Charles squinted, but he kept looking at Noelle as if he did not even notice Xavier standing there. Xavier felt awkward but did not know what to say.Noelle felt the tension in the air. "Mr. Hoffman, what brings you here?"Charles gave her a small smile. "I was just talking to Sir Shaw, and he mentioned you." He did not exactly answer her question, but Noelle got the hint. "You're friends with my Grandpa? He just called me to come over.""Really? Shall we go together?" Charles asked. Noelle nodded eagerly. "Yes, let's go!"As Noelle was about to leave, Xavier could not hide his disappointment. "Noelle!" he called out. "You said you'd talk to me!"Noelle's brow furrowed. She could not believe that even with Charles there, Xavier still would not back down.Charles's eyebrows pinched together a bit. He had a way of commanding the room without even changing his expression. When he heard what was going on, he looked straight at Xavier and said in an icy voice, "If I'm not mistaken, is
Noelle glanced at where Charles was holding her, then up at his slightly smiling face. "Feeling good?" Charles raised an eyebrow and looked down at her hand. Noelle thought to herself that Charles could be so weird sometimes. He had more mood swings than a girl!"Come on, Grandpa and Granddad must be waiting!" Charles said, taking Noelle by the hand and leading her to Samuel's room. He held her hand the whole way there. Noelle tried to pull away a few times, but he would not let go. "Nobody's going to see us here!"He gently touched Noelle's forehead. "What's there to worry about?"Noelle sighed, realizing she could not get away, and let Charles lead on.When they got to Samuel's room, Sebastian and Samuel were in the middle of a playful argument, neither backing down.Noelle laughed, and Sebastian and Samuel paused, looking a bit sheepish at the doorway where she and Charles stood.Seeing Grandpa and Granddad being so silly made Noelle secretly happy, though she tried not to s
Charles was Sebastian's student, and Sebastian trusted him completely. However, when it came to Noelle's happiness, he had to think about everything. "Sir Shaw is right," he said. "Until you two have your wedding, us old folks won't be able to relax!"Noelle shook her head, looking at Charles for help. However, Charles just looked back at her, his eyes asking for an answer. Noelle bit her lip, feeling overwhelmed."Grandpa, Granddad," Noelle had tried to explain this before. "Charles and I don't really need a big wedding. We...""Grandpa, Granddad!" Charles finally spoke up, not wanting to see Noelle struggle. He gently placed his hands over hers and said, "Noelle and I will have our wedding soon, and we'll make sure everyone knows she's my wife. However, before that, Noelle has some things to sort out. I'll help her with what I can, but there are some things she has to do on her own."Charles spoke with confidence, not too humble or too proud, even though he was talking to his eld
Winter had just gone to the restroom, and as it turned out, so had Xavier. She ended up seeing everything that happened there. The sight of Xavier still hung up on Noelle made Winter's heart ache, and she was about to confront him when someone grabbed her hand. Winter spun around, surprised to see Annie. "What are you doing, grabbing me like that?"Annie pulled Winter into a corner. Even though she had touched up her makeup, the scars on her face were still peeking through. Winter could not help but feel a shiver run down his spine.Annie saw the look on Winter's face and thought to herself that Winter was being silly, but she said, "What good will it do if you go up there now?" She glanced over again and saw Charles heading over. She took Winter's hand and led her away. "Today's your wedding to Xavier. If you cause a fuss now, you might end up becoming a laughingstock. You've just married Xavier. If you make a scene, it won't look good for the Harris family, will it?"Winter listen
"Why are you in such a hurry? Has Mom ever broken a promise to you?" Jade asked. "Is something bothering you?""I..." Winter angrily told her about what had just happened outside the bathroom, but she left out the part about Charles showing up. Jade's eyes sparkled with anger, and she clenched her fists. "That mean girl Noelle! She's too daring. We really need to show her who’s boss!""Yes, Mom, I agree. If we don't, Xavier will keep thinking about her now that she's single. Can you believe what Xavier said? He told me he'd cancel our wedding and marry Noelle if she agreed. Mom, they're not taking me seriously, nor you or the entire Shaw family.""Don't worry. I'll handle this quickly. For now, just focus on getting ready. No one can ruin your wedding." She was determined not to let that mean girl Noelle spoil her daughter's happiness.Jade had just stepped out of Winter's lounge when she grabbed her phone and made a call. "Hey, Yitty, has he arrived?"He's here, and that's wonder
"Stop the nonsense. I'm thinking of our Shaw family's future. Marrying into Charles's family is like joining one of Brookville's top four families. It's something many can only wish for!""It's still a no-go!" Jade said firmly, leaning in to whisper to Julian, "I've got someone else in mind for Noelle, and he's on his way.""Who's that?""The Smiths. They're also one of the top families. Remember the woman I saved back in my younger days?" Jade smiled. "That was Miss Yitty of the Smith family. I've heard she has a son. He’s a real enigma, and hardly anyone's seen him. Yitty owed me a favor for saving her.""You want to set Noelle up with Yitty's son?" Julian asked, his eyes lighting up with greed.It did not have to be Charles. Anyone who could lend a hand to the Shaw family was just as good. Julian nodded to himself, thinking. "Just make sure to keep an eye out later, and as for him...""Don't worry, I just spoke with Yitty on the phone," Jade assured him. "She said her son is d
