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
That was good to hear. Charles had been worried Noelle might not be able to handle it.His eyes darkened slightly as his gaze rested on Noelle. "Did you have a good dinner?"He had originally planned to accompany her tonight, but Noelle had refused. Besides, he was tied up with work and could not leave.Not to mention, Noelle had insisted on going alone; she wanted to see how Shirley truly felt about her.Although they had crossed paths before, Noelle had not been sure of Shirley's attitude. Yet after tonight, she understood a few things.Shirley did not like her. In fact, she seemed to resent or even hate her. Otherwise, Shirley would not have behaved the way she did in that setting."Of course, it was fine!" Noelle forced a smile. Yet thinking about Shirley's attitude toward her, she could not help but feel a twinge of discomfort.Even though Noelle didn't think she needed parental care anymore, the longing for family was something she could not entirely shake, no matter her a
Harrison was no longer the young man from 15 years ago. He had become a demon while she…Shirley looked at her battered face in the mirror, wanting to laugh but unable to muster even a faint smile.She could still recall every word Harrison had thrown at her, whether her eyes were open or closed. For years, those words haunted her, refusing to fade.However, the events had already transpired, and none of them could change the past.The door to her room opened as Harrison gripped the doorknob with one hand.When he saw Shirley slumped on the floor in front of the mirror, a fleeting glimmer of darkness crossed his eyes before quickly vanishing.He stepped inside with slow, deliberate steps. His uneven gait, caused by his injured leg, gave his movements an awkward, almost jarring quality.Behind him followed a man carrying a medical kit. The man had a cheerful demeanor, but when his gaze landed on Shirley, a flicker of something inscrutable flashed in his eyes."Uncle Harrison, yo
Shirley's eyes reddened as she whimpered, "You have no right to mention him."Her voice was faint, almost inaudible, and the pain forced her to cover her mouth as tears streamed uncontrollably down her face.Harrison's chest tightened momentarily, but he reached out and gently wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes with his rough fingertips."Tell me, how could your heart be so cruel when you abandoned Noelle back then?"Shirley instinctively took a step back, but Harrison pulled her closer, leaving her no room to escape. "Maddy, running away won't solve anything.""You're not well, so rest for now," Harrison continued, his tone calm yet commanding. "Once you've recovered, I'll take you back to see your father.""No!" Shirley cried out in panic.She shook her head fervently, tears cascading down her cheeks. It was not that she did not want to go back—it was that she could not.Her father, Sebastian, despised her with every fiber of his being. He loathed her for her heartl
"Since you've got this under control, I won't say much. Just make sure you know what you're doing," Hayes said while patting Harrison's shoulder. "Take a seat and explain what's going on. Isn't Noelle Julian Shaw and Jade Jones' daughter?"Ever since the events of 25 years ago, the Smith family had rarely interacted with the Jones family, let alone the Shaw family. As a result, Hayes was not well-informed about the Shaw family's situation.However, Noelle's name had come up in conversations recently.Hayes recalled a phone call from Savannah a few days ago mentioning Noelle. At the time, he had been too busy to pay much attention and only caught bits and pieces.Now, hearing Harrison bring it up, Hayes remembered that Julian indeed had two daughters. The elder one, Winter, was now a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.As for the younger daughter, Noelle, Hayes had not heard much about her. What little he had heard wasn't exactly flattering.Thinking of this, Hayes' ex
"What kind of information do you want?" Peter waved his hand, signaling Brandon to look for Tania, then stepped out onto the beach.Squinting against the sunlight, he asked, "He doesn't seem to have anything suspicious going on abroad. What are you worried about?""Nothing much," Sean replied with a chuckle. "So, when are you and Tania coming back? You've left that company of yours to Jamie. Aren't you afraid one day he'll swallow it whole? By then, you'll be left with nothing."Peter snorted dismissively, clearly unconcerned. "If he can take it, then I'd have to admit his skill, doesn't it?"Sean clicked his tongue. "Peter, does this mean you're not planning to come back? Got too comfortable there, huh? I bet Tania doesn't care what you're up to. But mark my words, if you keep idling like this, you'll go broke one day. Then we'll see if Tania still wants you!"Peter let out another cold laugh. "Don't you worry about me. Even if I lose everything, my wife has money. My brother-in-
