At Charles’ words, everyone rose to their feet as if pulled by strings. Even Winter could not help but stand in the presence of Charles's commanding aura, though it was begrudgingly. Xavier's gaze was glued to Charles and Noelle from the moment they appeared.Charles was the picture of casual cool in his light knit shirt and jeans, his face a blend of boyish charm and a magnetism that seemed to draw the eye. He might have looked like a fresh-faced twenty-something, but the intensity in his eyes was impossible to overlook.Noelle was wearing a chic, light-colored sweater paired with the same style of jeans as her partner, making them look perfectly matched.They entered the room with an air of effortless confidence. Charles quickly pulled out a chair for Noelle and joined her after she was seated. As his piercing eyes took in the room, he paused. "Why's everyone on their feet?""Take a seat, everyone!" Joseph was the first to snap out of it, his gaze flicking to Charles and Noelle's
"Yes, we’ve met!" Charles nodded, his eyes warmly meeting Julian and Jade's. "Hello, future in-laws." He then called out, "Ronald!"Right on cue, the door swung open, and in came Ronald with two bodyguards in tow. Both bodyguards were holding a bunch of fancy stuff. "You know, Noelle and I have always wanted to keep our marriage just between ourselves, but since she's brought it up, we have to do things right. Ronald!""Got it!" Ronald gave a quick nod and had the bodyguards hand Julian some health-boosting goodies. "Take a look, sir!""Oh, there's no need for this!" Julian could tell from Charles's tone that this gesture was a big deal, and it was clear that he was only doing this for Noelle."I made a vow to Noelle when I married her, and I plan to keep it. I'll treat her right for the rest of our days. I never want to hear any more nonsense about me ditching Noelle. Whether she needs me or not, she's the only one for me. Noelle is my wife, and that's that," Charles declared with
"Get you? Parents and matchmakers have always been in charge of marriage decisions. How can you go and get married without a peep to us, and now you drop this bomb? After all the blood, sweat, and tears we poured into raising you, this is the thanks we get?" Jade could not take it anymore. Her hand came crashing down on the table, her glare fierce as she faced Noelle. "What's the most valuable thing a woman possesses? How can you be so careless with yourself?""Mom, you've got it all wrong," Noelle shot back, her voice steady. "I value myself a lot. That's why I was super picky and chose Charles, who treats me like a queen. That proves I've got good taste, right? If I've got good taste, then I'm definitely taking care of myself.""He's good to you? If he was, would he leave you with nothing? Do you realize you'll be left with nothing if he dumps you one day?""Enough!" Julian cut in sharply. "What kind of talk is that?"Julian pulled Jade back with a firm grip, making her sit down.
Every word Noelle spoke was the truth, and it stung like a slap to everyone from the Shaw and Hoffman families gathered there, especially Winter and Jade. If they had not interfered in the first place, pushing Noelle into a corner, she might never have crossed paths with Charles, much less tied the knot with him.Noelle was not just trying to get a rise out of Jade and Winter. She genuinely felt a little grateful. Without their meddling, she would not have met Charles and might still be stuck with a broken heart. They had wounded her so deeply that the thought of turning back never crossed her mind. Then Charles showed up and was so kind to her that falling for him was inevitable.Jade's face was frozen in a grimace. She was itching to lash out, but she held her tongue around Charles, making a mental note to deal with Noelle later when he was not around.Noelle was all too aware of the petty plot brewing in Jade's mind. That was exactly why she had to play her cards right today!Ri
Noelle's lips quirked into a mischievous smile as she rummaged through her purse, her gaze steady and unfazed as she watched Winter. Winter's expression contorted at her words.It hit her then that Charles or Sean had been around every time she had run into Noelle, always ready to defend her."You were already married to Charles back then? So, you were watching me like I was just some clown putting on a show?" Winter gasped, totally blindsided by Noelle's true colors.She thought back to all the times she had faced off with Noelle, who had always just taken it sitting down. Noelle's lips quirked up in a ghost of a smile. "If that's how you want to see it, sure. But I'm not that twisted. If you didn’t lash out at me, I would never speak to you.”"How dare you! Noelle, do you think marrying Charles has given you the right to act all high and mighty? Did you forget about Kelly? She's Charles's fiancee, and they've even got a kid together. You're nothing but a Kelly clone. Do you act
Noelle let out a scornful laugh. "The state of my relationship with Charles is none of your business. Whether I get divorced or end up miserable doesn't concern you. Do you think you can play me to get a piece of Charles' pie? Dream on!"Noelle's expression turned stone-cold, not giving Winter the time of day. "I'm here now for Grandpa's sake, but don't expect me to care about anyone's feelings after today!"Noelle did not hesitate. She just swung the bathroom door open and stepped out. Winter stormed out after her, her face contorted with resentment. "What's with the attitude, Noelle? You're just an unwanted orphan! You're not a real Shaw like me. My parents took you in out of pity and treated you like their own. Now you're married, you think you can just leave us behind? After all my parents have done for you, you turn out to be nothing but an ungrateful brat!"Winter's voice was a roar, her words spilling out in a furious torrent. As soon as the tirade was over, she felt a pang o
