"You want to use me to draw him out?" Kelly was not blind to Charles' methods, but hearing him say it so plainly still made her heart sink. "Charles, I stayed by your side for so many years and even helped you avoid countless troubles.""And you think those three years you spent abroad were uneventful by chance?" Charles' cold laughter shattered the last shred of Kelly's dignity. "You knew I'd come to see you today?""No, I didn't.""That's impossible!""Even without you, that man will surface eventually—it's just a matter of time. Do you have anything else to ask? If not, you may leave."Kelly did not remember how she left Collosus Group. All she knew was the crushing humiliation she felt in front of Charles and Noelle. She stumbled out, utterly disoriented.She wandered aimlessly along the streets, unsure of where to go. She was unable to figure out where she belonged. She did not know the meaning of her existence or why she should keep living.Her shameful origins had never
Kresten quickly opened the door when he saw Grant approach. "Mr. Anderson!"Grant narrowed his eyes. "Where's Seth?""He's inside. He just fell asleep," Kresten replied."Seth!"Kelly's face turned pale. She shoved past Grant to get into the car. Only after seeing Seth sleeping peacefully did she finally let out a breath of relief.She turned her head, her gaze fierce as she locked eyes with Grant. "Seth is just a child. Why? Why does everyone use him to threaten me?""Everyone? Even Charles?" Grant's lips curved into a faint, sarcastic smile. The hint of lightness in his expression made Kelly pause, and she stared at him in a daze.Grant's expression darkened as he shut the car door and got in as well. "Drive, Kresten.""Yes, sir!" Kresten got into the driver's seat and immediately started the car.Kelly sat next to Seth, holding him protectively. Grant's presence made her tense up, and her body instinctively stiffened as if shielding Seth from harm.Grant squinted at her. S
"I said, the woman who destroyed my family and your biological mother, Shirley Shrill, is currently in Brookville, at Springwood Garden!"Kelly's body trembled slightly, her eyes turning bloodshot. "You're saying she's back now?"Her voice was filled with venom, and her expression seemed even more hateful than Grant's.Grant furrowed his brows. "Yes, I received the news not long ago.""Why are you telling me this?" Kelly shouted. "And why only now?""Does it matter?" Grant asked flatly, his gaze steady on her. "Does her return truly matter to you?"Did it matter? Kelly asked herself the same question.Part of her longed for Shirley's return so she could ask why she gave birth to her only to abandon her. Why did she leave her in the cold, unfeeling Anderson family? Why did she become a mistress? Why…Yet another part of her wished Shirley would disappear forever, vanish without a trace.Kelly did not know what Shirley's existence meant to her. Was her return merely a painful re
Grant's eyes glinted with a sharp, icy light, and his piercing gaze rested on Kelly, cutting into her like a blade.Kelly was startled by his demeanor. Outside, the wind howled, rattling against the car windows. When one of the windows was rolled down, the sudden rush of hot wind swept inside, giving her a fleeting sensation of being trapped in hell.She straightened her back, her eyes filled with fear but also stubborn defiance.Grant suddenly chuckled, his voice low and cutting. "You're quite something."Kelly shivered involuntarily. "You like Noelle, don't you? If Charles knew about this, what do you think he'd do?""What do you think?" Grant's tone was calm and indifferent as his gaze briefly flicked toward her. "Do you really think that would be enough to threaten me?"Kelly bit her lip, but Grant had already looked away. "Whatever feelings I may have for Noelle, it's not for you to judge.""You're afraid, aren't you?" Kelly said, her voice trembling with bitterness. "I nev
Noelle tilted her head, appearing to think for a moment. "Probably just after Kelly arrived.""And you heard everything?" Charles casually held her fingers, his tone unhurried. "Hmm?"Noelle nodded. "I probably heard everything I was supposed to, except the parts you haven't said yet." She pondered seriously for a moment before asking, "Did you really use Kelly back then?"Although Noelle did not like Kelly, seeing her so lost and broken just moments ago left her feeling conflicted.Charles did not respond verbally, but his expression said it all.Noelle could not quite describe how she felt. It was not pity or anger but something heavier. She was not Kelly and had not gone through Kelly's experiences, so she could not fully understand her emotions.Still, Noelle thought that if something like this had happened to her, she probably would not have been able to bear it.Charles' expression softened as he gazed at Noelle. Seeing her like this, he sighed softly. "Did it scare you?"
"Grant… Grant was the one who sent her away, but he used my name," Charles explained as he gently stroked Noelle's hair. "Grant probably knows more about that man than I do.""So, Grant sent Kelly away to protect her?""That, I can't say for certain," Charles replied, his gaze softening as he looked at Noelle. "Have you slept enough?"Noelle's cheeks flushed as she nodded. "I'm not a pig, you know.""You're sure about that?" Charles teased, reaching out to tap her nose. "I wonder who it was who nodded off after barely reading a few lines, hmm?""I did not!" Noelle protested, her face reddening further as she struggled to come up with a better retort."It's your fault!" she huffed, covering his mouth with her hand. "If I weren't pregnant with these two little ones, there's no way I'd be this lazy.""Oh, so you admit you're lazy now?" Charles' smile deepened, the warmth in his eyes filled with indulgent affection.She found herself captivated by his gaze. She stared for a moment
Noelle did not know what to feel at Charles’ bossy words, but her heart was racing like crazy.She had to admit that since her disaster with Xavier, Charles was the only guy who really mattered to her. When he got all commanding with that undertone of kindness, Noelle was a bit out of her depth.She looked down, fiddling with the hem of Charles's shirt and feeling awkward.Charles caught the look and quirked an eyebrow. "What's up?""Nothing, really!" Noelle forced a laugh. She was not about to confess that his words had her all fluttery inside. She turned her head, pretending to be annoyed. "Come on, we're married. You don't have to get all worked up!""It's not about being worked up. You're my wife, so you're supposed to only have eyes for me. It doesn't matter how great the other guy is, or what history you have. That's just not okay with me!" Charles said, his arm firm around Noelle's waist. "Got it?""Yeah, I’ve got it!" Noelle could not help but find it funny. Charles was s
"I can tell this is tough for you!" Noelle curled up against Charles like a little cat, her fingers lightly dancing over his chest. "The doctor said we can't do anything for the first three months. You'll just have to hang in there!""You're too much, you know that?" Charles let out a sigh. "Don’t talk anymore, okay?""But won't it be harder for you if I'm quiet?" Noelle countered, lifting her head to look him in the eye firmly as if she had made her mind up about something. With a gentle push, she got up from Charles's embrace.Charles's brows knitted together in confusion, clueless about what Noelle was up to. However, Noelle did not need words to show Charles her intentions.She gently placed her hands on his shoulders. "Charles, close your eyes," she whispered.Charles's frown deepened. "Noelle, what's going on?""Just close them!" Noelle urged, her voice playful and her cheeks tinged with pink. Charles's gaze grew intense, a spark of desire lighting up his eyes.Noelle’s te
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