Was Winter just a pawn for this guy, and he was using her to get what he wanted? However, he could have just had his own people take care of things. Why send Winter, another woman, after Noelle? That was what Noelle could not wrap her head around.His guys could have easily dealt with her without Winter getting in the way. "Are you using Winter to reach some goal of yours?"Jethro just frowned and stayed quiet.Noelle gripped her knife and fork tighter. "I've gone through City Ring Corp.'s books. There've been issues for two years now, but they were too small to notice at first. It wasn't until last year that the big problems started to show up. And then there was the trouble with my grandpa. Did Winter go to upset him at the hospital because of you? Was it you she met in that shady spot?"Noelle did not know why, but as she put the pieces together, she felt sure he was behind it all. "Why are you after City Ring Corp. and the Shaws?"My grandpa never did anything to you! And Wint
Noelle's fists were clenched tight. "Who are you, really? What do you want?" she demanded."You'll find out soon enough," came the reply.After Jethro left the villa, Noelle, having finished her meal, thought about making a run for it. However, she quickly realized escape was next to impossible.Guards were posted all around the villa, and several masked men in black had appeared inside. They were skilled, and their faces were hidden, leaving them unrecognizable.Noelle felt a surge of anger as she pinched her palm and glared at them. She decided to head upstairs and come up with a long-term plan....In the lab, Sean finally finished analyzing the contents of the syringe. He immediately called Charles. "It's the virus from Bran, Charles!"Charles's face turned serious as he held his phone tightly. He quickly looked over at Steven. "How long until we can find them?""We've got it. They're in..." Steven's eyes were glued to the screen, then he said sharply, "Cascade City!"Casc
"Let me guess. You're not suggesting someone is hiding there, are you? But..." Sean was clearly skeptical, but he paused and looked over at Charles, who was gazing at the house with a thoughtful expression and a glint of something mysterious in his eyes."Charles?"With his lips pressed together, Charles turned to Bob. "We didn't bring many people with us. Do you have enough folks to help out?" Charles seemed remarkably calm.Bob smirked. "What's the catch for me?"Charles squinted slightly. "What kind of reward are you looking for?" He spoke so evenly that one could not tell he was upset, let alone that someone had kidnapped his wife.Bob's eyes twinkled with amusement. "I haven't thought of anything yet, Mr. Hoffman. You can just owe me a favor.""Sebastian!" Charles said sharply, and Bob's face stiffened. He met Charles's look with narrowed eyes, his smile disappearing. "Mr. Hoffman, what are you getting at?""Mr. Bob Smith, did your grandfather have a brother by any chance?"
He was pretty sure they would not hurt Noelle, which was why he took his time to see what their real plan was.After going back and forth with them, Charles was almost certain of their game. They pretended to kidnap Noelle, but their real plan was to throw him off balance with her disappearance. Once he was all shook up, that's when they would really make their move.If Charles was right, there would be some big shake-ups at Collosus Group in the next few days.Just as Charles had predicted, before he could even begin to help Noelle, Ronald had urgent news."Mr. Hoffman, someone has just deliberately sold off a huge amount of Collosus Group's stock. There's also trouble brewing at Capiton."Charles squinted. "What else?""Collosus Group's security system has been hit a few times, but it looks like the attacker isn't really trying. They made a few attempts and then stopped.""Understood!" Charles ended the call, his normally steady eyes flickering with concern.Steven's call cam
Luckily, the old woman did not lock the room today. Noelle peeked out the window for a long time. The guards outside looked tough, but she noticed they switched every fifteen minutes. She did not have much time to escape without being seen. The room was pretty empty with just some furniture. Noelle was on the second floor and remembered the tiny window in the bathroom. Could it open? She dashed to the bathroom and pushed the window open—it worked! Peeking down, she saw it was not too high. If she tied the bed sheets tightly, she could climb down safely. She just needed to time it right, slipping out during the guards' switch so they would not spot her.Noelle thought to herself and hurried into her room, trying to rip the sheets with all her might. However, it was harder than she thought it would be. With no scissors around, she had no choice but to look at the plate she had finished eating from that morning. She grabbed the plate, dashed to the bathroom, and shut the door a
Noelle let out a cry, grabbed the old woman's hand, and with a strong tug, she pulled her away and yanked the needle out.Her hand was covered in blood as she glared at the old woman. "What did you inject into me?"She remembered that Winter had tried to inject her with something during their argument. Noelle had avoided it, thinking it was just something to make her pass out. However, feeling the prick from the old woman now, she sensed it was something more serious.The old woman stumbled back from Noelle's push. She looked into Noelle's fierce eyes and felt a flicker of fear. However, she quickly composed herself when she saw Noelle sway and lose her balance, then collapse to the ground."Mrs. Hoffman?" The old woman's eyes showed a hint of pity, but she took a deep breath, picked up the syringe Noelle had dropped, and quickly stuck it into Noelle's arm.She only injected half the medicine before she could not go through with it and pulled the needle out. "Let's see if luck is
