The door of the study was closed, but Gilbert remained silent as he leaned against the table and took a deep puff.The chilly rain had drenched both of them.Kisa hugged herself and felt only chill.Her voice was seemingly trembling as she said, "Just say what you want to say. If you want to take revenge, come on then."She hated silence like this, especially when she was cold and extremely miserable.The man's expression was extremely scary, and his silence made him even more terrifying to approach.Kisa bit her lips. Thinking of Madalyn's condition the other day, she could not help but ask, "Is Grandma alright?""Silence! You have no right to speak of her!"Gilbert suddenly erupted into a furious roar.With him bursting in anger, the wound at his chest looked like it was about to come apart again as the bloodstain immediately faintly spread across the rain-soaked shirt.Kisa stared at the bloodstain on his chest for a moment before walking over.The doctor had repeatedly r
Kelvin looked at Gilbert in shock. 'How much hatred does he have for this woman, for him to humiliate her like that?'He then suddenly understood why this woman outright refused to tell Gilbert about her condition.Kisa looked at Gilbert with reddened eyes, her heart aching.'If this was Sara or Sharon, he would be pained instead of trying to humiliate me.''It's only with me that he is so brutal, so ruthless.'Looking at her reddened, bitter eyes, Gilbert only offered a sneer, "Crawl then. Since you want to act like you're dying, then act the part. What's the point of using those props?""You want me to crawl? I refuse!" Kisa glared at him and as the last of the words left her mouth, she struggled to climb up.'Even if I die, I refuse to die in front of this man bereft of any dignity.'Her soaked body felt a chill all over, but it was nothing compared to the ice in her heart.The discomfort of her body and the dizziness in her head had sapped her of her strength, just as she
When Kisa woke up again, Kelvin was seated by her side.Kelvin closed the magazine and smiled at her. "If I didn't find you collapsed in your room in time, you probably would've met Hades already."Kisa did not say anything. Her face was nothing but iciness and hatred.Kelvin knew what she was seething at and could only sigh, "Actually, you don't need to butt heads with Gilbert. Just take crawling out of the room in front of him an opportunity for you to save your life."Kisa mockingly twitched her lips but said nothing.Kelvin ignored her sneer and said solemnly, "Your condition is worsening by the day, and if this goes on, you'll have less than a year to live. So I'd advise you to play nice with Gilbert and beg him.""You're his friend, and I don't blame you for standing on his side." Kisa slowly got up as she looked at him icily. "But I will never beg him."Now that she had said that, Kelvin did not persist.Kisa suddenly laughed, but her eyes were chillingly cold. "Do you b
Kisa lowered her gaze as she quietly sorted the matter out in her mind.'So, it's because Gilbert acted late that the news could not be suppressed, and when he learned that Howard was using this news to get popular, he handed the role back to him to help publicize the new GK Pictures's drama?'But with Gilbert's proud character, he will not care for such trifling benefits.'So why did he suddenly give Howard his role back?' Kisa did not believe Gilbert would be so kind as to do so. 'As for the rumors, could it be Sharon's doing? Did she deliberately let the reporters know that I was Kisa Becker, and got them to gather around Grandma's place?'But this entire thing does Sharon no good. Conversely, if my identity as GK Picture's CEO's wife is exposed, then Sharon will never have the chance to marry into the Kooper family. So, this is not her doing.'After analyzing the entire thing, she felt the greatest benefactor of this was Howard himself. Thinking of this, she had the same ter
At this moment, Sharon was feeding Gilbert porridge.Due to Kisa's sudden appearance, both of their faces suddenly turned gloomy.Kisa quickly shifted her gaze from Gilbert's icy face onto Sharon as she smiled at the latter, "Sharon, you sure are clairvoyant, so much so that you know that Howard and I wanted to investigate the news. Seems like you do believe me.""That's right. After all, you're my dear sister." Sharon let out a fake smile.Kisa twitched her lips icily, "However, your vision sure is twenty-twenty, both Howard and I were so covered up, and still you recognized us. No one would've bought that if you did not tail us from the beginning."Sharon's expression changed, but she dared not to make a scene before Gilbert.At this moment, Gilbert suddenly sneered, "You still dare to meet up with your darling boy at this juncture, then why are you afraid of being tailed? Ridiculous!"The man's voice was full of scorn and anger.Only then did Kisa take a look at him. She saw
Sharon was stunned. She scowled at her and snapped. "What are you talking about?""You know that Gilbert's seriously injured and needs as much rest as possible. Yet, you still choose to talk about these things in front of him. Are you trying to kill him?""I'm not," retorted Sharon. She quickly looked toward him, "Gilbert, trust me. I wasn't trying to make you angry. I just felt like all this was unfair to you."Gilbert seemed tired. He pinched his forehead and replied coldly, "Get out."Sharon, who was looking pleased, turned toward Kisa, "Did you hear that? Gilbert wants you to leave.""Both of you, get out!"His words startled Sharon and made her blush in shame.Kisa sneered at her, then turned around and walked out. Just as she entered her room, she heard quick footsteps following behind her.She turned around to a big slap flying toward her.Luckily, she was fast enough to react. She quickly lifted her hands and grabbed onto Sharon's wrist.Now that Gilbert was not aroun
Gilbert was leaning on the headboard. He looked a lot paler than the day before. His lips were chapped and his whole body seemed weak.Kisa stood at the door for quite a while, waiting for him to chase her out. However, he just sat there quietly while looking down and reading the newspaper in hand. The atmosphere was awkward and depressing.She had thought of leaving the room quietly but felt that it was too sudden to do so.So, she blurted out, "You seem to be in good spirits today. You should be fine for the rest of the day, right?"Gilbert raised his eyes and looked at her, "Heh. You came here early in the morning just to check if I'm dead or not?"All she wanted was for him to chase her out, so Kisa purposely provoked him, saying, "That's right. Too bad the heavens have not heard my wish. They're still letting you breathe."Gilbert's eyes narrowed fiercely, and his jaw tightened in anger.Kisa added, "It seems like you don't want me here. Then, I'll get lost before you get u
"Hey, Ariella!"Just as she said that, Gilbert snatched away her phone.Kisa scowled at him angrily. He was not in a hurry to talk on the phone. Instead, he waited patiently for Ariella to finish ranting on the other side.Gilbert only spoke when she finished ranting."I'm Gilbert Kooper. We suspect your assistant used GK Pictures's reputation for a publicity stunt. We are in the midst of interrogation, but don't worry. I'll arrange for a temporary assistant as a substitute."Ariella was shocked. She was silent for a while before she replied again with a polite voice, "A-Alright Mr. Kooper. I didn't expect you to pick up the phone. I-I was..."Gilbert hung up impatiently.After Gilbert hung up, Kisa said angrily, "What are you doing? You restricting my movements is bad enough, but now you're interfering with my work as well. Who do you think you are, trying to control my life?""I am Gilbert Kooper, your husband.""Heh. My husband?" Kisa found those words very ironic.While 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