Rowena was the first to lose it once they were out of the mall, bursting into laughter. "Oh my gosh. Did you guys see Winter's face? It was priceless. I couldn't stop laughing!"She went to give Sean a friendly pat on the shoulder but realized he was way too tall, so she turned to Noelle instead. "But I'm totally lost. What was that whole act with Mr. Smith all about?"Noelle arched an eyebrow and casually took Rowena's hand off her shoulder. "We're just playing a part!" She turned to Sean with a questioning look. "Where's Charles? You said he was coming, right?"Sean arched his eyebrow too and made a couple of tsk-tsk sounds, putting on a pitiful face. "Come on, do you have to be just like Charles? You’re so distant! Remember, I’m the one who just helped you out. That Charles is acting like a scaredy-cat. He’s too chicken to show up, so he made me fill in for him!"Noelle could not help but laugh when Sean talked about himself that way. Before she could say anything, Rowena jumped
"A bunch of people already know about me and Charles, and it seems like we can't keep it a secret much longer. We never really planned to keep it under wraps anyway!""You're thinking of making it official?" Sean grinned. "That's awesome. I won't have to play third wheel to you lovebirds anymore. You don't know how tough it's been, getting an eyeful of your lovey-dovey act all the time. It's so cringe!""Cringe?" A playful glint appeared in Rowena's eyes as she leaned in and teased, "Mr. Smith, you're familiar with that word? I didn’t know you were so hip with new slang.”Sean arched an eyebrow. "I know way more than you think, kiddo. Did you really think I was out of touch?"Rowena laughed and settled back into her seat, trying to piece together what had happened. "So, you pretended to be in a relationship with Mr. Smith to throw people off? But I'm still confused. Who's Andy? Why did Winter look so scared when his name came up? I've never heard of someone like him in Brookville,
Noelle understood. That explained the stuffy feel of Mr. Fischer's place last time. It had felt like the walls were closing in. "I'll skip the tour of Charles's turf. He can show you around himself next time. But I do want to show you my amazing room.” Sean's smile was confident, like a vendor hyping up his fruit at the market. "Trust me, you guys are gonna love it."Noelle, Teresa, and Rowena just stared, speechless.Sean was not concerned with how they looked. The doors slid open as the elevator dinged at the eleventh floor, and Sean was the first to stride out. He propped the door with his hand, a perfect gentleman, and said, "After you, ladies!"The room Sean had booked was tucked away at the end of the hallway. They passed by a group of burly bodyguards, who made the place feel more like a fortress than a party spot.As they pushed open the door to the room, everyone inside took a brief pause. Charles was the quickest to snap out of it. Spotting Noelle, he beckoned with a gr
Charles flashed a mischievous grin, noticing Noelle's cheeks were red. He slowly stood up, still cradling her waist, and gently set her down in his seat before taking the spot next to her, oblivious to the stunned looks from the crowd.Noelle was mortified. She was convinced Charles had lost his mind. She glanced around at the silent onlookers and let out a nervous chuckle. "Looks like everyone's here, huh? What's the occasion? Are we having a party today?"The crowd gave her blank stares as if she had just said the most ridiculous thing.Noelle thought, ‘I’d better just shut up.’"Don't be shy!" Peter said, breaking the ice. "You two remember me, don't you?""Absolutely, Mr. Lennon!""Please, call me Peter!" he insisted with a firm tone, then changed the topic of conversation. "Sean, you set this up today. What's the plan now? Where are we going?""We're off to grab some food. I've already told Noelle’s two friends over here," Sean said with a whistle, standing up. "Ronald's go
Charles nodded in response. "Why? Don't you like having them around?"Noelle shook her head. "It's not that. I just haven't spotted them yet.""They're good at staying out of sight. I can call them off in a little while if you're not into it, but they’ll stay for now. I'm not taking any chances with your safety."Noelle's laughter rang out as she playfully gripped Charles's hand, and they left The Majestic Lounge behind. Once they were settled in the car, she teased, "I get it. You're just looking out for me. Having someone tag along makes you worry less, right?""It sure does!"The group made their way to Bamboo Grove House, where Sean had reserved the grandest room there. The manager, spotting the arrival of such VIPs, hurried over to greet them. It was not every day that Bamboo Grove House hosted such an elite crowd, and the manager was determined to make a good impression.Ronald had taken care of the menu, and the feast began as soon as everyone was seated. Charles and Noell
Charles, with the utmost composure, peeled the last shrimp and handed it to Noelle. "Here, have this."Noelle popped the shrimp into her mouth under everyone's watchful eyes. She watched as Charles casually wiped his hands with a napkin, his calmness unshaken."Alright, take him to Nippori first. I'll follow shortly.""Right away, Mr. Hoffman!"Once the manager had left, Sean inquired, "Your uncle?"Milo was the only person who would go to such lengths to track Charles down here, and the manager had mentioned someone with the surname Baker.Charles nodded, a glint of determination in his eyes. "I'll be right back." He stood up and looked at Noelle. "Make sure you eat plenty."Noelle's lips twitched, convinced Charles had lost his mind today, but she managed a composed nod in front of everyone. "Sure."Charles affectionately ruffled Noelle's hair before he exited the private room.Milo was led by the manager to a spot in Nippori and ended up waiting around ten minutes before Ch
