"Why the long face?" Charles said, smoothing away the crease on Noelle's forehead. "You're still so young. No more sighing from now on, okay?""Okay, okay!" Noelle grumbled playfully. "Charles, you’re so motherly!" she said with a smirk, feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. She clung to Charles's hand, following him step by step and gleefully stepping on their joined shadows as they walked. "Hey, isn't that Sean over there?" As they neared the Quinton River, Noelle spotted a figure in the distance and pointed. "Look, Charles!" Charles squinted, trying to make out the figure in the dim light of the street lamps. He could not see clearly, but he recognized Sean's build. With a slight frown, Charles took Noelle's hand, and they walked closer. "Sean!" Noelle shouted. Sean turned around, surprised to see Noelle and Charles. "What are you two doing here?" "Why can't we be here?" Noelle shot back with a playful grin. "What about you? Shouldn't you be at work? Aren't doctors supposed
"No way!" Tania gasped. "She didn't breathe a word of this to me!""You’re speaking to her?" Charles squinted, pressing on. "You've been keeping tabs on her this whole time?""Yep!" Tania hesitated, then revealed, "Yeah, we've crossed paths, but she’s really independent and not too keen on small talk, just like..." Tania let out a sigh. "Anyway, why'd she come back all of a sudden? She swore she was done with this place, right?"Tania knew Liliana like the back of her hand. It was clear Brookville had left some deep scars from the way she had cut ties and left everything behind, risking her own life. Tania was sure Liliana would never set foot here again. "Charles, have you seen Liliana around?""Nope!" Charles shook his head. "I've kept an eye on her comings and goings over the years, but I've never tried to hold her back. Her coming back this time..." Charles trailed off, unsure. "Sean's been off his game lately, so I figured I'd ask Peter to check if Liliana's still hanging arou
Peter quirked an eyebrow. "Losing my sense of shame? I think you've got me beat there!" He huffed, "Is there anything else, or can I go?""So, what's the latest with you?""Still no leads on this end. How about you? What's going on? I heard from Lareal that Kelly's back in town?" Peter's tone sharpened when he spoke of Kelly. "I always said that girl was trouble.""Every life is precious," Charles countered, not out of any real kindness, but because Kelly had once saved his life. He could not just ignore her plight, especially after she had pleaded with him for help."I hear Grant's in town too?"Charles's expression darkened a bit at that. "You're always on top of gossip, aren't you?""Did you forget that Somerset Group and Nexus are in cahoots? Jamie told me Grant's already reached out to him," Peter said. He casually waved his hand, signaling Tania to take Brandon out for some fun. Once they were gone, he leaned in. "You're digging around to see if Grant and Joshua are one and
"Okay!"...Back at the Shaw residence, Julian was visibly upset after bringing Jade and Winter straight home from Bamboo Grove House. Winter had been reluctant to return, but she did not dare utter a word to Julian’s furious face. She had never seen him this angry before.Usually, Jade would try to smooth things over when Julian was mad, but even she sensed that today was different. After hearing Winter's voice on Charles's phone, Jade was too scared to speak up.Julian confronted Winter. "I can't believe you. I warned you time and time again not to fight with Noelle. How could you just forget?""Dad," Winter protested, feeling unjustly accused, "you saw it yourself. Noelle was the one picking a fight with me. I've spoken to her like that before, but she's never reacted the way she did today." Winter's sense of injustice was deep, fueled by her belief that she was standing up for the Shaw family and City Ring Corp."Noelle was throwing her weight around as Charles's wife, acting
"You...""Dad, Mom, what are you guys talking about?" Winter eyed Julian and Jade suspiciously, not quite getting the gist of their conversation. "I know Noelle isn't my real sister. Mom told me ages ago. Who is Noelle's real mom? Do you both know her?""Nope. Kids like you don't need to know everything, and it's way past bedtime. Head to your room and go to bed!" Julian was obviously done talking.Winter felt like she was being left hanging. She gave Jade and Julian a puzzled look, but Julian was not spilling any beans. With no way to persuade him, Winter had no choice but to drop it. However, she made a mental note to grill her mom about it when she could.Once Winter was out of earshot, Julian's face turned serious again. He glared at Jade. "From now on, keep some things from Winter, okay? Don't drag her into our drama." Even though Julian was not exactly the world’s number one dad to Noelle, she was still being raised as the Shaw family's second lady, and he could not be too ha
Joseph was just as furious as Julian, having stormed out of Bamboo Grove House too. He could not hold back his rage. "That idiot! She had the chance of a lifetime, and she blew it," he fumed. Meeting Charles was like striking gold, and they had finally gotten close to him. How could Winter be so clueless at such a pivotal moment?To make matters worse, she had to name-drop Kelly at the most crucial moment."Idiot!"Xavier, who had been silent all evening, let out a mocking snort. His eyes flickered with resentment, but his smirk proved he was enjoying the disaster. "Dad, remember how you wouldn't shut up about how perfect Winter was? You wanted me to marry her so bad. Well, look how that turned out.""You..." Joseph's face flushed with anger. "I don't care how you do it, but you're taking Winter to see Noelle tomorrow, and you're going to apologize to her." Joseph could see right through the act. Charles's feelings for Noelle were real, and his behavior at Bamboo Grove House was no
