Grant's eyes narrowed, a storm of emotions brewing behind them. It took a moment before he finally spoke. "Grandpa!""I can't accept that title, kid. I'm no grandpa of yours. I have nothing to do with the Andersons, so let's skip the formalities."Grant's brow creased in frustration. "How long do you think you can keep this under wraps?" His lips tightened as he faced Sebastian's dismissive stance. "Noelle's all grown up now. She deserves to know the truth. Do you really think you can keep it from her? She's too smart for that!""Enough!" Sebastian cut him off sharply. "Let me make this clear: Noelle is my granddaughter, and she has nothing to do with the Andersons. You don't need to pretend there's a connection. Flynn hasn't even brought it up, so why are you doing this?"Grant hesitated. "Father...""I'm not interested in the Andersons' business," Sebastian declared firmly. "Noelle doesn't have the Anderson name, which makes things very clear. Whatever you're plotting, just know
Charles let out a sharp snort. "If you're just here to waste my time, get lost!""Wait, wait, wait," Sean quickly said, hands up in a peace offering. "I'm here for real business, I swear!" He sauntered over and perched on the edge of Charles's desk, tapping it with his long fingers. "Collosus Group is in cahoots with Canfield Group, right?""Canfield Group?" Charles raised an eyebrow, curious."Come on. Yankel’s group! Don't play dumb about the real dad of Liliana's kid!" Sean's voice carried a hint of exhaustion. "You know the deal. Bobby's got leukemia. Only his real parents' bone marrow can save him, and Liliana says Yankel's the guy."So, what do you think? Is he Bobby's dad?" Charles rose to his feet, catching a glimpse of an unusually crestfallen expression on Sean's face.Sean's lips quivered as he forced a smile. "What do you think?" He did not want to believe it, but this was about Bobby’s well-being and safety. Liliana would never play games with a child's life, so there
"Yes!" Ronald firmly nodded. "I got Lareal to hack into the hotel's security cameras. Your wife went to see Kelly, and just before that, Grant and Kelly had some kind of argument!"Charles's lips tightened, and he rose to his feet. "Keep digging for clues from the hotel. I want to know what that fight between Grant and Kelly was about and why Noelle decided to go up and see Kelly herself.""Got it!" Ronald nodded again. "So, Mr. Hoffman, it's getting pretty late. What's your plan?""I'm heading home. You can take care of the rest. Keep a sharp eye on Grant and Kelly, okay?"With that, Charles grabbed his suit jacket and strode out of Collosus Group.Back at home, Noelle was slumped on the living room couch, totally bored. Charles's earlier call had killed her interest in making dinner, so she was just lying there. She flipped through the television channels but found nothing good to watch. Sighing, she sank deeper into the couch, snapped a selfie, and posted it with the caption: [
Puppy love?Charles squinted slightly, taking in Noelle's triumphant look, his eyes sparkling with joy. A smile played at the corners of his mouth, and he asked, "So, what are you trying to say?"He was all smiles, his gaze bright and clear.Noelle mirrored his smile, her own lips curving up. "Don't you have something you want to tell me?""You caught on?" Charles confirmed with a smile. He pulled her close, chuckling softly. "You said you were in a bad mood?"Noelle bit her lip and gently pushed him away. "Weren't you supposed to come back late today?"Charles quirked an eyebrow and playfully tousled Noelle's hair before taking her hand and leading her to the living room couch. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to his side. "Are you upset with me?""Not at all. I’m not moody like you." Noelle stuck out her lower lip in a mock pout. "Did you get something to eat?"He shook his head, prompting Noelle to gently push him aside as she stood up. "I picked up some gro
"Grant and Kelly were discussing that?" Charles nodded with understanding, now clued in on the past drama. "Okay, you're in the loop now. No more freaking out over it, okay?""I wasn't freaking out!" Noelle protested. "I just hate feeling lied to. Remember, I told you that if you're going to lie to me, you’d better make sure I never find out.""Silly girl." Charles chuckled, gently tapping Noelle's forehead. "From now on, if something's bugging you or you're stuck on a problem, come to me to clear it up. I can't help if I don't know what's up, okay?""Got it!" Noelle leaned into Charles's embrace, her smile bright. "But seriously, when did you fall for me? How come I was the last to know?""You sneaky little thing," Charles said with a mock sigh. "Get out of here. I'm on kitchen duty now.""Works for me!" Noelle laughed, slipping the apron over Charles's head and nudging him toward the kitchen. "I've stocked up on groceries, so you're on your own! Just so you know, I'm craving mea
Noelle quickly made her way to the kitchen doorway. Charles, noticing her distress, approached with concern. "What's the matter?" He could tell something was off. "Not feeling well? Do you have a stomachache?""I..." Noelle barely got the word out before nausea overwhelmed her again. She shoved past Charles and bolted for the trash can, heaving. Since she had not eaten much that day, all that came up was a bitter taste.Noelle was heaving so hard that she thought her stomach would turn inside out. Charles stood by, his gaze intensifying with each passing moment. His lips were drawn tight, and there was a curious sparkle in his eyes as he watched her struggle.Finally catching her breath, Noelle noticed Charles's unwavering attention. "What's with the stare? I'm okay, really. I just didn't eat much today, and my stomach's a bit upset. That meatloaf smell just hit me wrong. Don't fuss over me. I'm tough!" she insisted.Charles kept his eyes on her, a playful smile dancing in his deep
Charles dumped a rainbow assortment of pregnancy tests into Noelle's hands, rattling off explanations. Noelle's cheeks burned with embarrassment, but Charles was all business and did not notice a thing. "I didn't trust just one brand, so I got them all. Try each one, okay?""Charlie!" Noelle inhaled sharply, her smile strained. "Relax, will you? Let's just start with two, alright?"She grabbed a couple of tests from the pile and escaped to the bathroom. Charles's earnest face flashed in her mind. He was totally baby-crazy, and his eagerness for a kid was obvious.If she was negative, maybe it was time to actually try for a baby. However, if it was positive, she would be so happy. Her grip tightened on the tests, a flutter of nerves dancing in her stomach.Noelle squared off with her reflection before taking the plunge. The wait was torture, time stretching forever until one line turned to two. She could not help but bounce with joy. Just to be sure, she tried another test and got t
Noelle's words were accompanied by a gentle glow in her eyes.She marveled at how amazing life could be. Just a moment ago, she had no idea she was pregnant and felt nothing. Knowing that there was actually a little one inside her now, Noelle felt like she could almost sense its presence.Her hand moved subconsciously to her belly, and her face lit up with a soft, beautiful smile.Charles watched Noelle, his entire demeanor radiating calmness."Okay, I'll call Sean right now to set up a doctor's appointment to get you checked out," Charles said, springing into action.Sean had only parted ways with Charles a few hours earlier and was surprised to get another call from him so soon. "What's going on?""Get an obstetrician on standby for tomorrow. Anytime works!"Charles's voice buzzed from the phone. Sean had just walked through the door, chatting with Liliana. Because he had hit the speaker button by mistake, Charles's voice, which was laced with a weird kind of thrill, filled th
"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