Noelle smiled. "Why are you thanking me? We're family."Her pregnancy had made her movements increasingly inconvenient. "Honestly, going to City Ring Corp. would be good for you. Since I can't move around as much these days, you'd be able to help keep an eye on things for me."Tania told me you studied management before, so you can just follow Ronald's lead when you get there. It's nothing complicated—he's already taken care of most things.""Alright." Liliana did not refuse. She knew this was Charles and Noelle's way of looking out for her, and she might disappoint them if she rejected their offer.The news of Liliana bringing Bobby home reached Sean the next morning through a call from Charles. For Sean, it was a crushing blow.When Bobby was still in the hospital, Liliana had to visit often, which gave him opportunities to see her—at least he had a reason to. But now that she was bringing Bobby home, he had no excuse left.Liliana woke up early, feeling excited about finally b
"Hmm?" Liliana patiently waited for Bobby to respond, but he only turned red with frustration, unable to find the words."Do you have a secret, Bobby? One you can't tell me?"Bobby hesitated, nodding at first before quickly shaking his head, looking visibly troubled. "Mommy, please don't be mad. I'll go home with you."Afraid that Liliana might be upset, he quickly reached out and tugged at her sleeve. "Let's go home, Mommy.""Good boy." Liliana gently patted his small head, but suspicion lingered in her mind. Had Bobby made a new friend while she was not around?Try as she might, she could not figure it out. "Alright, let's go home first. If you miss your friend here, I'll bring you back when I have time, okay?"She assumed that, at Bobby's age, any attachment he had would be fleeting. Once he met new friends, he would likely forget the ones from the hospital."Okay," Bobby agreed reluctantly.With that, Liliana took Bobby downstairs and left the hospital. Unbeknownst to her,
Yves lifted his gaze slightly but quickly lowered it again. "Grandma, I have my own intentions. You shouldn't interfere.""If I don't interfere, am I supposed to just stand by and watch as you and Charles destroy each other?"Jeanette's words made Yves tighten his already relaxed grip. She immediately understood his thoughts. "I know what's on your mind, but you're also part of the Hoffmans.""Grandma, my last name is York!""Jacob, I know that you already know the truth, don't you? Your father was the same way. He wanted revenge, and I stopped him. I once thought that after his death, everything related to the Hoffmans' past would fade away. But seeing you like this now, I realize that just like your father, you have never truly let it go.""Have you let it go, Grandma?"Jeanette closed her eyes briefly and let out a deep sigh. "Jacob, I hated them too. Back then, when I was pregnant with your father, he was barely two months in my womb—not even three yet."Your grandfather and
"Grandma…" Yves called out."Kelly… Is she the same girl you mentioned to me four years ago?" Jeanette sighed heavily."I saw her that day. She was covered in injuries. If Simon hadn't saved her, I fear she wouldn't have survived..." She didn't dare finish the sentence."Jacob, I don't expect you to achieve great things, but listen to me—let it go. Even if you want to go against the Hoffmans, the Yorks simply don't have the strength to contend with them.""Let me think about it." Yves closed his hand over the journal Jeanette had given him. He stared at it, suddenly feeling an overwhelming emptiness inside.It was as if the string that had kept his purpose tightly bound for so long had suddenly snapped, leaving him directionless."Alright," Jeanette relented. "I'll give you time. But Jacob, the Hoffmans won't. After dealing with Charles for so long, don't you understand him yet? Once he makes a move, there's no turning back. I don't want you to be consumed by hatred.""I underst
"I have no idea what you're talking about, Jacob."Simon was at a card table when he heard Yves' accusation. A smirk played at the corner of his lips as he ran his fingers over his cards with one hand and held his phone in the other.When a young woman beside him peeled a grape and fed it to him, he took a bite without hesitation.The woman's cheeks flushed. "Simon, you're so annoying!"Simon let out a hearty laugh. "Be good. Peel a few more for me."Still smiling, he continued playing his hand without missing a beat. "Why bring this up all of a sudden, Jacob? You should know that I have no interest in the Yorks' affairs. Even though I hold the title of manager, I don't have any real authority, do I?""Simon, we both know why you're doing this. Let's not beat around the bush," Yves exhaled sharply. "Recently, the York Group went through some turbulence, and a few small companies took the opportunity to acquire its stocks. That was your doing, wasn't it?"Simon scoffed. "You sure
Charles tapped his long fingers rhythmically against the desk before finally looking up at Peter. "Do you understand his strategy?"Peter furrowed his brows. "No idea what kind of game he's playing, but if this continues, his companies will be finished within three days."Charles' frown deepened. Peter's thoughts aligned exactly with his own, which only made Yves' actions even more baffling."Let's wait and see. If anything unexpected happens after three days, we'll deal with it then. Anyway, you have plenty of funds at your disposal—if he wants to play, then entertain him."Peter was not worried about whatever tricks Yves had up his sleeve. No matter how formidable Yves was, he was still just one man.Peter refused to believe that he, Charles, and Steven—backed by their combined financial power—could be outmatched by Yves alone.For three days, Yves' companies continued dumping their stocks. By the final day, the damage was irreparable. But to Charles and Peter's surprise, Yves
