Charles's fingers hit the decline button, but Xavier kept calling back. Charles's eyes swirled with an icy anger. He just let the phone keep ringing, holding it tightly.Noelle came out of the shower and saw Charles with her phone. "What's up?"Charles just lifted an eyebrow and handed her the phone. Noelle saw who it was, frowned, and declined without a second thought. She looked at Charles and started to say something, but the phone interrupted her, ringing again. Noelle's frown got deeper as she declined again. Before she could get a word out, Charles asked, "Didn't you think to grab a towel for your hair?"Noelle paused, watching Charles's tall silhouette head inside the bathroom. She bit her lip as he came back with a towel, signaling her to sit down.Noelle hesitated. "Um...""Come over here!" Charles called out, not even glancing at the buzzing phone that displayed Xavier's incoming call. Noelle felt a bit unsure about what Charles was thinking, but she walked over and sat
Noelle's smile turned playful. "Sure, but you'd only have one customer—me!"Charles chuckled and playfully tapped Noelle's nose. "You're such a tease!"Noelle blinked and stretched her neck, trying to reach Charles's face with her hand, but she was too far away. She pouted. "Come down a little!"Charles gave her a look, holding her wriggling hand still. "Settle down. Your hair isn't dry yet!""Hey, duck down a bit!" she exclaimed, trying to get up, but Charles gently pushed her back down. "No more playing around!" He did lower his head, though, and Noelle was delighted. She playfully rubbed and pinched Charles's smiling face, noticing his eyes seemed to sparkle even more.Noelle raised an eyebrow when she saw the look on Charles's face and quickly let go. "Come on, don't be lazy. Dry my hair already!"Charles gave her a soft look and then tenderly held Noelle's face, planting a kiss on the tip of her nose. Noelle giggled, feeling ticklish, and tried to push him away, but Charles
The landlord was fast on his feet, but the police were faster. When they saw Xavier looking like a mess, they did not hesitate to take him away.Xavier was pretty drunk, but he could still think straight. The sight of two cops made him a bit more alert. "I'm just looking for my girlfriend. What's going on? Let go of me!""Girlfriend? You're out here making a scene in the middle of the night. People say you've been hanging around here a lot. And hey, I recognize you! Didn't we just bring you in for questioning the other day?"One cop remembered Xavier right away after seeing him like this. The other cop glanced over and said, "Yep, it's you. Let's go. You're making too much noise, and it's late. You know that's not allowed, right?"The cops did not wait for an answer before they took Xavier with them. He did not want to go and kept yelling for Noelle, "Noelle, come out! Tell them I'm your boyfriend, Noelle!"After spending two hours at the police station, Xavier finally started to
The police officer noticed something was off. “Could you have made a mistake?” “What do you mean, a mistake? Noelle is my girlfriend!” Xavier tried to make another call as he spoke, but the police officer took the phone away. “You’re a funny one. Your girlfriend called the police and got you arrested for disruption? I think she might not even be your girlfriend! Or did you guys break up? I’ve seen plenty of scenarios like this. Also, what’s a man like you doing at a young girl’s house this late at night?” “It was just a small misunderstanding. We didn’t break up, officer. Please give me the phone so I can make another call!” The officer said exasperatedly, “I can give you the phone, but I don’t think you should be calling your girlfriend. Call your parents instead!” Xavier took the phone and dialed Noelle’s number once again. The phone rang twice before someone picked up. “Hello?” This time, it was Noelle who answered. “Who’s speaking?” “It’s me, Noelle!” Xavier forced himsel
“Married? That’s impossible!” Xavier shot to his feet. “That’s impossible… Noelle may hate me, but she would never get married to another man just to get back at me. She’s still in love with me. She…”“That’s enough. I don’t have time for your convoluted dating history. Ms. Shaw has already claimed to have nothing to do with you, and you should stop harassing her late at night. I think you should just call either of your parents or your fiancee and have them drop by. It’s getting late.” Xavier dropped back onto the bench, a dazed look on his face. Several minutes passed before he dialed Emilia’s number, his movements robotic.By the time Emilia and Joseph rushed over, Xavier was still sitting on the bench inside the station, seemingly in some sort of trance. Emilia flew into a panic when she saw Xavier sitting dazedly on the bench. “Xavier! Xavier, are you alright?! Don’t scare me!” “Mom!” Xavier looked up woodenly at Emilia. “Mom, she’s abandoned me. Mom, she really doesn’t want
Noelle did not feel like going back to bed after hanging up the phone, so she grabbed a towel to begin drying Charles’ hair. “Why didn’t you wake me up just now?” When she thought about how she had somehow managed to fall asleep despite how sticky her body was, she added, “Didn’t you say you would help me clean up?” “You were fast asleep!” Charles said, the look in his eyes gentle as he reached up to take Noelle’s hand. “I can do it myself!” However, Noelle shook her head. "Let me help you!” Then, she added, “Xavier probably got himself into some trouble, so he used another person’s phone to call me,” she said ruefully, “How did I never notice the kind of person he was?!”Charles smirked, and he chuckled when he heard the obvious displeasure in Noelle’s voice. “What kind of person is he?” “I don’t feel like talking about him,” Noelle said, feeling frustrated. “I just don’t understand why he keeps coming back to rile me up when he’s already decided to get together with Winter i
