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
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
"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."