Harrison noticed Shirley's arms, and his brow furrowed. "Her arm!" He gestured to the makeup artist to cover them with makeup too.The makeup artist worked quickly, and once done, asked, "Mr. Smith, does this meet your approval?"Harrison narrowed his eyes, nodded, and commanded, "Let's head out."Once the room cleared out, Harrison gripped Shirley's chin. "Look at you. Even if you refuse to eat, I can still make sure you shine. Today's the big preview of White Night. Get moving, and don't you dare be late."Shirley shuddered from head to toe. She jerked away from Harrison's grip, staggered to her feet, and whispered fiercely, "Don't touch me!"Harrison just smirked. "Alright, my hands are off!" He clapped his hands, and Shirley's agent hurried in. "Sir!" He then turned to Shirley with a nod. "Ms. Shrill, if you would."Like a puppet on strings, Shirley was escorted out of Springwood Garden by her agent.The preview was set at Century Film Plaza, a massive theater in a mall owne
"Ms. Shrill, are you feeling guilty? There's talk that you abandoned your daughter to focus on your career. Is that true?”"Ms. Shrill, of course we care about your movie, but I’ve been a fan of yours for over two decades. You even inspired me to join the media. It hurts to see that the image you’ve cultivated was all a facade. You had a child out of wedlock and abandoned her. Doesn't that betray the fans who've stood by you?"The weight of the accusation pinned Shirley down. Her face was a ghostly white. "I...""Ms. Shrill, being your fan means liking you despite your flaws, right? How could you hide something so big from us from the start? This isn’t how you build trust with your audience!" A female fan stood up, her voice booming despite not having a microphone. Her words carried the conviction of a true believer.Before today, none of her fans really wanted to believe the rumors, but Shirley's dodgy behavior made everyone feel let down. "How can you do this to your fans who've
The murmurs in the room swelled into a cacophony that could not be tamed. Shirley's face lost even more color with each whisper and jab. She had barely eaten anything in days, and her stress was through the roof.Her agent rushed to her side, concern etched on his face. "Are you okay?" he asked. Shirley, propped up by her agent, shot back with an icy stare, "Happy now?"The agent fell silent, his eyes searching Shirley's for something unsaid, but he left it at that.He signaled the host, ready to whisk Shirley away. The host caught on fast. "Okay, folks. That's it for the Q&A. The preview's about to start, and rumor has it the director's gunning for the big leagues with this one. The film's a masterpiece in the making, so everyone—""Do you think you can just slip away?"A girl in the crowd stood up. Her hat was removed, revealing a familiar same bold makeup style.Her expression was almost a sneer directed at Shirley from her elevated seat.The cinema lights were still on, spot
Harrison froze mid-stand at Ellis's words, then shot him a look that could freeze lava. "Where's Kelly?""Grant's guys are tailing her. We can't just barge in!""Excuses, excuses. Can't you outsmart them somehow?""Sir, Grant's crew are the cream of the crop!”Ellis felt a shiver of dread. "Just give me a moment, sir. I'll come up with something."After Ellis left, Harrison crushed his cigarette, his gaze sharp with a dangerous edge.Well, this was getting interesting.He was eager to see how long Grant could keep his guard up around Kelly.Shirley's eyes fluttered open the next afternoon, her mind foggy. For a moment, she felt like she had brushed shoulders with death itself.Her eyes fluttered open to the sterile white of a hospital room, the sharp scent of disinfectant hanging in the air.She sat up in a heartbeat, yanking the IV from her hand. She was ready to bolt from the bed when the door swung open.A man strolled in, clad in a white lab coat. He was conspicuously em
