Madalyn was shocked as she shifted her gaze to Gilbert subconsciously.Kelvin's jaw dropped in surprise. Then, he glanced at Gilbert worriedly.However, Gilbert was still looking as emotionless as before, and none of them were expecting that from him.Gilbert stared in her direction.The sound of the door opening could be heard in the quiet room.Kisa walked inside slowly, drenched with rainwater.She was a skinny person, but with her thin clothes stuck to her skin because of the rain, she looked even more fragile and tiny.It seemed as if a gust of wind would blow her away.Her face was so pale, that it looked like a piece of paper. There was a wound on her forehead, and it was still bleeding.The blood streamed down from her forehead to both sides of her eyebrows, and to her cheeks. It made her look like she was crying blood out of her bloodshot eyes. It was a little terrifying to look at.Kelvin was shocked as he took a few steps forward."Kisa, why are you here? Your wou
"What do you want to hear from me?"He chuckled and asked Kisa, sounding very sarcastic.Kisa's body was stiff as she stood upright.She looked at Gilbert without saying anything. She curled her fingers tightly, and there was blood dripping slowly from her clenched fists.Gilbert swept his gaze across her before he looked back at the cigarette between his fingers.He breathed out a swirl of smoke before saying unconcernedly, "I can say whatever you want to hear. Including... the world's sweetest love talk and sweet nothings."His deep voice still sounded very pleasant, but his tone was filled with sarcasm and mockery.Kira's heart hurt so much, that she struggled to breathe. However, she started laughing."So, have you been faking all this while when you said all those sweet words to me?""Heh, heh!" Gilbert chuckled scornfully. "You're an actress. How could you not tell what's real and what's not?"Kisa tried her very best to smile. There were tears in her eyes, but she kept
There would be drops of blood dripping down the floor from her fists with every step she took.Gilbert gazed at her skinny back deeply, looking like he was restraining himself from doing something.When Kisa walked closer to the door, her body shook, and she fell to the floor right in front the door frame, as if her body had shut itself down.She seemed to be in a lot of pain as she lay there without moving at all.Gilbert shifted his gaze away from him and said to George flatly, "Would you help Ms. Becker up? Don't let her pass out here. Otherwise, Jensen is going to stir things up again."Kisa chuckled creepily. Then, she gritted her teeth, got up, and continued walking.Kelvin could not bear to look at that anymore.Then, he said to Gilbert, "I'll check on her."Kelvin ran after Kisa after he said that.The room was finally quiet again.Gilbert turned around and sat beside Madalyn. After looking at how the food was left untouched on the bedstand, he could not help but ask
After patting around his body for a while, Gilbert still could not find anything.He frowned deeply and suddenly remembered leaving his phone in the car.He stood up abruptly and stumbled outside.The woman's blood was still stained on the door frame.The sight of it hurt his eyes and made him feel suffocated, so he did not dare to look at it.'All I hope is that Kisa can understand my actions earlier on and realize that I was merely putting on a show. Otherwise... Otherwise...' Gilbert did not dare to think further.He continued striding down the stairs.Kelvin was leaning against the door while smoking. When he saw Gilbert, he quickly stopped him."Gilbert, what you said to Kisa earlier on...""Where's she?"Gilbert asked abruptly in a tense voice.Kelvin pursed his lips, "She left long ago. I couldn't stop her."Hearing this, Gilbert's heart instantly sank further.'If Kisa had realized that I was putting on a show earlier, she wouldn't have left without a second though
Gilbert did not see Kisa on the road, so he immediately went to her place.The moment he opened the door, the dead silence in the house made him panic.He quickly walked and checked every room before even changing out of his shoes.Every room was empty, even the kitchen and toilet.'She didn't come home. But it's pouring outside, so where else would she go? There are various exquisite-looking dishes on the table. It's a birthday today, so I can tell she put a lot of effort into preparing this meal. Some of the dishes are food that she likes, and there's also food that I like,' thought Gilbert.He quietly stared at the untouched dishes on the table and felt tears well up in his eyes.'If only these accidents didn't happen. Right now, I should be spending her birthday with her in this cozy house. I'd be telling her surprises and seeing the happy expression,' he thought.It was almost as if Gilbert could see the warm and cozy scenarios he had pictured in his head in front of his ey
Gilbert froze as the color immediately drained from his face.He shook his head, "No. It wasn't me.""Nobody knows the entire truth behind the fire that happened. However, the prison guard did tell her that you're the mastermind behind the fire. Kisa obviously didn't believe him, so she went to look for you, didn't she?" Jensen said indifferently.His cool, calm gaze met with Gilbert's dark, bloodshot eyes.Then, Jensen continued slowly, "She said... Unless you admitted it yourself, she'd never believe it."Gilbert paled further.Suddenly, his tall, muscular frame seemed frail, and he was about to topple over.'Unless you admit it yourself, otherwise she'd never believe it. But I said yes when she asked me the question just now. I didn't do it on purpose. I didn't admit it on purpose. If I had known that this would happen, I would never have said so. What do I do now?' Gilbert thought.The man that was always calm and arrogant now had a pale and panicked expression.Jensen gla
Gilbert froze.Then, a pair of small hands hugged Gilbert by the waist.Blake stood in front of him and said in a childlike voice that brimmed with panic, "Don't hit my papa."Gilbert's fist froze mid-air.He stared at Blake intensely, "You... What did you call me just now?"Mia ran over hurriedly and pulled Blake toward her. Then, she said in a panic, "Do you know how dangerous that was? Uncle Gilbert is angry, so don't get close to him."Blake clenched his little fist and said to Gilbert, "Uncle Gilbert, don't hit my papa."'Uncle Gilbert? Papa? Well, Jensen is Blake's papa, so it's not surprising for him to call Jensen daddy when he panicked. For a moment, I thought Blake was my child,' thought Gilbert.He suppressed the annoying thoughts in his head and asked Jensen icily, "So you're saying you won't hand over the prison guard no matter what?""I told you I won't hand him over unless Kisa agrees."Gilbert sneered and nodded."Alright. Good!" his voice brimmed with disapp
"Stop it, Blake. Your papa didn't frame your daddy," Mia quickly stopped Blake.Blake pursed his lips and mumbled, "But I heard the conversation between papa and daddy."Mia was about to continue speaking.However, Jensen suddenly motioned her to stop.He pulled Blake to his lap and looked at him with a tender gaze."What would you do if I really framed daddy?""Then I'll hate you. I won't like you.""Blake..." Mia panicked.'What's Jensen doing? He's being forced by Adrien to do all this, yet he's admitting it's his doing. Does he want others to misunderstand him?' she thought.Jensen patted Blake's head.Then, he smiled and mumbled, "If only you were my real son."Mia threw him a resentful glare.'I could totally give him a son if he wants one. But this man only wants Kisa's son,' she thought.She pulled Blake over and said earnestly, "The truth is, your papa didn't frame your daddy. It's really complicated, but all of us, especially you, would be in danger if your papa
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