The man gazed toward the newspaper as she predicted.However, the calmness on his face was unexpected to her. Even though he was not the one that reduced Sharon into that state, Sharon was still an artist from GK Pictures despite what they say. He did not even have a reaction when having such a scandal.Kisa was starting to doubt whether Gilbert cared about GK Pictures's reputation. Gilbert put the breakfast for the three kids in front of them first before asking Lea, " Have you eaten?"His politeness was unsettling. Lea subconsciously shook her head and sat up warily. Gilbert passed her a sandwich and a glass of milk.Lea was flattered, but she gaped at him with a wide-eyed expression. She hurriedly shook her head, "No, no, no need, no need, no need..." Lea saying "no" repeatedly showed that she was shocked to the core.Gilbert found it funny. And portioned Kisa's breakfast with adept movements while speaking nonchalantly, "Why? Does the breakfast I made seem that difficult to sw
Kisa pulled her thoughts back. She was thinking of the photo. Sharon seemed furious and flustered, which made it look very odd. Gilbert prepared a surprise for Sharon during that time, which wasn't a lie. However, the surprise was not a treat but a punishment.'Could it be that Gilbert was taking revenge on Sharon for that night?' As she thought about it here, she then quickly shook her head.That was impossible. The subject of the matter should be reversed. Gilbert hated her and always sided with Sharon. How could he possibly retaliate against Sharon for her? After not getting any results from thinking for a long time, she simply chose to not think about it.Either way, this issue was not related to her at all. Lea searched for any information and comments on the news during the journey.She spoke to Kisa, "Kisa, that's not good. A big crowd of netizens are commenting on all platforms, saying the villa is Gilbert's. They even said Sharon was wearing her clothes like that when she
Sharon's hesitant look validated all the reporter's speculations."Ms. Case, are you saying that the villa belongs to Mr. Kooper?" Another reporter asked.Sharon hung her head with her face full of embarrassment and did not say a thing. Her expression only stoked the reporter's imagination further."Ms. Case, what did you and Mr. Kooper do in the villa?""Ms. Case, Mr. Kooper obviously did the deed with you. Does he have any plans on marrying you?""Ms. Case, what exactly was Mr. Kooper's surprise?""Sigh, all of you should stop asking me. If there is any question, then asking Mr. Kooper himself would be better," Sharon replied, all bashful-like.This way, even if she did not say anything, everyone would deem that she and Gilbert had done some shameful acts in that villa. Looking at her convincing facial expressions toward the reporters, she felt even surer that the news had all been orchestrated by Sharon herself.However, she still could not figure out why Sharon had looked s
Kisa pulled her lips into a smile, " That's great. If you're inviting me, I'll definitely go!"Hearing Kisa say this, Sharon grew even more smug."Heh, did you know that the surprise Gilbert gave me last night was superromantic? It was a candle-lit dinner full of sweet talk.""Really?" Kisa chuckled sarcastically, " How come the situation I saw was you being driven out?"Sharon's expression changed, " What are you blathering about? Gilbert treats me so gently. Why in the world would I be driven out?""Oh really? Then did Gilbert lie to me?" Kisa questioned in turn purposely.Sharon's expression turned white for just an instant before she quickly said, " That's right, he lied to you. He did lie to you. He might've wanted to deceive you and planned to make you fall for his affectionate scheme.""If it was truly like you said, he wouldn't want to marry you now. What a shame, you risked your honor and reputation for this show, yet you might not get the result you want," Kisa said.
"Pfft!" Lea instantly made a spitting sound and spoke to Kisa, " Look at that woman. She's smiling like a succubus. Her voice line is filled with a deathly cringe. Do men like this kind of thing? Kisa, when you talk to Mr. Kooper, you should do it like this. Mr. Kooper would definitely spoil you to no end."Kisa was speechless. Where did Lea find the confidence and such certainty?Gilbert's gaze skipped over Sharon and looked at Kisa. Before he could say anything, a swarm of reporters popped out from nowhere and immediately surrounded him and Sharon. Sharon chuckled smugly.Under the pressing questions of the reporters, she would not believe that Gilbert would not marry her. Kisa did not want to join the crowd and was prepared to leave.Lea quickly held onto her, " It's still early. Let us watch this first and see how Mr. Kooper will explain the news today.""What's so interesting about it?" Kisa said, uninterested. With the time in hand, it would be better to go home to sleep."
Lea joyfully shook Kisa's arm. "Did you hear that, Kisa? The news today has nothing to do with Mr. Kooper. He did nothing to that woman.""So what? I didn't believe he would do anything to that woman in the first place."Lea looked embarrassed, wondering why Kisa was becoming increasingly self-possessed these days as if nothing could stir her emotion."Mr. Kooper, what do you mean by that? Isn't that villa under your name?""I transferred the villa to someone else a few days ago, and it was no longer in my name yesterday. If you don't believe me, you can check it out."The reporters looked at each other in confusion."You mean you weren't even in that villa yesterday?""Since it's not my house, why would I stay there?"There was an uproar, and everyone looked over at Sharon with curious eyes. Sharon broke down and shook her head, her face pale. "No, Gilbert. You can't do this. Yesterday you clearly....""I clear what? Or did I do something to you yesterday? I dare you to tell
Just then, Kisa's call came from not far away. Lea's expression changed, and she looked at Anthony nervously.Anthony lowered his voice and said, "Get out of here.""Okay." Lea hurriedly came out of the corner.Seeing Lea coming out of the corner just as she arrived, Kisa came up to meet her. "Why did you come over here without a word? I have been looking all over for you."Lea let out an unnatural smile. "Nature's call. I was looking for a ladies' room."Kisa nodded without giving it a second thought. "And did you find it?""Yeah, I found it." Lea tugged at Kisa's arm. "Come on. Are the reporters still interviewing Mr. Kooper and Sharon?""The reporters are slowly dispersing. There is nothing to see.""Oh? Let's go home, then. You have to pick up the children later."Kisa nodded, and before she left, she suddenly saw a bruise on Lea's neck. Startled, she hurriedly flipped open her collar and asked, "What happened to your neck?""N-Nothing. I'm fine." Lea hurriedly put her co
Sharon's eyes burst with anger and jealousy as she watched Gilbert drive away with Kisa in his car.Celandina cautiously said, "Sharon, what should we do? Mr. Kooper doesn't want to marry you. Wouldn't your reputation be ruined?""Shut the f*ck up." Sharon angrily pushed her to the ground and sneered, "Don't be so proud of yourself. Let me tell you, even if my reputation is ruined, you still cannot take my place."Celandina's face turned pale with fright. "What are you talking about? I have never thought that way. I—""Oh, Celandina. If you have thought that way, just say so. What are you afraid of? I saw you complaining about this international star with other actresses in the ladies' room. Why are you afraid to say anything in front of her now?" Ariella suddenly appeared behind them, her arms crossed in front of her chest with a smug look on her face.Celandina's face instantly changed. "You b*tch. Don't spew—"SLAP!Before she could finish her sentence, Sharon slapped her har
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