Arya went on critiquing Xavier, but when she noticed that Noelle keeping silent, she raised an eyebrow in suspicion. "You two aren't… in that kind of relationship, are you?""No!" Noelle pursed her lips. "He's my sister's husband and was my former boss.""Oh, right. He mentioned Frotconn earlier, and you used to work at Frotconn too, so your relationship…""Isn't good. Otherwise, I wouldn't have left for Collosus Group." Noelle clearly did not want to continue discussing Xavier. "He probably came by to ask why Frotconn wasn't chosen as a collaborator for the project with Collosus Group."Noelle was merely guessing, but she was pretty confident she was right.Arya shrugged. "I mean, come on, we're partnering with Lennon Group this time. What's Frotconn compared to Lennon Group? Nothing!"Arya chuckled as they crossed the street to the restaurant. She quickly found a seat and settled in. "Today's my treat, so don't hold back—eat whatever you like!""Alright!"…Meanwhile, unable
Joseph heard the remark and quickly ran through the list of Hoffman members in his mind, matching this woman with what he knew about them.He had never met her before, but from the way she spoke to the butler and her tone, it was clear her status in the Hoffman household was significant.Although Joseph had not visited the Hoffman residence that many times, he was quite familiar with the family members.The only person he had not met, who was known to be formidable, was Mateo's wife, Clarisse. With a closer look at her attire, Joseph squinted and immediately put the pieces together."Madam Baker, pleased to meet you. I'm Joseph Harris. My wife's a distant relative of the Hoffmans," he said, introducing himself."A distant relative? I've been with the Hoffmans for many years and I've never seen you before," Clarisse replied bluntly.She was telling the truth; she really had not seen Joseph before, and from his appearance alone, she already did not like him."Alright, I don't care
Clarisse glanced at Joseph with a disdainful look. "I'm not helping you; I just find this amusing."Joseph still wore a smile on his face, but inside, he cursed Clarisse. "I still have to thank you, Madam Baker," he said, then looked at James. James' expression was grim, but with Clarisse having spoken, what else could he do? He could not just throw Joseph out."James, aren't you going to fetch Sir Hoffman?""No need!" Mateo's voice came from upstairs. Mateo stood at the top of the stairs, carefully helping Maxwell down."Dad, take it slowly," Mateo urged.Maxwell's sharp eyes briefly rested on Joseph before shifting away. "What brings you here today, Joseph?""Sir Hoffman, it's almost the end of the year, and with the new year approaching, I thought I'd come by to see you. It's been a while. How's your health?""I'm getting old!" Maxwell said as he slowly made his way downstairs with Mateo's support.Once Mateo had seated Maxwell comfortably, he turned to Joseph. "Joseph, pl
He always played the game by his own rules, driven by profit or whim. If he was not into it, nobody could make him budge.Joseph looked down, his gaze growing heavy. "I get where you're coming from, Sir Hoffman. I really didn't want to bug you with this. However, it's about Frotconn's future, and I had to swallow my pride and ask for your help. You have no idea how much we've put into this deal—three months of non-stop prep. Now... Sir Hoffman, if you don't care about the effort, could you at least remember when I saved Mr. Henry Hoffman's kid?"Clarisse, who had been listening all that time, finally got it. Joseph was there to drum up some business. Pushing hard did not work, so he turned to pulling heartstrings. She had figured out her son was not keen on working with Joseph, but since Maxwell had already made a promise, Joseph was in full panic mode, begging Maxwell for a favor."I think you've come here for nothing today. That Mr. Henry Hoffman's daughter you saved? She's not ac
"Clary!" Maxwell cut in, shaking his head with a hint of disapproval. "You can't talk to Joseph like that! Remember, he's the one who saved Layla's life. We, the Hoffmans, owe him for that."Joseph bobbed his head eagerly. "You always see the bigger picture."However, Clarisse just huffed, her eyes rolling over Joseph with clear contempt, and she did not spare Maxwell or Mateo either. "Hold on, it was Henry's family who racked up that debt, not us. Layla's not even a Hoffman anymore. She's Jordan's problem now. If you're looking to settle scores, you're barking up the wrong tree!"Joseph's cheeks burned with embarrassment. "Madam Baker, that's not fair!""Look, it's not your place to tell me if I'm right or wrong. Our opinions don't matter here. If you've got a problem with how things are being handled, take it up with Charles. I'd love to see how he plans to thank you for your 'kindness'!" Clarisse said."Joseph." Maxwell let out a weary sigh. "My daughter-in-law might not have t
Becky was at the top of Janet's buddy list, so for the past three months, any chance Janet got, she would whisk Becky off to hit the shops. Being from the high-rolling Baker family, Janet did not hold back on the spending, showering Becky with all the designer labels. However, as Charles's right-hand woman, Becky was wary about accepting the really pricey stuff. So, when Janet first invited her out, Becky gave Charles the heads-up.Charles cracked open the box and, to his surprise, there was a platinum necklace. It was not the crown jewels or anything, but it was still designer and definitely not cheap. Becky was on the fence. The really ritzy gifts usually went through Ronald before getting to Charles. "Just give it to Becky," Charles said with a shrug, tossing it back. "Keep the friendship going. Becky's got the smarts to know what's cool to say and what's not.""Got it!" Ronald pocketed the necklace. "Mr. Hoffman, Winter's wrapped up her latest gig and she'll probably be back
