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
Noelle nodded. Samuel let out a sigh. "Alright, alright," he said, waving his hand. "So, you didn't come just to see me today, did you? Do you want to tell me something?""Grandpa," Noelle said, her lip trembling a little. "I'm sorry.""Oh, my dear! You don't have to say sorry to me!" Samuel shook his head. "I didn't tell you the truth because I didn't want you to get hurt. I wasn't sure how much you could handle, but now you're here with him. You must know the whole story, and you've even accepted him, haven't you?"Noelle gave a small nod. "I'm sorry, Grandpa!""I told you, you don't have to apologize to me. You can make your own choices, and I didn't do everything a grandpa should’ve done. I left you to suffer with the Shaws!""Dad!" Jade piped up, clearly upset. "What's she trying to say? The Shaws took care of her for all these years. Now, some guy shows up claiming he's her dad, and she's just going to turn her back on us? Really?"Jade's eyes blazed with anger as she stare
"Of course!" Harrison knew the Shaws might not be too happy to see him because of his past mistakes. Even though he did not have a choice back then, he knew it was still his fault. No matter what Samuel, Jade, or Julian might say to him, he was ready to take it. He had come to make things right and was being very humble.What surprised Harrison was how nice Samuel was to Noelle. He did not let his old problems with Harrison affect how he treated her.The Shaws were a little surprised by Harrison’s unexpected presence, but Samuel quickly got everything under control as the head of the family. He was a good host. "Dinner's ready, but we've only got simple food and coffee. I hope that's okay with you, Mr. Smith.""Sir Shaw, you're too kind. I know I came without warning, and I'm just thankful you're not upset with me!"Harrison was being polite, so Samuel could not really complain about anything."Noelle, come sit by me. Charles, you too!" Samuel called them over. Noelle and Charles
"I'm not worried about being repaid," Samuel said with a dismissive wave. "The Shaws have everything the Smiths have too. I'm just concerned about Noelle joining your Smith family.""Don't worry, sir. My dad really likes Noelle, and everyone in the Smith family is happy to have her back." Harrison paused for a moment. "Sir, you don't have to worry. Even if Noelle is with the Smiths, she'll always be your granddaughter. You raised her, and nobody can change that."Samuel sighed with relief when he heard those kind words. "That's all I needed to hear. It's a blessing that Noelle has people who cherish her. She's had a tough life, but now she's got a great husband, and I couldn't be happier. I never thought her past would come up like this, but since she knows the full story and has accepted you, I can't complain. But let me tell you this—if the Smiths ever treat Noelle badly, I'll be the first to step in!""You have my word, sir!""Dad!" Jade could not believe her ears. She did not e
Noelle reached out and held Charles' hand. "The reason I went to meet Winter today wasn't for anything else—it was because she mentioned something about the time I went missing. I suspected that she was involved, so I went to see for myself."When I was found back then, my clothes were in disarray, and Winter claimed to have taken photos of me. She used those photos to negotiate with me, trying to get the City Ring Corp. shares, so—""So, the photos we saw earlier were supposed to be of you?"Charles continued her thought as his hand turned to grip hers. His fingertips brushed softly over the back of her hand. "And you were worried I'd misunderstand you because of those photos?"Noelle swallowed hard, then nodded.He pulled her into his arms while holding her tightly. "Silly girl!"As he embraced her, his deep eyes flashed with an icy sharpness. "Even if those photos existed, I wouldn't misunderstand you!""But—""I already knew about your disappearance back then." Charles gent
Noelle had barely finished speaking when a car pulled up nearby. The door opened, and a man stepped out, his gaze immediately locking onto her.Seeing Charles, Noelle's face lit up with a smile. "Charlie!"Charles walked over and glanced briefly at Andrew, who immediately took the hint and excused himself.Noelle ran up to Charles, wrapping her arms around his waist and rubbing her head against him affectionately. "Why are you here?""Didn't I tell you to leave these things to me?" Charles replied while gently ruffling her hair. Seeing her kitten-like demeanor, his eyes softened. "What's that in your hand?"Noelle froze for a moment before shaking her head. "I'll show you, but promise you won't get mad?"Hearing this, Charles raised an eyebrow in curiosity. Without another word, he took the envelope from her hand."Hey!" Noelle tried to interject, but Charles already had his arm around her and was guiding her into the car."Andrew, drive," Charles instructed."Yes, Mr. Hoffm
"What did you say?" Winter stared at Noelle in disbelief."That's impossible. Grandpa would never agree to let you sell those shares to someone else. Noelle, are you insane? What kind of grudge do you have against the Shaws that would make you sell our shares? What are you up to?"Even with her limited sense, Winter quickly pieced things together. If Noelle had really sold the shares, it would leave Samuel with only a small portion, and the shares originally under Noelle's name would now belong to an outsider.If anyone wanted to target City Ring Corp. or the Shaws, manipulating the company would be the fastest way to do so.Winter's eyes burned with rage as she glared at Noelle. "What's your game?"Noelle smiled faintly at her. "There's no game. I just didn't think I was suited for business, so I sold them to make a bit of money. If you're so interested in the shares, you can always buy them back.""You…" Winter stepped forward, clearly intent on causing trouble. Yet Andrew, who
Noelle furrowed her brows slightly. "It's nothing significant. I consulted one of the most renowned obstetricians. What was her name again… Dr. Margaret Ellison?"Winter froze once more, her composure slipping briefly before she retorted, "What does your doctor have to do with me? And what's so special about remembering a doctor's name?""I have a good memory, you see. I never forget a thing," Noelle said calmly. "That day, after my check-up, I rested for a while in Dr. Ellison's lounge. I happened to overhear something quite intriguing. Would you like to hear it?""Noelle, shut up!" Winter suddenly shrieked while glaring at Noelle with venomous fury. "You shut your mouth!"Noelle smirked. "Why are you so upset? I just thought it was an interesting story worth sharing with you."Winter abruptly stood up and reached for her untouched coffee, clearly intending to fling it at Noelle."Watch out!" Suzy instinctively moved forward and grabbed Winter, pulling her back. The scorching co
"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