Joseph Harris had always been a crafty, calculating man. He had been planning this for so long, and there was no way he would allow things to fail in the final stages. Charles smirked. “So, Joseph must be thinking about how he can get Xavier and Winter to get married as soon as possible. He won’t have anything to worry about once they’re married.” Charles patted Noelle’s hand as he said, “Xavier’s smart, but he’s not very charismatic, and would never dare go against Joseph. So, he’ll inevitably go down that path.” “You thought of everything." Noelle sighed, thinking to herself how exhausting all this thinking must be. Charles noticed the change in Noelle’s mood and took her hand in his as he lowered his head so their foreheads were touching. “We can’t control what others do, but we can at least live our lives the way we want to. Don’t you think so?” Noelle chuckled as she nodded. "Yes, I know that. Don’t worry. I’ve set clear boundaries with them, and I know what I should do mo
Naturally, the meeting between the two mothers was a pleasant one. As Emilia gazed at Winter, who had dressed elegantly and refined that day, her impression of Winter improved. A wave of guilt washed over her when she recalled what her son had done the previous night, especially when she took note of how polite and demure Winter was. All the dissatisfaction she previously had felt toward Winter vanished into thin air. The two mothers were pleased by the idea of this marriage and immediately agreed upon it. Emilia proposed the third day of the next month as an auspicious date to get married. Jade did some mental calculations. There were about forty days left before the suggested date, so she felt less worried. “Are we both in agreement on that? “Yes, of course. I think matters concerning the wedding should be left up to us women. What do you think, Mrs. Shaw?” Emilia knew her son was probably still reeling from what had happened, and there was no way this responsibility could be h
Seth nodded, tilting his head as he looked at Kelly. "Mommy, you cried."Though young, Seth was incredibly perceptive. Noticing Kelly's red eyes, his small, soft hand reached out to gently rub her cheek.He even leaned closer and blew softly on her face. "Don't cry, Mommy!""I didn't cry, not at all," Kelly said while patting Seth's back gently.There was an apologetic look on her face. "I just forgot to make dinner for you tonight.""Then, Mommy, let's eat out! Seth has money—lots and lots of money. Seth will treat Mommy to some meat!"Seth's sweet, innocent words made Kelly's eyes redden again, but she smiled and nodded. "Alright, Seth. Change your clothes. I'll take you out for dinner, okay?"Later that evening, Kelly sat holding Seth while watching TV, but her mind could not stop drifting back to Noelle's face.Grant's words replayed in her head: she and Noelle were full-blooded sisters, sharing both parents.Kelly looked down at Seth, her thoughts in turmoil. She could
"Are you sure it's a virus?" Kelly asked, her voice trembling slightly."Yes," Grant replied with a firm nod, his sharp eyes fixed on her.He could see the disbelief and shock in Kelly's gaze, along with traces of guilt and unease.However, Kelly suddenly laughed, and she turned her head to face Grant. "Noelle has a virus, so she should go see a doctor. Why are you coming to me? Ha! It's ridiculous that Charles still wants to get me involved when his wife is sick. Why?""Kelly, this virus is extremely rare," Grant explained, his tone steady. "Sean currently doesn't have a clear treatment, but he mentioned one potential solution."Kelly's eyes flickered slightly, betraying a crack in her facade. "If there's a solution, then try it.""Sean believes we need to extract active enzymes from the blood of her closest relatives. Harrison and Shirley should already be at the hospital."Kelly froze again, her lips pressing into a thin line."Oh," she replied, feigning calm, though her emo
Grant noticed Kelly's reluctance to look at the documents and frowned slightly before speaking in an indifferent tone. "You don't have to look at it if you don't want to. After all, it's your decision whether to accept it or not."He placed the file on the table, his tone calm and detached, as though this matter had nothing to do with him.However, Kelly was far from calm. She glared at him, her voice trembling with suppressed anger. "If that's the case, why did you bring it here? Why did you agree? Why…"Her voice grew louder as she yelled at Grant, her emotions spiraling out of control. The noise startled Seth, who was sleeping in the other room.Hearing Seth's cries, Kelly immediately pushed past Grant and rushed into the room to scoop him into her arms. "Seth, don't cry. Mommy's here!""Mommy!" Seth clung tightly to her, his little hands grasping at her clothes."Yes, Mommy's here," Kelly murmured, cradling him as she gently patted his back. She hummed a soothing tune into hi
