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 fell silent, mulling it over, before finally nodding. "And your folks? What do they think?""Don't sweat it, they'll be over the moon to help out. Even if they say no, I've still got my aunt in my corner." Sean chuckled. "And let's not forget, my brother owes you big time. It might even be cooler if my aunt made Noelle her goddaughter, with my brother being part of the mighty Jones family and all."Charles looked down, lost in thought for a moment, before saying, "Okay, you can handle it.""You got it! I'm on it. Pretty awesome, huh?" Sean said with a grin.However, Charles just gave him an icy smile that sent shivers down Sean's spine. "So, Noelle is younger than me, huh? Once she's my mom's goddaughter, that makes her my sister. You’ll have to call me 'brother-in-law'? I’m sure you’ll love that!”Charles let out another frosty laugh. "I doubt you can handle it!"Sean pulled a face. "Don't try to scare me. I'm not one to back down from a threat!""Guys, come on!" Noelle
Charles scrunched his forehead. "Chill. Don't sweat it." He gave Noelle's shoulder a reassuring pat. "He won't corner you like that again.""Really?" Noelle was taken aback, sensing that something was off.Maxwell did not seem to hate her, he was just dead set against her being with Charles.Clarisse had made her feelings crystal clear when she came looking for Noelle—she could not stand her and did not want her anywhere near Charles, but Maxwell? He was a total enigma to Noelle."Come on, when have I ever lied to you? Let's just drop it for now. So, anything exciting happened at the construction site with Brian today?""Well, to be honest, I'm not sure. Mr. Parker and I had just gotten back to the Colossus Group, and before we could even head upstairs, your grandpa whisked me away," Noelle said with a helpless shrug. "But Mr. Parker did say something about you not wanting to open up the project for bidding, right?""Yep!" Charles confirmed with a nod. "I never planned to let it
"Understood!"...The year had barely begun when Nancy's health took a nosedive. She thought a little rest would do the trick, but lately, she had been feeling worse, not better. Henry had been dragging her to hospital after hospital, and he had even insisted on her staying there.Nancy could feel herself getting weaker by the day, and her longing to see Tania intensified.Henry knew exactly what was weighing on Nancy's heart. He was well aware of Charles's secret visit with Nancy. He had not said a word, but he knew the only move left was to bring Tania back.Back when Nancy was on death's doorstep, not a single member of the Hoffman family was a bone marrow match—only Tania was. Tania had risked it all to save Nancy, giving her a second shot at life. However, that very act had taken its toll on Tania, leaving scars that haunted her even after she got pregnant, and then the baby...Henry had just finished calming Nancy down when he stepped out of the hospital room and dialed Cha
Henry and Peter moved to the room next door. Henry settled into a chair, while Peter stood awkwardly until Henry waved him down. "Sit, sit!""Right." Peter took a seat, his voice urgent. "Dad, we can't put off dealing with mom's illness any longer."Henry's gaze was piercing as he finally spoke. "Do you think you can get Anna to come back?""I'm not one hundred percent sure, but I'd say there's a seventy percent chance."Nancy was Tania's mother, after all. She would not just stand by and watch her mother's health decline. If anything happened to Nancy, the guilt would haunt Tania forever.Peter got Tania. She was the kind of girl who seemed to breeze through life, tough as nails and acting like nothing could touch her. However, deep down, her yearning for a real family connection was as real as it got. Once upon a time, her foster mom and boyfriend betrayed her, and she went all out for payback. However, it was her foster dad, Christian, who helped her let go of the grudge. Chr
Charles pulled out a pack of cigarettes. "Didn't you quit?"Peter snatched the pack from Charles, his lips tightening. "Since when did you become my mother?"Charles squinted. "You managed to come down without a single scratch. I've got to say, I'm impressed."Peter quirked an eyebrow, locking eyes with Charles in a direct challenge. "Do you need me for something?""You're really playing for keeps with Anna, huh? Decided you're not letting go?" Charles straightened up, turning to lock gazes with Peter, his long fingers casually draped over the steering wheel, though his eyes were sharp as daggers.Peter shot him a look. "Quit probing, Charles. If I wasn't serious, I wouldn't still be here."It felt like every whisper of the wind and rustle in the grass was a threat, only those he kept close could ease his mind.Tania had been gone for three years, seven months, and thirteen days. It was enough time.Peter toyed with his cigarette pack before finally speaking up. "Kelly's been h