"A blood feud?" Yves scoffed, his gaze sharp as a blade as he met Yoan's eyes."You're right. It's my feud. What does it have to do with you?"Yves looked up, and his piercing gaze locked onto Yoan. "Leave. Considering how long you've served me, I won't treat you unfairly.""Mr. Yves!" Yoan called out, his voice filled with urgency."Go!" Yves ordered firmly, throwing the documents in his hand onto the nearby table. Without sparing Yoan another glance, he turned and walked upstairs."Mr. Yves!" Yoan still wanted to say more, but Yves gave him no chance.As Yoan watched Yves disappear up the stairs, he clenched his fists, and his expression was dark and menacing. "It's all because of that woman!"If it were not for her, Yves would not have changed like this. They had come so far. Just one more step and they could have completely disrupted Brookville's and even Capiton's stock market.That chaos would have given them the perfect opportunity to strike. Collosus Group had already b
"Take it easy!" Kelly called out with a smile as she trailed behind. "Watch your step!""Kelly!" Noelle called out, waving her hand. "Come sit over here!"Noelle was holding a cup of juice that a servant had just brought her. When she saw Kelly approaching, she gestured for her to come sit down. "Seth has been so much more energetic lately!""I know!" Kelly felt a wave of relief. Back when she was overseas, she was the only one looking after Seth. There had been times she felt down but had no one to share the burden with. Seeing Seth having a blast with the other kids now, her heart swelled with joy."What's that you're looking at?"Kelly glanced at the papers next to Noelle. "Are these files on the performers? Are you in charge of all this?"Kelly was taken aback. "Isn't this a bit much for you? You're pregnant. How can Charles expect you to handle all this?"Kelly frowned with concern, but Noelle just laughed it off. "Kelly, I'm pregnant, not helpless." She gestured to the art
"Sean, Bob, you're back?" Savannah was the first to stand up.Seeing her son return naturally made her happy.A moment ago, it had been all about Harrison's two daughters and their husbands. Savannah could not help but feel a little jealous.The Smith family was gathered so neatly, while her side had been somewhat neglected. Especially when she met Charles' cold gaze—she truly could not stay any longer.Sean noticed the entire family gathered together and saw Savannah walking toward him.However, he subtly stepped aside, letting Savannah lunge at nothing but air. Savannah immediately froze in embarrassment.It was Bob who stepped in to ease the tension."Aunt Savannah," he greeted."Bob, when did you get here?""Not long ago." Bob glanced at Sean before stepping inside."It's quite lively here," he remarked with a smile.His clear, observant gaze landed on Noelle first. He gave her a slight nod before shifting his attention to Kelly.Kelly had been a little nervous at first
Harrison smiled as he looked at Kelly and Noelle, clearly pleased."Sean is still busy right now, so we'll wait for him. Kelly, let me introduce you to the family. This is your second uncle, Hayes, and your Aunt Savannah."Over there is your Aunt Yitty, and you also have a third aunt, but she's not in Brookville at the moment. Your grandfather had some business to attend to today—he went to see an old comrade but will be back later. And, of course, you already know Noelle and Charlie.""Hello, Uncle Hayes, Aunt Savannah, Aunt Yitty," Kelly greeted politely.Yitty smiled warmly and nodded. "How wonderful!"She then pulled out an envelope with some allowance and handed it to Kelly. "When Noelle first came home, I gave her one, so I can't treat you any differently.""Thank you, Aunt Yitty!"Following her lead, Hayes and Savannah also handed Kelly envelopes. Then, seeing how delighted Seth looked, they gave him several as well.Seth had always been a reserved child, shy and withdra
Kelly froze as she stared at Seth in shock—especially at the moment he ran toward Yves and wrapped his little arms around Yves' leg. A strange wave of loss surged through her.She did not even know where this emotion came from, but it hurt. She never expected that in just a short time, Seth would already be calling Yves 'Daddy'.Kelly was not the only one stunned as everyone in the room seemed momentarily speechless.Even Yves himself had not anticipated Seth's sudden display of affection.Although he had spent the past few days bonding with Seth and knew the child liked him, Seth had always been a bit shy.He had never once called him 'Daddy' before. Yves felt a mix of emotions at that moment. Surprise, confusion—but mostly joy.He glanced at Seth before instinctively turning to Kelly, and just as he expected, her expression was tangled with conflicting emotions.Squatting down, Yves reached out and gently ruffled Seth's hair. "Be good. Mommy is coming home today, hmm?"Seth's