Her outfit was on the revealing side, which might have been too light for the chilly weather, but she did not seem to care. Biting her lip, deep in thought, she paused at the door of Room 3808. Taking a deep breath, she flung the door open.The room was buzzing with people tossing dice and a few guys playfully teasing some girls. The sudden entrance made everyone freeze."Who are you?"With a slight smile playing on her lips and the dim light casting shadows on her face, she stepped forward, her gaze drifting over the crowd before locking onto a man nearby. She sauntered over, grabbed a glass, filled it with liquor, and offered it to the man. "Mr. Canfield. Does this ring any bells?"Yankel Canfield's brow creased. The dim light made it hard to see her features, but her voice was captivating. It was almost meltingly sweet."Who are you?" Yankel's eyes revealed his confusion, a far cry from the carefree man in the photo. He peered at the woman standing before him.She flashed a mi
Stunned, Liliana glanced sideways as surprise flashed through her eyes. However, she quickly disguised it and walked over to reach her hand out and help Yankel to his feet. “Are you alright?” “I’m fine!” Yankel shook his head before he looked forward. An indescribable expression appeared on his face the minute his gaze landed on Sean. “Mr. Smith?” Sean’s hands were balled into fists, and the cold and murderous aura that emanated from him made him seem very different than he usually did. The cold in his eyes glinted as he stared at Yankel and asked, “Why even bother getting involved in his business when this is how he treats you?” Sean gritted his teeth. "Liliana, have you lost your mind?” “You’re the one who’s lost their mind. Your entire family is crazy!” Liliana said as she glared at Sean. “I’m warning you, Sean Smith. Stop poking your nose around, or I’ll have you beat up every time I see you!” Liliana’s eyes were frosty as she glared at Sean, and not even a hint of her prev
"I'm heading back to Phoenix Tree Residence this time, and we'll definitely be passing this way. These spots here are where it's easiest to take action!" Charles explained, turning to Steven. "Mr. Fischer, can your crew handle these places?"Steven did not look too great, but he glanced at Charles, checked out the spots on the map, and nodded. "Sure can!""What about these points, Peter? You got them?"Peter nodded. "You're set on going back to Phoenix Tree Residence? Right now, it seems way safer to head to the Hoffman Residence!"Simon could not hold back any longer and blurted out, "How can you all be so sure someone's going to strike tomorrow?"Charles just smiled a little. "I’m not sure!"Simon let out a scoff. "You expect me to buy that?"Charles always seemed like the type who had things figured out. He must have his reasons for planning like that, but Simon had not figured them out yet. "You act like you know my brother better than I do!""This is his last chance!" Char
Simon's smile faded a bit. "You're right again, bro. It's been days without a peep from Ms. Anderson. I sure hope she's not... gone."However, Simon's words made the air around them grow tense. He could feel the chilling vibe coming off Jacob, who was clearly not happy, even though he did not show it. Simon knew then that this Kelly person must be pretty special to Jacob.After Jacob walked away, Simon rubbed his chin and snorted softly before returning to his room.No sooner had Simon settled in than he got a message. Charles's message was clear: hold off on buying any more shares of the York Group until then.Simon set his phone aside and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. He had a clear view of the rock garden in the York family's backyard from his bedroom window.He never imagined that secrets would still be hidden in the shadows after living with the Yorks for so many years. However, Simon could not help but smirk. After witnessing that awful moment between that man and his mother
Simon raised an eyebrow. "Haven't I always been at the company?"Simon's slouchy look made Jacob frown a little. "I'm talking about actually working at the company, not just having a title and doing nothing. You're part of the York family, so when the family needs help, you should pitch in!""Jacob, the York family has you, and that's plenty. I know what you can do, and don't you know me? I might just bungle everything up." Simon pulled out his hands, leaned back against the wall with a cigarette case and lighter in hand, and gave them a spin. He paused, then said, "By the way, why did you suddenly go overseas? Is the York Group doing business there?"Simon's offhand question made Jacob's eyes snap to him sharply. "When did you start caring about these things?""Oh, it's no big deal, just some small talk over drinks today. Someone said you started a company overseas. I didn't believe it. We're all Yorks here. How could we not know if you were doing something like that?"Jacob squi