"You're questioning my manhood?" Jordan scoffed. "You said I should come to visit Mom and Dad, and here I am. Don't push your luck, Layla."Jordan had enough of Layla's drama and turned to head into the hospital. Layla stood there, fuming, and yelled after him, "Don't play dumb, Jordan. You're still hung up on Tania, that little tramp, aren't you? Well, get over it. She's never going to fall for you!""Layla, just stop, will you?" Jordan said through clenched teeth. "Look at yourself. Do you even remotely act like the refined lady you're supposed to be?" He would not have ended up with her if she had not tricked him in the first place.Layla's face contorted with fury, her hands balled into fists. "I never was that perfect lady, and you know it. So what if Tania is? She still spent over twenty years being treated like an orphan.""Despicable!"Jordan threw his hands up in frustration, too tired to keep up with Layla's nonsense. He did not want to make a scene anymore.Upstairs, H
Liliana's piercing scream echoed through the empty underground parking lot. However, there was no one to hear her and no one to witness what was happening to her at that moment. No one knew that this was the beginning of her personal hell.Her voice broke as she gasped for air, her hands desperately pounding against Sean's back as she tried to push him away. However, he only held her tighter.Her fragile body was trapped beneath him, moving in rhythm with his relentless force. She had no idea when it would end.Sean, lost in his own haze, was consumed by the warmth surrounding him. The way her body clenched around him only drove him further into his intoxicated madness. It was not until Liliana's voice had gone completely hoarse that he finally reached his release.Liliana blacked out from exhaustion, and eventually, Sean, too, drifted into a deep sleep while still holding onto her.The night had descended upon her so suddenly, like a storm Liliana never saw coming.When Liliana
The distance was not far, but dragging Sean along had drained nearly all of Liliana's strength. She panted, struggling to keep him upright. "Sean, where are we supposed to go now?"The only response she got was a muffled groan. His body temperature seemed to be rising by the second.Liliana, already struggling under his weight, instinctively reached out and touched his face, only to find it scorching hot. Panic gripped her."Sean!"With no other options, she half-carried, half-dragged him toward the parking lot and finally located his car. Summoning every ounce of strength, she managed to haul him inside, planning to let him sleep it off until he sobered up.After securing him in the seat, she grabbed a bottle of water and began wiping his face. Just as she was about to relax, Sean, who had been completely still moments ago, suddenly stirred.He half-opened his eyes, his gaze locking on Liliana's face. Under the dim car light, her features appeared softer, more delicate.Then, o
"No, we can't stay. Let's go separately. I'll walk you to the entrance!"Liliana told Tania that her family had forbidden her from coming to places like this. She hailed a cab and sent Tania off first.She returned alone, but she had no idea which private room Sean was in. She only knew it was somewhere on the third floor, but the exact location was a mystery.As she anxiously searched for him, she spotted one of Sean's friends coming down the stairs with Joanna following closely behind.At the staircase, Joanna stopped to bid farewell. "Thank you, dude… I…""Go on! Good luck!"The man glanced at Joanna before brushing past Liliana and leaving.Liliana watched Joanna's retreating figure, then saw her head back upstairs. She followed her without hesitation.The server must have assumed she was with Joanna because he did not stop her.Liliana saw Joanna enter a private room, where only Sean and Joanna remained. The others were nowhere to be seen.Peering through the gap in the
"Huh? I'm not outside right now!" Liliana quickly covered the phone's mouthpiece. "I mean... I'm at a classmate's house. Is there something you need, Sean?"She asked the question while glancing nervously around. Spotting Tania trying to slip away, she hurried over to grab her."Tania...""Liliana, I still want more to drink!""Where are you?" Sean's voice came through, and another girl's voice was in the background. "Are you guys drinking?""I...""Do you realize you're not old enough to drink? And it's so late now. You should be at home, not out drinking!" Sean sounded serious, and Liliana almost lost her cool. "No, Sean, I...""Where are you? I'm coming to get you!"Liliana quickly shook her head, even though Sean could not see. "There’s no need for that, Sean. I'm just at a friend's house. She's... She's having a birthday party, and I...""Another birthday party? Didn't she just have one?" Sean remembered clearly. "Tell me where you are.""I... Sean, I've got to go. I can
