A fragrant aroma wafted through the dimly lit room. Simon immediately noticed what was different about the room when he walked in, and he frowned slightly as he switched on the lights. A sharp look appeared in his eyes when he saw the familiar-looking figure lying in bed, but the expression on his face remained unreadable. He hurriedly pursed his lips together and held his breath.Living full-time with the York family meant he always had to be on his guard, and it was the same now that he had stepped into this small trap.A sleazy look appeared in Simon’s eyes as he smirked. Things were getting interesting. He had not expected to end up as their target. However, the look in his eyes changed once again as he looked at the person lying in bed. Tough luck for her!“Mr. Hoffman, she’s gone!” Ronald had noticed what was going on in Noelle’s room almost immediately. He had overheard every bit of Winter’s conversation with Simon and realized the severity of the situation. “Mada
The look in Jacob’s eyes darkened as he tightened his grip on his phone. “Thank you for the reminder, Mr. Hoffman. I’ll look into it right away!” Jacob took action quickly and soon learned that Simon was not at home. After double-checking with the hotel employees, he discovered that Simon was, in fact, at the hotel and had met with the Shaw family.The entire York family soon learned of this news, and Norman York even called up Simon himself.When Simon got the call from Norman, he was watching Noelle roll amongst the sheets as she battled the heat building inside her. An odd look appeared in his eyes as he cleared the smoke from the room and destroyed all the surveillance cameras placed within the room.Then, he broke a vase and used one of the shattered pieces to make a cut on Noelle’s arm. He bent down and took a close look at her face. She had skin so pretty that it was practically glowing, and there was not a single blemish on it. He reached a hand out to touch her face as
Sean had never expected Noelle to still be the reason he visited Phoenix Tree Residence a second time.He gazed at the woman lying in bed and the man standing guard by her. A spark appeared in his narrow eyes as he watched the other man’s careful, considerate movements. He clicked his tongue, “Gosh, Charles, can this not always be the reason you reach out to me?” Sean spread his hands out, a rueful expression on his face. “This always happens just as I’m about to get some rest after completing a surgery.” “Well, might as well then, since it’ll give you something to do with your time. Come and take a look at how Nelly is doing,” Charles said solemnly instead of squabbling with Sean, which was a rare sight. A grim look appeared on Sean’s face as he gazed at Charles, and he could not help but shake his head. “I’ll take a look. But to be honest, it’d make more sense for you to reach out to any other general practitioner! I’m a—” Charles said impatiently, "Cut the crap! Attend to h
Charles glanced at Sean before turning back to Ronald. “Tell Lareal to find out whose instructions they were acting on. Feel free to use any unique interrogation methods he has should the need arise.” “Yes, sir.” Ronald nodded, realizing that Charles was truly angered this time.Sean raised an eyebrow. “Where’s Lareal? I’ll go hang out with him!” Charles looked at Ronald, who felt a feeling of helplessness wash over him. However, since it was Sean, there was nothing else Ronald could do other than say, “The usual spot.” The usual spot Ronald was referring to was the underground arena that functioned as Brookville’s largest meeting spot. There were plenty of legends surrounding that place. Not only was it a place where people went to entertain themselves, but it was also a living hell for those who did not know what was best for them. Sean’s gaze instinctively landed on Charles once again. He had not expected Charles to be taking things so seriously this time. He gave Charles a
Noelle felt like she was floating mid-air in a dream-like world. In her dreams, a man held her hand as they took a walk together. When they grew tired, they lay on the grass to take a break. As she closed her eyes, the man leaned over and pressed a gentle kiss onto her lips. Noelle smiled. Things felt so sweet in the dream that she could not help but want more. She reached her arms over and wrapped them around Charles’ neck just as he was about to let go of her, burrowing herself onto Charles.The look in Charles’ eyes darkened. He used one arm to stabilize himself on the bed and lowered his gaze to look at Noelle, who seemed extremely happy. The corners of her lips curved upward as she tugged at him and called out, “Charles!” Although her voice was soft, he heard her. A glimmer appeared in his eyes as he lowered himself and kissed Noelle again. This time, though, the kiss was not a gentle one. He had always been someone who would do whatever it took to get what he wanted, eve
Noelle felt like she had dreamed a long, long dream. In her dream, Charles held her hand in his as he led her forward. Although she did not know where the destination was, she still walked joyfully alongside him.Charles never let go of her hand and always stayed by her side no matter what happened. Noelle’s dream went on for extremely long. When she finally woke up, she gazed dazedly at the ceiling, seemingly still half-dreaming. The warmth in her palm surprised her slightly, and she turned her head in alarm when a thought struck her. She was met by the sight of a man fast asleep. The familiar-looking face was several times larger than what she usually saw. The man had such good skin that even a woman would be jealous of him, and there were shadows beneath his eyes, framed by a set of long eyelashes. Noelle was stunned as she recalled what had happened in the washroom. She remembered getting knocked out by a man but did not know what had happened after that. Her lips felt sligh
Noelle ruffled her hair, feeling bashful after hearing Charles praise her. “Rowena taught me that. I think I’ve told you this before, but Rowena works as a reporter!” “Indeed. You’ve got a wonderful friend!” Charles said as he nodded. “Alright, since you’re awake, why don’t you go wash up and give your friend a call? She was extremely worried about you last night!” “Oh, right, I nearly forgot. Rowena must be worried sick!” Noelle said as she hurriedly tried to locate her phone. “Charles, have you seen my phone?” “It’s on the bedside cabinet!” Charles rarely saw Noelle this flustered and could not help but shake his head as he said, “Don’t panic. Who knows? She might not even be awake yet!” Despite saying that, he did not stop Noelle. After taking a quick shower, he changed into some loungewear before heading downstairs. It was only then that Noelle realized she must have spent the night in the same bed with Charles. Noelle instinctively bit down on her lip, and she turned t
Noelle shook her head, unsure what she should say in response. When she looked up at Charles, she felt that he looked even better than he usually did. She also noticed that he had a perpetual grin on his face. “Are you in a great mood?” Charles raised an eyebrow. “Should I be unhappy instead?” That stumped her, and she did not have an answer for him. She pursed her lips as she pointed at his lips and then at hers. “Did something happen last night that I’m unaware of?” A smile that reached Charles’ dark brown eyes tugged at the corner of his lips. His smile was as warm and beautiful as springtime. Noelle gave an involuntary shudder. Charles’ smile was too beautiful for his own good. “Why are you smiling?”“Did you forget what you did last night, Noelle?” Charles asked, a look of interest settling across his features as he balanced one hand on the dining table and drummed his elegant-looking fingers against the tabletop. The way he looked at her made her feel like there was nowh
"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