"Ms. Anderson, why are you still standing? Come, take a seat!" Noelle said with the poise of a hostess, her gentle smile directed at Kelly. "There's a spot over there."Kelly glanced awkwardly at Maxwell, seeking some kind of support. Maxwell was clearly fuming, but Noelle's brazen confidence caught even him off guard, leaving him momentarily speechless.Noelle's demeanor remained calm and friendly, making it difficult for Maxwell or Kelly to create a scene. Meanwhile, Clarisse, who had remained silent throughout the gathering, could not help but fix her sharp gaze on Noelle.Noticing the attention, Noelle lifted her head and met Clarisse's eyes. A flicker of surprise crossed Noelle's face before she responded with a polite smile. Clarisse furrowed her brow but ultimately chose to remain silent.Clarisse was acutely aware of her precarious position within the Hoffmans. She understood that Charles now held significant influence in the family, even with Maxwell still nominally in cha
"Yes, sir!"It was not long before the butler returned, escorting a man into the room.The man wore a light brown suit that had been impeccably tailored with an overcoat draped casually over his arm. His demeanor was composed, almost regal, as he walked in with measured steps. His expression was cold and stern, rivaling Charles' aloofness, if not surpassing it. His thin lips were pressed into a slight line. Upon seeing Kelly, his brows furrowed deeply.However, when his gaze shifted past Kelly to Noelle, his eyes flickered briefly with surprise before he said, "Greetings, Sir Hoffman."Maxwell narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the man before him. The stranger exuded an air of nobility and sophistication, a presence that was undeniably commanding."And you are?" Maxwell asked."Grant Anderson," the man replied with a faint smile. "I had correspondence with Mr. Charles a few days ago and learned that my sister has been staying here. I apologize for the intrusion." He turned to Kell
"I'm not leaving! Seth and I are staying here—his father is still here!"Kelly's defiant words drew Grant's piercing gaze toward the child. His dark, intense eyes locked onto Seth, who instinctively clung to Kelly's skirt in fear as he hid behind her. "Mommy, I'm scared," Seth whimpered."Seth, don't be afraid. That's your uncle. Be good." Kelly knelt to comfort him. "Grant, you can see for yourself—Seth needs to stay here. He...""His father?" Grant's tone was razor-sharp. "Didn't you say back then that his father was someone unknown?" His eyes narrowed with disapproval. "The Anderson family doesn't lack the means to raise a child. Pack your things and come home with me immediately.""Mr. Anderson," Maxwell interjected, rising from his seat with deliberate authority. "Guests are guests. It's late, and there's no need to rush, is there?"With a subtle signal to the butler, he continued, "They say good timing is everything. Tonight happens to be the Hoffmans' family dinner. Mr. And
The Hoffmans' family dinner that evening was steeped in unspoken tension. With Noelle and Grant present, the atmosphere at the table grew even stranger.Maxwell made no secret of his disdain for Noelle, his comments at dinner dripping with disapproval. However, Noelle remained composed, deflecting his barbs effortlessly and refusing to let his attitude affect her.After dinner, Grant intended to take Kelly and Seth away, but Kelly adamantly refused to leave. In the end, Maxwell stepped in and invited Grant to stay overnight at the Hoffman residence—a gesture Grant surprisingly accepted without argument.Noelle, shameless as ever, took full advantage of her now-public relationship with Charles. She boldly announced her intention to stay the night as well, adding to the lively chaos of the Hoffman household.That night, in Kelly's room, Grant scanned his surroundings with a cold, scrutinizing gaze before fixing his eyes on the child in Kelly's arms. "Who allowed you to return?" he as
After Grant spoke those final words, he walked out of Kelly's room without looking back. Left alone, Kelly slumped onto the couch, clutching Seth tightly in her arms. Her expression was a mix of despair and helplessness as she gazed blankly ahead.Outside the room, Grant paused for a moment while standing by the door. His sharp features betrayed no emotion before he finally made his way toward his own room. However, as he approached, he was met with an unexpected sight.Noelle stood there with her back to him, pacing anxiously. Her silhouette, framed in the dim light, exuded both elegance and unease. It was clear she had been waiting for him.Sensing his presence, Noelle turned around abruptly. Her lips parted slightly as she hesitated, then softly greeted him, "Unc—Mr. Anderson…"Grant's deep, piercing eyes flickered briefly, and a faint smile curled his lips. "Mrs. Hoffman."Noelle's gaze dimmed for a moment, but she forced a small smile. "Mr. Anderson, could we talk?"Grant ra
At least Charles treated her well, but Grant seemed to have no sense of familial affection for Kelly. "May I ask you a question?" Noelle ventured."Go ahead," Grant replied."Ms. Anderson, she…"Grant's eyes flickered. "The trouble Kelly has caused for you recently will be resolved. I'll be staying in Brookville for a while, and when I leave, I'll take Kelly with me. As for the child… I'll take him as well."Hearing this, Noelle did not feel the relief she expected. Although Grant's words worked in her favor, there was something about his demeanor—an air of mystery—that left her unsettled."Well then, thank you, Mr. Anderson," she said politely."No need. To speak frankly, the reason I came to Brookville so quickly was thanks to Mr. Hoffman," Grant replied, his tone carrying a subtle weight. His gaze shifted to Noelle, lingering momentarily on her serene face.Startled, Noelle turned her eyes toward the fountain in the garden, her expression tinged with a faint sadness. Grant's
