"You..."Charles let out a chuckle and casually fixed his cufflink, showing no worry at all.Jade and Julian were on edge, waiting to see what would happen. They both knew that whatever anyone else said did not really matter. Any problem could be fixed with one word from Charles.Charles looked at Noelle and gave her a reassuring smile before turning to Julian and Jade."Winter is treated like a golden child at Royal Star. For the next five years, we'll give her all the opportunities to grow her career," Charles said, his voice deep and clear. It was not loud, but it was captivating enough to make anyone listen. "Royal Star has spent millions on Winter. Have you and Mr. Shaw even spent $150,000 on Noelle in over twenty years of raising her?""You... That's not fair! Raising a child is more important than anything!""Really? Should I just give you the whole Collosus Group or the Hoffman family, then?" Charles said with a sideways glance that made Jade feel small.He was still sit
Charles just smiled a little, not looking convinced."Mr. Shaw, you probably know the situation better than I do. If City Ring Corp. can really do it, I wouldn't say no," Charles said, tapping the table. "Let's talk business. I hope you understand!"Julian felt too embarrassed to reply after being talked down to by someone younger. However, Jade could not stay quiet. "Noelle's still part of my Shaw family, and you're her husband and our son-in-law. What's wrong with helping your father-in-law?"Charles's face turned stormy. It was obvious that Jade had really made him mad."Mrs. Shaw, are you trying to make a deal with me or are you trying to sell your daughter out? If you want a deal, I might consider talking to you. But remember, you only get one shot. If you blow it, the Shaw family won't get another chance, and that includes your daughter!""Are you threatening me?" Jade's hands balled into fists. "You act like you care about Noelle, but you won't even spend a dime for her sak
As long as Noelle's last name was still Shaw, she could not escape Jade and Julian's constant meddling. Samuel was getting old and did not know how much time he had left. He did not have the strength to protect Noelle anymore, so he had to leave her in the care of someone who could."Harrison, you've made a promise, so you have to take good care of Noelle!""Don't worry, sir. Noelle is my daughter, so I'll make sure she's well taken care of!" Harrison might not have liked Jade and the others, but he really respected Samuel.Samuel nodded, then turned to Charles. "Charles, I know the Hoffmans have high standards, and I know they have doubts about Noelle. But she's a wonderful girl, and I'm sure it won't be long before the Hoffmans see that too. Until then, you've got to do your duty as a husband and love Noelle with all your heart.""You can count on me, Grandpa." Charles gently took Noelle's hand in his. "My heart will never change when it comes to Noelle."Samuel nodded, feelin
"And what do you propose we do?" Samuel asked sharply. "Don't think I'm unaware of your little schemes. I've told you, Noelle is my girl, so you’d better not be plotting anything against her, understood?""But Dad, you can't just say that. Noelle's name is still under our family in the registry. As long as we don't agree, Harrison or the Smith family can't just snatch her away no matter how strong they are, right? We've taken care of her all this time, and we deserve some credit for that!" Jade could not hold back. "Look at the Smiths and the Hoffmans. They're loaded, and we...""Are you really concerned about Noelle, or is it just about what you stand to gain?" Samuel challenged. "I'm not the type to profit from my granddaughter. This matter is not up for debate. I called you here to ask you to hand over the family registry book."Jade could not believe her ears. "Dad, are you out of your mind? You're really going to let Noelle change her last name without getting anything for it?
