" Mrs. Kooper, don't let his appearance fool you," Davian ran down in a rush. In the past, Davian always looked at Jensen with respect, as Jensen was once the elder son of the Kooper family. However, Davian was now full of hostility toward him. The inexplicable enmity made Kisa even more mystified and uneasy. She queried Davian, "What happened? Can you guys make it clear? Besides that, where is Gilbert?""M-Mr. Kooper...He's not going to make it. And it's all because of him," Davian's eyes were wet, pointing at Jensen with resentment.Kisa was shocked. "G-Gilbert...He's really dying?" Madalyn once again burst into tears on the side. Davian choked as he spoke, "As you know, Mr. Kooper ate a poisonous fruit. No matter how we tried, we could not identify the toxin; We couldn't simply use any kind of medication on him either."Kevin said that as long as he had the fruit for testing, Mr. Kooper could be saved. Ae called Mister Jensen just for that, but he didn't answer the phone. Ultimat
Davian was stunned and asked with disbelief, "You really have the fruit?"Kisa quickly nodded and took out the red fruit from her pocket. Once Davian saw the fruit, he hurriedly pulled Kisa up to find Kelvin. But Madalyn blocked her again. "What game are you playing now? Gilbert is already like this, yet you won't let him go? How did you manage to get the fruit when the caves collapsed? You're wrong if you think I will trust you by picking some random fruit outside. Get out of my house!"Madalyn's hatred toward Kisa only grew, and she refused to let her go up any further. Davian urged, "Mrs. Kooper Sr., please be reasonable. With Mr. Kooper in this state, she had no reason to bring fake fruits to us, right? No matter what she is here for, let Kelvin try first. It's better than letting Mr. Kooper die."Regardless of what Davian had said, Madalyn still dug her heels in. "If they really wanted to save Gilbert, they could have sent us the fruit ages ago. Why wait until now? I would neve
Jensen patted Kisa on the shoulder and said lowly, "Don't trust me too much."Then, he turned around and walked out without looking back.Kisa gazed at his retreating figure. She did not know if the inexplicable sadness lingering within was because of the biting wind or something else.Up till nightfall, there was still no news about Gilbert.Kisa wanted to go inside and check on him. However, Sharon stood by the door like a guard dog and did not allow Kisa to step foot into the Kooper residence.'If Sharon were the only person here, I could still handle her. But even George is here to stop me from entering the door. Since George has been with the Kooper family for a while now and has been good to me previously, I can't challenge him head-on,' she thought.Kisa felt anxious. She immediately asked George, "How's Gilbert?""Mr. Hoover is still treating the young master. As for its outcome, none of us know how it's going. Mrs. Kooper Sr. is about to cry her eyes out, so please, Ms.
Lea replied hurriedly, "Emma had knocked me out. That woman was cruel enough to do such nasty things to us. After that, Mr. Kooper and Davian found me. Otherwise, I would've frozen to death."'That's right, Lea almost froze to death in the snow. Jensen told me about it after the incident; that's why I thought I had wronged Lea at one point. But on second thoughts, there were footprints between the snow in front of me and the big tree even though Emma appeared behind me. If Mia had knocked out Lea behind the tree, how did Mia appear behind me? No matter how I look at it, there was someone else there other than me, Lea, and Emma. However, I can't figure out who the person is. If Lea is indeed lying to me, and assuming that she had purposefully suggested going to see the snow, what's her motive? Is she being threatened, or does she hold a grudge against me?' wondered Kisa.She looked at Lea, "Do you think I'm good to you?"Lea was startled for a moment. Then, she nodded."Of course. Y
Gilbert's room remained lit. Kisa badly wanted to go upstairs and see him.George glanced at her and did not say anything more. Then, he turned around and entered the house.Sharon, who stood by the entrance, said something to George with an icy expression. Kisa could not hear what Sharon said, but she was sure it was not nice.Since Lea was starving, she quickly finished the entire bowl of spaghetti.Meanwhile, Kisa held the plate of spaghetti and remained unmoved.She could not stomach anything without knowing about Gilbert's condition.She handed her spaghetti to Lea, "You can have mine. I'm not hungry.""That won't do. You should at least have a little.""I really don't have the appetite," Kisa said, shoving the plate into Lea's hands.Lea sighed helplessly and did not respond.Meanwhile, Jensen returned to the resort in the middle of the night, reeking of alcohol.Mia was sitting in the living room waiting for him. When she saw him staggering into the house, she quickly
"Well, I did it for you."Adrien looked at him with a frank expression. There was a hint of mockery in his smile, "If I didn't do this, how would you know what you are to your grandmother? I've already said this long ago: to her, only Gilbert is her grandchild. You're merely a dog she had adopted out of false goodwill. To her, you were a dog with many uses. Not only could you keep Gilbert company, but you could protect him too. They could even order you around at their disposal and throw you out when they no longer need you. I can't believe you still care about them after all these years. Oh, Jensen, you just can't seem to see the truth."Adrien puffed his cigarette. Through the cigarette smoke, his smiling face seemed incredibly mocking.Jensen tightened his fists and roared at him resentfully, "Even so, what's it got to do with you? However they treat me, it's still better than how you treated me. Who are you to criticize them or mock me? You're even more heartless compared to the
"I could hear you all arguing from upstairs. What's the matter?"Peter peered at the bruise on Jensen's face and the blood by the corner of his lips."You got beaten up?" he asked in surprise.After he spoke, he realized that he had asked something stupid.Jensen glanced at him icily and did not respond. Then he walked past him and went upstairs.Peter was confused.'Jensen's being so hostile for no reason. I don't think I did anything to him?' he thought."Peter, come play chess with me.""Ah... Coming.""Have you got someone to send Jolina back yet?""Mhm, she's still in college.""You like her, but she doesn't like you, right?""Mhm.""Ho ho. What's the matter? If you like her, go for it. While there's the saying that nothing forcibly done will be agreeable, isn't it worse to do nothing at all?"Jensen stood at the corner of the staircase while gripping the railing tightly. He stared darkly at the amiable smile on Adrien's face. Then, a sardonic smile gradually formed
The blood was maroon in color, which made Madalyn palpitate from seeing it. She quickly asked Kelvin, " How is it?"Kelvin scrunched his brows with a severe expression, " The situation is very challenging."Madalyn had both her eyes rolled back and fell to the ground. Davian immediately held onto her.Madalyn forcefully held onto her spirits and scolded in pain, " I knew it. That wench never had good intentions. The fruits are fake, fake... My Gilbert is hurt by all of them. Waah, waah..."Kelvin had not shut his eyes for a few days and nights. Stubble was growing on his chin, and his face was haggard. Hearing Madalyn scream and cry, he felt annoyed deep down at that point.He gave Gilbert a check-up while talking to Davian, " You help Madan Kooper Sr. out. If something happens, I'll call you."Davian nodded his head and hastily pulled Madalyn outside. Once they opened the door, they saw Sharon by the doorway suspiciously, looking like a burglar. Madalyn saw Sharon, and her expre
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