However, Ruby felt conflicted as she thought of Winter's demeanor.Despite her long experience as a producer, it was the first time she encountered someone she disliked to such an extent, which left her quite astonished.Noticing Ruby's persistent gaze, Noelle glanced over in a puzzled manner. Recognizing Ruby as the person who conducted Winter's audition, she smiled and nodded slightly. Feeling flattered by Noelle's acknowledgment, Ruby returned the smile.Charles tapped the meeting table, drawing everyone's attention. "I don't want Noelle's identity to be discussed by outsiders, especially those outside of Royal Star Entertainment. Hence, this is also not to be discussed internally.""Yes, we understand!"With that, Charles dismissed the meeting, "You can all go back to work now." He then added, "Ms. Clark, please stay behind."Ruby was stunned to hear Charles call her name directly, "Yes, Mr. Hoffman!"Once everyone else had left, there were only the three of them in the la
Ruby came back to her senses and looked meaningfully at Cade Zachmann, the man from the publicity department who was trying to get more information out of her. She shrugged. "Nothing much, just that this Noelle Shaw is not to be underestimated. From now on, we have to listen to her. Didn't you hear Mr. Hoffman say he himself would have to listen to her?"Cade did not take it seriously. "I think Mr. Hoffman was just saying that. She's just a woman..." He saw Ruby's expression change. Realizing his mistake, he quickly patted his mouth. "Haha, I'm just joking. But didn't Mr. Hoffman ask you to stay back earlier?""It was about the new drama. He asked me to appease Mr. Chevalier. That Winter is really something...""I heard about that too. You know, suddenly bringing in someone like her... Wait, Winter Shaw, and that woman is called Noelle Shaw? What's their relationship?""Nothing at all!" Ruby had not forgotten what Charles had said earlier. Since he had asked her to stay back on
Winter thought her role was already secured. After all, she believed that being associated with Charles meant getting a part in a drama was just a matter of him making a call.However, Winter had oversimplified things. The day after her audition, her confidence in securing the role was shattered by yet another scandal.Miles, the director of the drama, was dissatisfied with Winter to begin with. This new scandal only made things worse.The trouble began right after Winter's audition. Despite her displeasure with Ruby, a producer of Royal Star Entertainment, she believed she had managed her relationship well.Yet that evening, news about her past resurfaced on Facebook and entertainment forums. Winter had previously managed to suppress those stories, but this time, more explosive news emerged.Years ago, Winter had gone to Maldoria to shoot a film for an entire year. She was only 18 or 19 at the time.Suddenly, photos of Winter linking arms with men and other more explicit photos
Julian was busy when he heard Jade's question. He frowned. "What could be the matter? She's always either busy with one thing or another... Didn't Charles already agree to help her? "I'm swamped here, and the old man is still in the hospital. You and Winter shouldn't add to my troubles!"Jade felt upset upon hearing this, thinking that he was always blaming everything on her. She wanted to retort but then remembered Winter's anxious demeanor. Jade quickly went online, and upon seeing the indecent photos of her daughter, she felt devastated. "No! We can't let Winter be ruined by this! We can't!"As Winter's scandal continued to spread, the internet was buzzing with discussions about her behavior. People felt betrayed by Winter.She had always portrayed a pure and innocent image, which was the main reason her fans adored her. They affectionately called her 'Princess Winter', praising her perfect demeanor and graceful presence.However, with these photos and videos surfacing, Wint
Winter thought for a long time but could not figure out who would hate her enough to do this."I don't know what to do either. Mr. Lason has already left, Winter. You need to prepare yourself mentally.""What do you mean? Aren't you my agent? Think of something! Are you just going to let them continue like this? My career is—" Winter's words were cut short by the ringing of her phone. Seeing it was Xavier's number, her hand trembled.Jane noticed it, and her eyes flashed. "Take the call. It's your fiancé."Winter's hand shook for a long time before she took a deep breath and answered. "Hello, Xavier..." Her voice was pitiful and trembling, carrying a tone that could elicit sympathy.Nonetheless, Xavier was not in the state of mind to be sympathizing with her. His dissatisfaction with Winter had been growing, and now, there was yet another problem. "What's going on with you? My phone has been ringing off the hook since early morning, all from entertainment reporters. Previously
Power?Winter's perspective shifted. "Yes, I have to find someone with the power to suppress the news. That's the plan!"Winter suddenly felt invigorated. "Jane, call Ruby and say... Never mind, I'll do it myself."Winter called Ruby, who had just seen the news about Winter. Ruby did not know what to think of Winter anymore.Ruby had received orders from Charles the previous day to keep Winter on board. From Charles and Noelle's conversation, Ruby gleaned some understanding of why. When Winter called, Ruby played hard to get.As she needed help, Winter was much more humble than the previous day."Ms. Clark, could we meet?""Ms. Shaw, you know how busy I am right now, right? And shouldn't you be dealing with your situation?" Ruby had seen the news about Winter and felt even more disdain for her."Ms. Clark, please don't misunderstand. The things online aren't true. Can we meet to discuss this? Or could you give me Mr. Hoffman's number? Mr. Wells' number would work too." Winter t
