"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
Charles shot Sean a quick look, a hint of a smirk on his face. "Come on, you know I don't kid about stuff like this.""You've lost your mind!" Sean couldn't wrap his head around the fact that Charles had actually tied the knot with Noelle. He peeked into the kitchen, still in disbelief. "You know she's... she's not the one!"A glint of steel flashed in Charles's eyes as he smiled, his gaze sharpening as he looked at Sean, obviously not a fan of his words.Sean knew Charles had a serious hang-up about that woman, but he pressed on. "Look, Noelle's got nothing to do with this, and if she ever finds out...""I know exactly what I'm doing," Charles cut in, his voice icy. "Stay out of it. All you need to know is that Noelle is now mine.""Would the Hoffman family even take her in?" Sean was not buying it. "It’s easy for you to say, but you and I both knew how messy your family politics were."Charles arched an eyebrow, a cool edge to his look. At Sean's words, the corners of his mouth
Sean took a whiff. "Wow, that smells amazing. It's rare to find girls who can cook these days.""Thanks!"Noelle dished out some rice for them. "Dig in! If you like it, help yourselves to seconds!"When Noelle passed the bowl to Charles, she caught him staring at her. Feeling a bit self-conscious under his gaze, she chuckled. "What's up? Not hungry?"Charles squinted slightly, accepting the bowl. His long fingers grazed Noelle's hand, sending a flutter through her chest. She quickly pulled back, a bit flustered, and served herself some rice. "Come on, eat before it gets cold."Charles's eyes twinkled with mischief at Noelle's bashful reaction, clearly enjoying the moment. He casually stretched his legs and gave Noelle a playful nudge under the table.Noelle straightened up immediately, her eyes darting to Charles with a mix of surprise and nervousness, as if to say, ‘Hey, focus on your food. Stop kicking me!’Charles could not help but let out a grin at her adorable bewilderment
Charles shook his head with a chuckle, while Sean was left speechless, clicking his tongue in mock disapproval before nodding in agreement. "Sounds good to me. I'm free as a bird these days. If you can get Peter to come, it'd be awesome for the gang to get together.""Got it!"Once Sean had left, Charles came up behind Noelle and gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder.Noelle spun around, her lip caught between her teeth, "When you say ‘the gang,' are you talking about the Four Young Masters of Brookville?""Four Young Masters of Brookville?" Charles chewed over the title, a playful glint in his eyes. "Who told you about that?""Come on, who needs to be told?" Noelle's eyes went wide with mock surprise. "In Brookville, you guys are celebrities. Back when I was in school, you were all everyone would talk about.""Really?" Charles quirked an eyebrow, clearly amused. "That's just a label others slap on us. We're just a bunch of guys with the same hobbies. We’re brothers. We’ve ne
Charles led Noelle to his home, the Phoenix Tree Residence.Noelle had visited this place before, so it was not entirely new to her. Nevertheless, as they pulled into the driveway, she could not resist taking in her surroundings with wide eyes.She remembered hearing ages ago how the prices in this neighborhood had shot through the roof, and someone later went all out and bought a huge chunk of it. Back then, Noelle had been in awe, wondering who could afford such a splurge—it turned out to be Charles.After Charles had parked in the garage, Noelle stepped out and was immediately struck by the sight. "Wow! Look at all these cars!" It was like stepping into an auto show.Charles caught her comment and paused, a grin spreading across his face, "You've got a driver's license, right?"She nodded. "Got it back in college with some friends!" It had been more of a spur-of-the-moment thing. Although she had her license, she hardly ever got behind the wheel.Ever since she graduated and s
Charles could not help but laugh and shake his head. He playfully flicked Noelle's forehead. "Looks like I'm not really on your radar, huh?"Noelle was speechless. She truly had no idea, and since she had not known Charles before, how could she have randomly looked up his birthday?"It's on the marriage certificate, Mrs. Hoffman. Try to remember these things from now on!"Charles hauled Noelle's suitcase up the stairs, leaving her alone at the door. Her expression was a mix of emotions as she watched him go.She touched her forehead where Charles had flicked her, a faint sting lingering. She bit her lip, a wave of discomfort washing over her.Everything had happened so fast with this relationship, and she was still trying to catch up. Charles, on the other hand, seemed to be adjusting just fine.Noelle followed him upstairs and saw that he had taken her luggage to the master bedroom. She rushed in, "You know... you could've put my stuff in the guest room."Charles stopped unpack
