"Charles, come on. You're no fun! Since your wife is out and won't be home for a while, why don't we go out and hang around?" Sean said eagerly, rubbing his hands together. "Steven is still in Brookville, and it's been a while since the three of us got together."Charles raised his head slightly, surprised. "Steven is still in Brookville?""Yeah, didn't you know?" Sean chuckled. "Out of all of us, you and Steven have always been the closest. I find it hard to believe you didn't know he was still here."Sean shook his head with a smirk. "Seems like someone's gotten so wrapped up in love, he's forgotten about his friends."Charles shot Sean a look. "I figured he would've gone back to Cascade City by now."After all, the Naylor family was based in Cascade City. Having grown up there as the adopted son of Naylors' patriarch, Gared Naylor, Steven rarely stayed away for long.It had been a few months since Steven returned to the country, so the fact that he had not yet gone back to C
The gathering was arranged by Sean, and both Peter and Steven showed up. As usual, Steven brought along Eloise, the so-called little firecracker.However, despite Sean's nickname for her, none of them had ever seen her act that way. Every time she was around, Eloise was quiet and composed, almost like a perfect lady from a well-bred family.Her demeanor made the nickname seem entirely out of place.Since Eloise was the only woman present, while the four men played cards, she sat quietly to the side without moving—like a statue. If they had not known beforehand that she was there with Steven, they might have forgotten about her presence altogether."I thought you'd be heading back for New Year's," Charles said, placing a card on the table. His gaze shifted to Steven before he added, "How did that matter with Aunt Nancy go?"Steven's eyes flickered briefly, and he met Charles' gaze from across the table. With a sharp look, he held a card between his fingers, as if pondering some
Charles' sharp eyes swept over Sean. "Looks like you're itching for a fight after a few quiet days. He then extended his hand toward Peter. "Hand over the money."Peter, however, pressed his lips together. There was a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Charles, are you targeting me today?"Nearly every round had been won by Charles, but every time, it was Peter who had been the greatest loser. Charles smirked. "There's no stopping luck when it strikes. Can't help it if you're all single."This remark immediately sparked discontent among the group, especially Sean, who could hardly bear it anymore.Normally, he and Charles were the closest and spent the most time together, so he was accustomed to being on the receiving end of Charles' teasing. However, even with Noelle absent, Charles was still this smug.Charles chuckled. "You brought this on yourselves. You wanted to play."Steven did not seem to mind. At over 30, he had never had much interest in women, let alone love. It was so
Although Charles knew Tania, they rarely interacted. Occasionally, he would help her, but beyond that, there was nothing much between them.It was only later, when problems arose between Tania and Peter, that Charles got involved. He never expected Tania to leave. It had already been three years.Charles had sent people to look for her, but it seemed as though every trace of Tania had truly been erased. In the last couple of years, Nancy's health had worsened, and aside from Peter, Charles himself had been quietly searching for Tania.Steven's sharp eyes glimmered with thought. "If it wasn't you, then who?" There were only a handful of people capable of helping Tania disappear like that and even fewer with the kind of resources to pull it off."I don't know. But it seems it wasn't anyone from the Hoffmans. Aside from his sister, who else does Peter have issues with?"Steven's question sparked Charles' interest. It was hard for him to believe that someone as prominent as Tania co
Peter looked at Charles seriously. "Do I look like I'm joking?"Charles pressed his lips together. "If you really want Tania to come back, Aunt Nancy might be your best bet." He tapped the table lightly, pointing Peter in the right direction.Peter, being sharp, understood quickly. Although Tania did not grow up with the Hoffmans and did not have a very close relationship with her biological parents, she was a dutiful and kind-hearted person.When she was first brought back by the Hoffmans, while she did not seem overly enthusiastic, it was clear to anyone paying attention that Tania acted that way to ease the feelings of her adoptive father.After a brief pause, Peter said, "I understand.""But getting through to Uncle Henry won't be easy," Charles pointed out. "He's always held a grudge about what happened between you and Tania. Even though he hasn't caused you any trouble over the years, he certainly won't forgive you so easily."Charles hit the nail on the head. After all, Ta
Noelle shrugged. "Nothing, really. You mentioned it's cold, so let's buy some clothes. Come on!"She and Teresa each took one of Rowena's arms and led her toward the women's section. "Teresa and I both think your outfit today is just way too plain.""Plain?" Rowena gasped, glancing down at her outfit. "What's plain about it? I think I look great."Noelle's lips twitched as she looked Rowena up and down. Rowena had short, slick hair and was wearing a practical outfit that made her look... very masculine.It was not bad, but it lacked any trace of femininity. It seemed more like she was ready for action at any moment rather than out for a fun day.Rowena was always carefree, so her outfit was not necessarily wrong for her. However, since Noelle had received a call from Rowena's mother, she could not ignore it. "Isn't your birthday coming up soon? Let's go, I'll get you a gift!"As soon as Rowena heard the word 'gift', she perked up and happily followed Noelle. However, she could no
Emilia was not a bad person, and she had always been quite kind to Noelle before. However, ever since Winter got together with Xavier, Emilia was influenced by her husband. She had gradually started to dislike Noelle.However, after everything that had happened recently, Emilia began to notice something was off about Winter and started to appreciate Noelle once again.When Noelle and Xavier were together, they were only dating, but Noelle treated Emilia like her own mother, showing her nothing but kindness.Now, although Xavier had married Winter, a glamorous celebrity, Winter's attitude toward Emilia was not nearly as respectful.On top of that, with all of Winter's recent scandals, Emilia had grown increasingly dissatisfied with her daughter-in-law.Today, it was Emilia's group of friends who had invited her out for a shopping trip. Unexpectedly, Winter insisted on tagging along, offering to carry the bags for everyone. Thinking Winter was trying to be more thoughtful as a dau
"Exactly, Winter, we're all here!" Rowena said, bustling over with excitement. Even the normally reserved Teresa joined in. "Thanks a bunch, Winter!"Winter's lips twitched sharply, but she quickly plastered on a smile. "Sure thing. You're friends with Noelle, so you're my friends too." She glanced at Rowena, her eyes betraying a hint of scorn. "Rowena, you haven't changed at all! Your fashion sense is still crazy!""That's why we need a fashion intervention from you, Winter!" Rowena was never one to be easily embarrassed and was more thick-skinned than Winter. Winter was a celebrity while she was just a humble reporter, so she wasn't worried about looking silly.Rowena's comment nearly made Winter lose her cool, but she remembered they were surrounded by people and at Saint Di's.Winter was the face of Saint Di, and she could not forget it. She had brought the group of high-society women there partly to flaunt her status.Even though Emilia was not exactly Winter's biggest fan, 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