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
Noelle noticed that Charles had many small habits. He particularly enjoyed playing with her fingers, though Noelle did not understand what was so fascinating about her fingers.Suddenly, there was a knock on the door of Elegant Pavilion. Soon, the manager pushed the door open. "Sir Shaw, please."Noelle quickly stood up, pulling Charles along to greet him. "Grandpa!"As he was supported by Eli and leaning on a cane, Samuel walked in. Samuel looked up after hearing Noelle's clear and warm voice, his dark eyes shining as he first looked at Noelle and then at Charles beside her.Charles met Samuel's gaze calmly. "Grandpa."Samuel narrowed his eyes, nodding. "Hello, hello.""Grandpa, don't just stand there. Please, come sit!" Noelle let go of Charles's hand and helped Samuel to a seat. Then, she said, "Grandpa, you remember Charles, right? He was there on your birthday and gave you a chessboard. Do you remember?""Hello again." Charles nodded slightly.Samuel laughed, patting Noell
Samuel was very satisfied with Charles. Although their swift marriage was a bit hard for Samuel to accept, he felt Charles appeared at the right time.Noelle's situation was quite special. Despite his protection, it was not entirely comprehensive. Samuel would be more relieved if Noelle could find a strong protector to stay by her side.From the small details, it was clear that Charles treated Noelle very well. More importantly, Charles' status and background were enough to protect Noelle."Let me be blunt, about Xavier...""Are you worried that I might be biased because of Xavier?" Charles smiled. "I'm sure you understand that in large families like ours, things can get complicated with so many cousins."A gleam flashed in Samuel's eyes as he reassessed Charles. This young man was truly exceptional. He understood Samuel's concerns and managed everything so well.Samuel had nothing more to say."Grandpa, you don't have to worry. I said the same thing to Grandpa Jones. Since I ma
Samuel did not oppose Charles being with Noelle, but their marriage had been a bit hasty. In this matter, Charles was at fault.Knowing that he had not introduced Noelle to his parents before getting married and that neither side of the family was informed, made the situation more delicate.Samuel was a traditional man who valued certain formalities, especially when it came to Noelle."Grandpa, you can just call me Charlie," Charles said as he poured Samuel a cup of lemon tea. His movements exuded the elegance of a nobleman, setting him apart from ordinary people.Charles did not rush to explain but calmly handed the cup to Samuel before speaking slowly. "Actually, I've known Nelly for quite some time. You may not know, but Grandpa Jones was my teacher. I graduated from Vista University, and I met Nelly when she was little."Samuel was momentarily taken aback but quickly resumed examining the cup of lemon tea in his hands. "So, you're saying your feelings for Nelly didn't develop
Samuel looked at Charles in surprise, then nodded in understanding. "Young man, you handle things with great determination. I used to worry that Noelle would suffer if she faced the Shaw family alone. But now, it seems my concerns were unnecessary!"Charles smiled. "My marriage with Nelly involves certain benefits, but that was not my intention. As for the Hoffman family, Nelly can visit whenever she wishes. Plus, I have the means to resolve the issues you're worried about.""That's very reassuring!"While the two conversed happily inside, Noelle was outside, pacing anxiously. Every few minutes, she glanced toward the Elegant Pavilion, wondering what Charles and her grandfather were discussing.Knowing her grandfather's temper, she was worried that he would make things difficult for Charles.Eli saw Noelle's anxious pacing and could not help but smile.Noelle pouted and looked at Eli. "How can you laugh at me? Aren't you worried about what Grandpa and Charlie are talking about?"