"What did you just say?"Shirley froze. "You mean the Smiths don't know Harrison's in Brookville?"Sean's eyes narrowed, turning sharp in an instant. "So you do know my Uncle Harrison!"Shirley's expression froze. "You said you could help me out. Does that mean you’ll take care of Harrison?"Sean's gaze lingered on Shirley as a sly grin spread across his face.Shirley did not really get Sean or what he was all about. However, that grin of his sent a shiver down her spine.Biting back frustration, Shirley thought, 'How could I forget? You're still one of the Smiths.' How could he ever want to help her?Sean smirked. "Not necessarily, Ms. Shrill. What kind of help are you looking for?""Help me escape from Harrison!""Oh?" Interest flickered in Sean's eyes. He crossed his arms and leaned back against a low cabinet, nonchalantly drumming his fingers on the sleek surface."Ms. Shrill, weren't we supposed to talk business? Is that all the earnestness you've got?" Sean scoffed. "Yo
Shirley collapsed onto the bed, her face ghostly pale. Her lips quivered as she stared at Sean.She thought bitterly that all the Smiths were the same."Oh, right!"Sean spun on his heel and sauntered back, his sudden return snapping Shirley to attention with wary eyes. Leaning against the doorframe with an easy grin, Sean could not help but laugh at her stiff posture. "Ease up, Ms. Shrill. I just swung back to give you a heads-up about something!"Shirley's lips were pressed tightly together, her face a mask of distress.Sean quirked an eyebrow, a playful yet menacing tone in his voice. "You know, this may be a hospital, but it's not a free-for-all. If you're planning to take off, Ms. Shrill, do me the courtesy of a heads-up. Otherwise..." He let the threat hang in the air, unfinished, but Shirley felt its weight all the same. "You're just like Harrison! A monster!""Monster? Now that's a fun word. Uncle Harrison would get a kick out of that. Just take care of yourself, Ms. Shri
However, Harrison then met Shirley, whom everyone knew as Madison, and it was like a lightning strike of love. Itching to break free from her home life and chase her dreams of fame, Madison joined Harrison in a wild dash away from Brookville.Their escape did not really shake things up too much. The Joneses were small potatoes compared to the Smiths. Because of the runaway lovebirds, Sebastian put his foot down and stopped Jade from hanging with the Smiths.Jade could not shake off her beef with Madison, and even when she ended up with Julian, Madison was like a ghost she could not shake off.It turned out that Julian had been Madison's fiancé because their parents—Sebastian and Samuel—were old pals who had promised their kids to each other decades ago. Nobody saw it coming when Madison and Harrison left town together, making fools of the Shaw and Jones families.After the Smith matriarch kicked the bucket and Yitty was long gone to Cascade City, Jade's connection to the Smiths fiz
"Just the usual. Did you just get back from the project department?"Noelle nodded. "Yeah. I had a chat with Mr. Parker."She moved closer to Charles, who pulled her into a warm embrace.Noelle was used to Charles's antics by now, comfortably perching on his lap with one hand casually draped over his shoulder and the other playfully squeezing his fingers."Having fun?"She glanced up into Charles's deep eyes and nodded with a grin. "Totally!" She giggled and nuzzled his forehead with hers. "Charlie, I pop into your office every day. I hope I'm not bothering you!”"Not a chance!" Charles inhaled deeply, the subtle scent of her perfume filling his senses.He gave her a playful frown and gently squeezed his arm snugly around her waist. She was so touchable. Noelle tensed up for a second, her lips forming a cute pout. "Did I put on weight?"Charles was speechless for a moment at her sudden worry."No way!" he replied, poker-faced.However, Noelle was not buying it. She gave her w
It was not just a look-alike. It was him, for real!Noelle did not even want to admit she knew Rowena, the goofball.Teresa was super quick on her feet. She jumped up and asked the owner to bring over an extra chair. "Hey, you're here to get Noelle?"Charles gave Teresa a quick look and decided he liked her way more than Rowena, who was not behaving at all. He glanced at Rowena, who was still leaning on Noelle, and Noelle had not even pushed her away. This made Charles feel a bit colder, but he still managed to nod politely, "Mhm!"Teresa might have looked cool and collected, but inside, she was totally freaked out by Charles's super chilly vibe."Um... Rowena, sit up straight, will you?"Teresa caught the look in Charles's eyes, which seemed like he was about to lose it, so she quickly pulled Rowena over and held onto her hand tight.Charles finally seemed happy, and his face even looked a little friendlier. "What are you guys having?"Noelle could not help but give Charles a
