"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
Making plans for Noelle might work out, but Kelly was a different story.Sean quickly shared Harrison's message with Charles, who immediately set things in motion. They had to arrange a visit to the Shaw family, and that meant bringing Noelle back home, which was no small feat. Getting past Samuel was one thing, but with Noelle's unique situation, Julian and Jade would likely be the first to object, especially with Jade's dislike for Harrison and Madison.Charles did not hesitate to call Samuel himself, telling him about the dinner at the Shaw family's place the next day. Samuel was over the moon, clueless about the recent drama, and unaware of any bad blood. The news that Charles was bringing Noelle with him signaled that Charles was finally making their relationship official.Samuel did not usually fuss over formalities, but he could not help but feel a bit concerned about her unclear relationship with Charles as her elder.While Samuel was thrilled, Julian and Jade were not as
"What are you talking about?"Winter jumped when she heard a voice behind her. She quickly stood up from the couch and turned pale when she saw Joseph. "Dad, when did you get here?"Joseph stared at Winter. "Why? Am I not allowed here?""That's not what I meant," Winter said with an awkward smile. She said goodbye to Jade and quickly asked Joseph to sit down. "Dad, if you and Mom miss me and Xavier, we'll come visit you."Joseph just snorted. "Yeah, right. You two are probably hoping you’ll never have to see us again! It's been months, and you haven't bothered to visit once. If I hadn't shown up today, who knows when we would’ve found out what's going on with you?"Joseph was getting more and more upset with his daughter-in-law. He had hoped that she would help Xavier with his career after their marriage, but she had barely made a difference at City Ring Corp. after nearly a whole year. They were just going through the motions, and Winter had been nothing but trouble since they go
Winter clenched her teeth. "I'll call Xavier. We'll be on time for the Shaw family's dinner tomorrow!"Joseph gave a satisfied nod and gently patted Winter on the shoulder. "That's my wonderful daughter-in-law! Just be a little more agreeable, and you'll find the Hoffman family has many perks for you. I've heard that the head of the Hoffman family is thinking of passing the reins to Charles, which means Noelle will be the lady of the house. You're Noelle's sister, so you’ll have it made in showbiz with that connection!""Yes!"Winter smiled, but it was strained. Her resentment toward Noelle grew even stronger in her heart.She felt like she could never get away from that cursed name. Ever since they were little, their grandparents had always favored Noelle. They were both their granddaughters, so why the unfairness? Noelle's grades were always better at school, and even the teachers preferred her, always comparing Winter to Noelle poorly.Then there was Noelle's love life. Seeing
"Yeah. Bobby is Yankel's son, so he has to go back to the Canfield family eventually," Liliana said. As she looked up, her eyes caught a glimpse of the person in the driver's seat ahead, and she gasped. "It's you—""Liliana?" Noelle heard a voice crackling through the phone, then nothing but silence."Liliana?"Noelle jumped to her feet and tried calling Liliana back, but no one answered. She dashed downstairs, only to be stopped by Charles. "What's the matter? You look so worried.""It's Liliana. Something's happened to her," Noelle explained, clutching her phone. "I was just talking to her. It sounded like she met someone or something happened. All I heard was Liliana saying, ‘It's you,' some choppy bits of conversation, and then nothing. When I called back, nobody picked up."Noelle was not just being paranoid. She had been through enough to have a keen sense for these things.Charles's brow furrowed as he tried calling Liliana but got no response."Where was Liliana when she
Yankel was taken aback by Liliana's words. He looked at her, his face full of wonder and questions. Liliana did not know what to say, so she just coughed a little and asked, "You don't think I'm being unreasonable, do you, Mr. Canfield?"Yankel shook his head. He had never thought that. He knew Liliana loved Bobby a lot and thought it would be hard for her to give him up. That was why he was so surprised when she offered to let Bobby go back to him. "I didn't mean it like that," he said."Actually..." Liliana paused, then shared the story of how she first met Samara and how they ended up depending on each other. "You could tell that even after Samara had to leave, she still loved you a lot. She even risked her life to have your baby. I know she loved you because she asked me to take care of Bobby when she was very sick. She even worried that Bobby might be too much for me and told me to find you, so you could raise him."Liliana let out a sigh. "I guess I've been selfish. I treated
Casey sat in the front seat, watching Liliana and Bobby together. Surprise flickered in his eyes, but it was mostly happiness. "Ms. Liliana, it looks like the little guy is really fond of you."Liliana did not say yes or no, but Bobby chimed in, "I love Mommy the most! I love Mommy the most!"Casey could not help but smile. "Yep, the little guy loves you the most, Ms. Liliana." He glanced at Liliana, trying to read her face. "Ms. Liliana, have you ever thought that since you and the little guy are so close, maybe you and...""Casey, I don't see Mr. Canfield that way," Liliana said calmly.Casey blushed a little, realizing he had stepped out of line. "Sorry, I spoke out of turn." He stayed quiet for the rest of the drive.When they reached the Canfield house, Liliana stepped out with Bobby in her arms, and Casey led the way. "Ms. Liliana, it's just Mr. Canfield at home today." He meant to tell her not to worry. Even if the Canfield family did not like Bobby, they would not do anyth