The hall was bustling with guests. It seemed like everyone had made it.All eyes were on Noelle as she helped Samuel settle into a quiet corner, with Charles and Sebastian taking seats nearby. The unflappable Charles naturally became the center of attention, and by association, so did Noelle.Everyone was whispering about the girl who was helping Samuel. Some knew her and started whispering among themselves that Charles was sitting with Samuel and Sebastian. It looked like the two old men wanted to introduce her to Charles.Winter and Xavier walked up to them just in time to catch the whispers. They both gripped their glasses tighter, looking upset."Grandpa, Granddad, you made it!" Winter said, beaming as she took Xavier's hand. "Noelle, you're here too!"Samuel and Sebastian just nodded and did not say much. Winter stood next to Noelle, smiling wide. "I'm so glad you could come, Noelle." Then she looked at Charles. "And Charles is here too!"Noelle gave a tiny shiver, almost lo
Noelle poured a cup of coffee and handed it to Winter. "I haven't been feeling great, so I'll skip the wine. Sisters are supposed to stick together through thick and thin too, right? Let's have coffee instead!" Noelle lifted her cup. "Here's to my sister and brother-in-law. I wish you two a joyful marriage and a lifetime of happiness together! May you be blessed with children soon!"Noelle's voice was calm and sincere. She really was happy for Winter and Xavier.However, Winter could not shake off her discomfort. No matter what Noelle said, it felt like a jab to her. Clutching her cup, Winter stared at Noelle, trying to read between the lines of her calm expression.Noelle quirked an eyebrow. "Aren't you going to drink, Sis?"Winter lifted her head and sipped her coffee. "Thanks for the blessing, Little Sis. You gave me something you love, so I promise to keep it safe and sound. No one's going to steal it away."Noelle's frown showed she was not quite happy with what Winter said.
Sean had originally planned to take Liliana to the school infirmary, but after seeing the severity of her injuries and considering her current state, he knew that going there would only draw unwanted attention.Instead, he called his driver to take them to the hospital, ensuring she could get a proper examination and treatment.The moment Liliana heard the word hospital, she panicked. "I'm not going!"She reached for the car door, intending to get out, but Sean grabbed her wrist. "You're not going to the hospital? Then where do you plan on going? Look at yourself—you're covered in injuries, and you still don't want to get checked out?"Sean genuinely wondered if this girl was an idiot.She had not fought back when she was being beaten, and now that she was injured, she refused medical care?Even so, Liliana could not afford to think about such things. Her circumstances did not allow her to get sick, let alone go to the hospital.During her years with the Hoffmans, the most impor
Liliana became acutely aware of her own disgrace. She hugged herself tightly, her eyes filled with wariness as she looked at the boy in front of her.Sean suddenly found the situation amusing. "Are you afraid of me?"Liliana did not respond, but the look in her eyes said it all.Raising an eyebrow, Sean noticed her tugging at the tattered remains of her clothing. Without another word, he shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. "Do you know where the infirmary is?"She remained silent, and Sean's patience wore thin. "I just saved you. Are you mute?""Thank you," Liliana murmured, then carefully removed the jacket and tried to hand it back. "It'll get dirty."Her voice was small, and her gaze was downcast.She had not forgotten what Sean had said years ago—that she was filthy.Sean's frown deepened, his brows knitting together in irritation. He snatched the jacket back and threw it over her again. "Do you have any idea how terrible you look right now?"Liliana
The girl's face was swollen and bruised, nearly unrecognizable. Her clothes were torn, hanging in tatters, leaving her looking utterly wretched.Sean barely spared her a glance before shifting his gaze away. "A whole group of you bullying a single girl?""That girl is a filthy whore, a homewrecker! We were just—""Shut up!" Jasper shot McKenzie a sharp glare. "Sean is speaking. Who the hell do you think you are to interrupt?"In Jadebrook High School, Sean was like a god.Although he had already completed both middle and high school courses, he was still technically a senior. The school had granted him special privileges due to his exceptional performance, allowing him to attend only when he pleased.He rarely showed up, yet every student feared him.Sean was not someone who sought out trouble or bullied the weak, but if he caught someone doing so, there was no escaping his wrath.Jasper's family had some wealth, but compared to the Smiths, they were nothing. Just recently, his
