Adrien leaned against the wall at the far end of the hallway and smoked.Lea walked over to him apprehensively. She knew Adrien was a powerful man whom Sharon and Anthony were both sucking up to. So she knew she could not afford to offend him. But he was responsible for Kisa and Gilbert's fallout. Whenever she saw Kisa's grief-stricken face, she had wanted to tell the truth but did not dare. She was still too timid and cowardly."Mr. Tanner.""Anthony dotes on you, doesn't he?" Adrien asked an entirely unrelated question. Lea was transfixed for a moment, not saying anything. He exhaled a ring of smoke and smiled absently. "I wanted to kill you a few times, but Anthony stopped me."Lea was wide-eyed, not fearing his killing intent but in shock that Anthony would protect her."You and Anthony are pretty close, too, aren't you?" Adrien looked at her. He had a gentle smile on his face, but the look in his eyes was intimidating. "Frankly speaking, Anthony is just a stooge of the Mullen
Adrien suddenly sighed, sounding self-recriminating."It is not your fault. It is my fault; I was the one who caused this to happen to Jensen," Kisa said, her eyes narrowing grimly. "So, I will avenge him." Not only Jensen's revenge but also hers. She would seek revenge against Gilbert. 'Heh, you played with my feelings, didn't you? Gilbert, do you think I am the best person in the world to fool and manipulate? This time, I will give as good as I take.'The rain poured down. Gilbert was standing in the courtyard, letting the rain beat down on him.Madalyn stood at the doorway and called out anxiously, but Gilbert did not seem to hear her. She tugged urgently at Kelvin. "Come on, Kelvin, pull him in. He is still weak. He can't stand in the rain like this. Come on!""Just let him be. Maybe he will feel better this way." Kelvin looked at Gilbert in the rain and spoke with distress. 'Emotional wounds are much more difficult to heal than physical ones. It is not a bad idea for Gilbert t
He silently clenched his hands at his sides, and his heart was heavy and aching. With Jensen in this condition, Gilbert did not even dare to face Kisa. When he saw her guarding Jensen by the bedside, holding Jensen's hand tightly, he was so jealous that he almost went mad. But he knew he had no right to be jealous because he had caused this irreparable situation.He stared at Kisa's face from afar, his eyes reddening, as he found that she had lost weight again, looking skinnier and skinnier. He wanted to rush in and hug her, but he could not because she had said she did not want to see him even for a second, that his presence would only make her loathe and sick. So, he could only hide and watch her from the darkness.He felt guilty and did not know how to make up for it. He wanted to donate all his blood to Jensen, but even then, Jensen had still not woken up but kept sleeping. No one knew when he could wake up. Gilbert did not know where this left him. As long as Jensen did not wake
"As you wish. I didn't want to get involved in your business. Now that Jensen is in a coma, I don't want to get involved even more." With that, Mia stopped talking and stared at Jensen.Before this, she and Jensen were forced to help Adrien do so many things, and she felt guilty about Gilbert and Kisa. But now, Jensen had met with such an accident because of Gilbert's pursuit. She found it hard not to hate and blame them. But she also knew she had no right to blame them. If there was anything she could blame, it was karma.After Mia came to the hospital, she did not leave again. She was by Jensen's side almost all the time.Kisa went back to her place that evening, not wanting to disturb them anymore. Once arrived, she stood in front of Jensen's house for a long time, having a lump in her throat. In the past, whenever she came back, Jensen would lean at the doorway, smoking a cigarette, smiling, and asking her if she was tired of filming. And now, she was standing between her and hi
"Uncle Adrien, I thought I heard you guys plotting against Gilbert earlier. Do you have any grudge against Gilbert and Kisa? I think—""These things are too complicated and not for you to ask about or get involved in." Adrien suddenly interrupted him. Instead of being stern, his voice had a hint of doting. "Just remember, later on, I will have a big gift for you."Peter got a little perplexed. "Uncle Adrien, why are you being so nice to me?""Because..." Adrien looked at his familiar face and chuckled, "I have been friends with your father for many years, and so I consider his child my own. Besides, I don't have any children of my own."Peter smiled, feeling a little embarrassed. He somehow found some of Adrien's words and demeanor strange, but he could not put his finger on them."Mr. Tanner, Mrs. Case is here to see you." Just then, a bodyguard reported in.Adrien smiled. "Invite her in.""Aye, Mr. Tanner."Peter stood up at once. "Since you have a guest, I will excuse myself
She pulled the quilt tighter around her body, staying still as she heard footsteps in the living room. They sounded heavy and intermittent. Even without looking, she could tell that it was Gilbert's footsteps.She was so familiar with that man that she could even recognize his footsteps right away, but she never understood what was in his mind. Otherwise, she would not have been deceived by him so much. She had known him for many years and was familiar with him, but she had never had access to his heart.Gilbert quietly looked at the plain furnishings of the house. He missed her a lot these days, like going crazy. But he still did not dare to go to her and see her. In the end, he could only come to her house to recollect the bits and pieces between them. He had never expected that the sweet time they had spent together before would only become a dream that was so out of his reach. Now that his dream was shattered. Even the memory of it still hurts. He sat down wearily on the couch, l
Placing the woman gently on the bed, he backed away slightly and stared into her glistening eyes, asking in a hoarse voice, "Do you know what you are doing right now?"Kisa said nothing. She just hooked his neck and kissed him again. Her tender yet passionate kiss made him lose his mind completely. He could not think about anything, just wanted to hold her and indulge himself once more. The woman beneath him was so passionate and perverse that every movement perfectly matched him. Because of her passionate cooperation, Gilbert almost went crazy and made love to her until late at night.He never thought that he could make love to her in such a hearty way in this life. Even at this moment, when she was sleeping peacefully beside him, all of this felt like a dream to him; it was unreal in every way. After that, he leaned against the headboard, languidly smoking a cigarette. His upper body was half exposed, his chest full of her passionate and wild scratches. He puffed out a ring of smok
However, as she smiled, tears fell involuntarily. 'This time, I won't fall into his trap, no matter what. Since he likes to play games with others' feelings, I will play along this time.'Gilbert opened the refrigerator and took a look. Although there were many ingredients in the refrigerator, looking at the date, they were all bought on Kisa's birthday. His eyes darkened with a touch of sadness, thinking about her birthday. He pursed his lips, threw all those expired ingredients into the trash, and then cleaned the refrigerator before looking for other ingredients.He rummaged through the kitchen cabinets and finally found a pack of pasta and, fortunately, a few eggs in the refrigerator. Gilbert took the eggs out and fried them first. When the pasta was done, he laid the eggs on top. This way, it looked tantalizing.He had made two plates of pasta and was wondering if he should take it to the living room and wake Kisa up or take it into the bedroom when he saw Kisa appear in the ki
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