Seeing Charles nod, Noelle understood. She then glanced at Ian's reaction and raised an eyebrow, saying, "So, Curio Corner is actually yours?"Charles laughed and gestured for Ronald and Ian to leave. After they left, he opened the painting and examined it. "Is it very strange?"Noelle pursed her lips and gave Charles a sideways glance. "So, the gift you gave my grandfather before was another one of your tricks?" Noelle could not quite describe her feelings; she was not exactly angry.Seeing that Charles seemed completely unbothered, she could not muster any real anger and simply asked, "Why aren't you saying anything?"Charles gave her a meaningful look. His long fingers brushed over the painting as he tapped it. "You walked into the shop yourself. I was planning to find another way, but you ended up going to Curio Corner." Charles chuckled."I've never minded what means I use, as long as the result is good." His eyes, which were filled with light, fell on Noelle. They were spark
"Please come in!" May's eyes shone with satisfaction, which made Noelle happy as well. However, she remembered that her grandfather seemed somewhat displeased about their marriage.She glanced at Charles, intending to pull her hand away from his, but Charles held on firmly.May saw this and felt genuinely happy. "Ms. Noelle, why don't you and your husband go and have a chat with Sir Jones? He often talks about you when you're not around. I'll go make your favorite casserole.""Really? The seafood casserole?" Noelle's eyes sparkled. "Thank you, May!"Charles handed Noelle a pair of shoes to change into, then changed his own. After that, he led her into the living room while holding her hand.Sebastian had already heard their conversation and was eagerly waiting for them. However, when they finally came in, he pretended to be reading the newspaper. In fact, he was not actually reading a single word.Holding Charles' hand, Noelle saw her grandfather pretending to read the newspaper
After Noelle left with the thermos, Charles turned his gaze back to Sebastian's piercing eyes, which seemed capable of seeing through one's soul.Charles smiled calmly, unfazed by the intense scrutiny. How about a game of chess, sir?"Sebastian snorted but stood up nonetheless. "Fine. Let's go to the study."Charles followed Sebastian, his smile unwavering. Despite his age, Sebastian was still spry, moving with a youthful vigor. Once they reached the study, Charles easily found the chessboard and set it up, waiting for Sebastian to join him.Sebastian glanced at Charles. "Don't think that just because Noelle spoke up for you, I've forgiven you. Noelle is my granddaughter, and I know her temperament well.""You're right, sir," Charles replied, setting up the chess pieces. "I've always known of your skill in chess since our school days. How about you give me a two-piece advantage?""You wish!" Sebastian shot Charles a sideways glance. "Don't think I don't know what you're up to. Wh
That evening, when they returned, Noelle kept asking Charles about what had transpired between him and Sebastian.Previously, Noelle had sensed that although her grandfather did not voice it, he was quite displeased with their decision to marry before informing him. Yet, after Charles played a game of chess with him, Sebastian seemed to change his mind and even appeared to be in a good mood.During dinner, Sebastian ate two whole plates and kept serving Charles more food, a privilege even Noelle had not experienced.When Charles was busy, Noelle took the opportunity to ask her grandfather what he had discussed with Charles and assured him that her marriage with Charles would be happy.In response, Sebastian knocked on her head, saying, "You've quickly forgotten your roots." He remarked that she was already siding with Charles just after getting married.However, Sebastian's tone lacked any anger, and he seemed quite relieved. Noelle could tell that her grandfather had accepted the
Reflecting on it, Noelle realized that during her time with Xavier, they had never done anything truly intimate that couples usually did.She could not help but chuckle softly and shook her head, mocking herself for only now recognizing the issues in her relationship with Xavier after so long."What are you laughing at?" Charles noticed the melancholic expression on Noelle's face. With one hand on the steering wheel, he gently squeezed her hand with the other. "Not interested in watching the movie?"Noelle shook her head. "No, I just suddenly remembered some things from the past and realized how foolish I was before."Charles raised an eyebrow, immediately sensing Noelle's emotions. He patted the back of her hand. "There's no need to dwell on the past. Your present is much better."Noelle looked up, smiling softly. "Don't worry about me. I was just having a moment of reflection." She was very aware of her situation and feelings.She was much better now compared to before. "Are yo
Charles was a student he had personally mentored, and he trusted both his knowledge and character.The reason he felt secure entrusting Noelle to Charles was partly due to Charles's status. Marrying Charles meant Noelle would have a strong support system, ensuring she would be well taken care of even after he was gone. He believed Charles would look after Noelle very well.Sebastian thought about this as he took a book from the shelf, which held a photograph. The picture had aged, showing a young, vibrant girl in a floral dress, her smile radiant as her dress fluttered in the wind.Sebastian touched the girl's face in the photo, tears streaming down his cheeks.As she stood by the door, May saw Sebastian and sighed. After a while, she knocked and entered. "Sir, it's time for your medicine and rest."Sebastian came back to reality, placing the photo back in the book and wiping away his tears. "Alright."…After leaving the cinema, Noelle and Charles felt a bit reluctant for the e
Time passed quickly, and it was soon the end of the month. The Shaw family and the Harris family were busy preparing for Xavier and Winter's wedding. It had been a while since Winter had been with Royal Star, and her new show was starting to get promoted. Winter received news that the shooting would begin in the middle of next month.Winter's wedding was on the third day of the next month, and she had started trying out wedding dresses as she had scheduled her timing accordingly. However, compared to Winter's enthusiasm, Xavier was blase about the wedding.His wedding with Winter had happened too suddenly, and Xavier had not completely given up on Noelle. Xavier also could not get over how Winter had her hands on Samuel's shares. When Winter was trying on wedding dresses, she tried to convince Xavier to come along several times, but Xavier kept pushing it off by claiming he was busy with work. Winter was annoyed and upset about it.Winter felt that Xavier was acting that way because
"You might treat her as your sister, but that doesn't mean she would treat you the same way. That's enough, Winter. I know you're worried about her, but you should stay out of this. I have to teach Noelle a lesson no matter what. If I don't do anything, she'll just continue being arrogant. You might end up getting bullied further."Winter's eyes narrowed. She sneered in her heart but put on an anxious look on her face as she looked at Suzy.Suzy shook her head. "You should stay out of this, Winter. This is between Annie and Noelle. You know that very well."Winter lowered her head in despair. However, she smiled coldly when Annie and Suzy were not looking. Her hands were clenched tightly at both sides.Noelle was no match for Winter at all. How dare she try taking Xavier away from Winter? Tomorrow would be the day Noelle found out the consequences of trying to take Winter's man away from her.Meanwhile, Noelle was not planning on attending the classmate reunion. However, Rowena an
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