"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
Shirley left, fleeing in utter disarray. She admitted to herself that she completely fell apart in facing Noelle.Compared to Kelly, Noelle was undoubtedly the colder and more ruthless one. Shirley could not fathom how someone could separate emotions from reason so efficiently.After stumbling out of the hospital, Shirley wandered aimlessly along the streets. She did not know where she wanted to go or where she could even go. Despite the vastness of the world, there was not a single place for her.Suddenly, a car stopped in front of Shirley. A man fixed his gaze on her wandering figure inside of it."Sir?"Grant stared at Shirley with a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Stop the car."The car stopped about 300 feet ahead of Shirley. The door opened, and the man stepped out, his long legs moving forward with precision.Grant adjusted the buttons on his suit jacket and glanced down toward Shirley, who was still staggering forward. Kresten followed behind him, saying, "Sir, the CEO
"Ms. Shrill, just came from the hospital, I see?" Grant's words caused Shirley to immediately straighten as her sharp gaze landed on him. "You've been following me?""Do I need to follow you, Ms. Shrill?" Grant replied with a faint smile. His demeanor was infuriatingly calm. Shirley's frustration surged at his composed appearance. "What exactly do you want?""Nothing much, just pleased to see you doing so well these days.""You… Grant, you're trying to get revenge on me, aren't you?" Shirley trembled with anger. "I've told you before, I didn't destroy your family. Those rumors out there are nothing but lies.""Did I say you destroyed my family?" Grant's gaze lifted, his eyes so cold that Shirley could not suppress the chill running down her spine."I…""My father's flight lands here today. Care to guess why he's coming?""How would I know?" Shirley's lips trembled as she spoke, her eyes still avoiding his.Grant let out a derisive laugh. "You'll understand when you see him soon
Grant massaged his temples, looking visibly annoyed. He grabbed Juliet's wrist firmly and cast a cold glance back at Shirley and Kresten. "Kresten, take Ms. Jones to my father's room and make sure she stays there. She's not to leave without my permission.""Understood, sir!" Kresten responded promptly.Grant did not let go of Juliet's hand as he pulled her along. She raised an eyebrow as a sly smile tugged at her lips. She said theatrically, "Oh, so that old woman isn't your new flame! You should've said so earlier! I got jealous for no reason. I was so sour it nearly killed me!""Shut up!" Grant barked, his patience visibly waning."But I missed you so much! It's been forever since I last saw you, and you know what they say—absence makes the heart grow fonder. Didn't you miss me, Mr. Grant?""Juliet!" His voice was sharper now."Why are you so mad, Mr. Grant? I admit that I stayed away these past few days to test you. I never expected you to be so—""If you call me 'Mr. Grant'
When Juliet said those words, her eyes sparkled with mischief, and she looked as vibrant as a rose about to bloom.With a bold smile, she winked at Grant. "I was just on my way to see Mr. Kolsby. If you hadn't stopped me earlier, I might already be with him by now.""Weren't you supposed to wait for me?" Grant's voice carried a trace of disdain. Juliet froze momentarily before flashing a seductive smile. "Mr. Grant, are you jealous?"Grant frowned. "I don't indulge in such things."Juliet shrugged nonchalantly. "You're here having so much fun with me. Aren't you afraid that dear old woman might get impatient waiting?"Grant narrowed his eyes and reached out to grab her, but Juliet deftly dodged. "Mr. Grant, don't be in such a rush. The night is long. Wait for me to come back, okay?"Blowing him a playful kiss, Juliet quickly ran off before Grant could react.Grant stood there, frowning at the direction she disappeared as his mood sunk deeper."Sir!" Kresten approached him, look
Kelly reluctantly stepped out of the room, her expression filled with resentment as she cast one last glare at Shirley.Grant noticed her attitude and, after ensuring the door was securely closed, turned to Kresten. "Stand guard here. Without my permission, no one is allowed to enter or leave."Grant then led Kelly to her room. When they entered, they saw Seth already asleep. He turned his cold gaze to Kelly. He then sat down with an imposing presence that made the air feel heavy.Kelly fidgeted under his scrutiny, her anxiety growing."Go on. Didn't you have plenty to say earlier?""Why did you bring that woman back here?" Kelly's voice trembled with confusion and frustration.Grant met her eyes calmly. "Dad is coming to see her today. Does that answer satisfy you?"Kelly's face turned pale at his words. Grant stood, looking down at her. "Until he arrives, you are not to see her. Afterward, whatever you decide to do is your business. I won't interfere."With that, Grant left w
