"That's a relief! I was worried you might be stretched too thin. Oh, and your mom mentioned she's set up a marriage for you. You...""I'll make up my own mind about that. The girl's alright, but the Shaw family aren’t exactly ideal in-laws."Harrison nodded, understanding. "As long as you've got it figured out. Your mom... She's just worried about you.""I get it."Jade hung up the phone, seething with bitterness. She had not expected Noelle to be so stubborn and Bob to be such a tough nut to crack. She had hoped he would cut her some slack for old times' sake with Yitty, but the kid had a bigger backbone than she had anticipated.Jade was used to calling the shots in the Shaw household, and this was the first time she had been so openly disregarded. It left her feeling more than a little sour.Winter had just come home today. With Xavier chatting with her dad Julian in the study, Winter slipped into Jade's room and noticed her mom looked upset. "Mom? What's up?""It's that darn
"Don't worry. Even if you don't say it, I won't let her ruin your happiness!" Jade assured, her eyes flashing with determination. She was absolutely resolved not to let Noelle disrupt her happiness, just like that other woman once did.With Jade's promise, Winter finally felt relieved. She knew better than anyone how much her mother disliked Noelle—Jade downright hated her. Winter had been aware of this since she was a child, back when her relationship with Noelle had not yet soured.Back then, Winter was mischievous, and she would play hide and seek in Julian and Jade's room. She hid in the wardrobe and overheard a shocking secret—that Noelle was not her real sister but rather the child of a woman her mother deeply resented. From that moment, Winter's attitude toward Noelle began to change.Winter had never shared this secret with anyone, but she fully understood that her mother's willingness to help her was not just about supporting her; it was also about the deep-seated hatred
Winter shook her head, feigning a troubled expression. "It's nothing, really. It's just something my mom mentioned.""Hmm? What did she say?" Xavier slowed down the car a bit as he noticed that Winter's mood seemed off. "Tell me. If it's something really troublesome, maybe I can help share the burden."Winter bit her lip as she fiddled with her hands. "It's really nothing." She glanced at Xavier. "My mom's just worried that you might not want me anymore, saying that I'm always busy with acting and might not be taking care of you properly. "She suggested I should stop working, stay at home with you, and maybe even have a baby."Xavier's expression changed slightly, but then he said, "She's just concerned about you, but whether you keep working or not is entirely up to you."He reached over, took Winter's hand, and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Is it because I haven't made you feel secure lately? If so, that's my fault. Winter, you need to know that I love you.""I know." Winter
Brian had previously misunderstood Noelle to some extent, but after spending time with her, he realized that Noelle was different from what he had initially thought.He was already aware of Noelle's background, yet she did not put on any airs around him. That surprised him a little.As the traffic slowly began to clear, Brian decided not to continue the conversation. However, Noelle hesitated before asking, "Mr. Parker, did you assign me to this project because of Charles?"Brian paused for a moment. "Yes." Since Noelle was being direct, he decided to be straightforward as well."Mr. Hoffman did suggest that I guide you. I admit, at first, I wasn't too keen on this arrangement. Nonetheless, since Mr. Hoffman had faith in you, I figured you must have some real potential."Noelle suddenly felt a bit embarrassed. "Actually, it's not that he has faith in me; he's just giving me special treatment."As Noelle said this, she noticed Brian smiling and shaking his head, seemingly unbother
Charles took the opportunity to pinch Noelle's cheek, then said with a serious tone, "You've definitely lost weight!"Noelle pinched her own cheek again and playfully swatted Charles' hand away. "I don't believe you. I've definitely gained weight recently."Smiling, she added, "I get it. You just want me to eat more so that you can later tease me about getting fat, right?""You cheeky girl!" Charles could not help but laugh softly. He gently patted Noelle's cheek and said, "Alright, let's go buy some groceries first.""Okay!" Noelle nodded, holding onto Charles' hand as they walked forward. "I'm still thinking about what we should eat. Charlie, do you have any suggestions?""Xavier, what do you want to eat tonight?" Winter asked as she held Xavier's hand. Xavier was pushing the shopping cart, and the two of them happened to be at Jenz Plaza as well.Since Winter was busy filming during the day, she wanted to spend more time with Xavier in the evening to strengthen their relations
Xavier suddenly brought up Noelle again. Could it be that he ran off earlier because he saw her?Winter looked around again, but she still did not see Noelle anywhere. Biting her lip, she hesitated and asked, "Xavier, are you still unable to let go of Noelle? I know it was my fault back then, but I—""It's not that!" Xavier interrupted Winter impatiently. "I already told you before, didn't I? Since I've married you, I won't divorce you, and I won't be with Noelle. I just suddenly thought of something."Didn't you say that your mom wants Noelle to marry Bob? If that happens, won't it mean that the Shaw and the Smith families will be connected?"Winter was relieved to hear that, but thinking about Noelle's attitude made her uneasy again. "My mom is worried about this too. Bob's mother, Yitty, is my mom's best friend. They were very close when they were younger."So, my mom suggested that they meet to see if they were compatible, and if they were, they could get together. But Bob doe
Noelle bit her lip. "When Winter found out that Xavier was somewhat related to you, she was already trying to take advantage of it. If they find out about our marriage, won't they keep pestering us?"Maybe you don't mind, but I do. I don't want anything to interfere with our relationship."She clasped Charles' hand tightly, as if afraid he might misunderstand. He then interlocked their fingers. "You have to trust me, trust in us, and most importantly, trust yourself. How could I be ashamed of someone as outstanding as you?"Charles smiled when he heard her explanation, his lips curling slightly. He glanced down at their tightly interlaced fingers, and there was amusement glinting in his eyes.He was not truly angry; he just did not like the idea of sneaking around. However, as he listened to Noelle, he realized she genuinely wanted to protect their relationship from unnecessary complications.Seeing that Charles' expression had softened, Noelle breathed a sigh of relief. "I've alr
Dinner was prepared by Charles that night. Since Noelle had been very busy lately, especially after starting to learn under Brian, she found herself constantly short on time.In contrast, Charles seemed much more relaxed, almost as if he had all the time in the world. It would make anyone who did not know better think he was just idling his days away.Noelle worked for over an hour before glancing at the time and finally heading downstairs. Charles had just emerged from the kitchen when he saw her massaging her neck as she descended the stairs.He waved her over and said, "Come on, wash your hands and let's eat!""It smells so good!" Noelle exclaimed as she caught a whiff of the food.As she got closer and saw the spread, she remarked, "This is a lot! Can the two of us even finish all this?" There was clearly enough food for several people. However, Charles simply glanced at her and said, "You've gotten too thin, especially with how busy you've been lately."Noelle pouted. "It'
"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