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
Winter had been busy with the wedding preparations lately. Although both sets of parents insisted on handling most of the arrangements, Winter could not help but get involved.After all, marriage was one of the most important events in a woman's life, and Winter was no exception.Recently, she had been frequently shopping with Emilia, her soon-to-be mother-in-law. The main goal was not just to buy things but also to win Emilia over.Winter noticed Xavier had been distracted, and she knew it was because he was still thinking of Noelle. Even though they were getting married, Xavier's mind often wandered to Noelle.Winter was well aware of this but could not let go. She was determined to spend her life with Xavier. She realized Xavier's weak points were his parents, Joseph and Emilia.She did not need to please Joseph, who was a straightforward man. She just needed to be proper and gain his approval.However, Emilia was different. As a homemaker, all her attention was on Xavier and
"Be a good girl and accompany me for some shopping. You were always so busy before and never had time to spend with me!" Cindy patted Annie's hand gently. Annie looked around uneasily, saying, "But my face!""To me, you've always been the most beautiful girl," Cindy reassured."But..." Annie was about to say more when she spotted a familiar figure not far away. She quickly recognized Winter and Suzy, chatting and laughing as they shopped.Annie clenched her fists, her eyes turning bloodshot as she stared at their backs. She wanted to rush over, but Cindy grabbed her just in time. "Annie, what are you trying to do? You promised your father and brother that you wouldn't associate yourself with them anymore!""I..." As she was held back by Cindy, Annie reluctantly turned to walk the other way.Annie's resentment still lingered. She touched her face. Thinking about the information Cody had given her, her hatred intensified.She had always considered Winter and Suzy her best friends
Noelle agreed, "Alright then, but I don't have much time. I have something to do later."She remembered she had plans with Rowena and Teresa, who would be arriving soon. "My friends will be here shortly.""Let's find a place to sit," Annie suggested, turning to Cindy. "Mom, I need to talk with Noelle. Why don't you head back first?"Cindy gave Noelle a complicated look, recalling how her son had warned Annie not to offend Noelle. Though she did not see anything particularly threatening about Noelle, as Annie's mother, she instinctively wanted to protect her daughter.She feared Noelle might bully her."Mom, it's okay. If you're worried, you can wait for me in the car. I'll be right there."After reassuring Cindy, Annie glanced at Noelle. "Let's go to that café over there.""Alright."Noelle was not sure what Annie wanted to discuss, but she was curious about what had happened that night. Charles had not told her much, and Rowena and Teresa had not shared all the details either.
Annie paused, silenced by Noelle's words.She had never considered this perspective before. She used to see Noelle as arrogant, seemingly caring about no one. During those times, she often saw Winter looking pitiful while Noelle appeared to treat Winter poorly.Thinking back now, it seemed like it was always Winter who approached Noelle, saying ambiguous things. Then, Noelle would seem uninterested in engaging with Winter, and Winter would end up apologizing to Noelle in a hurt manner.Annie's face was somewhat flushed. She had always viewed things from Winter's perspective, thinking that Winter was humble while Noelle did not seem to care about her at all."But you're sisters, why do you—""Why don't we get along?" Noelle interrupted, shaking her head with a smile. "I also wonder why everyone thinks we don't get along."Annie was completely stunned. "So, you and Winter don't have any issues?"Noelle shook her head. "No, we do have issues." She chuckled."Do you think Winter co
Annie looked at Noelle in surprise, not expecting Noelle to figure it out. Noelle smiled. "Since we've put our differences aside, let me tell you something else."Annie looked at Noelle. "What is it?""When we were in school, did you receive a love letter? You thought it was from Yevgen, but later, Yevgen told you it was meant for me."Annie's face showed signs of irritation. Although she had decided to make peace with Noelle, bringing up this incident was like a slap in her face.Seeing Annie's irritated expression, Noelle smirked slightly. "I never bothered to explain before, but since it has always bothered you, I should tell you."That letter was indeed written for me, but I never saw it. Yevgen later explained that he gave it to Winter to pass on to me. As for why it ended up on your desk… Well, Annie, you're smart. You must've figured it out by now."Seeing that Annie was standing there in a daze, Noelle shook her head slightly and turned to leave.Annie called out to her,
"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