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
Charles took the paper and glanced at it, his brows furrowing together. "Are you sure?"Sean replied, "Don't you trust me? I tested it myself. So, you need to be careful, and keep an eye on your wife.""Yes. I understand," Charles nodded, putting away the test results. "Since you're here, stay for dinner.""Of course."The two friends went downstairs together, and they could hear the pleasant laughter of the three women in the living room. Charles' lips curled into a warm smile.Sean glanced at Charles and chuckled. "You're definitely smitten."Charles shot him a look. "Don't want dinner anymore?"Sean shrugged helplessly. "I'm just joking. No need to be so serious!"Noelle and Rowena were reminiscing about their school days, sharing embarrassing stories from when they were classmates and dorm mates. They knew each other inside out."What are you lovely ladies talking about?" Sean walked over, smiling harmlessly.Noelle stopped laughing and greeted him, "Mr. Smith.""No need
Noelle entered the kitchen and saw Charles busy cooking. She stood at the door for a while. Sensing her presence, Charles paused and asked, "Why aren't you sitting with them?""We're all just sitting around while you're busy by yourself. Can you manage everything?" Noelle observed Charles for a bit, noticing his methodical approach to cooking. She watched for a while before asking, "Do you need any help?"Charles' movements hesitated slightly and then he nodded. "Check on the stew. I had it on high heat earlier. You can turn it down to a simmer now.""Okay!" Noelle walked over and took a sniff. "It smells great. What kind of stew is it?""Lamb stew," Charles replied after a moment. "You were drugged yesterday. There's probably still some residue in your system. Eating some stew will be good for you."Noelle smiled and nodded. "Alright. But what kind of drug did I take? I don't remember anything. And about Winter..." Noelle suddenly realized something had been bothering her all d
"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