"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
Henry was out of patience with Layla's drama. "Jordan, she's your wife now, which makes her part of the Langford family. You know what to do."He gave Jordan a look of regret.If only Tania had chosen Jordan back then, he would have been a decent choice. Too bad he and Anna were not meant to be."Got it!" Jordan agreed. "I won't bother you anymore." He took Layla's hand firmly. "Come on, we're going home!""I won't go, Dad. Please listen to me. I've always been your daughter! You... Tania left us three years ago and never treated us like her real parents. She didn't even come home when her mom was dying...""Stop! Just stop. I'm done listening to you trash-talk Anna. I've done more than enough for you," Henry declared. Without his help back in the day, Layla would never have had a shot at marrying Jordan considering her background. Sure, the Langfords were not the top dogs in Brookville, but they were a respected literary family, and Jordan was a catch.However, Layla was not rea
Even though Sean was the most pleasant among the four of them, it was also true that not even Steven would be a match for him when he decided to unleash his merciless viciousness. “How could anything else be more important than reminiscing together!” Sean said, a warm smile on his face as he took his white coat off and readjusted the shirt he was wearing beneath it. Then, he added, “Why don’t we head to our usual spot? We can also discuss what you brought up in-depth there!” “I… I didn’t say anything!” Layla was scared out of her mind now. The ‘usual spot’ Sean was referring to was her personal hell, a place she never wanted to step foot in for the rest of her life. Layla took several steps backward. “No, you can’t treat me this way, Sean Smith. I am Jordan’s wife. You can’t do this to me!” “Wife?” Sean tugged at his tie, a seemingly harmless smile on his face as he said, “I think Jordan should be thanking me. Having a wife like you would be one of the most troublesome things h
Both Peter and Charles looked up at Sean upon hearing that. Peter looked up because he had just bumped into Layla earlier that day. Meanwhile, Charles looked up because Layla had always addressed him as ‘brother’ for the past 20 years. However, a calm look soon settled in his eyes as he asked, “Why mention her all of a sudden?” “I found out something interesting. We may be able to find Tania soon!” “What do you mean?” Peter immediately jolted to attention upon hearing Tania’s name. “Does she know where Tania is?” Sean shook his head. “I don’t know.” “Then…” “Layla went to meet your in-laws today, but your father-in-law stopped her from entering!” Sean said as he stroked his chin. Upon noticing Peter’s lack of response, he asked, “Aren’t you even the slightest bit curious?” “I saw them at the entrance to the hospital. Get to the point!” “Fine. The point is, that she was kicked out by Henry Hoffman, and that probably triggered her. She was talking to herself after getting
Peter’s eyebrows knitted themselves together as he stared intently at the woman inside the room. Layla was screaming like a mad woman, and her words slurred themselves together. When she came to the topic of Sean and Tania, a murderous look immediately appeared in Peter’s eyes. It was so intense that even Andrew, who usually did not pick up on such things, noticed. “Mr. Lennon…” “Wait outside!” Peter said with a wave of his hand. Andrew immediately opened the door, and the person inside the room raised their head in response to the door opening. When Layla saw Peter, she took several instinctive steps backward. “Peter…” “We meet again,” Peter said, his lips curving upward. Though his features were arranged into what seemed like a smile, it looked terrifying. Layla could not stop herself from shuddering, regretting to herself why she had chosen this day to visit Nancy at the hospital. If she had not gone… “M-Mr. Lennon, I… Why did you bring me here? I’m Jordan’s wife! You can’t…”
That’s right, she was a member of the Hoffman family. She was Henry Hoffman’s daughter and heiress to the Hoffman family. She had such an honorable identity, there was no way she was the daughter of a lowly commoner, and no way she was the daughter of a murderer. Peter stared cooly at Layla, the look in his eyes growing colder by the minute. “There’s no point in denying things. You claimed Tania’s parents for yourself for so many years and also caused her harm. The only reason she did not end your life back then was because of her kindness. As for me, though…” Peter tightened the hold he had around Layla’s neck. “I may have plenty of time on my hands, but I don’t have all the time in the world to waste with you. Where is Tania?” Peter’s chokehold on Layla’s neck was growing tighter by the minute, and she could barely breathe anymore. Her face turned a deeper shade of red by the minute because of the lack of air she was getting. Layla reached her hands out to slap Peter’s arms, an
Jordan was only back now because the matriarch of the Langford family had threatened him with death and because he wanted to visit Nancy, who had fallen ill. After all, Nancy was Tania’s biological mother, and even though he and Tania had not made it to the end, Jordan still held immense respect for both Henry and Nancy. The Langford family was finally taking notice of the fact that Layla was missing, and they requested Jordan to locate her as quickly as possible. Jordan initially thought Layla was just throwing a temper tantrum and that she would return after several days had passed. However, after three days of waiting, he was starting to worry as well. He did not hold any romantic feelings toward Layla, but she was still a human and one who held the identity of being his wife. Jordan had no choice but to set out looking for her, but he got nothing even after an entire day of searching. Out of ideas, Jordan returned to the hospital to meet Henry. “Dad, I’m here this time to
Sean smirked as he unbuttoned his white coat. "There's a café downstairs. Mr. Langford, care to join me?"Jordan, though puzzled, nodded and gestured for Sean to lead the way. "Please."Once at the café, Sean sat down in a relaxed manner and ordered an Americano with no sugar. Jordan, more composed and formal as always, ordered a Blue Mountain.The two sat facing each other. Jordan's proper demeanor made Sean, despite being a doctor, seem somewhat less professional by comparison.Sean fiddled with his hands as he waited for their coffee to arrive. Once served, he made a welcoming gesture. "I wouldn't have guessed, Mr. Langford. You have quite the refined taste."Jordan raised an eyebrow but merely sipped his coffee with his lips pressed tightly together. "I'm curious, Mr. Smith. What's this meeting really about?""What if I told you I've found news about Tania? How would you react?"Jordan's hand froze, nearly spilling his coffee. His brows furrowed together as he met Sean's gaz
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