The quiet place Winter mentioned was Homestyle Garden House. She had visited it a few times with Emilia and Jade and indeed found the environment pleasant and tranquil.After getting in the car, Winter made a reservation. She then led Suzy to the place.It was Suzy's first time there. She frowned slightly but followed Winter inside. Winter chose the innermost room, which others rarely passed by, ensuring their privacy.Considering the severity of the recent incident, Winter was worried about its impact on Suzy, despite it being censored online. "Suzy, this place is usually free of those people. It's mostly frequented by refined, wealthy ladies… So about that day—""Enough!" Suzy interrupted. "I don't want to discuss it anymore. There's no need to keep bringing it up."She then took a deep breath.Being from a distinguished family, Suzy was adept at brewing tea, a skill her mother had insisted she perfected.As she prepared the tea, Suzy forced herself to remain calm. "I know the
"Does that mean I'm just supposed to just accept being victimized?" Suzy laughed bitterly. "Winter, I'm out of options now. I'm too afraid to go back to my old workplace. My parents still haven't forgiven me. Winter, I..."Winter reassured her, "Don't be upset, Suzy. I'll help you. Are you looking for a job? I can ask Xavier to arrange something for you at Frotconn, or maybe at City Ring Corp? It's my family's company!"Winter felt guilty toward Suzy, but more importantly, she feared Suzy might become distant or cut ties with her after this incident, which could jeopardize her previous actions…"Winter, you're so kind to me!" Suzy hugged Winter tightly. "I won't cause you any trouble, Winter. I don't need Frotconn or City Ring Corp. Do you need someone by your side? Can I work for you instead?""Me?" Winter pointed at herself in surprise. "You mean you want to join me in the entertainment industry? But I don't need anyone. I have a manager and an assistant. Besides, Suzy, you're my
Noelle noticed that Charles' mood seemed off ever since he returned from the Hoffman residence the other day. Although she found it strange, Charles did not say anything in particular, so Noelle could not do much about it.As days passed, she adapted well to her role in the project department. She successfully completed most of the tasks Brian assigned her independently. Brian would still often take Noelle on field trips to inspect the project in West City.Brian reviewed Noelle's project plan and found her ideas quite mature.One day, Noelle accompanied Brian on another outing. When they returned around noon, they spotted a young woman helping an elegant, dignified woman out of a car at the entrance of Colossus Group's building.The woman's demeanor suggested she was someone of high status.Noelle walked behind Brian as they discussed some details about their meeting with the survey team. Suddenly, they heard the young woman say, "Aunt Clary, do you think Charles will be angry if
"Outrageous!" Clarisse was furious at Charles' words. "Is this how you speak to me?"Charles remained silent.Clarisse sighed. "You won't return to the Hoffman residence, so I had no choice but to come find you."Hearing Clarisse's softened tone, Charles smirked with disdain. "Mother, you must be mistaken. I've always been this way. Grandpa and Dad never found any issue with it.""That's them. They don't care about you, so naturally, they don't mind if you return or not. But Charlie, I'm your mother.""Oh, you remember now you're my mother? When I needed your care, you weren't there. Now that I don't need it, you show up." Charles' tone turned cold, his face showing impatience."I'm working. If you have business matters, schedule an appointment with my secretary. For personal matters, wait until after work!""Charles!" Clarisse gritted her teeth. "I didn't come to discuss this. You should know I wouldn't come from Capiton to Brookville if it weren't for you.""Then you should g
Charles left without looking back, leaving Clarisse standing pale-faced at his office door. "Charlie, is this really how you treat your mother?" Unfortunately, Charles did not answer.The security guards felt confused, but since Charles was Collosus Group's big boss, his words were like law. They were paid to do their job, so they naturally followed Charles' orders. "Ma'am, please leave with this young lady. This is a company, and we can't let outsiders in freely.""Am I an outsider? I'm Mr. Hoffman's mother!""But you're not a Collosus Group employee!"Janet felt utterly humiliated. When had she ever not been the center of attention? In Capiton, which rich young man did not treat her kindly? The Baker family members all adored her like a treasure.This was the first time Janet felt so embarrassed, especially since the person humiliating her was the man she liked so much.Janet's eyes quickly reddened as she grabbed Clarisse's hand. "Aunt Clary, what should I do? Charles seem
Having gained no advantage from her visit to Charles, Clarisse returned directly to the Hoffman residence. Janet supported Clarisse the whole way, her expression no better than Clarisse's.Although Janet was very dissatisfied with Charles' attitude toward her, she did not dare say anything to his face. She could only follow Clarisse, as she was now the only one supporting Janet's relationship with Charles.Clarisse easily saw through Janet's thoughts. Noticing her low spirits, she patted Janet's hand. "Janet, you must be tired too. Why don't you go upstairs and rest? I have some things to discuss with your uncle."After sending Janet away, Clarisse immediately called for the butler. "Where's Mateo?"James had served Maxwell for a long time and held a high position in the Hoffman household.He was even a few years older than Mateo and Henry. He had never quite liked Mateo's wife, especially given Clarisse's early departure from the Hoffman family. It was something he had always cri
Clarisse's expression darkened as she set her teacup down forcefully. "Mateo, I don't want to discuss these things with you. I don't know what your mindset is in saying all this. I came to you today for just one thing.""Go ahead," Mateo said, his lips twitching. He knew she must have had a reason to approach him so voluntarily. "What do you need from me?""Regarding Charlie and Janet's marriage, it's been delayed for so many years now. When do you think we should arrange their wedding?" Clarisse asked politely, suppressing her usual haughty demeanor.Mateo's brows furrowed upon hearing this. He looked at Clarisse, his eyes filled with complexity. "You know Charlie won't agree to this. Why are you so persistent? Janet could have anyone. Why does it have to be Charlie?"Clarisse grew impatient. "Mateo, just give me a straight answer. Do you agree or not? What's wrong with Janet? I think she's far better than that Kelly!"Mateo felt helpless. "This has nothing to do with Kelly. We'r
"I want Janet to join Colossus Group."Mateo's eyes snapped open. "That's impossible!""Why is it impossible? Are you afraid Janet isn't qualified? She graduated from the Central University of Finance and Economics with a relevant major." Clarisse fixed Mateo with a sharp gaze. "This is my only request, Mateo. Are you saying you can't even manage this?""You should know that Charlie is currently managing Colossus Group," Mateo replied, reluctant to get involved.The last time he interfered with Colossus Group, it had displeased Charlie greatly. Mateo was not afraid of his son, but he saw no reason to strain their relationship over someone else.However, Clarisse was stubbornly persistent, not considering the consequences. "You said I was forcing Charlie. Fine, I won't force him now. I'm just asking for Janet to work at the company. "They lack a connection because they don't spend enough time together. I believe if they spend more time together, Charlie will naturally see Janet's
"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