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
"It's not exactly my style. Saint Di's all about prim and proper dresses fit for a demure lady. I'm definitely not that," Rowena grumbled. However, as her eyes landed on a particular dress, she could not help but be drawn in.Noelle caught a glimpse and instantly knew Rowena was smitten. She waved someone over. "Hey, could you help me get one of these?" Noelle flipped through the catalog and pointed at a particular outfit.The sales associate hesitated, but considering Noelle's apparent connection to Winter, she reluctantly approached. However, her face fell upon seeing the design Noelle was interested in. "Sorry, but that one's not for sale.""Not for sale?" Noelle arched an eyebrow. "Why's that?""It's just not, okay? Why all the questions?""Hmm." Noelle smiled slyly. "Is this how Saint Di treats its customers?""What's going on?" Winter, catching the commotion, snapped her catalog shut and strolled over. "Noelle, show me which one caught your eye."Her face twisted into an a
Rowena, as quick as ever, spun around to face the shop assistant who had just spoken up. "Sir, you're a real charmer. I have to have this outfit. I’ll take it in a size S! Wrap it up for me, please.” Rowena was nothing if not spirited.Winter cut in once more, "But I spotted it first.""Did you pay for it already?" Rowena quirked an eyebrow, flipped through the catalog a bit more, and pointed out several more outfits. "Pack these up for me too. I'm feeling generous today. It's New Year’s, after all. I’d better treat myself a little.”Winter's expression soured. The outfits Rowena had nonchalantly chosen were the exact ones Emilia's friends had been eyeing.The shop assistant, spotting a sale, was quick to respond, "I'll get them wrapped up right away. Will you take them all in size S?"Rowena nodded affirmatively. "Of course. We’re super fit, so we’ll take your smallest size!" She glanced over at the group of well-to-do ladies behind Winter. "Ladies, you don’t have to worry about
The mention of the annual Collosus event made everyone put their poker faces on—each of them had caught wind of a different tale. However, Noelle was in a league of her own. She had been right there in the thick of it, so she knew what really went down. Winter's composure wobbled, but she clung to her emotions, her lips quivering in a picture of distress.Noelle was no stranger to Winter's damsel routine. In fact, she had seen it enough to write the playbook. Once upon a time, she might have fallen for it, but those days were long gone. She was immune now."The way you and Mr. Hoffman were chatting up a storm that day made you guys look like best friends.”"Enough!" Emilia cut Noelle off mid-sentence. No woman could stand by while her daughter-in-law made a fool out of her son. Emilia was already stewing over the whole mess, but she had hoped to smooth things over with Winter today and remind Winter of her place. Winter needed to understand that she had to act appropriately as a mar
Once Charles left, he called Ronald and instructed him to find Liliana a better school without all the drama.Ronald could not figure out why his boss suddenly cared so much about Liliana's problems. However, when he thought about how sad the young girl's situation was, he could not help but feel concerned too.Sean was surprised to get a call from Charles. "Hey, what's got Mr. Busy so free to ring me up?" he joked.The two were buddies. Even though Charles was a couple of years older, it did not get in the way of their friendship.Charles gave him a look. "You're not the type to poke your nose into other people's business!"Sean was stunned for a second, then laughed out loud. "What's that supposed to mean? Do I seem so standoffish? Let's just say I was being nice for once!" Sean explained, "But really, what's going on? That girl looked so helpless. She was getting picked on and too scared to stand up for herself. If I hadn't decided to skip the front gate and hop over the fence
"If you won't step up, then I'll look after her!" Charles declared, striding past Mateo. "We can't let the Hoffmans be pushed around without even realizing it!"“What do you mean by that?"Liliana had no idea that she had become the Hoffman family’s center of attention. By the next day, James had her room fixed up beautifully with every amenity she could ever want. She did not lack anything that Layla had, be it in her wardrobe or jewelry box.The servants escorted Liliana to her new room, and James handed her a card. "Miss, this is from Mr. Hoffman. He said you can buy whatever your heart desires with it!"Liliana could not believe it. She had no idea why Charles was being so nice or what he was up to. She did not even know that he had taken care of all the people who had bullied her before.All Liliana knew was that she felt nervous sitting in her room, waiting for Charles to come back.When Charles returned and saw Liliana waiting, he asked, "Were you looking for me?""Sir, y
Liliana stayed silent."Where's your room?"Charles felt a rare sense of defeat when Liliana would not answer. "Change your clothes. I'll take you to the hospital!""No, there's no need for that!" Liliana quickly gestured with her hands. She had already been to the hospital once today and could not possibly go again. "I have medicine!"Charles was not convinced. "What really happened?"Liliana fidgeted with her hands. "I was just clumsy. I've already bought some medicine, so there's really no need for this!"Clumsiness was a ridiculous excuse for how she looked right now.Charles was too clever not to notice what was going on. However, when he saw how scared Liliana looked, he did not push her any further. "You can put the ointment on yourself. Just remember that you're part of the Hoffman family. From today onward, don't let anyone push you around. If they do, they're messing with my reputation too!"Liliana nodded quickly, too scared to say much, and scampered off.With a fr