"What papers?" Noelle pretended not to understand as she stared at Winter."The shares! The share transfer agreement for the shares of City Ring Corp. I told you to bring it!" Winter fumed at Noelle's apparent feigned ignorance. "Or are you not afraid I'll expose all your photos?""Go ahead, expose them. I'd like to see if you even dare!" Noelle snorted coldly. "As for the shares, I've already told you—I sold them a long time ago.""You're lying. That's impossible!" Winter refused to believe her. "Grandpa gave those to you; there's no way you'd sell them!""Well, the truth is, I did. I sold them more than six months ago. I even told you all back then, but you refused to believe it." Noelle spread her hands, watching Winter's face twist in anger. "Winter, hand over the photos.""Without the share transfer agreement, do you think I'd give these to you? Do you take me for a fool?" Winter took out an envelope and waved it in front of Noelle."Everything's in here. And not just here
"Why not approach Yankel directly? Why go around in circles?" Charles could not understand Sean's roundabout method.Sean paused for a moment, then gave a bitter smile. "Liliana's situation is similar to Samara's. Right now, she treats Bobby as if he's her biological child. Even if Bobby is saved, she won't hand him over to Yankel. But do you think the Canfield family will let it go once they find out Bobby is their bloodline?"The matter was not as simple as it appeared. Sean would not be handling it so cautiously otherwise. "Moreover, Liliana…"Charles frowned. "What about her?""It's nothing!" Sean shook his head. "All I need is for you to help me connect with the Canfield family. I'll take care of the rest."Charles nodded. "Fair enough. Whatever is going on between you and Liliana, only the two of you can resolve it.""By the way, what did Andrew call you about just now?""It's about Nelly. Anyway, since you're fine here, I'll be heading out." Leaving Noelle alone did not s
Winter ended the call with a cold snort.Standing nearby, Suzy glanced at Winter, whose face was twisted in malice. Suzy pressed her lips together before asking, "Did you just say Noelle was…"Winter sneered, "Yeah, you want to see? I still have the photos!"Suzy's expression darkened at Winter's words. Winter might choose to self-destruct, but that did not mean Suzy was willing to join her.Especially after learning more about Winter's schemes, Suzy could not help but be amazed at how well Winter had kept up her facade all these years. If not for recent events exposing Winter's true nature, Suzy might never have known how deeply Winter had plotted against Noelle."No, I don't need to see them," Suzy said, shaking her head. "But are you really going to meet Noelle? Are you sure she'll hand over the shares? I doubt it. Those City Ring Corp. shares are no small matter.""Hmph, she wouldn't dare refuse me. If she does, I'll release these photos and ruin her completely!" Winter gritt
A deal? Noelle blinked in confusion but quickly understood Winter's intent."The household registry is with my mom. I can get it for you, but you must transfer the City Ring Corp. shares to me.""Ms. Shaw, don't you think this plan of yours is a bit too easy for you?" Noelle had suspected Winter would not approach her with good intentions and now, her suspicions were confirmed—Winter was after the shares. "And what if I refuse?""Then forget about changing your surname. As long as your household registry remains here, your documents will forever list you as a Shaw."Think about it, Noelle. You wouldn't want to be associated with the Shaws, would you? After all, if you remain a Shaw, it makes the Shaws in-laws with the Hoffmans. I doubt the Smiths would be pleased with that arrangement."Winter had clearly thought things through, though she vastly overestimated herself and underestimated Charles and the Smiths' capabilities.Changing Noelle's surname would not be a challenge for C
