"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
However, this year was different. Janet was in the picture, and Becky had a feeling that if she were to dance with Charles as usual, Janet might not take it well—to put it mildly. More importantly, Becky had a nagging feeling that Charles had changed. She could not tell if it was just her imagination, but she was pretty sure that Charles had someone else in mind for this year's opening dance.Charles's mood had been pretty downcast, but Becky's words were like a switch flipping on a light. His eyebrow quirked up, and he shot her a look of approval. "What do you think?""I think we need to shake things up this year. Mr. Hoffman, you and I dance every year. It's kind of become predictable." Becky let out a small laugh, and when she noticed Charles did not seem upset, she relaxed and went on. "Do you have anyone in mind, Mr. Hoffman?"He looked at her, signaling her to continue. Becky inhaled deeply. "Mr. Hoffman, you're a catch. Lots of women at the company think so. What if we did a
"It's their wedding anniversary," Charles said with a grin. "Aunt's not feeling too great, so Uncle doesn’t want to take her out. They're keeping it low-key at home. Let's not crash their cozy date night."Uncle Henry, Charles's uncle, was notorious for spoiling his wife Nancy rotten. Even after over twenty years of marriage, his love for her had not faded one bit. Charles could not help but admire their relationship.Noelle had not known Henry and Nancy for very long, but she had gotten to know them well ever since the couple moved into Phoenix Tree Residence. She had witnessed their unwavering support and devotion to each other.With Nancy's health on the rocks, Henry had been her pillar of support, giving her his undivided attention. It was a rare kind of love, and Noelle was relieved that Nancy had Henry by her side."Okay, we'll grab dinner out today," Noelle decided. It was Henry and Nancy's anniversary, after all, and she and Charles would not dream of intruding. That just w
"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