Sean was only in his second year of college, but he had already finished all his courses and was even starting clinical trials.That was pretty rare at Vista University, and even the colleges in Capiton wished Sean would join them. However, as talented as Sean was, he did not rush through his education. He took everything one step at a time.Many people did not know that Sean was not just thinking about where to do his hospital residency. He had his eye on a hospital he wanted to buy.Joanna was studying medicine too and was a year behind Sean. She was smart and pretty, which made her popular with teachers and students. She got along great with the older students.She had watched a clinical trial with some seniors and got to know them better, especially Sean.Sean might not have noticed, but almost everyone at the college knew Joanna liked him.Today, she was the secret organizer of a get-together that was supposed to be for the seniors, but she made sure Sean was invited.Every
Tania's ruckus drew the attention of several onlookers.Worried about bumping into someone they knew, Liliana quickly ushered Tania away. They had barely made it to the staircase when a melodious voice floated in from behind, "Sean, we owe our fun at The Majestic Lounge to your popularity!""There's no need for that!"Liliana froze, steadying Tania with one hand and leaning on the wall with the other, using Tania's body as a shield. That was when she spotted Sean with an elegant-looking girl in a pale pink dress.They appeared quite close, the girl chatting away and gazing at Sean.Sean was leaning in, listening intently to her words.A few guys were trailing behind them, and upon hearing the girl, they joked, "Hey Joanna, why are you just thanking Sean? What about us?"Liliana's heart raced as Sean and his companions neared. As Sean approached, she quickly grabbed Tania's hand, using it to hide her face.Liliana’s sharp tug gave Tania a twinge of pain. She began to grumble, "L
Liliana got ready. She was excited as she headed out. She had not seen Tania, who looked tanned from the sun and was full of energy, in a month.Tania waved to Liliana from far away. "Liliana, over here!"I'm going to take you to a cool place today!""Where?"Tania pulled Liliana close and whispered, "We're going to a bar!""A bar?" Liliana was curious. "What for?"Tania giggled. "A friend gave me this.” She showed off a shiny gold card. "He said it's time for me to see more of the world!"Liliana grabbed the shiny gold card, and her eyes widened in shock. "The Majestic Lounge?" She stared at Tania, puzzled. "How did you get this?"Not just anyone could get their hands on a gold card from The Majestic Lounge. Most people would not know anything about the place, but as Charles's sister, Liliana was in the know. The Majestic Lounge was one of Charles's private businesses and a secret to most outside the family. Layla had a gold card and often hung out there with her friends.Lil
Charles was unusually quiet for a moment, his finger pressed to his lips as if deep in thought. "Are you really ready to walk away from the Smith family's huge estate? You know your dad is the only one holding it up right now, and no one even knows where your fourth uncle is!""Why are you so worried about me? Don't forget I have a brother. If the Jones family won't make room for him, he can just join the Smith family!"While everyone else was trying to claim their piece of the pie, Sean was looking for a way out.Charles knew that once Sean made up his mind, he would not budge. "Alright, I'll look into it for you. Once you're sure, I'll help you seal the deal!""You take care of it," Sean said after a pause. "Aren't you going to check out the commotion downstairs?"Charles glanced down, pulling back his gaze. "Her feelings for you...""Let's not go there. I can't handle that," Sean interrupted, thinking about Layla's haughty behavior earlier and her rudeness toward Liliana. His
Liliana's brow creased slightly. She could not figure out why Layla always seemed to pick fights with her, even though she tried to stay out of Layla's way.Layla stared at Liliana with a sharp gaze. Noticing Liliana's hands were empty, she knew there was no gift for her. That was why Layla was giving Liliana a hard time.Everyone was watching Liliana, and Layla was eager to see how she would handle the situation."Is today your birthday?"Liliana felt awkward with all eyes on her. She glanced at Sean and saw he was not going to step in. She took a deep breath and said, "I'm sorry, I didn't know. You never told me, so I thought your birthday was a few days away!""You..." Layla was taken aback by Liliana's response. She scowled. "Didn't you come back just today before leaving again? I thought you were getting me a birthday present!" Layla bit her lip, looking sad. "You and Sean...""It was just a coincidence. Sean said he needed to talk to Charles, and I didn't realize it was for