"Jamie, h-how could you say that? I'm your mom!""Mom? Sometimes, I wish I'd never been born. You're all so messed up, and it's like you passed it down to me!" Jamie's eyes were like daggers, cutting right through Ari and Jack. "Do you ever wonder why I'd rather hang out with old Yasmin than Tania? Well, I learned from watching you. Like parent, like child, right? Tania calls me gross, but you two take the cake!""You little jerk!" Ari's hand flew up, and she slapped Jamie hard across the face. "You're spouting nonsense. You don't know anything!""I don't know anything?" Jamie rubbed his chin, wincing from the sting of the slap, but his gaze was still icy. "When I was four, I caught you sneaking into a room with some guy behind Dad's back. That was Jack, right? He’s my great-uncle!"Ari froze, stumbling back, her eyes wide with shock. "Jamie, I...""I can’t believe I wondered why Great-Grandpa was so nice to me. I realized I'm actually one of the Lennons, the kid of his favorite s
"Oh, and one more thing." The voice chuckled. "I've cooked up a new concoction of that virus from three years back. It’s way more potent than the original.""What did you do?" Jack's face twisted in anger. "Who did you test it on?""Your foes are my foes," came the flat reply. "It's in your stepson.""You... He's just a kid!" Jack's voice was a growl. "Why didn't you tell me beforehand?""Isn't this me telling you? You said you were going to handle that Peter brat, right? You were on board when I gave Peter's wife the virus three years ago," the voice was calm. "Besides, if it weren't for you, that kid would've gotten the virus a year ago. Thanks to you, the virus is now top-notch after a year of perfecting it.""Hand over the antidote!" Jack demanded, his anger palpable. "I'll settle my scores with Peter and the Lennon family on my own terms. Tania and Brandon shouldn't be dragged into this.""If they have any ties to the Hoffman family, they're far from innocent!" The voice on
"Have you heard about Lennon Group? Their former CEO, the one and only Mr. Lennon, got kicked out. He's pretty legendary and was buddies with our boss, Mr. Hoffman. There was talk about us teaming up with Lennon Group, but Colossus Group ditched them after they landed in hot water. Lennon Group's golden boy, Jamie, came looking for Mr. Hoffman at our office. He tried a bunch of times but never got to see him.""Really?" Noelle was taken aback. She knew about Lennon Group drama but had no idea Jamie had actually shown up at Colossus Group searching for Charles.Knowing Charles, he would not give Jamie the time of day. Even if he was not part of the Lennon family, the way he treated Tania was beyond heartless. Charles not going after Jamie for payback was already a huge favor to Peter. However, with Jamie practically knocking on his door, how could Charles pass up the chance to settle the score?"What happened after that?""What's left to happen? I've heard Lennon Group's on its last
That evening, as Noelle and Charles chatted about the day's events, Charles grinned and gave Noelle's hand a playful squeeze. "Are you that curious about Nexus Group?""No, not really," Noelle replied, her gaze drifting toward the kitchen. "What's the deal with Tania and Peter anyway?" She had hoped that things between Tania and Peter would cool off after the recent drama, but they had lapsed into an awkward silence instead.Charles's smile faded into a thoughtful frown. "I don't know. That's between them."Noelle let out another sigh. "What about Mr. Smith's report? Is Tania healthy enough to go through with the surgery for Aunt Nancy?""We still don’t know. Sean's discussing it with Dr. Powell, and I’ve not been keeping up.” He and Peter were not medical experts, so they did not understand the specifics despite shadowing Sean."What are you two whispering about?"Tania walked in from the kitchen, drying her hands, with little Brandon in tow. "Charles, I had my check-up the othe
Marvin was at his limit and gave a weary nod. "I've never encountered a virus this difficult to deal with.""Neither have I," Sean admitted. He thought he had seen it all in medicine, but that virus stumped him. "Go home and get some rest. We'll continue tomorrow."Once Marvin had left, Sean leaned against the lab wall, exhausted.The whole ordeal with Tania had kept him away from home and his bed for days.Then there was the virus...Tania waited and worried for days, sensing that something was off. Everyone seemed to be keeping secrets from her. Her suspicions worsened when Nancy suddenly took a turn for the worse, slipping into unconsciousness.The doctors were clear: Nancy did not have much time left. A bone marrow transplant was her only shot at surviving, even if just for a few more years. Without it, Nancy was a goner.Nancy's doctor made sure Tania was far away before he spoke to Peter and Henry. However, they did not expect Tania to have her ears pressed to the door, ca
"I just don't get it," Tania said, her voice cracking with emotion. "Can’t you see my mom lying unconscious in that hospital bed? I just came back, and she's aged so much. I missed over twenty years with them, and then I stupidly left for another three years. I can't afford to lose any more time with her. Do you understand?""I do!" Peter replied, his voice heavy as he watched Tania's outburst. His eyes darkened, and he felt a pang in his heart. He wrapped his arms around her, soothingly rubbing her back. "I understand, Tania, but with the shape you're in, even if your mom gets the surgery, she might not pull through. It's risky, and I can't let you take that chance.""Are you worried about me or yourself?” Tania shoved Peter away. "You're not me. You can't understand. I lost twenty years with them, and just when we could have reunited, you made me leave Brookville. It's all my fault! All of it!""Tania!"Peter reached out to her, but Tania slapped his hand away. The elevator doors
"Don’t cry," Charles whispered as he wrapped his arms around Tania, gently patting her back. He waited until she settled down before he looked at the others and then Peter. "It's time she learned the truth.""I... What are you guys keeping from me? Why are you delaying the surgery?" Tania's confusion grew. She understood others being against the surgery, but if Charles was too, then something was definitely up.Tania scanned the faces of the men around her, noting their unusually grave expressions. She could not shake the feeling that something terrible was looming, and Peter's strained voice confirmed her fears. "Okay."Her heart skipped a beat, and she gripped the fabric of her sleeves so tightly that her knuckles turned white. Her breathing sped up with anxiety.Peter caught Tania's gaze, sorrow flickering in his eyes. He stepped closer and took her hands in his, offering a gentle squeeze. "Whatever happens, I'm right here with you."Tania tried to wriggle her hand free, feelin
