The look on Charles’ face darkened slightly, and a foul aura began emanating from him. Noelle paused in the middle of eating her oatmeal, and she instinctively turned to Charles. “Is something wrong?” Charles immediately switched up the aura emanating from him and smiled at Noelle as he shook his head. “Everything’s alright!” His voice sounded calm, and no one could decipher any particular sort of emotion he was feeling. Then, he said to Ronald, “It’s alright if he’s chucked. As long as we got the stuff!” “He hasn’t been chucked yet, Mr. Hoffman. We’re just… getting ready for that,” Ronald said, unsure if he should laugh or cry. Why did both these men just do as they please? Charles frowned slightly. “Tell him to hold on. I’ll drop by and have a look later, but he can take care of everything else.” Ronald shuddered. He could just about imagine how bloody the scene would get later. Compared to Sean, Charles' methods were truly scary. “Alright, I’ll get Lareal to continue traci
Teresa was a quiet girl, which was why she and Noelle had opened a garden house together. Apart from managing the garden house, she spent her days reading.Rowena, on the other hand, was different. She was energetic and lively, the most active of the three. That was why Rowena chose a career as a reporter, and she was constantly traveling across the country.The three good friends finally got together, so they made sure to have a great time. They visited several shops and bought a bunch of clothes. Then again, most of them were picked out by Rowena, though they were not for herself but for Noelle.Rowena's reasoning was simple. Since Noelle was now married to Charles, she needed to dress up and could not continue dressing in her old style.Noelle did not see anything wrong with her previous wardrobe, but she went along with it.Teresa was quite surprised. "Noelle, you're married?"Teresa was indeed taken aback. She knew a bit about Noelle and Xavier's situation. Noelle had been o
Teresa finally calmed down and gave Noelle an exasperated look. "My calmness depends on the situation. I mean, this is Charles Hoffman we're talking about! How can that not be shocking? Just ask Rowena.""Exactly. Teresa is absolutely right," Rowena agreed, nodding earnestly. "When I first heard that she married Charles, I had the same reaction as you, Teresa." Rowena hooked her arm around Noelle's shoulder. "But seriously, there's no time like the present. Since you're going to introduce us to Charles, let's do it today. We're free, and it's the weekend. Who knows when your busy husband will have time otherwise?""Now?" Noelle thought for a moment. "Alright. Let me call him and see if he's available."The three of them found a comfortable place to sit, and Noelle dialed Charles' number. Rowena glanced at the screen and burst into laughter. "Teresa, guess what name Noelle has saved for Charles in her phone?""Hubby?""That's too cliche. Try again.""Sweetheart?""She's labeled
"Didn't you say to call you when my friends were ready to meet? Is today okay?" Noelle asked cautiously while Rowena yelled from the side, "Hey, Noelle's darling, when are you treating us to a meal?"Charles' narrow eyes brightened instantly at Rowena's words, his lips curving into a smile. He suddenly felt a surge of good mood.He then waved to Andrew, indicating that he was leaving.Andrew stared at Charles in disbelief. To him, Charles had always been an imposing figure, someone who kept others at a distance. He had never seen this gentle side of Charles before. As Charles walked away, he exuded a soft aura."What the hell?!" Andrew's back was suddenly slapped by someone, and he instinctively countered with a grappling move. It led to a brief tussle before it stopped. "Don't slap my back like that."Andrew was big but not dim-witted. "By the way, is Mr. Hoffman in a celebratory mood lately?"Ronald was Charles' assistant and was often by his side, which made Andrew a bit envio
Noelle instinctively wanted to refuse when she heard this. To her surprise, however, Charles agreed without hesitation, "Sure, get Noelle to drive you all back later."As he said this, he turned the car around and headed to the largest nearby mall to do some shopping.Rowena hung up the phone and looked at Teresa with a sly smile. "See? Charles is so easygoing!"Teresa shook her head disapprovingly. She felt Rowena's actions might not be appropriate. "This is the first meeting. We should make a good impression since he's Noelle's husband.""It's fine. We can also check out Noelle and Charles' home and see how well Charles treats her!" Rowena's intention was clear. She was not concerned about a meal but wanted to ensure Noelle was well taken care of.With Xavier as a precedent, Rowena was now cautious of everyone. Despite Charles' good impression the previous night, Rowena wanted to see for herself how Noelle was doing.Even if Noelle did not say it, Rowena could tell that Noelle
Noelle bit her lip, unsure of how to explain. "It was a coincidence. I was drugged twice, and he saved me both times. Later, I found out he was my grandfather's student. "Do you remember my grandfather's favorite student? The prodigy who finished all university courses at a young age and then went abroad?""That's Charles? No way!" Rowena exclaimed, glancing at Noelle in astonishment. "You two are really fated! So, you married Charles because he was your grandfather's student?"Noelle shook her head. "You know my situation. Besides my grandfather, the rest of the Shaws treat me terribly." Noelle then told Rowena and Teresa the gist of what had happened.Rowena's eyes widened. "So, that's why you married Charles? This sounds so unreal. But the Shaw family members are truly awful. You're also a part of the family. How could they treat you like that?""That's not the main point. But is this truly what you want, Noelle?" Teresa was more concerned about Noelle's feelings. "I understan
