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
Sean raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. "No wonder Layla wanted to get rid of Tania at all costs. If I were in her place, I would've done the same."Jordan's expression darkened, but Sean continued speaking as if oblivious to his discomfort, "If Peter knows his old rival still harbors feelings for his wife, I'm sure—""If I remember correctly, Tania and Peter are no longer connected," Jordan interrupted. "It was Peter who chose to let Tania go."Sean shrugged. "Your love affairs don't interest me. Since you've agreed, I'll take you to her. But have you really thought about what you want? Perhaps you'd like to rid yourself of Layla for good?"Jordan frowned. "That's my problem, and I'll deal with it myself.""Fair enough." Since Jordan was clear on his stance, Sean did not push any further. He led Jordan to the underground section of the The Majestic Lounge.It was Jordan's first time seeing this hidden side of the establishment, and he had not expected it. Even more surprisin
"Enough. You're completely mad. Tania is the real daughter of the Hoffmans. Your birth mother took someone else's child and left you in her place."You stole what was rightfully Tania's, but did Tania ever hold it against you? Even when Tania returned to the Hoffmans, you still remained their esteemed daughter. Did anyone ever treat you unfairly?"Jordan looked at Layla's twisted expression, and he was filled with hatred. He knew that Layla had never let go of her grudge against Tania. He was now more convinced of what Sean had said. Layla knew where Tania was, and she had something to do with what happened to her."Do you know where Tania is?""Of course, I know. How could I not? But the more you care about her, the less likely I'll tell you," Layla sneered, pain shooting through her kneecap. Despite the intense pain, she stubbornly refused to spill the beans. "It's been three years, and you're only now thinking of looking for Tania. Aren't you worried that she's long dead? Ha
"Are you serious?" Layla's eyes lit up with disbelief as she looked at Jordan. "You're not lying to me?""You should know by now that I never lie. If I've promised you something, I'll keep my word," Jordan said, his gaze fixed steadily on Layla."We can't choose the circumstances of our birth, but we can change our destiny. I don't love you, not because you aren't a true daughter of the Hoffmans but because you've done too many things that I can't accept. If you're willing to change, I'll try to accept you, and I promise I'll never bring up divorce again.""Really?" Layla still could not quite believe it. She only relaxed when she saw Jordan nod. However, as if something suddenly came to mind, she placed her hand over her stomach. "But...""But what?" Jordan looked at Layla with suspicion, unable to understand why she was still hesitating when he had gone this far. "You still don't trust me?""No, I believe you." Layla quickly shook her head. "I believe everything you're saying. I
Sean let out a chuckle. "There's no need to be so afraid of me, Mrs. Langford. After all, you used to call me Sean, too. Don't worry. If anyone gives you trouble in the future, just come to me."Layla shrank back in fear, and Jordan frowned. "Mr. Smith, if there's nothing else, I'll take Layla and leave now.""Oh, of course. You can go," Sean replied casually, though his eyes lingered on Layla. Layla immediately tensed up, sensing his gaze.With a playful smile, Sean glanced from Layla's face to her stomach, then back to her face. "Mrs. Langford, you don't seem to be in good health. How about a free check-up at my hospital?""No need!" Layla quickly refused.Her hasty refusal only made her behavior seem more suspicious. Jordan also found Layla's reaction odd, but considering the injuries she had sustained over the past few days, he assumed she was simply afraid of Sean. "It's fine, Mr. Smith. I'll take care of my wife's injuries myself.""Alright then... Take care," Sean said.
