Maxwell knew his grandson like the back of his hand. Charles was not the type to say sorry just like that. Thus, Maxwell had not held his breath for an apology. However, he was intrigued to see Charles willing to bend a little for Noelle's sake."I'm sorry!"The words came out of Charles with a hint of reluctance, but they were out. That left everyone in the room, except for Noelle, totally taken aback. Charles had actually apologized. It was a moment no one saw coming.Maxwell watched Noelle with a thoughtful gaze while Charles, albeit a bit awkwardly, took her hand and led her upstairs. Only when the young couple had vanished from view did Maxwell blink twice, a grin spreading across his face with a dash of excitement and curiosity. He turned to his daughter-in-law. "Nancy, did you catch that? Our Charles, that little scamp, actually said sorry to me. You watched him grow up, Nancy. Take a look at him now...""Dad, I can’t believe your ears aren't playing tricks on you!" Nancy
A heart-to-heart with Nancy? Henry was not about to let Clarisse corner Nancy for a chat. However, Nancy seemed to have other ideas. Catching Henry's fierce look at Clarisse, Nancy gently touched his hand and shook her head. "Let me talk to her, please!"Henry's frown deepened. He did not like the idea of Nancy and Clarisse alone together. However, Nancy shot him a look that said 'trust me' and patted his hand. "We're at the Hoffman Residence. Everyone's around!" Clarisse would not dare make a scene with everyone watching, especially with Charles being so close to Nancy. Nancy was sure of it.Henry mulled it over and then gave a reluctant nod. "Fine." However, his eyes still shot Clarisse a warning glare.Clarisse felt a wave of nausea but refused to show it. She straightened her back, mustering all her courage to face Henry. "Do you still doubt me?"Henry narrowed his eyes. "You two can catch up here. I'm heading upstairs. When you're done, come find me, and I'll show you the way
Clarisse had always felt like a total failure in Nancy's presence.Clarisse, the Baker family's golden girl, had never known such disgrace before. Her resentment was not just aimed at Mateo—she despised Nancy too. Nancy had snatched Henry away from her, and then it seemed she was also after her son.Nancy watched Clarisse's turmoil and gently looked down. "Charles is your son, and nothing's going to change that. I never wanted to fight with you over him. Charles is our brother's kid. When you weren't here, Henry and I just stepped in to help our brother with his busy life by looking after Charles. That's totally normal, isn't it?""How is that normal? He has his own parents!""Sure, he does. But where were you guys then? You just up and left without a word to anyone, leaving little Chloe and Charles behind. Did you ever stop to think about how they felt?""You...""Seems like you're only worried about your own feelings. You think everyone's let you down, right? That's why you're
At that, Nancy just shook her head. "No, Clarisse. Remember another woman?""Who?""Yasmin!"Clarisse stumbled backward. "Yasmin? Why are you bringing her up?!"Clarisse certainly remembered Yasmin. It was not just Nancy who had fought her for Henry's affection but Yasmin too. She was a woman Clarisse would never forget. She was so vile and shameless!"If you remember, then you should also recall that Henry and I weren't exactly an item back then. You and Yasmin both had a crush on Henry at the same time, right?" Nancy mused, then continued, "You're probably also in the loop about our daughter Tania being switched at birth, and that the girl we've been raising is actually Yasmin's daughter with someone else."Clarisse nodded. "I'm aware, but what's that got to do with me?""Well, it might not be directly related to you, but you should realize that when you and Yasmin were both swooning over Henry, marrying Mateo was a win for Yasmin, not me, right?""What are you getting at?"
"I really don't want to get involved in your family drama, but let's be real: Mateo, Charles, Chloe, and Liliana have all suffered over the years. You act like everyone's wronged you, but did you ever stop to think about who's actually behind all this mess?" Nancy stood up, her voice firm. "I've said my piece. What you do next is on you."Nancy knew the best she could do was play peacemaker. If she ever decided to step up, fixing things between Clarisse and Charles was on Clarisse herself. "Chloe is married now and has her own little family. You should count your lucky stars she didn't end up like you."Clarisse shuddered, a whisper escaping her lips, "Nancy..."Nancy stopped for a beat, her gaze locking onto Clarisse with a mix of seriousness and a hint of pity. "I get it, you know. You want to patch things up with Chloe and Charles. You wouldn't be here otherwise."A wry smile twisted Clarisse's features. "Ridiculous, right? It was all me..." She trailed off, lost for words. "But
"Nope!" Nancy replied, spotting Henry coming out. "I'm gonna head out!""Alright!"Nancy walked up to Henry, who took her hand, and they both went inside.Mateo stood there for a while before finally heading downstairs.Nancy had a point. So many years had gone by, and things changed with time. Mateo knew they were just holding on to the past more often than not. Clarisse had been sitting quietly downstairs for what felt like forever, lost in thoughts of the past. She was just about to stand when she caught sight of Mateo approaching.He had not changed much. He was still as charming and good-looking as ever, even if his hair was starting to gray. However, that did not take away from his appeal. After all, if Charles was anything to go by, with his movie-star looks, how could his dad be any different?Their eyes met, and for a moment, neither said a word.It was Clarisse who finally shattered the silence. "I heard Liliana's back. Is that true?"Mateo froze. He had braced hims
"Huh?" Clarisse was clueless."You're with the Hoffmans now, so they're your priority, not the Bakers. You get that, right?"Clarisse bit her lip. "But I'm part of the Baker family too.""I get that. I'm not saying you should turn your back on them. Just don't push Charles into marrying Janet or any other girl, okay?""I get it," Clarisse said with a wry smile. "Charles is off the market. Anyway, Noelle's got a bun in the oven. I'd have to be the worst to even think about splitting them up." She was dying for Charles's forgiveness, after all!"Good to hear you understand. You don't have to do much. Just be civil with Noelle from now on. Once she has the baby, maybe help out with the kiddo. Give it some time, and Charles and Noelle will notice the new you. And Liliana..." Mateo took a beat. "Forget about her. She's living her best life. The Hoffman name doesn't really matter to her anymore."Mateo could not bring himself to look Liliana in the eye, haunted by the thought of findin
Noelle instantly sensed a shift in Charles’ behavior and quickly pushed him away, her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and urgency. "You should shower. It's getting late. Time to call it a night!"Charles's eyes dimmed as he fought to quell the turmoil within. He tousled Noelle's hair affectionately. "Alright. If you're tired, go ahead and get some sleep!" He chided himself internally. How could he be so undisciplined, especially with Noelle carrying their children? The memory of their intimate moment in the office earlier that day made him feel a twinge of self-reproach. Ever since Noelle entered his life, he felt like he was losing control.Once Charles disappeared into the bathroom, Noelle's face grew even hotter. She slapped her cheeks lightly, trying to shake off the day's memories and her thoughts of Charles..."Noelle, get a grip! You're acting like such a harlot!" she scolded herself. If Charles had caught her in that state, he would have never let her live it down
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