The woman in his arms shifted around uncomfortably, carefully speaking up. "M… Mr. Hunt, you've misunderstood. I'm not Ms. Everheart."Stefan froze. His expression darkened. "Who are you?""I… I'm your personal caretaker, Layla Bridges. The madam sent me." Layla had quite an innocent-looking face. Even the way she spoke sounded like she could do no harm.Stefan's expression was frosty, rudely pushing the woman away without hesitation. He then questioned her, clearly upset. "How long have you been here?""For quite… a while.""So you were the one who enjoyed the night breeze, gave me my coffee, and listened to me this whole time?""Y… Yes." Layla hid the fact that Renee had come by just to win Stefan's heart. Instead, she inserted herself into the narrative. "The madam said you were in a bad mood and you need some quiet company. So I didn't talk the entire time and just listened to you. I didn't think you would mistake me for Ms. Everheart. I'm really sorry.""I don't blame you
Layla showed humility in order to comfort the angry man, but he didn't want to listen. He even went as far as to push her to the ground."Ah!" Layla yelped in pain as her head collided with one of the rock pillars, causing her to bleed."Now you know that I'm not a good person. So stay away from me if you value your life." Stefan warned her with a hostile expression.An egotistical man like him didn't need any sympathy, nor did he want to become a burden to others. He found it extremely ridiculous to have a woman sacrifice her whole life just to take care of him."Mr. Hunt, I volunteered for this, and I'm staying, even if you chase me away! Please give me a chance to care for you. I won't even complain if I end up dying in your hands!" Layla ignored her bleeding wound and expressed her dedication instead.Francine had been watching them for some time and nodded to herself with a satisfied smile."It's okay, Layla. I knew I was right to have chosen you. You're the best candidate t
Francine ignored his hostility and continued introducing the order in detail. "The Albus Order is very mysterious. We don't even know who their leader is. However, they are known as the miracle of the medical field. Especially the 'Bloodletting and Bone Fumigation Therapy' they have invented. I'm not even exaggerating when I say they could revive the dead with that…""People say that no matter how sick someone is, they can fully recover within ten days after receiving treatment from the Albus Order leader. If we can somehow contact them through Layla, we might be able to even cure your hemophobia, let alone your eyes!"Francine then sighed deeply, wiping her tears away silently. "Honestly, I'd rest in peace knowing that you've recovered from your condition. I wouldn't have any regrets if I dropped dead right then."Initially, Stefan wasn't quite paying attention to anything his mother said, but hearing the words 'Bloodletting and Bone Fumigation Therapy' piqued his interest."I'v
"Adie… Abby…" Stefan mumbled his precious children's names, the sadness in his eyes compounded. "What right do I have to call myself their father now? I don't think they'd even want someone useless as family.""Then don't be useless! You're just blind and still have your smarts to back you up, and you're definitely still capable of managing the company. It's just that you can't show yourself during this period of time. Don't let anyone, especially Jovan, find out that you have lost your sight. Else, we'd have more problems to worry about." Francine had already thought this through and had only announced to the public that Stefan caught a severely contagious disease. She told everyone that he was still in recovery and couldn't manage the company or receive guests for the time beingHowever, a lie like that would only cover up the truth for so long. The limited time they currently had was a great incentive for her to find this Albus Order leader as quickly as possible.Just then, on
When Francine heard Renee's name, her expression immediately became unnatural. At that moment, she was unaware of Renee's current condition but guessed that she must be in great danger since she had fallen into Seraphina's hands. She sighed quietly with a tinge of melancholy, but she had no regrets.It was all because that wicked woman had sought to harm her only son with a passion. Besides, Renee did not regret it, which was why Francine felt that it was not outrageous to hack her into pieces. "You know that Stefan divorced her. It'll be useless even if you call her. Just keep in mind that Stefan dislikes unrelated people staying overnight…" She sounded unconfident, so she gradually became impatient. She tried to drive him away. "It's getting late. Lisa, see him to the door."However, Jovan's teasing smile turned chilly. He went straight to the point and stated, "Aunt Francine, don't think of getting rid of me that easily since I came to you at this hour. I came asking for
He could no longer waste time with Francine so calmly. His eyes turned red as he shouted in the direction of Stefan's room. "Stefan, you coward! Did you hear? Your mother wants to kill Renee. Why are you still hiding and doing nothing like a coward?" "Shut up!" Francine was afraid that Stefan would come out when he heard it, so she lowered her voice and said, "I'll give you a chance since you want to play the hero and save the damsel in distress. She's now in Warehouse Seven. You may be able to save her life if you're fast enough." "That was direct!" Jovan did not expect Francine to tell him Renee's whereabouts so straightforwardly. A tinge of complicated feeling arose in his eyes. "It looks like you're not so cruel as I think. You're considered a good mother-in-law. At least you're more open-minded than my mother." "Hmph! You're overthinking. I wanted to get rid of you sooner by telling you about her whereabouts. I wasn't trying to be kind. Get lost now!" Francine would ne
