Bobby shook his head firmly. "It doesn't hurt. Bobby is a man, and men don't feel pain!""How brave!" Liliana praised while planting another kiss on Bobby's small cheek. "Now, sleep tight. Mommy will stay with you, always."Bobby's tiny hand clung tightly to Liliana's, holding on as though afraid to let go. Seeing him like this, Liliana felt an unbearable ache in her heart, though she hid it well.It was not until Bobby finally drifted off to sleep that Liliana carefully withdrew her hand. She walked to the hallway and pulled a cigarette from her bag. She was about to light it but paused, lowering her hand instead.Her gaze fell on the hospital garden not far away. There was a deep melancholy in her expression as her hand unconsciously rested on her abdomen. She let out a bitter smile, the corners of her lips barely lifting.Sean entered just as this scene unfolded. He saw Liliana's hand protectively placed over her abdomen. Her face carried a sadness that seemed to stem from a pa
Liliana's eyes turned slightly red as she bit her lip and took a deep breath. "Sean, what exactly do you want?"Sean frowned slightly. Seeing Liliana in this state caused a faint ache in his chest. He reached out his trembling hand, but just as it was about to touch her, it froze in mid-air.As he stared at her face, he sighed softly. "Do things between us really have to be like this?""What else? Do you think there's another option for us? If you don't have anything else to say, I'm leaving!""Why are you at the hospital?" Sean called after her. "Are you sick?"Liliana bit her lip. "It's none of your business!""Liliana, you should know that in Brookville, no hospital is better equipped than mine," Sean said.Liliana's back stiffened instantly.She clenched her fists and gritted her teeth. "So, you've been investigating me! Sean, you're despicable!"Sean closed his eyes briefly. "You must understand that in Brookville, if you want something done, you either turn to Charles or
Outside The Majestic Lounge, Sean's entire demeanor shifted after Andrew spoke. Andrew cautiously observed Sean, sensing a change in the atmosphere around him. After a long pause, Sean finally said, "Take me to see it.""Right this way, Mr. Smith!"Sean and Andrew entered the surveillance room and pulled up the footage from the cameras. Since each private room in The Majestic Lounge had surveillance, it was relatively easy to monitor the conversations inside.However, the lounge kept these recordings highly confidential. Retrieving them was typically impossible—except for Sean and his team.Andrew had accidentally noticed Liliana appearing in Yankel's private room earlier, which immediately struck him as odd. He had been keeping a close eye on the situation and promptly informed Sean when something noteworthy occurred.Sean watched the footage, his expression hardening. "Can you retrieve the audio from their conversation?""This will take some time," Andrew admitted before hesita
"Mr. Smith has already gone to the hospital to see Ms. Hoffman. Bobby was admitted again today," Ronald reported.Charles frowned deeply. "Admitted again?""Yes, Mr. Smith went to see Ms. Hoffman, but she turned him away. Sir, should we intervene and stop Mr. Smith from seeing her?" Ronald hesitated, knowing Sean was the primary cause of Liliana's pain all those years ago."No need. The matter between Liliana and Sean must be resolved eventually. Let them handle it themselves. What's the update on Grant? I asked you to investigate him.""Mr. Anderson has been engaging with the Nexus Group while in Brookville. Other than the meeting with your wife a few days ago, he hasn't had any private contact with her. Recently, he's been alternating between field visits and staying at his hotel. Everything appears normal so far."Charles waved his hand. "What about Kelly?""It seems Mr. Anderson has confined Ms. Anderson. She hasn't made any moves recently. Should we take any action?""Keep
Sean learned later that Bobby had been hospitalized again due to another fever. To care for him, Liliana had no choice but to take leave from work and stay at the hospital.At the hospital, the situation was dire. Bobby's repeated fevers had made him resistant to certain medications.In simple terms, the regular drugs available domestically were no longer sufficient to sustain his life. Because of this, Liliana had to resort to using the most expensive imported medications the hospital offered. But this choice drained the last of her savings.As Liliana wrestled with how to pay the mounting medical bills, Sean appeared once more. "Transfer Bobby to my hospital," he said."And what are the terms?" Liliana addressed Sean formally for the first time, her tone devoid of emotion. It was as though she were negotiating a business deal. "I'll do anything you want except be with you."A storm flickered in Sean's eyes. His lips moved slightly before he replied, "I have only one condition—mo
Sean acted swiftly. Within two hours of Liliana agreeing, the hospital had already completed Bobby's transfer paperwork along with all the necessary medical reports. When Liliana returned to the ward, she saw staff from Sean's hospital negotiating with the current hospital team. One of the doctors noticed her arrival and hurried over."Ms. Hoffman, Bobby's transfer arrangements have been finalized. We're ready to take Mr. Bobby to Mr. Smith's hospital now. What do you think?"Liliana glanced at Bobby lying on the bed with a pale face. Her heart ached at the sight. She gritted her teeth and nodded. "Yes, let's go now." She could wait, but Bobby's illness could not."Where's Mr. Smith?""Mr. Smith is outside, waiting for you in the car," the doctor replied, carefully choosing his words. Sean had specifically instructed them to treat Liliana kindly and agree to anything she requested without speaking harshly. "Don't worry, Ms. Hoffman. We'll take good care of the child."Liliana fr
