"Alright, then I'll leave my sister in your hands!"After spending some time with Linda, Noelle had come to realize that apart from being extremely serious when treating patients, Linda was otherwise quite childish. At moments like this, she was still very much a child at heart.However, spending time with Linda was easy. She had a way of making treatments feel relaxing, ensuring there was no pressure at all.Once Linda finished joking around, Charles led her away, taking her directly to Sean's lab for research.For the past few days, Linda had not stepped out of the hospital because she was entirely focused on finding a cure for the virus. She had practically made Sean's lab her home, eating, drinking, and sleeping there without a care.Despite her young age, Linda was undoubtedly a medical prodigy. She was only in her teens, yet she handled these complex medical challenges with astonishing composure.Sean had always believed his medical skills were exceptional—at least within h
Nobody knew if Kelly was alive or not because Sean's hospital would not let any information slip out. The place was locked down tight by Charles's crew, and not even Yves's toughest guys could bust in and rescue Kelly. Yves did not have a clue about Kelly's condition, so he could not just rush in without a plan.Somewhere hidden on the outskirts of town, a man was strung up on a scary-looking rack, his eyes shut and barely breathing.Yves sat on a chair nearby, fiddling with something in his hands, his eyes icy as he stared at the man hanging there. "You know you messed up, right?"The man, who was called Elon, kept his eyes shut tight and would not say a word. Yves glanced sharply at another guy standing close by. This guy was an assassin Yves had trained, just like Elon. They were always at Yves's side.Elon was usually the one out in the open, but this other guy, Yoan, worked from the shadows. They were Yves's main guys.Yves did not take Elon with him to Francoria that time be
"You must really want to die!" Yves twisted his hand, and Elon's arm popped out of its socket. "Who told you the York family has a dungeon? My father? Or...""No! The old master has nothing to do with this!""Hmph!" Yves glared at Elon. "You never saw me as your master, did you? Only my father?" Yves squeezed Elon's cheek. "What did my father give you that made you remain so loyal, even years after his death?""Nothing... You are my master. The old master gave me my life and asked me to follow you for all of it, so no matter what you do, I will obey.""Then why didn't you listen when I said not to hurt her?" A dangerous look flickered in Yves' eyes. "Hmm?""Because I know she'll mess up your big plans, Sir. You don't see it now, but one day you'll understand that I am doing all this for you." Elon clenched his teeth against the pain. "Sir, please see the truth. This woman will only hold you back. Even if you take my life now, I won't complain, but don't let her ruin your big plans
Yves's car lingered long at the hospital entrance, finally pulling away as the last bit of night faded.Yves had been hanging around the hospital entrance for a while, and the secret guard who was watching him had already told Charles about it. Actually, Charles had seen the car parked outside the hospital on the security screen a long time ago.Charles was staring at the screen, lost in thought.After a bit, a tiny smile appeared on his face, and his eyes sparkled.Charles was surprised that Yves cared so much about Kelly. He was brave enough to come there all by himself, even though it was dangerous. The hospital was full of their own people. If Charles had not been sitting there and had caught Yves instead, this whole thing might already be over.The door to the hospital room opened, and Sean, who was tall and striking, stood there. He had been at the hospital a lot those days, staying close ever since he started looking after Kelly. Linda was there too.Every day, Linda was b
Charles squinted at him. "You don't seem too happy to have me around!""No, no, don't get me wrong. Noelle and Kelly are my sisters, and they’re part of the Smith family. I wouldn't ever dislike them! But don't you think you're wasting resources by being here?"Sean was practically pleading. "Look, if you're not smart with your money, that's fine by me!""Silly Sean! You just said they're your sisters, yet now you're talking about money?" Charles raised an eyebrow. Sean's face fell. "I messed up. I don't want your money. I'll pay you to leave, okay?"Charles just smirked. "Alright, I'll have my things packed up and head out in a couple of days."Sean let out a big sigh of relief. "Okay! I'll have someone clean up for you right away. It won't even take two days. We'll have it done today!" After saying that, Sean whistled cheerfully and bounced away.Charles rubbed his forehead, a bit frustrated, and quickly reviewed the latest reports about the Collosus Group.Steven had been sec
Eloise's fingers shook just a little, but she nodded seriously. "Take your medicine, get better, and I'll go. Just don't send me away now, please."With that, Eloise held out the glass of water to Steven again. "You need to take care of yourself. You haven't had any rest for days."Steven stared at Eloise's defiant face and suddenly laughed mockingly. He stood up, towering over her with his tall frame. He tilted her chin up with his long fingers, his icy eyes locking onto her bare face. His words cut deep. "You seem to have forgotten that you're just a pawn to me. Even your name, Eloise, was chosen by me. Remember your place!"Eloise's face went white as she heard his words. Her hands balled into fists at her sides. She tried to read his expression, but his eyes were like ice—no warmth nor emotion."Yes, I've always known who I am," Eloise said quietly, looking down. "If it weren't for you, I'd probably still be lost."She looked up again, her eyes then as cool and detached as his
