Noelle was stunned for a moment but quickly composed herself. "Hey, Steven!"Steven gave a slight nod, acknowledging Noelle. "Hi, Noelle. Where's Charlie?""Charlie is inside, and Aunt Nancy is here too," Noelle smiled. She then glanced at the young girl, nodding politely. "Steven, who's this?""Elly, aren't you going to greet her?""Ms. Noelle." Eloise's voice was sweet. It was the kind that made her instantly likable, completely different from the cold, hard tone she had used the previous night.Noelle smiled and nodded. "Hello, I'm Noelle Shaw." She then added, "Please come in!"Noelle led Steven and Eloise inside and handed them slippers to change into. "Steven, please go inside. Elly, you too."Noelle guided them to the living room before heading to the kitchen to make tea. Steven approached and squinted slightly as he noticed Nancy sitting on the couch. The woman before him overlapped yet diverged from the person in his memory. "Nancy."His voice was edged with respect. H
"I understand that it might be hard for you to believe me, Nancy. Even when I first saw her, I couldn't believe it either. It's incredible how two people can look so alike," Steven said as he motioned for Eloise to show her arm."I haven't brought Elly back to the Naylor family yet; I wanted you to see her first. You used to hold Elly when she was little, and she had a birthmark on her arm. Do you remember that?""I remember, I do," Nancy nodded, recalling the distinct birthmark that was hard to ignore.Steven gently lifted Eloise's sleeve, revealing her slightly thin arm, which was marred with multiple scars. They were seemingly accumulated over a long time, now healed into marks. Nancy was visibly shaken by the sight of the scars. However, when she saw the heart-shaped birthmark on Eloise's arm, she was finally convinced. "Yes, Elly did have a birthmark like this on her arm when she was little, though it was smaller back then. Are you really Elly?""I don't know," Eloise shook
"There's no misunderstanding. I didn't come here for anything else, just to let Elly and you do a test. You know, even if Elly looks like her biological mother and even if she has a birthmark, that doesn't prove much."Without a proper test, none of it counts. The situation in the Naylor family is quite complex right now, and it's best to avoid getting involved if possible." This was Steven's reasoning.Nancy nodded in understanding. "So, you want me and Eloise to do a test since I'm her aunt? If she truly is Elly, our blood types should match. If she isn't, then you won't bring her back to the Naylor family?"Nancy nodded again, appreciating Steven's thorough thinking. "I understand your intentions, and I don't object. If Elly really is a Naylor, no matter how complicated things are with the Naylor family, she should still acknowledge her roots.""That's exactly my intention," Steven said with a smile. "Although I'm not a Naylor by birth, I was raised in their household, so I shou
"So, Charlie knew about this too? And I'm the only one left in the dark?"When Nancy heard Henry's stubborn remark, she realized he was getting worked up again, which gave her a bit of a headache. "Henry, don't get upset. I didn't do anything wrong. Stevie just came to see me, that's all.""Really?"Nancy was not one to overthink things, but that did not mean Henry was so easily convinced. He squinted his eyes, his gaze fixing on Steven. Steven, in turn, met Henry's eyes calmly, without any hint of defiance."Henry, he's a guest, and besides, Stevie is Charlie's friend!"Henry glanced at Nancy, then softened his intimidating demeanor as he turned his attention to Eloise. "And who's this?""Eloise, come and meet your uncle!""Hello, Uncle Henry!" Eloise greeted Henry politely, though she kept her distance, which actually made Henry think better of her.At least this girl did not seem to have any ulterior motives regarding Nancy. "Where are Charlie and Noelle?""Those two just s
Steven and Henry were playing a game of chess, and the chessboard was one of Charles' prized collections.Charles raised an eyebrow slightly as he helped Noelle walk in. "Where did you find that?"Steven narrowed his eyes. "Charles, you've been hiding this gem?" This chessboard was made of high-quality wood from the Mildfred Era, preserved with various spices and anti-corrosive materials.Charles had originally acquired it from an auction in Capiton, intending to keep it in his collection. He had not expected Steven and Henry to unearth it today.However, Charles was not one to fuss over such things. He glanced casually at the board, noting the intense battle between the players. It was rare to see Steven meet his match in a game.The two had distinctly different styles. Henry was aggressive, with a strategy that pressed forward relentlessly, while Steven was composed and cautious, playing each move with calculated precision.Every advance was a critical maneuver, both for defens
"Alright then!" Nancy set down her teacup. "It smells delicious. I didn't expect you to cook so well, Noelle!""Not at all. It's mostly Charlie cooking. I just help out here and there. Uncle Henry, Aunt Nancy, come this way to wash your hands."With six people around the table, the atmosphere felt especially lively. Although Noelle credited Charles for the meal, Henry and Nancy knew better; Noelle was just being modest.They truly felt Noelle was a good match for Charles, and any worries they had were now fully put to rest.After dinner, Steven left with Eloise, and Noelle and Charles went for a walk outside. Henry helped Nancy upstairs to the guest room.Noelle had prepared the guest room well in advance, and it looked quite cozy. After Nancy showered, she came out with a towel in her hand, and Henry got up to help dry her hair. "This Noelle is really something; it seems like Charlie is serious this time.""When is Charlie not serious? I think he's sharper than any of you. The o