"Your mom is a homewrecker, a vixen who destroys other people's families.""You're the daughter of a mistress. My mom says you're an illegitimate child!""We don't want to play with you! My mom says no one wants you because you're just a bastard!""Go away! We don't want to play with someone as dirty as you!"…"Mommy, Mommy, why don't you want me?"Liliana felt so cold.It was her first winter in Brookville after coming from the misty waters of Jacksonville, and the chill seeped deep into her bones.The Hoffman residence was enormous, yet Liliana still felt cold—not just from the weather but from the people. Their gazes were cold and indifferent. Even at school, the way those elite students looked at her was filled with mockery.She was only five when her mother brought her to this bustling metropolis, leading her straight to this grand yet icy mansion.The people here were dressed elegantly, so dazzling that it was impossible to look away. However, when they looked at her a
Even though she loved him deeply now, Noelle still felt as if a part of her memory was missing. It seemed unfair to Charles.Charles simply smiled, lowering his head to place a gentle kiss on the corner of her lips."Alright. Whatever you want to know, I'll tell you." He agreed, his tone warm and unwavering. "But before that, I think we have something more important to do.""What is it?" Noelle looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with a misty glow that made Charles' heart ripple."Our wedding night, of course, Mrs. Hoffman."Noelle's face turned bright red in an instant. "But… we're in a hotel, not Phoenix Tree Residence!""It doesn't matter where we are. As long as I have you, that's all that matters."Tonight, every word Charles spoke was as if dipped in honey, making Noelle's heart race. She stole a shy glance at him. "But… my brother and the others are still outside—""Forget about them."Without another word, Charles scooped her up and carried her straight to the bed, b
"Charlie, I forgot about you. Tell me the truth—are you angry?"Charles sighed. "No, how could I ever be angry with you?"He reached out and gently tucked a strand of Noelle's hair behind her ear. Seeing the seriousness in her eyes, he let out a soft chuckle. "Even if you never remember me for the rest of your life, I still wouldn't be angry.""Really?"Charles nodded.Noelle hesitated for a moment, then mustered the courage to look straight at him. "Charlie… if—just hypothetically—if things between me and Xavier had never gone wrong… If Winter never came between us and I was still with Xavier… What would you have done? Would you have just watched me get engaged to him? Marry him? And then—"Before she could finish, Charles pressed a finger against her lips, silencing her.Noelle blinked and saw that his gaze had deepened. He wrapped his arms tightly around her waist."No. That would never happen," he said firmly. The very thought of her with someone else, marrying someone else
The moment Noelle finished speaking, the world seemed to fall silent.Charles' lips curved into a faint smile, his eyes glinting with amusement. Yet if one looked closely, there was a serious intensity in his gaze as he fixed it on Noelle. "Hmm? What did my wife just say?"Noelle shot him a sharp glare. "I don't care. Whatever it is, you're not allowed to read it. Give it back!"She pouted, her expression just as serious and determined.Charles raised an eyebrow, surprised by how adamant she was.Though curiosity tugged at him, he would not force her if she felt so strongly about it. "Alright, I won't read it."Hearing this, Noelle exhaled in relief and reached out her hand. "Then give it back."Charles' eyes glimmered with amusement. "I promise I won't read it now, but I'll wait for the day you show it to me yourself."After saying that, he placed the diary into Noelle's hand. Instead of letting her go, however, he pulled her into an embrace as if he wanted to merge her into h
