"You don't want to return to Capiton? So, you plan to stay in Brookville, hoping Charles will look your way?" Grant's lips curved into a mocking smile. "Do you know Noelle is pregnant?"Kelly froze, staring at Grant in shock. "That's impossible!""What's impossible about it? Noelle is Charles' wife. They're married, so it's perfectly normal for her to be pregnant," Grant replied, his expression remaining unchanged as Kelly's face grew increasingly pale. "I've told you before—let it go.""How can I let it go? He's my everything—my entire youth. If not Noelle…" Kelly faltered. No, even without Noelle, Charles would not have married her. Her pupils dimmed, losing focus. "I can follow your orders in everything else but not this. I won't go back. If I return to Capiton, I won't have a single chance left. There'll be no connection at all between me and Charles."Grant frowned, his gaze turning icy as he took in Kelly's stubborn expression. "Whether you're willing or not, you're leaving
Noelle helped Harrison sit down. "Sir, are you here to visit a friend or…""Yes, I came to see someone I haven't met in a long time," Harrison replied, his gaze sweeping over Noelle. "Young lady, are you here for a check-up or visiting someone?""I'm fine, just here for a routine check-up," Noelle answered with a smile. For some reason, she found this middle-aged man rather likable.The two chatted briefly until Noelle received a call from Ronald. On the other end of the line, Ronald was panting as he asked, "Mrs. Hoffman, where are you?"Glancing around, Noelle replied, "Oh, I'm in the garden behind the hospital, Mr. Wells!""Please wait there. I'll come over immediately!"Noelle ended the call and turned back to Harrison with a grin. "Sir, my friend is on the way, so I'll leave you here to enjoy the garden."Harrison narrowed his eyes slightly and asked, "Your boyfriend?""No, he's not…"Before she could say more, Ronald had already jogged over. Seeing Noelle about to stand
"Ease up, Mr. Wells," Noelle said with a chuckle as the elevator dinged and the doors slid open. She stepped out with a confident stride, Ronald quick on her heels."Madam, Mr. Hoffman is still tied up in a meeting. Maybe you'd like to hang out in his office while you wait?""Sounds good!"Noelle made herself comfortable in the office while Ronald hovered nearby, ever the attentive aide. She caught him sneaking peeks at his watch. "Mr. Wells, you don't have to stick around. I know the way around Colossus Group like the back of my hand!""Are you sure?""Seriously, go on. I'll be fine!""Alright!" Ronald said, relieved to be excused. Thanks to Charles's last-minute call to fetch someone from the hospital, he had a mountain of work waiting for him. With his tasks stacking up like skyscrapers, Ronald was swamped.Once Ronald had dashed off, Noelle took a moment to take in Charles's office. She had been there many times, but it was always for business. She had never paid much attent
Noelle did not wait for Maxwell to give her the go-ahead. She headed straight for Charles's break room, grabbed a carton of cream and a bag of coffee grounds from the fridge, and got to work using Charles's fancy coffee maker intended for guests.She had planned on brewing a quick cup of joe, but with time to kill and an extra person in the mix, she figured it was better to stay busy than awkwardly hang around Maxwell. Making the coffee gave her something else to focus on.Maxwell watched Noelle. She was unflappable and detached, as if his chilly vibe could not reach her. Her lack of reaction left him feeling unexpectedly flat.Who would not be at least a little intimidated by him? However, Noelle did not seem scared in the slightest.Maxwell had to concede that if he had to pick someone amongst Kelly, Janet, and Noelle, Noelle was the best choice, without doubt.However, no matter what Noelle did, Maxwell could not bring himself to like her. Even from the start, he just could not
"I...""Exactly!" Noelle squinted again, thoroughly enjoying Maxwell's chagrin. She said cheerfully, "I asked you earlier, remember? You just told me you didn't want any, but you didn’t say I couldn’t eat. Isn’t that the same as giving me permission?”"You’re twisting my words!" Maxwell was irked by Noelle's logic. "I can't believe an employee of Collosus Group dares to break the office rules like this. With a company as big as Collosus Group, it would be chaos if everyone started eating in the office!""So, I've made it a habit to only snack in Charles's office!" Noelle chuckled, glancing over as the water for the coffee started to bubble. She flipped the lid off the kettle and rinsed the coffee gear with water. "Sir Hoffman, try to calm down. It’s not good for a man your age to get so worked up. You might hurt yourself.”"You..."Maxwell was at a loss for words by Noelle's cheeky comments. His face turned steely as he glared at her. However, Noelle was not intimidated and kept o
Sure enough, Maxwell's face twitched, and he blurted out, "If you're on leave, why are you even here at the company?"What kind of leave are you taking? I should've guessed. Women like you just laze around all day once you get what you want. You're only after Charles's money. I suggest you divorce Charles as soon as you can. The Hoffman family will never welcome someone like you!""Someone like me?" Noelle touched her chest, feigning thoughtfulness. "Well, I think I'm pretty great.""Y-you're utterly shameless!""I'm just telling it like it is. Charles thinks I'm fantastic, and that's all that matters! Besides, don't you want to know what kind of leave I've taken? I've gone ahead and taken... ten whole months!""T-ten months?" Maxwell's jaw dropped, his eyes nearly bulging out of their sockets. He gaped at Noelle, and then his gaze dropped to her belly. "You're pregnant?" He was utterly flabbergasted.Noelle quirked an eyebrow. "You hit the nail on the head, Sir Hoffman!""Feeli
"Thanks for the compliment, Grandpa!""You...""What's going on here?"The office door swung open, and Charles walked in, straightening his tie and giving Maxwell and Noelle a quick look-over. Maxwell's presence did not seem to faze him in the slightest.Charles set some papers down on his desk and casually sat beside Noelle, gently grasping her hand. "Wasn't Ronald supposed to take you home?""I just can't stand being at home by myself, Charles. I'm feeling fine, really. How about letting me come to work?" Noelle pondered for a moment. She was only two months along. She was sure she would lose her mind if she had to endure solitude for the next eight months."Absolutely not!"This time, it was not Charles who objected but Maxwell. "Pregnancy is no small matter. You really don't seem to grasp the seriousness of it, young lady. As of today, you're not allowed to set foot in the office again."Noelle was visibly surprised, not having expected Maxwell to react this way. She gave
Charles lounged on the couch and beckoned Noelle over. In one swift move, he pulled her down to sit on his lap. His rough fingers gently played with hers, giving them a little squeeze. "You worry too much, you know."Noelle stuck out her lower lip in a pout. "I'm not worrying over nothing. It's just that he's your grandpa." Who else would dare to get into a spat with an elder?Charles chuckled and playfully pinched Noelle's nose. "I didn't mean to stir things up, but if it works out, why not go with it?""I just can't beat you in an argument," Noelle said, her eyes dropping to Charles's fingertips. She copied Charles, pinching his fingers, and was surprised to find his bones were much larger than hers.Charles watched Noelle play with his fingers, a smile tugging at his lips. Her childlike antics always melted his heart."How was the check-up?" he asked.Noelle bit her lip. "Dr. Ellison gave me the green light. All my stats are good. She told me to rest but not turn into a couch
"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