"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
"What's wrong?" Charles looked up. "Is there something wrong?""It's nothing serious, just that people downstairs have been talking about it. Everyone says the company doesn't seem to care much about the year-end party this year."Besides Becky, Janet hasn't done much at all." Noelle didn't have any major issues with Janet, but she felt that since Janet was now an employee at Collosus Group, she should complete the tasks assigned to her.Noelle might have overestimated Janet; she seemed too accustomed to her privileged life to handle these tasks. "It just seems like Becky's been really exhausted lately. She's doing all this heavy work by herself.""So, what are you suggesting, Nelly?" Charles chuckled. "Becky is my secretary. I know her capabilities, so don't worry about it. As for Janet, I'll find a time to let her go, but not just yet. It's the end of the year, after all, and we should still leave the Bakers with a bit of dignity.""Don't misunderstand me; whether you send her a
Noelle? Becky was stunned for a moment. Could Janet have just seen Noelle?"They're just in a superior-subordinate relationship, Ms. Shaw only comes to Mr. Hoffman's office when he has business with her. Under normal circumstances, Ms. Shaw wouldn't even be on the 27th floor. Ms. Baker, are you misunderstanding something?" Becky feigned ignorance.Janet, however, gritted her teeth. "Misunderstanding? Why doesn't he call anyone else? Why does Charles always have her come over?""Ms. Baker, Mr. Hoffman usually calls up people from downstairs when he needs something, and it's not just Ms. Shaw.""But she's the only woman!" No matter what Becky said, Janet felt that Noelle was different from everyone else. Maybe it was a woman's intuition, but every time Janet saw Noelle in Charles' office, she felt extremely uncomfortable."I don't care, you investigate her for me. Noelle must be up to no good. If you find any dirt on her, let me know right away. We have to get that woman out of Coll
"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