"Ms. Watson, Mr. Kooper would like to see you. Please come with me." It was Davian.Kisa spun around and tried to run, but several men in suits surrounded her. These men's actions alarmed the people in the surroundings, and they all stepped back in fright.Kisa's pale face and bony body made her look as if she would collapse at any moment."Wh-What are you all going to do?""Mr. Kooper wants to see you, Ms. Watson. Don't be so alarmed.""Who is Mr. Kooper? I don't know him." Kisa's body shook. "Get out of my way. I don't know Mr. Kooper. He probably has the wrong person.""Mr. Kooper has mistaken no one. Come with us, and you will find out, Ms. Watson," Davian said, then signaled the bodyguards to apprehend her.Kisa's emotions flared up. "Let go of me. What are you doing? I don't want to see him. I don't want to see him. Please let me go. I don't want to see him. Help! Help!"She told herself she must not meet Gilbert, who hated her so much for abducting his first love and hur
"Don't hit me. Don't hit me."She shivered involuntarily as the horrible experience of being beaten up in prison kept coming back to her.Gilbert frowned. He grabbed her by the collar and lifted her. "Why are you still pretending? You think that will make me not punish you for what you have done?""I'm not Kisa. You've got the wrong person. My name is Raine. I'm not Kisa. I'm not." Kisa shook her head in panic. Her bony face looked extra pale from fear, the scar on her forehead even more appalling.Gilbert stared sullenly at her, gritting his teeth with hatred. "You think I won't recognize you after you change your name, your voice, and even your appearance? Heck! Let me tell you, even if you turn into ashes, I can still find you." His eyes were filled with hatred, just as they were five years ago. The ruthlessness in his voice was such that he could not wait to cut her into pieces.'Is he really that disgusted with me, so much so that he won't allow me to live in this world for a
Gilbert looked at her reddened face. He suddenly came to his senses and let go of her.Kisa coughed violently as a sudden burst of fresh air rushed into her lungs, and her bony body slumped down the wall. She kept trembling terribly because of the cough. Under Gilbert's condescending gaze, she looked like a gnat struggling to stay alive."Don't worry. I won't kill you. But I will make your life worse than death."Kisa ended up being locked up in the garret by Gilbert. She desperately kicked and punched the door and hissed in a frenzy. "Let me out. Who are you to lock me up? I almost died five years ago because of you; so why are you still locking me up now? Let me out. Let me out.""You had it coming to you five years ago." Gilbert's bitter words came through the door. "Grandma hasn't woken up yet, and Sara hasn't been found. As long as you live, you are to pay for what you have done." He forced the last sentence through his teeth, carrying a full load of hatred and disgust.Kisa
"Kill me if you dare."She deeply hated being shut in, as in prison, which only made her feel suffocated and despaired.Gilbert gave her an icy look. He suddenly got up, lifted her injured ankle, and immediately took a medication bottle out of his pocket.Realizing what he was about to do, Kisa jerked her foot back as hard as she could and sneered, "Stop pretending here.""Kisa Berker!" Gilbert gritted his teeth and spelled out her name, so furious that veins popped up on his forehead.Kisa stared at him with a mocking face. "Aren't you just afraid that I will die of pain and you won't have the chance to torture me anymore? I'm not going to give you the chance.""Well. Very well." Gilbert nodded with a sneer. He threw the medicine bottle at her. "You want to die, right? Then you can go to hell."The door was slammed shut once again. Kisa looked at the mess on the floor with irony and sadness inside her. 'Since he hates me so much, he should have just let me rot here. His hypocri
'This woman is a bit like the one in the photo in Daddy's wallet. Could she be Mommy?' The boy was so excited with the thought in his mind that he ran up to Kisa.Kisa stared at them in astonishment. "Who are you? Why are you here?" She did not recall there were children in the Kooper residence."Ma'am, do you know who my mommy is? Where is she?"The questions startled and puzzled Kisa. "I don't know who your mother is, and I don't know who your father is. But how did you guys get here, and who brought you here?"Andrew had a disappointed look in his eyes."This is our home. Ma'am, why did Daddy lock you up?" Ada asked.Kisa's heart skipped a beat. 'Daddy? Their father is Gilbert? Gilbert has children? There are two of them, and they are already this old?!'She tried hard to fight back the shock. To be sure, she asked in a trembling voice, "Is Gilbert your father?""Hmm." Ada nodded.Kisa took two unsteady steps back instantly.'It turns out that he already has children. But
"Kisa Becker!"Gilbert gritted his teeth and growled her name. He wished he could strangle this heartless woman who was holding his son hostage in order to escape. He clenched his fists with blue veins popping up on the back of his hands, his face ashen.Kisa looked at his grim, murderous face and smiled bleakly. 'He must hate me even more. But it doesn't matter anymore.' She gripped the knife tightly, looked into Gilbert's icy eyes, and said in a deep voice, "Let me go."Coming back with him was Sharon. After five years, Sharon had become even more beautiful, dressed up fashionably and with classy makeup, looking like a movie star. When Sharon saw her, she obviously froze for a moment, followed by a touch of surprise and delight surfacing on her face."Kisa, you're really alive."Kisa ignored her. She just kept a close eye on Gilbert.She told herself she had to get out of here today, as she knew that someone as astute as Gilbert would have quickly seen that Andrew was deliberat
Gilbert looked at her with a frown. "What do you mean?""I heard Ariella say that she still has a special contract with Kisa in place.""A special contract?""Yeah. Wasn't she Ariella's assistant before?"Gilbert looked at her and waited for her to continue."If Ariella is the one who dismisses Kisa, then Ariella is to pay her a sky-high amount of compensation. Of course, if it is Kisa who resigns, Kisa is to pay Ariella a considerable amount of money. With that contract in place, Kisa has to return to Ariella as an assistant, and you can find Kisa easily then.""Who drew up the contract?"No one in their right mind would sign such an unreasonable contract. It was akin to binding the two together. Yet Ariella and Kisa had signed it. As a female artiste, Ariella would not ask her lawyer to draw up such a contract. Kisa was not capable of drawing up such a contract either. So Gilbert wondered from where such a contract had come.Sharon shook her head. "I don't know who drew it up
It was Ariella calling. She lived in an upscale bachelor pad.When Kisa rushed over, Ariella was triumphantly fiddling with the contract agreement on her desk. Kisa was depressed at seeing the contract she had signed five years ago.'Although I survived the fire five years ago, I'm suffering from a persistent condition that is difficult to cure, and I also have multiple burn scars on my body, making me look horrible. To stay alive, I have to take medication every day, which is expensive.'Because of my ugly appearance and health issues, I couldn't find a job and had no money. Then the mysterious person who saved me introduced me to work as Ariella's assistant, with the condition that I had to sign this agreement. I didn't think much about it at that time. All I thought was survival, so I signed the agreement,' she thought to herself.But now, thinking back, she felt something strange with the contract, and she did not know why the mystery person wanted her to sign a contract like 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