"Yeah. He was supposed to arrive a few days ago, but there were some issues on his end that delayed him. His flight lands tomorrow. Do you want to go pick him up?" Charles squatted down beside Noelle to help her organize the papers.Noelle paused for a moment. "Sure, why not? I had someone clean the place where Mr. Click will be staying a few days ago. Since you said he's arriving tomorrow, I should probably have someone clean it again today."Charles nodded. "I've already arranged for it to be cleaned again.""Charlie…" Noelle sighed as she patted Charles on the shoulder. "You know, you think of everything and handle it all. What's left for me to do?""Silly girl!" Charles could not resist pinching Noelle's nose as she acted all serious. "You're like a little old soul in a young body!""Ow, stop pinching my nose! It's going to get deformed!" She added with a playful tone, "Luckily, my nose is natural. If it had been a fake one, it would've collapsed by now! No more pinching my no
Eloise's fingers shook just a little, but she nodded seriously. "Take your medicine, get better, and I'll go. Just don't send me away now, please."With that, Eloise held out the glass of water to Steven again. "You need to take care of yourself. You haven't had any rest for days."Steven stared at Eloise's defiant face and suddenly laughed mockingly. He stood up, towering over her with his tall frame. He tilted her chin up with his long fingers, his icy eyes locking onto her bare face. His words cut deep. "You seem to have forgotten that you're just a pawn to me. Even your name, Eloise, was chosen by me. Remember your place!"Eloise's face went white as she heard his words. Her hands balled into fists at her sides. She tried to read his expression, but his eyes were like ice—no warmth nor emotion."Yes, I've always known who I am," Eloise said quietly, looking down. "If it weren't for you, I'd probably still be lost."She looked up again, her eyes then as cool and detached as his
Charles squinted at him. "You don't seem too happy to have me around!""No, no, don't get me wrong. Noelle and Kelly are my sisters, and they’re part of the Smith family. I wouldn't ever dislike them! But don't you think you're wasting resources by being here?"Sean was practically pleading. "Look, if you're not smart with your money, that's fine by me!""Silly Sean! You just said they're your sisters, yet now you're talking about money?" Charles raised an eyebrow. Sean's face fell. "I messed up. I don't want your money. I'll pay you to leave, okay?"Charles just smirked. "Alright, I'll have my things packed up and head out in a couple of days."Sean let out a big sigh of relief. "Okay! I'll have someone clean up for you right away. It won't even take two days. We'll have it done today!" After saying that, Sean whistled cheerfully and bounced away.Charles rubbed his forehead, a bit frustrated, and quickly reviewed the latest reports about the Collosus Group.Steven had been sec
Yves's car lingered long at the hospital entrance, finally pulling away as the last bit of night faded.Yves had been hanging around the hospital entrance for a while, and the secret guard who was watching him had already told Charles about it. Actually, Charles had seen the car parked outside the hospital on the security screen a long time ago.Charles was staring at the screen, lost in thought.After a bit, a tiny smile appeared on his face, and his eyes sparkled.Charles was surprised that Yves cared so much about Kelly. He was brave enough to come there all by himself, even though it was dangerous. The hospital was full of their own people. If Charles had not been sitting there and had caught Yves instead, this whole thing might already be over.The door to the hospital room opened, and Sean, who was tall and striking, stood there. He had been at the hospital a lot those days, staying close ever since he started looking after Kelly. Linda was there too.Every day, Linda was b
"You must really want to die!" Yves twisted his hand, and Elon's arm popped out of its socket. "Who told you the York family has a dungeon? My father? Or...""No! The old master has nothing to do with this!""Hmph!" Yves glared at Elon. "You never saw me as your master, did you? Only my father?" Yves squeezed Elon's cheek. "What did my father give you that made you remain so loyal, even years after his death?""Nothing... You are my master. The old master gave me my life and asked me to follow you for all of it, so no matter what you do, I will obey.""Then why didn't you listen when I said not to hurt her?" A dangerous look flickered in Yves' eyes. "Hmm?""Because I know she'll mess up your big plans, Sir. You don't see it now, but one day you'll understand that I am doing all this for you." Elon clenched his teeth against the pain. "Sir, please see the truth. This woman will only hold you back. Even if you take my life now, I won't complain, but don't let her ruin your big plans