Yves came back from the hospital and headed straight for the York family home. The mood there was heavy with worry. Everyone was scared that the trouble from two days ago might come back to haunt them.They could not forget how Simon had carried Ms. Anderson out of the house, and the serious warning he had given them.Harold had done some digging and found out that Kelly really was Harrison's daughter. She had not known Harrison when she was little, so the Anderson family from Capiton had taken her in. Just like the Hoffmans and the Smiths from Brookville, the Andersons were not the kind of people they would want to mess with.Kelly might not have been the apple of the Anderson family's eye, but Grant sure treated her well. Now that the Smith family had welcomed her back, Kelly had both the Andersons and the Smiths watching her back. Getting on the bad side of either family was definitely not a good idea.Harold did not usually bother with petty matters. However, with Jacob away an
Jacob pushed the door open and stepped inside, spotting Jeanette seated in a recliner with a Bible in her hands. She read it nearly daily, and it had grown worn over time.Jacob's gaze fell on Jeanette, and he noticed she was also sizing him up. Lifting his eyes, he let a faint smile curve his lips as he walked over. "Grandma, what are you reading?" he asked."Do you not see what I'm looking at?" Jeanette asked, her face suddenly serious. "Jacob, did you forget what I've told you before?""I remember, Grandma," Jacob said, worried she might not believe him. He moved a chair next to her and started to gently massage her legs.However, Jeanette was not so easily tricked. She brushed Jacob's hand away and looked at him with a stern face, very different from her usual warm smile. "Jacob, I may be old, but I'm not blind. Years have gone by. Your grandpa's gone, your dad's gone, and all I want now is for you to live a good life."She reached out and touched Jacob's face. On closer inspe
"Sean, stop messing around. Let go of me first," Liliana tugged at Sean's arm, realizing how tightly he was holding her. "You're choking me."Only then did Sean loosen his grip slightly, though he still did not let her go. His forehead rested against hers, and he panted softly. "Liliana, do you remember what you said to me in the fire?"Liliana's face turned red, and she awkwardly turned her head away. "N-No, I don't remember. What did I say? I don't think I—mmph..."Before she could finish, Sean kissed her, swallowing the rest of her words with that one stubborn kiss.Liliana raised her hands and smacked Sean on the shoulder, trying to push him away. "Sea—mmph, what are you doing? Let me go..."She shoved him hard, and Sean stumbled back, clutching his chest. Liliana's face went pale, and she rushed over. "Sean, what's wrong? Are you okay? Did I hurt you somewhere?"Nonetheless, Sean took the opportunity to wrap his arms around her again. That feeling of holding her tightly
Noelle raised an eyebrow. "I didn't say that."Then, she added, "That knot in Liliana's heart can only be undone by Sean."What happened back then had always been a shadow between the two of them. Noelle had noticed it these past few days. Though Liliana stubbornly claimed she no longer cared, she clutched her phone every single day, obviously waiting for a call.Liliana's social circle was small. Noelle and the others knew everyone she knew. Who else could she be waiting for but Sean?Charles furrowed his brows. "If Liliana can't have the best, then she's better off with nothing."Noelle could not help but laugh. "Alright, alright. I know you're still holding a grudge against Hayes and Savannah."Honestly, Noelle shared the sentiment. "Savannah really crossed a line with how she handled everything."Charles reached out and gently pinched Noelle's knuckles. "That's not what I meant."Noelle chuckled, exasperated. "I know."Outside, the sound of a car engine drew their attentio
Sean shoved Hayes away. "Dad, if you're just like Mom and trying to stop me from being with Liliana, then don't even bother. If I can't marry Liliana in this lifetime, I won't marry anyone else."With that, Sean lay down decisively. Hayes frowned. "Sean, this isn't about what we want anymore. It's about Liliana and Charles now."Truthfully, Hayes did not have many opinions about Sean and Liliana's relationship. He was always too busy with the company to pay attention to such things. Even the events from four years ago were only now becoming clearer to him."If you insist on marrying her, I won't stop you. But from what I can see, the problem lies with Liliana and Charles."Sean's gaze sharpened as he clenched his fists. "That's impossible. Liliana already forgave me back when the fire happened. She promised that if we both made it out, she'd marry me."Hayes sighed. "Your mother… She misunderstood Liliana and said some harsh things. Just rest for now. Once you're better, we'll go
