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
"Yeah." Charles's eyes flickered with determination. "Don't worry, I won't let myself down, and I definitely won't let you down either."This matter was something that had to be resolved sooner or later. Before, he was not in a hurry because Noelle was not by his side. However, now that she was here and had become his wife, this obstacle needed to be cleared away.He intended to give her a life free of hindrances, a world without worries. He wanted to offer her a life of pure bliss, one that was filled with only him."I know, and I believe in you," Noelle said. She started feeling a bit tired and yawned.Charles looked down at her, then glanced at the time. "It's late. Let's sleep.""Okay." Noelle nodded but leaned in to kiss him softly on the lips before closing her eyes. "Goodnight, Charlie.""Goodnight, Nelly," Charles replied, watching as Noelle quickly drifted into a peaceful sleep.His gaze softened, and he gently lay her down, tucking the blanket around her.Just as he w
Janet's people had been following Noelle, but they had not found anything suspicious about her. Every time, Noelle either went straight home after work or spent time with colleagues shopping or dining.She had absolutely no contact with Charles.The people tailing Noelle were assigned to Janet by the Bakers. Janet was aware of their capabilities and did not question their findings. As a result, over time, Janet's vigilance toward Noelle eased somewhat.However, every time she thought about Noelle's face, Janet still felt a pang of discomfort.Janet contemplated whether to find an opportunity to get Noelle out of Collosus Group, but now was not the right moment. Charles did not think highly of her, and if she made an issue over Noelle, who resembled Kelly, it might create a backlash.The more she tried to keep Charles away from Noelle, the more likely he would be drawn to her.After considering this, Janet decided to leave Noelle alone for the time being. However, when it came to
Charles' attitude that day had said it all. He mentioned that he only came because of Samuel, but that old man meant nothing to Jade.He had been out of the picture for so many years that Jade barely thought of Samuel. Little did she know, Samuel actually knew someone as significant as Charles.As Jade thought about it, she felt increasingly resentful about this marriage. It was not Joseph's Frotconn that had elevated them. Rather, it was Joseph's family who had latched onto the Shaws.The Shaws might have seen better days under Samuel's leadership. Although Julian was not as capable as Samuel, the Shaws were still a wealthy family. They were unlike Joseph's family, which had only recently risen to wealth.Thinking about Winter's scandal with Charles, an idea suddenly popped into Jade's head, and it startled even her. Lost in her thoughts, she failed to notice Julian standing up, staring at her suspiciously. "What are you thinking about?" he asked.Startled, Jade's shoulders jer
"Is that true?" Julian had been in the dark, so he was pretty shocked to hear about it. "How did you find out?"Jade let out a sigh. "It's all because of the recent drama." She knew something was up, so after overhearing Winter and Suzy that day, she did a little digging on Janet. Boy, did she get the surprise of her life! "Janet's had a crush on Charles since they were kids, but Charles has never given her a second glance.""Go on!" Julian leaned in, hooked. "I want to hear if it all ties together.""Okay, here goes!" Jade gathered her thoughts and laid out the whole saga for Julian. "And then there's Clarisse, who’s a real piece of work. I get why her brother likes Janet. She's his first love's daughter, but Clarisse is way too nice to Janet for no good reason. She even plotted against her own son for Janet’s sake! Years ago, when Charles visited Capiton, Clarisse slipped him a drug and then... she actually put Janet in Charles's bed. Can you believe it?"Julian's eyebrow shot up
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