Nobody knew if Kelly was alive or not because Sean's hospital would not let any information slip out. The place was locked down tight by Charles's crew, and not even Yves's toughest guys could bust in and rescue Kelly. Yves did not have a clue about Kelly's condition, so he could not just rush in without a plan.Somewhere hidden on the outskirts of town, a man was strung up on a scary-looking rack, his eyes shut and barely breathing.Yves sat on a chair nearby, fiddling with something in his hands, his eyes icy as he stared at the man hanging there. "You know you messed up, right?"The man, who was called Elon, kept his eyes shut tight and would not say a word. Yves glanced sharply at another guy standing close by. This guy was an assassin Yves had trained, just like Elon. They were always at Yves's side.Elon was usually the one out in the open, but this other guy, Yoan, worked from the shadows. They were Yves's main guys.Yves did not take Elon with him to Francoria that time be
"Alright, then I'll leave my sister in your hands!"After spending some time with Linda, Noelle had come to realize that apart from being extremely serious when treating patients, Linda was otherwise quite childish. At moments like this, she was still very much a child at heart.However, spending time with Linda was easy. She had a way of making treatments feel relaxing, ensuring there was no pressure at all.Once Linda finished joking around, Charles led her away, taking her directly to Sean's lab for research.For the past few days, Linda had not stepped out of the hospital because she was entirely focused on finding a cure for the virus. She had practically made Sean's lab her home, eating, drinking, and sleeping there without a care.Despite her young age, Linda was undoubtedly a medical prodigy. She was only in her teens, yet she handled these complex medical challenges with astonishing composure.Sean had always believed his medical skills were exceptional—at least within h
His slightly rough fingertips brushed against Noelle's skin, his gaze filled with tenderness as he shook his head slightly. "It's okay now."Noelle, however, couldn't hold back her emotions. She leaned her head against Charles' chest and wrapped her arms around his waist. Her voice carried a hint of grievance. "Why didn't you tell me?"If she had not noticed Linda's secretive behavior and recalled Peter's and Tania's hesitation that night, she would have never known just how much suffering Kelly had endured.Not to mention, it was all because of her. If not for the virus in her body, Kelly would not have put herself in danger."Don't cry." Charles coaxed her gently. "She wouldn't want you to be sad, would she?"Through the glass panel of the hospital room, he saw Linda putting away the silver needles. He gently patted Noelle's back. "Do you want to go in and see her?"Noelle pulled away from Charles, took the tissue from his hand, and wiped her tears. She nodded firmly. "Yes!""
"Don't worry! You two really are sisters. Just as you're concerned about her, she's been worried about you too!"Linda was still young, and she did not quite understand the depth of sisterly bonds.She had grown up in a completely different environment. Though her family was large, there was never this kind of closeness.The person she was closest to was her older brother, but Saxon was a man, and his way of caring was completely different from that of a sister. Hence, Linda had a hard time grasping the emotions that Kelly and Noelle shared.However, even if she could not fully comprehend it, she could feel that these two truly cared for each other."During the time you were missing, Noelle could barely sleep at night. She kept having nightmares. Some days were better than others, but I could only help ease her pain temporarily." Linda sighed. "And now, you've only just woken up, and the first thing on your mind is Noelle.""How is Noelle now?" Kelly asked anxiously, her eyes fil
Kelly remained in the ICU for two days before she finally woke up. This was not exactly what Linda had expected, but at least Kelly showed no adverse reactions upon regaining consciousness.However, she barely spoke.Linda had already spent several hours in the hospital ward, checking Kelly's condition and even performing acupuncture to alleviate her pain. However, Kelly was like a puppet on strings—silent and unresponsive. She did not speak, did not complain, and did not even flinch at the pain.Linda stared at Kelly's face, which looked almost identical to Noelle's, and sighed in boredom."Hey... You don't have to worry. Once your body recovers, I can remove the scars on your face and body." Linda reassured her."Trust me. After all, I do come from a family of doctors… Kelly, are you mute? Why won't you say anything?"Linda had been observing Kelly for hours now, and she was even quieter than a mute person.Even those who could not speak would at least make some sounds when th