Charles was right next door in the guest room. Noelle knocked and knocked; however, there was no answer, which left her confused. When she passed the study and saw the light on, she paused at the door.The study door was slightly open, and there was Charles, lounging on the couch, buried under a mountain of paperwork.He must have heard her because he looked up, and suddenly, they were eye to eye. Noelle felt her cheeks heat up and gave him a sheepish half-smile. "Aren't you tired?"Charles quirked an eyebrow, paperwork in hand. "Just finishing up some stuff," he replied. "What about you? Couldn’t sleep?"Noelle felt like a kid caught with her hand in the cookie jar, her gaze dropping to her slippers. Charles let out a soft chuckle. "Having trouble sleeping?"She nodded. "Can I come in?""Sure thing." Charles snapped his folder shut with a smile. "Come on in!"Stepping inside, Noelle's eyes widened in awe. Charles's study was a world of its own, lined with shelves of books on ec
Charles nodded.Linda immediately brightened and picked up one of the dead rats to examine it. "I need to go to the lab. Oh, right, you should strengthen security at Phoenix Tree Residence. Also, be extra cautious with food and any outside contact. I think it's best to avoid unnecessary interactions. This virus spreads through wounds."Charles made a mental note before quickly calling Sean. "Come over right away!"At that moment, Sean was still at the Smith residence. Since Kelly and Noelle were both married now, he and Bob had become the main targets of the Smiths' relentless scrutiny.Sean found it agonizing, but Bob, on the other hand, appeared completely at ease. It was as if none of it concerned him.Sean slumped in his seat, fully aware that Bob's indifference came from the fact that he was not just a member of the Smiths—he was also the heir to the Jones family. He had nothing to be afraid of.Frustrated, Sean ruffled his hair and was about to leave when Savannah stopped h
Charles paused. "What's wrong?"Linda walked over, her brows furrowing even deeper."When did this package arrive?" she asked the housekeeper.The housekeeper replied unsuspectingly, "This afternoon, after Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman went out. There were only a few of us at home, so I took the liberty of accepting it on Mrs. Hoffman's behalf. Is there a problem?"She glanced cautiously at Linda, unable to understand why such a small package had created such a tense atmosphere. However, Charles understood. He frowned at Linda, who nodded in confirmation.Charles turned to Noelle, Tania, and Liliana. "Tania, Liliana, take your sister-in-law upstairs!""Why?" Noelle asked immediately.She had a bad feeling. Linda's reaction just now, coupled with Charles' behavior, made her uneasy. "Charlie?""Be good. Go upstairs," Charles said, exchanging a glance with Tania and Liliana.Tania and Liliana led Noelle upstairs. Once they were gone, Charles' expression darkened like never before. "What's
Noelle shot Charles an annoyed glance, but he simply held her hand and asked, "What's wrong?""Nothing!" Noelle did not feel like talking to him anymore.Charles studied her profile with a faint smile. "Sleepy? If you are, just rest for a bit. We'll be home soon."Noelle wanted to say she was not tired, but her body betrayed her. She yawned, exhaustion washing over her, and she leaned against Charles and closed her eyes for a quick nap without much thought.Half an hour later, the driver pulled the car into Phoenix Tree Residence and carefully glanced at the rear-view mirror."Mr. Hoffman, we've arrived.""Shh," Charles hushed the driver and glanced down at Noelle.He then gently gathered her into his arms and stepped out of the car.Noelle had actually woken up the moment the car stopped, but before she could open her eyes, she heard Charles instruct the driver to stay quiet.Now, being cradled in his arms, she felt warm and comforted but also a little guilty. She slowly open
After dinner, Charles took Noelle home. Initially, Noelle had wanted to stay longer, but given her pregnancy and how late it was, the Smiths did not insist on keeping them.Just as they were about to leave, Yves caught up with Charles at the door. "Thanks."Charles smirked. "No need for thanks. I prefer something more tangible."Yves raised an eyebrow, and Charles chuckled. "As her brother-in-law, you should be more considerate. Nelly is due soon, and I won't have time to oversee Collosus Group. So..."Yves let out a cold laugh. "You're playing this well. Aren't you afraid I'll just swallow up the entire Collosus Group?""That would still take some skill, wouldn't it?" Charles' sharp eyes glanced back at the house. "On the surface, things might look stable, but I suggest you take it easy. You'd be better off making use of Sean and Bob. A good relationship with your brothers-in-law will only help you. Anyway, I'm off."Yves watched Charles walk away, rubbing his chin. It was no
