The look on Charles’ face changed slightly. However, he merely shook his head and said, “Nothing!” before he continued standing beside her instead of taking a seat. Noelle gave Charles a long look and then turned to look at the stool before she accepted her fate and began wiping it down. When she was done, she said to him, “It’s clean now, Mr. Hoffman!” Charles gave Noelle a pointed look. Did she think he found the place dirty?His long stares made goosebumps rise on Noelle’s arms. “What’s the matter? Shall we eat somewhere else instead? I know there’s another restaurant nearby that’s got pretty good reviews. Should we go there instead?” She was starting to regret bringing Charles here. Upon hearing that, he immediately sat down, his lips curving ever so slightly into a smile as he said, “That’s alright. This place is fine!” Noelle heaved a sigh of relief and watched as the shop owner approached them. She was stunned when she saw Noelle. “It’s been so long since you last came
The stew was not particularly tasty. It was nothing compared to the delicacies someone as rich as Charles could enjoy in high-end restaurants. However, Noelle had never been a picky eater and would eat anything so long as it filled her stomach. Besides, she was only here for old times’ sake. It was almost time for classes to be let out, so Noelle was worried the crowd would grow larger. Thus, she hurriedly finished her beef stew and suggested they head back. “It’s getting late!” Charles nodded as his phone began ringing. It was from Ronald. “We’ve gotten things ready for Ms. Shaw, Mr. Hoffman!” “Alright. We’re at Vista University right now,” Charles said as he glanced at Noelle. “Do you have any more plans for the night, Ms. Shaw?” “I’m heading home,” Noelle answered. “It’s alright, I can stay here and wait for your assistant. You can take your leave first if you’re busy, Mr. Hoffman!” “No worries!” Charles said as he got to his feet to pay the bill. Noelle hurried after him
Ronald instinctively looked toward Charles, but the nonchalant look on his face made it evident he did not plan to say anything. He felt a headache forming, but he put on a bold face and said, “No, there’s no way it’s a mistake. Definitely not. This is the correct price!” “That can’t be right!” Noelle might not be an expert in the field, but she was no idiot either. There was no way something from Curio Corner could be purchased at that price. Besides, Charles had picked it out, and he would not have picked out something inexpensive. Noelle did not believe it one bit. Sweat pooled on Ronald’s forehead, and he could not help thinking to himself, ‘You’re right that it wasn’t cheap. It was so expensive!’ However, he did not dare say that aloud and merely laughed stupidly. “You probably don’t know this, Ms. Shaw, but Mr. Hoffman often purchases extremely valuable antiques from Curio Corner. The shopkeeper is a smart man, and he knows what discounts he can afford to offer. This pen isn’
“You’re right, but you know what happened the other day. Winter has already begged her multiple times, but she always returns sobbing, doesn’t she? That girl is so cruel. Is there really anything she won’t do?!” Jade said with gritted teeth, her disdain for Noelle evident. “Anyway, we can’t mess up today. Call Noelle and tell her she has to be here because Sir Shaw misses her!” Jade would not allow her precious daughter, Winter, to suffer the slightest. However, Sir Shaw flew into a terrible rage after learning about Noelle and Xavier’s relationship, which meant that he would not give his blessing to Winter and Xavier’s marriage unless Noelle agreed as well. That angered Jade so much that she nearly got into an argument with Sir Shaw. However, she knew what was going through his mind then and knew he was still calling the shots in the Shaw family. “Alright, alright. I know what to do!” Julian felt annoyed as well. The marriage arrangements had been going smoothly, but Noelle had
"Has Noelle arrived?"The Shaw family's long-time butler, Mr. Thompson, was the first to catch sight of Noelle. He had a welcoming grin on his face. "Come on in. Don't just stand there! It's not winter yet, but it’s still cold. Hurry inside and see Sir Joshua. He's been missing you!"Mr. Thompson had been by Samuel's side for ages, tending to him and dedicating his life to the Shaw family. He knew all the ins and outs, especially how much Sir Shaw doted on Noelle.Noelle’s eyes lit up, and her hand was comforted by Mr. Thompson's warm grip. "Okay, I'll go with you to see him! How has he been? Is he eating enough?""He's been eating great and full of energy!" Mr. Thompson chuckled. "You're the one he's been waiting for, Noelle. Sir Shaw has been over the moon knowing you would be back today."Mr. Thompson, knowing that Noelle preferred the quiet, steered her away from the bustling crowd, taking a shortcut through the backyard and straight upstairs to find Samuel.It was Samuel's b
When Noelle put it that way, Samuel could only let out a resigned sigh and gently pat her hand. "Don't you worry, kiddo. Your grandpa's got your back. And if you've got a thing for that Xavier, I'll see what I can do...""Grandpa!" Noelle cut him off, her head shaking just a bit. "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. I know that much. Besides, he's spoiled goods now. I'm done with him!""There, there! Our Noelle knows her worth!" Samuel was proud that Noelle was not letting it get to her. However, he was not letting Winter and Xavier get away with pulling a stunt like that."I'll get them to apologize to you and clear up the whole mess!"Hand in hand, Samuel led Noelle downstairs, where all the guests were buzzing with curiosity about the girl he was with.The recent scandal had not gone unnoticed. All this time, the Shaw family was known for Miss Winter, with no mention of a Miss Noelle. After the last bit of gossip hit the airwaves, people started whispering abo
