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
No one knew what Winter's face would look like when she found out, but she was feeling great for now. She thought she would be set for success with Charles's support, so why worry about the future?Winter did not waste any time. She went straight to Ethan at Whitemoor Company to ask him to break her contract. Sure, Winter was not the star she used to be, but Whitemoor had spent a lot of time and money making her famous. They were not too happy about letting her walk away for nothing.However, Winter had some powerful friends. The Shaw and Harris families knew she was close to Charles, who was a big deal in their circles. Thus, they decided to help Winter talk to the big boss at Whitemoor.The boss did not want to let Winter go at first, but he got a phone call in the middle of their discussion, and whatever he heard made him change his tune. He agreed to let Winter out of the contract, but Winter would have to pay to leave the company.The Shaw and Harris families were ready to do
"You..." Winter said angrily. "This contract is unfair and invalid!""Unfair and invalid? Ms. Shaw, a contract is valid from the moment you sign it. I'm pretty sure you know that, even if you're not a business whiz," Ronald said, tucking the contract away with a sly grin. "You think this deal's bad for you? You need to understand the kind of gamble Royal Star Entertainment is taking by stepping up despite the way things are going for you right now. If you don't want to follow through with it, sure, the deal's off. However, if you’re going to back out after agreeing... Well, you’d better think long and hard about that.""You..." Winter was totally blindsided by Ronald's bold move. "I'm related to Mr. Hoffman!""Who are you talking about?" Ronald teased with a smirk. "Royal Star Entertainment is mine to run now that Mr. Hoffman has handed it over. "Winter's face lost a bit of color. "Does Charles know you're doing this?""Mr. Hoffman's name isn't something just anybody can throw ar
Winter let out a huge sigh of relief when she saw that. The way Royal Star Entertainment handled things was truly impressive.As Jade walked by Winter's messy room, she grew worried something bad had happened. "Winter, what's going on? Is there a problem with Charles?""No, Mom. Charles said yes, and I've signed the contract. Don't worry!" Winter replied, remembering the contract she had signed but choosing not to mention the details to Jade. "I'm all good now. Mom, I really have to thank Xavier for helping out this time. If it wasn’t for him...""My dear, he's your fiance. Of course he's going to help you. But you've got to step up too. Remember what happened back then..." Jade let out a sigh. "Now that it's all sorted, just keep the past to yourself. Thankfully, Xavier didn't make a fuss. And make sure you keep Xavier's dad happy too!""I understand!" Winter's eyes sparkled as she remembered how Xavier had treated her that day, and she clenched her teeth. "Xavier really loves me,
Noelle had not been back to Frotconn since her incident. It seemed like Frotconn was just waiting for her to quit on her own, and Noelle knew it. However, she was not about to give up and resign. She had been hanging out at Phoenix Tree Residence lately.Charles had Ronald show Noelle how Royal Star Entertainment had been doing over the years. Noelle had never worked with showbiz before, so she did not know much about it. However, now that she owned part of Royal Star Entertainment, she had to start figuring some things out.For the past few days, Noelle had been busy reading up on Royal Star Entertainment. She pored over files and learned about the stars signed with the company and the new projects they were launching.Ronald used to take care of all those details, only sometimes showing them to Charles for a quick check. Charles trusted Ronald completely and never really asked about the business.However, things had changed a bit recently. Ronald had started to report to Charles
"Who?" Charles asked, tapping on his desk."Winter's agent, Jane Gordon!" Ronald explained. "She used to work for Whitemoor Company, and she's not too happy with Winter. Now that Winter's cut ties with Whitemoor, Jane didn't stick with her!"Charles revealed a small smile and lifted an eyebrow, telling Ronald to go on. Ronald nodded and said, "The folks at Whitemoor Company found out that Royal Star Entertainment wants Winter, so they agreed to let Winter go. Whitemoor didn't say much about Jane. I figured that since she used to be Winter's agent, why not keep her on? She knows Winter better than anyone else!""Go ahead with handling these smaller matters," Charles said."Will do!" Ronald could tell Charles was happy with his plan. "Oh, and there's something else."Charles frowned and gestured for him to continue. "What is it?""It's about Madam's old place..." Ronald hesitated. "She never gave it up, so the landlord's been holding onto it. It wasn't a problem, but lately... Well
Ronald shook his head quickly. "Nope. I'm all done with my report!"Charles gave Ronald a look, and Ronald clamped his mouth shut, then blurted out, "Oh, I just remembered. I've got something else to do, Mr. Hoffman, Madam. I'll be on my way!""Um..." Noelle, noticing Ronald's rush, felt a bit puzzled. "I've cooked some food, Ronald. You can eat before you leave!"Ronald stopped for a second, feeling sharp eyes on him. He straightened up and let out a goofy laugh. "Madam, you're too kind, but I really have to run. I've got some urgent things to handle. Enjoy your dinner. I won't keep you!"Watching Ronald zoom off, Noelle paused, then turned to Charles and bit her lip. "Why did he rush off like that? Did you give him something urgent to do?"Charles narrowed his eyes in thought, then stood up and waved Noelle over. "What's up?" Noelle asked as she came closer. She glanced at the papers on the desk and raised her eyebrows. "Is this Winter's contract?"He nodded and handed her the
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