Annie could not believe what she was seeing in the papers Cody had handed her. She was shaking all over. "No, this can't be true. Winter is my best frie..." She could not even finish her sentence when she saw the photo of Winter talking to those men in the background.Annie looked up. "Brother, where did you get all this? Winter, she..."Annie and Winter had been best friends for years. Annie always thought she and Winter were on the same team. She did not like how Noelle treated Winter and often played tricks on Noelle behind her back. Annie believed Winter was the type to avoid making a fuss, so she assumed Winter often kept quiet about things.Annie was quick to act and had always idolized the brave heroes in adventure stories. She saw herself as a champion of justice, so she was totally shocked by what the papers said about Winter.Cody looked at his sister, feeling really sad. "I thought you were just a bit too quick-tempered because Mom and Dad spoiled you, making you act out
Charles was still working away in his office when Samuel called to remind him that Winter and Xavier's wedding was just around the corner. Even though Noelle was married to Charles, their relationship was a secret, and Samuel was concerned that the wedding might upset Noelle.Noelle felt Samuel was worrying too much. Winter and Xavier were just regular people to her then, and she would not give them a second thought unless they bothered her.However, Samuel was her elder, and Noelle did not want to be disrespectful by dismissing his concerns.After the call, Noelle made some wheatgrass fruit juice and carried it upstairs to the office.Charles was deep in his work, sorting through papers. When he heard Noelle's soft footsteps, he stopped and looked up at the door.Noelle tried to be as quiet as a mouse, but Charles still noticed her. She stood at the door with a big grin. "How do you always hear me coming?" she asked. Charles just smiled and waved her over. Noelle walked up to h
Noelle noticed Charles's face grow a bit serious after what she had said. She wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her forehead against his, and gave a light tap, chuckling. "Feeling jealous?""What's that?" Charles smiled, tilting Noelle's head back so their foreheads touched, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Noelle, have you ever felt jealous?"Noelle lifted an eyebrow, her mouth curving into a smile. "Nope." She laughed softly, playfully pinching Charles's cheek. "Not at all!"Charles could not help but be entertained by Noelle's playful antics. He watched her busy hands pinch his cheek and let her be. "From what you're saying, maybe I should make you jealous for real!""You wouldn't dare!" Noelle playfully clawed at his face, rubbing it vigorously. "Just you try!"Charles burst into genuine laughter, gently pulling her hands away. "Go on, then!"Noelle looked serious. "I've been thinking. Grandpa is just worried because he hasn't met you and hasn't seen us together. I
When feelings were bottled up for too long, their release could be overwhelming. The one who sought found complete satisfaction, while the one who was sought endured an indescribable struggle.All through the night, Charles was there, soothing Noelle. Her sleepy mumblings only made him more determined not to let her go until she was completely worn out. Finally, he carried her to the bathroom for a relaxing bath.There in the tub, Noelle leaned back, her eyes too heavy to keep open. However, Charles's hands, warm and teasing, moved across her back, stirring a fire within her. Noelle's eyes snapped open, and she caught his wandering hands. "Please, no more. I really can't continue."With a laugh in his eyes, Charles could not resist squeezing Noelle's cheeks. "Noelle, you really need to work on your stamina!"Noelle's eyes popped wide open, her confused face suddenly in Charles's view. She could not believe it when she saw Charles's eyes twinkling with laughter. His smile was so bri
Ronald was more than just an assistant. He had been running Royal Star Entertainment and Curio Corner for Charles, proving he could stand on his own two feet."Go ahead," Charles encouraged."Royal Star Entertainment is looking to put money into a few new movies. Ruby's made up a list, and I'll email it to you first thing in the morning." Even though Ronald ran things at Royal Star Entertainment, he always made sure to fill Charles in on the big decisions.Charles rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Movies?" He drummed his fingers on the desk. "When's Winter's TV show going to start filming?""Middle of next month," Ronald replied, then hesitated. "Mr. Hoffman, Winter's wedding is in three days. Did you get the invite?"Charles's smile said it all.Joseph, the sly old fox, would not pass up that chance. Xavier marrying Winter was a big deal, and Joseph would definitely want Charles in on it.Charles had a reputation in Brookville, after all. If he did not use it then, where would he?
