"You... have quite the sharp-tongue!"Clarisse had not expected Noelle to be this difficult to deal with. It was clear that Noelle had no intention of taking her seriously."Do you really think that by saying these things, you can compare yourself to me?"Noelle smiled calmly. "I never thought that. In fact, I'd rather you compliment my eloquence. After all, Charlie thinks I'm quite articulate too.""Insolent!" Clarisse slammed the table with a harsh thud. "It seems you really won't leave Charlie, will you?""I have no reason to leave my husband. So, I'm not sure what you hope to achieve by meeting me today. Which mother doesn't wish happiness for her child? Yet here I am, facing you—a mother determined to break her son's marriage. I find it... intriguing," Noelle replied, her tone firm and unyielding. "Of course, I want him to be happy, but not with you!" Clarisse's gaze turned sharp. It was filled with hostility as if Noelle were her greatest enemy.If Noelle did not know for
"Charlie!"Clarisse staggered backward, gripping the dining table for support as she gasped. "Charlie, are you really willing to oppose the entire Hoffman family and the Bakers for the sake of this woman?"Do you even know what you're doing? Is she worth it? You're meant to be the future head of the Hoffmans!""Whether she's worth it or not is my business. It has nothing to do with the Bakers," Charles replied coldly.If he had been holding back earlier, Charles released his full authority now, his sharp gaze locking onto Clarisse's. "I suppose your brother forgot to take you with him when he left Brookville recently, Madam Baker.""I'm the daughter-in-law of the Hoffmans, your father's wife!""How fortunate that you still remember you're my father's wife," Charles sneered, his smile laced with cold mockery. He was clearly unfazed by Clarisse's words."Your affairs with the Hoffmans are none of my concern. Likewise, my marriage and my wife are nobody's business, least of all you
Charles sneered, "Nothing wrong? The Bakers are the least innocent of all. Don't assume that just because I was a child back then, I didn't know what was going on."My father was merciful toward you out of affection, but that doesn't mean I will be. You trampled on his feelings and sought to take everything from the Hoffmans. Your family's schemes were just too perfect, weren't they?"Clarisse's face turned deathly pale. "Do you even understand what you're saying? How could I have done such a thing? I'm your mother! How could I possibly do that?""You wouldn't, but that doesn't mean the Bakers wouldn't," Charles replied, steadily closing the distance between them. "Go ask your beloved brother what he did 35 years ago. My father treated you with kindness and respect, but you repaid him by helping others hurt him. "Then ask your brother what he did to my father 25 years ago and what he did to Janet three years ago."Charles advanced step by step, forcing Clarisse to back away.At
Noelle stared at Charles, utterly stunned by what she had just heard. She shifted her gaze between Charles and Clarisse, her expression reflecting a mix of disbelief and revelation. Moments ago, she had wondered if Charles was being too harsh toward Clarisse, questioning whether his behavior was unfilial. Now, those thoughts had vanished entirely.Charles had seen with his own eyes how his mother had drugged his father and involved an innocent woman in the process. Hearing about it gave Noelle a new understanding of everything.She suddenly recalled Charles mentioning a woman named Liliana in the past—his half-sister. Could she be the child born to that woman from the night Charles witnessed as a child?"No, Charlie, let me explain! I did it only because—"Charles interrupted, his tone sharp, "Only because you wanted to divorce my father? And then you tried to ruin Uncle Henry's marriage? You wanted to break up Uncle Henry and Aunt Nancy so that you could marry him instead?""I…
"Charles began, "She's from a poor family. After what happened, she lost her job and went back home, but her family didn't forgive her. She raised the child alone while going through a lot of hardship. Eventually, with no other option, she turned to the Hoffmans, hoping they would adopt the child."Noelle stiffened, stunned by the revelation. "And... your father, what did he do?""My father had intended to divorce my mother, to set her free. They had both agreed to it, but at the last moment, my mother changed her mind and refused to go through with it.""Why?" Noelle asked, confused."Why?" Charles repeated with a bitter smile. "Have you forgotten the Bakers standing behind her? A divorce would've cut off all ties between the Bakers and the Hoffmans, severing the Bakers' foothold in Brookville. My uncle isn't a fool."Noelle let out a quiet sigh, feeling the weight of how cruel the situation had been."And what happened to Liliana?" she asked softly."My mother refused to divor
Noelle suddenly understood. "So, it was the bodyguards you secretly sent who told you? But you arrived way too quickly!" She blinked in disbelief."I had barely sat down with Clarisse, and you were already busting in. Did you fly here or something?"Charles chuckled softly. "That's right. I couldn't stand the thought of you getting hurt, not even a little. So I made sure to get to you as quickly as possible.""Charlie, you're amazing," Noelle murmured, leaning against his shoulder and rubbing her cheek against his chest. "Don't worry, I'll take good care of myself too. No matter who it is, I won't let anyone push me around."Charles teased with a smile, "Really? I find that hard to believe. Every since I've been with you, have you ever given me a moment's peace?"Noelle blushed with embarrassment. "You don't need to bring up the past! That was before. I mean from now on, nobody will be able to bully me.""Alright, I'll believe you this time," he said indulgently.When they retur
Noelle thought about what Charles had told her—that Clarisse had always been in love with Henry.She glanced at Nancy and murmured, "I'm sorry, Aunt Nancy."Nancy shook her head with a sigh. "Silly child, there's no need to apologize to me. It's the truth, after all. Even if you hadn't asked, the fact remains that Clarisse has always loved Hen."She exhaled deeply, her expression tinged with regret. "Back then, she resented Hen for not fighting to marry her. And she blamed Mateo for taking her. So, there was never a peaceful day for her at the Hoffman residence. "It's a shame for the children... and poor Liliana. Charlie probably told you about her, right?"Noelle nodded. "Yes, he mentioned her. Charlie feels deeply guilty toward her."Nancy said softly, "Charlie is a good child. People say he's ruthless, but he has carried the weight of the Hoffmans on his shoulders since young. He has no choice but to be tough."But his love for Chloe and Liliana is genuine. It's just a pity
Mateo gripped Clarisse's wrist tightly. The more he saw her in this state, the angrier and more disgusted he was. "You went to look for Noelle? On what grounds? With what right?"His gaze, once filled with affection, was now cold and scornful. Any love he might have once held for her had long since dissolved into contempt."I told you before that you were never to return after leaving. So, why are you back now? What more do you want from the Hoffmans?""Mateo, I don't understand what you're saying. All I know is that you owe me. If not for you back then—""Even if it hadn't been me, Hen would never have married you either," Mateo cut her off sharply, his voice like ice. He dragged her toward the car, shoved her inside, and slammed the door with force.The driver, startled by Mateo's fury, stammered, "Sir, where are we going?""The hospital," Mateo snapped, casting a hard glance at Clarisse. "Clarisse, you know exactly what happened back then. No matter how despicable I may be, I
"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