"Grandpa?"Noelle hurried over to Sebastian, and May, who had been in the kitchen, quickly rushed out as well. "Sir Jones, are you alright?"As she wiped her hands with her apron, May quickly moved to help Sebastian over to the side. "Sir, you should sit down in the living room. I'll clean this up!" She muttered to herself as she went to grab a broom and dustpan, "This was Ms. Noelle's favorite clam chowder!""May, it's alright." Noelle smiled and linked her arm with Sebastian's. "Grandpa, what's going on with you today? You seem so distracted!"She guided him to the living room and noticed his eyes fixed on the television. The screen happened to show Shirley's image."Grandpa, do you know Shirley?" Noelle asked, helping him to sit down. Then, with a playful tone, she added, "I didn't know you were a fan! But Shirley is pretty amazing. I heard she's originally from Brookville. She later entered showbiz and, at 46, landed a lead role in this film. That's rare!"It was common kno
After leaving Sebastian's house, Noelle could not shake the feeling that her grandfather was hiding something from her.Charles fastened her seatbelt and noticed she was lost in thought. Gently tucking a stray strand of her hair behind her ear, he asked, "Still thinking about Grandpa?"Noelle snapped out of her thoughts and nodded. "Yeah. Charlie, don't you think Grandpa was acting strange today?""What did you find strange?"Charles started the car and prompted her to elaborate. "Tell me.""From the moment we arrived, I felt something was off with Grandpa. He kept pretending everything was fine, but I could tell something was bothering him. And earlier, when I was watching TV… "Do you remember how I used to watch TV at Grandpa's place all the time? He never reacted like this before. I mean, Shirley seems fine, so why did he get so worked up when he saw her?"Charles' sharp eyes flickered slightly at her words, and he glanced sideways at her.Noelle, noticing his gaze, touched
Kelly? Why Kelly?Ronald was utterly baffled."Mr. Hoffman, are you asking me to investigate Shirley or Kelly? There doesn't seem to be any clear connection between them." Ronald was on the verge of losing his mind with Charles' sudden and seemingly unrelated demands late at night.Charles furrowed his brows. "Investigate both. Find out their connection, if any, and focus on Shirley's relationship with Flynn!"He hung up, gripping the phone in his hand as he turned it slightly, deep in thought. Sliding one hand into his pocket, Charles walked to the window, his gaze fixed on the dark expanse outside.Maybe this time, there would be some clues.…At the Jones residence, May had just finished clearing away the leftovers when she noticed Sebastian turning the television back on. The screen showed the same entertainment channel Noelle had been watching earlier, but the program had long since changed. The previous interview was no longer airing.Sebastian stared at the screen withou
The woman clenched her fists, her face clouding with displeasure. "I'm not your prisoner!"The man responded with a cold laugh. "So? After 25 years, how does it feel to return to Brookville?"The woman's brows furrowed deeply. She removed her sunglasses, revealing a delicate face that bore a faint resemblance to Noelle. However, a closer look made it clear she was older. While she had maintained her appearance well, the passage of time was unmistakable."How does it feel? You're asking me how it feels?" Her face twisted with anger as her piercing eyes locked onto Harrison's. Her gaze was filled with hatred so intense it seemed she wanted to tear him apart. "Harrison Smith, what do you think I should feel?"Harrison squinted slightly, a faint smirk playing on his lips. A closer inspection revealed that he must have been extraordinarily handsome in his youth.His smile, however, never reached his eyes. Reclining in the backseat of the car, his sharp gaze stayed fixed on the woman. H
"After all these years, I thought you'd miss her. Ha! She's your and Flynn's daughter. What happened? How could you bear to leave her?""Harrison, you bastard!"Shirley raised her hand and slapped Harrison across the face. "You're nothing but a devil—a monster!""A devil? And you think you and Flynn are any better?" Harrison suddenly grabbed her wrist, twisting it behind her as his face darkened. His cold eyes locked onto hers. "Look at you. You left for so many years. Did Flynn ever come looking for you? To him, you were just a fleeting affair. Do you really think he cared about you?"Shirley's face turned pale."What good did it do, having his child? You were nothing but a homewrecker!""Enough, Harrison! I told you to stop!" Shirley raised her hand to strike him again, but Harrison caught it easily, pinning her arm in place. "Enough? Don't forget—it was you and Flynn who betrayed me first!""I never betrayed you, Harrison! You know it as well as I do. There was never anything
It turned out Harrison had never trusted her.Shirley's gaze dimmed as she lowered her eyes, her body trembling slightly. After a long pause, she looked up at Harrison again, her expression now calm and resolute. "You're right not to trust me. After all, I never trusted you either.""You…" Harrison's eyes turned sharp, his expression darkening. He opened his mouth to respond, but the car came to a stop. "Mr. Smith, we've arrived," the driver announced.Harrison narrowed his eyes as his cold gaze fell on Shirley. She seemed distracted, lost in her own thoughts.He was about to speak again, but Shirley had already slipped on her sunglasses, creating a barrier between them.She opened the car door and stepped out, standing tall in front of him with a frosty expression. "Don't follow me inside."As Shirley entered Springwood Garden, Harrison closed his eyes briefly. When he opened them again, his composure had returned. "What's the latest update?""Ms. Shrill visited Sir Jones."Ha