Charles was speechless.He peered through the car window, his gaze locked onto the three women across the street. When he saw Rowena's hands still on Noelle's shoulders, his eyes practically blazed, "Tell your friend to get her hands off!""I..." Noelle glanced to the side and caught Rowena's hand, which was fidgeting on her. "Stop that!""Ooh, pretty girl, who are you talking to?" Noelle rolled her eyes, but Teresa jumped in quickly, "Is that Charles? Noelle, it's getting late. Did he come to pick you up? I wonder if he's eaten yet. Maybe you should invite him to join us for a bite?"Noelle peered across the street, her throat suddenly dry, and spoke into the phone, "Come on over, then!"Charles, phone in hand, watched Noelle from across the street. Teresa's words made him smile a bit, and he stepped out of his car, striding across the road with his long legs.Those days, Charles dressed in comfy clothes, like light gray instead of his usual black, to be gentle with the kids.
"Okay, okay, I'll be your good friend!" Rowena gave Noelle's shoulder a reassuring pat. "We've got that special bond, don't we? We wouldn't miss your wedding for the world!" Rowena gave Teresa a playful wink, and Teresa nodded with a smile, "Rowena's right, we wouldn't miss it. Now, let's have a toast!"After chatting for a bit longer, Noelle pulled out her phone from her purse. She saw a text from Charles asking, "Finished eating?"Noelle typed back, "Almost, I'll head back once we wrap up here.""Great, I'll be waiting for you!"Noelle read the message and felt a strange vibe. She glanced up and saw the eye-catching car parked across the street – the Rolls-Royce Phantom that Charles had recently gotten.The car parked on the side of the road was impossible to miss. Everyone walking by just had to sneak a peek. It was anything but low-key.Noelle pressed her hand to her forehead, looked down, and quickly texted Charles, "Why did you come out? And in such a flashy car!" It was no
The bridesmaid lineup was set: Kelly, Liliana, Linda, and Eloise. For the groomsmen, there were Yves, Sean, and Steven. They needed one more, and just when everyone was scratching their heads, Simon showed up. Just like that, the final groomsman spot was filled.The wedding was a whirlwind of activity, but it was also rewarding. Even though Noelle and Charles did not have to lift a finger, they were still super busy.Every day, Noelle worked hard to get fit for the big day. She wanted to look her best when she got married. However, all that work meant she was not getting much sleep.Charles could see how hard she was pushing herself, and it hurt him to see her like that. He knew Noelle was tough and always set high standards for herself.A few days before tying the knot, Noelle hung out with Rowena and Teresa again. She had wanted them to be bridesmaids, but they just wanted to watch their friend walk down the aisle. They would not have it any other way.So, the trio ended up at a
Liliana suddenly felt a knot in her stomach and quickly looked away.Noelle's brow furrowed with concern. "Why's Sean drinking so much all of a sudden? Did something happen at work?"Charles gave a soft chuckle and playfully tapped Noelle's nose. "You're so smart, but it's not about work this time. It's about a little trouble in love!"When Charles said that, all eyes turned to Liliana. The room went so quiet they could have heard a pin drop. Liliana's heart skipped a beat, and she looked a little pale. Holding her fists tight, she said, "Well, it's getting late. I think I'll take Bobby and head home now.""Hold on," Charles said, "since you're here, stay for dinner. Grandpa's here too!"Noelle chimed in, "Yeah, Liliana, Grandpa's waiting! Plus, it's late. It's not good for you to go back by yourself." She gave Charles a playful wink and a pinch, thinking he always brought up the most awkward things. However, she knew the situation with Liliana and Sean was not easy.As Sean's si