"What a sweet talker." Charles pinched Noelle's nose lightly, his heart melting at her kitten-like playfulness. "You're being so charming—are you about to ask me for a favor?""My Charlie is always the clever one!" Noelle giggled, standing on tiptoe to kiss his chin. Then, she smiled mischievously and said, "Grant."Charles' eyes narrowed. "You want me to look into him?"Noelle nodded, letting out a soft sigh. "He looks so much like my Uncle Joshua. I mean, he's right—there's nothing strange about a few people resembling each other in a world this big. But…"She hesitated, her voice quieter now. "Kelly and I already look so similar. And now, Grant bears a big resemblance to my Uncle Joshua. Charlie, don't you think it's all too much of a coincidence?""You're saying you want me to figure out if there's a deeper connection between Grant, Kelly, and you?""Yes," Noelle replied, her lips curving into a faint smile, though her eyes revealed a trace of unease. "I don't want to jump to
Grant raised an eyebrow. "Am I your enemy?"Kelly pressed her lips together, refusing to speak, but her demeanor made it clear—she neither trusted nor liked Grant.Grant smirked and returned his attention to the tablet in his hands. From the moment they got into the car until they arrived at the hotel, he was absorbed in his work, occasionally discussing project updates with Kresten. He did not bother addressing Kelly further.From their conversation, Kelly gleaned that Grant had likely taken control of most of Somerset Group's operations. Her unease toward him deepened, and her gaze grew more wary. "How is Dad's health?" she asked suddenly.Grant looked up briefly before responding, "I'm surprised you're even thinking about him. If you've come back to the country, why haven't you returned to Capiton?""Dad probably doesn't want to see me," Kelly said with a dry smile. "After all, he's never really liked me."Grant frowned. "He's still your father.""And he's your father too, is
"Sean, stop messing around. Let go of me first," Liliana tugged at Sean's arm, realizing how tightly he was holding her. "You're choking me."Only then did Sean loosen his grip slightly, though he still did not let her go. His forehead rested against hers, and he panted softly. "Liliana, do you remember what you said to me in the fire?"Liliana's face turned red, and she awkwardly turned her head away. "N-No, I don't remember. What did I say? I don't think I—mmph..."Before she could finish, Sean kissed her, swallowing the rest of her words with that one stubborn kiss.Liliana raised her hands and smacked Sean on the shoulder, trying to push him away. "Sea—mmph, what are you doing? Let me go..."She shoved him hard, and Sean stumbled back, clutching his chest. Liliana's face went pale, and she rushed over. "Sean, what's wrong? Are you okay? Did I hurt you somewhere?"Nonetheless, Sean took the opportunity to wrap his arms around her again. That feeling of holding her tightly
Noelle raised an eyebrow. "I didn't say that."Then, she added, "That knot in Liliana's heart can only be undone by Sean."What happened back then had always been a shadow between the two of them. Noelle had noticed it these past few days. Though Liliana stubbornly claimed she no longer cared, she clutched her phone every single day, obviously waiting for a call.Liliana's social circle was small. Noelle and the others knew everyone she knew. Who else could she be waiting for but Sean?Charles furrowed his brows. "If Liliana can't have the best, then she's better off with nothing."Noelle could not help but laugh. "Alright, alright. I know you're still holding a grudge against Hayes and Savannah."Honestly, Noelle shared the sentiment. "Savannah really crossed a line with how she handled everything."Charles reached out and gently pinched Noelle's knuckles. "That's not what I meant."Noelle chuckled, exasperated. "I know."Outside, the sound of a car engine drew their attentio
Sean shoved Hayes away. "Dad, if you're just like Mom and trying to stop me from being with Liliana, then don't even bother. If I can't marry Liliana in this lifetime, I won't marry anyone else."With that, Sean lay down decisively. Hayes frowned. "Sean, this isn't about what we want anymore. It's about Liliana and Charles now."Truthfully, Hayes did not have many opinions about Sean and Liliana's relationship. He was always too busy with the company to pay attention to such things. Even the events from four years ago were only now becoming clearer to him."If you insist on marrying her, I won't stop you. But from what I can see, the problem lies with Liliana and Charles."Sean's gaze sharpened as he clenched his fists. "That's impossible. Liliana already forgave me back when the fire happened. She promised that if we both made it out, she'd marry me."Hayes sighed. "Your mother… She misunderstood Liliana and said some harsh things. Just rest for now. Once you're better, we'll go