"The Shaws'?" Bailey looked surprised. "Sir, you…"Harrison paused briefly. "No, find out where Noelle is right now. I want to meet her.""But, sir, Noelle…" Bailey hesitated, glancing at Ellen for support.Ellen, however, seemed equally at a loss for words. Harrison's intentions were always difficult to decipher, even for those who had been by his side for years. "Sir, may I ask why you want to meet Noelle?"This move left Ellen completely baffled. What connection could Noelle possibly have with Harrison? Asking for an investigation into her was already strange enough, but now he wanted to meet her in person? It was simply beyond comprehension.Harrison's piercing eyes turned to Ellen, silencing her instantly. "I'll prepare the car immediately," she said quickly."I'll find out where Noelle is," Bailey added, immediately pulling out his phone to make a call after receiving Harrison's glare.Half an hour later, Bailey reported back to Harrison. "Sir, we've found her. Noelle is a
Noelle left Margaret's office after being reassured that both she and the baby were in excellent health. Margaret reminded her to take care of herself, avoid strenuous activities, and follow the same advice she had given during the previous check-up.Noelle smiled and agreed readily. However, Sean had messaged her earlier, asking about her whereabouts and instructing her to stay put. He mentioned that Charles was worried about her being alone and had sent him to act as her chauffeur.Hence, Noelle waited in the lounge connected to Margaret's office. With little to do, she idly played on her phone until voices from outside caught her attention.Initially, Noelle had no intention of eavesdropping, but the voices were loud—and one of them was strikingly familiar. Curiosity got the better of her, and she moved closer to listen.A woman's voice came through first. "Doctor, is this anything serious?""Not serious? It's a tear! What's with you young people? Do you not understand how deli
The woman with Joanna gushed, "You're so lucky! Your boyfriend Sean is so handsome and rich, and your future mother-in-law adores you too!""Please, you're making me blush. Sean and I aren't even official yet." Joanna laughed off the compliment."It's only a matter of time. Everyone at the hospital knows you two are an item. And your future mother-in-law is so generous, showering you with gifts. You wouldn't believe how many people are green with envy!""You're making it sound too good to be true!"As Liliana overheard Joanna and the woman's conversation about Sean, she felt like a creep for eavesdropping.Yes, Sean had been with Joanna for a while. Where did that leave Liliana?She had been with Sean, which explained why he was so cold that day. He must have really disliked her, or else it would not have made sense.Liliana squeezed her hands together, trying hard not to eavesdrop on Joanna and the other woman's chat. However, their words floated to her ears, every single one c
Adalee had braced herself for tough negotiations, but to her surprise, they were ready to shake hands on the deal he moment she stepped into the other company's office. The previous unreasonable demands were gone. They were going to work together just like they had before.Even though Adalee thought it was odd, she was just glad there were no hiccups in the partnership. She signed the contract and decided to give Liliana some time off, hoping it would help her shake off the blues from that unhappy evening.Ever since Liliana came back from Cascade City, she had been quiet. Her life was work, work, and nothing but work. She did not go out, not even when Tania tried to coax her into hanging out.Tania could tell something was off with Liliana, but Liliana clammed up whenever she asked, saying she was swamped with work and had no spare time.Liliana had even forgotten about the date with Keith she had planned to arrange after her business trip.Her routine was simple: she would work
Adalee had just stepped out of her room when she ran into Sean. Sean's face was stormy as he walked past, not even noticing Adalee."Mister..." Adalee called, but Sean did not even look back.Adalee's brows knitted together in worry. She rushed to Liliana's door and called, "Liliana? Liliana?"Adalee did not hear Liliana answer, so she knocked again. "Liliana, are you in there?"After Sean left, Liliana could not stop the tears from coming. However, she did not let herself cry loudly. It was just a quiet, steady sob.When she heard the knock at the door, Liliana quickly stopped crying.She bit her lip, hurried to put on her clothes, and dried her eyes.Adalee waited outside, not leaving before she heard from Liliana. Liliana had no choice but to open the door.As soon as Adalee saw her, she noticed her red, puffy eyes and the marks on her face and neck. "Liliana, what's wrong?"Remembering the drink Liliana had taken for her sake the previous night, Adalee gasped and grabbed h