Noelle had not expected the initially tense situation to turn so oddly. She had no idea what Charles and her grandfather had discussed, but it was clear that her grandfather's attitude toward Charles had become even better than his attitude toward herself.Then, the two men talked about business matters that Noelle could not quite understand, effectively leaving her out of the conversation. Feeling bored, she focused on eating while Charles managed to converse with Samuel and still take care of her.Whenever her plate was empty, Charles would refill it, and he even peeled shrimp for her, placing everything in front of her.These actions were not something that could be easily faked. Having seen much in his life, Samuel could tell that Charles genuinely cared for Noelle. This realization completely put his mind at ease.By the end of the meal, Noelle was thoroughly stuffed. Throughout the meal, she had been preoccupied with wondering what Charles had said to her grandfather. She end
"Yes, sir." Eli nodded. "It's in two days."Eli seemed a bit unwilling, adding, "Sir, doesn't Mr. Julian realize that Xavier and his father Joseph have always coveted our family's shares? What could he be thinking to let Ms. Winter marry Xavier? Xavier was Ms. Noelle's boyfriend before, and yet she still...""Let it go, Eli," Samuel shook his head. "These are matters beyond our control. You know that son of mine has always resented me for adopting Joshua."When he mentioned Joshua, Samuel's face showed rare melancholy. "That child... He's been through a lot.""Don't say that, sir. Mr. Joshua understands your difficulties. He left because he knew it'd make things easier for you. He's grateful for your kindness, so you don't need to worry.""Yes, but it has been many years." Samuel, now old, rarely showed such a despondent look. Eli, who had been with him for many years, understood his thoughts completely. "If you miss Mr. Joshua, you could call him back.""Forget it. They alread
"You sure are a good talker, young man," Samuel said, clearly pleased. He signaled Eli with his eyes. Eli then handed Ronald an envelope."Mr. Wells, you must be very busy, so I'll handle these things," Eli continued."Thank you very much, Sir Shaw," Ronald replied. His manners were impeccable, which only increased Samuel's satisfaction.After Ronald left, Samuel leaned on his cane and said, "If Julian asks about these things later, just say that I bought these myself because I was feeling happy today.""Yes, sir!" Eli replied.Sure enough, as soon as Samuel and Eli entered the house, Jade saw Eli carrying large items into Samuel's room.She immediately knocked on Julian's study door. "Jule," she called."What's the matter?" Julian put down what he was working on and frowned at Jade's sneaky demeanor. "We're in our own house. What's with the sneaking around?"Jade glanced down the hallway before speaking. "Guess what the old man brought back just now?""What could he have brou
"Sean, stop messing around. Let go of me first," Liliana tugged at Sean's arm, realizing how tightly he was holding her. "You're choking me."Only then did Sean loosen his grip slightly, though he still did not let her go. His forehead rested against hers, and he panted softly. "Liliana, do you remember what you said to me in the fire?"Liliana's face turned red, and she awkwardly turned her head away. "N-No, I don't remember. What did I say? I don't think I—mmph..."Before she could finish, Sean kissed her, swallowing the rest of her words with that one stubborn kiss.Liliana raised her hands and smacked Sean on the shoulder, trying to push him away. "Sea—mmph, what are you doing? Let me go..."She shoved him hard, and Sean stumbled back, clutching his chest. Liliana's face went pale, and she rushed over. "Sean, what's wrong? Are you okay? Did I hurt you somewhere?"Nonetheless, Sean took the opportunity to wrap his arms around her again. That feeling of holding her tightly
Noelle raised an eyebrow. "I didn't say that."Then, she added, "That knot in Liliana's heart can only be undone by Sean."What happened back then had always been a shadow between the two of them. Noelle had noticed it these past few days. Though Liliana stubbornly claimed she no longer cared, she clutched her phone every single day, obviously waiting for a call.Liliana's social circle was small. Noelle and the others knew everyone she knew. Who else could she be waiting for but Sean?Charles furrowed his brows. "If Liliana can't have the best, then she's better off with nothing."Noelle could not help but laugh. "Alright, alright. I know you're still holding a grudge against Hayes and Savannah."Honestly, Noelle shared the sentiment. "Savannah really crossed a line with how she handled everything."Charles reached out and gently pinched Noelle's knuckles. "That's not what I meant."Noelle chuckled, exasperated. "I know."Outside, the sound of a car engine drew their attentio
Sean shoved Hayes away. "Dad, if you're just like Mom and trying to stop me from being with Liliana, then don't even bother. If I can't marry Liliana in this lifetime, I won't marry anyone else."With that, Sean lay down decisively. Hayes frowned. "Sean, this isn't about what we want anymore. It's about Liliana and Charles now."Truthfully, Hayes did not have many opinions about Sean and Liliana's relationship. He was always too busy with the company to pay attention to such things. Even the events from four years ago were only now becoming clearer to him."If you insist on marrying her, I won't stop you. But from what I can see, the problem lies with Liliana and Charles."Sean's gaze sharpened as he clenched his fists. "That's impossible. Liliana already forgave me back when the fire happened. She promised that if we both made it out, she'd marry me."Hayes sighed. "Your mother… She misunderstood Liliana and said some harsh things. Just rest for now. Once you're better, we'll go