Noelle could not help but glance at Teresa a few more times. "I see you've been corrupted by Rowena!""What do you mean corrupted? I'm perfectly fine!" Rowena protested with a huff, "Teresa and I just can't stand seeing people bully you. They only pick on you because you're their relative. If it were me, I'd hang them up and give them a beating!""Oh, come on!" Noelle smiled wryly. "I know you too well. You're all bark and no bite!"The three of them chatted and laughed in the car. Noelle drove steadily and at a slow pace. Suddenly, a speeding car zoomed past them. The driver rolled down the window to make a mocking gesture."Who the hell is that? So annoying!" Rowena's temper flared immediately. "Noelle, overtake them."Noelle pressed her lips together and shook her head. "I'm not that skilled a driver. And why get into a fight with a stranger? Besides, we're almost there."Her calm demeanor made Rowena fume. "Didn't you see how that guy looked down on us?"Noelle laughed softl
Not only Sean but even Rowena and Teresa noticed something different about Charles.Noelle smiled. "Yes, I'm back.""Hi, Charles. Remember me? We met last night." Rowena waved. "I'm Noelle's friend, Rowena. And this is Teresa.""Yes, hello!" Charles greeted them with a smile. Rowena's friendly greeting put him in an exceptionally good mood."Hey, hey, hey, Charles Hoffman. Is this how you treat your friends?" Sean could not stand Charles showing favoritism right in front of him."Do you have a problem with that? Why are you here this time?" Charles glanced at Sean. He had not invited him over.Sean pursed his lips. "Can't I just visit you after not seeing you for a while?" Sean had seen people burn bridges before, but not quite like this. His charming eyes, though smiling, gave off a menacing vibe.Charles narrowed his eyes, not bothering to respond to Sean. Instead, he walked over to relieve Noelle of her things, taking them in his hands. "Are you tired? Go rest with your frien
"Yeah. Bobby is Yankel's son, so he has to go back to the Canfield family eventually," Liliana said. As she looked up, her eyes caught a glimpse of the person in the driver's seat ahead, and she gasped. "It's you—""Liliana?" Noelle heard a voice crackling through the phone, then nothing but silence."Liliana?"Noelle jumped to her feet and tried calling Liliana back, but no one answered. She dashed downstairs, only to be stopped by Charles. "What's the matter? You look so worried.""It's Liliana. Something's happened to her," Noelle explained, clutching her phone. "I was just talking to her. It sounded like she met someone or something happened. All I heard was Liliana saying, ‘It's you,' some choppy bits of conversation, and then nothing. When I called back, nobody picked up."Noelle was not just being paranoid. She had been through enough to have a keen sense for these things.Charles's brow furrowed as he tried calling Liliana but got no response."Where was Liliana when she
Yankel was taken aback by Liliana's words. He looked at her, his face full of wonder and questions. Liliana did not know what to say, so she just coughed a little and asked, "You don't think I'm being unreasonable, do you, Mr. Canfield?"Yankel shook his head. He had never thought that. He knew Liliana loved Bobby a lot and thought it would be hard for her to give him up. That was why he was so surprised when she offered to let Bobby go back to him. "I didn't mean it like that," he said."Actually..." Liliana paused, then shared the story of how she first met Samara and how they ended up depending on each other. "You could tell that even after Samara had to leave, she still loved you a lot. She even risked her life to have your baby. I know she loved you because she asked me to take care of Bobby when she was very sick. She even worried that Bobby might be too much for me and told me to find you, so you could raise him."Liliana let out a sigh. "I guess I've been selfish. I treated
Casey sat in the front seat, watching Liliana and Bobby together. Surprise flickered in his eyes, but it was mostly happiness. "Ms. Liliana, it looks like the little guy is really fond of you."Liliana did not say yes or no, but Bobby chimed in, "I love Mommy the most! I love Mommy the most!"Casey could not help but smile. "Yep, the little guy loves you the most, Ms. Liliana." He glanced at Liliana, trying to read her face. "Ms. Liliana, have you ever thought that since you and the little guy are so close, maybe you and...""Casey, I don't see Mr. Canfield that way," Liliana said calmly.Casey blushed a little, realizing he had stepped out of line. "Sorry, I spoke out of turn." He stayed quiet for the rest of the drive.When they reached the Canfield house, Liliana stepped out with Bobby in her arms, and Casey led the way. "Ms. Liliana, it's just Mr. Canfield at home today." He meant to tell her not to worry. Even if the Canfield family did not like Bobby, they would not do anyth
