Ronald did not claim to know Charles' temperament better than anyone, but he certainly understood it well.Charles was a man who despised being constrained; he operated by his own principles, and unless something was absolutely necessary, no one could sway his decisions.Suddenly, Ronald found himself feeling a bit of sympathy for Frotconn and Joseph. To secure this project, Joseph had gone straight to Maxwell, bypassing Charles entirely.While it was true that Maxwell still held the official position as the head of the Hoffman family, in practice, Charles was the one in charge. Although Charles had yet to formally inherit the title or the shares from Maxwell, everyone in the family already saw Charles as the future leader.Back when Maxwell chose not to pass the family headship to his eldest son, nor to his second or third sons, it became clear to everyone just how significant Charles' position in the family was. Now, Joseph had the audacity to go over Charles' head, directly ap
With the receptionist's guidance, Noelle made her way to the project department. Since she had been there once before, she quickly found Brian's office.Brian's assistant, Arya Millerd, who seemed to have been informed about Noelle's arrival that day, asked, "Are you Noelle Shaw?"Noelle nodded, and as she was about to knock on Brian's office door, it swung open from the inside.Brian had appeared and was seemingly ready to leave. He was momentarily surprised to see Arya and Noelle together but quickly said, "I'm heading to a meeting now. Arya, please show Ms. Shaw around, familiarize her with the environment, and explain any important details."Afterward, take her to the HR department to complete the onboarding process."Brian spoke quickly and left with long strides, leaving Noelle standing there, trying to process his brisk efficiency.Arya smiled at Noelle. "Don't worry about it. That's just how our director is. Once you get used to it, it feels normal," Arya explained, assum
Charles glanced at the disorganized pile of documents on the desk, pushing them aside. "Throw these away and have them produce something presentable immediately."He then looked up and added, "Brian, stay behind."Brian had been ready to leave, but he paused upon hearing Charles' command. "Mr. Hoffman, do you need something from me?"Charles stood up, giving Brian a quick glance. "How is the development plan for the West City plot coming along on your end?""We're in the preliminary evaluation phase. The risk in West City is quite high, and it's located in the suburbs. Some of the land there has already been abandoned," Brian explained, hesitating briefly."I visited the area recently. There's a psychiatric hospital and a drug rehabilitation center nearby. The area was previously deemed unsuitable for development. Mr. Hoffman—"Charles raised his hand, cutting Brian off, "This isn't urgent right now. Finish the evaluation first. There's talk of those facilities being relocated. S
Charles left after that, leaving Ronald and Brian staring at each other in surprise.Brian, in particular, was even more shocked.He had not expected Charles to so openly admit to favoritism and to do so in such a thorough manner.The West City Development Project was incredibly challenging, and even he was not fully aware of all the difficulties it entailed. With so many experienced people in the project department, not everyone had the qualifications or experience to participate.Yet, with just one word from the boss, a newcomer like Noelle, who was practically a novice, got to join the project.Brian found this hard to accept.Ronald sighed and patted Brian on the shoulder. "You'll get used to it. You have no idea how surprised I was the first time I saw Mr. Hoffman being so attentive to Ms. Shaw. I almost couldn't believe my eyes!""Mr. Hoffman, being attentive? To Noelle?" Brian's eyes flickered with realization. "Are they…"Ronald nodded. "It's exactly what you're thinkin
Noelle had just started at the company. Since Brian had not assigned her any specific tasks, she was not quite sure what she was supposed to be doing. She asked Arya for some past project files to review, trying to understand Brian's style and approach.While she was engrossed in her research, Brian himself unexpectedly appeared. Noelle closed the files and followed Brian into his office.This was the second time Noelle had been in Brian's office, and it looked much the same as before, with the only noticeable difference being that the previously cluttered desk was now tidy and clear of documents.Brian noticed Noelle observing the office and gestured for her to sit down. "Ms. Shaw, there's no need to be nervous. Since you've passed the assessment, welcome to the project department. Let's work hard together and make progress.""Thank you." Noelle nodded and smiled. "Mr. Parker, there's no need to be so formal. You can call me Noelle."Brian was a bit surprised by her response. Alt