"No need!" Liliana rejected it instantly. The atmosphere in the car turned tense as Sean looked at her, and she stared back just as intently.After a long pause, Liliana finally said, "Bobby isn't your son, so there's no need for you to do all this. Besides, we have no relationship with one another. You don't need to go out of your way to please me."As she spoke, she adjusted Bobby in her lap, carefully cradling him to ensure he slept more comfortably. Sean's gaze lingered on her, and there was a flicker of something unspoken passing through his eyes.Once Liliana had settled Bobby, she noticed Sean still staring and frowned. "Didn't you say you'd take us to the hospital?""Oh, right, yes! On it!" Sean snapped out of his daze and quickly started the car.Half an hour later, they arrived at Sean's hospital. Sean stepped out, opened the door, and instinctively reached for Bobby, scooping him into his arms. The sudden movement woke Bobby. Upon realizing he was being held by a strang
After finally meeting Yankel, Liliana could not help but feel a deep sense of disappointment at his attitude. Sean stood beside her, silently observing her every move. Noticing her tension, he found himself growing anxious as well."Mr. Smith, what's the plan now?" The attending physician, after settling Bobby into his ward, turned to Sean and Liliana."What medication should we proceed with? I've reviewed the case transferred from the previous hospital. While the child's condition isn't too severe, his young age makes him extremely fragile. My recommendation is to proceed with surgery as soon as possible.""Start him on the best medication to stabilize his condition. As for the surgery, begin searching for a suitable bone marrow donor immediately," Sean ordered firmly."Mr. Smith, we believe it's best to locate the child's biological parents. A parental match significantly reduces the risk of complications and rejection." The doctor's gaze shifted to Liliana. "Ms. Hoffman, does yo
Thinking this, Tania looked up at Peter."You're really something. I'm indeed begging you now," she said with a smile, though there was a hint of reluctance in her eyes. She wrapped her legs around his waist, determined not to be passive, even if she was giving herself to him.Peter was surprised by Tania's sudden change in demeanor, but he did not reject her. With one strong motion, he lifted her up. She kissed him fiercely, taking the lead. He welcomed her initiative, his hands igniting sparks that set both of them ablaze.Peter roughly tore off her clothes. As her eyes grew hazy with desire, he placed her on the table and entered her in one swift motion.The encounter was long and intense. At first, Tania thought Peter would only take her once, but she underestimated his stamina. He went again and again until she finally passed out from exhaustion.When Tania woke up, she was lying in bed, and Peter was gone. Her head throbbed, likely from the hangover. She sat up and noticed t
"If I'm a bastard, then what are you?" Peter chuckled, one hand gripping Tania's waist. Tania could not help but let out a soft moan as her body was gently pushed back, leaning against the table.She felt utterly humiliated, but Peter clearly had no intention of letting her go. His rough hand unzipped her pants, and she screamed.Peter merely narrowed his eyes. "Tania, I don't want to force you.""Then what are you doing right now, you jerk?" Tania was truly desperate. "I did embarrass you, but it wasn't entirely my fault. I didn't mean to humiliate you, and I've already apologized. I don't think I deserve this."Peter raised an eyebrow. "I'll make you beg me to touch you!"His lips curled into a smile, sending shivers down Tania's spine."No, that's impossible!"However, Peter pressed down on her, his fingers exploring her body. Tania bit her lower lip to keep from making a sound. She struggled, but Peter showed no signs of stopping.By the end, Tania was drenched in sweat, he
"Don't know?" Peter repeated the words she had just said, then suddenly pulled Tania up.She stumbled right into his warm chest, and before she could react, she found herself lifted up. In just a flash, she was seated on the poker table and spun around so that she was sitting atop it while Peter stood before her.He looked down at her from above. Those deep, unreadable eyes carried something Tania could not quite understand. Her instincts told her to run, but Peter had her cornered.His hands pressed down on either side of her, trapping her in place. He raised one leg to part her knees, stepping between them. That smile on his lips made Tania's heart pound nervously. "You…" She swallowed hard, her head spinning even more.She was still young but not clueless. They had taught biology in school. She knew what that kind of posture and proximity meant. Tania inhaled sharply, unable to understand why someone like Peter—who could have any woman he wanted—would choose her and in such a
Tania felt like the alcohol she thought she had sobered up from suddenly came rushing back to her head. Peter's voice was like aged wine, intoxicating and seductive, making her shudder involuntarily. His tone carried a strange enchantment, and she sensed something was not right.Yet with his warm breath brushing against her ear, her mind went blank. Whatever she had meant to say completely slipped away. Peter did not give her a chance to collect herself."Hmm? So how do you think we should settle this?" he asked."S-Settle… what?" Tania stammered, struggling to keep her thoughts straight.Peter was too close—so close it scrambled her thinking. She tried pushing him back a little. "Didn't you say if I won, it'd be mine?""Oh?" Peter raised a brow and leaned in again, his cool lips grazing her earlobe. Tania flinched. She wanted to push him away, but his slightly rough fingers brushed her chin, sending a shiver through her body. Every nerve felt on edge."Looks like you're drunk.
