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.
Ronald's words might not seem so heavy at first, but if she listened carefully, Jane would catch the undertone. She quickly added, "Mr. Wells, I didn't mean anything by it. Winter is my artist, so of course I want the best for her."Ronald gave a nod. "Ms. Gordon, go back and wait for some good news."Jane's eyes sparkled at that. "Thank you, Mr. Wells.""Don't thank me!" Charles had made it crystal clear: Winter definitely had to be at the annual meeting. Ronald could not help but wonder if Noelle was the reason behind that non-negotiable appearance.The dinner itself was uneventful, with Jane and Suzy treading lightly around each other. Once the plates were cleared and Jane had rushed off for some emergency, Suzy lingered, her gaze flitting towards Ronald. She was clearly holding back words that were fighting to spill out.Ronald set aside his napkin and narrowed his eyes. "Ms. Atherton, is there something on your mind?""Mr. Wells, why are you giving Winter this chance? If she
Ronald handed Charles the list from Royal Star Entertainment. Winter's name was nowhere to be found. Charles glanced at it and tossed it aside. "So, nobody at Royal Star Entertainment is into Winter, huh?"Ronald shook his head. "Winter’s like a lone wolf. She barely hangs out with the Royal Star crowd. She's too proud to learn from the veterans and too aloof for the newbies. Honestly, it's a wonder she's lasted this long in showbiz. It must be her agent's doing, because Winter wouldn’t last long alone."Charles smirked. "Well, let's shake things up. Add her to the list. Throw in Brielle and Lara, as well as... this one." He pointed at a random name. "I heard Winter's agent's been knocking on your door."Ronald's mouth twisted in surprise. "Mr. Hoffman, you've got eyes everywhere!" He had not even reported it yet, but somehow, Charles was already in the loop.Charles glanced up, giving Ronald an indifferent look. "Ruby was about to head downstairs to find you when she spotted Winte
"But the way you treat Nancy...""Look, how I treat my Aunt Nancy is my choice. She's my uncle's wife, and she practically raised me. I see nothing wrong about being good to her now. Don't forget you were the one who walked away from me when I was little, Mom. So, don't expect too much now. No matter what, you're still my mother in the Hoffman family records, and that's not changing.""Charles!" A shiver ran down Clarisse's spine at his words. She was terrified that he might say something even more cutting."Mom, if there's nothing else, I've got work to do. I can't stay on the phone.""Charles!" Clarisse caught him just in time. "After all these years, can't you find it in your heart to forgive me? I'm back and trying to make things right now. I am your mother, Charles. Everything I've done has been for you. Can't you forgive me? Please let me...""Mom, what are you trying to say?"Becky had just knocked and stepped into the room when Charles gestured for her to hold off on spea
Brandon wiggled in Peter's arms, pouting as he protested, "No way, Daddy! I missed you so much that I couldn't even eat properly. Daddy, feel my cheeks—they've lost all their chubby cuteness!"Peter smirked coldly and pinched Brandon's cheek. "You've gotten chubbier.""Daddy, if you keep saying that, I'm going to be mad!" Brandon huffed, crossing his arms in a dramatic show of anger."Alright, Daddy's had a long flight and must be tired," Tania interjected with a sigh. "Come here, sweetie. I'll carry you!"She reached out to take Brandon, but Peter shook his head. "I'll carry him."Though Brandon pretended to be upset, he was clearly delighted to be held by Peter. He grinned and asked, "Daddy, you've been away for so many days. Did you miss Mommy and me?""I did.""Oh my gosh!" Outside the car, Linda's jaw dropped as she stared through the window at the family. Jeremy held her by the collar like she was a disobedient puppy."Oh, my idol! How could you be so gentle? Is that your
"To save someone.""Save someone? I can do that too! My medical skills are exceptional, way better than my brother's!" Linda puffed up her chest confidently. "Leave it to me!""You?" Jeremy raised an eyebrow in disbelief. Looking at Linda, who seemed no older than 16. She hardly looked like someone with any medical expertise.Peter, however, took her words seriously and gave Linda a closer look. "You're saying you know medicine?""Of course, I do! Didn't you see what I was doing yesterday? I was extracting viruses from those people. Don't think the Holts only have my brother, Saxon, as their star! I'm great too!""Fine. If that's the case, you'll come back to the country with me," Peter replied without a trace of doubt.Peter did not question Linda's claims. After all, the Holts were a family of renowned medical practitioners. It was not surprising that Linda would possess such skills.Since Saxon could not be located, bringing Linda back seemed like a sensible plan. Her skills
Linda's wide eyes sparkled with admiration as she stared at Peter, her face full of awe. "Peter, you're amazing! You're even better than my brother!"Peter frowned, his expression as cold as ice as he looked at Linda.Jeremy slapped his forehead, thinking to himself, 'This girl must be an idiot!'Of course, he did not dare say it out loud. Instead, he held back his laughter and glanced at Peter.He had wanted to warn Peter earlier that this Linda girl was not normal. Ever since she learned Peter's identity the day before, she had been acting completely out of the ordinary."Ms. Holt, I'll need you to come back to the country with me," Peter said flatly."Okay, sure!" Linda immediately jumped to her feet. "Peter, wherever you go, I'll follow. You don't have to worry. If you tell me to do something, I won't even have other thoughts!"Peter was utterly baffled."You really must be an idiot." Peter's words were sharp and unfiltered.Tania had experienced Peter's sharp tongue first
Now that they had Linda as leverage, Saxon would undoubtedly come. Even if Saxon did not show up, someone from the Holts certainly would.As the only girl among the Holts' younger generation, Linda was extraordinarily pampered. It was said that the Holts spoiled her to the heavens. Otherwise, how could Linda have dared to come to a war-torn place like Francoria on her own?Peter truly had no qualms. Despite Linda being just a girl, he had gone so far as to tie her up.…The next day, when Jeremy went to check on Linda, he found her with her hands still tied behind her back.Surprisingly, she was not struggling. Instead, she lay on the bed like a log, completely motionless. She did not even notice Jeremy entering the room.The truth was that Linda had been utterly exhausted. Since arriving in Francoria, she had been constantly on edge and was unable to relax. While she might be a member of the Holts, no one cared about your family name in a war zone.Linda valued her life and had
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