Sebastian looked up, his gaze meeting Charles's clear, honest eyes. Charles nodded slightly, and Sebastian said, "Alright."Exhausted, Sebastian rubbed his temples. "I'll get straight to the point. Noelle isn't Jade and Julian's daughter, and you've known that for a while. She's actually my youngest daughter Madison's child, though she now goes by Shirley."Charles gave a slight nod. "I'm aware.""Do you know who Noelle's father is?""It’s Harrison."Sebastian was taken aback by Charles’ response but let out a resigned sigh. "I should’ve known. Even if I kept silent, you have the smarts to figure it out on your own. I only discovered today that Noelle is Harrison's daughter!"Sebastian caught the mild surprise on Charles's face and gave him a wry smile. "I've let my daughter down. Madison has always been too proud and stubborn. She’s full of ambition and can never be satisfied. She's always reached for the stars!"I once arranged a marriage for her. I was really close to the hea
A sharp look flickered in Charles's eyes. "What are you getting at, Grandpa?""To be honest, I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. I just found out today that Noelle's actually a Smith. Had I known that, I never would've given her to the Shaws."Charles nodded, piecing it together. "Do you think Noelle should join the Smiths?”He got it then. "The Smiths do have some serious clout, that's for sure.""I'm not saying Noelle has to go back or anything. She's married to you now, which puts my mind at ease. But she's still a Smith, and after the rough time she had with the Shaws, I bet the Smiths will want to make things right for her," Sebastian mused. "Still, it's all up to what Noelle wants. That's why I wanted to talk to you today. What's your take on all this, and how much does Noelle know?""All that matters to me is what Noelle wants. If she's up for it, she can reach out to Harrison. If not, I'm not going to push her. She's got me now, and I won't let anyone hurt her agai
Charles could not help but laugh, shaking his head in disbelief. "What's all this about?""Nothing.""Nothing."Noelle and Anna’s voices echoed in unison."Hmph!""Hmph!"Charles just stared at the pair, speechless."Okay, let's calm down!" Charles scooped Anna up and headed to the living room, hand-in-hand with Noelle. All eyes landed on them as they entered, and Noelle's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She quickly stepped away from Charles. "Did you get something to eat?""Yep!" Charles chuckled at Noelle's bashful act and tugged her to sit next to him.Meanwhile, Anna made herself comfortable on his lap and gently nudged his cheek. "Uncle Charles, I told Aunt Noelle that when I'm big, I'm gonna marry you!""Don’t be silly. Uncle Charles is married to Aunt Noelle. When you're all grown up, you can marry someone who's perfect for you too!""But why?" Anna's face crinkled into a frown, and tears sprang to her eyes. "Mommy says you should marry someone you like, and I like
Chloe bit her lip, torn. She glanced at Noelle, then at Charles, weighing her options.Charles raised an eyebrow. "It's pretty late. Aren't you tired and worried about waking Anna?"Chloe gave a small nod. "Okay, we'll stay. Zara, could you help clean up a bit? I'm going to put Anna to bed.""I've got it!" Clarisse suddenly stood up and approached them. "I'll hold the baby."Chloe's face froze for a second, and before she could say anything, Clarisse had already gently scooped Anna into her arms as if she was terrified of disturbing her sleep. She whispered, "Zara, where's the room? Lead the way, please.""Right this way, madam!"Chloe's expression was tense, and she felt a weird twist in her gut. She realized she had not even thought to protest Clarisse taking over.Noelle and Charles shared a knowing look, and Noelle got to her feet. "Some things are in the past. Let's not dwell on them."Chloe forced a smile. "I'm not sure if I can forgive her.""Just try not to push her aw
Charles let out a sigh and playfully flicked Noelle's nose. "It's tough having a little wife who's too clever for her own good!" he said with mock frustration.Noelle bristled, grabbing his finger. "Little wife, huh? It sounds like you're the little wife here!"Charles's eyes crinkled with amusement as he gazed down at Noelle's indignant expression, shaking his head with a smile. "You're my little wife," he declared, pressing a kiss to her fingers."Oh, really? I'm your little wife? So, are you saying you have a big wife hiding out somewhere?" Noelle teased, reaching for Charles's ear before he quickly wrapped her hand in his. "Silly girl! You're the only wife for me."Noelle snorted. "Nice try, but I'm onto you and your subject-changing tactics!"With a sigh, Charles scooped Noelle into his arms. "Let's head upstairs. I’ve been out all day, and I've missed you!"That got a laugh out of Noelle. She hugged his neck and motioned for him to lean in, rewarding him with a kiss on the
Noelle remembered the guy she had bumped into at Royal Star that morning. "Harrison, right?”Charles raised an eyebrow in surprise. "How'd you figure that out?"Noelle shrugged. "Just a wild guess." She had not expected to actually hit the nail on the head.Harrison's face had popped into her mind out of nowhere. "Harrison was at Royal Star with Shirley today. It looked like there was some drama between them from how Shirley acted around him. I can't figure out their relationship. And get this: Harrison is Sean's uncle. Why hasn't Sean ever mentioned him?"Charles's eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief. "Yeah, Harrison is Sean's uncle, alright. Their family has some skeletons in the closet. If you're really curious, I'll spill the beans some other time.""It’s not a big deal. I'm not dying to know. I've only run into Mr. Harrison Smith a couple of times, but he seems like a decent guy. So, tell me. Why was Harrison tagging along? What's his deal with Shirley?"Charles dropped a
Feeling a mix of annoyance and confusion, Noelle looked away and avoided Charles's eyes.She bit her lip, defiantly refusing to face Charles, hugging her knees to her chest. Taking a deep breath, she buried her head between her knees. "Charles, I just need a little space to think!"Charles's face tensed up. "Sure!"There they were, Noelle at the head of the bed and Charles at the foot.His calm eyes softened as he watched over Noelle.Noelle did not know how long she had been sitting there when she finally looked up and saw Charles still in the same position. Guilt washed over her. "Charles, I...""Come here!"Charles waved her over, and Noelle scooted closer. He reached out, pulling her into a gentle hug and propping her on his lap. His hand softly stroked her cheek. "Silly girl. Didn't I tell you that you've still got me?"Noelle looked up at Charles. "So, is Harrison my real dad?" Her voice was steady and almost normal. "Is that it?""Yep!" Charles confirmed with a nod, not
Noelle stirred awake to a room bathed in sunlight, the chill of the morning long gone. She stretched out to find the other side of the bed empty and the sheets beside her cool to the touch. She blinked the sleep from her eyes and realized she was alone. Pushing herself up, she crawled out of bed, her movements slow and groggy.The alarm clock on the dresser read eleven o'clock, jolting Noelle into alertness. She slapped her forehead in disbelief and scrambled out of bed.After a quick wash, Noelle double-checked the clock, frowning. "I was sure I set the alarm for eight this morning." Somehow, she had slept through it until nearly midday.Descending the stairs, Noelle found the Hoffman household already buzzing with activity.She crept down, the lively sounds from the living room growing louder. Anna and Charles were in the midst of a playful tussle. Anna's laughter was ringing out, punctuated by Chloe's good-natured chuckles. "Anna, come on. Give your Uncle Charles a break," Chloe
"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