Charles narrowed his eyes slightly, feeling a restless energy rising within him that was barely held in check. He leaned down, bringing his lips close to Noelle's ear, and whispered, "You enchantress."It would have been fine if he had not spoken. But the moment he did, Noelle's competitive streak flared.She hooked her arms around Charles' neck and smirked. "If I'm an enchantress, what does that make you?"Charles' eyes flickered as he looked down at her belly that was round as a ball, and let out a deep sigh."A wandering monk.""You're so improper!" Noelle gave him a playful glare and huffed. "Can't you see where we are? Do you always act this shamelessly?""You're my wife," Charles stated matter-of-factly. "If I say things like this, it only proves how irresistible you are."There was no denying it now that Charles had truly mastered the art of seduction.He had a knack for teasing her, making her heart race, but then leaving her hanging, unable to do anything about it.It
Kelly quickly noticed that Harrison was just as nervous as she was."There's no need," she reassured him. "I'm sure you've already prepared everything thoroughly.""No, no, there are still many things I don't quite understand," Harrison admitted. "You know, I never had the chance to raise you and Noelle, so… this is my first time. Mistakes are bound to happen."Since Harrison had already expressed his concerns so openly, Kelly did not want to make things harder for him by refusing. If she insisted on brushing it off, he might overthink it. So she nodded instead."That makes sense. Maybe some of the things Seth and I are used to aren't things you'd think of. How about I take a look around first? If I see anything missing, I'll make a list for you?"Harrison immediately nodded. "Yes, that's a good idea!"Kelly smiled. "Um… is Seth already at the Smiths'?""Yes," Harrison answered. "Not just Seth, Noelle and Charlie are here too. Everyone's gathered together, making the place livel
On the day Kelly was discharged from the hospital, Noelle had originally planned to pick her up. However, as her belly grew larger, it became impossible for her to move around freely.Not only did Charles refuse to let her exert herself, but even Kelly would not allow Noelle to go through the trouble of making the trip.In the end, Kelly was taken to the Smith residence. Given that she was now recognized as Harrison's daughter, it was only natural for her to live there. Plus, Harrison was adamant about it.The moment he learned Kelly wanted to see him, he had ordered the household staff to prepare a room for her. He had even arranged a room next to hers for Seth, carefully decorating it with all sorts of toys suited for a young boy.Harrison welcomed Kelly home, making it clear that she was free to do whatever she wanted. As for changing her last name, he had consulted her opinion.Kelly, however, felt it did not matter much either way. Seeing that, Harrison chose not to push the
The internal issues that had previously emerged within Collosus Group had gradually been resolved by Steven. The remaining risks had also been dealt with, thanks to Ronald, Raymond, and Lareal, who had sacrificed their rest time to finally clean everything up.Meanwhile, Charles was now leisurely sitting at home, drinking tea and keeping his wife company.The weather was nice today—warm, but not overly sunny. Charles had moved the chairs outside into the courtyard and carried Noelle over as well.She had objected, insisting that she could walk on her own. After all, she was heavily pregnant with twins, so her belly was round like a ball.Noelle was well aware of her own weight, but Charles, with his considerable strength, had effortlessly carried her over without so much as a breath of exertion.Once Noelle was placed in the chair, she rocked slightly. The man beside her sat down with a book held between his long fingers—a parenting guide.The small tea table next to him was stac
Back then, Kelly had desperately wished for Charles to give her a promise and publicly acknowledge their relationship.Yet thinking about it now, if that person was Noelle, then everything suddenly made sense.Kelly chuckled. "I never thought Charles would actually be rejected by someone. I've never heard of that happening before!"There was amusement in her voice.Noelle scratched her head. "Actually, it was because things were complicated at the time. The Shaws were watching closely, and I didn't want Charlie to get dragged into it."When I married him, it wasn't because of those external factors. I didn't want our marriage to be tainted by all of that. So…""I understand. You wanted to make sure that Charles and the Hoffmans knew that you married him for who he is, not because of his background. You wanted it to be purely about love."Noelle nodded. "As time went on, things kept piling up, and Charlie and I grew even closer. After that, I didn't think about it anymore. Then I
Noelle only turned around to seriously study Kelly once Charles and Yves had walked away. "Kelly, you really scared us this time!"That day, when Kelly had said her godfather had invited her out, Noelle had felt that something was off. The timing had been too much of a coincidence. Fortunately, she had been extra cautious and stayed alert, or else she would have regretted it for the rest of her life.Seeing how genuinely worried Noelle was, Kelly reached out and held her hand. "Noelle, I'm fine now. There's no need to worry!"She met Noelle's eyes and reassured her, "I'm doing great!"However, Noelle's eyes turned red. "You're fine now, but what about before?""Noelle! Some things are just beyond our control." Kelly sighed and tried to comfort her. "I didn't let your husband tell you because I didn't want you to worry. And look at you now…"Crying too much isn't good for your health, and it's definitely not good for the baby!"In the past, Kelly could never have imagined having