"What? You..."Winter's face drained of color in an instant as she stared at Noelle, her eyes wide with shock. "How could you?" She could not fathom Noelle's betrayal.When did Noelle become such a wild card?Winter gazed at Noelle as if she were a creature from another world. "How could you let someone else listen in on our private discussion? We're sisters!" Her words tumbled out in a rush of fury.Oh no!If Charles heard what she just said, what would he think?A flicker of uncertainty crossed Winter's eyes, her thoughts a mystery. The sight of Noelle's self-satisfied smirk made her face twist with anger. "You're playing me! Noelle, that's so low!""Playing you? What would I even gain from that?" Noelle huffed dismissively. "Anyway, my hubby can't stand being apart from me for too long. He gets all sulky. I’d better head back. If you want to hang out in the bathroom a bit longer, feel free to do that."Noelle pocketed her phone, her face the picture of serenity. She spun on
"Listen, Mr. Hoffman. Winter’s just..."Before Joseph could finish his sentence, the door to the private room swung open again. Noelle strolled in, her smile bright as her eyes quickly picked up on the tense vibe. "What's up?" she chuckled, glancing at the full spread on the table. "The food's all out. Why's no one digging in?"Taking a seat next to Charles, Noelle's eyes landed on his phone on the table, and a flicker of surprise crossed her face.She had not given it much thought before, but she remembered how Winter always fought with her whenever they met up alone. Sometimes, Noelle was ready for her, but other times, Winter caught her completely off guard.Eventually, Noelle wised up. Whenever she had to face Winter one-on-one, she made sure to have a backup—like keeping Charles on call.She had meant to rile Winter up but did not count on how easily Winter could be set off. She would spill her guts if you provoked her just a little.The fact that Winter had revealed Noelle’
Keith watched Liliana as he spoke. She was momentarily stunned before letting out a soft laugh. "And what exactly did she want to know?""Nothing much, really. She just asked about your family," Keith replied, hesitating for a moment as if worried she might be upset."I didn't say anything. I just thought I should let you know. Joanna doesn't seem very friendly."Liliana fell silent for a few seconds before responding calmly, "It's fine."Keith nodded but continued, "She asked if I knew who your older brother was. Liliana… do you have a brother?"Liliana stiffened slightly and pressed her fingers together before answering, "Yeah, I have an older brother. But we're only half-siblings, so we don't interact much."Keith accepted her explanation and didn't push further. "I don't trust Joanna. You should stay away from her."Liliana smiled. "I know."…After losing her job, Liliana continued her job hunt while occasionally attending classes. Time passed slowly in this routine.Eve
Liliana had been in the hospital for over a month. Since she was still a new employee at the company, they were not going to make any special accommodations for her just because of her illness. When she returned to work, the only news she received was that she had been let go.She had already prepared herself for this outcome, so when she heard the news, she remained relatively calm.After quickly packing up her belongings, she left the office. When Tania found out, she insisted on taking Liliana out that evening to "shake off the bad luck". In reality, however, it was just an excuse—Tania was simply looking for an opportunity to eat good food.Since Liliana had nothing else to do, she went grocery shopping in the afternoon. When she returned, she was surprised to see someone standing outside her door. She paused for a moment before smiling faintly."Keith, what are you doing here?"Keith scratched his head awkwardly, looking a little embarrassed. "Tania called me… She told me you
Charles noticed that Liliana was keeping her head down and remaining silent. His deep, contemplative eyes reflected a glimmer of thought as he tapped his knee and paused before speaking."I'll be heading to Capiton soon. While I'm away from Brookville, you can go to Sean if anything happens…""No need!" Liliana refused without hesitation. She was well aware of the gap between herself and Sean.Besides, even if Charles was not around, she could handle things on her own. There was no reason to seek Sean's help.Charles studied her closely as if trying to discern something from her expression, but Liliana remained tense and reserved.Narrowing his eyes slightly, Charles said, "Then go to Peter if you need anything. He's more reliable than Sean."Liliana wanted to refuse again, but seeing the subtle downturn of Charles' expression, she ultimately held back her rejection. "Alright, if something happens, I'll go to Peter."She wasn't particularly familiar with Peter, but given his con
