Charles's gaze shifted away from Jacob, and he wrapped his arm around Noelle, almost as if he was making a statement. Noelle, feeling a bit trapped, tugged at Charles's sleeve. "Let's go," she said."Okay!" Charles nodded, and Ronald brought over the gift. Charles said goodbye to Jeanette, and the old lady looked sad to see Charles and Noelle go. "You're leaving already?""Noelle isn't feeling well, so we’d better not stay any longer. We'll come by for another visit soon!"After Charles explained, Jeanette did not push them to stay. She took off a bracelet from her wrist and held Noelle's hand. "Charles's wife, I'm so happy to meet you for the first time. I don't have much to give, but I'd like you to have this jade bracelet!""Oh, I couldn't possibly take this!" Noelle was surprised and tried to decline. However, Jacob raised an eyebrow and gave a small smile. "Mrs. Hoffman, if my grandma wants you to have it, you should accept it. She doesn't just give things away, she must reall
After Noelle said this, Charles could not help but furrow his brows. Jacob's and Jeanette's behavior did seem strange.Initially, he thought Simon was peculiar enough, but it appeared the York family had more unusual characters besides him.Seeing Charles' contemplative expression, Noelle knew he was giving it serious thought. "Never mind. We don't have much to do with the Yorks anyway!"Charles nodded. "Let's get in the car."When they returned home, Nancy was surprised to see them back so early. "I thought you young folks would spend more time socializing!""There were too many people, and Charlie was worried I'd get tired, so we came back early," Noelle explained while holding Nancy's hand."Aunt Nancy, why haven't you gone to bed yet?""I was concerned about you two, so I stayed up," Nancy replied. Her gaze fell on the bracelet on Noelle's wrist. "What's this?"Noelle tugged at her lips and pointed at the bracelet. "Mrs. Elmore insisted on giving it to me, saying it was a w
Maxwell let out an inexplicable sigh. "Did you meet Simon?"Charles curved his lips. "I did.""I actually think the Yorks would do well to let him take over."Charles raised an eyebrow. There was a glint of intrigue lighting up his eyes as his smile grew more enigmatic.Seeing this, Maxwell sensed there was more to the story. "You think Simon is a good choice too?""Among the three York heirs, Simon does seem to have the best aptitude, and he's quite clever. But his position within the family is somewhat awkward, so he wasn't considered a candidate from the start. Are you planning to involve yourself in the Yorks' affairs, Grandpa?"Maxwell frowned. "There's something I initially didn't pay much attention to, but now, I think you should keep an eye on it.""Go ahead, Grandpa. I'm listening.""It's about Mrs. Elmore. Before her second marriage, she had a misunderstanding with the Hoffmans." Maxwell shook his head, his eyes briefly closing in thought."Your great-uncle's death..
Charles nodded. "I'll keep in mind what you said today, Grandpa.""Good. Off you go," Maxwell replied with a wave of his hand. "Spend some time with Noelle."After Charles left, Maxwell fell into deep thought.The memory of Jeanette's seething glare as she left the Hoffmans was still vivid. Back then, her eyes seemed to carry the intensity of wanting to devour him whole.However, when Jeanette returned with her new husband and child for a family visit, she seemed like an entirely different person. She was warm and friendly toward the Hoffmans.Maxwell had assumed that her remarriage severed her ties with the Hoffmans, so he had not given it much thought. But now, seeing that bracelet again stirred an unsettling feeling that he could not shake."What's on your mind?"Noelle walked into the bedroom and saw Charles sitting on the couch. His rare, contemplative expression caught her attention.Charles looked up when he noticed her and gestured for her to come closer. "Finished talk
Following Samuel's sudden passing, his will revealed that Noelle and Grant were the primary beneficiaries of City Ring Corp.Subsequently, Kent, the lawyer entrusted by Samuel before his death, carried out a series of procedures to certify the shares for Noelle and Grant. Once these formalities were completed, the stage was set for City Ring Corp.'s shareholders' meeting.The employees of City Ring Corp. were still unaware of Samuel's decisions. Coincidentally, the day of the regularly scheduled shareholders' meeting arrived. Both Noelle and Grant received the meeting notice the day prior.Kent indicated that both of them needed to attend. Any future decisions regarding the transfer of Grant's shares were left up to Grant and Noelle to handle directly.Charles was preoccupied with company matters, so he could not accompany her. However, he had assigned Ronald to stay by Noelle's side. With Ronald there and Grant attending as well, Charles felt no concern that Noelle would be at a d
By now, Ronald had already been waiting downstairs for an hour. He occasionally glanced at his watch, silently wondering if Noelle was still getting ready.Just as he was about to check again, footsteps echoed from upstairs. Ronald immediately stood up upon hearing this."Mr. Hoffman, Mrs. Hoffman!"Charles nodded. "Ronald, take good care of Nelly. Handle the matters at the company later. If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask me."While Charles said this, he was fully aware of Ronald's capabilities. His words were more about reassuring Noelle.Indeed, Noelle was feeling a little nervous. However, hearing Charles' words put her somewhat at ease. She then added, "Grant is attending today as well, right?"Charles paused and nodded. "He should be. Grandpa left him shares too. Even though he didn't want them, he's still a shareholder, so it's natural for him to attend.""Exactly," Charles replied. "With him there, you have even less to worry about.""That's true