"Damn it, you little whore! Run! Go on! Try running now!"Jasper yanked the belt tighter, jerking it upward. Liliana's face flushed red as she struggled to breathe.Her once delicate face was covered in handprints, and now, she was being dragged like a dog. Jasper straddled her back, pressing her down with his weight, making her entire body tremble with humiliation and despair."I'm not what you say I am! Let me go! I'll tell the teachers! I'll report you!"Laughter erupted around her."Did you hear that? This little bitch thinks she can tell the teachers!" Jasper sneered, gripping her face roughly before slapping her again. "You really think they'll listen to you?""I'm a Hoffman! I'm Mateo Hoffman's daughter! You can't do this to me! The Hoffmans will come after you!"Liliana shouted at Jasper, her voice hoarse from crying. "Let me go!""Did you hear that?" One of the boys laughed. "She thinks she's Mateo's daughter! That's the funniest thing I've heard all day!""Hoffman? P
At this school, money ruled, and status was power. Liliana was neither.She was cornered against the school's back wall. A group of boys and girls surrounded her with sinister smiles on their faces."Strip. Take it off.""Your mother was a homewrecker. Guess that makes you one too."Laughter erupted around her."Yeah, why do you think they brought you back home? Maybe your mom already taught you how to serve men?""Didn't you hear me? I said take it off!"A girl lounged against a boy with dyed purple hair. She was clearly the leader of the pack. She had streaks of red in her own hair and a cigarette wedged between her fingers.She was McKenzie Lomax, the eldest daughter of the Lomax family. The boy beside her was Jasper Adair, the sixth-grade tyrant of the Adair family.Liliana was in their class, and they bullied her every day. This time, they were taking things further."Liliana, don't be stupid. I told you to strip!" McKenzie's patience snapped. She stomped forward and g
"But I didn't climb up here because I wanted to!" Liliana looked at Sean hesitantly.During her time at the Hoffmans, she had not learned much, but one skill she had picked up was reading people's expressions. The boy's eyes were filled with impatience."Sir, I really didn't wish for this to happen. Please help me down!"Hearing her pitiful voice, Sean pressed his lips together, his face showing an expression far too mature for his age. He did not say anything, but his body language made his thoughts clear—he was utterly annoyed.Even so, he still climbed the tree in a few swift moves, stopping just a short distance from Liliana. Before she could react, he reached out and pulled her toward him with a rough yank.The moment her soft body crashed into his chest, his face turned a deep shade of red. However, in the very next second, he scowled and muttered, "So dirty."Liliana pursed her lips. His words had obviously hurt her.Not only that, but his rough movements had scraped her
"Your mom is a homewrecker, a vixen who destroys other people's families.""You're the daughter of a mistress. My mom says you're an illegitimate child!""We don't want to play with you! My mom says no one wants you because you're just a bastard!""Go away! We don't want to play with someone as dirty as you!"…"Mommy, Mommy, why don't you want me?"Liliana felt so cold.It was her first winter in Brookville after coming from the misty waters of Jacksonville, and the chill seeped deep into her bones.The Hoffman residence was enormous, yet Liliana still felt cold—not just from the weather but from the people. Their gazes were cold and indifferent. Even at school, the way those elite students looked at her was filled with mockery.She was only five when her mother brought her to this bustling metropolis, leading her straight to this grand yet icy mansion.The people here were dressed elegantly, so dazzling that it was impossible to look away. However, when they looked at her a
Even though she loved him deeply now, Noelle still felt as if a part of her memory was missing. It seemed unfair to Charles.Charles simply smiled, lowering his head to place a gentle kiss on the corner of her lips."Alright. Whatever you want to know, I'll tell you." He agreed, his tone warm and unwavering. "But before that, I think we have something more important to do.""What is it?" Noelle looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with a misty glow that made Charles' heart ripple."Our wedding night, of course, Mrs. Hoffman."Noelle's face turned bright red in an instant. "But… we're in a hotel, not Phoenix Tree Residence!""It doesn't matter where we are. As long as I have you, that's all that matters."Tonight, every word Charles spoke was as if dipped in honey, making Noelle's heart race. She stole a shy glance at him. "But… my brother and the others are still outside—""Forget about them."Without another word, Charles scooped her up and carried her straight to the bed, b
"Charlie, I forgot about you. Tell me the truth—are you angry?"Charles sighed. "No, how could I ever be angry with you?"He reached out and gently tucked a strand of Noelle's hair behind her ear. Seeing the seriousness in her eyes, he let out a soft chuckle. "Even if you never remember me for the rest of your life, I still wouldn't be angry.""Really?"Charles nodded.Noelle hesitated for a moment, then mustered the courage to look straight at him. "Charlie… if—just hypothetically—if things between me and Xavier had never gone wrong… If Winter never came between us and I was still with Xavier… What would you have done? Would you have just watched me get engaged to him? Marry him? And then—"Before she could finish, Charles pressed a finger against her lips, silencing her.Noelle blinked and saw that his gaze had deepened. He wrapped his arms tightly around her waist."No. That would never happen," he said firmly. The very thought of her with someone else, marrying someone else