Sean twitched the corner of his mouth. "Do I not have a name?"Liliana hesitated, her lips trembling slightly. "M-Mr. Smith."Sean frowned.Liliana immediately sensed his displeasure but had no idea why he was upset, so she dared not speak.Seeing her looking like a frightened little wife as if he had bullied her, Sean sighed impatiently. "What's with all this 'Mr. Smith' nonsense? You're not my staff.""Then...""Just call me by my name. It doesn't matter even if I'm older than you. Think of me as an older brother." Sean did not seem to care much, but his words stirred something deep inside Liliana."I..."Did she say to think of him like an older brother?She did have an older brother—Charles. He was the golden child of the Hoffman family and the future master of the household. He was raised to be exceptional in every way.Even so, she had never dared to look him in the eye, let alone address him as her brother.In her memory, Charles was a cold and distant figure, unappro
The crowd stiffened, completely unprepared for Sean to actually stand up for the so-called illegitimate daughter."Mr. Smith, that girl is a vixen. She—""Oh? A vixen?" Sean's narrow eyes held a faint smile. "And how exactly do you know that?""I... I...""Did she seduce you? Hmm?" Sean's gaze darkened.There was utter silence."So, it seems like while I wasn't at school, you all just assumed I was dead, huh?" Sean's voice carried a lazy drawl, yet there was an unmistakable sharpness to it. "I hear the school has a new leader?""No, no! That's not true! You're still the boss. You'll always be the boss!"Sean let out a low chuckle and turned to Liliana. "See that? These are the same people who bullied you so fearlessly. It turns out they can be put in their place too. Understand?"Liliana did not fully grasp why Sean was doing this, but she knew that after today, these people would hesitate before hurting her again.Her feelings were complicated. She knew she should be gratefu
Sean had never hit a woman before, but at this moment, as he looked at McKenzie, he did not mind making an exception.McKenzie was already shocked that Sean was actually taking action for Liliana, an illegitimate daughter. "Sean, just because your family is rich, you think you can do whatever you want—"Sean let out a chuckle, his tone laced with amusement. "That's exactly what I think. What? You don't like it?"McKenzie was momentarily stunned."It's the survival of the fittest," Sean continued nonchalantly. "If you think it's fine to bully someone weaker like Liliana, then why shouldn't I do the same to you?"His words were so brazen, so outright arrogant, making it crystal clear that he was here to seek justice for Liliana.His overbearing attitude was enough to make people dislike him, but so what?Sean had a point. This world operated on the law of the jungle.Everyone bullied Liliana simply because she was an illegitimate daughter. Even though she carried the Hoffman name
Autumn had painted Brookville in shades of gold and crimson when Noelle Shaw stepped off the plane. She grabbed her suitcase and walked out into the crisp air, a familiar sense of home wrapping around her.A whole year had passed since she left to pursue a corporate training program overseas, and now, she was back just in time.Her third anniversary with her boyfriend Xavier Harris was just days away, and she had been working nonstop to make it back early enough to surprise him.She hailed a cab and headed straight for Xavier's office. The moment she walked through the front doors, Alice, the receptionist, gave her a look of total shock. "Ms. Shaw? You’re back? Are you here for the CEO's engagement party?"Noelle's brow creased in confusion. "The CEO's engagement party? What are you talking about, Alice?""It's Mr. Harris's engagement party with your sister!""What?" Noelle's heart skipped a beat, and the happiness drained from her face. "Whose engagement party?"Alice seemed to
Noelle bolted from the hotel, her previously defiant face now streaked with tears.Out of nowhere, a black Cayenne screeched to a halt, its tires screaming against the pavement. Caught off guard, she tumbled to the ground.The driver gulped, his eyes darting to the man in the back seat, "Sir... Sir?"The man in the back, unfazed by the nearby accident, merely glanced at the passenger seat beside him. "Ronald, go see what happened.""Right away, sir." Ronald was out of the car in a flash, checking the front for any damage.About six feet ahead of the car, a woman sat on the ground with her eyes wide open, looking totally freaked out. Her cheeks were streaked with tears, and she had obviously been crying. "Miss? Are you okay? Do you need a ride to the hospital?"Noelle was scared out of her wits. She just gazed at Ronald, lost in shock, until she finally managed to pull herself together and stand up. Without a word, she tried to sidestep him, eager to get away.Ronald was puzzled
Trapped in the man's grip, Noelle struggled to break free, her body refusing to cooperate. Her vision was blurry as she glared at him. "What are you trying to do?""Just having a bit of fun..." He chuckled, his voice dripping with sleaze as he steadied her. "Let's go somewhere more entertaining, shall we?"Noelle might have been out of it, but she could still sense the danger in the man's tone. However, her whole body ached, and she knew she was no match for them. She scanned the area for anyone who could help her, but she was invisible to the passersby.She spotted a figure approaching through her haze. Acting instinctively, she shoved the two men aside and bolted, slamming right into the newcomer. "Save me!" she gasped.Her fingers dug into the fabric of the man's shirt, and she inhaled a sharp, clean scent. "Please, save me," she pleaded.Charles squinted, taking in the woman who had just collided with him. There was a flicker of something sharp in his gaze.Noelle did not let
