Kisa's expression stiffened when she heard Gilbert's name, but she quickly recovered. She took a sip of her wine and laughed with a hint of self-deprecation."He must know what I did today then. He must think I'm vicious. After all, in his perception, Christopher and Carolyn treat me well. He must think that I'm an evil, ungrateful b*tch."Jensen stared at Kisa who just mocked herself. "He didn't say you were vicious," he said. Kisa laughed indifferently. "It's fine if he said it out loud or not. I know that's what he thinks of me anyway—a heinous and vicious woman. But that doesn't matter. I'll just continue taking my revenge. Soon, it'll be his turn."Jensen looked at Kisa quietly. For some reason, he always felt that her smile was unconvincing, and that there was a sense of brokenness behind it.He put some food in her bowl and said with concern, "Carolyn and Sharon won't let this go that easily. You have to be careful.""Well, Kohen's banquet is just around the corner. If my g
Jensen glanced at the tapping device and chuckled. "Looks like Carolyn is pretty smart, too.""Of course she is smart. Otherwise, how else could she have gotten rid of my mother and taken Christopher by the horns?" Kisa tossed the tapping device into the trash.Jensen frowned with worries. "So what do you do next to protect yourself from their trap?""I can't, so I don't have to. If they want to hurt me, they will have to see if they are still capable of it."Kisa opened the newspaper and, as she expected, all the pages were devoted to Carolyn and Christopher. Sharon's reputation was affected as well. There were several intriguing photos in the paper, so Carolyn did not even have a chance to clear her name.She fondled the last page of the book, written by her mother with tears in her eyes, and she felt a lump in her throat. Had her mother been alive and seen Carolyn's retribution, she would have been thrilled.In the Case residence, Carolyn tore the paper to pieces and shouted a
Gilbert ignored their conversation and walked straight out of the house.Madalyn called out to him in exasperation. "That b*tch hooked up with Jensen to create the J & K Film Group. You know about that, right?""Yes.""Then they set Carolyn up, dragged Sharon down, and used it to ruin Sharon and take on GK. You know about that, right?""Yes."Gilbert's calm and indifferent demeanor hurt her. "You know? Why didn't you go after them? I told you a long time ago, that woman was not a good thing. She is just like her mother, belligerent but good at disguising it. I see that now Jensen has been completely bewitched by her.""Grandma..." Gilbert slowly turned around and looked at her with sadness in his eyes. "Jensen didn't really want to go abroad back then, did he?"Madalyn's expression changed slightly. "Who said that? I was selfishly afraid that he would compete with you for the family fortune and wanted to send him abroad, but he did want to go abroad for further study, and I did
His eyes stopped at the seventeenth floor, on which the curtains were tightly drawn, but a faint light still came through. He felt like wanting to run upstairs several times but was afraid of seeing a scene that he did not want to see. He was afraid to see them like husband and wife, eating a home-cooked meal and talking about family matters. He was afraid to see them snuggled up together, looking forward to a better future. He was even more afraid to see them engaging in intimate pleasure. He took out a cigarette and lit it, then took a long, hard drag. His face became sullen as he smoked away.Kisa had nothing better to do than sit by the window and read the for a while. Just as she stretched out and wanted to go to sleep, her phone suddenly buzzed. She subconsciously glanced at the phone and found that it was a message from Madalyn. She still had some feelings for Madalyn, who used to treat her the best, after all. When she thought of the past, she could not help but get emotional
"You have the nerve to call me, you heartless brute!" The first thing Madalyn did was to scold her.Kisa pursed her lips, ignored her abusive words, and asked politely, "Mrs. Kooper Sr., why didn't I see you at the hotel?""Humph! One more look at you would have hurt my eyes. Do you think I would still ask you out? I warn you: don't try to draw a wedge between Jensen and Gilbert." Madalyn hung up the phone.Kisa frowned. 'The text message has clearly been sent from Madalyn's number, but she has said she has not asked me out. And if this is Sharon's conspiracy, then why was there no one in the room?'She looked around the room again to make sure there was nothing strange and then headed outside. She had many questions in her mind, but the good thing was that nothing happened to her. So she did not give it a second thought. Just before she reached the door, someone she knew suddenly blocked her way. Her heart skipped a beat, and she subconsciously stepped back. The person who suddenl
Her chuckle, as if a sharp blade, viciously pierced into his heart, reminding him at all times that this woman did not like and love him, and that his mad desire to be intimate with her again could only be met by force.Kisa suddenly reached out and hooked her hand around his neck, when his body was clearly stiffening. Kisa's smile became even more enchanting.That face was obviously not particularly good-looking, but at this moment, her smile seemed to be able to hook a man's heart. Gilbert could not take his eyes off her, as if the beast trapped in his body would rush out at any moment.The Kisa was now completely free from nervousness and fear. She looked at his tense expression and dark eyes with a smile, as if she was admiring him. "I remember you said last time that I made you sick. If so, then why are you lying on top of me like this at this moment?"Gilbert gritted his teeth, not liking the look on her face at this moment. But admittedly, she looked attractive. Yet the thou
Jensen knew she was talking about Kisa. He was silent as he poured Madalyn a glass of water.Madalyn snickered as she glanced around the rooms with her cane. "Is that woman out?"'It seems that Madalyn really thought he was living with Kisa.' Jensen did not offer any explanation, and he just asked, "I wonder why Grandma wants to see me at this hour?"Madalyn sat down on the couch with a touch of sternness on her hoary face. "About me sending you out of the country back then. Did you say something about that to Gilbert?"Jensen's grip on the glass tightened, and he smiled sarcastically. "Huh? Did Gilbert ask you?""Humph! I just wanted to remind you; since you promised me to tell Gilbert that you left the country voluntarily, stop saying anything about it in front of Gilbert."Jensen looked down with a gentle smile at the glass of water in his hand, but his eyes were icy. He sneered and said, "Grandma, you have protected him so well.""His parents died when he was young. If I don
Jensen leaned back on the chair. "Grandma, I promise you I won't talk about being sent abroad back then in front of Gilbert," he said with a smile at Madalyn. "But please stay out of the affair between Kisa and me."Madalyn's face fell immediately. "Are you saying that you have to be together with that woman?"Jensen has silenced again.Madalyn was furious. She stood up and pointed at him, "Fine, fine! You're independent now. You don't even listen to me. I can't influence you, but I won't forgive you if I find you conspiring against Gilbert together with that woman." Madalyn left angrily after she finished.Jensen stared at the door. He laughed at himself.'It's true Gilbert is always the only grandson in her mind, and I'm nothing!'His mind flashed back to the memories of his childhood.He remembered his grandma asking him, "Jensen, Gilbert is my life. Can you protect him for me after you grow up?""Sure!"In another memory, Jensen remembered his grandma asking him, "Jensen,
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