It was Janet's shot. It was her chance to shine and get some face time with Charles. It was a golden opportunity."If I rock this, Charles has got to notice me. Who knows? He might just take a chance on us," she mused with a hopeful smile.Becky's lips gave a quick, involuntary twitch. She could not help but think Janet was living in a fantasy world. However, Becky kept her cool, her face a mask of calm. "Look, Ms. Scott, could you maybe head back to work? I've got a ton on my plate, and if I don't get through it, I won't have a second to help you out!""Oh, sure, Becky, you do your thing. Um, any chance you could point me in the right direction, or...""You'll find all the records and stuff from past annual meetings over at HR. Why don't you check with them?" Becky suggested helpfully, hoping it might actually be useful to Janet.Once Janet was off on her new mission, Becky let out a relieved sigh and quickly dialed Noelle from the project department. "Ms. Shaw, Mr. Hoffman's ask
"And why shouldn't I be here?" Janet eyed Becky with suspicion. "Besides, HR's out, I heard they're handling some business, and no one's gotten those documents for me." She glanced at Becky, then followed her line of sight to catch a glimpse of a woman slipping into Charles's office. Her gaze sharpened instantly, zeroing in on the door. "Who was that woman who just went in?""What woman?" Becky hesitated, feeling Janet's piercing stare, and quickly regained her composure. "Oh, the woman who entered Mr. Hoffman's office? She's from the project department. Mr. Hoffman asked them to come up to talk about the project." Becky explained, noticing Janet's expression was far from pleased. "Ms. Scott?""Is there just one woman in the project department?""No, there's a bunch," Becky replied, confused. "Ms. Scott, why do you ask?""Who was that who just walked in? What's her name? How's she doing at Collosus Group?" Janet fired off a bunch of questions, and Becky was jolted back to the momen
Sean had originally planned to take Liliana to the school infirmary, but after seeing the severity of her injuries and considering her current state, he knew that going there would only draw unwanted attention.Instead, he called his driver to take them to the hospital, ensuring she could get a proper examination and treatment.The moment Liliana heard the word hospital, she panicked. "I'm not going!"She reached for the car door, intending to get out, but Sean grabbed her wrist. "You're not going to the hospital? Then where do you plan on going? Look at yourself—you're covered in injuries, and you still don't want to get checked out?"Sean genuinely wondered if this girl was an idiot.She had not fought back when she was being beaten, and now that she was injured, she refused medical care?Even so, Liliana could not afford to think about such things. Her circumstances did not allow her to get sick, let alone go to the hospital.During her years with the Hoffmans, the most impor
Liliana became acutely aware of her own disgrace. She hugged herself tightly, her eyes filled with wariness as she looked at the boy in front of her.Sean suddenly found the situation amusing. "Are you afraid of me?"Liliana did not respond, but the look in her eyes said it all.Raising an eyebrow, Sean noticed her tugging at the tattered remains of her clothing. Without another word, he shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. "Do you know where the infirmary is?"She remained silent, and Sean's patience wore thin. "I just saved you. Are you mute?""Thank you," Liliana murmured, then carefully removed the jacket and tried to hand it back. "It'll get dirty."Her voice was small, and her gaze was downcast.She had not forgotten what Sean had said years ago—that she was filthy.Sean's frown deepened, his brows knitting together in irritation. He snatched the jacket back and threw it over her again. "Do you have any idea how terrible you look right now?"Liliana
The girl's face was swollen and bruised, nearly unrecognizable. Her clothes were torn, hanging in tatters, leaving her looking utterly wretched.Sean barely spared her a glance before shifting his gaze away. "A whole group of you bullying a single girl?""That girl is a filthy whore, a homewrecker! We were just—""Shut up!" Jasper shot McKenzie a sharp glare. "Sean is speaking. Who the hell do you think you are to interrupt?"In Jadebrook High School, Sean was like a god.Although he had already completed both middle and high school courses, he was still technically a senior. The school had granted him special privileges due to his exceptional performance, allowing him to attend only when he pleased.He rarely showed up, yet every student feared him.Sean was not someone who sought out trouble or bullied the weak, but if he caught someone doing so, there was no escaping his wrath.Jasper's family had some wealth, but compared to the Smiths, they were nothing. Just recently, his