Sean spat out a mouthful of blood. One hand gripped the bedsheet tightly, his gaze turning darker than ever."What do you mean by that? What do you mean she doesn't want to marry me? She promised me. She said that as long as I was willing to walk out of that fire with her, she'd be with me. You're lying to me, aren't you? Tell me you're lying to me."Sean's bloodshot eyes locked on Savannah's. "Tell me."Savannah was momentarily stunned by the sheer force of Sean's gaze. This was the first time she ever felt fear in front of her own son. "Sean, I…""Where's Liliana?" Sean demanded."Sean," Hayes called out as he pushed open the door and stepped in. "That's no way to speak to your mother.""Then how should I speak to her?" Sean's voice turned icy."Did you know it was Joanna who drugged me nine years ago? And while I was under the influence, I forced myself on Liliana? I misunderstood her, and as a result, she had to hide in the countryside for years."Four years ago, it was me
The operating room door swung open, and Liliana spun around. She saw Saxon step out. Not caring about anyone else’s opinions, she grabbed his hand. "Mr. Holt, how's Sean?"Saxon looked down at their hands, noting how soft and warm hers was. He met her eyes and nodded. "The patient is out of danger now. He should wake up by tomorrow."Hearing that, Liliana let out a sigh of relief and then suddenly fainted."Liliana!"Charles rushed over and wrapped Liliana in a tight hug, but his eyes quickly darted to Hayes and Savannah. "Now that Sean is safe, Sean's fate is no longer Liliana's concern, nor ours," he declared, speaking for the Hoffman family.With those words, Charles carried Liliana away. Saxon was tugged along by Linda. "Saxon, you should check on her. The young lady seemed off to me. She's been hiding her pain. Besides the wound on her shoulder, I think she breathed in a lot of smoke."Saxon's eyes shimmered for a moment. "Yeah, I'm aware."Liliana had been pushing through
"Charles, you…""Stop it!" Hayes was taken aback by Savannah suddenly slapping Liliana. He did not particularly like or dislike Liliana, but she was part of the Hoffman family, and their family commanded much respect. Besides, Noelle was still Charles's wife, and they had to be careful about their actions.Hayes turned to Charles. "I'm sorry, my wife acted without thinking. But what in the world happened today?"Hayes had been told that his son was hurt, but he did not know the details. When he arrived and saw Liliana was there and injured too, Hayes and Savannah could not help but think that Liliana must be connected to Sean's injury.Charles gave a sharp look. "It was Joanna's doing.""Joanna? No, that can't be!" Savannah was shocked to hear the name Joanna, and she quickly objected, "Joanna is such a sweet girl, she couldn't possibly...""Oh, sweet indeed!"Liliana, who had been silent until then, finally spoke. She narrowed her eyes and stood up, ignoring the pain from her w
"Liliana!""Get up quickly!" Liliana used all her strength to pull Sean up from the ground. "Can you walk?""Uh-huh!" Sean had been hit by a falling piece of wood on his leg when he tried to push Liliana out earlier. That was why he could not get out in time and could only hear Liliana's loud calls from outside.He had wished so badly for Liliana to leave quickly, but she had come back for him.Sean bit down hard and pushed himself up.Even if it was hard to walk, he had to try because Liliana wanted him to stand.Liliana slung Sean's arm over her shoulder, noticing his injury. Her eyes were red with tears. "Sean, hang in there. If we both make it out today, I'll forgive you. You can ask me to do anything.""Really?" Sean's eyes sparkled, and he smiled. "Liliana, I don't want you to do anything." In his heart, he added, ‘I just want you to marry me.’"The fire is licking at our heels, and you two are still dawdling," came Charles's icy voice from up ahead. In a flash, he was be
"Sean, where are you? Didn't you just say you love me?" she cried out. "How can you leave me like this, saying you love me and then j-j-just giving up? What am I supposed to do now?"Sean, you took our child from me. How could you think I'd just forgive you? If you don't make this right, I swear I'll never forgive you," Liliana yelled outside, her voice filled with madness. Inside, the plant was engulfed in flames. Shaking from head to toe, Liliana's screams slowly turned into a whisper. She clenched her hands tight, staring blankly at the fire. "If you're gone, what's left for me here?""Liliana!"Charles rushed over and saw Liliana moving toward the flames. He grabbed her and pulled her back. "What are you doing?"Liliana looked up, dazed, and saw Charles. She quickly stood up and grabbed his hand. "Charles, please. I'm begging you. Help me save Sean, please!"Charles's brow creased as he looked at the fiery red inferno, his fingers tensing. "Liliana, the fire's too big. Sean mi
Liliana shoved Sean aside and covered him with her body, taking a knife stab from Joanna. "Ugh..."Pain whitened Liliana's face, and blood dripped onto Sean's face. Reacting quickly, Sean rolled over, picked Liliana up in his arms, and seized Joanna's neck, twisting it hard until it cracked. Joanna's eyes bulged in disbelief as she stared at Sean."You..."She had not thought Sean would actually snap her neck. Her eyes were wide open, one hand clutching a knife, and the other holding a lighter.With her last breath, she tossed the lighter.A loud bang followed, and flames started to spread from that spot.Sean's eyes darkened as he carried Liliana and dashed for the exit. However, how could he outrun the swift spread of the fire while burdened with Liliana's weight?Liliana's eyes widened as she saw the flames creeping up behind them. She pushed Sean, urging him, "Go now, or it'll be too late!"However, Sean's eyes turned a deep red with emotion. "Liliana, I won't let go of you