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
"Yeah," Xavier responded as he pulled out the gift from Charles. Upon opening it, his brows furrowed slightly.Winter leaned in to take a look and found there were two items; one was a global travel package, and the other was a document specifically for Winter.Winter took the document, and her eyes lit up. "It's an endorsement deal with CMC! Gosh, that's such a prestigious Estodian brand. Charles really has such wide connections!" Her eyes sparkled with excitement.Compared to the travel package, Winter was far more thrilled about the endorsement. After all, it was not money she lacked but time. This endorsement represented something much more too—fashion resources and a potential increase in her status, which were crucial for her standing in the entertainment industry."Gosh!" Winter was practically over the moon. "Xavier, I just love you so much!" she exclaimed, planting a kiss on Xavier's lips, entirely missing how dark his expression had become.To Xavier, such a gift felt li
"I don't care how your previous agency operated. Here, you follow our rules. Winter needs to be rebranded. Otherwise, her past controversies could easily resurface!"Cade hung up the phone without waiting for a response and then called Ronald to report that he had already given the other party a stern talking-to. He assured Ronald that there was no need to worry further—he would handle the situation properly.Noelle spent the entire day with Brian, mostly walking and stopping around the abandoned areas of West City for inspections.Brian, being thorough, shared his observations and thoughts with Noelle as they went along. In turn, Noelle took notes while struggling to keep up in her high heels. It was not until the sun began to set that Brian finally called it a day. "That's enough for today," he said.Brian glanced at Noelle and noticed that she could barely stand, let alone walk. However, from morning until now, she had not uttered a single complaint or unnecessary word. She had
"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