Arya happened to come over just then. "Mr. Parker, are you heading out now? Are you going to West City?""Yes." Brian took the documents from Arya, glanced at them, and said, "Redo these. Also, you don't need to come with me today. Noelle will accompany me. I need the revised data on my desk by the time I return."He handed the documents back to Arya. "Understood?"Arya quickly came to her senses but shot a meaningful glance at Noelle. Noelle returned the look with a kind smile.Brian did not pay much attention to the exchange. When he noticed Noelle was not following him, he turned back with a hint of displeasure. "Ms. Shaw, you've just joined the company. Do you want to leave a bad impression on your boss right away?""I'm coming right now!" Noelle hurried to catch up."Mr. Parker, I'm new here and still a rookie. Aren't you worried about what others might say if you take me along on an outing so soon?" Noelle had not thought much of it at first, but Arya's glance just now clea
"You're quite sharp," Brian said with a hint of admiration flickering in his eyes, making him reconsider some of his earlier prejudices about Noelle.It seemed that some people and situations could not be judged solely by appearances or by looking at a resume. If someone like Charles had taken an interest in Noelle, she must have some extraordinary talents. A man like Charles would never be drawn to someone who was merely average.Brian continued, "These are indeed significant issues. If we're going to build and expand in this area, there are many factors we need to consider. That's why we're going over today to take a closer look."Brian's car had just exited the highway and was heading toward West City. He stopped at a gas station to refuel.Noelle took the opportunity to stretch her legs. She walked around the area and took in her surroundings. When she returned, she saw Brian leaning against the car, holding an unlit cigarette.Seeing her approach, Brian put the cigarette away
Meanwhile, Winter stood in the quiet of the night. The atmosphere was as still as water. It was her first time stepping into the home that belonged to her and Xavier, and she could not help but feel a surge of happiness.Previously, Xavier had been living with Joseph and Emilia, but Emilia had thought it was time for her son and daughter-in-law to have their own space, especially since they were both adults. Hence, she arranged a marital home for them well in advance. The house was not far from the Harris family's residence. It was just next door, in fact, making them neighbors.Considering that her daughter-in-law was a famous actress, likely to attract attention, Emilia spared no expense in preparing the home. She decorated it entirely in Winter's preferred style.When Winter stepped inside, she was overjoyed. Even seeing Xavier drunk and passed out did not dampen her spirits at all."Winter, Xavier was just so happy today that he ended up drinking a bit too much. Please be pat
Sean had never hit a woman before, but at this moment, as he looked at McKenzie, he did not mind making an exception.McKenzie was already shocked that Sean was actually taking action for Liliana, an illegitimate daughter. "Sean, just because your family is rich, you think you can do whatever you want—"Sean let out a chuckle, his tone laced with amusement. "That's exactly what I think. What? You don't like it?"McKenzie was momentarily stunned."It's the survival of the fittest," Sean continued nonchalantly. "If you think it's fine to bully someone weaker like Liliana, then why shouldn't I do the same to you?"His words were so brazen, so outright arrogant, making it crystal clear that he was here to seek justice for Liliana.His overbearing attitude was enough to make people dislike him, but so what?Sean had a point. This world operated on the law of the jungle.Everyone bullied Liliana simply because she was an illegitimate daughter. Even though she carried the Hoffman name