At this moment, seeing Charles sleeping so quietly was a first for Noelle. She propped her elbows on the bed with a smile on her face, watching his pure and innocent sleeping face with great interest.It seemed that his alertness was very high. Noelle had only been watching for a short while when Charles suddenly opened his eyes.The sharpness in his eyes was evident the moment he awoke. However, upon realizing it was her, his gaze softened gradually. He smiled lightly, his deep voice resonating in her ear. "Awake already?"Noelle suddenly felt as if she had been caught doing something she should not. She nodded, turning her head to one side, ready to get out of bed. However, Charles quickly pulled her into his arms. "It's still early. Sleep a bit longer."Noelle protested, "It's not early. It's already past eight.""No rush," Charles murmured. He held onto Noelle so she couldn't move, forcing her to remain in his embrace.Noelle did not speak, half-glaring at Charles before nest
Noelle's face turned red, and she pushed Charles away. "You're so improper!"Charles laughed, then flipped over, placing his hands on the bed and pinning Noelle beneath him. His arms were now on either side of her.Then, his lips curved in a smile, encircling Noelle's small frame within his embrace.Noelle swallowed hard, feeling a sudden sense of pressure. "Charlie, it's getting late. We should...""It's indeed late, Nelly. You're too weak. I feel it's necessary for me to exercise with you every morning from now on," Charles said, his words layered with meaning. His narrow eyes met Noelle's directly.Noelle's heart skipped a beat, and before she realized it, she was already caught up in Charles' rhythm.She had to admit, Charles was truly a master in this aspect. Despite having just experienced passion not long ago, each of his moves could still leave her utterly enthralled.The consequences of such indulgence were quite severe. Charles' idea of exercise was purely confined to
Noelle nodded, glancing shyly at Charles, signaling him to let go of her hand. However, Charles acted as if he did not notice.Ronald quickly turned his head to the side, thinking to himself that he was really being tortured here. He had not even had breakfast yet and was already stuffed with their sweetness.Noelle pulled her hand away from Charles. "I'm going now!"Charles withdrew his gaze and gave Ronald a casual look. "Where are the things?""Here!" Ronald quickly handed a long box to Charles. "Mr. Quinn said it's an original piece by Zephyr Longbottom. You mentioned you wanted to give it to Sir Shaw."Charles glanced at Ronald, who immediately fell silent. "Mr. Quinn has restored it again. It's in excellent condition."Charles nodded, opened the box to take a look, and then closed it again. "And the rest?""I put everything else in your car," Ronald said. Knowing that Charles was going to visit Noelle's grandfather, Ronald had started gathering items since last night. Earl
The woman with Joanna gushed, "You're so lucky! Your boyfriend Sean is so handsome and rich, and your future mother-in-law adores you too!""Please, you're making me blush. Sean and I aren't even official yet." Joanna laughed off the compliment."It's only a matter of time. Everyone at the hospital knows you two are an item. And your future mother-in-law is so generous, showering you with gifts. You wouldn't believe how many people are green with envy!""You're making it sound too good to be true!"As Liliana overheard Joanna and the woman's conversation about Sean, she felt like a creep for eavesdropping.Yes, Sean had been with Joanna for a while. Where did that leave Liliana?She had been with Sean, which explained why he was so cold that day. He must have really disliked her, or else it would not have made sense.Liliana squeezed her hands together, trying hard not to eavesdrop on Joanna and the other woman's chat. However, their words floated to her ears, every single one c
Adalee had braced herself for tough negotiations, but to her surprise, they were ready to shake hands on the deal he moment she stepped into the other company's office. The previous unreasonable demands were gone. They were going to work together just like they had before.Even though Adalee thought it was odd, she was just glad there were no hiccups in the partnership. She signed the contract and decided to give Liliana some time off, hoping it would help her shake off the blues from that unhappy evening.Ever since Liliana came back from Cascade City, she had been quiet. Her life was work, work, and nothing but work. She did not go out, not even when Tania tried to coax her into hanging out.Tania could tell something was off with Liliana, but Liliana clammed up whenever she asked, saying she was swamped with work and had no spare time.Liliana had even forgotten about the date with Keith she had planned to arrange after her business trip.Her routine was simple: she would work
Adalee had just stepped out of her room when she ran into Sean. Sean's face was stormy as he walked past, not even noticing Adalee."Mister..." Adalee called, but Sean did not even look back.Adalee's brows knitted together in worry. She rushed to Liliana's door and called, "Liliana? Liliana?"Adalee did not hear Liliana answer, so she knocked again. "Liliana, are you in there?"After Sean left, Liliana could not stop the tears from coming. However, she did not let herself cry loudly. It was just a quiet, steady sob.When she heard the knock at the door, Liliana quickly stopped crying.She bit her lip, hurried to put on her clothes, and dried her eyes.Adalee waited outside, not leaving before she heard from Liliana. Liliana had no choice but to open the door.As soon as Adalee saw her, she noticed her red, puffy eyes and the marks on her face and neck. "Liliana, what's wrong?"Remembering the drink Liliana had taken for her sake the previous night, Adalee gasped and grabbed h