Sean spat out a mouthful of blood. One hand gripped the bedsheet tightly, his gaze turning darker than ever."What do you mean by that? What do you mean she doesn't want to marry me? She promised me. She said that as long as I was willing to walk out of that fire with her, she'd be with me. You're lying to me, aren't you? Tell me you're lying to me."Sean's bloodshot eyes locked on Savannah's. "Tell me."Savannah was momentarily stunned by the sheer force of Sean's gaze. This was the first time she ever felt fear in front of her own son. "Sean, I…""Where's Liliana?" Sean demanded."Sean," Hayes called out as he pushed open the door and stepped in. "That's no way to speak to your mother.""Then how should I speak to her?" Sean's voice turned icy."Did you know it was Joanna who drugged me nine years ago? And while I was under the influence, I forced myself on Liliana? I misunderstood her, and as a result, she had to hide in the countryside for years."Four years ago, it was me
The operating room door swung open, and Liliana spun around. She saw Saxon step out. Not caring about anyone else’s opinions, she grabbed his hand. "Mr. Holt, how's Sean?"Saxon looked down at their hands, noting how soft and warm hers was. He met her eyes and nodded. "The patient is out of danger now. He should wake up by tomorrow."Hearing that, Liliana let out a sigh of relief and then suddenly fainted."Liliana!"Charles rushed over and wrapped Liliana in a tight hug, but his eyes quickly darted to Hayes and Savannah. "Now that Sean is safe, Sean's fate is no longer Liliana's concern, nor ours," he declared, speaking for the Hoffman family.With those words, Charles carried Liliana away. Saxon was tugged along by Linda. "Saxon, you should check on her. The young lady seemed off to me. She's been hiding her pain. Besides the wound on her shoulder, I think she breathed in a lot of smoke."Saxon's eyes shimmered for a moment. "Yeah, I'm aware."Liliana had been pushing through
"Charles, you…""Stop it!" Hayes was taken aback by Savannah suddenly slapping Liliana. He did not particularly like or dislike Liliana, but she was part of the Hoffman family, and their family commanded much respect. Besides, Noelle was still Charles's wife, and they had to be careful about their actions.Hayes turned to Charles. "I'm sorry, my wife acted without thinking. But what in the world happened today?"Hayes had been told that his son was hurt, but he did not know the details. When he arrived and saw Liliana was there and injured too, Hayes and Savannah could not help but think that Liliana must be connected to Sean's injury.Charles gave a sharp look. "It was Joanna's doing.""Joanna? No, that can't be!" Savannah was shocked to hear the name Joanna, and she quickly objected, "Joanna is such a sweet girl, she couldn't possibly...""Oh, sweet indeed!"Liliana, who had been silent until then, finally spoke. She narrowed her eyes and stood up, ignoring the pain from her w
"Liliana!""Get up quickly!" Liliana used all her strength to pull Sean up from the ground. "Can you walk?""Uh-huh!" Sean had been hit by a falling piece of wood on his leg when he tried to push Liliana out earlier. That was why he could not get out in time and could only hear Liliana's loud calls from outside.He had wished so badly for Liliana to leave quickly, but she had come back for him.Sean bit down hard and pushed himself up.Even if it was hard to walk, he had to try because Liliana wanted him to stand.Liliana slung Sean's arm over her shoulder, noticing his injury. Her eyes were red with tears. "Sean, hang in there. If we both make it out today, I'll forgive you. You can ask me to do anything.""Really?" Sean's eyes sparkled, and he smiled. "Liliana, I don't want you to do anything." In his heart, he added, ‘I just want you to marry me.’"The fire is licking at our heels, and you two are still dawdling," came Charles's icy voice from up ahead. In a flash, he was be
"Sean, where are you? Didn't you just say you love me?" she cried out. "How can you leave me like this, saying you love me and then j-j-just giving up? What am I supposed to do now?"Sean, you took our child from me. How could you think I'd just forgive you? If you don't make this right, I swear I'll never forgive you," Liliana yelled outside, her voice filled with madness. Inside, the plant was engulfed in flames. Shaking from head to toe, Liliana's screams slowly turned into a whisper. She clenched her hands tight, staring blankly at the fire. "If you're gone, what's left for me here?""Liliana!"Charles rushed over and saw Liliana moving toward the flames. He grabbed her and pulled her back. "What are you doing?"Liliana looked up, dazed, and saw Charles. She quickly stood up and grabbed his hand. "Charles, please. I'm begging you. Help me save Sean, please!"Charles's brow creased as he looked at the fiery red inferno, his fingers tensing. "Liliana, the fire's too big. Sean mi
Liliana shoved Sean aside and covered him with her body, taking a knife stab from Joanna. "Ugh..."Pain whitened Liliana's face, and blood dripped onto Sean's face. Reacting quickly, Sean rolled over, picked Liliana up in his arms, and seized Joanna's neck, twisting it hard until it cracked. Joanna's eyes bulged in disbelief as she stared at Sean."You..."She had not thought Sean would actually snap her neck. Her eyes were wide open, one hand clutching a knife, and the other holding a lighter.With her last breath, she tossed the lighter.A loud bang followed, and flames started to spread from that spot.Sean's eyes darkened as he carried Liliana and dashed for the exit. However, how could he outrun the swift spread of the fire while burdened with Liliana's weight?Liliana's eyes widened as she saw the flames creeping up behind them. She pushed Sean, urging him, "Go now, or it'll be too late!"However, Sean's eyes turned a deep red with emotion. "Liliana, I won't let go of you