The crowd stiffened, completely unprepared for Sean to actually stand up for the so-called illegitimate daughter."Mr. Smith, that girl is a vixen. She—""Oh? A vixen?" Sean's narrow eyes held a faint smile. "And how exactly do you know that?""I... I...""Did she seduce you? Hmm?" Sean's gaze darkened.There was utter silence."So, it seems like while I wasn't at school, you all just assumed I was dead, huh?" Sean's voice carried a lazy drawl, yet there was an unmistakable sharpness to it. "I hear the school has a new leader?""No, no! That's not true! You're still the boss. You'll always be the boss!"Sean let out a low chuckle and turned to Liliana. "See that? These are the same people who bullied you so fearlessly. It turns out they can be put in their place too. Understand?"Liliana did not fully grasp why Sean was doing this, but she knew that after today, these people would hesitate before hurting her again.Her feelings were complicated. She knew she should be gratefu
Sean twitched the corner of his mouth. "Do I not have a name?"Liliana hesitated, her lips trembling slightly. "M-Mr. Smith."Sean frowned.Liliana immediately sensed his displeasure but had no idea why he was upset, so she dared not speak.Seeing her looking like a frightened little wife as if he had bullied her, Sean sighed impatiently. "What's with all this 'Mr. Smith' nonsense? You're not my staff.""Then...""Just call me by my name. It doesn't matter even if I'm older than you. Think of me as an older brother." Sean did not seem to care much, but his words stirred something deep inside Liliana."I..."Did she say to think of him like an older brother?She did have an older brother—Charles. He was the golden child of the Hoffman family and the future master of the household. He was raised to be exceptional in every way.Even so, she had never dared to look him in the eye, let alone address him as her brother.In her memory, Charles was a cold and distant figure, unappro
The doctor gave Sean a surprised glance, taken aback that the boy could actually read his handwriting and even recognize the names of the medications.However, he quickly changed the prescription.Hearing this, Liliana panicked. "No, there's no need! Just prescribe the regular ones, the normal ones!"She did not have that much money. She had already borrowed the money for her medical expenses from Sean, so she could not afford to let him pay for expensive medication too. "Doctor, my skin is tough. I don't need anything that pricey!"The doctor turned to Sean, who pressed his lips together impatiently."Sit down." His tone carried unmistakable irritation. "Do you even care about your face?""But..." Liliana fidgeted anxiously. "I... don't have that much money.""Did I ask you for money?" Sean was thoroughly exasperated now and stopped looking at her altogether. "Just prescribe it. In fact, give her extra. She looks like she gets hurt often, so give her a dozen boxes while you're
Sean's voice was cold, carrying a maturity that did not match his age. However, his words made Liliana tremble slightly. She pressed her lips together and looked at him.What he said had shaken her. She had never known that she could walk among people with her head held high.Ever since she arrived in Brookville, since she became part of the Hoffmans, she had lived like an invisible person—afraid, self-conscious, and timid. She had spent every day trying to make herself as small and unnoticed as possible.Yet now, Sean was telling her she should hold her head up, that she had done nothing wrong.For as long as she could remember, everyone had pointed at her, calling her mother a homewrecker, a disgrace, a whore, a mistress. And if her mother was that kind of person, then she must be too. However, Sean… Sean had just told her to stand tall.Liliana's eyes welled up with tears.Sean frowned at her, irritated. "What are you crying for?"He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and
Sean looked at Liliana. "Before you leave, shouldn't you at least tell me your name? Otherwise, if you run off, who am I supposed to ask for my money?"Liliana clenched her fists. "I... I...""Sean Smith!""Huh?"Liliana looked up in surprise. Her swollen face made her expression even more pitiful, and the astonishment in her eyes only added to her fragile appearance.Sean's gaze deepened. "That's my name—Sean Smith."Liliana nodded. "I know."Of course, she knew.Ever since he had first saved her, she had memorized his name, his face, and everything about him.She even knew his family background, as well as his academic achievements.Sean's name was legendary at Jadebrook High School—just like her half-brother. He was an untouchable figure, almost mythical.Liliana's eyes dimmed slightly at that thought."What do you know? Now, tell me your name." Sean studied her, noticing how her mood had suddenly shifted again.Liliana hesitated before murmuring, "L-Liliana Hoffman."
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