Sean spat out a mouthful of blood. One hand gripped the bedsheet tightly, his gaze turning darker than ever."What do you mean by that? What do you mean she doesn't want to marry me? She promised me. She said that as long as I was willing to walk out of that fire with her, she'd be with me. You're lying to me, aren't you? Tell me you're lying to me."Sean's bloodshot eyes locked on Savannah's. "Tell me."Savannah was momentarily stunned by the sheer force of Sean's gaze. This was the first time she ever felt fear in front of her own son. "Sean, I…""Where's Liliana?" Sean demanded."Sean," Hayes called out as he pushed open the door and stepped in. "That's no way to speak to your mother.""Then how should I speak to her?" Sean's voice turned icy."Did you know it was Joanna who drugged me nine years ago? And while I was under the influence, I forced myself on Liliana? I misunderstood her, and as a result, she had to hide in the countryside for years."Four years ago, it was me
The operating room door swung open, and Liliana spun around. She saw Saxon step out. Not caring about anyone else’s opinions, she grabbed his hand. "Mr. Holt, how's Sean?"Saxon looked down at their hands, noting how soft and warm hers was. He met her eyes and nodded. "The patient is out of danger now. He should wake up by tomorrow."Hearing that, Liliana let out a sigh of relief and then suddenly fainted."Liliana!"Charles rushed over and wrapped Liliana in a tight hug, but his eyes quickly darted to Hayes and Savannah. "Now that Sean is safe, Sean's fate is no longer Liliana's concern, nor ours," he declared, speaking for the Hoffman family.With those words, Charles carried Liliana away. Saxon was tugged along by Linda. "Saxon, you should check on her. The young lady seemed off to me. She's been hiding her pain. Besides the wound on her shoulder, I think she breathed in a lot of smoke."Saxon's eyes shimmered for a moment. "Yeah, I'm aware."Liliana had been pushing through
"Charles, you…""Stop it!" Hayes was taken aback by Savannah suddenly slapping Liliana. He did not particularly like or dislike Liliana, but she was part of the Hoffman family, and their family commanded much respect. Besides, Noelle was still Charles's wife, and they had to be careful about their actions.Hayes turned to Charles. "I'm sorry, my wife acted without thinking. But what in the world happened today?"Hayes had been told that his son was hurt, but he did not know the details. When he arrived and saw Liliana was there and injured too, Hayes and Savannah could not help but think that Liliana must be connected to Sean's injury.Charles gave a sharp look. "It was Joanna's doing.""Joanna? No, that can't be!" Savannah was shocked to hear the name Joanna, and she quickly objected, "Joanna is such a sweet girl, she couldn't possibly...""Oh, sweet indeed!"Liliana, who had been silent until then, finally spoke. She narrowed her eyes and stood up, ignoring the pain from her w
"Liliana!""Get up quickly!" Liliana used all her strength to pull Sean up from the ground. "Can you walk?""Uh-huh!" Sean had been hit by a falling piece of wood on his leg when he tried to push Liliana out earlier. That was why he could not get out in time and could only hear Liliana's loud calls from outside.He had wished so badly for Liliana to leave quickly, but she had come back for him.Sean bit down hard and pushed himself up.Even if it was hard to walk, he had to try because Liliana wanted him to stand.Liliana slung Sean's arm over her shoulder, noticing his injury. Her eyes were red with tears. "Sean, hang in there. If we both make it out today, I'll forgive you. You can ask me to do anything.""Really?" Sean's eyes sparkled, and he smiled. "Liliana, I don't want you to do anything." In his heart, he added, ‘I just want you to marry me.’"The fire is licking at our heels, and you two are still dawdling," came Charles's icy voice from up ahead. In a flash, he was be
"Sean, where are you? Didn't you just say you love me?" she cried out. "How can you leave me like this, saying you love me and then j-j-just giving up? What am I supposed to do now?"Sean, you took our child from me. How could you think I'd just forgive you? If you don't make this right, I swear I'll never forgive you," Liliana yelled outside, her voice filled with madness. Inside, the plant was engulfed in flames. Shaking from head to toe, Liliana's screams slowly turned into a whisper. She clenched her hands tight, staring blankly at the fire. "If you're gone, what's left for me here?""Liliana!"Charles rushed over and saw Liliana moving toward the flames. He grabbed her and pulled her back. "What are you doing?"Liliana looked up, dazed, and saw Charles. She quickly stood up and grabbed his hand. "Charles, please. I'm begging you. Help me save Sean, please!"Charles's brow creased as he looked at the fiery red inferno, his fingers tensing. "Liliana, the fire's too big. Sean mi
Liliana shoved Sean aside and covered him with her body, taking a knife stab from Joanna. "Ugh..."Pain whitened Liliana's face, and blood dripped onto Sean's face. Reacting quickly, Sean rolled over, picked Liliana up in his arms, and seized Joanna's neck, twisting it hard until it cracked. Joanna's eyes bulged in disbelief as she stared at Sean."You..."She had not thought Sean would actually snap her neck. Her eyes were wide open, one hand clutching a knife, and the other holding a lighter.With her last breath, she tossed the lighter.A loud bang followed, and flames started to spread from that spot.Sean's eyes darkened as he carried Liliana and dashed for the exit. However, how could he outrun the swift spread of the fire while burdened with Liliana's weight?Liliana's eyes widened as she saw the flames creeping up behind them. She pushed Sean, urging him, "Go now, or it'll be too late!"However, Sean's eyes turned a deep red with emotion. "Liliana, I won't let go of you