Xavier reached out and stroked Winter's silky hair. "I understand. I'll speak on your behalf, but this is the last time.""Alright. I love you, Xavier!" Winter kissed Xavier on the lips. "Do you want more?"Xavier's eyes darkened, but he shook his head. "We'll continue tonight."Xavier made his way to Collosus once again for Winter's sake. However, Charles was not as accommodating. In fact, Xavier could not see Charles right away.He waited at Collosus for an entire afternoon before Charles finally arrived.Although Xavier felt frustrated, he could not show it since he was the one seeking help."Two cups of coffee," Charles ordered through the intercom, instructing his secretary to bring two cups. He then squinted slightly, a smile playing on his lips as he motioned for Xavier to sit down.For some reason, every time Xavier saw Charles, he felt a sense of trepidation. He was always feeling inferior in Charles' presence."Sit," Charles said, his lips curling into a smile. "It se
"Go ask her if she wants to join Royal Star Entertainment," Charles said in an icy voice. Xavier was taken aback. He did not expect Charles to make such an offer. "Charles, are you really going to sign Winter?""She'll need to come here to discuss it herself. If she's interested, she should see Ronald. He's the one in charge of everything at Royal Star Entertainment. If you come to me, all I can do is introduce you two," Charles explained."Got it. Thanks," Xavier said, understanding what he needed to do.Xavier left feeling a bit rattled. He had braced himself for a tough conversation, but Charles had been unexpectedly bold.Winter rushed over to Xavier as soon as she saw him. "Xavier, what happened? Did Charles say yes?"He nodded, and Winter hugged him tightly, beaming with joy. "Dear, I just knew it would work out! You're the best," she said and quickly kissed Xavier.Xavier, a bit overwhelmed by Winter's excitement, gently pushed her back. "Don't celebrate too soon. Charles
Bran's innocent comment had everyone laughing. "Oh, Bran, they just haven't opened their eyes yet. When they grow up, they'll be as cute as you!""Really?" Bran asked, tilting their head, "Okay then!"Liliana had been quiet the whole time, just watching the babies in the incubator.She had not really wanted to come, since the Hoffmans and the Smiths were not exactly her biggest fans. However, she wanted to see those babies, to see the little ones who belonged to Charles and Noelle.Today, both families were filled with joy, and nobody paid much attention to Liliana. Even if they were not fond of her, they would not send her away on such a happy day.Liliana gazed at the two little babies in the warm nursery, and her eyes quickly filled with tears. She placed her hands gently on the glass, a small smile spreading across her face as she whispered to herself, "They are so beautiful."Clarisse watched Liliana and felt a mix of emotions stirring within her.She did not feel very clos
Yves gave a gentle smile and stroked Seth's hair. "Are you having a good time?""Yes!" Seth bobbed his head enthusiastically. "Bran and Bobby are really nice!" Seth had clearly made friends, and Yves' smile grew wider. However, then he turned to Kelly. "Would you like to visit the hospital?"Kelly's eyes lifted. "Is that okay?" She had been worried about Noelle's safety, but she knew that her presence might not help and might even be a hindrance. Besides, the kids needed someone to watch over them, so she had been trying to stay calm.When Yves made the offer, Kelly wanted to go. "How's Noelle doing?""Charles just called. The mom and babies are all doing great!" Yves told Kelly with a big smile, looking really happy. "It's a boy and a girl, but they came a bit early. They're still in their cozy incubators for now.""And how's Noelle?" Kelly asked quickly."She's fine too, just getting some rest," Yves replied, softly touching Kelly's forehead. Kelly blinked in surprise, looking
"Winter mailed the package. I thought Mrs. Hoffman would open it, but she didn't!" The maid's face showed a flicker of disappointment. "Winter promised the item would surely frighten Mrs. Hoffman, so...""So, you tried to scare her?" Yves thought that Winter must really hate Noelle, especially since she was pregnant.Yves squinted and asked, "What happened next?""When Winter heard that it didn't work, she met with me and handed me a lamp. She said it was from Mr. Baker and told me to light it while Mrs. Hoffman was fast asleep. She said that it would go unnoticed!"After she spoke, the maid fell to the ground, too much in pain to stand. The guard service member, seeing that, stabbed her thigh with a knife, "Ahh..."The maid screamed again, but the guard service member quickly covered her mouth.The pain had nearly knocked her out, but then she was wide awake again, "I've told you everything I know, I don't know anything else, I really don't.""How do you two keep in touch?" Yve
"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
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
"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
"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
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
"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