Charles's gaze deepened, his voice low and husky. "Yeah, it’s time to eat." His eyes, however, stayed fixed on Noelle, sending her pulse racing out of control.The hand Charles held felt warm, almost too warm, as if a feverish heat passed between them, leaving a sheen of sweat.Despite the years they had been married, Noelle's heart still skipped a beat every time she saw that look in Charles's eyes. It was as if her heart was about to jump right out of her chest.Noelle swallowed hard, only to catch Charles lowering his gaze, his lips inching closer. She instinctively closed her eyes, her lashes fluttering like the wings of a butterfly.Charles narrowed his eyes affectionately and gently lifted Noelle's chin, leaning in for a kiss. However, just as their lips were about to meet, the shrill ring of a cellphone cut through the moment. They both froze, but Noelle was the first to snap out of it, pushing him away with cheeks as red as a cooked lobster.Catching her breath, Noelle tur
"Charles!""Enough, Mom. I don't have time for this. It's getting late, and I need to grab dinner." Charles ended the call and noticed Noelle gripping his hand tightly. He quirked an eyebrow and asked in a gentle voice, "What's up?”Noelle shook her head. "Are you and your mother not getting along?" With the way Charles had just spoken to his mother, it was obvious things were strained. Noelle felt a twinge of sadness. "Is there some kind of misunderstanding between you two?""No, not at all!" Charles patted Noelle's head with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about it. Didn't they say dinner's ready? Come on, let's eat!"Charles clearly wanted to avoid the subject, and Noelle, sensing this, could only agree. "Alright, I'll get your plate ready!""Thanks," Charles said, watching Noelle walk away. There was a shadow of something more in his gaze.Noelle could tell that Charles was off today. His mood had been soured by that call from his mother, Clarisse. She did not know the speci
"Over here!" Charles waved her over. The scent had Noelle forgetting all about her staunch vow not to forgive a certain someone. She dashed to the table and burst into laughter at the sight of the soup. "How on earth did you know I was craving creamy mushroom soup?"She had been dreaming of soup the night before, but whipping up creamy mushroom soup was not exactly easy for them with their hectic schedules. Noelle would've rather spent her time working or sleeping. She never expected Charles to surprise her with the very dish first thing in the morning.Charles flashed a grin. "Take a seat. Becky brought over some homemade kimchi a while back, and today, it's the star of the show.""Becky?" Noelle's eyes sparkled. "Ronald mentioned she's from Lacindra, right? They're famous for their killer pickled radishes!" Chatting away, Noelle ladled out two bowls of soup and popped open the box. The rich scent of radishes hit her, and she could not resist exclaiming, "Wow, that smells amazing!"
Charles frowned slightly. How could he not be aware of everything Noelle was saying?He was not mad, just a bit frazzled by how Noelle was handling things. Or maybe it was not about Noelle at all, but the way things out of their control had barged in, shattering the calm between them."Do Janet's hangouts with us bug you?" Charles asked, locking eyes with Noelle.Surprise flickered in her eyes before she masked it with a grin, resting her chin on her hand as she mulled over his question for real.Pretending she was not upset would be a total lie. Legally, she was Charles's wife, which should mean something. However, hardly anyone knew they were together, and Charles's mom was all about Janet, practically trying to snatch him away. Nobody would be cool with that, acting like it was all fine and dandy.However, she was the one who had wanted to keep her thing with Charles on the down low. She could not exactly complain about people being in the dark, especially since the person in q
Charles and Noelle had a bit of a routine when it came to getting to the office—they would take turns to come in. Charles could not sway Noelle, so they ended up coming to work separately, much to his annoyance. However, Noelle was tough as nails, and Charles, eager for a peaceful night's sleep in the master bedroom, caved in.While Charles zipped up to the twenty-seventh floor through a less-traveled route, Noelle strode through the main entrance and bumped into Ronald. Ronald gave her a curious once-over, and as they stepped into the elevator, he shot her a couple of extra glances. Noelle just flashed a small, knowing smile and gave a nod. "Mr. Wells, got something on your mind?""Ms. Shaw, you're alone today?" Ronald's voice was low, mindful of the audience they had. Noelle chuckled. "What, I can't come to work on her own? Do I need an escort or something?"Ronald caught on quickly and nodded with a smirk. "Point taken.""This is me." Noelle gestured to her floor. "Catch up soon
"Is that really okay?""Absolutely! Let's go!"Mr. Hoffman was met with an update as soon as he stepped into the foyer. Ronald, who had just witnessed Clarisse and Janet's departure, approached him. "Your mom took Janet out," he informed Mr. Hoffman, a questioning look in his eyes. "What's your take on this?""Let her be. When Janet finally shows up for work, just mark her down as a no-show," Charles said as he hung up the phone, then dove back into the stack of papers on his desk. However, the phone was relentless, ringing again—this time it was Clarisse on the line. "Charles, I'm out grabbing a bite with Janet. Look, I'm not trying to nag, but you've got to balance work with a little self-care. Janet's been looking thinner since she started at Collosus Group. You're not working her to the bone, are you?""Mother, unless my watch is playing tricks on me, it's only eleven-thirty. Lunchtime hasn't even started," Charles replied, his voice cutting through the phone like ice. "Janet's
