"Grandpa, why are you still carrying Grandma's pendant around with you?" Sean interjected when he noticed Noelle's awkwardness."You brat, what do you know? Your grandma didn't get to travel much when she was alive. Carrying this with me on my trips is like having her accompany me," Yisroel explained with a sentimental tone before turning back to Noelle, his expression softening."Noelle, just take it."Noelle swallowed hard. "Um… Sir Smith, there's no need for this!"Initially, she did not want to accept it, but she felt even more reluctant after Sean's comment. This was the Smith family's heirloom, something that surely carried great importance. It did not sit well with her that Yisroel would disregard his own children and grandchildren to give it to her.Hearing her refusal, Yisroel's face immediately fell. He looked at Noelle with a pitiful expression. "Do you think it's not valuable enough? Don't worry, this is just a small token for our first meeting. I have plenty more trea
Sean chuckled. "Charles, come outside and spar with me."Charles narrowed his eyes and glanced at Noelle. Seeing her give him a reassuring nod, he rose from his seat and scooped Anna into his arms.Once Charles and Sean stepped out, the expansive private room suddenly felt quiet and empty, leaving only Harrison and Noelle.All of Harrison's usual sternness seemed to dissolve in Noelle's presence. He shifted uneasily in his chair, and his posture betrayed his discomfort. "Noelle—""Mr. Smith," Noelle interrupted, her tone calm but firm. She pressed her lips together before continuing, "I understand what you wish to say. I'm glad the Smith family members seem to like me very much."Harrison nodded. There was a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "They really do like you.""But Mr. Smith, just because they like me doesn't mean I can casually call someone my grandparents, uncles, or aunts.""We're your family, Noelle," Harrison said earnestly.Noelle lifted her head, her gaze unwavering.
Harrison's face briefly showed a flicker of disappointment, but he managed a smile and said, "Alright, I won't pressure you. If you change your mind and decide to acknowledge me one day, you're always welcome to come to the Smiths.""Mr. Smith!" Noelle suddenly called out. "I'm your daughter, and Kelly is the daughter of Flynn Anderson from Capiton. Am I correct?"Harrison froze at her words, his entire body stiffening.He clenched his fists tightly. Noelle could feel the tense hostility emanating from him though he remained composed, keeping his emotions in check."I don't know the exact nature of your past relationship with Shirley, nor do I wish to know how things might unfold between you two in the future," Noelle said evenly. "But let me make one thing clear. Even if I someday decide to acknowledge you, I'll never acknowledge her."Noelle stood up. "It's getting late. You should head back."With that, she left. She joined Charles and Anna, who were waiting for her at the doo
Yisroel, having just stepped off the plane, immediately heard about the situation from his daughter-in-law. He ordered his people to find out where Harrison was dining without delay and rushed over as soon as he got the address. "Just look at you! At your age, you're still running around doing God knows what! You're completely irresponsible!""Dad!" Harrison frowned. "What have I done that's irresponsible?""How dare you ask me this? You left for Capiton 25 years ago. What exactly have you been up to there?" Yisroel's frustration flared as he glared at Harrison."Don't think I'm clueless about your antics. I just didn't want to waste my energy dealing with you. Let me make this clear—Noelle must be acknowledged and brought back into the Smith family. That's non-negotiable. As for that woman, Shirley, she'll never be accepted by us—ever!"Yisroel's tone was resolute and left no room for debate. "If you insist on clinging to that woman, don't blame me for casting you out and cutting
The other members of the Smith family frowned at the sight of Harrison's expression. "Harrison!"Harrison, however, kept his gaze fixed on Shirley. "You chose to be with me back then. You said it was for life, Madison!"Shirley's heart clenched painfully. She did not dare look into Harrison's eyes. Clenching her fists tightly, she turned her head away and bit down hard on her lower lip."Look me in the eye, Madison. I don't believe it—I don't believe you've forgotten.""Ha, what's so hard to believe?" Shirley closed her eyes briefly as if recalling something. When she looked up again, her eyes were devoid of any sorrow, replaced by a cold indifference as she stared at Harrison."Don't you remember? That Madison is dead—murdered. And one of the killers was you. The person standing here now is just an empty shell. I'm Shirley now, just Shirley."Shirley stepped closer to Harrison, her gaze unwavering. Raising a trembling hand, she gently touched Harrison's strong, resolute face—the
"He's still in the operating room!" Hayes rubbed his temples, then patted Sean's shoulder. "Why are you here?""With something this serious happening to Uncle Harrison, how could I not come? But…" Sean's gaze shifted to Fran and Shirley. "What exactly happened?"Shirley appeared completely dazed, unsure of why she was even at the hospital. This could have been the perfect opportunity to escape the Smith family and Harrison, yet she stayed.Fran glanced at Shirley's distraught expression before turning back. "Mr. Harrison's heart hasn't been in good condition for years. He sustained a serious injury over 20 years ago—right in the area of his heart. That time, he suffered massive blood loss and nearly died on the operating table."It was only thanks to his strong will to live that he pulled through, but ever since then, his heart has been weak, and he requires long-term medication. The doctors warned that he couldn't endure stress; otherwise, the episodes would become more frequent."
Noelle paused, then said, "I'll just sit over there."She pointed to the seat next to Yisroel. Yisroel, who was already looking utterly exhausted, perked up when he heard her. He waved eagerly. "Noelle, come over here!"Noelle tugged at the corners of her mouth in a faint smile and walked over. "Hey, Grandpa."Yisroel froze for a moment, seemingly stunned. He glanced around at everyone present, then back at Noelle as if confirming what he had just heard.When he saw her gentle smile, his eyes welled up with tears. "Hey there."Hayes and the other Smith siblings exchanged surprised glances, clearly taken aback by Noelle's change in attitude. As they watched her calm demeanor, they began to assume that she had accepted them.Charles' bright eyes lingered on Noelle and the Smith family. Then, he smiled slightly, reached out, and gently stroked Noelle's hair. "Are you tired?" His voice was soft.Noelle shook her head. "I'm not tired.""Alright."The surgery lasted about two hours
"It shouldn't be anything serious," Sean remarked nonchalantly. His lack of concern for Shirley was evident. He could not muster any sympathy for her. He patted Charles on the shoulder. "Want to talk?"Charles nodded. "I'll find you in a bit.""Alright! I've got some things to handle anyway."After Sean left, Charles and Noelle exchanged a glance. Charles reached out and gently squeezed Noelle's hand. She responded with a reassuring smile before walking over to Shirley, who was sitting on the floor and staring blankly ahead as if Noelle did not even exist.Noelle noticed Shirley's lips moving silently, as though she was muttering something incomprehensible.She crouched down to meet Shirley's gaze. Shirley's eyes suddenly widened in alarm, and she scrambled back a few steps as her face paled with fear. "D-Don't come near me," she stammered.Noelle frowned. "Shirley?"Shirley froze momentarily, her vacant stare flickering with recognition. She blinked, and her thoughts snapped ba
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