"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
She was startled and instinctively opened her mouth to scream, but no sound would come out. What was more horrifying was that she discovered that she could not move at all.'What is happening?' she thought.She stared at the shadow by the bed fearfully. She tried to move her fingers. However, her whole body was restrained by a mysterious force. She could not move at all.Suddenly, that shadow bent down slowly. Kisa could not see his face but could feel his breath touch her face. It was so cold."Kisa..." The shadow suddenly said. Its tone was gentle, but it seemed to be Gilbert's voice.Her heart trembled. Could the dark shadow be Gilbert? Yet Gilbert had never used such a gentle tone to call her "Kisa" before.She wanted to ask him if he was Gilbert, but however she tried to scream and shout, not a single sound would come out. It was as if she was utterly shackled. She could not do a thing and only stared at the dark figure before her in horror and confusion. The shadow seemed t
Davian furrowed his brows in disguise, "Anyhow, you are of noble breed. Couldn't your table manners be better?""I have not eaten a single meal for a few freaking days. I'm almost starving to death. There's no point in emphasizing etiquette," Kelvin finished speaking. He did not forget to stare at the noodles in Davian's hand and clicked his tongue, "Aren't you having your second bowl? It's such a big serving."Davian did not want to argue with him. He sat across him, confused, "Why did you talk to Ms. Kisa like that just now? She was actually worried for Mr. Kooper. If you told her that, wouldn't she worried to death?""That's fine. If Kisa was truly worried for Gilbert, she wouldn't have left in such a hurry. Don't just see that she has been staying here for a night. From what I see, it's just for show. You didn't see it. She was so eager to leave yesterday once dawn came. Tsk tsk, how unfortunate for Gilbert to still call her name when he is still unconscious. If it was based on
She was stunned. Who would appear in her kitchen? Lea? Jensen? But wasn't Jensen not back yet? Besides, Lea had returned the keys to the house earlier.With a heart full of doubt, she walked toward the direction of the kitchen. She was not worried that a burglar or other criminal would enter in broad daylight. She walked to the entrance of the kitchen. She then looked into the kitchen directly. From a single glance, she saw Jensen in an apron."You..." Seeing Jensen, she would always think of his silhouette on the day he left.It was particularly bleak and exceptionally determined. Thinking about it would make anyone feel sad. Jensen was making food. Hearing her voice, he could not help but turn his head and glance at her once. His handsome face had a gentle, light smile.Kisa stared at him in shock. He had returned to his usual gentle temperament. As if that day was merely an illusion to her.She slowly walked toward her, "You came back.""I called you yesterday. You didn't pick
"There is nothing to explain; just let it be," Jensen did not turn his head and spoke casually.Kisa always felt that he was spiteful. As for who he was spiteful to, she was not sure as well. She put down her spoon and stood up to walk two steps toward him. She told him, "I think this issue requires you to explain to Madam Kooper Sr. clearly. You all are family. After all, having a misunderstanding is not good."'Family?' He thought. Jensen smiled lightly and did not say a word. He only believed that these single words sounded so hilarious.Kisa secretly analyzed a bit and spoke, " It was obvious that someone took your phone at that time. Then impersonated you to send Madalyn that kind of message. As for who the person was, you should think hard. Who ultimately had beef with you and could easily reach your cell phone?""Enough!" Jensen abruptly growled at her.Kisa was stunned for a moment, then asked, " What's wrong?"Jensen turned around to look at her. His face had no expressi
Gilbert scrunched his brows and sat up abruptly. However, due to the weakness in his body, his whole frame fell back heavily. Even the syringe on the back of his hand had accidentally fallen out. Davian quickly held onto him and looked at Madalyn in frustration.Madalyn repeatedly slammed her cane in a fury, "Sinful, truly sinful. My dear grandson will one day be tortured to death by that wench."Gilbert pulled at Davian's arm and asked in a tense voice, "What exactly happened to Kisa?"That day, he used every ounce of strength to carry Kisa on his back to walk to the border of the resort area. Until he saw Jensen, then did he pass entirely out as if out of any strength.When he woke up again, he was already back at the Kooper residence, but he had no idea what had happened, or if Kisa was even alive.When he passed out, he had many dreams. All his dreams were about that woman. He dreamed about her childhood days, with her happy and lively state.He dreamed about her as an adult,
Gilbert suddenly remembered the scene in the cave where Kisa pulled him up with the vines.'If she doesn't give a f*ck about me, then she could have left. Why did she turn back and desperately try to save me? Is it not because she cares about me? She even said that she believed it wasn't me who set the prison on fire. She finally believes me,' Gilbert thought and could not help but smile. The depressing thoughts he had in his mind for the past few days suddenly disappeared. All he wanted to do now was to see Kisa.Kelvin shook his head when he saw Gilbert smiling. He turned over to Davian and said, "I think Mr. Kooper is delusional. He thinks Kisa cares about him. He thinks that she likes him. No, loves him."Davian felt the tension in his jaw as he nodded fiercely with a serious look on his face. "Tsk, tsk..." Kelvin shook his head and sighed, "This delusional disorder is not a good thing, but seeing how happy he is, let's not interfere. Otherwise, he'll return to how he was before
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