Charles bit his lip. "Sean's already on the hunt for a bone marrow match, and I'll make sure Yankel gets here ASAP. Don't worry!""Hey, don’t fret anymore, okay? Bobby's a sweetheart, and he's got good luck on his side. When he's all better, just bring him to Phoenix Tree Residence, and we'll be one big happy family!" Noelle reassured Liliana with a gentle pat on her hand.Bobby must have been worn out because he dozed off while they were talking.Liliana lowered her voice, and once she saw Bobby was deep in dreamland, she signaled for the caregiver to come and look after him.Noelle grabbed Liliana's hand and steered her toward the door. "You've had a long day, so you've gotta be starving! Charles booked us a spot. Let's go grab a bite!"Liliana really felt like saying no, but Noelle had a knack for making it impossible to resist her.Liliana took a long look at Noelle and realized that despite her gentle nature, she had a magnetic pull and charm that no one could say no to. A
Noelle looked at Charles with a slight surprise on her face. Charles noticed and shook his head gently before reaching out to smooth her hair. Then, he started the car and drove away."Liliana did live with the Hoffmans for a while," Charles began to speak, his voice calm. "But because the Hoffmans didn't acknowledge her, her status there was very low."He paused, seemingly lost in thought for a moment. Then, he shook his head slightly. "Back then, when Sean came to see me, Liliana had been bullied and left stranded in a tree. Sean was the one who saved her. Maybe from that moment, Liliana started seeing Sean differently."Noelle nodded thoughtfully. "So, Liliana has quietly loved Sean for many years? But Liliana…""When Liliana was a teenager, she was sent away to live with her biological mother. For a long time after that, I didn't see her," Charles explained, his tone steady."When I left the country, I had no idea what happened between her and Sean. The next time I saw her was
The atmosphere in the car seemed to grow tense again. Noelle lowered her head and took out her phone. Seeing that Rowena was online, she exchanged a few words with her.Then, noticing a message in the group chat, she opened it and realized it was from a group chat Sean had created. To her surprise, another person had been added—Liliana!Noelle looked slightly surprised and raised an eyebrow when she saw that the person who added Liliana was Tania. "Does Tania also know that Liliana is back?""Yes." Charles nodded. "They were very close friends in university.""In that case, maybe Tania can help persuade her. I figure Liliana is someone who values relationships deeply, so she might listen to Tania!""You're quite clever." Charles could not help but curl his lips into a smile. Seeing Noelle like this, he shook his head in amusement.As they were talking, Noelle's phone suddenly rang. When she looked at the screen, she saw that it was her grandfather Sebastian calling. She quickly a
It was one thing for Charles to act out of character, but why were both Sebastian and Samuel behaving the same way?"It's no trouble at all! Pregnancy is exhausting, so you should rest at home during this period. Leave work if you can, and if there's anything you can't handle, Charlie will take care of it!" Now knowing about Noelle's pregnancy, Sebastian set everything else aside. "May has plenty of experience. I'll have her go to Phoenix Tree Residence to take care of you. She'll make sure you're well looked after!""Grandpa, that really won't be necessary!" Noelle was caught between laughter and tears, but Sebastian did not give her a chance to protest before decisively ending the call.Noelle stared helplessly at the now dark screen, then turned to Charles with a resigned expression. "That was Grandpa Sebastian on the phone."Charles nodded, indicating he had overheard. "So, we're going to his place tonight?""I don't think we have a choice." Noelle knew Sebastian's personali
Charles stayed silent, so Noelle kept staring at him, wondering if she had forgotten something important. Could it be that Charles had known her for a long time and liked her all along? However, because she had always been in a relationship, he never approached her? "So, you've been paying attention to me this whole time?"Charles pressed his thin lips together, his eyes filled with amusement. Hearing Noelle's question, his smile deepened. "What's the matter? Are you just realizing how deeply I love you? Touched, are you?""Mm!"Noelle nodded seriously, "I honestly never expected it!" She was genuinely surprised to discover the depth of Charles' feelings for her."But when did you start liking me?"Ah, women. Once they became curious about something, they would not let it go easily. Noelle was no exception as she kept pressing Charles for an answer.Charles, however, refused to say. "Figure it out yourself. When you're sure, come and ask me again. Let's see if you get it right.
