Sean's gaze was intense, his deep black eyes fixed on Liliana with an edge that could cut through the silence of the night. He was like a fighter straight out of a dark myth, his presence charged with a dangerous energy that sent a shiver down her spine.Without even thinking, she swallowed hard and stumbled back, haunted by a memory from three years ago. Her lips were pressed together, the tension evident in her face.Sean closed in, his movements deliberate. He caught Liliana's hand before she could even blink. A sudden warmth spread across her lips, and the cool, refreshing taste of mint from Sean's breath wrapped around her.She tried to push him away, but the strength in his grip was overwhelming, leaving Liliana feeling powerless.His kiss was desperate, almost too much to resist.Liliana squirmed, trying to break free, but Sean's grip was unyielding. He pulled her close, his arm locking around her waist in a firm hold.With his eyes shut, Sean's lips sought hers, each kiss
Samuel was brewing coffee, a birdcage with a chatty mynah beside him. The bird caught sight of Grant and squawked, "Mr. Shaw's here!"Samuel glanced up to see Grant approaching with a relaxed gait, not pausing from his task. He gestured to a nearby chair. "Take a seat!""Godfather!" Grant greeted Samuel with a respectful nod and sat across from him, accepting the coffee cup offered to him. "Thanks!""Don't mention it." Samuel dismissed the thanks with a wave of his hand, his eyes lingering on Grant. After a moment, he cracked a small smile. "I was starting to think you'd never come back!"A storm of emotions flickered in Grant's eyes, but he just smiled and said lightly, "I couldn't stay away, not with you and Noelle still here.""You’d better stick with calling me Grandpa, or you'll mess up the family tree with Noelle!" Samuel chuckled, placing his coffee cup down with a soft sigh. "How long have you been here?""I just arrived a few days ago. It's been a while, Grandpa. How hav
"Noelle?" Samuel reached out, taking the phone from Eli. "Noelle, is that you?""Grandpa, it's me!" Noelle's voice was cheerful, and it was clear she was in high spirits.Samuel's face lit up with joy when he heard Noelle's voice. "What's up? It's pretty late to be calling me," he said with a warm smile, shooting a glance at Grant. Grant caught the hint, nodded subtly, and stepped out into the yard to give them some privacy."How's everything going with you?" Samuel asked."I'm doing great!" Noelle had been tossing and turning all night, her mind racing about the doctor's appointment the next day. She had mulled it over until she realized the first people she wanted to tell were Samuel and Sebastian. She had dialed Samuel's number without hesitation. "Grandpa, I have some amazing news to share!""Oh yeah? Did Charles surprise you with a gift?" Samuel chuckled, only to be met with Noelle's excited voice. "Grandpa, I think I might be pregnant! You're going to be a great-grandpa!""
"Noelle's pregnant?" Grant caught the tail end of Samuel's conversation with Noelle, his face registering surprise before a mix of emotions flickered across it. However, he quickly recovered, breaking into a smile. "That's awesome. Is it for sure?""Charles is taking Noelle to the hospital tomorrow for a check-up. She's been through so much since she was little. Now, she's finally found someone who truly cares for her. It makes me feel a whole lot better as her grandpa!" Samuel's face softened into a warm smile as he talked about Noelle, beckoning Grant to come closer. "Are you really going to keep your identity a secret from Noelle? I mean...""If she can live without knowing, let her be. She's happy now, and that's what matters to me. Besides, I'll be heading back to Capiton soon. I might never cross paths with her again. What's the point in her knowing?"Samuel shook his head at Grant's words. "Okay, it's your call. But if Noelle ever finds out someday, well..." He trailed off, s
Grant looked up slightly. "A stranger?""That's right, and there's this phone number in Ms. Anderson's records we can't trace. Whoever it is, they're good at covering their tracks. The number's encrypted, and we're stumped. I'm sorry, sir!"Grant's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Keep digging. The harder they make it, the more likely they're hiding something. Is there really nothing new about what happened to Kelly in Brookville three years ago?""Yes. After Miss was taken, Charles did some digging for a while, but it looks like Miss got rid of it all. She even used the debit card from back then to get Charles to destroy all the leads. That's why our guys are hitting walls trying to look into it!""We've got to get to the bottom of this, no matter what it takes. Keep the spotlight on Carvonia. Look into anything that’s crossed Kelly’s path—everybody, everywhere, and everything!”"Got it!"...Charles escorted Noelle to Sean's hospital the following day for a check-up. Sean had alre
"I'm fine!" Noelle let out a small, resigned chuckle. "It's just a simple check-up!""Regardless, you've got to take it easy. Are you thirsty?" Charles asked as he grabbed a big bag from the nearby chair, unzipped it, and handed her a thermos. "Here, have some warm tea. It's not too hot."With a soft smile, Noelle accepted it and took a few careful sips. "I’m done with all the exams, right?" she asked, turning to Sean.Sean was fixated on the big bag in Charles's grip, his eyes wide with astonishment. He glanced from Charles to the bag's contents and could not help but grimace. "Charles, isn't this a bit much? We don't even know if she's expecting, yet you're already packing for... what exactly?" Sean looked at Charles, who returned the gaze like he was staring at an alien. Sean had to admit defeat. "Even if it turns out she's pregnant, it's super early days. She's not showing or anything, so why all the gear?""You don't get it, do you? Someone who's never been a dad doesn't get a
The results were in fast: Noelle was five weeks along with twins, though it was too early to tell the babies' genders.Charles, holding the report and the ultrasound images, was wholly absorbed. He studied them as if they were the most fascinating thing in the world. To anyone else, he might have looked like he had discovered a hidden treasure.Noelle watched him, torn between laughter and tears. Her heart swelled with emotion.It was clear Charles had a soft spot for kids. He was great with Anna and Brandon, and Noelle knew he would be even more amazing with their own children. Her concerns that he might not be into parenting melted away and were replaced by a cozy warmth. Seeing Charles like that, she knew everything was going to be just fine."Seriously, has Charles lost it?" Sean could not stand watching Charles make a fool of himself any longer. He sidled up to Noelle and nudged her arm, leaning in to whisper, "Look at this lunatic. I've known the guy for years, and I've never
Sean quirked an eyebrow and scooted closer to Noelle, handing her his phone with a smirk. "Check it out for yourself!"Noelle took the phone, her eyes quickly scanning the screen before she looked up in surprise. Sean put a finger to his lips, signaling her to keep it down. Noelle bit back a laugh and scrolled through the messages.Peter texted: [Is that Charles? Has he lost it?]Steven shot back: [You've gotta be seeing things!]Sean chimed in: [We've got a live show here, folks! Where's my admission fee?]Noelle's lips twitched into a wider smile, clearly amused.Seeing her grin, Sean teased: [Wanna get in on the fun, Sis-in-law?][Is that cool?][Totally!] Sean pulled out his phone again. [Here, scan this, and you're in!]Noelle actually scanned the code and joined the group.Sean broadcasted: [Heads up, everyone! Noelle's in the house. Let's roll out the red carpet!]Peter just sent a [...] and soon after, Tania was added to the chat too. She sent a puzzled emoji followe
"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