Harrison mustered a wry smile. "What about Andy? Hasn't he come to see you?"Andy.Yitty's hand tightened briefly around her teacup, though her expression remained calm. "He came back a while ago, but it happened to be while you were away. That child is busier than ever these days. Who knows when he'll visit next?"Harrison chuckled lightly. "If you miss him so much, why not go visit him yourself?""Enough about me. Let's talk about you.""Me? What do you want to know?""Noelle."The faint smile on Harrison's face instantly disappeared, replaced by a dark expression. "How did you find out?""So, it's true, then?" Yitty's face turned stern. "This is outrageous. After all these years, why didn't you say anything? You allowed another family to take her in? Do you know how unfairly Noelle was treated in the Shaw family?"Yitty placed her teacup on the stone table with a sharp clink, and her expression was cold. "Are you saying the Smith family couldn't afford to raise a little gir
"Ms. Shrill, this isn't up to you," Ellen said sternly. "You know how important White Night is. Don't let your personal feelings ruin the entire project. The fact that White Night is being released in Zyphonia is entirely thanks to Royal Star."Though Ellen's words were harsh, they served as a warning to Shirley not to act on a whim. Many things were beyond her control.Shirley felt irritated but knew better than to create trouble.Seeing Shirley settle down, Ellen continued, "The person attending the dinner tonight is the important figure I mentioned before, Royal Star's biggest shareholder. Don't worry—she's a woman and simply admires you professionally."Shirley looked up. There was a flicker of surprise crossing her face. "Really?""Yes. The attendees will only include a few internal members of Royal Star, mostly senior executives. There won't be any media or journalists present. You can rest assured. Nothing like the incident a few days ago will happen again.""You'd better
Noelle slightly furrowed her brows but maintained her smile. "Ms. Shrill?" she said while extending her hand. It hovered awkwardly in the air as Shirley stared at her, unable to make a move.Noelle did not speak further, continuing to smile at Shirley with an air of calm.Shirley suddenly felt a chill run through her. She wanted to speak, but no words came out.The woman before her was Noelle. She was…Shirley abruptly turned on her heel to leave, but Ellen grabbed her arm, holding it tightly. "What are you doing?!" Ellen hissed through gritted teeth as she leaned closer to Shirley."Do you know where you are? Royal Star's largest shareholder, the wife of Collosus Group's CEO, is greeting you, and you think you can just walk out? Are you out of your mind?"Shirley's face turned pale. "It's you!" Collosus Group… Royal Star Entertainment!The names weighed heavily on Shirley, making it hard to breathe. She never imagined that Noelle was now the wife of Charles, the CEO of Collos
Noelle's heart sank slightly. "Don't you have anyone or anything worth cherishing?" she asked, her gaze fixed intently on Shirley. She was afraid to miss even the smallest change in her expression.Shirley pressed her lips together, seemingly lost in thought, but her expression revealed a clear distaste for the question.Noelle's grip on her teacup tightened slightly. Standing behind her was Yoanna, Charles' secretary. She was a bespectacled young woman.Noticing Noelle's subtle tension, Yoanna immediately stepped forward. "Mrs. Hoffman, Mr. Hoffman specifically instructed that you shouldn't drink tea during your pregnancy."Noelle snapped out of her reverie and smiled faintly. "Alright, then bring me a glass of warm water instead."Yoanna quickly headed off to fetch the warm water. Meanwhile, Shirley, who had been observing Noelle the entire time, let out a cold scoff. "It seems Charles treats you quite well."Noelle looked up slightly at the comment. "Of course. He's my husband
Shirley pressed her lips together, remaining silent as her eyes bore into Noelle's. It was as though she was trying to uncover some hidden truth.Unfortunately for her, she was destined to be disappointed.Having spent so much time in Collosus Group and by Charles' side, Noelle had learned the unspoken rules of the business world. The most important among them was the ability to mask one's emotions.In this regard, Shirley fell short compared to Noelle despite her background as an actress.Noelle studied Shirley with a faint smile. "Ms. Shrill, don't you think we share some similarities?"Shirley's eyes widened in shock, like she was struck by lightning. Without a word, she turned and fled from the restroom.Noelle remained where she was, her smile gradually fading until her expression became calm and unperturbed.Yoanna, who had come to check on her out of concern, was greeted by this composed version of Noelle. Her eyes betrayed no hint of emotion, yet a faint smile lingered o
Shirley had practically fled. She could not quite grasp where the fear in her heart came from, but she knew that when she faced Noelle, she was deeply terrified.Sitting in the car, she stared out into the distance. Ellen drove silently but occasionally glanced at Shirley's expression and frowned slightly. "Ms. Shrill, you really shouldn't have spoken to Ms. Shaw like that just now.""And how exactly should I have spoken?" Shirley scoffed. "You knew Noelle would be there, didn't you?"Shirley fixed her sharp gaze on Ellen, but she turned his head slightly, avoiding her eyes.Seeing her reaction, Shirley understood. "You knew I didn't want to see her, so why did you still make me go?""Unless you don't want to develop your career in Zyphonia anymore, you'll have to face her. Not just today, but you won't be able to refuse whenever she wants to see you.""You—""Ms. Shrill, don't forget that you currently rely on Royal Star, and Royal Star is under Collosus GROUP. Surely you know
"You bastard, let me go!""I told you, if you can't kill me, I'll make you stay by my side. Alive or dead, you'll belong to me for the rest of your life," Harrison said coldly as he flung Shirley's hand aside."See? Deep down, you still can't bear to kill me. Otherwise, you wouldn't have hesitated so long.""You think I don't dare to do it? I just didn't want to taint myself with your filthy blood because I find you disgusting!""Disgusting? Do you think you're any cleaner? Sleeping your way through the entertainment industry, jumping from one wealthy heir's bed to another?" Harrison's tone was ice-cold, and his disdain was evident.Shirley trembled from head to toe. "Harrison, you're nothing but a bastard, a despicable bastard!"She raised her hand to slap him, but Harrison caught her wrist in a vice-like grip. "A bastard? Yet you still gave birth to my daughter!""That abomination—"Before Shirley could finish, Harrison's hand clamped down on her jaw, forcing her mouth open w
Harrison did not spare Shirley another glance. He turned and walked out of her room, locking the door behind him.Shirley stared at the closed door in despair, as if the gates of heaven had been shut forever. She felt as though her entire existence was destined for darkness."Harrison, why? Why are you so cruel to me?"…Noelle returned to the Hoffman residence, utterly exhausted. The moment she stepped inside, a maid hurried over to take her belongings. "Mrs. Hoffman, you're back?"Noelle nodded. "Where's Mr. Hoffman?""Mrs. Hoffman, he's in the study, playing chess with Sir Hoffman," the maid replied, noticing her fatigue. "Mrs. Hoffman, are you tired?"Noelle waved her hand dismissively. "I'm fine. Just help me take my things to the room.""Yes, ma'am."As Noelle made her way inside, she noticed Nancy and Clarisse sitting together in the living room. Once considered bitter rivals, the two women now seemed to coexist peacefully.Noelle walked over with a warm smile. Just th
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