"I'm not sure either, but her attitude toward me was strange. She doesn't even know who I am, so why be so hostile?" Noelle could not figure it out."Did you forget? We danced the opening dance together," Charles reminded her. "You probably don't know Janet's personality well. She targets any woman who gets close to me. You and Winter are perfect examples."With that, Noelle began to understand. All she did was dance with Charles, and there were hardly any other interactions between them at the year-end party.Winter, too, only tried to cozy up to Charles. However, he did give her the endorsement in the end.Wait, the endorsement?Noelle's eyes widened. "So, you had this planned all along? You intentionally gave the endorsement to Winter so that Janet would go after her? And with today's news, Janet will definitely target Winter!"Noelle finally pieced it together. "I thought you came up with this plan on the spot, but you had it in mind from the beginning?"Charles nodded. "See
"Silly girl!" Charles took the opportunity to kiss Noelle on her forehead, then her nose, and finally, her lips. Feeling relaxed, Noelle started to respond to his movements, following his lead.It seemed that ever since she got together with Charles, she had become more and more unreserved.Seeing Noelle's response, Charles deepened the kiss and eventually carried her upstairs.While things were heating up between them, a completely different atmosphere was unfolding elsewhere.…Janet had been furious with Winter since that night. Afterward, she launched a thorough investigation into Winter and found out that she was an actress under Royal Star.Although married, Winter's reputation was not great. Therefore, Janet was inclined to believe the rumors about Winter and Charles, which only fueled her inability to tolerate the situation.Although Janet's primary target became Winter, she did not let her guard down against Noelle. Even though Noelle had only danced with Charles once,
"Aunt Clary, don't worry. I won't do anything to Charles. I just want all the women around him to disappear. Charles belongs to me, and the only person he'll marry is me!" Janet declared, her eyes gleaming with a determined smile.She immediately posted the photos and videos from her phone anonymously on various video-sharing websites and forums.In this digital age, even the slightest movement could trigger a chain reaction. Within just an hour, Janet's uploads had caught the attention of countless netizens.The heated discussions spread like wildfire. Soon enough, the topic soared to the top of trending searches, completely blowing up.Janet watched the chaos unfold online, grinning with satisfaction as she read the comments about Winter.Meanwhile, Ronald quickly hacked into Janet's phone and computer, locking down her data and IP address.Witnessing the massive uproar Janet managed to create within such a short time, Ronald gained a deeper understanding of just how dangerous
Noelle yawned and drifted back to sleep. By the time she woke up again, it was already around 7:00 pm. The sky outside had turned dark.She rolled over in bed, and her slender hand reached out only to find the coolness of the sheets—Charles' warmth was long gone.Fully awake now, Noelle blinked a few times, her sleepy eyes squinting. After rubbing them for a moment, she finally threw back the covers and got out of bed.The curtains had been drawn, so she could not see outside. Curious, she walked over to the window and pulled them open, revealing a pitch-black night outside. Occasionally, she heard the wind rustling through the leaves.After stretching, Noelle turned around and saw Charles standing at the bedroom door, holding a cup. She could not tell what was inside.It seemed Charles had timed it perfectly; he arrived just as she woke up. Noticing her standing by the window in her thin clothes, he frowned slightly. When he saw that she was barefoot, his expression darkened fu
Noelle widened her eyes as she watched Charles' actions. She had not expected him to actually drink it himself. Before she could even feel happy about it, her eyes grew even rounder in disbelief as Charles tilted his head back and drank the tea. He then lifted her chin. The next second, his warm lips quickly pressed against hers.In that instant, Noelle's taste buds seemed to explode with the combination of warmth and the pungent taste of the herbs. She tried to push him away, but Charles held her tightly, giving her no chance to resist.Gradually, the warm tea was passed into Noelle's mouth. Her eyes were wide open, and she tried to keep her mouth shut, but Charles did not give her any opportunity.By the time he finally released her, half the cup of tea had made its way into her stomach.Charles let go of Noelle's hand and smirked, especially when he saw the furious expression on her face. He could not help but shake his head and use his fingers to wipe the liquid off the corne
Janet's obsession with him could be understood as a problem in her head. What she could not have was what she desired the most.It was because she could not attain him that she desperately tried to. However, what about the Bakers? Janet was fixated, but in such a large family, it was impossible for every member to share her obsession.The only explanation was that they were also trying to achieve a certain goal through Janet. The fact that Janet had the support of the Bakers suggested that they, too, wanted something from him."You probably won't be able to return to Phoenix Tree Residence for a while," Charles informed her."Yeah, I know," Noelle responded. Although her tone did not reveal any particular emotion, Charles sensed her mood had taken a dip.Indeed, Noelle felt a bit down. While she understood the reasoning behind all of this—it was meant to prevent unnecessary trouble—she had trouble coming to terms with it.Noelle forced a small smile and could not help but think a