Upon hearing that, Milo's expression froze. He had not expected to be at a disadvantage so soon. Whenever he tried to be indirect with Charles, Charles would play the same game but even better.Milo could not figure out where Charles got that trait, but one thing was certain—it was far from endearing.Milo could not just admit it. He would give up his last bit of leverage if he admitted Janet was sick. That was a no-go.Charles was as cool as a cucumber since he was not the one needing a favor. He was curious to see how far Milo would go for Janet.He had always pegged Milo as a calculative man. Janet was his first love's child from a fling with another guy. Despite her having her mom's knockout looks, her illness was a hard fact.Charles brewed some coffee and checked the time. "Uncle, shouldn't you be visiting my mom instead of hanging out here and wasting time?"Milo was barely controlling his rage. "Spill it. What's your game?"Charles just cracked a smile. "You're making a
"Excellent!"Charles's lips quirked up in a sly grin. "I'll have someone take you home!""No need. I'll head back myself!""Sure. I'll take my leave, then!"Charles had what he wanted, so there was no point in sticking around with Milo any longer.He returned to the private room, where everyone was finishing their meal. They caught sight of Charles, looking all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, and figured the negotiation must have been a breeze.Charles slid into the seat next to Noelle and glanced around. "Why's everyone staring?"Noelle flashed a smile and dished up some more food for Charles. "Everything went okay?"He nodded. "Yep!""Dig in. You barely touched your food earlier." She looked at the table. "Should we get more? We're running low on food."Noelle was about to flag down the waiter, but Charles waved her off. "No need. There's plenty here, and I'm not that hungry!" He gave Noelle's shoulder a reassuring pat. "Are you full?""Yep!"Charles looked away and, taking
Yves scrunched his brow. "Go ahead. Ask it.""Who are you, really? Are you Yves or Jacob?"Yves' gaze was sharp as it fell on Kelly. "Everyone who once knew me is gone.""Then tell me. I'm going to be gone soon, too!" Kelly said with a faint smile. "It doesn't really matter if I go now or later. I'd rather you be the one to do it than some nasty virus."Yves' frown deepened. "Kelly, please don't make me do this."His hand was a fist, and anyone who knew Yves could tell he was trying really hard to keep calm.However, Kelly kept smiling at him, not even pausing. There was laughter in her eyes but also a hint of sadness. She stared right at Yves and took a step closer.Her hands lifted, shaky, but she did not stop.Yves watched her closely, and when Kelly reached out, he quickly grabbed her hand. "Once we're done here, I'll let you know."Kelly shook her head. "After I find out, you'll end it, and your secret will be safe with me. But if you don't let me see, you know I'll try t
He stood up and gave Kelly a chilly look. "You think you can just walk out of here? That's not going to happen. Instead of dreaming about escape, you should be thinking about where you'd like to go with me once I've taken care of everything here."Yves reached for the door to leave, but Kelly's voice stopped him.She got up from the bed and stepped down, her bare feet touching the cold floor. She stood a few steps behind Yves, her eyes intensely focused on him. "If I agreed to go with you, would you leave all this behind and take me and Seth away?"Kelly's hands were balled into fists as she spoke. She did not even understand why she was asking that. She stared at Yves's back. He did not turn around and just stood there with his back to her.Kelly could not see his face, but she could read the real reaction in the way he held himself.His hand was still on the doorknob, not letting go. When he heard what Kelly said, he froze, as if her question caught him off guard.Kelly kept he
"Enough! I know that! You don't have to remind me!" Kelly shouted, her voice filled with frustration. "Yves, you don't need to keep bringing up my painful past. Yes, I once loved Charles, but that's all behind me. I have nothing to do with Charles now, and he's my sister's husband. Please stop making such guesses about other people."Kelly's eyes filled with tears as she stared at Yves. "I don't want to see you. Leave now!"She had thought her words were too mean and would make Yves mad. She expected him to storm out, but he did not move. Confused, Kelly noticed his dark eyes were then bright.Yves smiled. Kelly's yelling had somehow made him feel calm. His eyes were warm and kind, so different from the distant look he usually had.Kelly did not get it, but she was glad he was not mad.Yves let go of her and brought over a plate and spoon. "You must be hungry! You haven't eaten since you woke up. Let me feed you!"Kelly turned her head away, but Yves' eyes grew hard. "Eat," he sa
