"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
They had barely stepped outside the hospital when a breeze swept by, causing Noelle to shiver. Charles slipped off his jacket and wrapped it around her without missing a beat. "Still cold?" he asked, his voice softer than usual, filled with a surprising warmth. Noelle gave a slight grin. "Not at all." "Next time, bundle up before you go out. Your hands are freezing! What if you catch a cold?" Charles chided gently as he clasped her hand, warming it with his own. Noelle's cheeks tinged pink, her heartbeat quickening. Charles was always kind to her, but today, she sensed an extra layer of tenderness in his actions. His fussing over her was both endearing and slightly amusing. "Charlie, you don't have to worry so much," Noelle reassured him with a chuckle. "I'm just pregnant, and the doctor said I'm perfectly healthy. All the tests are normal, so our baby will be super healthy!"Noelle gently rubbed her belly, still amazed by the miracle inside. She could not quite feel the tiny
Liliana eyed Noelle's earnest face and shot a look at Charles. With a reluctant shake of her head, she said, "I can't. I need to check on my kid at the hospital." As Liliana turned to leave, Noelle quickly grabbed her hand. "Is it Bobby? Charles told me about him once and said he's super cute. Can I... maybe meet him?"Noelle's eyes sparkled with genuine warmth and not a trace of deceit. Liliana found it impossible to turn her down, especially when she caught Charles's eye and saw a flicker of guilt she had never seen before.Liliana's lips parted, but the refusal just would not come. Seeing Liliana's soft side emerging, Noelle released Charles's hand and reached for Liliana's. "Come on. I'd love to meet him too."Liliana gave Noelle a nod. "Alright, but just so you know, Bobby's a little shy. He might not be too outgoing at first.""No worries!" Noelle beamed a sweet smile. Still holding Liliana's hand, they made their way back to the hospital ward.Leading the way, Noelle sent a
Liliana trembled, her eyes wide with disbelief.Noelle sighed to herself. "I don't need to lie to you. Honestly, this is only the second time I've met you. Liliana, Charles sees you as his sister, no matter who else is involved or their status!"Liliana's gaze wavered, but she remained silent.They reached the children's ward on the third floor. Liliana's footsteps softened as they ascended, and she grew even quieter upon entering Bobby's room. Noelle caught Charles's eye, and he gave a reassuring nod.Noelle walked in with Liliana. Bobby had just woken up. The caregiver had looked after him well, but without Liliana, he had been crying a lot. Seeing her, his face lit up with a smile. "Mommy!""Bobby!" Liliana hurried over, lifted him into her arms, and playfully pinched his nose. "Did the nurse say you've been crying?""No way!" Bobby shook his head, turned aside, and wiped away his tears. "Mommy, I'm a big boy, and big boys don't cry! Mommy, why did it take you so long? I misse
"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