Gilbert furrowed his forehead. "You mean the warden in the women's prison back then?""Yeah." Kisa nodded. "Jensen says someone has seen the warden; he is still alive. I think we should be able to find him soon. By then, we will know the real culprit of that fire."The furrow on Gilbert's brow deepened with a touch of grave concern on his face.Kisa looked at him in perplexity. "What's wrong? Is this bad news?""Of course not. It is just strange that someone who has disappeared for so long is so easy to find. Davian also searched for that warden, but had no clue." Not that he did not believe Jensen; he just thought it was a little weird.Kisa thought he was being too wary. "Jensen has been looking for the warden for a long time. Maybe he just got lucky and found a clue. Besides, he is influential in Raworth and acquainted with Kohen. So if the warden is hiding abroad, Jensen will be the one who can find him."Gilbert was jealous when he heard Kisa praise Jensen. He lowered his he
Jensen lowered his eyes and smiled. "You are really quite ruthless, even toward the daughter of your former lover."Adrien took a drag and narrowed his eyes. "Because she is a disgrace. She shouldn't have even existed.""She and I are a disgrace in your eyes. What about Peter?""Peter?" Adrien stared at him with cold eyes, his tone callous. "You are not in any way comparable to Peter.""Heh!" Jensen scoffed and took a drag on his cigarette, the hazy smoke obscuring all the emotions in his eyes.Adrien grunted, somehow irritated. "Don't worry. You will get your effort's worth in time. When that woman breaks up with Gilbert, she will be yours eventually.""You will never understand what I really want," Jensen said faintly without looking up.Adrien looked at him quietly and indifferently. A while later, he puffed out a ring of smoke. "Not that I don't know what you want. You are just like your mother—the things you want are never practical.""Is that so?" Jensen chuckled slyly.
"No!" Kisa refused. "Your grandma will be suspicious if you spend the night with me. Be good and go back to stay with your grandma."Gilbert struggled internally for a long while. "Okay, but you have to give me a reward.""What reward?" Kisa was puzzled."Figure it out yourself," Gilbert said, ridiculing her as guileless and unromantic in his mind."How about I take you to dinner tomorrow?" Kisa said after thinking for a moment."Do I look like I lack food? Who needs you to buy me dinner?" Gilbert snickered."Then tell me, what reward do you want?" Kisa asked him with a frown, sounding a little impatient."Forget it. I want nothing. Get out of the car." Gilbert got even angrier.Kisa stared speechlessly at his uptight look, thinking, 'His mind is even harder to read than a woman's.' She took her handbag in one hand, pulled the door with the other, and said, "It is you who tells me to get out of the car. Don't get angry after I go."Gilbert pulled his face together and said not
Lea looked at her curiously. "Did I frighten you, Kisa?"Kisa looked around the dim environment and said with a smile, "Anyone would have been frightened when you stood behind me without making a sound."Lea smiled shyly. "I didn't mean to. I wanted to call out to you, but you just looked at that car like you were very absorbed, so I thought better of it." Lea thought of something and suddenly smiled at her. "Is that Mr. Kooper in the car?"Kisa took a long look at her and shook her head. "No, it is not.""Then it is....""It is my boyfriend."Lea was transfixed. "Really? You have a boyfriend?""Yeah, he is an outsider. You know, the impact of a celebrity having a relationship is quite significant. I have been dating him secretly for the past few days, but I'm also afraid of being caught by the paparazzi. So, can you keep this a secret for me?""Sure." Lea nodded vigorously.Kisa smiled at her and asked, "By the way, why did you come to see me so late?""I have been here sinc
"I'm off," Kisa said. Gilbert was upset at hearing that. But before he could say anything, she added. "I have long been off since four in the afternoon."Gilbert glanced up at the wall clock; it was a quarter to nine. He sneered and said, "Why didn't you have time to return my messages when you finished work so early? And it has been a whole day, and you didn't bother calling me."Kisa had just walked to a quiet corner and talked to Gilbert on the phone when Ariella came after her. "Kisa, come on. Let's go sing. Everyone is waiting for you.""Okay, you go ahead. I will be right there.""No, if you don't go, they are going to ask me to drink. Come on, let's go," Ariella said and tugged on her arm.Gilbert had lost his impatience. "Where are you? What's all that noise? Why don't I come and get you?""No, no, no. I'm hanging out with the crew at a karaoke bar. That is all for now. I have to go over there right now. Talk to you later."Kisa hung up and sounded so hurried. Gilbert wa
Kisa once tasted chicken gnocchi soup at the Kooper residence when she was young. Ever since then, whenever she went to the Kooper residence, she craved their chicken gnocchi soup. And at that time, Gilbert would ask the maid to make chicken gnocchi soup every day, and over time, Grandma thought he liked it. But in reality, he did not like chicken gnocchi soup at all, but only because Kisa liked it. Gilbert snapped back from the memories and put the lid on the thermos bowl.Madalyn saw this and asked, "What's wrong? Does it not taste good?""No. I will drink it later.""Later?" Madalyn frowned in displeasure. "Aren't you going home with me?""I still have something to do. You and George go home and rest early."Madalyn looked at Davian suspiciously."Yeah, we have been very busy lately, and there are many things to do every day. We have been preparing for a trip to Athadale for the past few days. In three days, Mr. Kooper will go to Athadale for a few days on business."Hearing
Earlier, Kisa at least answered the phone, though only after a long while. But this time, Gilbert had dialed twice in a row, and she still did not pick up the phone. The temper he had fought so hard to suppress earlier flared up again. He tucked away his phone and headed for the apartment building with the chicken gnocchi soup. 'She had better be back!' he said in his mind.Inside a luxury karaoke bar in the city center, Kisa was tipsy after having a few glasses of drink. Ariella, who was a good drinker and had been having a drinking challenge with others, was still full of vim and vigor. Kisa felt lightheaded and was resting on the couch. The atmosphere in the box was very high and lively, with the sound of people's happy yodeling and the sweet singing of several female artists.As the shooting had gone smoothly for a few days in a row, the director was happy and treated everyone to a fun night. He even vowed to give everyone a day off tomorrow. So, they were all so happy, and it lo
Once out of the karaoke bar, the cool breeze sobered Kisa up quite a bit. After all, she had not drunk too much and had rested in the box for quite a while earlier, so she was pretty sober now. Just that her head still hurt. She took out a wet tissue, wiped her face, and then walked to the curb to wait for a taxi. There was always a supply of taxis in front of the karaoke bar. But she was unlucky today, as several taxis had just left when she came out. So she had to wait again."Hey, hottie." Someone suddenly tapped her on the shoulder in a frivolous manner.Kisa frowned as a wave of disgust flushed through her. She moved a few steps away and turned around, only to see a gangster-like guy smiling at her with lewd eyes."Hottie, are you waiting for a taxi? Where are you going? How about a ride from me?"Wearing a hat and a mask, Kisa ignored the guy and just looked down the street again. Only this time, there were still no taxis coming. Worried about what the guy might do to her, sh
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