However, something nagged at Noelle. She recalled Charles mentioning that Colossus Group had been giving Lennon Group the cold shoulder because of some issue with Peter. What changed, then?"Is something the matter? Is there something that's not making sense?""Nope, all good. I'll keep on reading!"Brian and Noelle had been so wrapped up in work that the afternoon crept up on them. Brian, ever the workhorse, often worked through meals and barely noticed his surroundings once he was in the zone. It was not until he closed his notebook that he spotted Noelle in the car, nibbling on something from an insulated lunch box."Whoa, I totally forgot about lunch," Brian said, approaching her with an apologetic grin."Want some?" Noelle offered, popping open the lid of her lunch box.Charles had packed comfort food, the kind that still tasted good even if it was not piping hot. Brian chuckled at the sight of the lunch box on the seat, a mix of amusement and self-reproach in his eyes. "You
Brian did not say anything more. Noelle got the message, though she was not quite ready to drop the topic. "Why? Can't you get over her?"Her?Brian gave Noelle a puzzled look, then responded, "How do you know about her?"It was true? "I don't know her. I've just heard that you had a thing for someone once, but I don't know who. Mr. Parker, people have to move on, you know...""Ms. Shaw, my personal life isn't something I need to report to you on."Noelle's face tensed for a moment, then she let out an awkward chuckle. "Sorry, I crossed a line."For the rest of their time together, they mostly kept to themselves, speaking only about work. Afterward, they headed back to the office. Noelle stepped out of Brian's car, and he drove off to the garage while Noelle headed inside.In the grand lobby of the Colossus Group skyscraper, Noelle found her way blocked by two stern-faced men in crisp suits. "Ms. Shaw?""That's me. And you are?""We've been sent by Sir Hoffman. He requests you
Brian's eyes narrowed as he watched Noelle walk away with the two sharp-dressed guys. He did not waste a second before he bolted for the elevator and shot up to Charles's office.Becky, spotting Brian's rushed arrival, blurted out, "Mr. Parker, are you here for Mr. Hoffman?""Yeah. Where is he?”"Mr. Hoffman and Mr. Wells stepped out. Is it something urgent?" Becky eyed Brian, who looked a bit off. "Or you can tell me, and I'll let Mr. Hoffman know.""It's fine."With Charles nowhere in sight, Brian had to bail, but he could not shake off the worry for Noelle's safety. He whipped out his phone and dialed Charles, only to get the 'out of service' beep. Brian's frown got deeper.Meanwhile, Noelle was in the back of a car that was cruising along, destination unknown. She figured worrying would not help, so she braced herself to see what Sir Hoffman wanted. Given her last run-in with Clarisse, Noelle braced for a showdown, probably even tougher than before.Head down, Noelle fished
Noelle had waited in the living room for a good half-hour, but Sir Hoffman was nowhere to be seen. She frowned slightly, curious about what he was really up to.Upstairs, Maxwell was glued to the surveillance screens, not missing a beat of Noelle's actions since she had walked in.What he had not anticipated was Noelle's ability to stay so calm. Time ticked by, and she barely moved an inch, only having asked for water at the start. She had not shown the slightest hint of impatience so far.Beside Maxwell stood James, the seasoned steward of the Hoffman family. He had caught Noelle's act too, and it left him a bit taken aback by the girl's knack.Maxwell's brow was creased with thought. "What's your take on her?"He was clearly asking James, who looked surprised. He took a moment before replying, "Sir Hoffman, I'm just a steward. I'm not the best at sizing up people!"Maxwell let out a dismissive grunt. "We can't keep this woman around!""Why not?""She's got an even cooler head
"Really?" Maxwell's eyebrow lifted in surprise. He had not expected Noelle to answer so candidly. "But I've heard that you're not exactly on good terms with your family.""Grandpa, you also mentioned that's just what you heard, and you know how rumors are—some are true, and others are not. Just recently, I heard that the Hoffmans are at odds and don't support Charles as the heir!""You..." Maxwell stood up abruptly. "Noelle, let's cut to the chase. I don't care if you're married to Charles or not, but I'll never approve of you joining the Hoffmans. Don't you ever think they'll accept you as part of the family.""So, Sir Hoffman, we're not discussing family harmony anymore?" Noelle's demeanor shifted from meek to bold. She looked Maxwell straight in the eye, fearless."Sir Hoffman, since you’ve been so upfront, I might as well make my stance clear." Noelle cleared her throat and straightened up, forcing herself to remain composed. Her eyes sparkled with unwavering determination."I
"You... You got Charles to come?"Noelle's eyebrow arched higher. "Why so shocked? You should've known he'd show up if you summoned me here." She let out a derisive snort. "Although, right about now, Charles is probably..."She was mid-sentence when the door flew open with a bang. There stood a man with his hands clasped casually behind his back and a grin that seemed too innocent to be true. He winked at Noelle. "Hey there, Noelle."Noelle could not help but return the smile. "Mr. Smith!"Sean propped himself against the now ajar door, his eyes quickly scanning the room before landing on the door he had just booted in. "Sir Hoffman, you wouldn't mind getting a new door courtesy of me, will you?""Sean!" Maxwell glared at him, utterly shocked to see him. "What are you doing here?""Just hanging out. Charles got held up, so he sent me to keep an eye on Noelle. He mentioned some shady characters have been lurking around and trying to snatch her up. Isn't that right?"Noelle's lips
Noelle turned and gave Sean a quick look. "Mr. Smith, could you drive me home, please?"Sean nodded. "My car's just outside.""You Smith family brat!" Maxwell stopped Sean with a sharp look. "Are you sure you want to cross the Hoffmans? Charles is still oblivious to his duties and destiny. Are you going to help him blunder through his confusion?""Sir Hoffman," Sean replied, puzzled. "I'm not sure what you're getting at. Charles has made plenty of tough calls in the business world with clarity and conviction. I don't think he's lost when it comes to what he wants. Besides, I haven't done much today. I’m just helping Charles by taking his wife home.""You... Are you really going to be so thankless?""So, what's your big plan? Leave Noelle hanging around here while you play the waiting game with her?" Sean could not help but chuckle. "Looks like you backed into a corner and had to pull a stunt like this, huh?"Maxwell's brow creased in frustration as Sean pressed on. "Sure, the Hof