At the top of The Majestic Lounge was a room that belonged to Charles alone. He swung the door open and carried Noelle in. She was feeling so awful that she hung onto Charles like she was trying to meld into him, her limbs all over the place with nary a hint of elegance.He managed to detach Noelle from himself with a bit of a struggle and gently placed her in the bathroom. Taking a deep breath, he dialed Ronald’s number. "I need ice, and make it quick."Once he ended the call, he saw Noelle trying to get out of the tub. He gently but firmly pushed her back down and turned on the cold tap. "Stay still!"His voice was firm and grew even more intense as he noticed how the water in the tub accentuated her figure. His gaze sharpened.Ronald was fast, arriving shortly with two buckets of ice. "Here's the ice, sir.""Hold on," Charles instructed Ronald. "Just set them down and leave, thanks." His tone was cool and detached.Ronald raised an eyebrow at Charles's unusual sternness. Howev
"It doesn't matter who I am. What matters is that I’m here to help." Charles tapped his cufflink, his gaze steady and serene as he watched Noelle.A wave of alarm washed over her. Something about this guy screamed that he was more complicated than he was making himself out to be. "I don't need your help.""Really? Then why were you here last night, trying to drink away your troubles? Your boyfriend is now your brother-in-law, your parents don't trust you, and now, you're the town's favorite punching bag. Did you miss the front page of the news?""That’s none of your business." Noelle's jaw tightened. "You helped me out yesterday, and yes, I'm thankful for that." She swung her legs out of bed and started searching for her clothes, but they were nowhere in sight. "Hey, mister!""Charles." He leaned against the wall with an easy grace, watching Noelle's panicked search. "That's my name."Hearing the name 'Charles' made her eyebrows twitch. It rang a bell. "Are you related to Xavier?"
Sean had never hit a woman before, but at this moment, as he looked at McKenzie, he did not mind making an exception.McKenzie was already shocked that Sean was actually taking action for Liliana, an illegitimate daughter. "Sean, just because your family is rich, you think you can do whatever you want—"Sean let out a chuckle, his tone laced with amusement. "That's exactly what I think. What? You don't like it?"McKenzie was momentarily stunned."It's the survival of the fittest," Sean continued nonchalantly. "If you think it's fine to bully someone weaker like Liliana, then why shouldn't I do the same to you?"His words were so brazen, so outright arrogant, making it crystal clear that he was here to seek justice for Liliana.His overbearing attitude was enough to make people dislike him, but so what?Sean had a point. This world operated on the law of the jungle.Everyone bullied Liliana simply because she was an illegitimate daughter. Even though she carried the Hoffman name
The crowd stiffened, completely unprepared for Sean to actually stand up for the so-called illegitimate daughter."Mr. Smith, that girl is a vixen. She—""Oh? A vixen?" Sean's narrow eyes held a faint smile. "And how exactly do you know that?""I... I...""Did she seduce you? Hmm?" Sean's gaze darkened.There was utter silence."So, it seems like while I wasn't at school, you all just assumed I was dead, huh?" Sean's voice carried a lazy drawl, yet there was an unmistakable sharpness to it. "I hear the school has a new leader?""No, no! That's not true! You're still the boss. You'll always be the boss!"Sean let out a low chuckle and turned to Liliana. "See that? These are the same people who bullied you so fearlessly. It turns out they can be put in their place too. Understand?"Liliana did not fully grasp why Sean was doing this, but she knew that after today, these people would hesitate before hurting her again.Her feelings were complicated. She knew she should be gratefu
Sean twitched the corner of his mouth. "Do I not have a name?"Liliana hesitated, her lips trembling slightly. "M-Mr. Smith."Sean frowned.Liliana immediately sensed his displeasure but had no idea why he was upset, so she dared not speak.Seeing her looking like a frightened little wife as if he had bullied her, Sean sighed impatiently. "What's with all this 'Mr. Smith' nonsense? You're not my staff.""Then...""Just call me by my name. It doesn't matter even if I'm older than you. Think of me as an older brother." Sean did not seem to care much, but his words stirred something deep inside Liliana."I..."Did she say to think of him like an older brother?She did have an older brother—Charles. He was the golden child of the Hoffman family and the future master of the household. He was raised to be exceptional in every way.Even so, she had never dared to look him in the eye, let alone address him as her brother.In her memory, Charles was a cold and distant figure, unappro