Charles placed the gifts in the trunk and got into the car, only to find Noelle staring blankly at the large screen across the plaza. Her eyes were fixed on it, unblinking.Charles narrowed his eyes. "What's wrong?"Noelle snapped out of her thoughts. "You're back?""Mm." Charles nodded, glancing at the screen, which was now showing a different advertisement. "Were you bored from waiting? What were you looking at?""Nothing!" Noelle shook her head and withdrew her gaze, glancing at the backseat. "Did you get everything?""Yeah." Charles fastened his seatbelt and started the car. "I saw you staring at the screen earlier. I thought you were bored.""No, the screen was showing a trailer for a movie, White Night. I think it's coming out next month. Charlie, it feels like it's been forever since we've watched a movie. How about going to see it?""Sure." Charles nodded. "When it's released, I'll have Ronald book the tickets."Noelle curled her lips into a small smile, though uneasine
Charles narrowed his eyes. "How can I not be nervous? This is your first pregnancy!""Alright, if we don't head up now, Grandpa will start worrying!" Noelle reminded him, urging, "Let's go!"Noelle moved to pick up the items, but Charles stopped her. "Just follow me."With a helpless smile, Noelle relented, letting Charles take the lead. Watching his back, she suddenly felt that life with Charles—simple and straightforward—seemed genuinely happy. Especially when he treated her with such care, holding her like she was precious, it made all the grievances she had endured at the Shaw family feel insignificant.When Noelle and Charles reached Sebastian's door, they saw it was already open. Noelle raised an eyebrow slightly. "Grandpa even left the door open for us?"She stepped inside but did not see Sebastian. Puzzled, she called out, "Grandpa?""Noelle, you're here!" May, who was still wearing an apron, emerged from Sebastian's room. She looked a little fatigued."May, where's Gr
Charles gave Noelle a few more sips of water, stopping only when she protested that she could not drink any more. "Grandpa, did you happen to meet someone today?" he asked casually.At his words, both Sebastian and Noelle paused to look at him. Noelle blinked. "Meet someone? Who?"She glanced back and forth between Charles and Sebastian. "Grandpa, did you have a visitor at home?"Sebastian's expression darkened slightly as he stared at Charles for a long moment before shaking his head. "No one at all. An old man like me doesn't get many visitors. Besides you two dropping by now and then, who else would remember me?"His words sounded self-deprecating, but they were clearly a warning aimed at Charles. Sebastian knew Charles was sharp, but this was something he could not let Noelle find out.Charles narrowed his eyes slightly, understanding the message. "Grandpa, that doesn't sound right. You had so many brilliant students over the years. I don't believe they wouldn't come to see yo
Once Charles left, he called Ronald and instructed him to find Liliana a better school without all the drama.Ronald could not figure out why his boss suddenly cared so much about Liliana's problems. However, when he thought about how sad the young girl's situation was, he could not help but feel concerned too.Sean was surprised to get a call from Charles. "Hey, what's got Mr. Busy so free to ring me up?" he joked.The two were buddies. Even though Charles was a couple of years older, it did not get in the way of their friendship.Charles gave him a look. "You're not the type to poke your nose into other people's business!"Sean was stunned for a second, then laughed out loud. "What's that supposed to mean? Do I seem so standoffish? Let's just say I was being nice for once!" Sean explained, "But really, what's going on? That girl looked so helpless. She was getting picked on and too scared to stand up for herself. If I hadn't decided to skip the front gate and hop over the fence
"If you won't step up, then I'll look after her!" Charles declared, striding past Mateo. "We can't let the Hoffmans be pushed around without even realizing it!"“What do you mean by that?"Liliana had no idea that she had become the Hoffman family’s center of attention. By the next day, James had her room fixed up beautifully with every amenity she could ever want. She did not lack anything that Layla had, be it in her wardrobe or jewelry box.The servants escorted Liliana to her new room, and James handed her a card. "Miss, this is from Mr. Hoffman. He said you can buy whatever your heart desires with it!"Liliana could not believe it. She had no idea why Charles was being so nice or what he was up to. She did not even know that he had taken care of all the people who had bullied her before.All Liliana knew was that she felt nervous sitting in her room, waiting for Charles to come back.When Charles returned and saw Liliana waiting, he asked, "Were you looking for me?""Sir, y
Liliana stayed silent."Where's your room?"Charles felt a rare sense of defeat when Liliana would not answer. "Change your clothes. I'll take you to the hospital!""No, there's no need for that!" Liliana quickly gestured with her hands. She had already been to the hospital once today and could not possibly go again. "I have medicine!"Charles was not convinced. "What really happened?"Liliana fidgeted with her hands. "I was just clumsy. I've already bought some medicine, so there's really no need for this!"Clumsiness was a ridiculous excuse for how she looked right now.Charles was too clever not to notice what was going on. However, when he saw how scared Liliana looked, he did not push her any further. "You can put the ointment on yourself. Just remember that you're part of the Hoffman family. From today onward, don't let anyone push you around. If they do, they're messing with my reputation too!"Liliana nodded quickly, too scared to say much, and scampered off.With a fr