Charles gave Sean and Bob a look, and without a word, the three split up to search the house.They did not find even a simple walkie-talkie. When Charles opened the door and found Noelle on the floor, his heart jumped. He rushed to her and scooped her up. "Noelle?""Charles, I got someone!" Sean said, dragging an old woman in. He saw Noelle in Charles's arms, out like a light. "Uh, what's wrong with her? Let me check!"Sean handed the old woman to Bob and quickly felt Noelle's forehead. It was hot. He checked her hands and, seeing blood on her arm, he looked serious. "Charles, Noelle... someone might have given her a shot of something."As Sean spoke, the room seemed to turn colder. Charles's eyes were like ice as he glared at the old woman. "Tell me, what did you inject her with?""I..."The old woman had planned to give Noelle her shot and make a quick getaway, but she had not counted on the others moving so fast. They were quicker than Jethro had said they would be. After she
If the Hoffmans and the Smiths found out Noelle had been injected with something, they would be beside themselves with worry."We'll just say Noelle got a big scare and leave it at that. She'll be moved to a regular room soon, and she'll probably wake up tomorrow."Charles nodded in agreement. "Alright!"Sean let out a deep sigh. "I'll get someone to test this weird thing right away to find out what it is!"Once Sean left, Noelle was wheeled out from where the Hoffman and Smith families were gathered. They quickly approached Charles. "How's Noelle doing? "Clarisse was the first to speak up. She had been feeling so guilty about Noelle being taken. She had not been able to eat or sleep well for days, wondering if things would have been different if she had gone to the toilet with Noelle that day, or if she had stopped her from going.Charles gave Clarisse a tired look. "It's fine. Sean said everything's okay now. She’ll wake up by tomorrow!" He rubbed his forehead and then turned
Seth nodded, tilting his head as he looked at Kelly. "Mommy, you cried."Though young, Seth was incredibly perceptive. Noticing Kelly's red eyes, his small, soft hand reached out to gently rub her cheek.He even leaned closer and blew softly on her face. "Don't cry, Mommy!""I didn't cry, not at all," Kelly said while patting Seth's back gently.There was an apologetic look on her face. "I just forgot to make dinner for you tonight.""Then, Mommy, let's eat out! Seth has money—lots and lots of money. Seth will treat Mommy to some meat!"Seth's sweet, innocent words made Kelly's eyes redden again, but she smiled and nodded. "Alright, Seth. Change your clothes. I'll take you out for dinner, okay?"Later that evening, Kelly sat holding Seth while watching TV, but her mind could not stop drifting back to Noelle's face.Grant's words replayed in her head: she and Noelle were full-blooded sisters, sharing both parents.Kelly looked down at Seth, her thoughts in turmoil. She could
"Are you sure it's a virus?" Kelly asked, her voice trembling slightly."Yes," Grant replied with a firm nod, his sharp eyes fixed on her.He could see the disbelief and shock in Kelly's gaze, along with traces of guilt and unease.However, Kelly suddenly laughed, and she turned her head to face Grant. "Noelle has a virus, so she should go see a doctor. Why are you coming to me? Ha! It's ridiculous that Charles still wants to get me involved when his wife is sick. Why?""Kelly, this virus is extremely rare," Grant explained, his tone steady. "Sean currently doesn't have a clear treatment, but he mentioned one potential solution."Kelly's eyes flickered slightly, betraying a crack in her facade. "If there's a solution, then try it.""Sean believes we need to extract active enzymes from the blood of her closest relatives. Harrison and Shirley should already be at the hospital."Kelly froze again, her lips pressing into a thin line."Oh," she replied, feigning calm, though her emo
Grant noticed Kelly's reluctance to look at the documents and frowned slightly before speaking in an indifferent tone. "You don't have to look at it if you don't want to. After all, it's your decision whether to accept it or not."He placed the file on the table, his tone calm and detached, as though this matter had nothing to do with him.However, Kelly was far from calm. She glared at him, her voice trembling with suppressed anger. "If that's the case, why did you bring it here? Why did you agree? Why…"Her voice grew louder as she yelled at Grant, her emotions spiraling out of control. The noise startled Seth, who was sleeping in the other room.Hearing Seth's cries, Kelly immediately pushed past Grant and rushed into the room to scoop him into her arms. "Seth, don't cry. Mommy's here!""Mommy!" Seth clung tightly to her, his little hands grasping at her clothes."Yes, Mommy's here," Kelly murmured, cradling him as she gently patted his back. She hummed a soothing tune into hi
