Gilbert said nothing. He pulled back his eyes and continued to study the map. Kisa wanted to ask him several times what he was studying the map for, words choked in her throat upon seeing his grim face. She did not know how long it had been when the man finally turned off his phone as if he had studied the map thoroughly. Kisa hurriedly got to her feet, expecting him to say something. But he still said nothing and did not even reveal anything about tomorrow's plan. He seemed to treat her as if she did not exist. Kisa had no choice but to hold back his curiosity again.Gilbert put the phone aside, then silently ate the food on the coffee table, except the sandwiches—it seemed that the sandwich was indeed ordered for her. She glanced at him; he still looked sullen, not to be messed with.Kisa pursed her lips and silently took the sandwiches over. She really liked sandwiches, especially tuna sandwiches.Gilbert was probably starving; he had gobbled all the food before she could finish
As the door opened, Gilbert appeared in the doorway in a light gray fall outfit. Kisa quickly said to him, "You're not asleep? Did you see the message I sent you?""Saw it.""Then why didn't you return my message?" Kisa complained. But she did not have time for this. "I just saw four cars pulled up downstairs with a dozen bodyguard-like men getting out of the vehicles. Do you think they could be the killers who are after us?""Yes.""So, what do we do now? They are catching up so fast, and there are so many of them, and—""Aren't you tired, Kisa?" Gilbert interrupted her with a frown before she could finish her sentence.Kisa was dumbfounded. "I-I'm tired, but those killers—""Why are you worried about them? They are humans, too; they need to sleep, so they check in at the hotel. Besides, this suite is airtight. Are you afraid they will crawl in like last time?""But—""This is the busiest part of the town. With so many eyes around, they wouldn't dare to do anything to you, ev
Kisa was upset. She still had to think about the big picture. Those killers might not have climbed into her room from the outside, but there was no guarantee that they would not pick the lock in the middle of the night. Plus, she really did not want Gilbert to worry about her. After all, he had to drive during the day. She had once said she would drive when he felt tired, but he disagreed. Gilbert told her that killers were chasing them along the way and that her driving skills were not as good as his, so he was afraid that she could not escape in a car pursuit. Kisa had the same thought, too, so she did not insist.Gilbert was still awake, leaning against the headboard and playing with his phone. The room was lit with warm yellow light from the wall lamp, the soft light making him look more affable, unlike his prickly attitude earlier.Kisa held the quilt and stood in the doorway. Seeing that he said nothing, she scuttled toward the bed. It was a gigantic bed, but Gilbert was lying
Kisa tugged at Gilbert's clothes and whispered to him, "Ask them if Blake is okay."But Gilbert ignored her as if he had not heard her. It was Andrew who heard her voice."Daddy, is Ma'am next to you?"Kisa suddenly pursed her lips and did not make a sound. As they were lying in the same bed, she did not want the children to see it. Gilbert looked over at Kisa, who shook her head at him.Gilbert sneered at Kisa and said to Andrew, "No.""Oh, I may have misheard it then." Andrew continued. "Then I will video-call Ma'am. I miss her, too.""Okay."Kisa was transfixed. Before she could react to it, her phone rang. It was a video call from none other than Andrew. As she sat up in bed, she was awash in embarrassment. She panicked and propped herself up on the mattress, but her fingers accidentally tapped the answer button, and Andrew's and Ada's smiling faces appeared on the screen, with Kelvin standing behind them."Ma'am, are you with Daddy?" The smile on Andrew's face turned to su
Kisa was so tense that she dared not to move, but after Gilbert leaned over, he did not make another move, just leaning against her. After a long while, she gradually eased up when he stayed lying just like that, and his breathing became shallow. She felt his body like a ball of fire, scorching her skin as his chest pressed against her back.When she first came in, she still felt a little cold because the heating in the room was not on a higher setting. But now, she was feeling hot. She could not help but move closer to the edge of the bed. If she went further out, she would fall down the bed. It did not help that Gilbert followed her and moved closer to her as soon as she moved away.Kisa had no words. She suspected he was pretending to be asleep. The air was still, and the only sound echoing in the room was the sound of breathing. She stared at the faint glow shining through the curtains for a while and gradually dozed off. When she was about to fall asleep, Gilbert suddenly mutter
Kisa's chest heaved violently as her forehead was covered with sweat. She hurriedly got out of bed and ran outside without any thought. Breakfast was here. Gilbert took out the food and couldn't help but say, "You're awake. Come and have breakfast," when he saw Kisa running out of the room.However, Kisa did not seem to have heard what he said and ran straight to the door to check the lock. Gilbert frowned slightly. "Kisa, what's the matter with you? Why are you checking the door lock so early in the morning?"Kisa was still immersed in the nightmare that she had just had. She pulled on the lock and said, "I dreamed that the killers picked the lock, rushed in here, and stabbed us with knives. It was scary. It felt so real; the knives they held are still engraved in my mind."Gilbert leaned back against the chair and sneered, "That dream happened because you keep thinking about it. Aren't you tired of worrying so much, Kisa?"Kisa ignored his snarky remark. She stood by the door for
Kisa lost her appetite for breakfast. "I think it'll be more convincing if I fake my death along with you," she said to Gilbert in a serious tone. "Are you sure you can fake your own death? I'm afraid that you might actually die," Gilbert sneered.The man looked at her and said faintly, "You're not as fast nor as good at acting as I am. You'll only be holding me back if we don't split up." Kisa was speechless upon hearing this. She squeezed the sandwich in her hand, her heart feeling extremely uneasy. "Eat faster. I'll bring you to the bus station after you finish. If my predictions are correct, those people will be tailing us as soon as we leave the hotel. There'll be swarms of people at the bus station. I'll take advantage of the crowd and let you go when the time is right so that they wouldn't notice.""So you want me to wait for you at Riverton. Shouldn't you give me a time frame for when we're meeting up? I can't possibly wait for you there forever, can I?" Kisa put down the san
Kisa looked at Gilbert's tense profile, not knowing how to answer his question. She felt like it was inappropriate to discuss the issue at such a critical moment. She did not answer, and Gilbert did not ask any more questions.Soon, they reached the intersection of the traffic lights. When the light was about to turn red, Gilbert stepped on the gas and crossed to the other side. Kisa knew he was trying to get rid of the four cars following them so that she could secretly get off at the station in that brief amount of time.As they got closer to the station, Kisa still did not answer his question, and her emotions grew more and more complex. She pulled the zipper of her backpack back and forth as if it would relieve her from the stress that she was under.There were a lot of people in the station. As soon as they crossed the traffic light, Gilbert pulled over and parked his car on one lane at the entrance of the station. The entrance was especially crowded with people as the buses fr
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