"Mom, what do you know? I've done so much for Gilbert, yet he died just like that. Then what's the point of me doing so much in the past?""Shush, quiet down. Are you trying to announce to the world that you sent them to kill him?" Carolyn quickly covered Sharon's mouth and spoke seriously, " Listen to your mother. Let's not publicize this. Wait till the news outlets cover the news of that man's death, then you pretend to cry him a river.""But I originally didn't want Gilbert to die. I've said before that I wanted to have him. Now that he is dead, what am I fighting for?""You idiot! As long as he was alive, he would eventually learn about all those terrible things you did back then. If that happened, it would be your turn to die. It's fine that he's dead now. You can rest easy in the meantime," Sharon did not speak as tears fell.Carolyn hugged her and said, " Listen to me. He's dead. To us, it's absolutely a good thing. Next, you should consider how to overthrow GK Pictures."S
Kisa shook all over. She quickly rubbed her eyes. The streetlights were dim, so she couldn't see clearly so far out. The figure seemed to be invisible. When Kisa rubbed her eyes to look again, the figure seemed to be gone. It was as if she had imagined that apparition just now.She was worried and anxious. She hurriedly got up, but her legs were numb because she had been crouching for too long. She could not stand up at all and could only lean on the glass door. She anxiously looked in the same direction as earlier. This time, she really saw it. There was indeed a figure that was walking toward her.'Is that Gilbert?' She gripped the center of her palm tightly, staring hard at the figure. Her heart tensed up, inch by inch. The figure walked very, very slowly. It had not come over to her even after a long while. Kisa stared at him for a long time but still could not see his face clearly.She could only barely see that the person's legs were injured. When walking, it seemed to have a
Kisa's felt her heart tremble deep down and instinctively broke free from his hug. Gilbert's low and hoarse voice suddenly sounded above her head, " Don't move. Let me hug you for a bit."His voice had a heavy indication of exhaustion and exasperation from escaping death. His low and hoarse voice had totally lost its usual assertiveness, yet after hearing him say those words, Kisa really did not move."I thought that this time I... truly wouldn't make it back," he lightly chuckled after saying the sentence. His tone was light and slow, but Kisa could feel how dangerous it had been for him. She pursed her lips and did not say a thing, nor did she ask a thing. She did not move and let Gilbert hug her just like that.His clothes were completely soaked and brought a wave of harsh cold air.The chilly air seeped through bit by bit into Kisa's parka. This made her slowly feel the waves of bone-chilling coldness. However, she still did not push away the man hugging her from behind. She se
Kisa looked at him, " You speak, and I'll listen."She was quite curious about how he had gotten into such a ridiculous state. However, she knew that unless he talked about it voluntarily, it would be a waste for her to ask. Seeing her indifferent attitude, Gilbert was so angry that he did not want to talk.Kisa also did not ask anymore. She thought when his anger had dissipated, he would talk about it himself. Two of them were in a stalemate for a while then the doorbell suddenly rang.Kisa was about to get up, but Gilbert was a step faster. He hobbled to open the door. It might have been Gilbert's terrible expression, but the delivery man's voice was trembling, " Your.. the food you ordered. The total is 662 bucks. Just... just 650 would be fine.""650?""Ye... yes," the person stammered.Kisa rolled her eyes and thought, 'Gilbert, this man. He's scaring the deliveryman."Kisa got up and searched through her bag for her wallet. She pulled out six hundred-dollar bills and a sin
"When I was clashing with the assassins today, my subordinates at Hillsby called over. They even called multiple times in a row. Due to the urgent situation, I did not pick up. By the time I crawled out of the water, my phone had been ruined. Hence, I suspect that something had happened at Hillsby.""Then what should we do?" Kisa followed up anxiously."When you buy clothes for me tomorrow, remember to buy a cell phone. Then get my phone number back. We can't get our communication with people at Hillsby to be disconnected.""Okay!" Kisa furrowed her brows as an uneasiness surged in her heart again.Initially, they thought they had ditched the assassins. There would be no danger further down their journey, but who knew that something would happen at Hillsby. She swiftly bandaged up all his injuries and washed her hands with a heavy heart. Just as she walked out of the washroom, she crashed onto Gilbert's chest. She stabled herself and walked toward the side, but the man blocked her
Gilbert furrowed his brows while looking at her. He took the phone over. Gilbert then pressed the receiving button and turned speaker mode on."Mr. Kooper, finally I've got you on the line. Yesterday, two of the jailers were assassinated."Gilbert and Kisa's expressions changed drastically. "I called you yesterday, but you didn't pick up. The phone calls wouldn't get through. Are you okay, Mr. Kooper?""I'm fine. How are the two jailers?" Gilbert asked."The two jailers underwent an emergency medical operation. They are currently not in any danger."Kisa heard this and could not help but sigh a breath of relief. However, the person on the other side said confusingly, "However, the people who saved the two jailers were not our people. I've done a background check on them but couldn't find anything."Kisa's brows immediately furrowed together. 'That's odd; why would there be another group helping them? Could it be Jensen?' After thinking for a while, she felt it was impossible.Je
Kisa shuddered in fear. However, the warm, big hand grasped her even tighter.She gave it some thought and eventually did not fling the person's hand away.For some reason, Kisa felt a mixture of emotions as they got closer to the two jailers.The subordinate glanced at them and said, "Don't worry, Mr. Kooper. Even though the dogs in this village bark loudly, they don't bite. They don't bite me when I stand still; they just bark at me like mad."'Barking like mad is pretty scary, too,' Kisa thought.The subordinate lead them a short distance through the village. Then, Kisa saw a tile-roofed house with lights on inside.Gilbert's subordinates rented the tile-roofed house.There were three people standing in front of the house, and they seemed to be there to welcome them.After Kisa and Gilbert went up, they greeted them.Gilbert spoke, "Let's go inside."In the middle of the house was a living room; it was simple and had little furnishings. There was only a stove heating up fi
Suddenly, Gilbert pulled Kisa to his chest."You'll find out tomorrow, so why worry so much?""But I feel uneasy. Something has been feeling amiss throughout our journey. Something's wrong, but I can't seem to put my finger on it.""I think you're overthinking because you're too anxious. Why don't..." Gilbert said as he gazed shifted to the neckline of her shirt, "We do something else? It'll help with sleep."The man smirked naughtily as he continued peering at the neckline of her shirt. There was a fire in his eyes that looked feral and came with a hint of suggestiveness.Kisa took a deep breath before shoving him away. Then, she turned her back to him.'I'm trying to tell him something serious, but he's always thinking about such things; we're on completely different channels,' she thought.The smile on Gilbert's face dropped a little.Then, he lay flat and cushioned his arm at the back of his head.'She's feeling uneasy, but so am I. Right now, I can't even guarantee that t
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