Disgust—that was it.She remembered a similar desperate moment from years ago. However, Sean had not given her a chance to explain back then.He was disappointed and disgusted with her."Sean, only you and I know about today. If we keep it to ourselves, no one else will find out. I know I was wrong… but I was set up. I'm truly sorry."I promise I won't bother you again. I'm not the same as I was before. I used to have feelings for you, but now I really just see you as a brother. I wouldn't fall for my own brother."And I have a boyfriend whom I really love… I wouldn't ever ruin your happiness, Sean. I promise you that."Liliana was trying to explain, but her words were all jumbled up. She did not even understand what she was saying herself. All she knew was that she did not want to see that look of disgust in Sean's eyes, so she kept explaining, hoping Sean would not hate her.Liliana was so busy trying to clarify things that she did not notice the icy look in Sean's eyes when s
Liliana woke up feeling utterly spent, as if she had been run over.For a moment, her mind was totally blank. She could not remember a thing. She opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling for what felt like forever. Slowly, her senses started to come back.The warm breath and steady breathing from beside her made her eyes pop open wide.The moment she saw Sean lying next to her and shirtless, she could not stay calm any longer. "Ahh!"Her scream woke Sean up.He cracked his eyes open, still groggy, but then suddenly, his eyes snapped wide open, and his piercing gaze landed on Liliana.Her mind was a whirlwind, the memories of last night rushing back. She remembered being drugged, Sean bringing her home, and then, despite trying so hard to hold back, she ended up crossing a line with Sean.The thought made her heart ache, almost drowning her as she met Sean's icy stare.She wrapped her arms around herself, clutching the blanket tightly. She was shaking all over, and her eyes wer
Liliana was crying so hard that she could not think of anything else. All she knew was that she felt awful, and Sean was the man she loved more than anyone else in her life. She hugged Sean tightly, tears streaming down her face. "Liliana, please stop," Sean said gently. He tried to move her hands away, but she held on even tighter. "Sean, I feel so sad… I really like you, Sean," she said through her tears. Sean pried Liliana's hands off him, but she clung to him again. "Sean, I feel awful… I… I like you, Sean."She bit his lips, her hands desperately roaming over his body.Sean was a man, after all. The moment Liliana started touching him so recklessly, his body responded.However, he had always been a man of strong self-control. He pushed her away countless times, but Liliana crawled back each time, whimpering as she restlessly clung to him.Sean's expression darkened. It was not because of Liliana—it was because of himself.He could not believe it. He was actually having
Liliana's mind was a whirlwind. She found her key card fast, but just as she was about to shut the door, a big hand stopped it.She was not strong enough to close the door against Sean, who pushed it open.Liliana took a shaky step back, looking at Sean with a bit of fear. "Sean, it's late. I need to sleep."Sean just kept looking at her. "Liliana, what... what's wrong with your mouth?" he asked as he reached out, his fingers lightly touching the corner of Liliana's mouth. Liliana felt a rush of heat through her body, making her shake all over.In a swift motion, she knocked Sean's hand away. "Leave me alone."With his inscrutable eyes, Sean noticed the blood on his thumb and Liliana's unusual red cheeks. A flicker of surprise showed in his eyes. "Liliana, did..."However, Liliana was already clenching her fists, all pretense gone. She was shaking and crouching on the ground, her tears filling her eyes. "Sean, please. I'm begging you, just go, okay?"Sean's brow furrowed. His
Liliana could not make out what Sean was saying anymore. She felt awful and shut her eyes tight, not wanting Sean to notice.Sean thought Liliana had dozed off from drinking too much and had a headache, so he stopped talking.The car pulled up to Liliana's hotel, and Sean gently shook her. "Liliana, time to wake up. We're here."Liliana slowly opened her eyes and saw Sean's face close to hers. Her heart, which was already fluttering, started racing.She turned her head away, swallowing hard. "Are we here already?"Once she saw they were outside the hotel, Liliana quickly got out of the car and opened the back door to help Adalee. "Ms. Cobb, can you walk?"Adalee nodded. "Yes, I can."With a sigh of relief, Liliana told Sean, "Sean, we've made it. Ms. Cobb and I will head up now."Liliana rushed off, scared that any delay might make her lose her composure. She could not let herself fall apart in front of Sean again—not after what happened years ago.Sean noticed Liliana rushing
The moment everyone in the private room saw Bob, they were scared out of their wits.It was Andy, the favorite son of the Jones family in Cascade City! Even though he was the second child, he was the one everyone knew would run the company one day.Everyone felt a wave of relief, glad they had not messed with Liliana earlier. They knew that if they had, they would not just be outcasts in Cascade City, but probably everywhere else too.Sean gently put Adalee in the back seat of the car and then helped Liliana into the front seat. Noticing Liliana's pale face, he asked, "Did you have too much to drink?"When Sean touched her forehead, Liliana felt a wave of heat rush through her, like she was on fire. Sean's hand was cool, and the moment it touched her, she could not help but sigh in relief."Maybe," she said.Sean shook his head. "Where's your hangover pill? Take it now. Where do you live?"After Liliana told him the address, she saw that Adalee was already fast asleep.Sean tur