Disgust—that was it.She remembered a similar desperate moment from years ago. However, Sean had not given her a chance to explain back then.He was disappointed and disgusted with her."Sean, only you and I know about today. If we keep it to ourselves, no one else will find out. I know I was wrong… but I was set up. I'm truly sorry."I promise I won't bother you again. I'm not the same as I was before. I used to have feelings for you, but now I really just see you as a brother. I wouldn't fall for my own brother."And I have a boyfriend whom I really love… I wouldn't ever ruin your happiness, Sean. I promise you that."Liliana was trying to explain, but her words were all jumbled up. She did not even understand what she was saying herself. All she knew was that she did not want to see that look of disgust in Sean's eyes, so she kept explaining, hoping Sean would not hate her.Liliana was so busy trying to clarify things that she did not notice the icy look in Sean's eyes when s
Liliana woke up feeling utterly spent, as if she had been run over.For a moment, her mind was totally blank. She could not remember a thing. She opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling for what felt like forever. Slowly, her senses started to come back.The warm breath and steady breathing from beside her made her eyes pop open wide.The moment she saw Sean lying next to her and shirtless, she could not stay calm any longer. "Ahh!"Her scream woke Sean up.He cracked his eyes open, still groggy, but then suddenly, his eyes snapped wide open, and his piercing gaze landed on Liliana.Her mind was a whirlwind, the memories of last night rushing back. She remembered being drugged, Sean bringing her home, and then, despite trying so hard to hold back, she ended up crossing a line with Sean.The thought made her heart ache, almost drowning her as she met Sean's icy stare.She wrapped her arms around herself, clutching the blanket tightly. She was shaking all over, and her eyes wer
Liliana was crying so hard that she could not think of anything else. All she knew was that she felt awful, and Sean was the man she loved more than anyone else in her life. She hugged Sean tightly, tears streaming down her face. "Liliana, please stop," Sean said gently. He tried to move her hands away, but she held on even tighter. "Sean, I feel so sad… I really like you, Sean," she said through her tears. Sean pried Liliana's hands off him, but she clung to him again. "Sean, I feel awful… I… I like you, Sean."She bit his lips, her hands desperately roaming over his body.Sean was a man, after all. The moment Liliana started touching him so recklessly, his body responded.However, he had always been a man of strong self-control. He pushed her away countless times, but Liliana crawled back each time, whimpering as she restlessly clung to him.Sean's expression darkened. It was not because of Liliana—it was because of himself.He could not believe it. He was actually having
Liliana's mind was a whirlwind. She found her key card fast, but just as she was about to shut the door, a big hand stopped it.She was not strong enough to close the door against Sean, who pushed it open.Liliana took a shaky step back, looking at Sean with a bit of fear. "Sean, it's late. I need to sleep."Sean just kept looking at her. "Liliana, what... what's wrong with your mouth?" he asked as he reached out, his fingers lightly touching the corner of Liliana's mouth. Liliana felt a rush of heat through her body, making her shake all over.In a swift motion, she knocked Sean's hand away. "Leave me alone."With his inscrutable eyes, Sean noticed the blood on his thumb and Liliana's unusual red cheeks. A flicker of surprise showed in his eyes. "Liliana, did..."However, Liliana was already clenching her fists, all pretense gone. She was shaking and crouching on the ground, her tears filling her eyes. "Sean, please. I'm begging you, just go, okay?"Sean's brow furrowed. His
Liliana could not make out what Sean was saying anymore. She felt awful and shut her eyes tight, not wanting Sean to notice.Sean thought Liliana had dozed off from drinking too much and had a headache, so he stopped talking.The car pulled up to Liliana's hotel, and Sean gently shook her. "Liliana, time to wake up. We're here."Liliana slowly opened her eyes and saw Sean's face close to hers. Her heart, which was already fluttering, started racing.She turned her head away, swallowing hard. "Are we here already?"Once she saw they were outside the hotel, Liliana quickly got out of the car and opened the back door to help Adalee. "Ms. Cobb, can you walk?"Adalee nodded. "Yes, I can."With a sigh of relief, Liliana told Sean, "Sean, we've made it. Ms. Cobb and I will head up now."Liliana rushed off, scared that any delay might make her lose her composure. She could not let herself fall apart in front of Sean again—not after what happened years ago.Sean noticed Liliana rushing
The moment everyone in the private room saw Bob, they were scared out of their wits.It was Andy, the favorite son of the Jones family in Cascade City! Even though he was the second child, he was the one everyone knew would run the company one day.Everyone felt a wave of relief, glad they had not messed with Liliana earlier. They knew that if they had, they would not just be outcasts in Cascade City, but probably everywhere else too.Sean gently put Adalee in the back seat of the car and then helped Liliana into the front seat. Noticing Liliana's pale face, he asked, "Did you have too much to drink?"When Sean touched her forehead, Liliana felt a wave of heat rush through her, like she was on fire. Sean's hand was cool, and the moment it touched her, she could not help but sigh in relief."Maybe," she said.Sean shook his head. "Where's your hangover pill? Take it now. Where do you live?"After Liliana told him the address, she saw that Adalee was already fast asleep.Sean tur