"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
"It's not that. I went to Royal Star to ask about it, but the person in charge still hasn't provided a definitive list," Becky said, pausing for a moment."Royal Star has promoted two promising newcomers over the past two years, but Mr. Wells said they lack the necessary experience. I haven't made any final decisions yet. Mr. Hoffman, do you have any suggestions?""Let Ronald handle the selection himself. You don't need to worry about this matter," Charles replied.At Royal Star Entertainment, the news about Collosus Group's year-end party had also reached them. The producer Ruby was in a meeting with other senior members and key figures at Royal Star.Every year, Royal Star sends a few of their artists to support Collosus Group's event, and being chosen to participate was a sign of favor from the parent company. Many artists eagerly vie for the opportunity, but only a few are selected.This year's proposed list included Royal Star's top artist, Brielle, and newly signed talent, L
"But is this information accurate?" Winter asked."Of course, it is! Ronald has already gone to meet with the higher-ups, probably to discuss this very matter. With Collosus' year-end party just around the corner, they need to finalize the list soon."That's why I rushed to get you here—you must seize this opportunity," Jane explained, glancing at Suzy, who stood silently in the corner. Suzy's appearance caught Jane's eye, but she quickly composed herself. "Suzy, don't you agree with me?""Huh?" Suzy was startled by Jane's sudden question and looked at Winter. "Winter, I think Jane makes sense. We should use this chance to make an appearance at Collosus Group. Didn't you mention something about Frotconn before…?""Alright!" Winter remembered the situation and nodded immediately. "I'll participate, but what about the finalized list?""I heard Brielle and Lara are on it, but I'm not sure about the others. Winter, you have great looks, and you've built up a solid fanbase. If it weren
When Ronald came out of Royal Star, he saw two people standing next to his car in the parking lot, one was Jane, and the other was Suzy.Playing with his car keys, he looked at them with interest. "What are you two doing waiting by my car?""Mr. Wells!" Jane and Suzy both recognized Ronald, given that he was one of Charles' trusted people.Ronald raised an eyebrow slightly. "Got something to discuss with me?""Mr. Wells, could we have a word?" Being accustomed to dealing with such situations, Jane glanced around before speaking. "It's about Collosus Group's year-end party. I'd like to discuss it with you.""Collosus Group's year-end party? It seems like you have a couple of informers, Ms. Gordon!" Ronald chuckled and spun his car keys. "How did you find out?""I have my sources. I just wanted to ask you whether the list of participants has been finalized yet, Mr. Wells," Jane said as she handed over a stuffed envelope to Ronald.Ronald, however, merely smirked and did not take t
"Hmm." Winter nodded, giving Suzy's hand a quick squeeze. "You understand me. I've got to stop by Xavier's company later, so I can't hang with you all. Just let me out at the next corner, okay?""Sure!"Once Winter stepped out, sunglasses on and in disguise, Suzy's smile vanished. She settled into her seat, quiet as a mouse.Jane noticed Suzy's quick switch from cheery to serious. "I thought you and Winter were close?"Suzy turned to her. "Of course. You know that, right? We've always been super close!" However, as she spoke, her face told a different story.Jane arched an eyebrow, sensing something off, but she was not about to dive into that drama. "Whatever's going on with you and Winter, just keep me out of it.""Don't worry, Jane. I'm not one to start trouble. Besides, I'm Winter's pal. Everything I do, I do for Winter's sake."Jane gave Suzy a long, hard look, shook her head a little, and dropped the topic.They followed Ronald's car until they pulled up at a restaurant.
Linda's big, sparkling eyes glimmered with mischief as she smiled at Jeremy.Jeremy suddenly felt a chill run down his spine. His gut told him this little girl was full of schemes. "No way. Mr. Lennon specifically said I can't untie you!""But I'm still a minor! I'm just a little kid! You've tied me up too tightly. Look at my wrists, they're red and bruised!" Linda blinked her eyes pitifully. Her expression was almost heartbreakingly innocent as she stared at Jeremy.Jeremy, however, was completely unfazed. He was like a blind man ignoring her performance. "Nope. Without Mr. Lennon's orders, you're staying tied up like this."Linda quickly changed her approach. "Oh, big guy, don't be like that!"Seeing Jeremy about to leave, she tried to lunge at him. However, with her hands tied, she could not grab onto him. Jeremy instinctively stepped aside, and Linda ended up falling flat onto the ground with a loud thud."Oh, my chest! My flat chest is going to cave in!" Linda shouted, glari
Jeremy's laughter froze on his face, and his head started to throb as he stared at the girl before him. "You're so young. Why do you have to say such mean things?""If you don't like it, just cover your ears. I didn't ask you to listen!" Linda rolled her eyes. "Hey, what do you want with me anyway? I'm not worth your trouble. If you want my brother, go find him. Leave me out of it!"Linda yelled at Peter, but he ignored her and went into the room, giving Jeremy a knowing look. Linda's eyes bulged in disbelief as Peter left her there, shouting and finally bursting into tears. Still, Peter did not come back out.Jeremy massaged his forehead. He would not have let Linda be if he had not heard Peter call her Ms. Holt and guessed she might be connected to the Holt family, especially since she mentioned her brother. He sighed and looked at her. "Listen, young lady, Mr. Lennon isn't going to bother with you.""Mr. Lennon? Who cares about Mr. Lennon? Pah!" Linda was too angry to care. "Jus