"Are you sure you're not exaggerating?""I know this woman. She's from the project department. Rumor has it she's got something going on with Mr. Parker too!"Noelle narrowed her eyes slightly and glanced back at the group of women gossiping. She pressed her lips together.Initially, she had not planned to pay them any attention. After all, in the office, gossip and idle chatter were just a way for people to pass the time, regardless of whether they were true or not.However, today, Noelle was in a bad mood. These women just happened to provoke her at the wrong moment. She frowned slightly, paused in her tracks, and turned around to approach the group.She stopped right in front of them.Today, Noelle wore a long coat that gave her an air of confidence and authority. She had on four-inch high heels, which added to her height and presence. It made her instantly more imposing than the women before her.Narrowing her eyes, she smiled. "We're all colleagues, and it's normal to discu
Seeing the people around gradually disperse, Noelle finally turned to Brian. "Thank you for that, Mr. Parker.""No need to thank me. Remember, I'm involved in this too," Brian replied, raising an eyebrow with a smile. "So, hearing them say those things about you—did it upset you?"Noelle shook her head. "Not really. It's just that discussing such matters during work hours isn't ideal."Besides, she was currently the subject of much attention and could not afford to give anyone, especially Janet, any more ammunition against her.Although Charles had said he would handle the situation, Noelle felt it was always wise to be cautious. Given her recent interactions with Janet, Noelle knew she was the type who would not rest until she achieved her goals.Not to mention, Noelle could not stand dealing with people like that.Seeing the troubled look on Noelle's face, Brian smirked. "Come on, let's head up. Don't forget, there's still work waiting for us. You had two days off. Hopefully, y
Sean had never hit a woman before, but at this moment, as he looked at McKenzie, he did not mind making an exception.McKenzie was already shocked that Sean was actually taking action for Liliana, an illegitimate daughter. "Sean, just because your family is rich, you think you can do whatever you want—"Sean let out a chuckle, his tone laced with amusement. "That's exactly what I think. What? You don't like it?"McKenzie was momentarily stunned."It's the survival of the fittest," Sean continued nonchalantly. "If you think it's fine to bully someone weaker like Liliana, then why shouldn't I do the same to you?"His words were so brazen, so outright arrogant, making it crystal clear that he was here to seek justice for Liliana.His overbearing attitude was enough to make people dislike him, but so what?Sean had a point. This world operated on the law of the jungle.Everyone bullied Liliana simply because she was an illegitimate daughter. Even though she carried the Hoffman name
The crowd stiffened, completely unprepared for Sean to actually stand up for the so-called illegitimate daughter."Mr. Smith, that girl is a vixen. She—""Oh? A vixen?" Sean's narrow eyes held a faint smile. "And how exactly do you know that?""I... I...""Did she seduce you? Hmm?" Sean's gaze darkened.There was utter silence."So, it seems like while I wasn't at school, you all just assumed I was dead, huh?" Sean's voice carried a lazy drawl, yet there was an unmistakable sharpness to it. "I hear the school has a new leader?""No, no! That's not true! You're still the boss. You'll always be the boss!"Sean let out a low chuckle and turned to Liliana. "See that? These are the same people who bullied you so fearlessly. It turns out they can be put in their place too. Understand?"Liliana did not fully grasp why Sean was doing this, but she knew that after today, these people would hesitate before hurting her again.Her feelings were complicated. She knew she should be gratefu
Sean twitched the corner of his mouth. "Do I not have a name?"Liliana hesitated, her lips trembling slightly. "M-Mr. Smith."Sean frowned.Liliana immediately sensed his displeasure but had no idea why he was upset, so she dared not speak.Seeing her looking like a frightened little wife as if he had bullied her, Sean sighed impatiently. "What's with all this 'Mr. Smith' nonsense? You're not my staff.""Then...""Just call me by my name. It doesn't matter even if I'm older than you. Think of me as an older brother." Sean did not seem to care much, but his words stirred something deep inside Liliana."I..."Did she say to think of him like an older brother?She did have an older brother—Charles. He was the golden child of the Hoffman family and the future master of the household. He was raised to be exceptional in every way.Even so, she had never dared to look him in the eye, let alone address him as her brother.In her memory, Charles was a cold and distant figure, unappro
