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,
Kisa entered and saw Jensen sitting on the chair, his hand bleeding profusely. There was broken glass and blood scattered everywhere beside the table. She was deeply shocked. She quickly put her bag on the porch cabinet and found the medicine kit that he had used to bandage her wound back then.Kisa carried the medicine kit and squatted in front of him. Looking at his bloody palm, she asked anxiously, "What happened?"Jensen just stared at her without saying anything.Kisa did not keep questioning him. She quickly took out the alcohol and cotton swabs. Suddenly, Jensen held her in his arms when she just wiped the blood off his palm. She was startled, "W-What happened?""Only you… Only you…"Kisa did not understand what he was trying to say. She only felt him hugging her tightly, and she could hardly breathe against his strength. She stared blankly at the glass of water on the table. She could not move.'Someone must have come here earlier, but who was it? What did they talk about
Kisa specifically emphasized her words in the end. Jensen smiled, and the tenderness in his eyes was hypnotizing.There had been no action from the Case family for the past five days. At one point, Kisa thought Carolyn and Sharon had given up on framing her.However, the fallout of Carolyn's scandal continued. The newspapers published her scandal daily, and even Christopher and the Case Group were ridiculed by everyone.Sharon's situation was not much better. Her reputation and popularity had been completely lost because of her disfigurement, the previous trouble at the airport, and Carolyn's incident.'I put them in this mess. With the vicious mentality of Carolyn and Sharon, it's impossible for them to let go easily. Kohen is about to come over, but the pair seem unusually calm. The more peaceful things seem, the more uneasy I feel.'"Kohen is coming over tomorrow. Come with me, we'll pick him up at the airport," said Jensen to her while he was watering the flower.Kisa nodded.
As the door opened, Jensen was shocked. Standing before the door was no other than Gilbert himself.Gilbert was soaked from head to toe. Even his hair was wet and stuck messily to his forehead.Despite this, he did not look ridiculous at all. Instead, an icy aura emitted from him."What urgent business caused you to come to look for me through such heavy rain?" Jensen asked."Did grandma come to see you a few days ago?" Gilbert questioned in return.Jensen smiled as he turned around," Yeah, she told you?"Gilbert followed him into the house and then scanned the whole room instinctively. Not seeing Kisa, he felt a wave of relief yet disappointment simultaneously.Fortunately, Kisa might not stay with Jensen since this building had two units on every floor.What disappointed Gilbert was that he did not get to see Kisa even a bit.Jensen noticed Gilbert's disappointed expression, but said nothing.He poured a cup of warm water for Gilbert and asked caringly, " Would you like to
"You!"Kisa's eyes grew red from anger over his humiliation. When she had set him up, that had clearly been her first time doing something like that. But he dared to state that she had been numerous other men before this.As she expected, in his eyes she would forever be a dirty and filthy person.Tears welled up in her eyes, but she held herself back. Instead, she sneered, " Yes, any man on this planet would be better than you!"Gilbert clenched his fists in anger."You're ... such a cheap woman!"With that parting shot, he left in rage.Just as he left, Kisa's tears instantly dropped. She quickly wiped her tears and spoke sobbing, " I'll never shed a tear for him again. I've said before that I hate him and will have my vengeance on him. How can I shed any tears and still be sad just from a few humiliating words?"However, the more she attempted to delude herself, the heavier her tears flooded out. Jensen leaned on the cupboards as he looked at her, his gaze full of uncertaint
Madalyn suddenly covered her face and spoke with remorse," I can't believe Kisa would have such deeply hidden intentions. If I'd known she was so wicked, or known what her mother did back then, I wouldn't have let you or your brother near her in any way. It's my fault things are like this. Gilbert, promise Grandma that you won't have anything to do with her anymore, okay? If she wants to seduce Jensen, let her. Jensen can be with her, but you cannot. You must not!""Why? Why can't I be with her?" He questioned."Don't ask why. As long as you're not in love with her, I can pass on in peace."Seeing Mrs. Kooper Sr.'s despaired and aged expression, Gilbert's heart ached. He took a deep breath and solemnly said, " Alright, I won't be seduced by her. A woman like that doesn't deserve how well I've treated her.""That's great. Now I can rest assured."Walking back to the study, Gilbert flipped through his childhood pictures. He'd never liked smiling for pictures, so his serious face tha
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