh.'At night, Jensen cooked up a meal again. It was filled with dishes which Kisa used to love.He untied his apron, revealing his casual yet aesthetic loungewear.He poured two glasses of red wine and passed a glass to Kisa."Kohen will be here in about ten days' time. After his banquet, your popularity and connections will expand a lot. At that point, you can begin the production for your drama series."Kisa nodded, "This is a success all thanks to you.""There's no need for such formalities when you're with m
Jensen smiled and nodded. "Yes, but how can you guarantee that Carolyn will keep wearing the necklace? What if she doesn't wear it?""I know her well. As long as she got her hands on a pair of jewelry that she loves, she would wear it for a very long time. Most importantly, their plan is to humiliate me at Kohen's banquet. They'll definitely make a move within the next ten days."I don't need her to wear it for long. Ten days would be more than enough."She doesn't have to be the old Kisa anymore, letting Carolyn and Sharon bully her anyhow they want to.After Kisa had finished her meal at Jensen's place, she went back to her place.She held the tapping device and listened in until 12.00 a.m. There wasn't any useful information toward the end. All she heard was the sound of snoring.That must have meant that Carolyn and Christopher had fallen asleep.As for Kisa, she was not sleepy at all.She poured a glass of water and sat by the window in deep thought.She froze as soon as
Seeing Christopher's unnatural and guilty look, Kisa could immediately guess that the 'vacation' was a set up."You're busy every day. It's so rare for Kisa to make time for us. Can't you take the day off and spend time with her? What kind of a father are you?"Carolyn immediately told Christopher off.Christopher only pulled a long face. He then remained silent.Kisa quickly responded, "It's fine. Dad is busy with work. I understand. So, tomorrow it's just you, me, and Sharon together?""And Kelvin," added Sharon as she sipped on her drink.Deep down, Kisa was startled when she heard the word 'Kelvin'.They really did involve Kelvin in their plan.She pretended to be surprised again. "Is he willing to go? I remember he doesn't really like activities like this. Plus, he's the only guy. With his character...""If he doesn't follow us, what should I do with my face? He must treat it every day, and he promised me to do so. It is also his grandpa's order. Even if he doesn't want t
"Sharon, can you inform Anthony about this? While we're on our way to the farm, get some people to fake a kidnapping on us once we reach a remote area?""Yeah, we'll stick to our initial plan. We'll knock Kelvin and Kisa out. Then, we'll take off all their clothes and put them onto the same bed.""That's right. After that, I'll inform the media to catch them in action. Once the pictures of them sleeping together are exposed, it will be hard for Kisa to stand tall again. She'll not be able to face the hateful gazes from everybody during Kohen's banquet.""The most crucial thing is that Kelvin is Gilbert's buddy. Let's see if Gilbert will treat Kisa any differently for hooking up with his buddy. Ha-ha! Just thinking about this makes me very excited!"Kisa was shaking with anger as she listened to that conversation.She even recalled her own mother's incident from the past.'Carolyn used the same trick to ruin mom.''Now, they're playing the same old trick on me again.''Hah! But
Kelvin quickly hissed and looked to the corner.Amidst the darkness, Gilbert looked at Kelvin with heavy eyes. "Did you just say...Kisa is going to the farm for a vacation with the Case family?"Kelvin nodded blankly.Gilbert had been gloomy the whole day. Kelvin did not dare to talk to him.Gilbert placed his glass on the table and came out from the corner.The atmosphere in the room immediately turned heavy.Gilbert asked carefully, "Is Jensen going too?""Errrr…" Kelvin thought for a while and replied, "I don't think he's going. The Case family had never mentioned about him."It was only then did Gilbert relaxed himself.Gilbert turned around, sat down on the sofa and continued drinking.The corner Gilbert was sitting at was the perfect spot. Everyone could ignore him. They could drink, eat, laugh and chit chat freely.Now that he has moved to the center, they did not dare to chat more as the tense atmosphere persisted.Kelvin looked to the heavens and quietly thought, '
Before Gracie could finish speaking, the driver slammed on the emergency brake.Due to the sudden jerk, everyone's backs were forced into the car seats.Kisa felt nervous.Carolyn and Sharon's plan was for the car to drive into a rural area and Anthony would kidnap everyone.Kisa had already checked the route yesterday. In about ten minutes, the car should reach a road that was under construction. That was the most rural area.If Kisa had guessed it correctly, Anthony's men would ambush the car in that area.The place where they suddenly stopped at was neither rural nor busy. It was the place where Kisa and Jensen had discussed. A road sign made of stone they had marked down the day before.That's right. Kisa had arranged her own people to ambush the area.Her plan was to make a move before Anthony kidnapped everyone.She could only get the upper hand when she beat Anthony to the draw.After the car stopped, a few masked men pulled open the car door.Carolyn and Sharon were
Sharon probably did not notice that Carolyn was missing.The plan to kidnap Kisa was, after all, planned by her family. Sharon must be rejoicing deep down.Kelvin muttered coldly, "How dare Anthony kidnap so many people in broad daylight."Gracie pulled Kelvin's hand and said anxiously, "I don't know where they brought Kisa to. Would they hurt her?"Kelvin suddenly panicked, "Anthony had always held a grudge on Kisa. She might not be safe."Seeing the both of them worry about herself, Kisa felt touched.Sharon looked to the other side and pretended to cry, "You're right! Anthony hated Kisa to the core. Who knows what he'll do to torture her? Boo hoo...Kisa, where are you? Boo hoo hoo…"Sharon's forceful act made Kisa feel disgusted.Kisa smirked. Immediately after, she changed her expression and walked in with a panicked look."You're finally awake!""Kisa?"Gracie rushed over happily, "Did anything happen to you?"Kelvin found it strange too, "Anthony did not do anything t
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