Liliana was scared of Charles. She did not know what he was up to, but she had not stolen anything or damaged Layla's necklace.She stood up from the floor and faced Charles with earnest eyes. "I didn't steal anything, and I didn't break her necklace. I really didn't!""You're lying! If it wasn't you, then why is my necklace broken?" Layla refused to let Liliana off the hook. She was convinced that Charles would not take Liliana's side. After all, who would side with an illegitimate daughter?Liliana's mom had caused a lot of trouble for Charles's family, and Layla was determined to set things straight with Liliana today. She thought of Liliana as nothing but trouble.Charles looked at Layla with an icy stare. "Are you saying that my sister, Liliana, would need to steal your necklace?" His voice was steady, but it made Layla tremble with fear. "I... She's not really your sister. She...""She's not?" Charles let out a grim laugh but did not look at Layla again. Instead, he turned
Liliana was on the ground, getting hit and kicked by Layla. She wanted to hit back for a second, but thinking of her mom made her stop."You think you can hit me?" Layla sneered. "You're nothing but a nobody, yet you think you're one of us?""I didn't do it! I didn't ruin your necklace! I was just cleaning!" Liliana cried."Yeah, right," Layla mocked. "Like I'd believe that. You're just a thief!""What's going on here?"A sharp voice cut through the air, and both girls froze.Layla quickly let go and ran to Charles. "Charles..." However, he stepped away before she could touch him.Layla's hand hung awkwardly in the air, but she quickly smiled. "Charles, this girl stole my stuff and broke my necklace!" Layla complained, holding up the necklace. "It was my birthday present from Dad!"Charles might have been only twenty-one, but he was already the vice president of Collosus Group.In the small town of Brookville, he was something of a legend. He had gone overseas when he was just
If the servants caught her in those clothes, they would definitely give her an earful.After tidying up, Liliana stepped out to join the bustle of the household. The servants were all busy, and she pitched in to help clean and prepare dinner. With her hair pulled back, her bruised face was visible. She glanced at the big bag of ointment on her bed and felt tears well up again. She whispered his name in her heart, "Sean, Sean!"Liliana whispered the name to herself repeatedly, as if she was etching it deep into her rib bones, right over her heart, so it would never fade away.When Liliana stepped out, the maid took one look at her and gasped. "You look like a ghost! Are you trying to give someone a heart attack?"Liliana looked down, murmuring a quiet, "Sorry.""Well, don't just stand there. Come and help with the chores. You're not some fancy lady of the Hoffman family!" The maid was used to it. She knew that even though Liliana had the last name Hoffman, nobody in the Hoffman f
Liliana gazed into Sean's eyes, not looking away for even a second.Sean felt a jolt in his chest as if something had struck him, and a flurry of thoughts burst through his mind.He grimaced as if snapping out of a trance. "Is that why you pulled away from me?"Liliana looked down, silent.Feeling a mix of frustration and amusement, Sean asked, "Do you think I would think less of you because of that?"Liliana did not answer, and Sean chuckled lightly. "If I really thought less of you, do you think I'd have saved you? Would I have helped you?"Liliana suddenly lifted her head. "But I...""Nobody gets to choose where they come from, Liliana. It's not your fault," Sean said, looking into her eyes, which seemed to be on the verge of tears. Despite her delicate appearance, she had strength within her. She held back her tears, and her gaze stirred a sense of compassion in Sean.Liliana's heart skipped a beat. All her life, she had lived in the shadows. She thought everyone looked at
"Have you eaten yet?”Sean checked the time and realized it was getting late. It was way past dinner time.Liliana was still silent, her head bowed."I'm hungry!" Sean announced.Liliana glanced up, then quickly looked away. "Then you should go home and eat!""Don't you want to eat too?" Sean asked, reaching out and gently taking Liliana's hand.Liliana jerked her hand away as if she had been burned, leaving Sean's hand hanging in the air. He stared at her, surprised and a little hurt.Liliana felt bad about her reaction. "I'm sorry, Sean!"Sean scrunched his eyebrows. "Sorry for what? I told you, you've done nothing wrong. Why do you look so sad?"Sean did not usually have that much patience for people he barely knew, but he told himself that this was his good deed for the day. Besides, Liliana looked as sad as a puppy left out in the rain, and he could not help wanting to cheer her up. "Come on. Look at me," he said gently. "What's got you so scared?"Liliana did not know w
Sean was really pleased with the principal's promise. "You've got to keep your word, Principal. I may not be here, but the school is still in Brookville, and so is my family, the Smiths!" "Absolutely!" With his mission accomplished, Sean left with Liliana."Oh, and since Liliana is hurt right now..." "Of course, the school will give her some time off. Don't worry about your studies, Liliana. If you run into any issues, just come to me or the head of teaching. Your grades will be just fine!" Satisfied, Sean walked away. Liliana tagged along behind Sean. With his long arms and legs, Sean towered over her. Even though he was only eighteen, he was already much taller than Liliana by more than a head.Liliana stood by Sean, looking as tiny and frail as a malnourished child. Sean moved quickly, and Liliana had to trot to keep up with his long strides.The lawyer trailed behind them, a small smirk playing on his lips as he watched the scene unfold with amusement.After Sean dismisse