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
"Got it."Kresten floored it after seeing the panic on Kelly's face. He zoomed past several red lights, and when they screeched to a halt at the hospital's entrance, Grant scooped Seth into his arms and marched inside.Still in shock from the whirlwind, Kelly was quickly ushered by Kresten to keep up."Where's the doctor on-call? We've got a kid here with a high fever."The pediatrician responded quickly, applying a cooling treatment to Seth and prescribing some medicine. "If his fever doesn't go down in the next thirty minutes, we might need to give him a shot to ward off a lung infection. Is there any medicine he's allergic to?"The doctor looked up from his notes to Grant and Kelly, assuming, "You're the boy's parents, right?"Grant's eyes widened in surprise, and Kelly hesitated. "No allergies here. Thanks, Doctor!" she blurted out, sneaking a worried glance at Grant. By then, Grant had already relaxed a little. His face was a blank slate, but he was clearly relieved."Krest
"Really? Mr. Hoffman sure is thoughtful. But it looks like I won't be able to make it tomorrow after all!""What? Why?" Noelle sounded taken aback. "Is there some emergency, Mr. Anderson?""Yeah, I'm at the hospital right now!""Hospital?" Noelle's brow furrowed in confusion. "Mr. Anderson, are you ill?" That did not make any sense. Just half an hour ago, Grant asked if she could make it to Eagle Summit. How could he have gotten sick so quickly?Charles paused mid-hair rub, catching Noelle's concerned tone. He gave her a questioning look, silently asking what was up."It's not me, it's Seth. He's come down with a fever, and it's not letting up. We can't just hop on a plane with him like this!" Grant's voice was calm and collected over the phone.The image of Seth's shy, timid face flashed through Noelle's mind. "A fever in a little one is serious business. Mr. and Ms. Anderson should focus on taking care of Seth. We can always reschedule the meal...""Ms. Shaw, if you don't mind
"Kelly, you think you've got me all figured out?" Grant's hand shot out, clamping around Kelly's neck with a fierce glint in his eyes that sent shivers racing down her spine. "I… Cough! Let go of me!"However, Grant just stared down at her like he was watching someone fight for their last breath.Kelly's face turned a deeper shade of red, her brain screaming for air. Just when she thought Grant was going to choke the life out of her, he let go.He pulled out a handkerchief, wiped his hands, and gave her a frosty look. "What's it like staring death in the face?""Grant, you're a complete psycho!"Grant just laughed softly. "Oh? That scared you, huh?"Kelly's face was ghostly pale from the lack of air, her thoughts foggy. She lunged at Grant, trying to claw at him, but he sidestepped her effortlessly.Grant brushed off his clothes, and his eyes lost their earlier intensity. "It's getting late. You keep an eye on Seth!"It was not until Grant had left that Kelly gasped for breath,
Both Charles and Grant were sharp cookies. They knew the score: whoever set up this lunch had an angle to play. However, it was Charles who broke the ice.Grant's eyes took on a steely edge, but he gave a nod of concession. Charles had played his cards right. "It's pretty straightforward—I can't take Kelly with me for now."Charles acted like he had seen it coming when Grant spoke up, not even batting an eye. He was busy giving a coffee cup a thorough scrub before he filled a cup with warm water for Noelle. Only then did he look up at Grant. "Look, whatever's going on with you, and wherever Ms. Anderson decides to go, that's her business, right? As for me and Ms. Anderson, we're just connected by an old debt— It was just a life saved years ago!"A spark lit up in Grant's narrow eyes. He frowned a bit but then nodded in agreement. "Sounds good to me!"Grant had planned to bring Kelly back to Capiton, but judging by how she acted, she did not seem too keen on the idea. The memory o
Grant's unexpected move caught Charles and Noelle off guard. Noelle tried to spot what had caught Grant's attention, but no one was in sight.With a puzzled gasp, Noelle turned to find Grant sitting calmly, looking as if nothing had happened.Charles watched Grant closely with his sharp eyes that seemed to see right through people. A knowing smile played on his lips. Had he not been mistaken, it looked like Grant had been watching a woman, and there was definitely a man with her.Ever the pro at keeping his composure in the spotlight, Grant quickly got a grip on his emotions. He looked as relaxed as ever."Did you see something, Mr. Anderson?" Noelle asked, scanning the area but finding no one. The brief flash of anger on Grant's face was unmistakable, though.Noelle had never seen anyone get under Grant's skin before, but that look of his was then etched in her memory. Grant reminded her so much more of Joshua than she had ever realized.Was it just her, or did Grant always seem
With a clenched jaw, Grant shoved Juliet away. Noticing she was still in her outfit from their encounter at Eagle Summit, his eyes deepened with intensity. Pushing her back, he demanded, "Who told you to come to Brookville?""You didn’t consider that I've been missing you?""Get a grip, Juliet!" Grant pushed her away again, his eyes flashing with an edge.Juliet made a face, her eyes wide and pleading as she looked at Grant. "Geez, Uncle. No need to be so harsh!""Call me Uncle again, I dare you." Grant pinched the bridge of his nose, swatting away Juliet's hand as she tried to reach for him again. "Seriously, who sent you to Brookville?""Oh, I’m just here for a company project. I thought I'd drop by!" Juliet chuckled awkwardly, eyeing her hand that Grant had turned red, then stepped back to lean casually against the wall, her gaze sharpening. "Mr. Anderson, you don't actually think I came all this way just for you, do you?"Grant's tense expression eased slightly, though he sti
"Here, of course!" Juliet laughed. "You've got a spot here. Why would I go anywhere else?""You really think I won't throw you out?"...Noelle and Charles emerged, feeling uneasy. "Charles, Mr. Anderson seemed really worked up, didn't he?"Charles's frown gave way to a sly grin. "Oh? What gave you that idea?"Noelle shook her head, a puzzled frown on her face. "I'm not sure, but he seemed really tense. I haven't known Grant for that long, but he's always been chill. I could've sworn he was ticked off just now, which I’ve never seen before!”Charles gave a knowing nod and playfully tweaked Noelle's nose. "You're awfully concerned about another guy. Aren't you worried I'll get jealous?""No way!" Noelle giggled, brushing off the suggestion. "Grant and I are just friends, nothing more! You've got to stop teasing me about it, okay?""Okay, okay!" Charles dropped the subject with a smile and then added thoughtfully, "You'll probably meet that girl one day.""You know her?""Not e
"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