So, that was why the name felt so familiar—because Noelle had known Charles since she was a child.No wonder, the first time she met him, his gaze had seemed to pierce right through her as if he were looking for someone else. Had he been looking at her all along?Noelle reached up and touched her own face, realization washing over her. The memories she had lost all this time… They were about Charles?Her emotions swelled uncontrollably. Moving carefully, she knelt before him, her gaze fixed intently on his face. She compared his features to the descriptions she had recorded in her diary.With a trembling hand, she reached out, stopping just shy of touching his cheek.She simply watched him, quietly, taking in his features. They were so similar to the ones she had once described in her diary. A sudden chuckle escaped her lips.Even though she still could not recall the details of how they had met, she could tell from her own words just how much she must have liked him back then. O
Noelle smiled softly. "It's nothing. He probably just drank too much."Tania handed her a cup. "Here's some honey water. Let my brother drink some later."She paused for a moment before adding, "Don't worry about Ice and Glitter. Peter and I will take care of them.""Thank you, Tania." Noelle had indeed been worrying about the babies.The adults could stay up celebrating, but Connor and Nora were only two months old. They needed rest."It's nothing," Tania reassured her. "This is such a big day for you two. Don't worry, we'll take good care of the kids. Most of the guests have already left, and Grandpa and the others have gone home too."Noelle nodded. "What about you?""Peter and I will take Bran home soon, but we'll stop by Phoenix Tree Residence first to check on the babies.""Alright.""Just stay here and rest for now. Sean and the others are still partying pretty hard. I doubt they'll be leaving anytime soon."After Tania left, Noelle tested the temperature of the honey
This wedding was nothing short of spectacular. Every moment was meticulously recorded by a dedicated team, with cameras set up throughout the venue to capture every detail of the ceremony from all angles.Charles and Noelle barely had a moment to rest as they moved from table to table, toasting guests with endless glasses of wine. The atmosphere remained lively and joyous deep into the night. It was not until the early hours of the morning that Noelle finally helped Charles to a private lounge on the second floor of the hotel.Though many had stepped in to shield them from excessive drinking, there was no avoiding the celebratory nature of the occasion. The alcohol had inevitably taken its toll. After settling Charles onto the couch, Noelle fetched some honey water and a warm towel before returning to his side.Charles lay slightly on his side, propping his chin up with one hand. Noelle sat beside him and handed him the towel, but he did not reach for it.Sighing, she called soft
Sean clicked his tongue, shaking his head in amusement. "Charles, your body is here, but your heart is clearly somewhere else."Then, as if making an even bigger discovery, he gestured toward a spot not far away. "Oh, I say, Charles, this is a real crisis. See that?"With the enthusiasm of someone who thrived on drama, Sean pointed at Noelle and Grant. "I don't know, man. That guy doesn't look like he's here with good intentions."Charles raised an eyebrow, his gaze darkening as it settled on Noelle and Grant. He gripped his glass a little tighter, but his eyes refused to move away from them. Still, his words were dismissive. "He's just another big brother-in-law. That's all.""Yeah, right. Just admit it—he's a strong rival."The second Sean finished speaking, he felt an icy stare pierce through him. Charles' glare was sharp enough to cut. "Hmm? What did you just say?""Nothing!" Sean swallowed hard, instantly backtracking. Dear god, a jealous man was terrifying!"You think he's
Grant's eyes carried too many emotions—too many things unspoken. Noelle could not fully understand, but she could sense that there was something significant behind his words.The diary in her hands had to hold something important that was possibly related to the past she had forgotten. Perhaps they were the lost pieces of her memory that she had always assumed were not crucial.She had assumed so because otherwise, she would have recalled them after all these years. Besides, they had not seemed to affect her life in any meaningful way.Over time, she had gradually let go of the idea of remembering.Yet now, with Grant handing her this diary, an unsettling feeling crept over her as if she had forgotten something incredibly important—something she could not afford to lose.Holding the diary tightly, Noelle felt a strange mix of emotions that she could not quite describe.She hesitated before murmuring, "Thank you."In the end, she did not ask Grant where he had gotten the diary. I