"Cruel?"Steven looked at Eloise as if she had just told a hilarious joke. His eyebrows raised slightly, and a cold smile lingered in his eyes. He stopped the car and turned to face her.Raising his hand, he lifted Eloise's chin. His deep, dark eyes were especially captivating at that moment, like a powerful vortex.Eloise stared into Steven's eyes, finding it increasingly hard to hold her gaze. His long fingers gently grazed her chin, as if he were touching a precious artifact. However, Eloise knew that it was moments like these when Steven was at his most terrifying.Eloise's body trembled slightly as she tried to pull away from Steven's grip, but he spoke, "El, do you remember the first time we met?"Eloise's body shivered uncontrollably at his words. Her lips pressed together tightly as her expression darkened.She could not bear to look at him because once she did, there would be no turning back. "I've forgotten.""How could you forget those memories? It's when we are at ou
Fortunately, Charles, being a considerate leader, realized that Janet's efforts were essentially ineffective and had Ronald send a few people over to help. Though it was a few days late, they managed to get things done in time.Noelle had just finished her project report when she received a call from Charles, summoning her upstairs.As she stepped out of the elevator, she ran into Becky, who looked exhausted and was struggling with a pile of documents. A few papers slipped from Becky's grasp, and Noelle picked them up and handed them back. "Becky, are you okay?""I'm fine," Becky said, shaking her head. "What brings you up here today, Ms. Shaw?"Noelle waved the document in her hand. "The latest project report. I need Mr. Hoffman to review it.""Oh, Mr. Hoffman's inside," Becky said with a faint smile. "But be careful; he doesn't seem to be in the best mood today."Noelle nodded and gave a quick thumbs-up. "Thanks for the heads-up!""No problem. You go ahead. I need to get back
This wedding was nothing short of spectacular. Every moment was meticulously recorded by a dedicated team, with cameras set up throughout the venue to capture every detail of the ceremony from all angles.Charles and Noelle barely had a moment to rest as they moved from table to table, toasting guests with endless glasses of wine. The atmosphere remained lively and joyous deep into the night. It was not until the early hours of the morning that Noelle finally helped Charles to a private lounge on the second floor of the hotel.Though many had stepped in to shield them from excessive drinking, there was no avoiding the celebratory nature of the occasion. The alcohol had inevitably taken its toll. After settling Charles onto the couch, Noelle fetched some honey water and a warm towel before returning to his side.Charles lay slightly on his side, propping his chin up with one hand. Noelle sat beside him and handed him the towel, but he did not reach for it.Sighing, she called soft
Sean clicked his tongue, shaking his head in amusement. "Charles, your body is here, but your heart is clearly somewhere else."Then, as if making an even bigger discovery, he gestured toward a spot not far away. "Oh, I say, Charles, this is a real crisis. See that?"With the enthusiasm of someone who thrived on drama, Sean pointed at Noelle and Grant. "I don't know, man. That guy doesn't look like he's here with good intentions."Charles raised an eyebrow, his gaze darkening as it settled on Noelle and Grant. He gripped his glass a little tighter, but his eyes refused to move away from them. Still, his words were dismissive. "He's just another big brother-in-law. That's all.""Yeah, right. Just admit it—he's a strong rival."The second Sean finished speaking, he felt an icy stare pierce through him. Charles' glare was sharp enough to cut. "Hmm? What did you just say?""Nothing!" Sean swallowed hard, instantly backtracking. Dear god, a jealous man was terrifying!"You think he's
Grant's eyes carried too many emotions—too many things unspoken. Noelle could not fully understand, but she could sense that there was something significant behind his words.The diary in her hands had to hold something important that was possibly related to the past she had forgotten. Perhaps they were the lost pieces of her memory that she had always assumed were not crucial.She had assumed so because otherwise, she would have recalled them after all these years. Besides, they had not seemed to affect her life in any meaningful way.Over time, she had gradually let go of the idea of remembering.Yet now, with Grant handing her this diary, an unsettling feeling crept over her as if she had forgotten something incredibly important—something she could not afford to lose.Holding the diary tightly, Noelle felt a strange mix of emotions that she could not quite describe.She hesitated before murmuring, "Thank you."In the end, she did not ask Grant where he had gotten the diary. I