"Then you’d better hurry!" Arya gestured a quick goodbye to Noelle. It was only after Noelle had left that Arya's head popped up again. "Mr. Hoffman asked Noelle to join him?" Something felt off to her, but she could not quite figure out what it was.With the documents in hand, Noelle made a beeline for Charles's reserved parking spot and found Charles casually leaning against his car, apparently caught up in a phone conversation.Charles caught sight of Noelle as she jogged up to him, slightly breathless. He glanced at his watch and quirked an eyebrow. "Right on time—nine minutes and fifty seconds!"Rolling her eyes, Noelle grumbled. "Where are you heading off to?" She handed over the documents to Charles. "Here are the papers. You know what? I think I'll pass on going."With one hand, Charles accepted the documents and with the other, he gently grabbed Noelle's arm. He quickly wrapped up his phone call with a "Catch you later," and ended it.He took a brief look at the documents
The car had barely come to a stop when Clarisse turned to the visibly agitated Janet. "Janet, what's up?""Turn around, now! Follow that car!" Janet shouted at the driver, pointing ahead. "Do you see it? That's Charles's car!""Charles?" Clarisse squinted at the traffic, but all she saw were cars zipping by, none with a recognizable plate. "Are you sure you didn't get it mixed up?""I'm positive, Aunt Clary. I’d know Charles's car anywhere, and I've got the license plate memorized. We've got to catch up!" Janet's heart was pounding for reasons she could not explain. "What's Charles up to, heading out at this hour? And I'm pretty sure there was someone with him in the front seat!""You're probably mistaken. If he's got company, it's likely just his secretary," Clarisse reasoned, though she had to admit she did not know her son as well as she might. Charles leaving the office at this time had to be business-related."Janet, look at the time. You've got work, remember?""No, I need
Once Charles left, he called Ronald and instructed him to find Liliana a better school without all the drama.Ronald could not figure out why his boss suddenly cared so much about Liliana's problems. However, when he thought about how sad the young girl's situation was, he could not help but feel concerned too.Sean was surprised to get a call from Charles. "Hey, what's got Mr. Busy so free to ring me up?" he joked.The two were buddies. Even though Charles was a couple of years older, it did not get in the way of their friendship.Charles gave him a look. "You're not the type to poke your nose into other people's business!"Sean was stunned for a second, then laughed out loud. "What's that supposed to mean? Do I seem so standoffish? Let's just say I was being nice for once!" Sean explained, "But really, what's going on? That girl looked so helpless. She was getting picked on and too scared to stand up for herself. If I hadn't decided to skip the front gate and hop over the fence
"If you won't step up, then I'll look after her!" Charles declared, striding past Mateo. "We can't let the Hoffmans be pushed around without even realizing it!"“What do you mean by that?"Liliana had no idea that she had become the Hoffman family’s center of attention. By the next day, James had her room fixed up beautifully with every amenity she could ever want. She did not lack anything that Layla had, be it in her wardrobe or jewelry box.The servants escorted Liliana to her new room, and James handed her a card. "Miss, this is from Mr. Hoffman. He said you can buy whatever your heart desires with it!"Liliana could not believe it. She had no idea why Charles was being so nice or what he was up to. She did not even know that he had taken care of all the people who had bullied her before.All Liliana knew was that she felt nervous sitting in her room, waiting for Charles to come back.When Charles returned and saw Liliana waiting, he asked, "Were you looking for me?""Sir, y
Liliana stayed silent."Where's your room?"Charles felt a rare sense of defeat when Liliana would not answer. "Change your clothes. I'll take you to the hospital!""No, there's no need for that!" Liliana quickly gestured with her hands. She had already been to the hospital once today and could not possibly go again. "I have medicine!"Charles was not convinced. "What really happened?"Liliana fidgeted with her hands. "I was just clumsy. I've already bought some medicine, so there's really no need for this!"Clumsiness was a ridiculous excuse for how she looked right now.Charles was too clever not to notice what was going on. However, when he saw how scared Liliana looked, he did not push her any further. "You can put the ointment on yourself. Just remember that you're part of the Hoffman family. From today onward, don't let anyone push you around. If they do, they're messing with my reputation too!"Liliana nodded quickly, too scared to say much, and scampered off.With a fr