Kelly bit her lip, wondering about Simon's place in the York family. It looked like he and Jacob were not on good terms. If Simon could help her...She suddenly remembered Simon saying something about seeing her again before he knocked her out, didn't he?The door creaked open again, and Yves stepped in, this time holding a tray with utensils. As he set the table, a delicious smell wafted through the room, making Kelly's stomach growl at just the right moment.Feeling her cheeks warm, Kelly quickly turned away.Yves's face was as stern as ever, but if she looked really close, she could catch a tiny smile in his eyes. It was faint, but it was definitely there.He helped Kelly sit up and untied the ropes from her wrists. As soon as she was free, Kelly scooted away from Yves and perched on the edge of the bed.Yves's eyes flickered for a moment, but then he scoffed, "Kelly, you're a smart girl. You know that if I set my mind to something, I can make it happen, right?"Kelly scowled
"I can see it perfectly!" Kelly said, her eyes wide and serious. "You don't have to keep telling me. I'm not the same Kelly I was four years ago. I won't get upset by what you say. Yves, let me tell you one more time, if you want to deal with your problems with the Hoffman family and Charles the right way, I won't get in your way. But if you try to use my sister, I'll never let you off the hook!"Kelly's eyes lost their sparkle for a moment, and as she looked down, she bit Yves' hand hard.Yves' eyes turned steely, but he took the bite without flinching. Kelly did not realize how strong her bite was until she tasted something metallic and sweet. She looked up and saw Yves' eyes, hard and sharp like carved jade, dangerous enough to take down anyone.Kelly shuddered. Looking down, she saw Yves' hand was stained red, but he stared at her as if he did not feel a thing. "I won't let the Hoffman family off the hook, and I definitely won't let you go. So you can forget about trying to esca
"Are you Yves or Jacob?"Kelly's words made the air grow tense. Yves stared at her so intensely that her heart started to race. She tried to speak, but Yves's chilling look silenced her.Yves held her gaze. When she tried to run, he caught her hand and held her tight. "Who told you? Huh?"His voice was dark and frightening, making Kelly feel scared. This was not the man she knew.She wanted to run away, but Yves was not about to let her."Simon?"Kelly shook her head. "Let me go!""Is that Simon?" Yves stared at Kelly with icy eyes. "I can't believe you know someone from the York family!"Kelly heard that and shook her head like crazy. "No, I don't know any Simon. I really don't!""You don't know him? Then who just walked in, huh?" No one but Simon could get here, and nobody in the York family could find this place except Simon.Simon usually did not bother with such things, so Yves was puzzled why Simon would get involved. "He came for you, so why didn't you leave with him?"
As Kelly slipped into unconsciousness, she heard Simon's promise. "Next time, I'll take you with me!"Simon had barely finished speaking when a shadowy figure appeared, moving with lightning speed. Simon parried a few blows, but the attacker, wearing a silver mask, was relentless. With a frown, Simon dropped Kelly to the ground. The masked man caught her just in time, cradling her gently.When the man looked up again, Simon was gone. Beneath the mask, his face was dark and foreboding. He gazed down at the unconscious Kelly, holding her close and pressing her head to his chest as if she were a precious treasure. It was as if holding her was the only way to confirm she was really there.Kelly thought she had been dreaming, a really long dream where she tried to run away, but Yves was always right behind her, making it so she could not get away. When she got too tired to run, Yves held her close, his kiss icy on her lips, his eyes sharp. He touched her cheek softly, but his words were
Simon was the surprised one now. His sly eyes took in Kelly, clearly amazed to find someone who bore such a striking resemblance to Noelle.He examined Kelly's face as if trying to figure something out. "You two look alike, but you have such different energies. Your personalities don't seem to match either. And..." His eyes dropped to Kelly's belly. "You're not expecting."Kelly was taken aback at first, but then she faced Simon with a question of her own. "Who are you? How do you know Noelle?"Simon chuckled. "I should ask you the same. Who might you be, and what brings you to this villa?"Kelly did not sense any harm from the stranger, but she did not care for the way Simon spoke. "I asked you first."Simon rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "How intriguing!"Kelly was getting annoyed. "Who are you, and what are you doing here?" She glanced outside and noticed a servant lying unconscious on the ground. "Did you do that?”Simon's eyebrow quirked up. "Yes!"Once Simon released her,
Kelly woke up and was surprised to see how late it was. She felt a little annoyed and said, "I'm going to change my clothes. You go down first, okay?"Once the servant had left, Kelly hurried to the bathroom to freshen up and get dressed. Then, she headed downstairs.Walking slowly, Kelly felt a sharp pain with each step, which made her wince. She glanced at the servant beside her, but he just kept looking forward, not noticing her discomfort. "Madam, your meal is ready," he said."Don't call me 'Madam’!" Kelly snapped. "Call me Ms. Anderson. I have nothing to do with your 'Sir’!"The servant gave her a strange look and repeated, "Madam, please."Kelly took a deep breath, trying to calm her anger. She knew arguing was pointless. The servant would not listen, so she let it go.After dinner, Kelly felt uneasy. She had not seen Yves for hours, and he did not show up at night either. That made her feel worried, though she could not quite pinpoint why.The night passed without any