Noelle was carried downstairs by Charles, much to her protest. She insisted on walking down herself, but Charles simply refused.Covering her face with a hand, she could not help but mutter to herself, feeling as though she was being treated like an invalid. Charles sighed and gave Noelle's hand a gentle tug. "Alright, I'll let you down in a bit."Harrison and Maxwell happened to walk in from the yard, just in time to see the two of them bickering.Harrison's face lit up with amusement. "Noelle!"The smile on Noelle's face froze for a moment, but she quickly forced it back, curving her lips slightly. "You're here?"Although she did not call him "Dad", the gesture was already a significant step forward for Harrison. He nodded, smiling warmly. "I came to check on you and discuss the household registry with Charlie."Noelle's expression stiffened. "Is it really necessary to change it?"She glanced hesitantly between Harrison and Charles."It's not mandatory," Harrison said quickly
Charles froze for a moment while pouring tea, finding the situation amusing. "When have you ever tasted the tea brewed by Nelly?""Of course, I've had it! Last time I…" Maxwell paused mid-sentence, then let out a huff. "Don't think I don't know what you're trying to do, boy. Are you planning to highlight my shortcomings in front of your father-in-law?"Maxwell had initially disapproved of Noelle, but now, it seemed he was eating his own words. Nevertheless, Maxwell had the rare ability to admit when he was wrong.Charles handed teacups to Maxwell and Harrison before casually remarking, "I'll arrange for the surname change."Harrison paused at this. "Noelle's household registration is still with the Shaws. It's only proper to inform them. Sir Shaw has always treated Noelle well."Charles smirked coldly. "Julian called Noelle this morning.""Oh?" Maxwell perked up, clearly intrigued. "What did he say? It can't be about the household registry, could it?"Charles nodded. "From the s
"Do you still doubt my capabilities, Mr. Shaw?" Charles asked with a cold laugh. "If I was able to marry Nelly without your knowledge, I can certainly manage without your household registry."With a composed demeanor, he tugged the blanket over Noelle, ensuring she was snugly covered. Only then did he rise and step onto the balcony as his gaze drifted to the scene below.Maxwell was seated with Harrison, engaged in a game of chess. Harrison had arrived early, likely for the sole purpose of discussing the name change.Harrison noticed Charles on the balcony and gave him a nod, acknowledging his presence. Charles inclined his head slightly in return before redirecting his focus.Tapping the balcony railing with his fingers, he said, "I won't keep chatting with you now, Mr. Shaw.""Hey, wait—" Julian tried to respond, but Charles efficiently ended the call without another word."What's going on?" Jade asked as she approached, noticing Julian's sour expression. "Did Noelle give you a
"I don't care. I'm not going to let this go so easily," Jade fumed as she returned to her room. She snapped at Julian, "Are you just going to accept this?"Julian shot her a fierce look. "And what do you propose we do?"Jade huffed. "Why have we worked so hard for nothing? Remember when dad gave Noelle the City Ring Corp. shares? He did it because she was part of the Shaw family. But now she's changed her last name, so she's not a Shaw anymore. Why should she keep our shares?"Julian remembered once Jade mentioned it. "Yeah, Dad did give Noelle the shares." He had not agreed with it, but Samuel had been firm.Julian always respected his father, so he would not argue with Samuel. However, Jade had a point. Noelle was not a Shaw anymore, it did not seem right for her to keep the shares."So, what's your plan?" Julian asked."If they want to keep their family status, that's fine. Just give us back the shares," Jade said with confidence. "Tell your dad, and go talk to Noelle about it
"And what do you propose we do?" Samuel asked sharply. "Don't think I'm unaware of your little schemes. I've told you, Noelle is my girl, so you’d better not be plotting anything against her, understood?""But Dad, you can't just say that. Noelle's name is still under our family in the registry. As long as we don't agree, Harrison or the Smith family can't just snatch her away no matter how strong they are, right? We've taken care of her all this time, and we deserve some credit for that!" Jade could not hold back. "Look at the Smiths and the Hoffmans. They're loaded, and we...""Are you really concerned about Noelle, or is it just about what you stand to gain?" Samuel challenged. "I'm not the type to profit from my granddaughter. This matter is not up for debate. I called you here to ask you to hand over the family registry book."Jade could not believe her ears. "Dad, are you out of your mind? You're really going to let Noelle change her last name without getting anything for it?