"Damn it, you little whore! Run! Go on! Try running now!"Jasper yanked the belt tighter, jerking it upward. Liliana's face flushed red as she struggled to breathe.Her once delicate face was covered in handprints, and now, she was being dragged like a dog. Jasper straddled her back, pressing her down with his weight, making her entire body tremble with humiliation and despair."I'm not what you say I am! Let me go! I'll tell the teachers! I'll report you!"Laughter erupted around her."Did you hear that? This little bitch thinks she can tell the teachers!" Jasper sneered, gripping her face roughly before slapping her again. "You really think they'll listen to you?""I'm a Hoffman! I'm Mateo Hoffman's daughter! You can't do this to me! The Hoffmans will come after you!"Liliana shouted at Jasper, her voice hoarse from crying. "Let me go!""Did you hear that?" One of the boys laughed. "She thinks she's Mateo's daughter! That's the funniest thing I've heard all day!""Hoffman? P
At this school, money ruled, and status was power. Liliana was neither.She was cornered against the school's back wall. A group of boys and girls surrounded her with sinister smiles on their faces."Strip. Take it off.""Your mother was a homewrecker. Guess that makes you one too."Laughter erupted around her."Yeah, why do you think they brought you back home? Maybe your mom already taught you how to serve men?""Didn't you hear me? I said take it off!"A girl lounged against a boy with dyed purple hair. She was clearly the leader of the pack. She had streaks of red in her own hair and a cigarette wedged between her fingers.She was McKenzie Lomax, the eldest daughter of the Lomax family. The boy beside her was Jasper Adair, the sixth-grade tyrant of the Adair family.Liliana was in their class, and they bullied her every day. This time, they were taking things further."Liliana, don't be stupid. I told you to strip!" McKenzie's patience snapped. She stomped forward and g
"But I didn't climb up here because I wanted to!" Liliana looked at Sean hesitantly.During her time at the Hoffmans, she had not learned much, but one skill she had picked up was reading people's expressions. The boy's eyes were filled with impatience."Sir, I really didn't wish for this to happen. Please help me down!"Hearing her pitiful voice, Sean pressed his lips together, his face showing an expression far too mature for his age. He did not say anything, but his body language made his thoughts clear—he was utterly annoyed.Even so, he still climbed the tree in a few swift moves, stopping just a short distance from Liliana. Before she could react, he reached out and pulled her toward him with a rough yank.The moment her soft body crashed into his chest, his face turned a deep shade of red. However, in the very next second, he scowled and muttered, "So dirty."Liliana pursed her lips. His words had obviously hurt her.Not only that, but his rough movements had scraped her
"Your mom is a homewrecker, a vixen who destroys other people's families.""You're the daughter of a mistress. My mom says you're an illegitimate child!""We don't want to play with you! My mom says no one wants you because you're just a bastard!""Go away! We don't want to play with someone as dirty as you!"…"Mommy, Mommy, why don't you want me?"Liliana felt so cold.It was her first winter in Brookville after coming from the misty waters of Jacksonville, and the chill seeped deep into her bones.The Hoffman residence was enormous, yet Liliana still felt cold—not just from the weather but from the people. Their gazes were cold and indifferent. Even at school, the way those elite students looked at her was filled with mockery.She was only five when her mother brought her to this bustling metropolis, leading her straight to this grand yet icy mansion.The people here were dressed elegantly, so dazzling that it was impossible to look away. However, when they looked at her a
Even though she loved him deeply now, Noelle still felt as if a part of her memory was missing. It seemed unfair to Charles.Charles simply smiled, lowering his head to place a gentle kiss on the corner of her lips."Alright. Whatever you want to know, I'll tell you." He agreed, his tone warm and unwavering. "But before that, I think we have something more important to do.""What is it?" Noelle looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with a misty glow that made Charles' heart ripple."Our wedding night, of course, Mrs. Hoffman."Noelle's face turned bright red in an instant. "But… we're in a hotel, not Phoenix Tree Residence!""It doesn't matter where we are. As long as I have you, that's all that matters."Tonight, every word Charles spoke was as if dipped in honey, making Noelle's heart race. She stole a shy glance at him. "But… my brother and the others are still outside—""Forget about them."Without another word, Charles scooped her up and carried her straight to the bed, b
"Charlie, I forgot about you. Tell me the truth—are you angry?"Charles sighed. "No, how could I ever be angry with you?"He reached out and gently tucked a strand of Noelle's hair behind her ear. Seeing the seriousness in her eyes, he let out a soft chuckle. "Even if you never remember me for the rest of your life, I still wouldn't be angry.""Really?"Charles nodded.Noelle hesitated for a moment, then mustered the courage to look straight at him. "Charlie… if—just hypothetically—if things between me and Xavier had never gone wrong… If Winter never came between us and I was still with Xavier… What would you have done? Would you have just watched me get engaged to him? Marry him? And then—"Before she could finish, Charles pressed a finger against her lips, silencing her.Noelle blinked and saw that his gaze had deepened. He wrapped his arms tightly around her waist."No. That would never happen," he said firmly. The very thought of her with someone else, marrying someone else