"Is it really not possible?" Seth's voice trembled. "Mommy, is it really not okay? But isn't he my daddy? Why can't I be with Daddy? Mommy, am I a child you just picked up? Does no one want me?"The moment Seth finished speaking, he burst into tears.Kelly's heart nearly shattered. She could not bear to see Seth cry like that. She immediately crouched down and wrapped her arms around him."Seth, baby, don't cry. I love you more than anything! How could you think that way?""But what about Daddy?" Seth still was not satisfied. His big eyes that were filled with hope turned toward Yves.Before Yves could say anything, Kelly raised her head to look at him. Their gazes locked, and for a moment, too many emotions swirled in those dark eyes. Feeling overwhelmed, Kelly quickly looked away."Daddy loves you too," she said softly."Really?" Seth still looked doubtful and turned back to Yves.Yves nodded. "Daddy loves you very much.""Then can Daddy live with Mommy and me?" Seth's eyes
Bob's sudden gesture nearly blinded everyone with its extravagance. No one had expected him to be so generous.It was Kelly who reacted first, quickly standing up to refuse."Bob, this really isn't necessary. Seth is still young; he doesn't need something like this. We're all family, so there's no need to give money or gifts."Even though no one here lacked money and Bob's gesture was not a big deal to him, Kelly still felt uneasy accepting it. But Bob simply shook his head."I'm giving it to Seth, not to you," he said before crouching down to meet Seth's gaze."Call me Uncle Bob, hmm?"Seth seemed a little nervous but blinked his big eyes and gathered his courage."Uncle Bob!" he said clearly.Bob smiled and handed the card to him. "This is from me, your uncle.""Thank you, Uncle Bob!" Seth happily took the card, then looked at Kelly.Since Bob had already insisted, Kelly felt it would be inappropriate to refuse again."If your uncle gave it to you, then you can keep it," s
"Sean, Bob, you're back?" Savannah was the first to stand up.Seeing her son return naturally made her happy.A moment ago, it had been all about Harrison's two daughters and their husbands. Savannah could not help but feel a little jealous.The Smith family was gathered so neatly, while her side had been somewhat neglected. Especially when she met Charles' cold gaze—she truly could not stay any longer.Sean noticed the entire family gathered together and saw Savannah walking toward him.However, he subtly stepped aside, letting Savannah lunge at nothing but air. Savannah immediately froze in embarrassment.It was Bob who stepped in to ease the tension."Aunt Savannah," he greeted."Bob, when did you get here?""Not long ago." Bob glanced at Sean before stepping inside."It's quite lively here," he remarked with a smile.His clear, observant gaze landed on Noelle first. He gave her a slight nod before shifting his attention to Kelly.Kelly had been a little nervous at first
Harrison smiled as he looked at Kelly and Noelle, clearly pleased."Sean is still busy right now, so we'll wait for him. Kelly, let me introduce you to the family. This is your second uncle, Hayes, and your Aunt Savannah."Over there is your Aunt Yitty, and you also have a third aunt, but she's not in Brookville at the moment. Your grandfather had some business to attend to today—he went to see an old comrade but will be back later. And, of course, you already know Noelle and Charlie.""Hello, Uncle Hayes, Aunt Savannah, Aunt Yitty," Kelly greeted politely.Yitty smiled warmly and nodded. "How wonderful!"She then pulled out an envelope with some allowance and handed it to Kelly. "When Noelle first came home, I gave her one, so I can't treat you any differently.""Thank you, Aunt Yitty!"Following her lead, Hayes and Savannah also handed Kelly envelopes. Then, seeing how delighted Seth looked, they gave him several as well.Seth had always been a reserved child, shy and withdra
Kelly froze as she stared at Seth in shock—especially at the moment he ran toward Yves and wrapped his little arms around Yves' leg. A strange wave of loss surged through her.She did not even know where this emotion came from, but it hurt. She never expected that in just a short time, Seth would already be calling Yves 'Daddy'.Kelly was not the only one stunned as everyone in the room seemed momentarily speechless.Even Yves himself had not anticipated Seth's sudden display of affection.Although he had spent the past few days bonding with Seth and knew the child liked him, Seth had always been a bit shy.He had never once called him 'Daddy' before. Yves felt a mix of emotions at that moment. Surprise, confusion—but mostly joy.He glanced at Seth before instinctively turning to Kelly, and just as he expected, her expression was tangled with conflicting emotions.Squatting down, Yves reached out and gently ruffled Seth's hair. "Be good. Mommy is coming home today, hmm?"Seth's