Kelly's feelings toward Grant were complicated. Growing up, her impression of him was not strong, and they certainly could not be described as having a close sibling bond.Later, Grant left the Andersons, disappearing to places unknown. When he finally returned, Kelly did not stay in Capiton for long before coming to Brookville.After that came the incident that changed everything, ultimately sending her abroad."Aren't you going to invite me in?" Grant glanced inside.Kelly frowned slightly. Although she seemed reluctant, she did not refuse and stepped aside to make way. "Come in. But I don't have much here, so I'm afraid I might not be the best host.""No problem."Grant noticed how much colder Kelly's demeanor had become. As he stepped into the modest apartment, he casually observed its simple layout.It was hard to reconcile this Kelly, living in such a sparse place, with the pampered young woman who once never lifted a finger.Feeling somewhat uneasy, Kelly closed the door
Kelly had been spending the past few days with Seth, whose health had improved significantly. After the recent incident, Kelly stayed in Brookville for a while, using the time to reflect deeply. One of the reasons she had not left Brookville was because of Seth's biological father.It had been almost four years. Not too long, yet not short either.Kelly thought she had let it go, but the DNA report comparing Seth with Maxwell made her hesitate once again.She always knew Seth was not Charles' child. She was fully aware of who the father was, yet his true identity remained a mystery.During those months four years ago, that man had stayed by her side, sharing a deeply unforgettable time with her. It was so unforgettable that she had pushed aside questions about his identity or purpose, choosing instead to immerse herself in the moment with him.Yet she was nothing more than a pawn for him to use against the Hoffmans in the end.Strangely, Charles had been absent from Brookville du
Grant's expression turned ice-cold in an instant. "What are you planning to do?""Kelly is Noelle's biological sister. Sean said only enzymes extracted from close relatives' blood might save Noelle. Whether it works or not, I have to try," Charles replied. His gaze was intense in a way Grant had never seen before.Grant had not expected to ever witness such an expression on Charles' face. He frowned deeply but eventually nodded. "I'll try, but she still doesn't know she's part of the Smith family.""You didn't tell her?" Charles was visibly surprised. He had assumed Grant would have already told Kelly the truth.Now, hearing that Kelly had no idea about her connection to Noelle or the Smith family, Charles was taken aback."I'll bring her over as soon as I can. Give me some time.""Fine, but don't take too long. Nelly can't wait," Charles said firmly. He understood that revealing the truth to Kelly and convincing her to help Noelle would not be easy. However, since Grant had ag
Sean emerged with a somber expression. "Margaret has confirmed that there's a fresh needle mark on Noelle's arm. That shadow from earlier must have injected something into her, which likely triggered her immediate symptoms."Charles clenched his fists, the sound of his knuckles cracking filling the tense air. "What's the plan?""Before the virus spreads too deeply, we could try using blood from Noelle's close relatives to extract certain components that might counteract it," Sean explained.Charles narrowed his eyes. "Be clearer. What are you suggesting?""This idea isn't fully tested. I only came across it in medical literature, and there's no guarantee it will work. If the virus hasn't invaded her bone marrow, we might still have a chance."Charles' expression eased slightly, but a hint of apprehension lingered. He glanced at Sean, who hesitated before continuing. "We need to call in Uncle Harrison and Shirley. Ideally, we should also bring Kelly here.""Fine!"Harrison arrive
"Make sure to cooperate well with Dr. Ellison, alright?"Charles leaned down, planting a soft kiss on Noelle's forehead before stepping out with Sean. "What's going on?"Outside, Peter, Tania, and Brandon were waiting. Brandon kept peeking into the room, and his curious eyes were wide with concern. "Uncle Charles, what's wrong with Aunt Noelle?"Charles' expression softened immediately. He reached out to tousle Brandon's hair gently. "Aunt Noelle is fine. She's just feeling a little sick.""Oh, then Bran will give Aunt Noelle some candy. If Auntie eats candy, she won't hurt anymore," Brandon said with childlike earnestness, pulling a few candies from his small bag and handing them to Charles."Uncle Charles, give these to Aunt Noelle!""Alright."Charles accepted the candies, his gaze drifting back to the room. He watched through the window as Noelle cooperated with Margaret's examination. His chest felt unbearably tight with worry."Have you figured out what to do yet?""Wh
"Mm, you didn't cry," Noelle said with a faint smile.Her face was still pale, but it was clear she had passed the peak of her pain.She placed her hands gently on Charles' face, slowly pulling herself up. After finding a comfortable position, she leaned into him, her head nuzzling against his chest like a mother soothing her child.Her delicate fingers traced the contours of his face. "You didn't cry."Charles could not help but tremble slightly. Lowering his gaze, he found Noelle looking up at him. She cupped his face with both hands, her body leaning closer, and her forehead was lightly pressing against his.She rubbed against him gently. "You were just worried about me," she said softly. Then, she placed a gentle kiss at the corner of his mouth."Our Charlie is the best, the strongest. How could he cry? Crying is my job."Noelle's smile was so tender and warm that it seemed to melt the storm brewing in Charles' heart.He carefully wrapped her in his arms, brushing his face