Noelle smacked her lips thoughtfully. This was not something that could be resolved with just a few words.Nonetheless, since Grant had already addressed it, she decided not to dwell on it."Grant," she said simply.Grant smiled faintly. "You and Kelly are sisters, so calling me just Grant wouldn't be out of line."Noelle pursed her lips, unsure how to respond.Even though Kelly was not a biological Anderson, she had been Grant's sister for so many years. For her, calling him just Grant felt natural. But Noelle did not know where she stood with Grant. Their relationship seemed so messy that it made her head spin."Okay, Grant," she replied."I'll be at City Ring Corp. today too. What about you?""Yes, I'm on my way," Noelle said, glancing at Ronald.Ronald immediately responded, "About half an hour to reach City Ring Corp., Mrs. Hoffman."Noelle nodded, and Ronald added, "We'll be on time for the meeting!""Good!" Noelle nodded again. "Grant, where are you now?""Me? About
Ronald noticed the way Grant looked at Noelle, and every hair on his body seemed to stand on end almost instantly as though he were bracing for a fight. Even Noelle felt the tension.She sighed, feeling a little embarrassed, and glanced awkwardly at Grant, only to find him smiling at her. There was something undeniably provocative in that smile.Noelle smacked her lips. Was Grant doing this on purpose?She looked at Ronald, who indeed looked like a cat with its fur standing on end, ready to pounce. She could not help but find it amusing.Meanwhile, Ronald was thinking to himself that with the boss absent, it was his sole responsibility to protect Noelle."Let's go. It's getting late," Grant finally said, showing no interest in engaging with Ronald, who was merely an assistant. Noelle nodded and fell into step beside Grant."What's your plan?" she asked.Grant understood that Noelle was not only referring to the shareholders' meeting. He turned his gaze to her profile.Perhaps
The woman with Joanna gushed, "You're so lucky! Your boyfriend Sean is so handsome and rich, and your future mother-in-law adores you too!""Please, you're making me blush. Sean and I aren't even official yet." Joanna laughed off the compliment."It's only a matter of time. Everyone at the hospital knows you two are an item. And your future mother-in-law is so generous, showering you with gifts. You wouldn't believe how many people are green with envy!""You're making it sound too good to be true!"As Liliana overheard Joanna and the woman's conversation about Sean, she felt like a creep for eavesdropping.Yes, Sean had been with Joanna for a while. Where did that leave Liliana?She had been with Sean, which explained why he was so cold that day. He must have really disliked her, or else it would not have made sense.Liliana squeezed her hands together, trying hard not to eavesdrop on Joanna and the other woman's chat. However, their words floated to her ears, every single one c
Adalee had braced herself for tough negotiations, but to her surprise, they were ready to shake hands on the deal he moment she stepped into the other company's office. The previous unreasonable demands were gone. They were going to work together just like they had before.Even though Adalee thought it was odd, she was just glad there were no hiccups in the partnership. She signed the contract and decided to give Liliana some time off, hoping it would help her shake off the blues from that unhappy evening.Ever since Liliana came back from Cascade City, she had been quiet. Her life was work, work, and nothing but work. She did not go out, not even when Tania tried to coax her into hanging out.Tania could tell something was off with Liliana, but Liliana clammed up whenever she asked, saying she was swamped with work and had no spare time.Liliana had even forgotten about the date with Keith she had planned to arrange after her business trip.Her routine was simple: she would work
Adalee had just stepped out of her room when she ran into Sean. Sean's face was stormy as he walked past, not even noticing Adalee."Mister..." Adalee called, but Sean did not even look back.Adalee's brows knitted together in worry. She rushed to Liliana's door and called, "Liliana? Liliana?"Adalee did not hear Liliana answer, so she knocked again. "Liliana, are you in there?"After Sean left, Liliana could not stop the tears from coming. However, she did not let herself cry loudly. It was just a quiet, steady sob.When she heard the knock at the door, Liliana quickly stopped crying.She bit her lip, hurried to put on her clothes, and dried her eyes.Adalee waited outside, not leaving before she heard from Liliana. Liliana had no choice but to open the door.As soon as Adalee saw her, she noticed her red, puffy eyes and the marks on her face and neck. "Liliana, what's wrong?"Remembering the drink Liliana had taken for her sake the previous night, Adalee gasped and grabbed h