Tania's face flushed red on the spot, and laughter erupted from the crowd around her. Even Lareal could not help but crack a smile, though Peter acted as if he had not heard anything. He simply tapped his index finger on the table, signaling Sean to continue.Sean raised a brow. Others might not have understood Peter's subtle cue, but Sean certainly did. That look was clearly a warning.He arched a brow, still wearing that ever-present smirk. His charming eyes glinted with amusement, but he did not say anything else. He just looked down, drew a card, and announced, "Flush."Peter narrowed his eyes slightly and cast a glance in Tania's direction. "Still not coming over?"Tania jolted and quickly scampered to stand beside him. "I'm here, Mr. Lennon!"Peter did not even look at her. Sean had won that round, and the next game began. Tania stood there, unsure of Peter's intentions. She just stayed put and quietly watched them play cards.Peter's luck seemed to soar the moment Tania st
"Not enough?" Tania tilted her head. "Then… what else do you want?"Peter shot a glance at Lareal, who immediately walked over, pulled a document from his briefcase, and handed it to Peter.Peter loosened his grip on Tania, but when he saw she was about to stumble, he reached out and wrapped an arm around her waist again.Tania's head spun, and the next thing she knew, she was enveloped in warmth. Her forehead bumped against Peter's chest, and just as she tried to move, Peter firmly held her in place. His steady, cold voice sounded from above her head. "An apology is fine, but sign this and we'll call it even.""What's this?"Her vision was hazy, and her head was spinning, but the bold letters at the top—something about a "contract of servitude"—were clear enough.Tania jolted awake and immediately shoved Peter away. "Bastard! I'm not signing that!"Peter raised a brow. "Oh?"Tania trembled but stood her ground. "No means no. I'm not signing it."Heh.She thought she heard a
Tania downed two bottles in one go, and the previously quiet room instantly came alive with noise because of her bold action.The young men in the room all turned their attention to her, some even whistling with excitement in their eyes. Tania was not just pretty; she was stunning.She had the kind of beauty that made hearts race the moment she entered a room. Watching her chug liquor like that—with the alcohol dripping from the corners of her mouth down her chin, her neck, and onto her clothes—only made their stares burn hotter.Even Peter's deep and unreadable gaze settled on her. Tania already felt the alcohol hitting her, but as long as Peter did not tell her to stop, she would not.She shook her head, trying to stay lucid. She then let out a soft hiccup and rested her head for a moment. Then, tilting her head back, she went for another bottle.Her boldness even drew a flicker of surprise from Peter's eyes.He chuckled lightly just as the door opened and Lareal walked in.Pe
Tania had her own temper. She had been gentle because she knew she was wrong and wanted to apologize sincerely. However, seeing that Peter did not care at all, Tania got angry and looked up at him with fiery eyes.Tania's small hands were balled into fists, her cheeks flushed red from bending over, and her forehead glistened with sweat. She stared at Peter, but he seemed to ignore her completely, which made her blood boil."Just tell me what you want," she said. "I know I messed up. I embarrassed you and hurt your business, so go ahead. Do whatever you want to me."She closed her eyes, bracing herself for the worst.Peter finally looked at her, a playful twinkle in his eye. He swirled his wine glass, a smile playing on his lips.The card players had stopped their game to watch the drama unfold. They were not really interested in cards. They were here for the show.Everyone but Sean inhaled sharply when they heard Tania's bold words to Peter. They remembered that the last person w
Tania had felt uneasy ever since Peter walked in. Even though he had not looked at her once, she felt completely exposed.Peter's eyes were like dark pools, stirring with hidden currents, but he never rested his gaze on Tania. He walked over, casually tossed his coat aside, and sat down, staying perfectly still.Sean squinted and shut the door with a grin, then gave Tania's shoulder a gentle pat. "Tania, there's no need to be scared. Peter's not a tiger. He won't bite."Tania really wanted to give Sean an eye roll at that moment. Why could he not just zip it instead of stirring up trouble?She had thought it would be just Peter or maybe some of his clients or friends around. She had not counted on Sean being such a wild card.As Sean patted her shoulder, he caught a sharp look from someone.Sean pulled his hand back and went to sit by Gerald, laughing. He ran his long fingers over the cards. "Alright, let's get back to the game!"With Sean leading the way, the room buzzed with a