"Stop!" Tania cut Sean off mid-sentence. "I don't believe a single thing you're saying. How could I be carrying a virus? All these years..." She trailed off, her mind racing with memories.She bit her lip, and her face revealed something was not right. "What is this virus, exactly? Can you cure it? How long will it take? My mom..." She could not wait any longer.Peter squinted, watching how Tania was acting, and he could not shake off a bad feeling. "Tania, did something just occur to you?""Nothing!" Tania said too quickly.However, the faster Tania denied it, the more Peter was convinced she had realized something. However, with Tania keeping quiet, there was nothing Peter could do.Tania bit her lip and inhaled sharply. "Mr. Smith, you know my mom's always been there for you, and I hate to ask, but I need your help again. If my bone marrow isn't a match, what about someone else's?"Sean shifted uncomfortably. "Tania, you know that even blood relatives don't always match, and b
Charles furrowed his brows tightly at Noelle's words. "Nelly, Kelly will be fine. You have to trust me."He reached out to gently rub her back, soothing her until she finally calmed down. However, once Noelle was settled, his expression darkened completely.Peter's people had been searching for three days, but there was still no sign of Kelly. The tracking chip Charles had implanted in her had long been removed by Yves, leaving them with no way to trace her location.Charles sat by Noelle's bedside, watching as she fell into a deep sleep under Linda's acupuncture treatment, yet his heart remained unsettled.Linda looked at Noelle and sighed helplessly. "Mr. Hoffman, while Noelle's condition is stable for now and the virus hasn't flared up, she's still pregnant. Any stress or anxiety could be dangerous for her. No matter how skilled I am, I won't be able to help if she keeps worrying like this."She handed Charles another prescription. He took it, and his brows were tightly knitted
"Ms. Anderson, you should worry about yourself instead! Even if Mr. Yves remembers you in the future, I'm afraid your situation will be far worse than this. I told you before—I won't let you die so easily. So, Ms. Anderson, just stay here and make yourself comfortable!" Elon spat."Elon, once Yves finds out, he'll kill you. He will."The only response Kelly received was the heavy clang of the cell door slamming shut.She used every ounce of strength to scream, but after Elon left, all that remained was pain—unbearable, all-consuming pain.She trembled violently, shivering as if she had been thrown into an ice cellar, yet moments later, it felt as if she were being scorched alive.Kelly writhed on the floor, the torment so excruciating that she nearly passed out.Tears slipped from the corners of her eyes as she closed them.She suddenly recalled the first time she had met Yves. She had infuriated him, and she had blurted out in a fit of defiance, "Only by falling in love with yo
Kelly let out a cold chuckle. "Is that so? Then why hasn't Yves killed me yet? Shouldn't he have killed me the moment I tore off his mask and discovered his identity?"She struggled to her feet, but the iron chains around her ankles were secured to the floor. She barely took a few steps before the chains yanked her back, causing her to fall heavily onto the ground.Pain radiated through her body, and a sharp sting shot through her palms as they scraped against the rough surface. She winced, sucking in a breath.Her ankle, caught in the unforgiving grip of the iron shackle, twisted painfully.Forcing herself up, Kelly looked at Elon. "Locking me up here… Is that truly Yves' decision?"Elon remained silent. He knelt before her, gripping her jaw forcefully before she could react. In one swift motion, he shoved a small pill into her mouth.Kelly clamped her lips shut, struggling against him. However, Elon's grip was ruthless. He squeezed her cheeks hard to force her mouth open and pu
Peter's men immediately sprang into action. Since Kelly had disappeared from the villa, they started their search from there.While they were looking for Kelly, Elon had already moved her to another location. Kelly had no idea where she was.She only remembered that after Yves left, the man who had always been by his side appeared, striking her across the face. She blacked out instantly.When she woke up again, she found herself lying on an icy, damp surface. The air was cold, and she had no clue where she was.She struggled to sit up, only to realize that heavy iron chains shackled her wrists and ankles. The room was pitch-black without a single trace of light.Kelly groped around in the darkness, but she could not make out anything. In such a void, her hearing became especially sensitive. She caught the sound of approaching footsteps.Moments later, the door creaked open, allowing a sliver of light to pierce through the darkness. The sudden brightness momentarily blinded her. W
"I actually wasn't certain of his identity either. It was just my own speculation." Simon sat back down, stretching his legs lazily."He's been making some big moves in the York family lately, which isn't like him at all. My people reported that he's been frequently appearing at that villa. I got bored and decided to check it out, and just like that, I stumbled upon a massive secret."He spoke nonchalantly as if it were no big deal. "I'm not particularly interested in the Hoffmans' old grudges, but this document you handed me, Mr. Hoffman… I find it interesting."Charles smirked. "Here's to a successful collaboration."Simon raised an eyebrow. "As long as it doesn't involve me getting my hands dirty, I don't really care."He casually flipped through the documents Charles had given him. "How did you figure this out?""With enough effort, anything can be uncovered. I've always thought that someone like you shouldn't be limited to playing such a minor role.""Mr. Hoffman, flattery
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