"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
"I don't know what you're talking about!" Shirley snapped and tried to leave, but Flynn stopped her. "I've looked after Kelly for so many years. That should repay the debt for you saving my wife's life back then."Shirley's hand froze on the doorknob, gripping it tightly."Back then, you saved my wife. In return, I raised Kelly and settled that debt. But..." Flynn paused, his tone hardening. "The grievances between you and Harrison shouldn't involve the children.""I didn't want to hurt them. That's why I did what I did. You don't understand—Harrison is a madman! He wouldn't believe the child I carried was his. He doubted Kelly was his all along. I... He treated me so horribly. I was afraid he'd harm Kelly, so I...""And what about Noelle?""How do you know about that?" Shirley asked in shock. Her lips were trembling. "How do you know about Noelle?""When you left Capiton for Carvonia, my wife visited the Shaws to see that child. Later, I sent my son to the Shaws as well," Flynn
Sean nodded. "Alright, please have a seat first."Charles helped Noelle settle into a chair before turning his attention to Sean, who began, "My Uncle Harrison seems to have had some misunderstanding with Shirley. I don't know the full story of what happened earlier at the house. What I do know is that my uncle was injured in his younger days—stabbed near the heart."Although the blade didn't hit any vital organs, the heart is a delicate area." Sean pinched the bridge of his nose, his voice heavy."You heard what the doctor said earlier. He underwent a heart transplant years ago. He probably doesn't have much time left."Sean glanced at Noelle with a somber expression. "I think that's why Uncle Harrison is so adamant about reconnecting with you."Noelle's lips trembled as she processed his words. She had thought herself indifferent toward this man, but hearing Sean's explanation struck a deep, unexpected chord. After a moment of struggle, she managed to ask, "What do you mean? He…
The woman with Joanna gushed, "You're so lucky! Your boyfriend Sean is so handsome and rich, and your future mother-in-law adores you too!""Please, you're making me blush. Sean and I aren't even official yet." Joanna laughed off the compliment."It's only a matter of time. Everyone at the hospital knows you two are an item. And your future mother-in-law is so generous, showering you with gifts. You wouldn't believe how many people are green with envy!""You're making it sound too good to be true!"As Liliana overheard Joanna and the woman's conversation about Sean, she felt like a creep for eavesdropping.Yes, Sean had been with Joanna for a while. Where did that leave Liliana?She had been with Sean, which explained why he was so cold that day. He must have really disliked her, or else it would not have made sense.Liliana squeezed her hands together, trying hard not to eavesdrop on Joanna and the other woman's chat. However, their words floated to her ears, every single one c
Adalee had braced herself for tough negotiations, but to her surprise, they were ready to shake hands on the deal he moment she stepped into the other company's office. The previous unreasonable demands were gone. They were going to work together just like they had before.Even though Adalee thought it was odd, she was just glad there were no hiccups in the partnership. She signed the contract and decided to give Liliana some time off, hoping it would help her shake off the blues from that unhappy evening.Ever since Liliana came back from Cascade City, she had been quiet. Her life was work, work, and nothing but work. She did not go out, not even when Tania tried to coax her into hanging out.Tania could tell something was off with Liliana, but Liliana clammed up whenever she asked, saying she was swamped with work and had no spare time.Liliana had even forgotten about the date with Keith she had planned to arrange after her business trip.Her routine was simple: she would work
Adalee had just stepped out of her room when she ran into Sean. Sean's face was stormy as he walked past, not even noticing Adalee."Mister..." Adalee called, but Sean did not even look back.Adalee's brows knitted together in worry. She rushed to Liliana's door and called, "Liliana? Liliana?"Adalee did not hear Liliana answer, so she knocked again. "Liliana, are you in there?"After Sean left, Liliana could not stop the tears from coming. However, she did not let herself cry loudly. It was just a quiet, steady sob.When she heard the knock at the door, Liliana quickly stopped crying.She bit her lip, hurried to put on her clothes, and dried her eyes.Adalee waited outside, not leaving before she heard from Liliana. Liliana had no choice but to open the door.As soon as Adalee saw her, she noticed her red, puffy eyes and the marks on her face and neck. "Liliana, what's wrong?"Remembering the drink Liliana had taken for her sake the previous night, Adalee gasped and grabbed h