Disgust—that was it.She remembered a similar desperate moment from years ago. However, Sean had not given her a chance to explain back then.He was disappointed and disgusted with her."Sean, only you and I know about today. If we keep it to ourselves, no one else will find out. I know I was wrong… but I was set up. I'm truly sorry."I promise I won't bother you again. I'm not the same as I was before. I used to have feelings for you, but now I really just see you as a brother. I wouldn't fall for my own brother."And I have a boyfriend whom I really love… I wouldn't ever ruin your happiness, Sean. I promise you that."Liliana was trying to explain, but her words were all jumbled up. She did not even understand what she was saying herself. All she knew was that she did not want to see that look of disgust in Sean's eyes, so she kept explaining, hoping Sean would not hate her.Liliana was so busy trying to clarify things that she did not notice the icy look in Sean's eyes when s
Liliana woke up feeling utterly spent, as if she had been run over.For a moment, her mind was totally blank. She could not remember a thing. She opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling for what felt like forever. Slowly, her senses started to come back.The warm breath and steady breathing from beside her made her eyes pop open wide.The moment she saw Sean lying next to her and shirtless, she could not stay calm any longer. "Ahh!"Her scream woke Sean up.He cracked his eyes open, still groggy, but then suddenly, his eyes snapped wide open, and his piercing gaze landed on Liliana.Her mind was a whirlwind, the memories of last night rushing back. She remembered being drugged, Sean bringing her home, and then, despite trying so hard to hold back, she ended up crossing a line with Sean.The thought made her heart ache, almost drowning her as she met Sean's icy stare.She wrapped her arms around herself, clutching the blanket tightly. She was shaking all over, and her eyes wer
Liliana was crying so hard that she could not think of anything else. All she knew was that she felt awful, and Sean was the man she loved more than anyone else in her life. She hugged Sean tightly, tears streaming down her face. "Liliana, please stop," Sean said gently. He tried to move her hands away, but she held on even tighter. "Sean, I feel so sad… I really like you, Sean," she said through her tears. Sean pried Liliana's hands off him, but she clung to him again. "Sean, I feel awful… I… I like you, Sean."She bit his lips, her hands desperately roaming over his body.Sean was a man, after all. The moment Liliana started touching him so recklessly, his body responded.However, he had always been a man of strong self-control. He pushed her away countless times, but Liliana crawled back each time, whimpering as she restlessly clung to him.Sean's expression darkened. It was not because of Liliana—it was because of himself.He could not believe it. He was actually having
Liliana's mind was a whirlwind. She found her key card fast, but just as she was about to shut the door, a big hand stopped it.She was not strong enough to close the door against Sean, who pushed it open.Liliana took a shaky step back, looking at Sean with a bit of fear. "Sean, it's late. I need to sleep."Sean just kept looking at her. "Liliana, what... what's wrong with your mouth?" he asked as he reached out, his fingers lightly touching the corner of Liliana's mouth. Liliana felt a rush of heat through her body, making her shake all over.In a swift motion, she knocked Sean's hand away. "Leave me alone."With his inscrutable eyes, Sean noticed the blood on his thumb and Liliana's unusual red cheeks. A flicker of surprise showed in his eyes. "Liliana, did..."However, Liliana was already clenching her fists, all pretense gone. She was shaking and crouching on the ground, her tears filling her eyes. "Sean, please. I'm begging you, just go, okay?"Sean's brow furrowed. His
Liliana could not make out what Sean was saying anymore. She felt awful and shut her eyes tight, not wanting Sean to notice.Sean thought Liliana had dozed off from drinking too much and had a headache, so he stopped talking.The car pulled up to Liliana's hotel, and Sean gently shook her. "Liliana, time to wake up. We're here."Liliana slowly opened her eyes and saw Sean's face close to hers. Her heart, which was already fluttering, started racing.She turned her head away, swallowing hard. "Are we here already?"Once she saw they were outside the hotel, Liliana quickly got out of the car and opened the back door to help Adalee. "Ms. Cobb, can you walk?"Adalee nodded. "Yes, I can."With a sigh of relief, Liliana told Sean, "Sean, we've made it. Ms. Cobb and I will head up now."Liliana rushed off, scared that any delay might make her lose her composure. She could not let herself fall apart in front of Sean again—not after what happened years ago.Sean noticed Liliana rushing
The moment everyone in the private room saw Bob, they were scared out of their wits.It was Andy, the favorite son of the Jones family in Cascade City! Even though he was the second child, he was the one everyone knew would run the company one day.Everyone felt a wave of relief, glad they had not messed with Liliana earlier. They knew that if they had, they would not just be outcasts in Cascade City, but probably everywhere else too.Sean gently put Adalee in the back seat of the car and then helped Liliana into the front seat. Noticing Liliana's pale face, he asked, "Did you have too much to drink?"When Sean touched her forehead, Liliana felt a wave of heat rush through her, like she was on fire. Sean's hand was cool, and the moment it touched her, she could not help but sigh in relief."Maybe," she said.Sean shook his head. "Where's your hangover pill? Take it now. Where do you live?"After Liliana told him the address, she saw that Adalee was already fast asleep.Sean tur