"Sure thing!" Brandon clapped his hands, his face lighting up with excitement.Peter squinted playfully. "Alright, let's go have some more fun!""Hold on!"Tania spotted Peter about to walk off with Brandon in his arms and quickly intervened, scooping Brandon into her own arms. "Why are you taking Brandon out?" she demanded, her eyes drilling into Peter. "I've told you before that Brandon isn't your son. Why would you...""Tania, it's not every day that Brandon gets to have fun outside. I don't want to waste our time arguing about his dad. We can sort that out later," Peter cut in, trying to keep his voice calm. "Seriously, how have you been raising him? He's three now, and it's high time he started meeting people. Keeping him cooped up at home isn't good for him, you know. It could mess with his head.""That's enough, Peter. What gives you the right to judge me? You're nothing to Brandon and me. Just so you know, if you ever take him again without asking me, I won't hesitate to c
Charles's striking face loomed close, making her blink. She let out an awkward chuckle and touched her nose. "Charles, what's with the intense stare?"A playful twinkle danced in Charles's eyes. "If you're so fond of kids, why don't we make one of our own?"Make one?Noelle's heart pounded a chaotic rhythm, and she blinked, her cheeks burning as she looked at Charles, particularly into those gorgeous eyes of his. She swallowed hard. "Well... I think it’ll happen when it’s meant to happen!”"So, my lady, are you saying you'd like to have one too?" Charles slid his arm around Noelle's shoulders, drawing her in.Side by side on the bench, Noelle rested her head lightly against Charles's shoulder, peering up at his profile. "Uh..." Did she mean it? Maybe she had not considered it too much!No matter what, Noelle had a soft spot for kids, and Brandon, with his cuteness overload, was no exception. Whenever she pictured her own future kids being as sweet as him, her heart just melted. "
Noelle expressed that trying to figure out Charles' thoughts was impossible. Even she could not guess what he was thinking.As they chatted, Noelle suddenly demanded ice cream. In this weather, Charles did not want her to eat ice cream, but she kept insisting. Finally, Charles relented and let Noelle drag him to the convenience store.Peter watched Tania and Brandon playing together with a satisfied smile on his face. Then, his phone rang.Glancing at the screen, he saw it was a call from the family residence. "Hello?""It's me!" Xylos' voice came from the other end. "Come home."Peter narrowed his eyes. "Is there something you need?"In recent years, Peter hardly ever went back to the Lennon residence, not even for holidays. The Lennons did not seem to miss him, and he did not miss them either. However, if his grandfather was calling, it had to be important.Sure enough, Xylos continued, "Your Uncle Jack is back. Come home immediately."Peter's already cold gaze turned icier.
"Pete, come back. You haven't seen Jack in years." Xylos sighed after saying this. "I heard… that woman has also returned?"Peter looked up, meeting Tania's gaze with a smirk on his face. "Are you talking about Tania, Grandpa?" he asked with a raised brow. "Did Jamie tell you, or was it Uncle Jack?""Your Uncle Jack? How could he… What do you mean?"Peter interrupted, "Since you're so keen on me returning, then I'll come back. I'll even bring you a grand gift!"Peter hung up, casting a complex glance at Tania.The moment she met his eyes, Tania's heart skipped a beat, and she subconsciously tightened her grip on Brandon's hand. Peter's gaze was… intense.Peter walked over, crouched down, and gently patted Brandon's head. Noticing he was sweating, Peter took a towel and wiped his forehead. "Bran, let's call it a day, alright?""But…" Brandon hesitated, looking at Tania. Then, with a sigh of understanding, he nodded. "Okay. Mr. Peter, will you bring me here again?""Of course. As
Peter dragged Tania toward the parking lot, but she immediately shook off his hand. "Enough. I told you I don't want to hear it, and I don't care about you and Riley anymore.""You—""Mom, are you mad? Don't be mad at Daddy, please." Brandon's soft voice interrupted. Tania froze, looking at Brandon with a complex expression.With innocent eyes, Brandon added, "Daddy is so nice. Please don't be angry with him."Not only Tania but even Peter was taken aback. "Brandon, what did you just call me?"Brandon lowered his head shyly, his little fingers tapping together nervously. "Daddy! Don't you like it? But I really want you to be my dad!"Peter paused. "Yes, I like it… I love it!""Brandon!" Tania cried out. "He's not your father. He's… He's Mr. Peter… You can just think of him as your uncle."As soon as Tania said this, Peter's expression darkened. "Tania!" he said through gritted teeth. "Is this really what you're teaching our child?"Tania pressed her lips together. "His father
Charles raised an eyebrow, his captivating eyes locked on Noelle with a hint of amusement that was almost dazzling.Noelle felt overwhelmed by his gaze. Gently, he took her finger and wrapped it in his hand, giving it a soft squeeze as he spoke with warmth, "I've done far more shameless things before, so this doesn't count for much."Leaning closer, he propped one hand on the bench and slid his other arm around her waist, pulling her tightly against him. Their bodies pressed closely together, and Noelle felt her heartbeat quicken.As Charles' face drew near, she gulped nervously. She was holding her ice cream in one hand while attempting to push against his chest with the other. "Stop… Don't come so close!" Any nearer, and she felt she would barely be able to breathe—especially under the intensity of his gaze.Charles smirked. "Did you just call me shameless?""No, no… Y-You're pure as the breeze, noble and upright. Clearly, you're a gentleman who's far from shameless!" The mo
Tania froze for a moment. "Peter, you're a jerk!"Peter smirked. "If I'm a jerk, what does that make you?"Grinding her teeth, Tania shot him a fierce glare. "I've seen shameless people before, but never anyone this shameless!"Peter just kept smiling. "When we get back, feel free to ignore everyone. If they throw you any attitude, throw it right back. Whatever they do, do the opposite. If someone insults you, insult them back; if they try to start a fight, make sure you strike first!"As Peter drove, he gave these instructions to Tania with an air of seriousness. Initially, she had no intention of listening. However, with Peter's non-stop talking, she finally gave in. She felt exasperated. "Fine, I get it. Basically, you want me to oppose the Lennons and, if possible, annoy a few of them to death, right?"Peter narrowed his long eyes, and the corner of his mouth lifted. "Exactly. I have faith in your abilities."Tania scoffed. "Let me tell you, Peter. If your old man keels ove
Peter glanced at Tania's expression but did not say anything further.Half an hour later, Peter's car pulled up to the Lennon residence. The old butler, Lance Wagner, had stationed helpers outside to wait. When they saw Peter's car, one of them hurried back to announce, "Mr. Peter has returned!"Peter drove directly into the courtyard and was the first to step out. Lance approached him with a polite smile, "Mr. Peter, welcome back. It's quite the timing. Mr. Jack only returned a short while ago as well!"Peter smirked. "Is that so?" He walked to the back seat and opened the door. "Get out."The butler blinked in surprise, not expecting to see the woman stepping out next to Peter. His eyes widened as he called out, "M-Ms. Tania!"Tania stepped out, holding Brandon in her arms. She shifted uncomfortably, her arms tingling from holding him the entire drive.Noticing this, Peter took Brandon from her arms. Tania opened her mouth to protest, "Give him back to me."Peter glanced brief
"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