They were taking her back to the Smith residence?"No, I won't go!" Shirley looked at Harrison and Sean in terror. She never expected Harrison to show up, and even Sean got involved. Despite spending so many years by Harrison's side, Shirley hardly understood him. Well, she had never truly tried. She might have known him when he was younger, but after everything that happened, Shirley felt there was an unbridgeable distance between them.As for Sean, she knew even less about him. All she understood was that he was Harrison's nephew. Her recent interactions with him still left her uneasy as she was certain Sean was no saint."Aunt Shirley, one would think Uncle Harrison and I bullied you from your reaction," Sean said with a sly glint in his eyes. He glanced at the driver in the front seat. "You know where the Smith residence is, don't you?"The driver stiffened and instinctively glanced at the passenger beside him. "Drive," the passenger commanded curtly.The driver continued fo
Shirley's face turned pale at Yitty's words. "Ms. Yitty, are you here to accuse me?""How could I dare?" Yitty's expression remained cold, clearly showing her disdain for Shirley. "By the way, should I call you Shirley now, or Madison?"Shirley's expression shifted abruptly. "Well, Mr. Smith has finally returned home. As an outsider, I think I'd better leave.""Stop right there!" Harrison's expression darkened. "Don't you dare walk out!"Shirley froze in her tracks as Harrison's voice rang out. "If you don't want Kelly to trouble you in the future, you'd better do as I say."Harrison reached out and grabbed Shirley's hand. "Yitty, Savannah, this is my wife, Madison Jones."Yitty and Savannah were both stunned. Just as they were about to say something, Shirley reacted faster than they could.Shirley flung Harrison's hand away in shock. "Harrison, when did I ever marry you? I'll have you know, I'll never marry you even if it means I'll end up alone for the rest of my life!""Then
"Thank you for the trouble, Yitty," said Harrison."There's no need for formality; we're family," Yitty replied.As she watched Harrison drag Shirley upstairs, Yitty frowned and turned to Sean. "What's going on?"Sean, who had been silently observing, raised an eyebrow. "Oh, so Aunt Yitty finally noticed me?""Heh." Sean smirked. "What would you like to ask?""Your Uncle Harrison—what's the story? When did he come back? And why Shirley?"Sean paused for a moment, suddenly adopting a more serious tone as he looked at Yitty. "Aunt Yitty, this is a bit complicated. I only recently found out that Uncle Harrison had returned."As for why he's back and his entanglement with Shirley, it's a long story, and I'm still piecing it together. But Aunt Yitty, didn't you notice something unusual?""Unusual? About what?""Do you remember someone?""Who?""Noelle—Charles' wife, Noelle!""Noelle?" Yitty froze at the mention of Noelle's name, her eyes revealing a trace of astonishment. "Why w
Sean's lips curled downward. He was clearly displeased.His expression turned cold. "My business is none of your concern!""I'm your mother. If I don't concern myself with you, who will?" Savannah's temper flared at Sean's words. "I let you have your way with everything in the past. I never said anything about your wild behavior, but this—this is where I draw the line!"Savannah was nothing if not resolute. "Why must it be Liliana? Of all the people you could be with, why her? You didn't even like her before!""Like?" Sean sneered. "I don't even know what liking someone means. I only know that since she's back, I won't let her leave again. That's what I owe her.""Sympathy isn't love, Sean!" Savannah pressed her fingers against her temples in frustration. "Do you even understand that? I didn't interfere when you were young and reckless. Your father and I let you do as you pleased. But this? You've already hurt her once. Why can't you just let it go?""Let it go?" Sean raised
Liliana froze, suddenly realizing she was still holding her phone. She quickly ended the call. "What nonsense are you talking about?""But it's true!" Bobby blinked innocently. "Mr. Smith comes to see me every day. He even plays games with me. When you're not around, he takes me out to play!""What did you just say?" Liliana squinted at him. "Are you saying he took you out?"Bobby seemed to realize he had said something wrong. He quickly grabbed Liliana's hand with his tiny fingers."Mommy, don't be mad. I... I just wanted to go out and play. But I promise, I didn't run around. Mr. Smith carried me the whole time. So please don't be mad!"Seeing the timid look in Bobby's eyes, Liliana's heart softened. How could she stay angry at him? Her eyes welled up with tears, and her voice trembled. "I'm sorry, Bobby. It's all my fault!"If only she had had the money back then. If only she had treated Bobby's illness sooner—or realized it earlier and sought out Sean earlier—maybe Bobby woul
"I'm hungry!" Bobby pouted."So now you're hungry?" Liliana could not help but smile. "What do you want to eat? I'll go buy it for you!""I want… Mr. Smith!"Bobby's eyes sparkled with excitement as he saw Sean. He scrambled up from the bed, shouting, "Mr. Smith!""Yes, Bobby. How are you feeling today?"Sean pushed the door open while carrying food containers from Fussionel. Liliana spotted it immediately and frowned slightly. "Why are you here?""I came to check on Bobby. You haven't eaten yet, right? I brought some food from Fussionel. It's all your favorites!"Sean began opening the containers without waiting for an invitation. Liliana glanced at the spread and, sure enough, everything inside was what she used to like. However…"I don't like these anymore."Sean paused for a moment, his hand holding the container hesitating in midair. His gaze darkened slightly. "You don't like them? But Tania said you do. I remember you used to love these when you were younger—""That wa
