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
She remembered a time when she felt so low and alone, like she could not carry on anymore. Flynn was the one who came to her rescue back then. He took her to his house and made sure she got help from a counselor.She had tried to find Harrison before, searching for him for six long months without any luck. When she heard he was back in town, she rushed to see him, only to be met with his harsh words telling her to leave immediately.He even called her filthy. Shirley's heart broke as she left him. Later, she had Kelly, and when she was at her lowest, thinking about ending it all, Flynn and his wife came to her rescue.Shirley had hoped to live a quiet life with Kelly, far away from the rest of the world, but when Harrison showed up, she felt trapped. She was scared he might hurt Kelly, so she left Kelly in Flynn's care, pleading with Flynn and his wife to raise her."No! It's not at all like you're saying.""How can you say that? Mr. Harrison Smith was recovering for months after
Noelle was sitting in her car across the street, watching Shirley look lost and sad. She saw some people walking by, so she rolled up her window and looked at the seat in front of her. "Ronald, let's go.""Yes, Madam. Where to now?""To the office!" She could not wait to see Charles.Sometimes, people were weird like that. She thought she cared about finding her real mom, but maybe she did not care as much as she had thought. When she could not get something, all she would do was wish to grab it and make things right. However, no one could turn back time or undo their regrets.Once she missed her chance, it was gone. She could not go back.Noelle used to hold on too tight. That was why she had felt so bad when Xavier and Winter betrayed her. Looking at Harrison and Shirley, her blood family, she knew she should do something. However, her heart felt too distant to ever warm to them.Ronald could tell something was up with Noelle. He was about to say something, but then Noelle clos
Charles was surprised. He had not expected Noelle to say such a thing to Harrison, but he still stroked her hair gently. "You're not bad.""But I can see how much he loves Shirley. He might have loved her for his whole life, and I made him leave her. What if someone made you leave me?" Noelle was struggling to express her feelings, feeling really upset at that moment.Charles led Noelle into the office lounge and gently rubbed her back. "Everyone's a bit selfish, Noelle. You had your reasons for what you did, didn't you?"Noelle gave a half-smile. "There's no big reason. I just feel like I can accept Harrison because he wants to make things right, and I'm fine with that. But Shirley doesn't like me, so I don't see why I should put up with her. That's selfish, isn't it?"Charles wrapped Noelle in a warm hug. "Nobody's perfect, you know. Even if you didn't say anything, who knows if they would make it in the end? Their issues come from not trusting each other, right? If their bond wa
Charles squinted. "What about Kelly?""It's exactly like you guessed!" Ronald was surprised. "Mr. Hoffman, how did you figure out that Mrs. Hoffman and Kelly are full siblings?""Their faces." Even with strong family genes, it was not likely for two people to look so alike unless they were from the same mom and dad. Kelly and Noelle would not look that much alike if they had the same mom but different dads. However, that was just what Charles thought. He did not have any proof of that theory."Oh, Flynn's in Brookville now. He bumped into Shirley and Harrison a few days back."Charles nodded. "Okay, you can go now.""Alright!""Hold on!" Charles stopped Ronald. "Did Noelle meet anyone else at the hospital today besides Harrison?""Shirley. She didn't see her up close, but Mrs. Hoffman spotted Shirley heading into the hospital from downstairs. She waited there the whole time and saw Shirley chat with Ellis for a bit."Charles squinted again. "Alright, you may leave."Once Ronal
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