Liliana was scared of Charles. She did not know what he was up to, but she had not stolen anything or damaged Layla's necklace.She stood up from the floor and faced Charles with earnest eyes. "I didn't steal anything, and I didn't break her necklace. I really didn't!""You're lying! If it wasn't you, then why is my necklace broken?" Layla refused to let Liliana off the hook. She was convinced that Charles would not take Liliana's side. After all, who would side with an illegitimate daughter?Liliana's mom had caused a lot of trouble for Charles's family, and Layla was determined to set things straight with Liliana today. She thought of Liliana as nothing but trouble.Charles looked at Layla with an icy stare. "Are you saying that my sister, Liliana, would need to steal your necklace?" His voice was steady, but it made Layla tremble with fear. "I... She's not really your sister. She...""She's not?" Charles let out a grim laugh but did not look at Layla again. Instead, he turned
Liliana was on the ground, getting hit and kicked by Layla. She wanted to hit back for a second, but thinking of her mom made her stop."You think you can hit me?" Layla sneered. "You're nothing but a nobody, yet you think you're one of us?""I didn't do it! I didn't ruin your necklace! I was just cleaning!" Liliana cried."Yeah, right," Layla mocked. "Like I'd believe that. You're just a thief!""What's going on here?"A sharp voice cut through the air, and both girls froze.Layla quickly let go and ran to Charles. "Charles..." However, he stepped away before she could touch him.Layla's hand hung awkwardly in the air, but she quickly smiled. "Charles, this girl stole my stuff and broke my necklace!" Layla complained, holding up the necklace. "It was my birthday present from Dad!"Charles might have been only twenty-one, but he was already the vice president of Collosus Group.In the small town of Brookville, he was something of a legend. He had gone overseas when he was just
If the servants caught her in those clothes, they would definitely give her an earful.After tidying up, Liliana stepped out to join the bustle of the household. The servants were all busy, and she pitched in to help clean and prepare dinner. With her hair pulled back, her bruised face was visible. She glanced at the big bag of ointment on her bed and felt tears well up again. She whispered his name in her heart, "Sean, Sean!"Liliana whispered the name to herself repeatedly, as if she was etching it deep into her rib bones, right over her heart, so it would never fade away.When Liliana stepped out, the maid took one look at her and gasped. "You look like a ghost! Are you trying to give someone a heart attack?"Liliana looked down, murmuring a quiet, "Sorry.""Well, don't just stand there. Come and help with the chores. You're not some fancy lady of the Hoffman family!" The maid was used to it. She knew that even though Liliana had the last name Hoffman, nobody in the Hoffman f
Liliana gazed into Sean's eyes, not looking away for even a second.Sean felt a jolt in his chest as if something had struck him, and a flurry of thoughts burst through his mind.He grimaced as if snapping out of a trance. "Is that why you pulled away from me?"Liliana looked down, silent.Feeling a mix of frustration and amusement, Sean asked, "Do you think I would think less of you because of that?"Liliana did not answer, and Sean chuckled lightly. "If I really thought less of you, do you think I'd have saved you? Would I have helped you?"Liliana suddenly lifted her head. "But I...""Nobody gets to choose where they come from, Liliana. It's not your fault," Sean said, looking into her eyes, which seemed to be on the verge of tears. Despite her delicate appearance, she had strength within her. She held back her tears, and her gaze stirred a sense of compassion in Sean.Liliana's heart skipped a beat. All her life, she had lived in the shadows. She thought everyone looked at
"Have you eaten yet?”Sean checked the time and realized it was getting late. It was way past dinner time.Liliana was still silent, her head bowed."I'm hungry!" Sean announced.Liliana glanced up, then quickly looked away. "Then you should go home and eat!""Don't you want to eat too?" Sean asked, reaching out and gently taking Liliana's hand.Liliana jerked her hand away as if she had been burned, leaving Sean's hand hanging in the air. He stared at her, surprised and a little hurt.Liliana felt bad about her reaction. "I'm sorry, Sean!"Sean scrunched his eyebrows. "Sorry for what? I told you, you've done nothing wrong. Why do you look so sad?"Sean did not usually have that much patience for people he barely knew, but he told himself that this was his good deed for the day. Besides, Liliana looked as sad as a puppy left out in the rain, and he could not help wanting to cheer her up. "Come on. Look at me," he said gently. "What's got you so scared?"Liliana did not know w
Sean was really pleased with the principal's promise. "You've got to keep your word, Principal. I may not be here, but the school is still in Brookville, and so is my family, the Smiths!" "Absolutely!" With his mission accomplished, Sean left with Liliana."Oh, and since Liliana is hurt right now..." "Of course, the school will give her some time off. Don't worry about your studies, Liliana. If you run into any issues, just come to me or the head of teaching. Your grades will be just fine!" Satisfied, Sean walked away. Liliana tagged along behind Sean. With his long arms and legs, Sean towered over her. Even though he was only eighteen, he was already much taller than Liliana by more than a head.Liliana stood by Sean, looking as tiny and frail as a malnourished child. Sean moved quickly, and Liliana had to trot to keep up with his long strides.The lawyer trailed behind them, a small smirk playing on his lips as he watched the scene unfold with amusement.After Sean dismisse