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
As Janet spoke, she pretended to open the bag of coffee beans. Hearing Janet's words, Becky could not help but smirk inwardly."Oh, there's no need for that. It's such an expensive item. I really shouldn't. Besides, I don't have much time. Ms. Baker, if you have something to say, please get straight to the point. If it's within my duties, I'll certainly do my best."Janet froze for a moment at Becky's response. "It's nothing, really. It's just that, the other night... I wasn't in a good state of mind and acted out of line. I wanted to apologize, Becky. You're not still mad at me, are you?"As Janet spoke, she reached out, attempting to take Becky's hand. Becky flinched, feeling goosebumps rise all over her skin. She could not believe how far Janet would go, pretending to be sincere for Charles' sake.Janet clearly looked down on her, yet here she was, putting on this act."What's wrong? Are you still upset with me?" Janet pouted, looking at Becky with a pitiful expression. To anyo
Becky still felt a bit uncertain at first. However, remembering how Janet had practically humbled herself in front of her earlier, she nodded. "Alright then. Mr. Wells, do you need anything else?"Seeing Ronald wave her off, Becky returned to her work.Ronald was right. Later that afternoon, Janet approached her again, saying she wanted to treat Becky to dinner that evening.Becky hesitated for a moment, but after playing hard to get, she agreed, "Alright, fine.""Great, it's settled, then. I'll wait for you in the parking lot after work. We can go shopping together," Janet said, looking at Becky.Inwardly, she felt a sense of disdain, thinking to herself how Becky acted so aloof at first, only to give in to the lure of money in the end. Meanwhile, Becky could not help but wonder when Charles would finally put an end to Janet's nonsense. She was growing incredibly tired of it all.Noelle had been busy the entire day. Since it was the first day back after the holiday, there was
When Noelle heard Charles say that, the little bit of emotion she had suppressed earlier crept back up. She could not help but glance in Arya's direction. "It's okay, I'll go home by myself. Fortunately, I never canceled the lease on my old place, so I'll just move back in tonight."I'll have my things sent over gradually. Don't worry about me. Once everything settles down, I'll be able to come back."Charles sighed. "I really don't want this.""Neither do I." Noelle could not help but laugh, especially hearing Charles sighing and whining like a child. "But it's a special situation right now; it's not the right time. Charlie, I genuinely want to be with you and spend my life with you. I also want your family to accept me.""I understand." Charles felt his previously tense mood ease as he listened to Noelle. A slight smile appeared on his lips. "Alright, you go ahead.""Okay." Noelle chuckled. "I'm going shopping later.""With whom?" Charles' tone instantly shifted, his presence c
The landlady noticed Noelle's strained smile and could not help but shake her head. "Young lady, there are plenty of fish in the sea. Men aren't always reliable. Take my advice and find a better one in the future."Noelle finally understood that the landlady must have thought she had been dumped.She glanced down at herself, feeling a mix of amusement and frustration. She probably did not look her best today. After the long day, it was easy to see why the landlady might misunderstand."You've got it all wrong, ma'am. We didn't break up. Things are just a bit inconvenient right now, so I'm moving back for a while.""Oh, I see," the landlady said, though it was clear she was not fully convinced. She nodded and decided to humor Noelle. "Alright then, but you've got so many heavy things. Let me help you carry them.""Oh, there's no need!" Noelle politely declined. "I can manage on my own. It's getting late, so I don't want to disturb your rest."After finally managing to send the lan
"I think of you every single moment, every second. I wish I could fly to you right now!" Charles rarely spoke sweet words, but when he did, it could take anyone by surprise.Noelle could not help but laugh, her lips curling into a smile. "I miss you too, Charlie. It'd be a lie if I said I didn't. I miss you so much that I don't want to be apart from you, not even for a second!"Hearing Noelle's words melted Charles' heart and completely erased any thoughts of work. "Good girl," he murmured."Alright, since you're home now, and I'm home too, you don't have to worry. I just got back, and I'm all sweaty, so I'm going to take a shower," Noelle said, trying to sound upbeat. "You should rest early. Goodnight.""Goodnight," Charles replied as he ended the call. He stared at his phone, a sharp, intense look crossing his normally calm eyes. He tightened his grip on the phone and only loosened it after several moments.Afraid that she might want to cling to Charles even more, Noelle hung up
Noelle practically flew into his arms, dropping everything she was holding as she threw herself against Charles.It was only when she felt his warm body that her racing heart finally settled. She clung to him like he was the most precious thing in the world, refusing to let go. She was afraid that if she did, he might vanish like a dream.Sensing her anxiety, Charles wrapped his arms around her, gently patting her back in a soothing rhythm. "It's okay, I'm here," he whispered."I'm not a dream. I'm right here by your side."Hearing his words, Noelle tightened her hold even more. "I know... I know it's really you. I can feel your warmth. But Charlie, why did you come?"She had assumed he was either asleep or busy with work at this hour. She never expected him to drive all the way from Phoenix Tree Residence in the middle of the night.The drive from Phoenix Tree Residence to her place took at least an hour, which meant Charles had left a while ago. There was not even a hint of chi
Noelle gazed into Charles' eyes, feeling completely captivated and unable to move.Charles smirked when he saw her in this dazed state. He leaned in close, his warm breath brushing against her ear as he whispered, "Naturally, I came here to… do you."A shiver ran down Noelle's spine, her eyes widening in surprise. She pushed Charles away, blinking several times and swallowing hard.Seeing her reaction, Charles found it both amusing and exasperating. He reached out while playfully stroking Noelle's neck. "What are you doing? Normally, you'd be throwing yourself into my arms by now.""No way! You're so improper!" Noelle protested, her face turning a shade of red as vibrant as a boiled shrimp."You're usually somewhat of a gentleman. Maybe not exactly a refined gentleman, but at least not so—mmmph!"Before Noelle could finish her sentence, Charles silenced her with a kiss. She stared at him in shock as he claimed her lips, his tongue tracing the outline of her mouth.Noelle slowly
"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