Jacob pushed the door open and stepped inside, spotting Jeanette seated in a recliner with a Bible in her hands. She read it nearly daily, and it had grown worn over time.Jacob's gaze fell on Jeanette, and he noticed she was also sizing him up. Lifting his eyes, he let a faint smile curve his lips as he walked over. "Grandma, what are you reading?" he asked."Do you not see what I'm looking at?" Jeanette asked, her face suddenly serious. "Jacob, did you forget what I've told you before?""I remember, Grandma," Jacob said, worried she might not believe him. He moved a chair next to her and started to gently massage her legs.However, Jeanette was not so easily tricked. She brushed Jacob's hand away and looked at him with a stern face, very different from her usual warm smile. "Jacob, I may be old, but I'm not blind. Years have gone by. Your grandpa's gone, your dad's gone, and all I want now is for you to live a good life."She reached out and touched Jacob's face. On closer inspe
Yves came back from the hospital and headed straight for the York family home. The mood there was heavy with worry. Everyone was scared that the trouble from two days ago might come back to haunt them.They could not forget how Simon had carried Ms. Anderson out of the house, and the serious warning he had given them.Harold had done some digging and found out that Kelly really was Harrison's daughter. She had not known Harrison when she was little, so the Anderson family from Capiton had taken her in. Just like the Hoffmans and the Smiths from Brookville, the Andersons were not the kind of people they would want to mess with.Kelly might not have been the apple of the Anderson family's eye, but Grant sure treated her well. Now that the Smith family had welcomed her back, Kelly had both the Andersons and the Smiths watching her back. Getting on the bad side of either family was definitely not a good idea.Harold did not usually bother with petty matters. However, with Jacob away an
Eloise's fingers shook just a little, but she nodded seriously. "Take your medicine, get better, and I'll go. Just don't send me away now, please."With that, Eloise held out the glass of water to Steven again. "You need to take care of yourself. You haven't had any rest for days."Steven stared at Eloise's defiant face and suddenly laughed mockingly. He stood up, towering over her with his tall frame. He tilted her chin up with his long fingers, his icy eyes locking onto her bare face. His words cut deep. "You seem to have forgotten that you're just a pawn to me. Even your name, Eloise, was chosen by me. Remember your place!"Eloise's face went white as she heard his words. Her hands balled into fists at her sides. She tried to read his expression, but his eyes were like ice—no warmth nor emotion."Yes, I've always known who I am," Eloise said quietly, looking down. "If it weren't for you, I'd probably still be lost."She looked up again, her eyes then as cool and detached as his
Charles squinted at him. "You don't seem too happy to have me around!""No, no, don't get me wrong. Noelle and Kelly are my sisters, and they’re part of the Smith family. I wouldn't ever dislike them! But don't you think you're wasting resources by being here?"Sean was practically pleading. "Look, if you're not smart with your money, that's fine by me!""Silly Sean! You just said they're your sisters, yet now you're talking about money?" Charles raised an eyebrow. Sean's face fell. "I messed up. I don't want your money. I'll pay you to leave, okay?"Charles just smirked. "Alright, I'll have my things packed up and head out in a couple of days."Sean let out a big sigh of relief. "Okay! I'll have someone clean up for you right away. It won't even take two days. We'll have it done today!" After saying that, Sean whistled cheerfully and bounced away.Charles rubbed his forehead, a bit frustrated, and quickly reviewed the latest reports about the Collosus Group.Steven had been sec
Yves's car lingered long at the hospital entrance, finally pulling away as the last bit of night faded.Yves had been hanging around the hospital entrance for a while, and the secret guard who was watching him had already told Charles about it. Actually, Charles had seen the car parked outside the hospital on the security screen a long time ago.Charles was staring at the screen, lost in thought.After a bit, a tiny smile appeared on his face, and his eyes sparkled.Charles was surprised that Yves cared so much about Kelly. He was brave enough to come there all by himself, even though it was dangerous. The hospital was full of their own people. If Charles had not been sitting there and had caught Yves instead, this whole thing might already be over.The door to the hospital room opened, and Sean, who was tall and striking, stood there. He had been at the hospital a lot those days, staying close ever since he started looking after Kelly. Linda was there too.Every day, Linda was b
"You must really want to die!" Yves twisted his hand, and Elon's arm popped out of its socket. "Who told you the York family has a dungeon? My father? Or...""No! The old master has nothing to do with this!""Hmph!" Yves glared at Elon. "You never saw me as your master, did you? Only my father?" Yves squeezed Elon's cheek. "What did my father give you that made you remain so loyal, even years after his death?""Nothing... You are my master. The old master gave me my life and asked me to follow you for all of it, so no matter what you do, I will obey.""Then why didn't you listen when I said not to hurt her?" A dangerous look flickered in Yves' eyes. "Hmm?""Because I know she'll mess up your big plans, Sir. You don't see it now, but one day you'll understand that I am doing all this for you." Elon clenched his teeth against the pain. "Sir, please see the truth. This woman will only hold you back. Even if you take my life now, I won't complain, but don't let her ruin your big plans