"Are you here to play hero and save the damsel in distress? It's a pity you came late." Seraphina's hand hurt from his grasp, so she was grumpy. "What do you mean I came late? Make it clear!" Jovan was no longer as calm and as reserved as he was. He was very agitated now. "Why are you roaring? You sound like she's your wife or something. She has nothing to do with you. You're just her plan B and backup!" Seraphina uttered hurtfully. "Don't beat around the bush. Let me repeat my question. Where did you get Renee to?" Jovan had lost all his sanity. He strangled Seraphina's neck and interrogated her with a hideous face. It was a critical moment. If it was delayed for even a second, there might be an irretrievable result. He could not afford to see that happen. "She… She's dead!" Seraphine almost suffocated. Her face flushed deeply as she answered with difficulty. "What did you say? Say that again!" Jovan lost his mind. He wanted nothing but to break Seraphina's neck
Jovan was the mysterious man who gave her the video of Renee pushing Briar down the cliff. She successfully broke Stefan and Renee up by relying on that video.However, they were just separated. The feelings Stefan had for Renee never changed, but they intensified. A great sense of defeat washed over her when she saw him sacrifice himself just to protect Renee. On the contrary, she felt like her dignity was being violated. Naturally, her hatred for Renee grew with time. All she wanted now was for Renee to die. Seraphina believed that Stefan would belong to her if Renee died. Unfortunately, Renee was too tough, and she escaped repeatedly. She was indeed hard to handle. "Seraphina, tell me honestly. You're lying by claiming that Renee had jumped into the river, aren't you? She won't do such a stupid thing given her character." Jovan used the last bit of sanity he had to analyze the possibility of Renee jumping into the river. "Hmph! Jump into the river to search for her.
Previously, Amber cared very much about Liam. Later, she wanted nothing but to stay away from him.She had happily planned their wedding and imagined how to lead their married lives. Later, she planned her wedding with another man…and wanted to learn sewing from Liam to sew their wedding suits. It was heartbreaking!Hence, Liam chose a noble excuse to try and ruin the wedding between Amber and Mateo. He kept using pessimistic wedding opinions to influence Amber's thoughts as a traditional woman.True, he hadn't influenced Amber's mind solely out of his selfishness. Women would have more freedom if they stayed single. He dissuaded Amber from getting married mainly for the sake of her happiness, but it didn't cover up his despicable thoughts. Hence, he chose to keep quiet."Wow, Liam! I didn't expect you to fall for her. I thought you were forced to be with her!" While enjoying the fun, Leia forgot about her sadness and fear. Her eyes went wide as she teased Liam. "Hey, you kno
Liam found Leia unlucky and disappointing. He simply stopped talking.A brief silence overcame them. It seemed like they had accepted their fate to get killed as they quietly waited for their death.Macsen had returned to the shop to treat his wound. After struggling for a long while, Mateo failed to struggle free. Macsen's subordinate whipped him several times. "Motherfucker! Just wait. I'll make you pay!" Mateo furiously cursed Macsen's subordinate. Macsen's subordinate sneered. "Hmph. You want to make me pay? I think my boss will skin you alive. It's been a long time since I've seen a lamp made of human skin. We're waiting for a good show!"Leia had closed her eyes, but when she heard that, she shuddered and reopened them abruptly. Her voice was shaky as she asked, "Liam, what's that?" "Uh…" Liam found it too cruel and couldn't bring himself to explain it to Leia. He hated his incapabilities. "It's my fault. I got you guys into this mess. Damn it all!""No, we can't blam
Renee was well aware of the situation and was calm in the face of death. "If Macsen wants to kill us, Benjamin will feign ignorance. I think we're doomed here today.""Whatever. I'm not afraid!" Leia didn't take it too seriously, grinning. "You and Liam are the most important people to me. Although we weren't born on the same day, it's great that we can die on the same day. I want us to be siblings in our next lives!""Silly, you're so optimistic. We're going to get killed, not attending a party! Why are you this happy?" Liam's gloominess and tenseness gradually relaxed because of Leia's optimistic and happy tone. "Yeah, it isn't a big deal. I have no regrets since I can die with you guys.""You guys have no regrets, but I'm unlucky!"Mateo kept sighing. "If I knew, I wouldn't have meddled in this or caught you guys. At most, I'd be suppressed by another guy. But now, I'm about to get killed. I regret it! You have big supporters, don't you? Is there any way to contact either of
