When Kisa gradually lifted her gaze, she saw Adrien trudging toward her with a cigarette in his hand.Meanwhile, Carolyn looked at Adrien as if he were her savior.She broke free from the grasp of the bodyguards and ran up to Adrien. Then, she grabbed his arm while saying in panic, "Please save my daughter, Mr. Tanner. I'm begging you; please save her..."Sharon was screaming at the top of her lungs in the bushes; her piercing scream sounded terrifying since they were in a parkland.Adrien scanned the area with a smile before turning to Kisa, "What's happening here?"Kisa merely sneered and did not respond.Peter had his hands in his pockets."Last night, Sharon knocked Kisa out. She intended to get some men to force themselves onto Kisa, but I saved her. What do you know? Today, Sharon got what she was coming to her.""Don't listen to him, Mr. Tanner! My daughter is innocent! Sharon is one of the kindest people, so please hurry and save her."Carolyn quickly cut in and shook
"Let me tell you something. Think of today as a lesson and stop trying to cause harm to me, because... you're no match for me.""You!" Sharon was furious.She wanted to cuss at Kisa. However, she was in pain from the grip on her chin, so she could not throw a deathly glare at her.Kisa chuckled, "This time, I'll let you go for Mr. Tanner's sake. Besides, I've recently been investigating the true perpetrator behind the fire. If I learn that you had something to do with the fire, then... Even God won't be able to save you."Kisa said with a cold and ruthless expression.For a moment, Sharon was speechless and stared at Kisa with a stunned expression.She seemed as if she was genuinely frightened.Kisa sneered as she flung her aside. Then, she led the bodyguards away.Meanwhile, Peter had seen enough of the drama and dragged Jolina away.Soon after everyone left, Carolyn eagerly went into the bushes. She hugged a disheveled-looking Sharon while cursing, "That wench! How dare she
Carolyn and Sharon ignored him. Instead, they walked straight toward Adrien.Carolyn gazed at Adrien with a hint of admiration in her eyes.Even her tone toward Adrien was also significantly gentler."Sorry about airing our family's dirty laundry in front of you, Mr. Tanner.""Don't worry about it."Adrien smiled considerately and continued, "Every family has their own problems; I understand."Carolyn looked at him in admiration, "You're such a considerate gentleman, Mr. Tanner. Your wife is a very lucky person."Adrien shook his head sadly."Unfortunately, my wife passed on long ago. I don't have any children, so I'm envious of how lively your family is."However, Carolyn did not hear the second half of his sentence. All she could hear was the part where he said "my wife passed on long ago."She felt a hint of glee. Regardless, she kept a calm demeanor, "That truly is unfortunate. A good man like you is worthy of the best woman in the world.""Ha-ha, that's very kind of you
Gilbert had deleted his call and chat history with Kisa long ago. However, he was worried that Kisa had sent him new messages today.'If grandma sees them, my efforts from the past few will go to waste,' he thought.Madalyn's expression remained unchanged.Seeing him not accept the phone, Madalyn could not help but laugh, "What's the matter? You're angry that your grandmother went through your phone?""No," Gilbert accepted the phone. He smiled and asked, "Why are you suddenly interested in my phone?""Well, I went to your room to check on you, and your phone rang. I was worried it would wake you up, so I took it outside."Gilbert frowned slightly and felt a little panicked.'My phone rang? Who was the call from? Kisa? But judging from grandma's calm expression, it shouldn't be Kisa. Otherwise, grandma would've quarreled with me,' he thought.Madalyn pulled Gilbert onto the couch before asking the maids to bring out the food.After Gilbert sat on the couch, he did not check hi
"After I picked up the phone, she started hurling insults before I could even speak. She called you heartless, ruthless, and cunning for partnering with Sharon to set her up. She also mentioned that she wouldn't let you get away and that she'll definitely get back at you and Sharon and make you two end up miserable."Hearing Madalyn's words, Gilbert could not help but picture Kisa hurling insults.He unconsciously let out a laugh.Madalyn immediately frowned, "What's the matter? You seem pretty happy about her hurling insults at you?"The smile on Gilbert's face dropped abruptly. Then, he responded coolly, "Of course not. I'm laughing at how she's overestimating herself by thinking she can beat me with J & K Film Group. She's underestimating me. Hah, she's saying that she'll make me miserable, but does she have what it takes?"When Madalyn noticed the contempt and iciness in Gilbert's words, the suspicion on her face gradually dissipated.She snorted icily, "That's true; that wom
Gilbert slightly furrowed his brows, " When did you send it?""Just now. I was worried it would interrupt your rest, so I didn't dare send it to you so soon. Until it was nighttime, I thought you would be awake then, so I sent it to you. Who knew you would not reply to me for most of the day? That's why I'm calling you now to ask you," Davian replied.Gilbert did not even listen to the last half of Davian's report. He merely searched through his chat messages to check for himself.In the end, he found out Davian had sent him quite a few messages. At the very top were a video and a few pictures.In the video, the scene showed Sharon being held by the jaw by Kisa while being brutally scolded and insulted by her. The pictures behind were all images of Sharon in ragged clothing and embarrassing, pitiful states. While looking at Kisa's cruel and cold expression in the videos, he scrunched his brows and asked Davian, "When did this incident occur?""Right during the evening when they fi
She could not stop yawning and asked Lea, " Didn't you say we are going to Athadale tomorrow? Why are we going there today?"She was supposed to be in blissful slumber at this time. Lea called her suddenly, saying that the time to go to Athadale was changed and they had to go there today. Therefore, she hastily crawled out of bed. She did not even have time to put on makeup and proceeded to rush hurriedly to the airport.Lea brought a stylist and a make-up artist, both hired by Jensen. Lea said to Kisa in distress, "I don't know why they always change the schedule. It was Mr. Jensen who informed me in the middle of the night. For me to let you have a bit more sleep, I called you when it was dawn."Kisa smiled at Lea, "It must've been hard for you. You can sleep for a while on the plane later.""Mhm," Lea immediately nodded her head, and a glint of happiness flashed within her heart. This was the first time in a long time that Kisa had cared about her.Kisa sat in the first-class c
Suddenly, a high-pitched shriek reverberated on the scene. Kisa's heart shivered.'Was it Gilbert who came? Why did Gilbert come to Athadale for no reason? He even went to the same hotel as I did. He's not following me, is he?' she wondered.Once Gilbert appeared, most media reporters scattered and flocked toward him. Many of the bystanders also started to crowd toward Gilbert.Only then did Kisa let out a sigh of relief. She elevated herself slightly and looked toward the entrance. With a single glance, she saw Gilbert surrounded by a crowd.His straight figure and handsome looks seemed particularly outstanding in the crowd. However, Kisa had clearly locked eyes with him, but Gilbert was still emotionless. The calm gaze even moved directly away from her figure.Gilbert had long legs, so his strides were huge. In a few steps, he had come over to her. The media reporters also rushed in troops to surround him.Kisa silently watched him. She did not expect him to not give her even a
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