Janet pointed at Noelle and stammered, "C-Charles, s-she's…"A hint of displeasure flashed in Charles' eyes as he glanced sideways at Janet. He then shifted his gaze toward Clarisse in the audience. Clarisse wore an expression of shock. If it had not been for Mateo holding her down, she might have lost her composure."Mother, I think Janet is tired from hosting. Why don't you take her to rest?" Charles suggested.Clarisse snapped back to her senses and shot Noelle a sharp look. Noelle felt puzzled under Clarisse's piercing gaze.Moments later, Janet began shouting hysterically, shedding her earlier poised demeanor. "No, Charles. I won't leave! This woman is a vixen. Have you forgotten what she did to betray you back then? How can you—""Enough!" Clarisse rushed over and grabbed Janet's arm tightly. "What nonsense are you spouting?" she hissed.Leaning closer, she continued in a low voice, "Look carefully. This woman is not Kelly. Do you not understand the importance of this occas
The two of them became the focus of everyone's attention. Not just the women, but even the men could not help but admire the sight of them together.At first glance, Noelle's outfit seemed plain, almost disrespectful for such an important event as the year-end banquet. Yet when she stood next to Charles, there was an undeniable harmony.Both were dressed simply, yet somehow, they stood out remarkably.In the center of the dance floor, the music began to play. Charles placed his hand on Noelle's waist, gently guiding her. Noelle was wearing three-inch heels, which made her the perfect height beside Charles.They moved gracefully across the dance floor in perfect sync, as if they had been dance partners all their lives.Noelle smiled, initially worried that her dance steps were rusty, but she quickly found her rhythm. It was all thanks to Charles' confident lead.Charles gazed down at her, as though she was the only person in the room. "Nelly, what do you think of your husband's da
After the opening dance, Charles gracefully withdrew his hand, his smile polite but distant. Noelle also pulled back, nodding slightly before stepping away. As soon as Arya saw Noelle leave Charles' side, she eagerly waved her over."Noelle, over here!" Arya called out.Noelle nodded, smiled, and made her way through the crowd to Arya's side. Arya quickly grabbed Noelle's hand, brimming with excitement. "Oh my god, Noelle! I can't believe how lucky you are—it's unbelievable! So, how did it feel? Dancing with Mr. Hoffman, what was it like?"Noelle felt a bit overwhelmed by Arya's enthusiasm. Arya was clinging to her arm. Noelle gently pulled away as she felt slightly awkward. "It was... just like any other dance. Mr. Hoffman dances really well, and... that's about it.""That's it?" Arya exclaimed, her voice so loud that it attracted quite a few glances.Noelle hurriedly covered Arya's mouth. "Shh! Keep it down. Don't you realize I've probably become public enemy number one right
After Noelle danced with Charles, many people stopped paying attention to her, though that did not include Winter or Janet.Winter fumed with resentment, unable to understand how Noelle could have such good luck. She felt bitter, thinking how could Noelle always land on her feet?Winter recalled how Noelle had been fired by Frotconn, as well as how she had narrowly escaped danger multiple times.In Winter's mind, Noelle should have been ruined by those incidents. However, not only did Noelle avoid those pitfalls, but she was now working at Collosus Group, one of the top companies in Brookville.In comparison to Collosus, Frotconn was nothing. As much as Winter hated to admit it, this was the truth.Clenching her purse tightly, Winter's eyes glowed red with anger.On stage, Lara, a newcomer who specialized in dance, was performing an energetic dance routine that quickly captivated the audience.Meanwhile, Brielle was chatting with her manager, discussing how to perform their next
"You should be focusing on how to present yourself well right now. Don't forget, your performance is coming up, and this could be your shot at that endorsement. Didn't you see how well-prepared Brielle is today?"Suzy continued to speak as she handed Winter a glass of water, "If you can't endure minor issues, you'll ruin your bigger plans. You're smart enough to understand that, Winter."Hearing Suzy's words, Winter finally suppressed her anger. "Alright."…Backstage, Janet grew increasingly restless. She could not stop thinking about the things that had unfolded. However, with the two bodyguards that Charles had assigned watching her every move, she could not go anywhere.Clarisse, who was with her, also noticed Janet's escalating agitation and felt at a loss.Janet had many good qualities, but her temperament was peculiar—just like her mother's—which always troubled Clarisse.She originally thought that raising Janet by her side would help change her nature, but she forgot th
"You two, come over here." Janet pointed at the two bodyguards Charles had assigned. "Charles only said for you to protect me, not to keep staring at me. I'm not a criminal.""But Mr. Wells' instructions were very clear. We are to stay with Ms. Baker and Madam Baker. We can't leave your side for even a moment," one of the bodyguards replied, unfazed by Janet's words. He showed no intention of yielding."Please, Ms. Baker, don't make this difficult for us.""Why, you—""That's enough!" Clarisse cut Janet off. "Janet, how many times have I told you? You need to be mindful of your identity and behavior when you're outside!" Clarisse frowned. "Look at how you're acting!"Clarisse glanced at the two bodyguards. "I'm Charlie's mother, as you should know.""Yes, madam," they acknowledged."Since you know who I am, you should also know that crossing me won't end well for you!" Clarisse warned."We don't mean to offend, Madam Baker. We're simply following orders. Mr. Hoffman pays us,
Becky clenched her fists, glaring at Janet with anger. "I never expected you to be this kind of person, Ms. Baker. I guess I was wrong about you.""Do you really think I care about you? There was never any real friendship between us. Haven't you benefited enough from being associated with me?""Yes, Ms. Baker. It truly was an honor to have gained your acknowledgment. So, tell me, why did you call me here? Have you decided I'm no longer useful, so you're kicking me out? You even threw in a slap for good measure?""You're still pretending? Tell me, did you switch the raffle box or not?!" Janet reached out, ready to slap Becky again. However, Becky caught Janet's hand firmly this time, saying, "Ms. Baker, even a dog deserves to be respected. Though comparing myself to a dog isn't ideal, you should think carefully."I'm someone close to Mr. Hoffman. You've already slapped me once. Are you planning to do it again?""Are you threatening me? Who do you think you are? Do you think I'm a
"Aunt Clarisse, will you help me or not? I don't want to see this woman anymore. You have to get Charles or Uncle Mateo to kick her out of Collosus Group," Janet blurted out when she saw that Clarisse was still silent."I don't want to see her again. Didn't you say you care about me the most?""Enough!" Clarisse snapped, glaring at Janet. "How long are you going to keep causing trouble?""I'm not causing trouble, Aunt Clarisse. She's clearly challenging your authority. She even dared to threaten—"Becky let out a cold laugh, looking at Janet as if she were a fool. It was no wonder Charles would not look at her. How could someone like Janet ever be a match for him? She was nothing but a lunatic."What are you laughing at?" Janet asked in a sharp voice."Nothing." Becky glanced at Janet, then turned to Clarisse. "Surely, you must realize that this is just a job; it's not worth me making enemies over. But even a cornered rabbit will bite back. Don't you agree?""What do you want?"
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