Kelly's feelings toward Grant were complicated. Growing up, her impression of him was not strong, and they certainly could not be described as having a close sibling bond.Later, Grant left the Andersons, disappearing to places unknown. When he finally returned, Kelly did not stay in Capiton for long before coming to Brookville.After that came the incident that changed everything, ultimately sending her abroad."Aren't you going to invite me in?" Grant glanced inside.Kelly frowned slightly. Although she seemed reluctant, she did not refuse and stepped aside to make way. "Come in. But I don't have much here, so I'm afraid I might not be the best host.""No problem."Grant noticed how much colder Kelly's demeanor had become. As he stepped into the modest apartment, he casually observed its simple layout.It was hard to reconcile this Kelly, living in such a sparse place, with the pampered young woman who once never lifted a finger.Feeling somewhat uneasy, Kelly closed the door
Kelly had been spending the past few days with Seth, whose health had improved significantly. After the recent incident, Kelly stayed in Brookville for a while, using the time to reflect deeply. One of the reasons she had not left Brookville was because of Seth's biological father.It had been almost four years. Not too long, yet not short either.Kelly thought she had let it go, but the DNA report comparing Seth with Maxwell made her hesitate once again.She always knew Seth was not Charles' child. She was fully aware of who the father was, yet his true identity remained a mystery.During those months four years ago, that man had stayed by her side, sharing a deeply unforgettable time with her. It was so unforgettable that she had pushed aside questions about his identity or purpose, choosing instead to immerse herself in the moment with him.Yet she was nothing more than a pawn for him to use against the Hoffmans in the end.Strangely, Charles had been absent from Brookville du
Grant's expression turned ice-cold in an instant. "What are you planning to do?""Kelly is Noelle's biological sister. Sean said only enzymes extracted from close relatives' blood might save Noelle. Whether it works or not, I have to try," Charles replied. His gaze was intense in a way Grant had never seen before.Grant had not expected to ever witness such an expression on Charles' face. He frowned deeply but eventually nodded. "I'll try, but she still doesn't know she's part of the Smith family.""You didn't tell her?" Charles was visibly surprised. He had assumed Grant would have already told Kelly the truth.Now, hearing that Kelly had no idea about her connection to Noelle or the Smith family, Charles was taken aback."I'll bring her over as soon as I can. Give me some time.""Fine, but don't take too long. Nelly can't wait," Charles said firmly. He understood that revealing the truth to Kelly and convincing her to help Noelle would not be easy. However, since Grant had ag
Sean emerged with a somber expression. "Margaret has confirmed that there's a fresh needle mark on Noelle's arm. That shadow from earlier must have injected something into her, which likely triggered her immediate symptoms."Charles clenched his fists, the sound of his knuckles cracking filling the tense air. "What's the plan?""Before the virus spreads too deeply, we could try using blood from Noelle's close relatives to extract certain components that might counteract it," Sean explained.Charles narrowed his eyes. "Be clearer. What are you suggesting?""This idea isn't fully tested. I only came across it in medical literature, and there's no guarantee it will work. If the virus hasn't invaded her bone marrow, we might still have a chance."Charles' expression eased slightly, but a hint of apprehension lingered. He glanced at Sean, who hesitated before continuing. "We need to call in Uncle Harrison and Shirley. Ideally, we should also bring Kelly here.""Fine!"Harrison arrive
"Make sure to cooperate well with Dr. Ellison, alright?"Charles leaned down, planting a soft kiss on Noelle's forehead before stepping out with Sean. "What's going on?"Outside, Peter, Tania, and Brandon were waiting. Brandon kept peeking into the room, and his curious eyes were wide with concern. "Uncle Charles, what's wrong with Aunt Noelle?"Charles' expression softened immediately. He reached out to tousle Brandon's hair gently. "Aunt Noelle is fine. She's just feeling a little sick.""Oh, then Bran will give Aunt Noelle some candy. If Auntie eats candy, she won't hurt anymore," Brandon said with childlike earnestness, pulling a few candies from his small bag and handing them to Charles."Uncle Charles, give these to Aunt Noelle!""Alright."Charles accepted the candies, his gaze drifting back to the room. He watched through the window as Noelle cooperated with Margaret's examination. His chest felt unbearably tight with worry."Have you figured out what to do yet?""Wh
"Mm, you didn't cry," Noelle said with a faint smile.Her face was still pale, but it was clear she had passed the peak of her pain.She placed her hands gently on Charles' face, slowly pulling herself up. After finding a comfortable position, she leaned into him, her head nuzzling against his chest like a mother soothing her child.Her delicate fingers traced the contours of his face. "You didn't cry."Charles could not help but tremble slightly. Lowering his gaze, he found Noelle looking up at him. She cupped his face with both hands, her body leaning closer, and her forehead was lightly pressing against his.She rubbed against him gently. "You were just worried about me," she said softly. Then, she placed a gentle kiss at the corner of his mouth."Our Charlie is the best, the strongest. How could he cry? Crying is my job."Noelle's smile was so tender and warm that it seemed to melt the storm brewing in Charles' heart.He carefully wrapped her in his arms, brushing his face