Liliana suddenly felt a wave of sadness. She knew Bobby was still young. He was at an age where he should be experiencing the outside world.While other children his age were in school, Bobby was often confined to a hospital room.She turned her head away, avoiding the sight of Bobby interacting with Sean, and especially avoiding Bobby's gaze.For years, Liliana had believed that as long as she loved Bobby with all her heart, he would have everything he needed. However, she forgot that a child would crave a family and long for love.Bobby's world should not revolve around her alone. It was her selfishness that had led to this situation."Mr. Smith, why isn't Mommy eating with us?" Bobby asked innocently while Sean fed him and wiped the sauce off the corners of his mouth.Bobby glanced between Sean and Liliana with a puzzled look. Then, his gaze settled on her. "Mommy, why are you crying?""I'm not. Some dust got into my eye," Liliana quickly explained as she wiped away her tears
Liliana served herself a plate of food and sat beside Bobby. She took a bite herself and then fed Bobby a bite.Bobby alternated between taking bites from Sean and Liliana, his eyes sparkling with joy. Clapping his hands, he exclaimed, "I'm the happiest boy in the world!""Oh? Why is that?" Sean chuckled and offered Bobby another bite. "Eat some vegetables too."Bobby clapped his hands again with his mouth full. "Because Bobby has a mommy and daddy now!"Liliana froze mid-motion. Sean also paused, his gaze locking on Liliana with a heated intensity.She forced herself to swallow the vegetable and said firmly, "Bobby, you mustn't say such things again. Mr. Smith and I aren't in that kind of relationship, and we'll never get married. Do you hear me? You have a daddy; he's just busy right now. One day—""But I've never seen him! He must be a bad person who doesn't like us. I like Mr. Smith!" Bobby exclaimed, throwing off his blanket.He climbed onto Sean's lap and wrapped his arm
Seth nodded, tilting his head as he looked at Kelly. "Mommy, you cried."Though young, Seth was incredibly perceptive. Noticing Kelly's red eyes, his small, soft hand reached out to gently rub her cheek.He even leaned closer and blew softly on her face. "Don't cry, Mommy!""I didn't cry, not at all," Kelly said while patting Seth's back gently.There was an apologetic look on her face. "I just forgot to make dinner for you tonight.""Then, Mommy, let's eat out! Seth has money—lots and lots of money. Seth will treat Mommy to some meat!"Seth's sweet, innocent words made Kelly's eyes redden again, but she smiled and nodded. "Alright, Seth. Change your clothes. I'll take you out for dinner, okay?"Later that evening, Kelly sat holding Seth while watching TV, but her mind could not stop drifting back to Noelle's face.Grant's words replayed in her head: she and Noelle were full-blooded sisters, sharing both parents.Kelly looked down at Seth, her thoughts in turmoil. She could
"Are you sure it's a virus?" Kelly asked, her voice trembling slightly."Yes," Grant replied with a firm nod, his sharp eyes fixed on her.He could see the disbelief and shock in Kelly's gaze, along with traces of guilt and unease.However, Kelly suddenly laughed, and she turned her head to face Grant. "Noelle has a virus, so she should go see a doctor. Why are you coming to me? Ha! It's ridiculous that Charles still wants to get me involved when his wife is sick. Why?""Kelly, this virus is extremely rare," Grant explained, his tone steady. "Sean currently doesn't have a clear treatment, but he mentioned one potential solution."Kelly's eyes flickered slightly, betraying a crack in her facade. "If there's a solution, then try it.""Sean believes we need to extract active enzymes from the blood of her closest relatives. Harrison and Shirley should already be at the hospital."Kelly froze again, her lips pressing into a thin line."Oh," she replied, feigning calm, though her emo
Grant noticed Kelly's reluctance to look at the documents and frowned slightly before speaking in an indifferent tone. "You don't have to look at it if you don't want to. After all, it's your decision whether to accept it or not."He placed the file on the table, his tone calm and detached, as though this matter had nothing to do with him.However, Kelly was far from calm. She glared at him, her voice trembling with suppressed anger. "If that's the case, why did you bring it here? Why did you agree? Why…"Her voice grew louder as she yelled at Grant, her emotions spiraling out of control. The noise startled Seth, who was sleeping in the other room.Hearing Seth's cries, Kelly immediately pushed past Grant and rushed into the room to scoop him into her arms. "Seth, don't cry. Mommy's here!""Mommy!" Seth clung tightly to her, his little hands grasping at her clothes."Yes, Mommy's here," Kelly murmured, cradling him as she gently patted his back. She hummed a soothing tune into hi
