"Are you going to spend the night outside the door?" Kisa asked, reaching for her backpack.Gilbert avoided her hand and came in with the backpack anyway.Kisa took a look at the doorway. Feeling nothing unusual, she closed the door. She always felt insured while being outside. After closing the door, she bolted it. When she turned around, she saw Gilbert fanning his nose with his hand, looking disgusted.Kisa grimaced with disdain. "You should really experience life in a lower-middle class neighborhood, preferably the slum."Gilbert smiled. "I can also endure hardship. I just can't stand this smell."'Heh! All said and done. He is just being fastidious.' The room's windows were open, and the heating system warmed up the room. Kisa did not want to talk to him anymore. She just wanted to take a shower and lie under the covers. Besides, she had a pang of discomfort in her stomach, perhaps from eating something dirty. She carried her backpack and headed for the bathroom.Gilbert loo
"What are you doing?" Kisa was puzzled.Gilbert said nothing, just preyed open her hand and then stared at the scar in her palm. The vine badly scuffed her palm when she pulled Gilbert out of the cave. The scar looked scary, but it was just a superficial injury. She recuperated at home, and it had healed quickly. Now, only some scars were left. Had Gilbert not looked at the scars now, she would have almost forgotten about it.She pulled her hand back and said, "It's nothing. It has already fully healed."Gilbert looked Kisa in the eyes and was just about to say something when there was a knock on the door."The takeout must have arrived, right?" Kisa asked subconsciously."Sit tight. I will check it out," Gilbert said.He was very cautious. He peeped through the peephole before opening the door, and even then, he only opened it ajar. Before long, he returned with a bag of snacks and some packed food.Kisa glanced at the door to ensure it was bolted before asking, " You are also
There was sparse moonlight shining through the window. She could vaguely make out shadows moving in the bathroom. She tensed up, and her hair stood erect. She did not dare to move a muscle but just stared at the bathroom, the door of which was just six feet from the bed. It was dark inside the bathroom, but she could see shadows moving. Kisa was nervous.'This is the eighth floor. How could someone climb up here? What could that be? A thief? Or the killer who wants to stop her from finding the truth about the prison fire? It won't come to the hotel to steal if it is a thief, not to mention that I have just checked in. If it is not a thief, then it is likely a killer.'Her mind was racing, and she looked on with bated breath before she carefully got out of bed. She did not even dare to put on her shoes but just walked barefoot on the carpet toward the door of the room. Two shadows came out of the toilet just as she reached the door. She was so scared that she covered her mouth.In th
She held her breath, stared at the darkness in front of her, and could not hold back her cry. She was trembling, her inner fear devouring her little by little like this endless darkness.Suddenly, there was a soft sound in the darkness. It was the sound of a switch being turned on, and with that soft click, the room lit up. Gilbert rubbed his eyes and frowned at her. "What happened? Did you have a nightmare?"Kisa was transfixed, looking at him and forgetting all her movements. She was dumbfounded, tears still on her face, and she looked a bit wretched.Gilbert looked baffled. He was clearly half-awake, his hair disheveled, his eyes groggy, and the thermal underwear on his body wrinkled."I was dreaming, and I heard someone crying. I listened carefully, and it sounded like you. Then I woke up and found that you were really crying." Seeing that she stood transfixed in the doorway without responding, he could not help but smile. "Why are you crying?"Kisa snapped back at last. With
"No fear. Davian has four men over there, and I have long since instructed them to keep an eye on the two jailers and ensure their safety."Kisa nodded and turned around to walk outside the room slowly. She felt a little weak in the knees because she was so scared just now."Are you hurt?" Gilbert suddenly asked, rushing up to tug at her arm, looking at her back anxiously.Kisa was puzzled. "No, I was awake when the two killers sneaked in. I hid by the door so the two killers didn't touch me.""You are not hurt?" Gilbert frowned at the bloodstain on her pants. Something came to mind, and he suddenly had an awkward look on his face.Kisa saw his weird expression and asked, "What is wrong? Is there something behind me?""N-Nothing. I guess it is your time of the month.""My time of the month?" Kisa did not get it at first. She was transfixed for a full three seconds before she came to her senses and blushed. 'No wonder my belly has been bloated, and my body is aching today.' She k
The register showed it was a young girl who checked into room 718, so it looked like the killers had used a fake ID.The receptionist looked at his grave face and asked cautiously, "Sir, did something happen?" Gilbert shook his head and returned the register to her. She put the register away, then suddenly remembered something. "By the way, the guest in room 718 has just checked out. Just a short while ago. I almost forgot to tell you."Gilbert sneered in his mind, 'They fled really fast.' "I know. We are fine. You do not need to be afraid," he said in a faint voice and then glanced outside. "Is there a 24-hour convenience store in this town?""There is one, but it is a little far.""Tell me roughly the direction.""Okay. You go out and turn left, then go straight some distance. You will see a junction. Turn right at the junction, and then..."The receptionist made the direction sound so complicated. But Gilbert could quickly simplify the information, which was turn left, turn ri
"Lily, where are those guys? Could you ask them if they still need ID cards? I can lend them mine, too."As the girl named Lily was about to say something, she noticed a shadow cast down on her. She looked up and was surprised to see a handsome yet grave-looking face.Gilbert's aura was so powerful that the young guys and girls shut up at once when he came over. Even though he was carrying a large bag of sanitary pads, it could not hide his innate classy persona. The young girls looked at him with admiration, while the young guys were disdainful and also fearful. Gilbert had just looked at a girl named Lily for a few seconds, and she had already blushed. A moment later, he asked faintly, "The group of people who borrowed your ID card—how many of them?""Huh?" Lily was transfixed for a moment and then quickly replied, "I-I didn't count. Some of them were sitting in the car, and some were standing outside. I guess there were a dozen."Gilbert's face instantly turned grave. 'More than
"Thank you very much for just going out and buying those things back for me. I didn't know you were such a thoughtful person, even knowing to buy a packet of brown sugar. I—""The store owner gave me this. I thought it was a waste to throw it away, so I made a cup and drank it earlier. Not bad. I feel warm now."Words choked in her throat, and she realized she had overthought. 'No way a man like Gilbert, with his eccentric, unpredictable, and cold face, could possibly be so thoughtful to know this. It was already so nice of him willing to go out and buy me the sanitary pads. The way he treats me now is so much better than before. I can't be greedy to expect more from him.'The brown sugar drink had an exceptionally warming effect and relieved the pain in Kisa's belly. "It is late. Why don't you go to bed? You have to drive tomorrow," she said.Gilbert shook his head as he fiddled with his cigarette pack, seemingly wanting to smoke but hesitating.Kisa thought he was concerned abou
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