The doctor gave Sean a surprised glance, taken aback that the boy could actually read his handwriting and even recognize the names of the medications.However, he quickly changed the prescription.Hearing this, Liliana panicked. "No, there's no need! Just prescribe the regular ones, the normal ones!"She did not have that much money. She had already borrowed the money for her medical expenses from Sean, so she could not afford to let him pay for expensive medication too. "Doctor, my skin is tough. I don't need anything that pricey!"The doctor turned to Sean, who pressed his lips together impatiently."Sit down." His tone carried unmistakable irritation. "Do you even care about your face?""But..." Liliana fidgeted anxiously. "I... don't have that much money.""Did I ask you for money?" Sean was thoroughly exasperated now and stopped looking at her altogether. "Just prescribe it. In fact, give her extra. She looks like she gets hurt often, so give her a dozen boxes while you're
Sean's voice was cold, carrying a maturity that did not match his age. However, his words made Liliana tremble slightly. She pressed her lips together and looked at him.What he said had shaken her. She had never known that she could walk among people with her head held high.Ever since she arrived in Brookville, since she became part of the Hoffmans, she had lived like an invisible person—afraid, self-conscious, and timid. She had spent every day trying to make herself as small and unnoticed as possible.Yet now, Sean was telling her she should hold her head up, that she had done nothing wrong.For as long as she could remember, everyone had pointed at her, calling her mother a homewrecker, a disgrace, a whore, a mistress. And if her mother was that kind of person, then she must be too. However, Sean… Sean had just told her to stand tall.Liliana's eyes welled up with tears.Sean frowned at her, irritated. "What are you crying for?"He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and
Sean looked at Liliana. "Before you leave, shouldn't you at least tell me your name? Otherwise, if you run off, who am I supposed to ask for my money?"Liliana clenched her fists. "I... I...""Sean Smith!""Huh?"Liliana looked up in surprise. Her swollen face made her expression even more pitiful, and the astonishment in her eyes only added to her fragile appearance.Sean's gaze deepened. "That's my name—Sean Smith."Liliana nodded. "I know."Of course, she knew.Ever since he had first saved her, she had memorized his name, his face, and everything about him.She even knew his family background, as well as his academic achievements.Sean's name was legendary at Jadebrook High School—just like her half-brother. He was an untouchable figure, almost mythical.Liliana's eyes dimmed slightly at that thought."What do you know? Now, tell me your name." Sean studied her, noticing how her mood had suddenly shifted again.Liliana hesitated before murmuring, "L-Liliana Hoffman."
Sean had originally planned to take Liliana to the school infirmary, but after seeing the severity of her injuries and considering her current state, he knew that going there would only draw unwanted attention.Instead, he called his driver to take them to the hospital, ensuring she could get a proper examination and treatment.The moment Liliana heard the word hospital, she panicked. "I'm not going!"She reached for the car door, intending to get out, but Sean grabbed her wrist. "You're not going to the hospital? Then where do you plan on going? Look at yourself—you're covered in injuries, and you still don't want to get checked out?"Sean genuinely wondered if this girl was an idiot.She had not fought back when she was being beaten, and now that she was injured, she refused medical care?Even so, Liliana could not afford to think about such things. Her circumstances did not allow her to get sick, let alone go to the hospital.During her years with the Hoffmans, the most impor
Liliana became acutely aware of her own disgrace. She hugged herself tightly, her eyes filled with wariness as she looked at the boy in front of her.Sean suddenly found the situation amusing. "Are you afraid of me?"Liliana did not respond, but the look in her eyes said it all.Raising an eyebrow, Sean noticed her tugging at the tattered remains of her clothing. Without another word, he shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. "Do you know where the infirmary is?"She remained silent, and Sean's patience wore thin. "I just saved you. Are you mute?""Thank you," Liliana murmured, then carefully removed the jacket and tried to hand it back. "It'll get dirty."Her voice was small, and her gaze was downcast.She had not forgotten what Sean had said years ago—that she was filthy.Sean's frown deepened, his brows knitting together in irritation. He snatched the jacket back and threw it over her again. "Do you have any idea how terrible you look right now?"Liliana
The girl's face was swollen and bruised, nearly unrecognizable. Her clothes were torn, hanging in tatters, leaving her looking utterly wretched.Sean barely spared her a glance before shifting his gaze away. "A whole group of you bullying a single girl?""That girl is a filthy whore, a homewrecker! We were just—""Shut up!" Jasper shot McKenzie a sharp glare. "Sean is speaking. Who the hell do you think you are to interrupt?"In Jadebrook High School, Sean was like a god.Although he had already completed both middle and high school courses, he was still technically a senior. The school had granted him special privileges due to his exceptional performance, allowing him to attend only when he pleased.He rarely showed up, yet every student feared him.Sean was not someone who sought out trouble or bullied the weak, but if he caught someone doing so, there was no escaping his wrath.Jasper's family had some wealth, but compared to the Smiths, they were nothing. Just recently, his