Liliana did not have any special feelings for Yankel. It was all about Bobby. She could tell Yankel really cared for Bobby. "He's Bobby's real dad. I can't keep them apart."Noelle chuckled. "Okay, okay, I was just teasing. Look at you, getting all worked up over nothing!"Noelle leaned in closer, her gaze making Liliana a little uncomfortable. "Noelle, what are you...""Liliana, what are you going to do now?" Noelle asked, her eyes full of concern. "I know Sean is my brother, but I really don't mind, especially after everything that happened..." She trailed off. She was not sure of all the details, but she knew Liliana had loved Sean with all her heart. Sean, however, had been as unfeeling as a log and had even hurt Liliana deeply.After leaving with a heart full of hurt, it was no surprise that Liliana could not forgive Sean, let alone get back together with him. Noelle felt the same. She would not get back with Sean if she were in Liliana's shoes.Noelle knew she should suppo
Charles dropped Liliana off at Phoenix Tree Residence and headed straight back to the office. On the way, he called Sean, "I've made sure she's safe and sound."Sean massaged his forehead and replied, "Hmm."Charles could not resist a little joke. "Haven't figured it out yet?""Liliana just can’t forget what happened years ago." Sean wore a sad smile. "It's my fault too. If only I had gotten there sooner back then, or if I had understood my own feelings earlier, none of this would have happened." He thought his child might have been older than Peter's by now.However, Sean kept those words to himself. He knew that child was a secret he could not talk about, a pain too deep for words to convey.The two were quiet for a moment until Charles broke the silence. "Liliana's giving all the love she had for that child to Bobby now. You've noticed, haven't you?""Yeah." How could he not? That was why Sean felt so bad about it and why he wanted to do right by Bobby to make up for the baby
Yankel and Xenia got divorced. On the day Yankel left the hospital, Liliana watched as Xenia desperately clung to Yankel's hand, but Yankel would not even give her a second look.Xenia was also holding onto Lawrence's hand, begging Yankel over and over to look at Lawrence, but Yankel just would not. Finally, Xenia started hitting Lawrence's face like crazy. Yankel finally stopped walking.Yankel grabbed Xenia's hand, his face showing no emotion. "Are you out of your mind? Lawrence is just a kid." He was just a little younger than Bobby.Xenia burst into laughter at that, but then she broke down crying. "So what if he's a kid? He still can't make you stay? Yankel, you know how I've treated you all these years, don't you?"Yankel, where's your heart?"Yankel stared indifferently at Xenia, then took Lawrence away and handed him to an assistant. "Take Lawrence to Elvis.""Yankel, you'll get what's coming to you! Yankel, Lawrence is your son, not Elvis's! You..."Yankel ordered some
Liliana's cheeks turned pink as she nodded, even though she was not really cold. "Uh-huh!"Sean finished tending to the wound, put the medicine box away, and looked over to see Liliana sitting up straight like an elementary school student. A warm feeling washed over him."Do you want to stay here with Bobby, or should I take you home?""No way. I'll stay with Bobby!" After everything that happened tonight, Liliana was too worried to leave Bobby alone in the hospital room. Who knew what could happen during the night?Sean's expression darkened a bit. "Don't worry. Nothing like this will happen again." After all, Bobby was in his hospital, and he was responsible for the boy's safety.Liliana shook her head. "No. It's not your fault."Xenia was out to hurt someone, and she would take any chance she got, no matter where Bobby was. You could never be too careful, and who would have guessed Xenia would go after a child?Liliana had no idea what might have happened if Liliana had not n
Liliana gave Sean a stern look. "It's time for Bobby to go to bed.""But Mom, I'm not tired yet!" Bobby said, tilting his head and blinking his big, adorable eyes, which almost made Liliana melt."It's bedtime, no matter what. It's really late," Liliana insisted. She tucked Bobby into bed. After he fell asleep, she turned around to find Sean still there. She frowned. "Why are you still here?"Sean's smile faded as he walked over with big steps and grabbed Liliana's wrist. Ignoring her wishes, he started to lead her outside.Liliana was upset by Sean's actions and tried to pull away, but Sean held on tight. He even warned her, "If you want to wake everyone up, go ahead and yell."Feeling trapped, Liliana glared at Sean and whispered angrily, "What do you want?"Sean did not answer. He just kept walking and pulling her along.Liliana had no choice but to follow. At least Sean was considerate enough to slow down for her shorter steps.Sean took Liliana to his office, opened the do
Liliana blushed and rolled her eyes at Bobby.Sean chuckled. "That's because I'm a grown-up.""I'm a grown-up too!" Bobby declared, standing tall and puffing out his chest with pride. "Right, Mr. Smith?""Sure, you’re a big boy now," Sean agreed, playfully tapping Bobby's nose.Liliana's brow furrowed with concern. "Mr. Smith, it's getting late. Bobby needs to go to bed."She reached to take Bobby from Sean, but Sean was quicker and gently held her hand. His eyes briefly showed some worry as he noticed the scratches on her hand. "I should have done more than just kick her."Liliana's cheeks warmed as she pulled her hand away, a bit flustered. "I'm okay, and you did kick her, remember? She even coughed up a lot of blood!"Liliana thought the kick must have been super strong. Although she was not the one who was kicked, the pain looked so bad that she winced.Sean saw her reaction and let out a small laugh. "Don't worry. I never hit women, and I definitely would never hit you."