The atmosphere in the silent ward became tense, and after a while, Stefan finally bit out, "I've got to hand it to you—you had two kids secretly. I'm definitely a failure compared to you." "Thank you for your praise. You should hurry up and marry Miss Murphy so you can have lots of kids and catch up with me." Renee didn't care if he misunderstood her because she wanted to cut him out of her life. "I don't want kids," Stefan said icily."Why? Haven't you had enough fun already? Are you worried that you'll be bound by the kids?" Renee glanced at him while sighing. "Don't have kids if you don't want to—they're a big responsibility. You need to love them wholeheartedly and give up a lot for them, which might be tough for a self-centered person like you who likes their freedom. Your kids will suffer if that happens."As an experienced person, she was well aware of what a child meant to an adult. An adult had to sacrifice a lot to raise a child, and they had to shower the child with se
Stefan's reply was blunt: "If I was Justin, I would try my best to take the children, but I wouldn't force their mother.""Really?" Renee was filled with disappointment. Stefan was different from Justin—even if Justin didn't have children with her, he would still prioritize her. However, Stefan wouldn't think about her at all even if he had two children with her. Maybe it was a good thing that he had lost his memory, or else it would be a fierce battle with the Hunts competing for the children's custody."It's late. Can you go now since you've enjoyed witnessing my misery, Mr. Hunt?" Suddenly, Renee's mood turned foul, and she wanted to be left alone.Stefan got up and said indifferently, "Yeah, I should go now..." He took two steps, but stopped and said softly, "I would definitely try to force her to be with me… if it was you." "What?" Confused, Renee wanted to ask him what he meant, but Stefan had already left. Stefan clenched his fists in frustration as he walked away. His me
The phone rang for a long while but nobody picked up her call."Damn it! What's he doing? Why isn't he picking up my calls?" Seraphina snarled furiously. Before Ethan entered her room, she had tried to call him, but there had been no answer either. Had he blocked her number? Was he using another number?"Don't tell me he's dead!" Frustrated, Seraphina continued breaking things. Finally, right when she had lost all hope, that person called back. "What's the matter?" He sounded exasperated and annoyed, as if he wanted to end the call right away."Where the heck did you go, Jovan? I called you so many times!" Seraphina snapped. If this hadn't been an emergency, she wouldn't have wanted anything to do with him. "I asked you what's wrong." Jovan's voice was icy. Seraphina stopped behaving arrogantly and whispered, "Stefan has gotten suspicious and has hired a very capable neurosurgeon to have another brain surgery. Won't it expose what we did?""It doesn't matter to me. After all
Seraphina took a deep breath and decided to take a risk for the sake of her happiness. Right before Jovan could hang up on her, she quickly asked, "Out of curiosity, where have you been hiding recently? Didn't you promise to take Renee away from Beach City? Why is she still strutting around here? I'm afraid she'll get involved with Stefan again if you don't step in; you would've given up your eyes and blood to Stefan for nothing then!"Seraphina couldn't understand Jovan's willingness to give up his eyes and blood to save the man Renee loved, which had ultimately turned him into a useless man. People would certainly call him a naive and lovestruck fool. Even Seraphina felt that she had to hand it to him because she would never make such sacrifices for Stefan. Unfortunately, Jovan's sacrifices had only gotten him half a year with Renee. After that, she did whatever she wanted, and his sacrifices became futile. It was really pitiful!"It's none of your business. Plus, I'm not you—I lov
"No, it's fine." Jovan sounded gloomy and pathetic. An existence like this made him wonder if he was still alive, and he had no courage to meet Renee again. He sighed and said lightly, "I decided to leave her to set her free, and I don't regret it."Knowing Renee's character, she would not say no if he wanted to use her guilt to make her take care of him for the rest of his life. She would've readily abandoned her brother she had just been reunited with, her children, and her career half a year ago to lead a secluded life with him in Varangia, if Jovan had asked. During those six months, she took care of him as if he was a baby and never complained. Jovan felt it was enough; in his opinion, it had been more than worth it giving up his eyes and body in exchange for having her by his side for that time. Those memories were something he looked back on fondly, and he couldn't ask for more. However, Eloise couldn't figure out why the smart, sensitive, and competitive Jovan had become s
