Brandon was frightened by Peter's overwhelming presence and shrank into Tania's arms. "Mommy!""Brandon, it's okay. Don't be scared." Tania patted his back, then looked up coldly at Peter. "Mr. Lennon, if death is the only way to sever ties with you, then go ahead and die."Her eyes were completely devoid of emotion. She turned to Noelle and said, "Ms. Shaw, could you please take me to the hospital to see my parents first? Then, I'll go back to Phoenix Tree Residence.""Alright, my car is just outside. Let's go," Noelle shot Peter a glance, silently urging him not to cause trouble.She then helped Tania with her luggage and led the way. "You carry Brandon, and I'll take the luggage. My car is just out front.""Thank you, Ms. Shaw." Now that Tania knew Noelle was Charles' wife, her attitude softened considerably, though she still eyed Noelle with some suspicion.Noelle loaded Tania's luggage into the trunk and opened the backseat door for her. "I'm sorry my car is a bit small. I d
Tania's face turned slightly pale, and she lowered her head. "Don't mention Peter to me…""And this child…" Noelle glanced at the sleeping Brandon in Tania's arms. "His father—""He's not Peter's!" Tania quickly cut her off. "I got married in Carvonia."Noelle was taken aback, and her grip on the steering wheel nearly slipped. She glanced at Tania with a conflicted expression, finding it hard to comprehend. "But you and Peter…""It ended between us three years ago," Tania replied, clearly not wanting to discuss Peter anymore. Noelle, sensing the tension, wisely did not push further.When they arrived at Sean's hospital, Tania carefully got out of the car while carrying Brandon. Seeing how exhausted Tania looked, Noelle offered, "Let me carry him. You've been carrying him the entire way.""No…" Tania began to refuse, but before she could finish, a pair of strong hands lifted Brandon from her arms."Peter, what are you doing?" Tania exclaimed in shock when she saw it was him. "Giv
Peter knew he should be furious. Tania had been gone for three years and seven months, and now, her child was already this big.It was clear that she got married and had a child right after leaving Brookville. Despite his anger, the moment he saw Tania, all those feelings evaporated—especially as he carried the child she had with another man.Strangely, he felt his heart racing.'Peter, do you have a self-destructive streak?' he silently mocked himself. However, when he looked down at Brandon's innocent, sleeping face, all the resentment in him seemed to fade away.Tania had been watching Peter carrying Brandon the entire time, and the expression on her face grew increasingly tense."Tania?" Noelle noticed that something was off with Tania's emotions.Following her gaze to Peter, who was cradling Brandon so carefully, and seeing the look on Tania's face, Noelle said, "Don't worry. He won't harm Brandon. I haven't known Peter for very long, but I can tell that he has never stopped
Sean gave Peter a sympathetic look and then clucked his tongue twice, as if surveying Peter's face. This was the face of a cuckolded man.Peter narrowed his eyes. "Sean, are you itching for a beating?"Sean immediately stood up straight and distanced himself just to be safe. "Heh, it's not me who wronged you, so why give me that look? But this kid..." Sean examined the situation, feeling something was off.Peter grew impatient. "Are you that free?""Of course not! I've got plenty of work to do. Well, good luck to you." Sean patted Peter's shoulder in sympathy. Then, with a shake of his head and a sigh, he walked away.If Tania had really gotten married and the child was not Peter's, then Peter's chances of winning her back were slim to none. Though Peter was the type of person who always got what he wanted, Tania was not just anyone—she was Charles' cousin.That alone made things complicated. Peter could not just do as he pleased with her. If he tried to break up her marriage, it
Peter clenched his fists tightly."Brandon looks a lot like you," Noelle remarked with a smile. During Peter's moment of hesitation, Noelle gently took Brandon from his arms.As Brandon stirred, looking like he was about to wake up, Noelle softly hummed to soothe him. Brandon smacked his lips, found a comfortable position, and drifted back to sleep.Peter's gaze softened as he looked at Brandon's small face.Noticing Peter's change in expression, Noelle smiled. "There's a bond that comes from blood, something that can't be easily severed. If Brandon were someone else's child, would you be furious, Peter?"Peter was stunned for a moment, and something seemed to click in his mind. He smirked. "You're too observant, Noelle.""It's just that when we care, we get blinded." Noelle patted Brandon's small arm as she continued to rock him gently. She glanced toward the hospital ward. "Instead of lingering out here, maybe you should focus on what you need to do right now."Peter nodded, l
Hearing Tania's words, it was clear that she was protecting Trevon. Since Tania had spoken so highly of him, Henry and Nancy did not say much more—especially with Brandon there. Regardless of who Brandon's father was, the child was undeniably charming, and both Henry and Nancy were quite fond of him.They spent some more time talking at the hospital, but Nancy, feeling concerned about Tania having just returned, worried that she might be tired. Hence, she asked Noelle to take Tania home.On the way back, Noelle called Charles. He had just finished his work and said he would be heading home shortly. He asked what Noelle wanted for dinner, so Noelle glanced over at Tania and asked, "Ms. Tania, do you have any dietary restrictions?""I'm not picky," Tania replied, shaking her head. "Is that Charles?""Yeah, Charlie's almost done with work. He said he'll cook dinner when he gets home," Noelle explained."Charles can cook?" Tania asked, somewhat surprised. She then continued, "By the
When Charles returned, Noelle, Tania, and Brandon were playing in the living room. Tania seemed to be on the phone with Trevon while Noelle was running around the room with Brandon in her arms.The moment Charles opened the door, he was greeted by this harmonious scene—especially the smile on Noelle's face as she held Brandon. Charles' gaze softened even more as he watched her.Noelle was the first to hear the door open. She turned around while still carrying Brandon and saw Charles standing in the entryway, his hands full of shopping bags. He was changing his shoes."Charlie!" she called out, setting Brandon down. She took his hand as they walked over. "Brandon, this is your Uncle Charles."Brandon shyly looked at Charles, tilting his head in such an endearing way that it melted Noelle's heart. "Charlie, this is Tania's son, Brandon!"Charles, who always had a sharp glint in his eyes, softened his gaze when it landed on Brandon. "Brandon, I'm your uncle!"Charles put down the ba
Tania's face turned pale. "I... How is that possible? That can't be!""Impossible?" Charles chuckled, placing Brandon down from his lap. "Brandon, how about you go look for your Aunt Noelle?""Okay!" Brandon seemed in a good mood as he slid off Charles' lap and ran off to the kitchen. Charles stood up. "Come with me to the study."Tania felt uneasy, especially with what Charles was saying, which echoed some of the strange things Noelle had mentioned earlier in the day. Tania knew that with Charles' abilities, finding someone should be an easy task. If Charles said he could not locate her, then..."Take a look at this!" Charles opened a drawer and pulled out a yellow folder, handing it to Tania. "These are some of the leads I've gathered over the past three years while searching for you."According to these, you've supposedly been to countless countries. My men have been looking for you in each of those places. Now, tell me, who could be skillful enough to fool both me and Peter
"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