"I don't care. I'm not going to let this go so easily," Jade fumed as she returned to her room. She snapped at Julian, "Are you just going to accept this?"Julian shot her a fierce look. "And what do you propose we do?"Jade huffed. "Why have we worked so hard for nothing? Remember when dad gave Noelle the City Ring Corp. shares? He did it because she was part of the Shaw family. But now she's changed her last name, so she's not a Shaw anymore. Why should she keep our shares?"Julian remembered once Jade mentioned it. "Yeah, Dad did give Noelle the shares." He had not agreed with it, but Samuel had been firm.Julian always respected his father, so he would not argue with Samuel. However, Jade had a point. Noelle was not a Shaw anymore, it did not seem right for her to keep the shares."So, what's your plan?" Julian asked."If they want to keep their family status, that's fine. Just give us back the shares," Jade said with confidence. "Tell your dad, and go talk to Noelle about it
"Do you still doubt my capabilities, Mr. Shaw?" Charles asked with a cold laugh. "If I was able to marry Nelly without your knowledge, I can certainly manage without your household registry."With a composed demeanor, he tugged the blanket over Noelle, ensuring she was snugly covered. Only then did he rise and step onto the balcony as his gaze drifted to the scene below.Maxwell was seated with Harrison, engaged in a game of chess. Harrison had arrived early, likely for the sole purpose of discussing the name change.Harrison noticed Charles on the balcony and gave him a nod, acknowledging his presence. Charles inclined his head slightly in return before redirecting his focus.Tapping the balcony railing with his fingers, he said, "I won't keep chatting with you now, Mr. Shaw.""Hey, wait—" Julian tried to respond, but Charles efficiently ended the call without another word."What's going on?" Jade asked as she approached, noticing Julian's sour expression. "Did Noelle give you a
Charles froze for a moment while pouring tea, finding the situation amusing. "When have you ever tasted the tea brewed by Nelly?""Of course, I've had it! Last time I…" Maxwell paused mid-sentence, then let out a huff. "Don't think I don't know what you're trying to do, boy. Are you planning to highlight my shortcomings in front of your father-in-law?"Maxwell had initially disapproved of Noelle, but now, it seemed he was eating his own words. Nevertheless, Maxwell had the rare ability to admit when he was wrong.Charles handed teacups to Maxwell and Harrison before casually remarking, "I'll arrange for the surname change."Harrison paused at this. "Noelle's household registration is still with the Shaws. It's only proper to inform them. Sir Shaw has always treated Noelle well."Charles smirked coldly. "Julian called Noelle this morning.""Oh?" Maxwell perked up, clearly intrigued. "What did he say? It can't be about the household registry, could it?"Charles nodded. "From the s
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
In the past, Liliana would have scampered after Sean the moment he spoke, but the Liliana of today was different. She gave Sean a small smile. "My legs aren't long, so I don't walk fast. Also, I'm expecting now, so my husband wants me to slow down.""Husband?" Sean's teeth were practically grinding, his brows were so furrowed they could have been tied in a knot, and his face was clouded over. "When did you get married? Why didn't I know?"Liliana kept her smile. "It's Keith. He popped the question, and we're going to get our marriage license soon.""Oh, so you're not actually married yet?" Sean's laugh was distant. "You're already calling him 'husband' so eagerly. Liliana, you really haven't changed at all."Liliana's face fell, a shadow passing over it.She could easily pick up on the jab in Sean's words—it was just a way to put her down.Liliana took a deep breath, reminding herself not to lose her temper and stay calm for her baby's sake."It won't be long now, and I'll be su
The apartment was not big, and both the interior and exterior were pretty old. How could it even compare to the Hoffman family's grand home?She was a Hoffman too, but the difference between her and her sisters, Chloe and Layla, was like night and day.Liliana glanced at Sean, her brow furrowing. "Mr. Smith?"Sean's gaze softened. "Liliana, we're friends, right? Won't you invite me in to sit for a while?" He put extra emphasis on the word ‘friends’.Liliana's frown deepened. "I don't see why that's necessary, Mr. Smith. You're used to fancy high-rises and grand mansions. Our old apartment probably isn't to your taste." Holding Keith's hand, she led him to the living room. "I'll be back soon. I'm just stepping out for a moment.""But Liliana..." Keith hesitated, wanting to suggest they could talk at home instead of going out. He also wanted to offer to handle the matter himself if she preferred to avoid Sean.Seeing Liliana's resolute look, he nodded. "Alright, go ahead."Liliana
"You think you can go to work feeling like this?" Keith did not think it was a good idea, but Liliana did not see the problem. "You really don't have to worry. I had some trouble before because I didn't know what I was doing and wasn't ready to be a mom, but I've learned a lot since then. Anyway, you can't even tell I'm pregnant yet. You don't expect me to stop working now, do you?"Liliana joked, "If I don't work, how will I make money? How will I take care of our baby?""I'm here for you, Liliana," Keith sighed. "Haven't I told you? I'll look after you from now on.""But I can't just do nothing," Liliana reassured him. "Don't worry, Keith. If it ever gets to the point where I can't do anything, I promise I'll stop and just stay at home, waiting for you to take care of us."Liliana was in a very good mood and started teasing Keith. Keith gave her a look and said, "Okay, but if you're not feeling well or anything, just take it easy. We're not rich, but I've got enough to take care
