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'
As Noelle thought about it, she pondered for a moment. "What was Winter doing at your garden house?"Teresa replied, "What else? She just met up with a few people from her old clique. It seems they're planning a birthday party and will be inviting old classmates."Since she's busy with filming and can't handle everything herself, she's getting some friends to help organize it. Don't you think she's getting a bit carried away?"Noelle smirked. "Probably." Only Noelle knew that Winter had always been like this.This time, Winter likely wanted to throw a big party for another reason. It was because she had married Xavier.Noelle could almost picture Winter inviting her just to take the opportunity to humiliate her as she would not miss such a chance.Noelle was engrossed in chatting with Rowena and Teresa. As she turned over in bed, she noticed Charles sitting at the foot of the bed, though she was not sure when he had gotten there.His legs were casually positioned, with one hand
Noelle's suspicions were confirmed—Winter indeed would not miss any chance to humiliate her.While Noelle was out with Brian on an inspection, she received a call from Winter. Winter mentioned that her birthday was coming up in a few days and that Noelle, as her only sister, was expected to attend.In the past, Noelle might have attended the event out of consideration for the family and Winter's reputation. However, the current Noelle was different. Even if she decided to go, she would not allow Winter to bully her like before.After hanging up the phone, Noelle's expression remained calm. Brian noticed her silence and assumed something was wrong. "Noelle?"Noelle snapped out of her thoughts. She tucked her phone into her bag and opened her notebook to continue working with Brian. However, it was clear that her focus had waned compared to earlier. "You seem off. Is something wrong?"Noelle shook her head. "Nothing major. By the way, you mentioned earlier that the higher-ups want t
The wind outside was strong, and Noelle was dressed rather lightly. When she heard Xavier's words that were carried over by the wind, she almost thought she had misheard. "You're looking for me?"Xavier nodded as he glanced at Noelle. She seemed thinner than he remembered, which made him a bit concerned. "You've lost a lot of weight."Hearing this, Noelle frowned. "If you have something to say, just say it."She glanced around impatiently, adding, "It's work hours."Xavier's face stiffened slightly, his expression becoming somewhat awkward. "Noelle, do we really have to be like this?""And what do you suggest we do, dearest brother-in-law?" Noelle narrowed her eyes with a cold smile playing on her lips. "If you don't have anything important to say, I'll be heading back.""Noelle!" Xavier called out and sighed slightly. "I know you're still angry with us, but what's done is done."He regretted it deeply, but he understood that things between them could never go back to the way th
Charles furrowed his brows slightly and rubbed his temples. "With such a grand display at the entrance of Collosus Group, do you think I wouldn't find out?"Noelle pressed her lips together. "Don't be like that." She could tell Charles was upset. "You know there's nothing between us. He just came by to deliver an invitation.""An invitation?" Charles frowned. "What kind of invitation? Are they celebrating something again? Planning to get married a second time?" His tone was filled with displeasure and disdain.Noelle understood that if it were not for her, Charles probably would not even acknowledge Xavier's existence. In Charles' mind, he was not worth his attention.However, hearing Charles' comment, Noelle could not help but burst into laughter. She still had the invitation Xavier had handed her. "You actually guessed right."Winter had given this to her, likely to remind her that she was now married to Xavier.It was just that sometimes, Winter's thinking seemed off. She woul
"Alright!" Winter watched as Annie helped to greet the guests, then cast a cold glance in her direction.Suzy walked over and whispered, "Simon is here too. Are you sure you want to go through with this? It's Simon we're talking about. If he decides to pursue this, it could get messy!"Winter scoffed. "What are you afraid of? I've done my homework. Simon's not that high up in the York family's hierarchy; he has an older brother overshadowing him. He can't cause too much trouble. Besides, isn't this what he enjoys? I'm actually doing him a favor."Winter smiled, taking Suzy's hand. "You don't need to do anything, just keep an eye on Simon.""Mr. York, you're here!" Winter then hurried over to greet Simon as he approached. The other guests made way for him as he walked by.While some of Winter's old classmates might not know Simon, the young socialites certainly did. Simon was infamous in their circles for his wild lifestyle.Simon approached Winter with his alluring eyes. His gaze
Noelle arrived alone at the party.Winter had not invited Rowena or Teresa this time, so Noelle had already guessed that Winter had something special planned for her. It was likely to embarrass her in front of everyone.She figured that would be the extent of Winter's little gift as it was probably the most someone like Winter could come up with.When Noelle arrived at Winter's birthday party, most of the guests were already there.Winter spotted Noelle from a distance. She was dressed in a camel-colored coat over a light-colored dress, looking quite striking.Winter's eyes darkened with envy, but she reminded herself that Noelle would be crying soon enough, and that thought brightened her mood. She walked over, taking Noelle's hand in a show of sisterly affection. "Noelle, you're finally here! I thought you weren't going to come today.""How could I not?" Noelle calmly pulled her hand away from Winter's with a serene expression. She reached into her bag and took out a gift box
Winter had once subtly hinted to Xavier that she wanted him to take the Heart of the Ocean necklace back, but Xavier always refused no matter how much she tried.Winter indeed wanted that necklace, but not in this way. Noelle's actions were clearly a way to humiliate her, to declare war, and to remind her that Xavier had once loved Noelle deeply.Was Noelle implying that no matter how hard Winter fought, she was only taking something Noelle had discarded?No one could see the turmoil in Winter's heart at that moment. She hated Noelle intensely, and she hated her current attitude even more.Despite Winter's reaction, Noelle kept her smile. "Of course, you're my only sister. I didn't give you a proper wedding gift when you got married, so I thought I'd make it up to you on your birthday."Noelle leaned closer, placing the Heart of the Ocean into Winter's hand. "I've worn it before, but I think this necklace suits you better, which is why I'm giving it to you. Aren't you happy, Winte
"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