Noelle was no fool. She knew she was not exactly the family favorite, but she had not expected them to stoop this low. Her dad, who was usually so composed, was showing his true colors at Grandpa's birthday, of all places. It was a real eye-opener for Noelle."Grandpa, how about I hang out with you for a bit?" Noelle flashed a smile. "Check it out. We've got a full house today, all here to party for you." She gently took Samuel's hand, ready to head off.Julian was fuming, his face red and his mustache practically bristling. With the crowd watching, however, he bit his tongue.Then, out of nowhere, the crowd started buzzing, and a wave of gasps rolled through the room. Noelle peeked through the sea of people and spotted someone making an entrance at the door the Shaw family had been keeping an eye on. The guy was tall and striking, walking with a confidence that said 'keep your distance,' completely stealing the spotlight from Noelle and her grandpa.Dressed to the nines in a sleek
"Mr. Hoffman sends his best to Sir Shaw. He wishes him all the happiness of the endless oceans and a life as enduring as the ancient mountains."Joseph could butter anybody up. Spotting Charles, he could not resist the chance to strut his stuff in front of the crowd. He shot Xavier a look and sidled over. "Mr. Hoffman! Xavier, aren't you gonna say hi? Your uncle's here because of you!""Uncle, you're here too!"Xavier might have been stewing on the inside; however, in front of Charles, he had to swallow his pride. After all, Charles was a big deal, and showing up here was a big honor...Once Joseph spilled the beans, the dots connected for everyone. Xavier was Charles' nephew, and it looked like Joseph had the mighty Hoffman family in his corner.Charles squinted, a sly grin playing on his lips. It was a grin that said more than words could. His gaze fixed on Xavier with such intensity that Xavier felt a shiver run through him. Standing there with Charles, he was hit with a wave o
Charles nodded.Linda immediately brightened and picked up one of the dead rats to examine it. "I need to go to the lab. Oh, right, you should strengthen security at Phoenix Tree Residence. Also, be extra cautious with food and any outside contact. I think it's best to avoid unnecessary interactions. This virus spreads through wounds."Charles made a mental note before quickly calling Sean. "Come over right away!"At that moment, Sean was still at the Smith residence. Since Kelly and Noelle were both married now, he and Bob had become the main targets of the Smiths' relentless scrutiny.Sean found it agonizing, but Bob, on the other hand, appeared completely at ease. It was as if none of it concerned him.Sean slumped in his seat, fully aware that Bob's indifference came from the fact that he was not just a member of the Smiths—he was also the heir to the Jones family. He had nothing to be afraid of.Frustrated, Sean ruffled his hair and was about to leave when Savannah stopped h
Charles paused. "What's wrong?"Linda walked over, her brows furrowing even deeper."When did this package arrive?" she asked the housekeeper.The housekeeper replied unsuspectingly, "This afternoon, after Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman went out. There were only a few of us at home, so I took the liberty of accepting it on Mrs. Hoffman's behalf. Is there a problem?"She glanced cautiously at Linda, unable to understand why such a small package had created such a tense atmosphere. However, Charles understood. He frowned at Linda, who nodded in confirmation.Charles turned to Noelle, Tania, and Liliana. "Tania, Liliana, take your sister-in-law upstairs!""Why?" Noelle asked immediately.She had a bad feeling. Linda's reaction just now, coupled with Charles' behavior, made her uneasy. "Charlie?""Be good. Go upstairs," Charles said, exchanging a glance with Tania and Liliana.Tania and Liliana led Noelle upstairs. Once they were gone, Charles' expression darkened like never before. "What's
Noelle shot Charles an annoyed glance, but he simply held her hand and asked, "What's wrong?""Nothing!" Noelle did not feel like talking to him anymore.Charles studied her profile with a faint smile. "Sleepy? If you are, just rest for a bit. We'll be home soon."Noelle wanted to say she was not tired, but her body betrayed her. She yawned, exhaustion washing over her, and she leaned against Charles and closed her eyes for a quick nap without much thought.Half an hour later, the driver pulled the car into Phoenix Tree Residence and carefully glanced at the rear-view mirror."Mr. Hoffman, we've arrived.""Shh," Charles hushed the driver and glanced down at Noelle.He then gently gathered her into his arms and stepped out of the car.Noelle had actually woken up the moment the car stopped, but before she could open her eyes, she heard Charles instruct the driver to stay quiet.Now, being cradled in his arms, she felt warm and comforted but also a little guilty. She slowly open