Noelle met Charles's concerned gaze and quickly nodded. "I'm fine, really. They didn't lay a finger on me." She flashed him a smile. "What brings you here?""Do you really have to ask?" Charles teased, gently tapping Noelle's nose. Sean, standing off to the side, could not take the mushy display any longer and gave a couple of pointed coughs. "Hey, lovebirds, mind taking the romance somewhere else? I did come here to lend a hand, you know."Suddenly self-conscious, Noelle gently pushed Charles back. "We owe you one, Mr. Smith!"Charles acknowledged with a nod. "Thanks." He then added, "Stand by Sean."Charles brushed Noelle's shoulder with a reassuring touch before stepping past her into the fray. His gaze was sharp as it met Maxwell's, who seemed to nearly turn a shade of angry green at the sight of him. "What are you doing here!""Why shouldn't I be here?" Charles's voice was calm, his hand casually tucked into his pocket, betraying no emotion. "Grandpa, that was a pretty clumsy
Charles remained silent, and his unreadable gaze was fixed on Simon.After a long pause, Simon was the first to break the silence with a chuckle. "No wonder he's so cautious, carefully planning for years just to counter you. Charles, you truly are a formidable opponent."He stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Should I be grateful that we're not on opposing sides? Otherwise, you'd probably scheme against me as well, wouldn't you?"Charles stood up, slipping his hands into his pockets. "I'll be waiting for your good news.""Charles!" Simon stood up as well. "How can you be so sure I'll cooperate? What if I refuse?""You won't."Their gazes locked in mid-air, and Charles' eyes were filled with unwavering certainty.Simon shrugged. "Alright then.""So, you knew about his identity all along?" Simon asked, genuinely curious about Charles' endgame.Charles' dark eyes glimmered faintly. "I found out not long ago."Had he not been cautious, he might still be unaware of the true motives be
Simon raised an eyebrow and nodded, but his gaze remained on Noelle. She noticed him as well and gave him a slight nod. "Mr. York, it's been a while."Simon's sharp eyes narrowed slightly, carrying a hint of mischief. "Indeed, it has."Sensing a sudden shift in the atmosphere, Simon arched an eyebrow and shot Charles a sidelong glance before chuckling."Come on, Charles. I'm your invited guest, aren't I? The way you're looking at me is making me nervous."Charles merely let out a cold snort. "Mr. York, let's talk privately."With that, the two of them moved to the hospital room next door. Simon quickly realized that the room had been converted into a personal office—or rather, a surveillance hub.He had noticed something off about the hospital's atmosphere the moment he arrived. There were very few patients, and while the place seemed quiet, the entire area was heavily guarded. Charles had his men stationed everywhere, making it nearly impossible for anyone without serious skil
Simon could not help but chuckle at Linda's words.It was only then that Linda seemed to notice his presence. She frowned at this uninvited guest and snapped. "What are you laughing at? Careful, or I'll gouge your eyeballs out!""Tsk, tsk, for someone so young, why are you already so vicious?" Simon shook his head in feigned helplessness, his tone filled with mockery. He even gave Linda a look of exaggerated disdain.Linda had always appreciated good-looking people and admired all things aesthetically pleasing. However, when she saw Simon's overly charming face, something strange happened. She did not swoon like she usually would. Instead, she found him rather annoying.She rested her chin on her hand, scrutinizing Simon with an expression far too mature for her age.Simon also found this young lady amusing. Judging by her actions, she was likely skilled in medicine—probably quite skilled.Otherwise, with how cautious Charles was, he would never have entrusted Noelle's life to a
Elon clenched his fists tightly at Yves' command.This woman was nothing but trouble—Yves' greatest weakness. Elon regretted not killing her years ago when he had the chance.If she had been eliminated back then, none of this would be happening now. Her presence was creating cracks in what had once been a flawless plan.Due to this woman, Yves was now willingly stepping into danger, even engaging with Charles and Steven ahead of schedule. She could not be allowed to stay."Yes, I'll ensure Ms. Anderson's safety," Elon replied.Yves cast him a cold glance before finally leaving the villa.…Meanwhile, after leaving the villa, Simon had the distinct feeling that someone was following him. However, Simon was not just anyone. He might seem carefree on the surface, but in reality, he was the most discreet and unpredictable of the York family's three sons.To outsiders, he appeared to be the least accomplished among the York siblings, but it was precisely this harmless facade that ma
Yves' cold, piercing gaze fell on Kelly. Seeing her aggressive stance, he tightened his grip slightly around her neck.Kelly's eyes widened in disbelief at the pressure, but the next moment, as if something had clicked in her mind, she stopped resisting altogether.She refused to look at him, yet her demeanor made it clear that she was fully prepared for whatever came next.Yves barely increased the pressure, and Kelly's face gradually flushed red. His bloodshot eyes were fixated on her, but she never once looked at him.The grip around her throat grew stronger, and her breathing became more labored. Yet she made no effort to struggle and just lay there as though she had accepted death.Looking at her like this, Yves suddenly felt an overwhelming surge of rage. He let go abruptly, shoving Kelly onto the bed with force."You want to die? I won't let you get your wish. If you're going to die, it'll be with me!" He loomed over her, his voice laced with a chilling finality. "I won't
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