The doctor gave Sean a surprised glance, taken aback that the boy could actually read his handwriting and even recognize the names of the medications.However, he quickly changed the prescription.Hearing this, Liliana panicked. "No, there's no need! Just prescribe the regular ones, the normal ones!"She did not have that much money. She had already borrowed the money for her medical expenses from Sean, so she could not afford to let him pay for expensive medication too. "Doctor, my skin is tough. I don't need anything that pricey!"The doctor turned to Sean, who pressed his lips together impatiently."Sit down." His tone carried unmistakable irritation. "Do you even care about your face?""But..." Liliana fidgeted anxiously. "I... don't have that much money.""Did I ask you for money?" Sean was thoroughly exasperated now and stopped looking at her altogether. "Just prescribe it. In fact, give her extra. She looks like she gets hurt often, so give her a dozen boxes while you're
Sean's voice was cold, carrying a maturity that did not match his age. However, his words made Liliana tremble slightly. She pressed her lips together and looked at him.What he said had shaken her. She had never known that she could walk among people with her head held high.Ever since she arrived in Brookville, since she became part of the Hoffmans, she had lived like an invisible person—afraid, self-conscious, and timid. She had spent every day trying to make herself as small and unnoticed as possible.Yet now, Sean was telling her she should hold her head up, that she had done nothing wrong.For as long as she could remember, everyone had pointed at her, calling her mother a homewrecker, a disgrace, a whore, a mistress. And if her mother was that kind of person, then she must be too. However, Sean… Sean had just told her to stand tall.Liliana's eyes welled up with tears.Sean frowned at her, irritated. "What are you crying for?"He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and
Sean looked at Liliana. "Before you leave, shouldn't you at least tell me your name? Otherwise, if you run off, who am I supposed to ask for my money?"Liliana clenched her fists. "I... I...""Sean Smith!""Huh?"Liliana looked up in surprise. Her swollen face made her expression even more pitiful, and the astonishment in her eyes only added to her fragile appearance.Sean's gaze deepened. "That's my name—Sean Smith."Liliana nodded. "I know."Of course, she knew.Ever since he had first saved her, she had memorized his name, his face, and everything about him.She even knew his family background, as well as his academic achievements.Sean's name was legendary at Jadebrook High School—just like her half-brother. He was an untouchable figure, almost mythical.Liliana's eyes dimmed slightly at that thought."What do you know? Now, tell me your name." Sean studied her, noticing how her mood had suddenly shifted again.Liliana hesitated before murmuring, "L-Liliana Hoffman."
Sean had originally planned to take Liliana to the school infirmary, but after seeing the severity of her injuries and considering her current state, he knew that going there would only draw unwanted attention.Instead, he called his driver to take them to the hospital, ensuring she could get a proper examination and treatment.The moment Liliana heard the word hospital, she panicked. "I'm not going!"She reached for the car door, intending to get out, but Sean grabbed her wrist. "You're not going to the hospital? Then where do you plan on going? Look at yourself—you're covered in injuries, and you still don't want to get checked out?"Sean genuinely wondered if this girl was an idiot.She had not fought back when she was being beaten, and now that she was injured, she refused medical care?Even so, Liliana could not afford to think about such things. Her circumstances did not allow her to get sick, let alone go to the hospital.During her years with the Hoffmans, the most impor
Liliana became acutely aware of her own disgrace. She hugged herself tightly, her eyes filled with wariness as she looked at the boy in front of her.Sean suddenly found the situation amusing. "Are you afraid of me?"Liliana did not respond, but the look in her eyes said it all.Raising an eyebrow, Sean noticed her tugging at the tattered remains of her clothing. Without another word, he shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. "Do you know where the infirmary is?"She remained silent, and Sean's patience wore thin. "I just saved you. Are you mute?""Thank you," Liliana murmured, then carefully removed the jacket and tried to hand it back. "It'll get dirty."Her voice was small, and her gaze was downcast.She had not forgotten what Sean had said years ago—that she was filthy.Sean's frown deepened, his brows knitting together in irritation. He snatched the jacket back and threw it over her again. "Do you have any idea how terrible you look right now?"Liliana
The girl's face was swollen and bruised, nearly unrecognizable. Her clothes were torn, hanging in tatters, leaving her looking utterly wretched.Sean barely spared her a glance before shifting his gaze away. "A whole group of you bullying a single girl?""That girl is a filthy whore, a homewrecker! We were just—""Shut up!" Jasper shot McKenzie a sharp glare. "Sean is speaking. Who the hell do you think you are to interrupt?"In Jadebrook High School, Sean was like a god.Although he had already completed both middle and high school courses, he was still technically a senior. The school had granted him special privileges due to his exceptional performance, allowing him to attend only when he pleased.He rarely showed up, yet every student feared him.Sean was not someone who sought out trouble or bullied the weak, but if he caught someone doing so, there was no escaping his wrath.Jasper's family had some wealth, but compared to the Smiths, they were nothing. Just recently, his