Liliana did not have any special feelings for Yankel. It was all about Bobby. She could tell Yankel really cared for Bobby. "He's Bobby's real dad. I can't keep them apart."Noelle chuckled. "Okay, okay, I was just teasing. Look at you, getting all worked up over nothing!"Noelle leaned in closer, her gaze making Liliana a little uncomfortable. "Noelle, what are you...""Liliana, what are you going to do now?" Noelle asked, her eyes full of concern. "I know Sean is my brother, but I really don't mind, especially after everything that happened..." She trailed off. She was not sure of all the details, but she knew Liliana had loved Sean with all her heart. Sean, however, had been as unfeeling as a log and had even hurt Liliana deeply.After leaving with a heart full of hurt, it was no surprise that Liliana could not forgive Sean, let alone get back together with him. Noelle felt the same. She would not get back with Sean if she were in Liliana's shoes.Noelle knew she should suppo
Charles dropped Liliana off at Phoenix Tree Residence and headed straight back to the office. On the way, he called Sean, "I've made sure she's safe and sound."Sean massaged his forehead and replied, "Hmm."Charles could not resist a little joke. "Haven't figured it out yet?""Liliana just can’t forget what happened years ago." Sean wore a sad smile. "It's my fault too. If only I had gotten there sooner back then, or if I had understood my own feelings earlier, none of this would have happened." He thought his child might have been older than Peter's by now.However, Sean kept those words to himself. He knew that child was a secret he could not talk about, a pain too deep for words to convey.The two were quiet for a moment until Charles broke the silence. "Liliana's giving all the love she had for that child to Bobby now. You've noticed, haven't you?""Yeah." How could he not? That was why Sean felt so bad about it and why he wanted to do right by Bobby to make up for the baby
Yankel and Xenia got divorced. On the day Yankel left the hospital, Liliana watched as Xenia desperately clung to Yankel's hand, but Yankel would not even give her a second look.Xenia was also holding onto Lawrence's hand, begging Yankel over and over to look at Lawrence, but Yankel just would not. Finally, Xenia started hitting Lawrence's face like crazy. Yankel finally stopped walking.Yankel grabbed Xenia's hand, his face showing no emotion. "Are you out of your mind? Lawrence is just a kid." He was just a little younger than Bobby.Xenia burst into laughter at that, but then she broke down crying. "So what if he's a kid? He still can't make you stay? Yankel, you know how I've treated you all these years, don't you?"Yankel, where's your heart?"Yankel stared indifferently at Xenia, then took Lawrence away and handed him to an assistant. "Take Lawrence to Elvis.""Yankel, you'll get what's coming to you! Yankel, Lawrence is your son, not Elvis's! You..."Yankel ordered some
Liliana's cheeks turned pink as she nodded, even though she was not really cold. "Uh-huh!"Sean finished tending to the wound, put the medicine box away, and looked over to see Liliana sitting up straight like an elementary school student. A warm feeling washed over him."Do you want to stay here with Bobby, or should I take you home?""No way. I'll stay with Bobby!" After everything that happened tonight, Liliana was too worried to leave Bobby alone in the hospital room. Who knew what could happen during the night?Sean's expression darkened a bit. "Don't worry. Nothing like this will happen again." After all, Bobby was in his hospital, and he was responsible for the boy's safety.Liliana shook her head. "No. It's not your fault."Xenia was out to hurt someone, and she would take any chance she got, no matter where Bobby was. You could never be too careful, and who would have guessed Xenia would go after a child?Liliana had no idea what might have happened if Liliana had not n
Liliana gave Sean a stern look. "It's time for Bobby to go to bed.""But Mom, I'm not tired yet!" Bobby said, tilting his head and blinking his big, adorable eyes, which almost made Liliana melt."It's bedtime, no matter what. It's really late," Liliana insisted. She tucked Bobby into bed. After he fell asleep, she turned around to find Sean still there. She frowned. "Why are you still here?"Sean's smile faded as he walked over with big steps and grabbed Liliana's wrist. Ignoring her wishes, he started to lead her outside.Liliana was upset by Sean's actions and tried to pull away, but Sean held on tight. He even warned her, "If you want to wake everyone up, go ahead and yell."Feeling trapped, Liliana glared at Sean and whispered angrily, "What do you want?"Sean did not answer. He just kept walking and pulling her along.Liliana had no choice but to follow. At least Sean was considerate enough to slow down for her shorter steps.Sean took Liliana to his office, opened the do
Liliana blushed and rolled her eyes at Bobby.Sean chuckled. "That's because I'm a grown-up.""I'm a grown-up too!" Bobby declared, standing tall and puffing out his chest with pride. "Right, Mr. Smith?""Sure, you’re a big boy now," Sean agreed, playfully tapping Bobby's nose.Liliana's brow furrowed with concern. "Mr. Smith, it's getting late. Bobby needs to go to bed."She reached to take Bobby from Sean, but Sean was quicker and gently held her hand. His eyes briefly showed some worry as he noticed the scratches on her hand. "I should have done more than just kick her."Liliana's cheeks warmed as she pulled her hand away, a bit flustered. "I'm okay, and you did kick her, remember? She even coughed up a lot of blood!"Liliana thought the kick must have been super strong. Although she was not the one who was kicked, the pain looked so bad that she winced.Sean saw her reaction and let out a small laugh. "Don't worry. I never hit women, and I definitely would never hit you."