With those thoughts, Liliana felt more determined than ever.She held onto Keith's hand tightly, her lips trembling a little. "Does it really not matter to you that I don't like you right now?""It does matter," Keith replied earnestly. "Liliana, I want you to give me your whole heart in the future." He confessed, "I'm actually quite selfish. I like you a lot, and I want you to like me back.""Alright!" Liliana nodded firmly. "I'll work hard to like you more."Keith smiled at her promise, gently squeezing her cheek. "You've been eating too little these days. You need to eat more and get a bit healthier for our baby's sake. It's better for the little one." He opened the lunch box, but the smell made Liliana's throat uneasy, and her stomach turned.Keith noticed her discomfort right away and came closer, full of concern. "Liliana, what's wrong? Are you feeling sick?"After a moment of queasiness, Liliana grabbed Keith's hand to steady herself. "I'm okay. I just felt a little sick
"Sean has always seen me as a sister. My last name is Hoffman, but I'm not really part of the family. I'm just a Hoffman by name, and the Hoffmans... Well, they're not really my family."When I was little, kids made fun of me because of where I came from. They bullied me at school. But Sean was my hero and stood up for me. It's kind of funny, isn't it? He was just trying to help, and I went and fell head over heels for him. I knew he thought of me as a sister, but I couldn't help wishing for more."Sean's mom never liked me. I figured that out pretty quick. I kept telling myself to stop liking Sean, but you can't always choose how you feel."When I was sixteen, a big mix-up led to Sean and me... Well, we got really close. After that, things got awkward between us. We only started to patch things up recently, but then..." Liliana's mind flashed back to that day in Cascade City, and she balled her hands into fists. "Keith, am I a bad person?""Don't talk like that, Liliana!"Keith
Savannah's face was twisted with displeasure. She stared at the young man who had appeared out of nowhere and saw how gently he cared for Liliana. His words had just metaphorically slapped her in the face.Savannah came from a respected family of scholars and was always admired. She could not believe someone would talk to her like that, especially not with the Smith family's reputation in Brookville.However, this young man was standing up to her for Liliana's sake. Savannah's chest rose and fell with her breath, a clear sign of her anger.Watching Savannah's reaction, Liliana knew Keith had made her mad. However, Savannah was too proud to lose her cool in public.Being stuck in bed was not helping anyone, so Liliana decided to get up. However, as soon as she threw off her blankets, Keith gently pushed her back down. "You're still not well. Stay put," he said with concern.Liliana gave Keith a grateful look. She knew he was just worried about her. Turning to Savannah, she said, "I
"How dare you!"Savannah was caught off guard. She never expected Liliana, who always seemed so sweet and frail, to speak up so boldly. It left her not knowing what to do next.She was not sure if the baby Liliana was carrying was Sean's. However, after hearing rumors about Liliana and Sean, Savannah had rushed to the hospital to dig up Liliana's medical records, and there it was—Liliana's report.Sean was so worried when Liliana had her accident. That was why Savannah was convinced there was something between them.She was determined to stop whatever was going on between Liliana and Sean. If Liliana would just listen, Savannah was willing to let bygones be bygones and have her end the pregnancy. However, if Liliana would not play along, Savannah knew she would have to find another way to keep her away from Sean.Savannah had run through every possible scenario in her mind on her way over, but she had not expected Liliana to stand her ground so fiercely, especially not when it cam
"Ma'am, what brings you here?"Liliana had a hunch that Savannah's visit was not coincidental. Central City Hospital was not the kind of place Savannah frequented.If she was ill, she could have visited Sean's hospital or asked Sean to come and see her. There was no reason for her to come to this hospital that was out of her way.Savannah had come straight to her ward, which made Liliana suspect something. Still, she kept her cool.After a few days in the hospital, Liliana was feeling much better. She could not take medicine, so she had been healing by eating healthy foods, and it showed.Keith was working all day and looking after her at night, which was wearing him out. Liliana had just told him to take a break when, by chance, Savannah showed up.Savannah kept a watchful eye on Liliana. It had been ages since she last saw her, and back then, Liliana was just a kid. She had grown up, but her face still held onto that kid-like innocence. Today, though, something about her seemed
"Ms. Savannah, do you know Liliana?" Joanna could tell from Savannah's reaction that she must know Liliana. Her eyes grew more intense. "It looks like Sean really is Liliana's boyfriend."Savannah always frowned when she talked about Liliana. "She's not right for Sean," she would say with a huff. It was not that Liliana was mean or anything. Actually, it was the opposite—she was too nice. However, Savannah had never liked her, right from the start.When Sean was just a little kid, Savannah met Liliana. She was quiet and kept to herself, not really liking to be around people much. However, she always listened to Sean and stuck close to him.Savannah did not have a big problem with Liliana. She just did not like her and thought she was not the right girl for Sean.Liliana was part of the Hoffman family, but even after all these years, they never really accepted her. Even though Charles from the family was kind to her, she was still seen as someone who should not be talked about, like