“Get rid of it!” Milo picked up his phone as another text from Ronald came in. “We received this information just a short while ago. Someone sent Ms. Baker these pictures the night of New Year’s Eve, and it was after seeing these pictures that she lost control of her emotions and accidentally injured Mr. Mateo and Madam Clarisse.” Milo pursed his lips, his brows knitted so tightly together that they were practically in a knot. He stared intently at the contents of the message, unable to stop himself from trembling violently. “That child’s face!” “Sir?” Hogan noticed something amiss about the look on Milo’s face. “Is something wrong?” “Nothing. Continue keeping watch on Charles. I’m leaving tomorrow, but update me if you have any news.” Milo pocketed his phone and hurried off. Hogan gazed at Milo as he left and waited until he was gone before he retrieved his phone from his pocket and made a phone call. “Mr. Wells.” “How did it go?” “Exactly as you predicted. Milo frea
As promised, Milo visited Clarisse, who was receiving treatment at the hospital. Clarisse did indeed look like she had sustained severe injuries. She had an odd expression and merely invited Milo to sit upon his arrival. “You must be here because of what happened yesterday, Milo! But I’ve made myself clear. I won’t be able to provide any more help on the issue regarding Charles and Janet.” Milo lost his temper upon hearing that. “We’re siblings. I’m sure we can find some other things to talk about.” Why did Clarisse immediately have to annoy him? Clarisse’s lips fluttered. “Go ahead, then. What else do we need to talk about?” “You… Fine. I admit, it’s about yesterday. Um…” Milo fell silent for a brief moment. “I’m here to ask you a question!” “Alright, go ahead!” Clarisse readjusted her breathing and leaned against the headboard to gaze at Milo. “I won’t turn your request down if I can help out .” Milo hesitated briefly before asking, “Did Janet mention a child while she was
"What's your view on it?""Your mother seems unaware of the situation, but it's likely she knows more about Kelly's matter. Your uncle is definitely hiding something from her, and it's probably related to Janet. As for that child… I believe the child does exist."Charles raised a hand. "Go and find out. Do we still have contacts in the Capiton from three years ago?""We do, Mr. Hoffman," Ronald replied with a smile, recognizing that Charles was serious this time.Charles had always avoided harsh actions as long as there was room for compromise. For the sake of his connection to Clarisse, he had refrained from taking drastic measures. However, since the Bakers had now decided to force his hand, Charles was not going to hold back."I'll gather our contacts and start working in Capiton. But what about your mother?" Ronald asked cautiously, mindful that Clarisse was still connected to the Bakers.Charles' lips curled slightly. "Do it. You don't need to worry about that." Since Milo h
Peter knew that the only way to bring Tania back was through Nancy. As Tania's mother, Nancy held the key. If she asked Tania to return, Tania's sense of duty and filial piety would compel her to come back.This plan would undoubtedly hit Tania's weak spot and be the easiest way to persuade her. However, Noelle found it a bit puzzling. "If Aunt Nancy could really convince Tania to come back, then why didn't Peter ask for her help earlier? Why wait three years?"Charles explained, "Time can heal a lot of things. When Tania made up her mind to leave, even Uncle Henry and Aunt Nancy couldn't have stopped her."Forcing her to stay back then wouldn't have repaired anything between her and Peter. On top of that, Uncle Henry was prejudiced against Peter at the time. Even now, Peter still faces opposition from him.""So, Uncle Henry can't find out that I'm inviting Aunt Nancy over?" Noelle asked, finally understanding. "And that's why you're making me call Aunt Nancy instead of doing it yo
"What are you standing there for?" Noelle walked over, handing Charles the coat. "Here, put it on! Sure, you're healthy, but it's cold out there. You'd better bundle up. Getting sick over the festive season wouldn't be good."For some reason, Noelle seemed especially chatty today. Her soft, steady voice buzzed in Charles' ears like a little magpie chirping away. Yet, instead of finding it annoying, Charles found it soothing.Seeing Charles standing frozen in place, Noelle laughed softly. She then draped the coat over his shoulders.Charles reached out, grasping her hands. His eyes were filled with warmth as he gave her hand a gentle pat and smiled. "Nelly, don't we look like we're wearing matching outfits?"Matching outfits?Noelle blinked, then glanced down at her own coat before looking back at his. A chuckle escaped her. "It does look like it, doesn't it?""Let's go." Charles's voice softened as he gave her hand a gentle squeeze. He then led her out the door.The two made the
Charles drove onto the highway, then took an exit, heading in the direction of Homestyle Garden House.Noticing the route, Noelle asked, "We're going to...""Homestyle Garden House," Charles replied.Noelle nodded, turning to Nancy. "Aunt Nancy, did you know that Homestyle Garden House is a garden house I co-own with a close friend? Would you like to stop by for a visit?""Sure!" Nancy smiled. "A garden house? What made you decide to open one?""It's just a hobby. My grandfather taught me how to make tea when I was young, and my friend happens to love tea as well."Before long, they arrived at Homestyle Garden House. Noelle helped Nancy out of the car, with Charles following closely behind.Teresa, who had just been chatting with Noelle in their group chat minutes ago, was surprised to see her walk through the door. She raised an eyebrow at the sight of the elegant woman accompanying Noelle. "Noelle, who's this?""This is Aunt Nancy. She's Charlie's uncle's wife," Noelle introd
Nancy nodded. "Your grandfather has a good eye." Although she had never met Sebastian in person, she had heard of him many times, especially because he was Charles' mentor and had a profound influence on him.She glanced at Charles, who raised an eyebrow and smiled. He then took the teaware from Noelle, carefully rinsing the pieces."Yes, his taste is truly impeccable," he said.Noelle chuckled. "Why do I feel like you're bragging?"Charles gave a soft laugh. "Whatever you say goes."Nancy and Teresa shared a laugh at that.Suddenly, footsteps echoed outside, approaching the room.Noelle tilted her head in curiosity and looked at Charles just as a knock sounded on the door. She gave Charles a questioning glance. He stood up calmly, walked to the door, and opened it.Standing tall in the doorway was a man. Though he seemed to have come in a rush, he looked composed without a trace of disarray. The usual intensity that clung to him was noticeably absent.Noelle was not surprised
Charles gave Peter a reassuring pat on the shoulder before allowing him to enter.Once inside, Peter found a seat and sat down. "Mom."Nancy's expression shifted. "Mr. Lennon, it would be better if you just called me Ms. Nancy," she replied calmly. The way he had initially addressed her as "Mom" clearly made her uncomfortable.However, her composure kept her from voicing anything harsher. "Go ahead. Tell me what brings you here today. Since you managed to persuade Charlie, it must be quite important."Peter nodded, accepting the teacup that Noelle handed him. He gave a polite nod. "Yes, Ms. Nancy. I asked to meet you today because of Tania."At the mention of Tania, Nancy's hand trembled slightly as she pressed her lips together.Her face clouded with unease as she stared at Peter. "You and Tania ended things three years ago. I remember you two divorced.""No, we didn't get a divorce," Peter said, his tone urgent but measured out of respect for Nancy's position.His words start
"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