Harrison furrowed his brows. "If you have something to say, spit it out.""How's your health doing?" Fran hesitated."I'm perfectly fine!" Harrison replied tersely.Despite his words, Fran could not shake his concern. After a moment of careful thought, he cautiously said, "After Ms. Shrill left the hospital, she wandered aimlessly along the streets. Later… Grant took her away.""What did you just say?" Harrison's eyes snapped open. "Grant Anderson?""Yes. Flynn was also there. Ms. Shrill was at a hotel with them, but we don't know what transpired between her, Flynn, and Grant. When she left, her mental state seemed off. Our people couldn't get too close, so the details are unclear. After she left Flynn, she returned directly to Springwood Garden and hasn't come out since."Harrison's mind raced while he was torn between relief and unease. "And she… Who's there?" His innate sense of caution made him sit upright.At that moment, Fran moved to the door and opened it. Seeing the fig
Harrison's grip suddenly tightened, his eyes wide with shock that matched Shirley's earlier that day when she uncovered the truth. "Flynn, why did you bring out this proof? What are you trying to do?""Mr. Smith, I'm not trying to do anything. It's just that the past has been tangled up for so long, so it's time to clear things up," Flynn said, shaking his head. "I thought Shirley completely cut ties with you when she left, but now I see you two never parted ways after all these years. Your feelings for Shirley must run really deep!""This is between her and me. You don't need to butt in!" Harrison's voice was cold. "Are you trying to rub it in my face that she chose you and not me in the end?""Mr. Smith, you've got it all wrong. Honestly, nothing ever happened between Shirley and me!""What are you saying?" Harrison stared at Flynn, stunned. Flynn could tell from his face that Shirley had kept the secret and was using him. "Yes, I was really good to Shirley back then, but it was
"Shirley was scared you wouldn't want the baby and scared you'd hurt her, so she asked me and my wife, Jessica, to look after the child until she grew up. That child is Kelly."Harrison's hands shook, and papers scattered all over the floor."Shirley was going to leave, but then you trapped her again. I don't know what happened between you two that year. When I finally heard about it, six months had passed. Shirley sent me a letter saying she had left the country and asked me to take good care of Kelly."Harrison looked up, his eyes red and teary. "Why are you telling me this now? What do you want?""To make things right!" Flynn let out a sigh. "I know you've already dealt with the people who hurt Shirley back then, but there's someone you missed."Flynn stood up, faced Harrison, and bowed deeply to him. "It's my fault Shirley went through all that trouble. If I hadn't set up that interview, she wouldn't have gone to dinner with those big shots, and none of that bad stuff would'v
Noelle walked into the hospital ward with Ellis. It was super quiet. Harrison looked like he was reading, but when he saw Noelle, he shut his book and said, "You're here!"Noelle nodded. "Are you feeling any better?""A lot better!"Noelle had visited Harrison a few times since what happened before, but they had just exchanged hellos without much small talk. They both knew without saying that it was not the time to discuss their relationship or Noelle returning to the Smith family.Harrison had asked Ellis to bring Noelle over today, so she thought he had something important to discuss. She was right. As soon as she sat down, Harrison said, "I've agreed to what you asked for!"Noelle blinked, confused for a moment. "What are you agreeing to?"Harrison closed his book and looked at her with a serious expression. "You said you'd come back to us if I didn't associate with Shirley anymore. I agree to that!"Noelle stared at him, hardly believing what she was hearing.She could not
Noelle's face went completely blank. "What do you mean?" That could not be true.Harrison understood that the news would be a huge shock to Noelle. It had been hard for him to accept when he first found out, and it took him a long time to make up his mind. Noelle must be feeling the same way now.Suddenly, Noelle felt awkward and did not know what to do with her hands. She looked at Harrison, wiped her hands anxiously, and forced a smile. "You're pulling my leg, right?""No!" Harrison said, shaking his head. "I only found out about this a few days ago myself. I've been wrestling with whether to tell you or not, but I think you deserve to know the truth.""Are Kelly and I really you and Shirley’s kids?"Harrison nodded. Noelle was at a loss for words.How could she even begin to sort out her feelings about her parents?She felt like she should be mad or throw a fit like Kelly did at Shirley during that press conference. However, Noelle just could not muster up that kind of anger.
Ellis got the medicine ready for Harrison and poured him a glass of water. "Here's your medicine, sir."Harrison took his medicine and was quiet for a long while before he asked, "Ellis, do you think I've done something wrong?"Ellis stopped, holding the water bottle in mid-air. "What are you talking about, sir?"Harrison rubbed his forehead. "Was it a mistake for me to come back?" If he had stayed with the status quo, maybe only he and Shirley would be caught up in their problems. He would not have dragged so many people into this mess. Noelle's life was so simple and joyful. He did not need to step in. When it came down to it, he was being too selfish, which was why..."Sir, I believe everything you've done was the right thing to do. You've spent too little of your life living for yourself. Everyone's a little selfish, you know."Harrison let out a small laugh. "Getting old makes you think too much. Anyway, how is she? Is she alright?""Yes. The folks at Springwood Garden say
Shirley's eyes were glued to Harrison, not wanting to miss any change in his expression.However, it seemed she was bound to be let down. Harrison's face was a mask of calm as she finished talking. He did not reveal even a hint of any of the reactions Shirley had hoped for.The silence in the hospital room was so deafening that Shirley thought she could hear a pin drop.She balled her hands into fists, trying to encourage herself. Her eyes locked on Harrison, her heart freezing. "Don't you have anything to say?""Madison!"Harrison finally spoke, but it was to say her real name with seriousness. Shirley's face lost all color. She tried to smile, but her heart sank as Harrison said, "Noelle has agreed to come back to the Smith family."Shirley's face tensed up. "What do you mean?""It's time for you to go.""Go? Go where?"Shirley was confused, looking at Harrison for answers."Noelle is a wonderful kid. I've decided to spend what's left of my life with her so I can see her ha
"Do you want to talk about it here, Ms. Shrill?"Shirley glanced at the cab driver and apologized. She stepped out of the car and faced Ellis. "What's left to say? What happened back then?""There's a cafe across the street. If you don't mind, we could talk there.""Okay."Shirley put on her sunglasses and led the way across the street. Ellis watched her go and then followed behind."Out with it. What's this all about? Is there something I don't know?"Shirley was sure Ellis had nothing important to say. He would probably just say she was being ungrateful. However, his words took her by surprise.Once the coffee arrived, Ellis looked at Shirley with a serious expression. "You're probably wondering what I could have to say, right? You think everything that happened back then is crystal clear, don't you? You think he abandoned you when you were in trouble and needed him the most, right?"But you don't know the whole story. After he heard about your troubles and that you didn't li
"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