Kelly's feelings toward Grant were complicated. Growing up, her impression of him was not strong, and they certainly could not be described as having a close sibling bond.Later, Grant left the Andersons, disappearing to places unknown. When he finally returned, Kelly did not stay in Capiton for long before coming to Brookville.After that came the incident that changed everything, ultimately sending her abroad."Aren't you going to invite me in?" Grant glanced inside.Kelly frowned slightly. Although she seemed reluctant, she did not refuse and stepped aside to make way. "Come in. But I don't have much here, so I'm afraid I might not be the best host.""No problem."Grant noticed how much colder Kelly's demeanor had become. As he stepped into the modest apartment, he casually observed its simple layout.It was hard to reconcile this Kelly, living in such a sparse place, with the pampered young woman who once never lifted a finger.Feeling somewhat uneasy, Kelly closed the door
Kelly had been spending the past few days with Seth, whose health had improved significantly. After the recent incident, Kelly stayed in Brookville for a while, using the time to reflect deeply. One of the reasons she had not left Brookville was because of Seth's biological father.It had been almost four years. Not too long, yet not short either.Kelly thought she had let it go, but the DNA report comparing Seth with Maxwell made her hesitate once again.She always knew Seth was not Charles' child. She was fully aware of who the father was, yet his true identity remained a mystery.During those months four years ago, that man had stayed by her side, sharing a deeply unforgettable time with her. It was so unforgettable that she had pushed aside questions about his identity or purpose, choosing instead to immerse herself in the moment with him.Yet she was nothing more than a pawn for him to use against the Hoffmans in the end.Strangely, Charles had been absent from Brookville du
Grant's expression turned ice-cold in an instant. "What are you planning to do?""Kelly is Noelle's biological sister. Sean said only enzymes extracted from close relatives' blood might save Noelle. Whether it works or not, I have to try," Charles replied. His gaze was intense in a way Grant had never seen before.Grant had not expected to ever witness such an expression on Charles' face. He frowned deeply but eventually nodded. "I'll try, but she still doesn't know she's part of the Smith family.""You didn't tell her?" Charles was visibly surprised. He had assumed Grant would have already told Kelly the truth.Now, hearing that Kelly had no idea about her connection to Noelle or the Smith family, Charles was taken aback."I'll bring her over as soon as I can. Give me some time.""Fine, but don't take too long. Nelly can't wait," Charles said firmly. He understood that revealing the truth to Kelly and convincing her to help Noelle would not be easy. However, since Grant had ag
Sean emerged with a somber expression. "Margaret has confirmed that there's a fresh needle mark on Noelle's arm. That shadow from earlier must have injected something into her, which likely triggered her immediate symptoms."Charles clenched his fists, the sound of his knuckles cracking filling the tense air. "What's the plan?""Before the virus spreads too deeply, we could try using blood from Noelle's close relatives to extract certain components that might counteract it," Sean explained.Charles narrowed his eyes. "Be clearer. What are you suggesting?""This idea isn't fully tested. I only came across it in medical literature, and there's no guarantee it will work. If the virus hasn't invaded her bone marrow, we might still have a chance."Charles' expression eased slightly, but a hint of apprehension lingered. He glanced at Sean, who hesitated before continuing. "We need to call in Uncle Harrison and Shirley. Ideally, we should also bring Kelly here.""Fine!"Harrison arrive
"Make sure to cooperate well with Dr. Ellison, alright?"Charles leaned down, planting a soft kiss on Noelle's forehead before stepping out with Sean. "What's going on?"Outside, Peter, Tania, and Brandon were waiting. Brandon kept peeking into the room, and his curious eyes were wide with concern. "Uncle Charles, what's wrong with Aunt Noelle?"Charles' expression softened immediately. He reached out to tousle Brandon's hair gently. "Aunt Noelle is fine. She's just feeling a little sick.""Oh, then Bran will give Aunt Noelle some candy. If Auntie eats candy, she won't hurt anymore," Brandon said with childlike earnestness, pulling a few candies from his small bag and handing them to Charles."Uncle Charles, give these to Aunt Noelle!""Alright."Charles accepted the candies, his gaze drifting back to the room. He watched through the window as Noelle cooperated with Margaret's examination. His chest felt unbearably tight with worry."Have you figured out what to do yet?""Wh
"Mm, you didn't cry," Noelle said with a faint smile.Her face was still pale, but it was clear she had passed the peak of her pain.She placed her hands gently on Charles' face, slowly pulling herself up. After finding a comfortable position, she leaned into him, her head nuzzling against his chest like a mother soothing her child.Her delicate fingers traced the contours of his face. "You didn't cry."Charles could not help but tremble slightly. Lowering his gaze, he found Noelle looking up at him. She cupped his face with both hands, her body leaning closer, and her forehead was lightly pressing against his.She rubbed against him gently. "You were just worried about me," she said softly. Then, she placed a gentle kiss at the corner of his mouth."Our Charlie is the best, the strongest. How could he cry? Crying is my job."Noelle's smile was so tender and warm that it seemed to melt the storm brewing in Charles' heart.He carefully wrapped her in his arms, brushing his face