Disgust—that was it.She remembered a similar desperate moment from years ago. However, Sean had not given her a chance to explain back then.He was disappointed and disgusted with her."Sean, only you and I know about today. If we keep it to ourselves, no one else will find out. I know I was wrong… but I was set up. I'm truly sorry."I promise I won't bother you again. I'm not the same as I was before. I used to have feelings for you, but now I really just see you as a brother. I wouldn't fall for my own brother."And I have a boyfriend whom I really love… I wouldn't ever ruin your happiness, Sean. I promise you that."Liliana was trying to explain, but her words were all jumbled up. She did not even understand what she was saying herself. All she knew was that she did not want to see that look of disgust in Sean's eyes, so she kept explaining, hoping Sean would not hate her.Liliana was so busy trying to clarify things that she did not notice the icy look in Sean's eyes when s
Liliana woke up feeling utterly spent, as if she had been run over.For a moment, her mind was totally blank. She could not remember a thing. She opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling for what felt like forever. Slowly, her senses started to come back.The warm breath and steady breathing from beside her made her eyes pop open wide.The moment she saw Sean lying next to her and shirtless, she could not stay calm any longer. "Ahh!"Her scream woke Sean up.He cracked his eyes open, still groggy, but then suddenly, his eyes snapped wide open, and his piercing gaze landed on Liliana.Her mind was a whirlwind, the memories of last night rushing back. She remembered being drugged, Sean bringing her home, and then, despite trying so hard to hold back, she ended up crossing a line with Sean.The thought made her heart ache, almost drowning her as she met Sean's icy stare.She wrapped her arms around herself, clutching the blanket tightly. She was shaking all over, and her eyes wer
Liliana was crying so hard that she could not think of anything else. All she knew was that she felt awful, and Sean was the man she loved more than anyone else in her life. She hugged Sean tightly, tears streaming down her face. "Liliana, please stop," Sean said gently. He tried to move her hands away, but she held on even tighter. "Sean, I feel so sad… I really like you, Sean," she said through her tears. Sean pried Liliana's hands off him, but she clung to him again. "Sean, I feel awful… I… I like you, Sean."She bit his lips, her hands desperately roaming over his body.Sean was a man, after all. The moment Liliana started touching him so recklessly, his body responded.However, he had always been a man of strong self-control. He pushed her away countless times, but Liliana crawled back each time, whimpering as she restlessly clung to him.Sean's expression darkened. It was not because of Liliana—it was because of himself.He could not believe it. He was actually having
Liliana's mind was a whirlwind. She found her key card fast, but just as she was about to shut the door, a big hand stopped it.She was not strong enough to close the door against Sean, who pushed it open.Liliana took a shaky step back, looking at Sean with a bit of fear. "Sean, it's late. I need to sleep."Sean just kept looking at her. "Liliana, what... what's wrong with your mouth?" he asked as he reached out, his fingers lightly touching the corner of Liliana's mouth. Liliana felt a rush of heat through her body, making her shake all over.In a swift motion, she knocked Sean's hand away. "Leave me alone."With his inscrutable eyes, Sean noticed the blood on his thumb and Liliana's unusual red cheeks. A flicker of surprise showed in his eyes. "Liliana, did..."However, Liliana was already clenching her fists, all pretense gone. She was shaking and crouching on the ground, her tears filling her eyes. "Sean, please. I'm begging you, just go, okay?"Sean's brow furrowed. His
Liliana could not make out what Sean was saying anymore. She felt awful and shut her eyes tight, not wanting Sean to notice.Sean thought Liliana had dozed off from drinking too much and had a headache, so he stopped talking.The car pulled up to Liliana's hotel, and Sean gently shook her. "Liliana, time to wake up. We're here."Liliana slowly opened her eyes and saw Sean's face close to hers. Her heart, which was already fluttering, started racing.She turned her head away, swallowing hard. "Are we here already?"Once she saw they were outside the hotel, Liliana quickly got out of the car and opened the back door to help Adalee. "Ms. Cobb, can you walk?"Adalee nodded. "Yes, I can."With a sigh of relief, Liliana told Sean, "Sean, we've made it. Ms. Cobb and I will head up now."Liliana rushed off, scared that any delay might make her lose her composure. She could not let herself fall apart in front of Sean again—not after what happened years ago.Sean noticed Liliana rushing
The moment everyone in the private room saw Bob, they were scared out of their wits.It was Andy, the favorite son of the Jones family in Cascade City! Even though he was the second child, he was the one everyone knew would run the company one day.Everyone felt a wave of relief, glad they had not messed with Liliana earlier. They knew that if they had, they would not just be outcasts in Cascade City, but probably everywhere else too.Sean gently put Adalee in the back seat of the car and then helped Liliana into the front seat. Noticing Liliana's pale face, he asked, "Did you have too much to drink?"When Sean touched her forehead, Liliana felt a wave of heat rush through her, like she was on fire. Sean's hand was cool, and the moment it touched her, she could not help but sigh in relief."Maybe," she said.Sean shook his head. "Where's your hangover pill? Take it now. Where do you live?"After Liliana told him the address, she saw that Adalee was already fast asleep.Sean tur