When the fight reached an intense moment, Macsen's subordinates managed to surround Liam and Mateo. They were disappointing.Macsen's most loyal subordinate aimed a gun at Liam's head and screamed at Renee, who had gone mad. He tried to threaten her. "Let our boss go, or I'll make you pay a price!" Renee regained her wits and turned to look at Liam. Her mouth was bloody. A helpless sigh escaped her. "Why are you this useless? How could they get you?"Helpless, she slowly got up and let Macsen go temporarily. "Motherfucker! Go to hell!"When Macsen regained freedom, he was no longer a gentleman. He slapped Renee twice with one hand and held his neck with the other. Then, he ordered his subordinates, "Tie them up with the woman on that ship!""Okay!" Macsen's subordinates were obedient. They quickly grabbed a thick and heavy rope to tie up Renee, Liam, Leia, and Mateo together, tying the rope around them thrice."Liam, why are you caught too? You're so useless. We even wanted
Everyone looked at each other in dismay before raising their weapons to attack Renee.Liam ordered his subordinates to fight Macsen's men when he noticed the danger. "Don't hurt her, or I'll fight you!"There were more than ten people from both sides. When they started fighting, the whole jetty was filled with the sounds of weapons and bullets. It was a mess.That battle sacrificed a lot of Liam's subordinates. Gradually, he failed to hold on."Mateo, where are your men? Get them into the fight. If anything happens to Boss, you'll suffer too. That crazy Stefan will kill everyone!"While fighting Macsen's subordinates, Liam wanted to involve Mateo in the fight since the latter was merely watching. Besides, he knew what a man like Mateo, who was good at weighing the pros and cons, cared about the most.As expected, Mateo chose to side with Liam when he heard that this mess would affect his relationship with Stefan.After all, Macsen was the most powerful person in the fort. It wou
"What do you want? I'm warning you! Stay away from me, or I won't go easy on you!"For an unknown reason, a chill ran down Macsen's spine when he saw how fierce Renee looked. He wondered why she was that fierce. She could walk fast even when dragging a sandbag over 110 pounds—she wasn't ordinary.Holding a gun, Macsen flexed his fingers as his knuckles turned white. "I don't care about people's lives! I can kill them if I'm happy, including you!""Is that so?" Renee stubbornly faced the gun and walked forward. She glared at him coldly. "A demon like you should never live. I'll kill you, even if I have to die for it!"She swiftly pounced on and pushed him down despite the heavy sandbag.Everything happened so fast, Macsen was dumbstruck. Renee even managed to knock on his gun. The gun went off, firing a bullet at a nearby stone pillar. It nearly hurt one of Macsen's subordinates. "Oh, you don't care about people's lives, do you? You can just kill them, huh? I'll make you suffer t
Macsen clenched his fists, agitated. For many years, he was mainly responsible for the armed forces of the fort. On the other hand, Benjamin instructed his adopted sons to take care of his business. Previously, Hunt Enterprise promised the Jenkins family many profits under the condition that Renee and Joanne could leave the fort safely. Hence, Benjamin let them go at that critical point despite the humiliation he faced. Afterward, Stefan continued his close cooperation with the Jenkins family. While this happened, the relationship between Macsen and Benjamin grew tenser. Gradually, Macsen kept gathering power to surpass Benjamin one day and take revenge on Stefan.Renee and Leia's sudden arrival at the fort was beyond Macsen's expectations. Although he was getting stronger, he wasn't powerful enough to fight Benjamin and the Hunts. Despite this, he naturally wouldn't give up such a good chance easily. Macsen's revenge was the result of his impulsiveness. He had been reckless,
"Well, you're bold. A pity that…you fell in love with such a cruel man like Stefan!"Macsen took a deep breath and waved melancholicly. Then, he instructed someone to push Renee into the river.Renee neither resisted nor tried to stall for time. She just wanted to get it over with. Having seen through men and human nature, she suddenly became pessimistic.Macsen's subordinate grabbed Renee and dragged her to the river bank. Before he was about to push her into the river, a dazzling light ruined the darkness and oppresiveness of the jetty. "I knew it was you, Macsen!" a furious voice resonated in the air. Liam, holding a floodlight, shone it into Macsen's eyes. "You and I aren't enemies! Why did you target me? Do you know how important these two people are to me?" he growled fiercely. Mateo followed closely behind. At first, he watched everything in silence. Eventually, he said something to sow discord between them. "Macsen, why couldn't you talk it out with us? You secretly
Disgust overcame Renee. She found Macsen pathetic."You claimed that you love your girlfriend, but you married Luneth. You married her and got a kid. Now, you want to be intimate with the woman you've just met. Do men think that love is just a trivial thing?""How could you…" Macsen was stunned. He didn't expect her to say that so directly. Guilty, he retorted, "You don't know anything! Men's love is different from women's love.""What's the difference?" Renee snorted and shot him a disdainful stare. "Yeah, it's different. Women are superior human beings. Once they fall in love with someone, they'll never sleep with another man. But men are different. Men are simply animals. They can love many people and sleep with different women. Maybe men and women shouldn't exist at the same time. Then, there won't be so many heartbroken women.""I disagree!" Macsen rolled up his sleeves, turning competitive because of Renee's words. "You make it sound like only men will have a change of heart.