"Alright!" Charles took the glass from Bob's hand and downed it in one go.Standing beside him, Noelle opened her mouth slightly and reached out to tug at Charles' arm. "Charlie… Take it easy!"With so many guests around, Charles had already had quite a bit to drink. If they kept pushing more onto him, how would he handle it?Noelle looked at him with concern, but Charles simply smiled and gently patted the back of her hand. "I'm fine.""Oh, wow, are you showing off your love for each other right in front of us? Are you trying to make us single folks suffer?"Simon chimed in, fueling the lively atmosphere. He had always been the laid-back type, and now, paired with Sean, the two seemed to hit it off instantly. They were like long-lost partners in crime. They exchanged a knowing glance, clearly set on making Charles drink more.Noelle wanted to say something, but seeing the calm look Charles gave her, she hesitated and eventually let them have their fun.With that, Charles was dr
Charles opened the gift box, revealing a pair of crystal flats. Noelle was surprised, but before she could react, Charles had already removed her heels and was carefully helping her into the new shoes.Gasps of astonishment rippled through the crowd, and Noelle could not help but feel a little embarrassed. However, Charles remained completely focused, his movements gentle and precise as he secured the flats on her feet before helping her stand again.The moment Noelle stood up, she immediately felt much more comfortable. However, a new problem arose.Her wedding gown had been tailored for the height of her heels, and now, with the flats, she had suddenly lost nearly three inches. It caused the hem of her dress to drag awkwardly on the floor. It looked far from elegant.Noelle shot a troubled look at Charles. Without hesitation, he crouched down once more. With a few effortless movements, he gathered the outer layers of her gown, tying them into a casual knot at the side.Noelle's
"Grandpa, Granddad!" Noelle called out, holding Charles's hand as they approached. Sebastian waved them over, "Noelle, come to my side!" Holding Charles's hand, Noelle walked up to Sebastian and let go to hug his arm, "Granddad!""There's my sweet girl!" Sebastian's eyes twinkled with joy as he looked at Noelle and Charles.Charles's lips were always tipped with a gentle smile, and he joined Noelle, saying, "Granddad!""Yes, wonderful!"Finally, the big day came—a wedding with a beautiful ceremony.Sebastian was really proud of Charles, his star student. Then, Noelle married Charles, and Sebastian felt a huge relief, as if a weight had been lifted from his heart.Sebastian felt a little sad thinking about Noelle getting married for real. He pulled a small box from his pocket and said, "Your grandma got this from her family when she was alive. Now, I want you to have it!""No, I can't take this!" Noelle said quickly when she heard it was from her grandma.However, Sebastian sh
"Wow, I can't believe that just happened!""Look at that! Charles is actually so considerate and gentle—it’s hard to believe!”Charles slipped the crystal shoes onto Noelle's feet and then scooped her up in his arms. With that, the noisy crowd made their way out of the place.Outside the place, a line of fancy cars waited. People climbed in, and they all set off for the hotel.As the luxury cars rolled away from the Smith residence, reporters followed, eager to capture every moment of the spectacle.Even though the Hoffmans and the Smiths had told the press to stay out of certain areas, they could not stop them from snapping pictures on the public streets. So, the day's big moments ended up all over the internet.In front of the hotel run by the Nexus Group, car after car pulled up and parked. The whole street had been cleared out just for today's wedding party.Charles, looking sharp in his white suit, stepped out of the car and turned his back to the door. A pretty figure in w
The church was alive with love and happiness, the air buzzing with laughter, congratulations, and heartfelt connections. For a moment, Charles stood still, holding Noelle’s hand, soaking in the overwhelming joy that surrounded them. It wasn’t just the ceremony that made the day special—it was the people they loved, the memories they’d shared, and the future they were about to build together.As the crowd slowly began to disperse, the newlyweds, still smiling and basking in the glow of their love, made their way out of the church, ready to begin the rest of their lives together.Just then, the bridesmaids—Kelly, Liliana and Linda—and the groomsmen—Sean, Peter, and the others—emerged from the church. They were all smiling, but especially Sean, who had his usual carefree, playful attitude. He walked up behind Charles as if he were about to give him a friendly shove.However, before Sean could do anything else, it was obvious that Charles was not pleased with him at all. With a quick mo
Meanwhile, Charles caught sight of his mother, Clarisse and father, Mateo, both of them beaming with pride. Clarisse's eyes were bright with tears as she dabbed at them with a tissue, while Mateo's face was etched with a quiet, proud smile."Charles!" Clarisse called out, her voice thick with emotion. She was barely holding it together, and her hands trembled as she waved him over for a hug. Charles went to her, his heart swelling, and pulled her into his arms. "I'm so proud of you," she whispered, and the emotion in her voice made his chest tighten. He pulled back, giving her a soft smile, and then hugged Mateo, who patted him on the back."Don't you go breaking her heart, Charles," Mateo said with a wink, making everyone nearby laugh. It was a comment Charles had heard many times before, but today, it carried a deeper, more heartfelt meaning.He turned to Noelle, and she smiled at him, her eyes crinkling at the corners in that way he loved. Her parents were waiting for her, and