Liliana struggled, but Sean warned her, "Looks like you want me to call your brother over?"She immediately stopped moving, but her gaze remained locked on Sean, stubbornness clear in her eyes.Sean felt a sharp pang in his chest. That look—so defiant—was exactly like how she had looked years ago at Jadebrook High when he first saw her. Even though she had been bullied, her eyes had never lost that resilience.He stared into her eyes as if looking at a long-lost memory.Joanna, watching their interaction, could no longer hold back. "Sean, I'll get going then."Sean gave no response to Joanna's departure. His focus remained entirely on Liliana. "You'll need to stay in the hospital for another half a month. After that, you can go wherever you want. No one will stop you."His voice suddenly turned cold, sending a shiver through Liliana. However, as she thought about it, it made sense. Sean probably did not want to see her either. He was only doing this because of Charles."Then I'l
Liliana was never one to be aggressive, but if someone pushed her too far, she saw no reason to hold back. Especially when it came to Joanna, whom she had never found particularly likable.Today, Joanna had come not just to ask about Sean but also to subtly provoke her, something Liliana simply could not tolerate.Joanna, however, had no idea what she had done to upset Liliana. Just moments ago, Liliana had been perfectly polite, but now, she was responding with cold indifference.Joanna furrowed her brows and was about to say something when the hospital ward door suddenly opened. Sean stepped in, his gaze immediately landing on Joanna. His brows creased slightly, and his expression darkened with obvious displeasure.Joanna froze, momentarily at a loss for what to do. She was startled by the look on Sean's face, and her heart skipped a beat. Before she could speak, Sean shifted his gaze away from her and asked in a calm but distant voice, "Why are you here?"Joanna opened her mout
"Sean was out of line earlier, and I want to apologize on his behalf," Joanna said with a polite smile, her tone full of sincerity."But Sean is the hospital director, and you're his patient. He was only looking out for you. Please don't take it to heart. He did what he did for your own good, not just because of the money."Oh, really?Liliana silently scoffed at Joanna's act, playing the role of Sean's girlfriend so naturally. However, she did not let any of her emotions show on her face."There's no need for that, Joanna," Liliana replied indifferently. "If Mr. Smith truly believes he did nothing wrong, then there's no need for an apology. And even if an apology was necessary, wouldn't it be more sincere coming from him in person?""That's..." Joanna had not expected Liliana to be so difficult, let alone have the audacity to suggest that Sean should personally apologize.Who did she think Sean was?He was the future heir of Smith Group, the director of this prestigious hospita
"Thank you for the reminder, Ms. Jacquet!"Leighton watched Joanna leave, but something felt off. However, he did not dwell on it for too long and quickly returned to his work.Sean sat in his office for a while, still holding his phone. His mind replayed what Liliana had said to Leighton and the others earlier.From past to present, he had never seen her lose her temper like that. He had always assumed she was weak, which was precisely why he had felt the need to protect her.When Sean stepped out of his office, Leighton immediately stood up. "Mr. Smith!"Sean gave a slight nod and took a few steps before pausing. His sharp gaze landed on Leighton. "From now on, no one is allowed into my office without my permission. Do you understand?"Leighton's face turned pale. "What about Ms. Jacquet?""Does she not count as a person?" Sean retorted with an indifferent tone. "If you can't handle this job properly, I can replace you. There are plenty of capable people out there. What do you
Liliana handed the phone back to Sean and showed a faint smile. "Can I ask what exactly is wrong with my body that requires me to stay in the hospital?"Sean furrowed his brows, but before he could respond, Liliana chuckled lightly. "Never mind. I'm fine now. If there's nothing else, I'll be heading back."Without waiting for a response or even sparing Sean another glance, she turned and walked away.Sean's fingers still held traces of her warmth, yet she had already left without hesitation as if she had no lingering attachment whatsoever.Joanna, who had been silently observing their interaction, felt her face grow increasingly pale. Though she did not show it, the way Sean and Liliana had behaved just now was nothing like that of two people unfamiliar with each other.Sean even knew Liliana's brother's phone number. From the conversation between them, it was evident that Sean and her brother were more than just acquaintances. They were familiar with each other, even close.More
Leighton sucked in a sharp breath. "D-Dr. Smith!"Liliana also sensed the sudden chill in the air. She narrowed her eyes slightly and turned her head, only to see Sean standing there.He held his white coat in one hand while the other was casually tucked into his trouser pocket. His cold, piercing gaze locked on hers, chilling her to the bone.She frowned slightly and parted her lips as if to speak but ultimately said nothing. Instead, she simply smiled. "Mr. Smith, your timing is perfect. I've fully recovered, yet for some reason, your hospital's doctors and nurses insist I remain admitted. Anyone who doesn't know better might think your hospital enjoys squeezing money out of patients."Sean did not say a word, but his icy stare remained fixed on her, indifferent and unyielding.Liliana felt uneasy under his gaze.In front of Sean, she never seemed capable of maintaining her composure. No matter how much she tried, she could not ignore the overwhelming presence he exuded.Takin