"If you won't lead me to Saxon, then you're coming with me!"With that, Peter grabbed Linda, restrained her, and tied her up in the vehicle.Linda felt like crying, but no tears came. On the other hand, Peter did not seem to care about being gentle or kind. He gave Linda a quick look, then grabbed the cloth bag she was holding and tossed it to the ground."Hey! That's everything to me! You... You..."Before Linda could say more, Peter covered her mouth. "Ms. Holt, if you won't lead me to Mr. Holt, then you'll just have to come with me.""Go?" Where were they going?Linda's mouth was covered, and she could barely make a sound.Peter tied Linda up good and tight, then casually picked up a cigarette and held it between his fingers, looking at Linda with interest. "The Holt family just lost a daughter. What do you think they'll do?"Linda's eyes went wide. She could not believe this man could be so low and vile.Peter saw the look in her eyes. He tapped his finger on the window si
Linda had that idea to study the same thing as Saxon and prove she was just as good, if not better. However, things did not go as planned. She had been waiting for a group of people, and when they finally showed up, they were all killed.Stuck with no other choice, Linda started to examine the bodies. What she did not expect was that someone would notice her so quickly. She had worked so hard on her disguise. How could that man see through it right away?Linda felt like crying but had no tears left. "Listen, mister, there are so many people you could catch, why are you after me?"She scratched her head, on the brink of a meltdown. "I can't let my brother find out I'm here, or I'm dead!"There was no way she could bring Peter to Saxon, she would be in big trouble if she did.Peter had finally found someone connected to Saxon, and he was not about to let her slip away that easily. "Do you know how to heal?"Linda eyed Peter warily, unsure of his intentions. Peter was amused by her
The kid shivered when he saw Peter's piercing eyes. "I don't know where he is!""You're lying!" Peter said, spinning a scalpel in his hand with a smile that did not reach his cold eyes. "If you don't take me, let's see if you can run faster than my knife can fly!"Peter pretended to throw the knife at the kid, who shook with fear and quickly gave in. "I'll take you!"Peter raised an eyebrow and put the knife away. "Move it!"The kid did not know who Peter was, but after seeing what he could do, he did not dare say no. "Not just anyone can meet Mr. Holt!""Oh, really?""Yes!""Where are you from, sir?" the kid asked Peter in Spanyric."Zyphonia!" Peter answered, then looked at the kid and said, "You've been hiding behind that mask for a long time. Isn't it time to take it off?"Surprised, the kid did not react fast enough, and Peter quickly pulled off the mask, revealing a young and innocent face underneath.She had a soft and detailed face, like that of a girl around fifteen
Peter covered his mouth with a handkerchief, crouched down, and with his trusty military knife, he flipped over a body to take a closer look. To his surprise, he found some strange marks on the body, like a secret code.He squinted his eyes and checked the other bodies. They all had the same mysterious marks.With a chill in his gaze, Peter stood up, cleaned off his knife, and hopped into his car. He followed the path the kid had taken just moments before.Bodies were everywhere, and only a few people were still alive. Most were in shock, and some were rescue workers.However, Peter's sharp eyes quickly spotted a group of people and zeroed in on the kid. Something told Peter that the kid was in trouble. He got out of the car fast and followed the kid's tracks.That kid was no regular Joe. He knew he was being followed after just a few hundred feet and started dodging through the town littered with bodies.Peter's smile grew. He was getting more and more curious about that little
"I know, but Noelle, I had no other way. He put a virus in you. Do you understand what that means?" Charles's piercing eyes softened a bit. "You know I couldn't just do nothing. I couldn't stand to see you in pain!""But my sister is innocent too!" Noelle inhaled deeply. "What if that man didn't care about my sister? Isn't doing this like throwing her into a fire?" Noelle could barely imagine what had become of Kelly then.Noelle had seen that man before, and she knew just how harsh and mean he could be. They had only talked for a little bit, and she did not really get to know him, but she could tell he was the type of person who would do anything to get what he wanted.He was the kind of guy who would put a virus in people like Tania and Bran, and even in women and kids like her. Noelle was scared to think about what he might do to her sister, Kelly."Noelle, you've got to believe me!" Charles pleaded.However, Noelle shook her head. "It's not that I don't believe you. It's just.
Kelly was gone. The day after she vanished, little Seth cried his heart out because he could not see her. Tania and Nancy tried everything to calm him down, but nothing worked. They had no choice but to tell Charles about the situation.Noelle and Kelly could have been twins. They were so alike. That was why everyone thought it would be a good idea for Seth to meet Noelle. However, Charles was dead set against it, and nobody had ever seen him so stubborn.Nancy and Clarisse were in the dark about the whole thing, but Tania knew the score. There had not been a peep from Peter lately, and Tania was getting worried that something bad had happened.That day, Tania and Bran headed to the hospital. Charles had moved all his work there, and Ronald was dealing with everything, big and small, right in the hospital.Charles kept Noelle out of the loop, though. She figured she was just there because they had not gotten her sickness under control yet. She knew she had a virus, so she went alon
"What's the matter? Is looking at me enough to fill you up?"Yves turned to Kelly, pulling out a chair and sitting beside her. His long fingers picked up the silverware and served her the meal. "Eat up. Isn't this your favorite?"Her favorite?Kelly stared back at Yves, her gaze frosty. "Do you even know what I like?"Yves put his hands down and gazed at Kelly. "What's wrong? Don't you like the food?" Without waiting for her answer, he quickly summoned the two servants from earlier. "Madam doesn't like the food. You know I don't keep anything around that isn't useful.""Please, madam, have mercy! Sir, have mercy!" The servants' faces turned ghostly white as they stood stiffly on the marble floor, apologizing repeatedly. Kelly's heart raced with fear. "Stop, please. I'll eat, okay? Isn't that enough?"She bowed her head and started gobbling up the food, scared that Yves, who she thought was crazy, might do something unpredictable if he got upset.Kelly could not see the slight