After Grant had gone, Linda scooted closer to Sean and blinked, "Who's that Grant guy?"Linda did not really know Grant, but she could tell from how he acted just then that he seemed to care about Noelle and Kelly.Sean glanced up, "You never stop talking, do you?"Linda made a face at Sean, showing she did not care what he thought, and went back to enjoying her dessert.In the meantime, Sean took a phone call and received an email. It contained Janet's health records from the past six months, her recent activities, and the individuals she had been in contact with.Sean quickly skimmed through it, paying extra attention to the stuff about Janet from the last two months and how she had been acting.Janet seemed pretty normal, and she had left the mental hospital not too long ago. Then she stayed with the Baker family. So, if they were going to do something, they would have to go to the Baker family's place or wait until Janet left.However, Janet always had bodyguards, making it
When Sean saw his reflection, he jumped in surprise. Linda clapped her hands gleefully. "Perfect! Now no one can tell it's you.""Heh!" Sean let out a sarcastic laugh. He wanted to look a little ugly so no one would recognize him, but that was too much!Linda did not worry about what Sean thought. She had dressed herself up too, looking rough and tough, almost as much as Sean. That made Sean feel a bit better."So, when do we head out?""Tonight," Sean said. "We'll go when the Baker family is asleep. People aren't as alert at night!" He sat down, opened his computer, and started a video call with Charles. Charles almost turned off his screen when he saw Sean's face. He managed to stop himself, but he did not look at the screen again. Instead, he turned away. "Tell me, what's happening over there?""Grant looked like he wanted in on the action. We'd barely set foot in Capiton before Grant came calling," Charles said with an icy chuckle. "He wouldn't pass up a chance like this. Wi
"Not getting it? Then think harder!" Charles ended the call, a cigarette hanging unlit from his fingers. He had not smoked in ages, especially since he began dating Noelle. However, today, the old craving hit him, and he found himself reaching for a smoke.A knock on the door pulled Charles from his thoughts. He looked up, surprised to see Kelly. Squinting, he asked, "What brings you here?"Kelly gave a small nod, "Got a minute to chat?"Charles nodded and gestured for her to take a seat. Kelly stepped inside. "I came with Yves. He's downstairs playing with Seth and Bran!" Kelly said, playing with her hair nervously. When Charles nodded, she took a deep breath. "I didn't really have anything important to talk about today. I just heard from Yves that something happened. Was it about Noelle?"Since Kelly was Noelle's sister, it made sense for her to be worried.Charles nodded again. "Sort of.""Do you know who did it?""You know them too!" Charles said, tossing his cigarette awa
Charles quirked an eyebrow. "What do you want to talk about?""We can't afford to keep Janet around, she's trouble. You might ignore her because of the Bakers, but she won't stop stirring up problems. Now that Noelle's pregnant, we can't risk it!" Kelly's eyes were locked on Charles, searching for a hint in his expression.However, Charles simply observed her, his hand on his chin, his eyes filled with curiosity.Sensing his intense gaze, Kelly grew uneasy. She always felt this way in Charles' presence, as if she harbored a secret."Well, if there's nothing else, I'll head out."Charles lifted an eyebrow. "What's going on with you and Yves?"At his question, Kelly tensed up. "I...""I'm thinking of inviting him to join the Collosus Group, so I'm counting on you to help with this!" Charles finished. Kelly turned around, surprised, and looked at him in disbelief. "I don't get what you mean!" Even though they had cleared up the current issue, Kelly did not think Charles would welco
"Mommy!" Seth saw Kelly and ran to her, hugging her legs. "Mommy, you were gone so long! Daddy and I were waiting for you!"Kelly was surprised and glanced at Yves. Their eyes met, and she felt a little embarrassed.Yves looked away, nodding at Charles.Charles had been about to go downstairs when he suddenly felt something strange. He turned and hurried back up."Come out!"He did not see anyone, buthe had felt a presence he had not noticed before.Charles had always been on his toes, so when he felt something was off, he quickly made his way to the second-floor hallway. To his surprise, it was deserted.Squinting his eyes, Charles pulled a military knife from his side and tiptoed toward the bedroom. As soon as he nudged the door open, a shadow darted at him, and they tumbled into a scuffle.Whoever this person had been, they had slipped past the Phoenix Tree Residence's tight security without a sound—a clear sign they were no amateur. Charles did not know who he was up agains
"What's that smell in the room?"Charles and Yves both caught a whiff of something unusual, a scent so light that Charles could not place it. His eyes darted to an aromatherapy lamp on the nightstand, narrowing slightly. "What's that?""The SN virus!" Saxon's gaze locked onto the lamp. "They were smart to use it in the lamp, lighting it when people are most vulnerable.""However, doesn't the SN spread through cuts?" Linda mentioned that just the other day."That's only at first. She didn't finish her research, so she wouldn't know. I can't believe they got their hands on it. Who did you cross?" Saxon moved to check Noelle's pulse, his forehead creasing. "We need to get to the hospital, now.""Okay!"Charles hurriedly took Noelle and Saxon to Sean's hospital. With Sean and Linda away, Saxon was their only hope.Saxon was a bit of an oddball, helping people only when he felt like it.Charles stole a glance at Saxon, who was resting with his eyes closed, and let out a relieved bre
After the baby was born, Margaret carefully placed the twins in their warmers. Then, dragging her tired feet, she stepped out to find Charles.Charles stood up when he heard her, "How did it go?""The babies are safe, a boy and a girl. Congratulations, Mr. Hoffman," Margaret said, a smile of relief spreading across her face. "However, they were born early, so they need to stay warm for now. Is that okay?""I want to know about my wife. How is she?" Charles cut in, his concern for Noelle evident in his voice."Um... there's a gentleman still in there operating on Mrs. Hoffman," Margaret really wanted to ask who that man was, but after seeing the look on Charles's face, she did not dare to ask.After Margaret left, Charles glued his eyes to the operating room door.An hour later, Saxon emerged from the operating room. He was sweating, but otherwise, he looked fine. Charles got up and hurried over, "How's my wife?""The poison's out, but she breathed it in for quite a while, so she
"Mr. Yves Hoffman, I swear it wasn't me!"The woman was so terrified of Yves that she trembled all over. She could not bring herself to look at him, and his powerful presence left her feeling lost. She hung her head low. "Mr. Yves Hoffman, it wasn't me. I swear it wasn't me! I'm just a lowly servant, I don't know anything about this!"However, the more she denied it, the sharper Yves's gaze became, pinning her down so she did not dare look up.She felt a sharp sense of fear, but it was not as bad as the kind that Charles could make her feel."So it wasn't you?" Yves said with a smirk. "Maybe you don't realize what I'm capable of." He gestured to one of his guard service members."Yes, Mr. Yves Hoffman!"Since Charles had left Yves in charge, all of the guard service members guards in the Phoenix Tree Residence heeded his command.One guard stepped forward, and as he reached the woman, she started to shake like a leaf. "Yves, who do you think you are to do this to me... ah..."S
"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