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
Janet hovered by the car door, peering into the car like a detective on the trail.Noelle had just settled into the seat and was straightening up, her fingers reaching for her phone to call Charles when a sudden shadow made her jump. She twisted around and came face-to-face with Janet's face, magnified and almost plastered against the window.Noelle's breath hitched, her heart pounding as she clutched her phone tighter. Janet's intense and unblinking eyes bore into hers through the glass.Noelle was petrified, forgetting that the window was tinted. Though she could see outside, Janet could not see inside. Her heart was racing so fast it felt like it was about to jump out of her mouth. She gulped, convinced that Janet had spotted her. However, after an agonizing wait, Janet did not make a move. She just straightened up, leaned casually against the car, and started fiddling with her phone out of sheer boredom.It was only then that Noelle let out a sigh of relief, remembering that
Janet came from a world where everything was sunshine and rainbows. No one ever dared to cross her with harsh words. However, with Charles, it was like he had a knack for breaking her heart over and over.Holding back tears, Janet pouted. "Charles, you've got it all wrong. I just wanted to head back with you. That's all!""All I see is your money and nothing more.""Charles, what's that supposed to mean?" Janet's face lost all color. "I can't understand what you're saying!""You don't want to get it. That's the problem." Charles's frown deepened, his gaze growing intense. "You’re playing dumb, but you know exactly what I’m saying.”Janet's face turned even whiter, her lip quivering. "Charles, how can you be so cruel? I thought I meant...""I've been biting my tongue because you're a Baker, but don't push it. I've shown your family plenty of respect, but if you start taking advantage, don't expect me to play nice. Step aside!" With a scowl, Charles cut the conversation short, do
Charles gripped the steering wheel so hard his knuckles turned white. Janet's words had hit him like a punch, and he was seething.Noelle gently took his clenched hand, her touch soothing. It was like magic. The storm inside him quieted. He was like a raging lion, teetering on the brink of an outburst, but she managed to reel him back in.Charles glanced at Noelle, her worried eyes locked on him. He sighed. "You're not mad?""Why would I be mad?" Noelle's voice was calm, and she gave a small laugh. "You shouldn't be mad either.""I was afraid you'd be bothered by her!" He was genuinely concerned that Janet's claims would unsettle Noelle.Noelle quirked an eyebrow. "What do you take me for? Why would I be bothered? You're mine now. She's the one who should be worried."With a playful grin, Noelle added, "Actually, I should be thanking Janet. Who knew you cared about me so much?"He raised an eyebrow. "You mean you haven't noticed everything I've done for you?"Charles let out a
Noelle found them a quiet corner to settle down in. The class bell had rung not long ago, so the place was buzzing with students, mostly in small groups, full of life and laughter.Suddenly, Noelle felt a twinge of envy for those college kids, thinking back to her own university days that had slipped away.It was a popular restaurant, and even with wait staff on deck, they were stretched thin. Noelle and Charles waited patiently before they finally got to order their meal.The place was a hit with students and teachers because they could always count on getting a mountain of food. Noelle could still remember their first visit when they ordered way too much and ended up stuffed to the gills with leftovers in tow back to the dorm.That time around, Noelle kept it simple with just two dishes and a soup. She glanced at Charles. “Do you think that’s enough? Want to grab anything else?"She slid the menu his way, but Charles just waved it off with a smile. "We're good!" He was never one
Noelle skipped along, her steps light and playful, which might have looked a bit silly to anyone watching. However, she was in her own little bubble of happiness. "Charles.""Yeah?"Charles made a sound of acknowledgment but did not turn around. "What's up?""Nothing. I just felt like saying your name." She was basking in the quiet moment. It was strange. Although she and Charles had only known each other for six months, it felt like they had known each other for much longer, almost like an old married couple. "Hey, what movie did Ronald end up booking for us?""I'm not sure. I told him to choose anything that fits our schedule!" Charles finally looked at her. "Or are you not in the mood for a movie?"Noelle bit her lip thoughtfully. "To be honest, there doesn't seem to be anything great playing right now.""Then let's skip it," Charles decided with ease. "Where would you like to go instead?""I've got no idea." Noelle shook her head, a little smile on her face. "We should just
Noelle could not help but giggle, swatting Charles's hand away. "You're such a charmer. But hey, it's getting late. Since we're skipping the movie, let's head on home."Time had flown by, and they had been strolling by the river for almost an hour. The place was alive with people bustling about, and the streetlights had come to life, casting a warm glow on the water. There was something about the early winter evening that felt almost magical.It had been ages since Noelle felt so calm and content. Her life used to be a whirlwind of travel, never staying put for long. Even with Xavier's support back then, she had often felt overwhelmed by the Shaw family. However, with Charles, his strength seemed to wash away her insecurities, making every awkward moment disappear. With him, she was sure she would never lose her way again."What's on your mind?"Charles squeezed Noelle's hand, noticing her distant gaze.Snapping back to the present, Noelle spotted a young couple on the bridge, wal
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