After dinner, Charles took Noelle home. Initially, Noelle had wanted to stay longer, but given her pregnancy and how late it was, the Smiths did not insist on keeping them.Just as they were about to leave, Yves caught up with Charles at the door. "Thanks."Charles smirked. "No need for thanks. I prefer something more tangible."Yves raised an eyebrow, and Charles chuckled. "As her brother-in-law, you should be more considerate. Nelly is due soon, and I won't have time to oversee Collosus Group. So..."Yves let out a cold laugh. "You're playing this well. Aren't you afraid I'll just swallow up the entire Collosus Group?""That would still take some skill, wouldn't it?" Charles' sharp eyes glanced back at the house. "On the surface, things might look stable, but I suggest you take it easy. You'd be better off making use of Sean and Bob. A good relationship with your brothers-in-law will only help you. Anyway, I'm off."Yves watched Charles walk away, rubbing his chin. It was no
"Is it really not possible?" Seth's voice trembled. "Mommy, is it really not okay? But isn't he my daddy? Why can't I be with Daddy? Mommy, am I a child you just picked up? Does no one want me?"The moment Seth finished speaking, he burst into tears.Kelly's heart nearly shattered. She could not bear to see Seth cry like that. She immediately crouched down and wrapped her arms around him."Seth, baby, don't cry. I love you more than anything! How could you think that way?""But what about Daddy?" Seth still was not satisfied. His big eyes that were filled with hope turned toward Yves.Before Yves could say anything, Kelly raised her head to look at him. Their gazes locked, and for a moment, too many emotions swirled in those dark eyes. Feeling overwhelmed, Kelly quickly looked away."Daddy loves you too," she said softly."Really?" Seth still looked doubtful and turned back to Yves.Yves nodded. "Daddy loves you very much.""Then can Daddy live with Mommy and me?" Seth's eyes
Bob's sudden gesture nearly blinded everyone with its extravagance. No one had expected him to be so generous.It was Kelly who reacted first, quickly standing up to refuse."Bob, this really isn't necessary. Seth is still young; he doesn't need something like this. We're all family, so there's no need to give money or gifts."Even though no one here lacked money and Bob's gesture was not a big deal to him, Kelly still felt uneasy accepting it. But Bob simply shook his head."I'm giving it to Seth, not to you," he said before crouching down to meet Seth's gaze."Call me Uncle Bob, hmm?"Seth seemed a little nervous but blinked his big eyes and gathered his courage."Uncle Bob!" he said clearly.Bob smiled and handed the card to him. "This is from me, your uncle.""Thank you, Uncle Bob!" Seth happily took the card, then looked at Kelly.Since Bob had already insisted, Kelly felt it would be inappropriate to refuse again."If your uncle gave it to you, then you can keep it," s
"Sean, Bob, you're back?" Savannah was the first to stand up.Seeing her son return naturally made her happy.A moment ago, it had been all about Harrison's two daughters and their husbands. Savannah could not help but feel a little jealous.The Smith family was gathered so neatly, while her side had been somewhat neglected. Especially when she met Charles' cold gaze—she truly could not stay any longer.Sean noticed the entire family gathered together and saw Savannah walking toward him.However, he subtly stepped aside, letting Savannah lunge at nothing but air. Savannah immediately froze in embarrassment.It was Bob who stepped in to ease the tension."Aunt Savannah," he greeted."Bob, when did you get here?""Not long ago." Bob glanced at Sean before stepping inside."It's quite lively here," he remarked with a smile.His clear, observant gaze landed on Noelle first. He gave her a slight nod before shifting his attention to Kelly.Kelly had been a little nervous at first
Harrison smiled as he looked at Kelly and Noelle, clearly pleased."Sean is still busy right now, so we'll wait for him. Kelly, let me introduce you to the family. This is your second uncle, Hayes, and your Aunt Savannah."Over there is your Aunt Yitty, and you also have a third aunt, but she's not in Brookville at the moment. Your grandfather had some business to attend to today—he went to see an old comrade but will be back later. And, of course, you already know Noelle and Charlie.""Hello, Uncle Hayes, Aunt Savannah, Aunt Yitty," Kelly greeted politely.Yitty smiled warmly and nodded. "How wonderful!"She then pulled out an envelope with some allowance and handed it to Kelly. "When Noelle first came home, I gave her one, so I can't treat you any differently.""Thank you, Aunt Yitty!"Following her lead, Hayes and Savannah also handed Kelly envelopes. Then, seeing how delighted Seth looked, they gave him several as well.Seth had always been a reserved child, shy and withdra
Kelly froze as she stared at Seth in shock—especially at the moment he ran toward Yves and wrapped his little arms around Yves' leg. A strange wave of loss surged through her.She did not even know where this emotion came from, but it hurt. She never expected that in just a short time, Seth would already be calling Yves 'Daddy'.Kelly was not the only one stunned as everyone in the room seemed momentarily speechless.Even Yves himself had not anticipated Seth's sudden display of affection.Although he had spent the past few days bonding with Seth and knew the child liked him, Seth had always been a bit shy.He had never once called him 'Daddy' before. Yves felt a mix of emotions at that moment. Surprise, confusion—but mostly joy.He glanced at Seth before instinctively turning to Kelly, and just as he expected, her expression was tangled with conflicting emotions.Squatting down, Yves reached out and gently ruffled Seth's hair. "Be good. Mommy is coming home today, hmm?"Seth's