"It's because of your mother."Kisa shuddered. Her voice trembled a little. "My mother? You know my mother?"Adrien nodded, "I not only knew your mother. I was also a very close friend as well.""Really? But... as far as I can remember, mom doesn't seem to have any friends. Until her death, she had only mentioned a single person's name."Adrien's hands on his knees trembled slightly.He did not ask who the person's name was, but instead, he took out his wallet.Kisa looked at him blankly, not knowing what he was doing.She only saw him opening his wallet and pulling a small photo out of it.The small photo was very worn as if someone had been rubbing against it to reminiscence something.He handed the photo over to Kisa. "Have a look at this."Kisa took the small photo with some suspicion, only to immediately recognize her mother in it.It was a photo of her mother with another man. That man was not Adrien, and she had never seen him before. She raised her hand and gently ca
Adrien shook his head and said, "David disappeared later. More precisely, he disappeared after he found your mom married someone else. No one knows where he went. Some said he was dead, while others said he holed up in places where people didn't know him. Even Jensen didn't know where his dad was."Kisa pursed her lips. 'Indeed, Jensen seldom mentioned his dad. He must have lost contact with his dad after his dad was sent abroad.'"I just left Calthon because of my family's business after David was sent abroad. Things changed when I came back a few years later. I pay some attention to you because you are the daughter of an old friend, and I have been watching you all the time since I knew you were in prison."That day was a coincidence. I had dinner with my friends on New Year's Eve. I happened to pass by the prison when I returned, and I heard the prison was on fire. My heart skipped a beat as I remembered you were still in prison."Mostly everyone in prison was evacuated when I r
Suddenly, Adrien fell silent and smoked quietly.Kisa felt Adrien's facial expression turn grim all of a sudden. She was uptight and stared at him without blinking.Adrien finally spoke again after a long time, "The official explanation back then was that night was too cold. They turned on the heating equipment during the New Year's Eve party, but the equipment malfunctioned suddenly and caused the fire. In other words, the fire that year was an accident.""So, you didn't investigate it?" Kisa felt a little disappointed.She definitely would not believe the fire was an accident because she clearly remembered someones locked her in the room on purpose and were talking outside the door. They implied that Gilbert was behind the fire.Adrien shook his head and said, "There was nothing to investigate as the prison burned into ruins at that moment. But I heard the fire started from your side, and there was no heating equipment at your side. So there were some loopholes in the official e
"Ruthless is just his nature. He can disregard everyone and everything, including his blood kin, as long as they have nothing to do with someone he loves."Adrien lowered his eyes and chuckled, "You're... right."A glint of self-mockery flashed in Adrien's eyes. He looked at Kisa, who was feeling sad, while smoking quietly.A cigarette burned out after a long time.After stubbing out the cigarette, Adrien got up and said, "Don't be too sad about the child. After all, it's over."'Over? I'm afraid I'll never get over this wound for a lifetime. The child was already formed and almost full-term. I can see his appearance, his brows, and his eyes clearly. He looks similar to Gilbert. The appearance of the child has been engraved in my heart. So I can never let go of it for the rest of my life.'Adrien gave Kisa a deep look. He just turned around and walked out quietly without saying anything.Finally, Kisa was the only one left in the private room. She looked at the child in the phot
Before Sharon could finish her words, she was already dumbstruck by Gilbert's words."Gilbert, this place is deserted. You can't kick me out of the car. Otherwise, I won't be able to go back.""That's your business. " Gilbert then shouted, "Davian!""Right away, Mr. Kooper. I'll chase her out of the car," said Davian. He got out of the car and opened the rear door immediately. "Hurry up! Mr. Kooper wants you to get out of the car because of your foul mouth," said Davian with a smirk."Shut up! You're just an assistant. How dare you talk to me in this way?"Davian shrugged triumphantly. "Okay, I'll stop talking about you. But Mr. Kooper wants you to get out of the car. So, you should do so immediately."Sharon felt angry and wronged. She looked at Gilbert again. "Gilbert...""I'll count to three. Your name will disappear from showbiz if you don't get out of the car." Gilbert said coldly, "One, two..."Sharon was angry, her eyes teary. She pushed the door on the other side immedi
Davian was stunned.'Why didn't he think about checking Adrien's background when I first mentioned the cooperation? Why did he want to check it after meeting him today? Besides, the Tanner family is a well-known family in Raworth, as is Adrien. There's nothing to investigate.'Although all these thoughts were in Davian's mind, he still replied respectfully, "Sure."Gilbert tapped the steering and said, "I also want all the information on Adrien, including his education, experience, and past relationship.""Huh? What are you looking for? Mr. Tanner is in his fifties. Do you really suspect Ma'am and him..." Suddenly, Gilbert glanced at him with a gloomy look before he finished.Davian choked in fright and nodded quickly, "Okay, I'll check it tomorrow. No, I'll start checking when I get back today."Gilbert pursed his lips and started the car again. He continued wandering the trails without knowing where he was going.Davian could not help but said, "Mr. Kooper, do you know the w
Gilbert pulled back his hand indifferently.Davian was startled and looked at him. "M-Mr. Kooper?"Gilbert sneered, "Mrs. Kooper? Why are you still addressing her as Mrs. Kooper? Will you also honor her as Mrs. Kooper when I die by her hands one day?"Gilbert's words put Davian in an awkward position. Davian pursed his lips and whispered, "It is not like that. I just think she is drunk, and it is dangerous to hang out alone like this, so...""And what does that have to do with me?" Gilbert snapped, rendering Davian speechless. "If you're worried about her, you may protect her. Just that you don't have to come to GK tomorrow," Gilbert sneered."No, no, no..." Davian hurriedly shook his head vigorously. "I'm not worried about her. Not at all. She is GK's arch rival; why would I worry about her?" Despite saying so, he still looked back involuntarily. Just then, a man came sitting down beside Kisa. Davian was nervous when he saw this. He whispered to Gilbert, "Mr. Kooper, someone seem
"Who are you? Stop the car, I want to get off, I want to get off..." Kisa was in a trance, only to feel that someone had shoved her into the car. She tried to push the door open, but no matter how hard she tried, it would not open. She leaned forward and tugged at the driver's arm. "Stop the car, stop the car..."Gilbert furrowed his brows, and he yanked the woman's hand away with annoyance.But the woman kept coming back up, now tugging at his chest. "Where are you taking me? Stop the car. I don't want to be here. Stop the car."The woman was drunk and did not know how much force she was using when she tugged at his clothes. The wound on his chest hurt and it reminded him of her heartlessness that day. He yanked her hand away again in annoyance. But Kisa did not relent, and kept pulling at him, irritating him. Gilbert's eyes narrowed, and he jerked the steering wheel, making a sharp turn.Because of inertia, Kisa hit her head against the car window. She cried out in pain as she fe
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