Nurses occasionally strolled by, casting curious glances at Sean. They whispered among themselves, "Who was that woman who just stormed off? Why does she always speak to the dean like that?""Beats me! Didn't you notice how she's always on the dean's case, yet he just takes it?""Right? Do you think she's the one the dean's been waiting for all this time?"Their voices trailed off into the distance. Only then did Sean let his tense shoulders drop. He looked down to find his phone still in his hand, the call still connected.Sean's lips barely moved. "Anything else?"Charles was silent for a long stretch on the other end before finally saying, "You picked this path, so now you've got to deal with the fallout."A wry smile flickered across Sean's face. "It sounds like you're enjoying this.""Liliana's not cold-hearted or disloyal.""I know!" Sean's eyes lifted, heavy with fatigue. "I've hurt her too much. It's only now that I realize how brave she was, dealing with my constant re
Margaret forced a smile and shook her head lightly. "No way. You must be kidding!" It was not fear that made Margaret tense around Sean. She just always felt uncomfortable around him. "So, what did you want from me?"Sean was not the type to show up without a reason. The last time he had dropped by her clinic was when Noelle was expecting. Today's unexpected visit meant he needed something from her.Sean chuckled. "I've got something I need your help with!""What is it, Mr. Smith?" Margaret was not used to Sean being so formal. "Is this about work?""Kind of." Sean gave a slight nod, taking a moment to think. "You've heard of Winter, haven't you?"Margaret was taken aback, the image of Winter flashing in her mind. She did not follow celebrities, but Winter had left a lasting impression. It would be hard to forget her even if she tried. Margaret nodded. "A bit. Do you know her well, Mr. Smith?""Know her? We're..." Sean trailed off. "She came by the hospital for a check-up with yo
Sean left the room and headed straight for his office. He flipped through Winter's medical file, tsking and shaking his head in disbelief. Picking up the phone, he dialed Charles. "Winter is one tough cookie, you know that?"Charles squinted, all business. "Cut to the chase.""Alright, I've got the goods. Want me to drop it off later?""Just send me a picture!"Sean snapped a photo of the document and sent it over to Charles, then said, "If you're planning to spill the beans, do it with style. I've still got a hospital to run here!""Got it." Charles looked over the case report on his computer, rubbing his temples. It was just as Noelle had said—Winter was a handful. She did not need to look for trouble, it just found her. "I'm not going to make a move just yet. You can relax.""I appreciate it," Charles replied, pausing for a moment. "About Yankel's situation, it's confirmed that Samara's gone and that kid is definitely hers and Yankel's. Liliana was just looking after him becau
"Forget it!" Charles dismissed with a wave of his hand. "Let them have their fun!" He found their squabbles entertaining, and as long as he could keep things under his thumb, he was not about to stop their wild antics.Ronald got the picture and could not help but feel a newfound respect for Charles. He had always pegged Charles as a tough guy with a moral compass, but he was starting to see just how cutthroat he could be when he wanted to. Ronald seemed to have forgotten that Charles had shown no mercy before, not even when Winter and Suzy were out to get Noelle.Charles did not do anything out of the ordinary. He simply set up a pool game with a few big shots from the business world. Those guys had been itching to rub elbows with Charles for ages, but the chance had never come up. Imagine their surprise when Charles himself extended the invite—of course, they jumped at the opportunity.Charles strolled in last, and the crowd rushed to welcome him with eager smiles. "Mr. Smith!" th
"Hmm?"Sergey eyed Charles, who appeared intrigued. Determined to secure the Golden Wave City project, Sergey played his final card. "You may not know this, Mr. Hoffman, but the ladies at Elysian Swallow Garden are no ordinary women. They come from all walks of life and are prepared to fulfill every desire!"Sergey's grin was a bit sleazy as he added, "One taste, and you're hooked for life!"Charles played it cool, idly twirling his cue, seemingly unfazed. On the other hand, Sergey was getting carried away, too wrapped up in his own spiel to notice Charles's poker face."Just the other day, we had another visit. The new girl was a real knockout, though she seemed a bit fragile for our kind of fun.""Really?" Charles's lips quirked up in a half-smile that managed to be both disarming and disconcerting. Luckily for Sergey, he was not the type to swoon. If he were, he would be a goner.Sergey, thrown off by Charles's cool demeanor, treaded lightly. "Thinking of checking it out, Mr.
Charles nodded and shooed Ronald off with a wave. Sergey finally caught up. "Mr. Hoffman!""Is there anything you want to discuss?"Sergey was practically wringing his hands, eager to please. "Is there anything I can do for you, Mr. Hoffman? Just say the word, and I'd brave any danger for you, no matter what!""No need for that." Charles laughed lightly. "It's a simple task." He pulled out a photo from his pocket and held it up. "Does this look familiar?"Sergey's gaze dropped to the photo in his hands, and in a flash, recognition hit him. ‘I know her well,’ he thought, remembering their intense past encounter.Before Sergey's eyes, the woman's image seemed to glisten as though touched by light.Charles, observing Sergey's reaction, allowed a shadow of a smile to cross his face as he concealed his irritation. "As long as you get it, that's all that matters. Pull this off, and I'll make sure your dreams come true," Charles promised, sliding the photo into Sergey's hands before tur
Ronald was suddenly thankful he had not gone ahead and pre-emptively called over the mall manager. That would have been embarrassing.Oblivious to his assistant's silent snickers, Charles made a beeline for the kiddie and maternity corner to scope out the goods.With Noelle's pregnancy already hitting the two-month mark and her belly set to pop before long, she would need a whole new wardrobe of maternity clothes.Charles roamed around without a clue, not bothered in the slightest. However, Ronald, right on his heels, was cringing big time. It did not help that they were getting looks from just about every mom and young woman in the place.Charles, though, was all in on the baby clothes and toys, totally missing the crowd that was gathering. Who could blame them? He was a walking heartthrob—tall, handsome, and with a charm that could outshine any A-lister.When Charles turned on the charisma, good luck tearing your eyes away.A few women clutching baby gear could not take their e
Boy or girl?Charles scowled. "She's only two months pregnant. How am I supposed to know if it's a boy or a girl?" He gave the clerk a look like he was talking to an idiot and added, "I'll pick it out myself!"It was the clerk's turn to be completely flabbergasted. "She’s only two months pregnant?" What was he doing buying clothes so early?Ronald had just finished dealing with a bunch of nosy middle-aged women when he overheard Charles and the clerk. He could not help but burst into laughter.Charles shot Ronald with a look that could freeze boiling water. Ronald quickly stepped in, motioning the clerk to step aside, and then said, "Mr. Hoffman, there's really no rush to buy these things when your wife is just two months along. Fashion changes so fast. By the time your baby arrives, all this stuff will be out of style and probably useless!"Charles dropped the clothes back on the rack and casually shoved a hand into his pocket, saying calmly, "I'm just browsing. Who said anything
"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