Charles flashed a sly smile. "You're going to be the best man.""The best man?" Sean eyed Charles. "And who's the maid of honor?"As expected, this guy!Charles eyed Sean back. "What's in it for me?"Sean clenched his teeth. "Charles, must you always make deals? I'm your wife's brother, and someday I'll be your brother-in-law!""Oh?" Charles rubbed his chin. "Even brothers should settle up clearly!" Charles was not one to be easily convinced. "It's decided."Charles then glanced at Peter. "Mr. Fischer should be okay, and then..."That was his and Noelle's wedding, a once-in-a-lifetime affair, and Charles was set on making it unforgettable for Noelle. So, instead of Sean's usual drinking and grumbling, it turned into Charles planning the perfect wedding for Noelle.Sean watched Charles show off his love life with such intensity that he almost wanted to throttle him.Later, Yves showed up, worn out from work, but Charles had summoned him with just a phone call.The bartender at
The Majestic Lounge was Charles's next stop after leaving Phoenix Tree Residence. He had agreed to meet there and went straight to the private room. Sean was there, drinking non-stop.Charles walked up, took Sean's drink from his hand, and looked over at Peter. "What's happening?"Peter's eyebrow shot up. "Wow, drama!" He could not help but chuckle. "This is the first time I've seen him so worked up, acting like it's the end of the world, and he won't even tell us why!"As he spoke, Peter poured a glass of wine for Charles. Charles squinted and shook his head. "No thanks, I've stopped drinking."Peter's mouth gave a quick twitch. "Come on, really?""For real, I've quit!" Charles insisted. "I've got kids now, and I need to be a good role model for them!"Charles said it with such a smug tone that Peter almost wanted to toss a wine bottle at him. Sean, with his heart recently broken, just could not take it. He looked up, his eyes red with emotion, glaring at Charles as if he was
Charles gently tousled Noelle's hair. "Weren't you just saying how tired you were? What happened? Not sleepy now?" He teased her as she acted all wiggly and giggly like a little kid.Noelle blinked her big eyes. "Nope, I just want to hug you!"Charles smiled softly. "Okay then!" He closed his eyes. "Time to sleep!""Alright!" Noelle closed her eyes, too.When she woke up, Charles was gone. Noelle looked around, got out of bed, and after getting ready, she went to check Ice and Glitter's room, but they were not there.She went downstairs and found Maxwell holding Ice and Glitter, playing together with a caregiver nearby.Noelle was surprised. "Grandpa, when did you get here?""Ah, Noelle, you're up?" Maxwell smiled warmly and waved her over. "Come sit with me!""Where's Charles, Grandpa?" Noelle asked since she had not seen Charles since she woke up."Oh, he just said he had some stuff to take care of and went out," Maxwell said, not too worried. "I haven't seen the kids for a
"You don't need to lose any more weight," Charles said, playfully squeezing Noelle's waist. His eyes grew serious. "It's not good to be too thin."He preferred her with a little more weight, looking strong and huggable. "Being a bit plump is nice. It's comfy to cuddle!""Oh, stop it!" she protested, feeling he was teasing her.Blushing, Noelle looked down, too shy to meet Charles's gaze.Even after being married for so long, whenever Charles playfully teased her, Noelle's heart would still skip a beat. It raced so fast she could hardly keep up."I'm doing all this for you!" Noelle snuggled against Charles's chest. "You only get one wedding day, and I want to be the most beautiful bride!" She sighed, tilting her head. "You wouldn't believe it, but the wedding dress and gown mom and Aunt Nancy picked out yesterday were all too tight!"Remembering yesterday's dress-fitting fiasco, Noelle felt a twinge of frustration. "I told Mom my size from before I got pregnant. I could fit into i