The more Noelle thought about last night—how Julian had drugged her and Xavier had been in on it—the more she felt sick to her stomach, as if she had swallowed a fly. It was disgusting.Even with Xavier and Winter together, she had not thought about getting back at them. However, they seemed obsessed with tearing her down, even willing to trade her to a guy like Simon for cash.Noelle could not bear to think about what might have happened if Simon had... or if Charles had not shown up just in time to get her out of there. What then?It was her Grandpa's birthday party, with the Shaw family hosting a ton of high-society types. If anyone had caught her in a room with a guy doing who-knows-what, she would have kissed her reputation and her whole life goodbye.What was Xavier even trying to say? Was he actually worried about himself? Could he be?"Noelle, please open the door and hear me out. I honestly have no clue what went down yesterday. Winter told me you were gone, and that your
"What happened to me? Oh, please. I've always been this way. You never knew the real me, or maybe you just never bothered to!" Noelle's laugh was cold as she cut off Xavier's words. "We've had nothing to talk about for ages. I haven't forgotten what went down last night. I'm not some puppet you can play with. Go tell Winter to watch her back. If she slips up, I'll make her wish she'd never crossed me."Noelle was not the type to be cold and unfeeling; she would not have turned this way if they had not pushed her to the limit.After her outburst, Noelle rubbed at her eyes, her head hung low, and she forced a bitter smile. No matter how much her parents played favorites, she used to just get over it. She was great at making her own fun, or she would just hang out with her Grandpa, playing chess. Her Grandpa always said chess was a great way to calm down the mind.Noelle tried to tell herself that her parents just wanted her to learn to stand on her own two feet. Then she saw how they
"What's so great about him, huh? Do you even know him, Noelle? You've barely met the guy. I know you're trying to tick me off because of the whole thing with your sister, but this isn't the way to do it, Noelle.""That's it, Xavier. Leave now, or I'm calling the cops."Noelle was fed up with Xavier's rant. She might not know Charles inside and out, but at least he was honest and would not hurt her.She was done with Xavier's drama. Dragging this out would help no one. Xavier could be as stubborn as a mule, refusing to back down. Even after Noelle told him off, he would not budge, just kept shouting her name outside. Some nosy neighbors even threw in their two cents.Feeling trapped, Noelle decided to ignore him.Meanwhile, Xavier, getting no response from Noelle, grew even more furious. "Noelle, open up! We need to talk. You think running away will fix things?""Sir, do you live here?"After what felt like an eternity, two cops showed up and eyed Xavier. "We have received compla
Noelle started packing up her stuff. It was just a rental, but she had accumulated a ton of things over time. If she was serious about this move, waiting until the third day to start packing would have been foolish. Decision made, Noelle got down to business, tossing out the junk and keeping what mattered. It was a full day's work.Meanwhile, Xavier was totally blindsided. He could not believe Noelle had actually called the cops on him, and that they had just scoffed at his name, totally unimpressed. Dropping the Hoffman family name did not work either. The cops had said, "Even if Mr. Hoffman himself showed up, we'd still play it by the book!" Little did Xavier know that Mr. Hoffman was the reason the cops were there in the first place. There was no way they were going to let him off easy.Xavier had had no other option but to ring up Winter. The moment Winter caught wind that Xavier was with the police, she dashed there without a second thought. Xavier had just wrapped up his sta
It all had been going so well. Even the prestigious Hoffman family had taken a liking to her. Winter had felt like she had Noelle right where she wanted her, squashed under her heel. Now, Xavier's words were throwing her for a loop. Noelle could not have a sugar daddy!"Xavier, are you for real? But that's just not Noelle!""Why wouldn't it be? I saw her this morning in an outfit that wasn't the same as yesterday's, and it looked expensive!”"It might be worth hundreds of thousands!" Winter gasped, her teeth catching on her lower lip in worry. "What are we going to do now? And what about Dad? He mentioned that Master York seemed pretty smitten with Noelle, right? Master York was in Noelle's room yesterday and ended up getting hurt!"A mean streak flashed in Winter's eyes. She had been so sure that Noelle and Simon would end up in a scandal last night. Who would've guessed Simon would be such a flop, getting knocked out cold?The word on the street was that SImon did not care who h
The three days flew by in a blur. Noelle had her bags all packed, just waiting for Charles to swing by and pick her up. The last few days were not just about waiting; they were filled with drama, like the York family finding out Samuel got hurt and deciding to cut all ties with the Shaws.Julian was freaking out and running around like a headless chicken. He apologized to Samuel at the hospital and blew up Noelle's phone with calls. Noelle was not about to fall for that though. She knew better than to show up. Julian even had the nerve to say on the phone that if the Yorks came after the company because of him, it would all be Noelle's fault.Noelle was so close to laughing out of sheer frustration. She could not believe the nonsense coming out of her own dad's mouth. It was a sad moment when she realized she might not really know the man she called Father.Julian did not stop there. He actually had the gall to tell her to go and throw herself at Simon, to try and charm him into gi
"I..." Sean bit back his irritation, "Fine, I'm a nice guy. But seriously, Charles, what's got you hanging around someone's building like this?"Charles clicked his seatbelt open and stepped out of the car. Feeling it was a lost cause to argue, Sean followed suit without a word.Sleepy as he was, Sean could not help but be curious. It was not every day you saw Charles make a beeline for someone's place, especially to pick them up. Charles had never really had a significant other, and Sean had no clue who this mystery woman was. She had to be something special to get Charles, who was usually as unshakable as an old tree, to make the first move. After mulling it over, Sean could not help but feel a rush of excitement and a bit of pride, knowing he was the first person Charles had turned to about his crush. It was like being in on the biggest secret. Charles, on the other hand, was not hung up on Sean's musings. He climbed the stairs to find Noelle, who had the door swung open, waitin
Noelle offered, "What can I get you to drink?"Sean winked at Charles, clearly enjoying the moment, and said, "I'd love a drink from our gracious hostess. How about...""He's not having a drink. Sean, you're not tired, are you?" Charles's eyebrows knitted together, his piercing gaze sliding over Sean with an unmistakable warning.A playful glint danced in Sean's eyes. He could tell Charles was on the verge of losing his cool, so he dropped the act. "I'm good, really. No need to bother you. Just point me to the stuff that needs moving!"He made a mental note to tell the big guy and Peter later how Charles had kept picking on him.They had decided to keep the house, so Noelle had put some things back in their places, only taking what she used daily. After watching Sean huff and puff as he collapsed onto the couch, Noelle handed him a glass of water. "Thanks a ton. You've been a huge help today!""Don't mention it, really. No need for thanks!" Sean gave Noelle a quick once-over. She
"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