Liliana was scared of Charles. She did not know what he was up to, but she had not stolen anything or damaged Layla's necklace.She stood up from the floor and faced Charles with earnest eyes. "I didn't steal anything, and I didn't break her necklace. I really didn't!""You're lying! If it wasn't you, then why is my necklace broken?" Layla refused to let Liliana off the hook. She was convinced that Charles would not take Liliana's side. After all, who would side with an illegitimate daughter?Liliana's mom had caused a lot of trouble for Charles's family, and Layla was determined to set things straight with Liliana today. She thought of Liliana as nothing but trouble.Charles looked at Layla with an icy stare. "Are you saying that my sister, Liliana, would need to steal your necklace?" His voice was steady, but it made Layla tremble with fear. "I... She's not really your sister. She...""She's not?" Charles let out a grim laugh but did not look at Layla again. Instead, he turned
Liliana was on the ground, getting hit and kicked by Layla. She wanted to hit back for a second, but thinking of her mom made her stop."You think you can hit me?" Layla sneered. "You're nothing but a nobody, yet you think you're one of us?""I didn't do it! I didn't ruin your necklace! I was just cleaning!" Liliana cried."Yeah, right," Layla mocked. "Like I'd believe that. You're just a thief!""What's going on here?"A sharp voice cut through the air, and both girls froze.Layla quickly let go and ran to Charles. "Charles..." However, he stepped away before she could touch him.Layla's hand hung awkwardly in the air, but she quickly smiled. "Charles, this girl stole my stuff and broke my necklace!" Layla complained, holding up the necklace. "It was my birthday present from Dad!"Charles might have been only twenty-one, but he was already the vice president of Collosus Group.In the small town of Brookville, he was something of a legend. He had gone overseas when he was just
If the servants caught her in those clothes, they would definitely give her an earful.After tidying up, Liliana stepped out to join the bustle of the household. The servants were all busy, and she pitched in to help clean and prepare dinner. With her hair pulled back, her bruised face was visible. She glanced at the big bag of ointment on her bed and felt tears well up again. She whispered his name in her heart, "Sean, Sean!"Liliana whispered the name to herself repeatedly, as if she was etching it deep into her rib bones, right over her heart, so it would never fade away.When Liliana stepped out, the maid took one look at her and gasped. "You look like a ghost! Are you trying to give someone a heart attack?"Liliana looked down, murmuring a quiet, "Sorry.""Well, don't just stand there. Come and help with the chores. You're not some fancy lady of the Hoffman family!" The maid was used to it. She knew that even though Liliana had the last name Hoffman, nobody in the Hoffman f
Liliana gazed into Sean's eyes, not looking away for even a second.Sean felt a jolt in his chest as if something had struck him, and a flurry of thoughts burst through his mind.He grimaced as if snapping out of a trance. "Is that why you pulled away from me?"Liliana looked down, silent.Feeling a mix of frustration and amusement, Sean asked, "Do you think I would think less of you because of that?"Liliana did not answer, and Sean chuckled lightly. "If I really thought less of you, do you think I'd have saved you? Would I have helped you?"Liliana suddenly lifted her head. "But I...""Nobody gets to choose where they come from, Liliana. It's not your fault," Sean said, looking into her eyes, which seemed to be on the verge of tears. Despite her delicate appearance, she had strength within her. She held back her tears, and her gaze stirred a sense of compassion in Sean.Liliana's heart skipped a beat. All her life, she had lived in the shadows. She thought everyone looked at
"Have you eaten yet?”Sean checked the time and realized it was getting late. It was way past dinner time.Liliana was still silent, her head bowed."I'm hungry!" Sean announced.Liliana glanced up, then quickly looked away. "Then you should go home and eat!""Don't you want to eat too?" Sean asked, reaching out and gently taking Liliana's hand.Liliana jerked her hand away as if she had been burned, leaving Sean's hand hanging in the air. He stared at her, surprised and a little hurt.Liliana felt bad about her reaction. "I'm sorry, Sean!"Sean scrunched his eyebrows. "Sorry for what? I told you, you've done nothing wrong. Why do you look so sad?"Sean did not usually have that much patience for people he barely knew, but he told himself that this was his good deed for the day. Besides, Liliana looked as sad as a puppy left out in the rain, and he could not help wanting to cheer her up. "Come on. Look at me," he said gently. "What's got you so scared?"Liliana did not know w
Sean was really pleased with the principal's promise. "You've got to keep your word, Principal. I may not be here, but the school is still in Brookville, and so is my family, the Smiths!" "Absolutely!" With his mission accomplished, Sean left with Liliana."Oh, and since Liliana is hurt right now..." "Of course, the school will give her some time off. Don't worry about your studies, Liliana. If you run into any issues, just come to me or the head of teaching. Your grades will be just fine!" Satisfied, Sean walked away. Liliana tagged along behind Sean. With his long arms and legs, Sean towered over her. Even though he was only eighteen, he was already much taller than Liliana by more than a head.Liliana stood by Sean, looking as tiny and frail as a malnourished child. Sean moved quickly, and Liliana had to trot to keep up with his long strides.The lawyer trailed behind them, a small smirk playing on his lips as he watched the scene unfold with amusement.After Sean dismisse