“I don’t know, which is why I called you to ask, Mr. Wells. I’m confident this has nothing to do with Winter, though I’m eager for her downfall as well. Mr. Wells, who do you think would like to cause harm to Mr. Charles?” Suzy’s intention was not to help Winter but merely to get on Ronald’s good side so she would inadvertently get on Charles’ good side. Suzy knew that Winter was nothing. Charles was the actual big boss of this game they were playing. If she managed to win Charles’ favor, she would not need to worry about not getting revenge anymore. Upon hearing that, Ronald merely sneered inwardly, thinking to himself that it was no surprise Suzy and Winter had used to be close friends when they were practically jackals of the same tribe. Compared to Annie, Suzy would not be an easy piece of work to deal with. At the very least, Annie had repented sincerely after learning of everything, but Suzy had not. Annie had chosen to leave this unfavorable place, while Suzy had chosen to
Winter was pinned to the ground by a paparazzo who had been looking through his camera, and his hand ended up pressing down on her chest.Her entire face flushed bright red, and she looked completely disheveled. In a frenzy, she punched and kicked at the paparazzo lying on top of her, yelling, "Get off me! All of you, get lost!"It was a rare sight to see a glamorous celebrity in such a state. As people whispered among themselves, they turned their cameras toward Winter's face, snapping away.Even though they had not captured any groundbreaking news, the story of Winter being groped at the airport and her chaotic escape was sure to be explosive.After everyone had finished taking their photos, they dispersed, leaving Winter lying on the ground. Her eyes were wide open, her expression vacant.Passersby pointed at her, murmuring, "Is that woman sick or something? Why is she just lying there?""Hey, she looks really familiar!""Yeah, look at her! Her clothes are all torn, and she's
"How could it possibly be me? Would I be that stupid? Look at me now. Do you think I'd do something to end up like this?!" Winter shouted in frustration."Suzy, you know me. I love Xavier so much. How could I ever do something to betray him? This must be a setup!"Winter was convinced that someone had framed her. Even with her eyes closed, she felt terrified, especially when she remembered that paparazzo on top of her taking advantage of the situation."Suzy, what do I do? The reporters and paparazzi captured all those humiliating moments. What am I supposed to do now?" She had only just managed to recover from her last scandal. She could not afford to let this one ruin her again."Call Ronald. Get him to handle this.""But…" Suzy hesitated. "Mr. Wells just told you to stay out of trouble for a while, and now, you've caused another incident. If I call him now…""I don't care! He's the boss of Royal Star. If he doesn't help me clean this up, it'll be a problem for him too!" Winter
Winter became convinced that this matter had something to do with Noelle. She had not wronged many people in the past, and Noelle was definitely the one who hated her the most. Moreover, Noelle was present that night. Winter believed that jealousy was the driving force behind Noelle's actions.Once this idea settled in her mind, Winter could not let it go and started obsessing over the possibility. In the end, she simply declared Noelle guilty in her mind. "Mom, it has to be Noelle. She hates me so much!""Alright. If it's her, then this will be easy. We'll leak this information to Charles. Once she provokes him, Noelle won't end up well. We won't even need to lift a finger," Jade said with a nod."Yes," Winter agreed. She knew Charles' ruthless methods. Even if she had not experienced them personally, the rumors were widely known."Um…" Suzy, who had been standing at the side for quite a while, furrowed her brows as she listened to Winter and Jade place all the blame on Noelle w
Winter's mind finally caught up, and she clenched her teeth in anger. "Damn it! This is a matter of skill and ability. How dare she scheme against me like this?"Winter tightened her fists. "How could she do this?"Suzy shook her head. "It might not be Brielle. We're only speculating without any evidence. We can't rule out Lara or the others. In fact, there's one person you've overlooked.""Who?" Winter asked, confused. "Who else?""Janet Baker. Have you forgotten about her?" Suzy laid out her analysis for Winter. "Do you really think Janet would let it go after you stole the spotlight that night?""Janet Baker? Who's she?" Jade, who had been listening with confusion, interrupted. "Wait a minute, isn't Janet related to Charles? Why would she target Winter?"Jade was not present that night and had no idea about Janet's actions, but Winter was. After hearing Suzy's suggestion, Winter started to think it made sense."You might be right. Suzy, I really don't know what I'd do without
News about Winter's situation spread rapidly online. In less than half a day, numerous versions of Winter and Charles's relationship began circulating.However, due to Charles' status in Brookville, most discussions focused on Winter. Charles' photos were promptly removed, making them unavailable on the internet.…At Phoenix Tree Residence, Noelle was scrolling through current affairs. She cherished this opportunity to relax as she finally had two days off.Having wasted time the previous day and night, Noelle was determined to stay in today. Besides, the cold of winter had finally set in, and she preferred staying warm.A cup of coffee sat next to Noelle, but it had already cooled. When she put her phone down and picked up the cup, she realized it was no longer warm. She went to the kitchen to make a fresh cup. When she returned, she saw Charles coming downstairs dressed in casual sportswear. The light gray outfit and slightly tousled hair gave him a completely different look
Noelle was taken aback by Charles' question. She looked at him with curiosity, her hand still resting on his forehead.Hearing Charles ask in such a serious and hesitant tone surprised her as she had never seen him act so cautious and uncertain before.Noelle pursed her lips, blinking as she studied him carefully. "What do you want me to ask you? Did you do something I wouldn't like?" she questioned, feeling genuinely curious.Charles' expression turned complicated, which alarmed Noelle. She quickly sat up, looking at him intently. "So, you really did do something?""Let me explain. It's—""Wait," Noelle interrupted, raising her hand. She took a moment to think. "Don't say anything yet. Let me figure this out. I've never seen you like this before. Actually, Charlie, whatever it is, as long as you didn't betray, I won't hold it against you. So, go on."Charles pressed his lips together, his dark eyes meeting hers. As Noelle gazed at him, an uneasy feeling crept over her, but she c
Charles' eyes flickered, and he gently played with Noelle's hand. "You know, you're too smart for your own good. Nothing can be hidden from you. I thought it might be nice to see you a little jealous or upset."But here you are, always figuring everything out. Maybe you shouldn't be so clever all the time. Otherwise, even if I wanted to fool you, I wouldn't stand a chance.""Fool me? Why would you ever need to deceive me? Is there something you'd want to lie about?" Noelle tightened her grip on Charles' restless hand. "You wouldn't dare lie to me, would you?""Alright, alright. Enough teasing." Charles chuckled, letting Noelle hold his hand.Not satisfied, Noelle squeezed harder. Though she thought she was using all her strength, it barely fazed Charles. Annoyed, she dug her nails into his hand. "Start talking.""It's nothing much, really. It's just that the Bakers seem to be getting impatient, and I needed to come up with a way to deal with it."Although Charles only offered a s
"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