Eloise's tone was filled with trepidation. "She fell..." Jovan's heart pounded in his chest, and he didn't dare think about it. He took a deep breath and ordered, "Go to her hospital now and ask around. I want accurate information on this.""I can do that, but I'm the only one taking care of you now. Is it alright if I leave you alone?" Worried, Eloise watched his desolate form. She regretted telling him about it, seeing how troubled he was."Don't bother. I won't be okay if she's not. Go now," Jovan urged her anxiously."Alright." Eloise was about to leave but Jovan quickly added, "Wait, the sunflowers seem to have bloomed in the backyard. Do pick a bouquet for her; I'm sure it'll smell nice.""Okay, I will." Seeing the tenderness in his eyes made tears roll down Eloise's cheeks. She felt that people shouldn't fall in love so easily. In the past, Jovan was a very rational person, but now, he was merely a lovestruck fool who had sacrificed everything for his unrequited love. He h
Renee couldn't move at all, so Stefan bringing food to her relieved her boredom. She obediently opened her mouth and waited for him to feed her. Although their actions were rather intimate, she felt that it was worth it when she bit into the cake."This cake is amazing!" The smooth taste of the cake lingered in her mouth, taking away all her exhaustion and sadness. "Eat slowly. I'll buy it for you again tomorrow," Stefan spoke tenderly to her as if he was coaxing a child as she gobbled the cake up. However, Renee ignored him and eagerly munched on the cake he fed her. Suddenly, she accidentally bit his finger, and Stefan felt electricity surge through his body. Heat prickled his skin, and he stared at her in shock. "Ah, sorry. I didn't mean to bite you, I just…" Renee's face turned red and she immediately backed away, apologizing to him."Do you want more?" Stefan's eyes had darkened, and his intense gaze was glued to her mouth."No, thanks." Awkward and breathless, Renee couldn
Quinton had realized something was amiss, and had given Renee an emergency alarm. If Renee pressed that button, the whole hospital would be alerted. Renee had initially laughed about it, not wanting to wake everyone up because of her selfish desire to eat cake, but that seemed to have given Stefan the confidence to behave recklessly. "I just wanted to help you wipe your lips… but I won't come tomorrow night if you think it's inappropriate. I'll also fire the pastry chef I poached from a top pastry shop." Raising his brows, Stefan continued, "He was planning to bake a hazelnut cake tomorrow...""No, please don't!" Renee's eyes lit up because she loved hazelnut cake the most. She quickly explained, "Don't fire him. I'm sure it wasn't easy for him to get the job, so let him work tomorrow but... you don't have to wipe my lips for me. I can do it on my own.""Sure, I'll think it over seeing how concerned and sincere you are," Stefan said lightly, smiling like a cunning fox."Ah!" Renee
Amber's eyes lit up, showing admiration for Renee. "Ms. Everheart has kids? And they're fraternal twins? She established a company, too? She's awesome! I never expected a woman could be so amazing! She's a great role model for women!"To Amber, the most amazing woman was Luneth, who managed her family well and was lovey-dovey with her husband.Once she heard about Renee from Liam, however, her worldview expanded. She realized that women could still lead incredible lives even after leaving men and romances behind. She could do the same—she could focus on her career instead of her marriage or a man. "Of course! If not, I wouldn't have called her my boss!" Liam couldn't stop talking about Renee, feeling proud. He began reminiscing about Renee's amazing past. "To be honest, she's a great scholar and is talented in the sciences. Plus, she was the top hacker in the world…""Wow, she's amazing!" Amber kept gushing; she had never heard about such things. The two of them spent almost a
"I find their relationship wonderful. Their love is so deep! I envy it—imagine having such a passionate and intense romance!" Amber gushed like a lovestruck fool, her eyes bright.Movies were popular in the fort. Hunt My Everheart gained high popularity there that year. After that movie, Shirley won multiple film awards and Best Actress. Stefan, who acted in it as well, gained a lot of female fans.Fans soon dug up the story behind the movie. Since Amber could use the internet, she could talk about the movie with great familiarity. She had always assumed that Stefan and Renee belonged together. They were the perfect match for each other! She had never considered the possibility that there were other unknown things between them."The movie's nothing but a sham. It's all an act! It's not the same as reality, and you can't believe it at all." Liam had never watched that movie because he held it with disdain. Grumpily, he continued, "Plus, Stefan invested in that movie. Of course
At that time, Amber suddenly realized that there was nothing happier than marrying someone who she loved and who loved her back. The key to an everlasting marriage, which was long and complicated, was not to force herself or her lover."It's great you think that way, but the world might not be as wonderful as you've imagined…" Liam said, melancholic.Amber seemed to have grown up and was no longer the silly young woman who was infatuated with him. She had her thoughts about love and was no longer stubborn about marrying him. She yearned to explore the world and find a new guy. Liam felt that the girl who had always longed for him would finally leave. "The men out there are more wicked than the ones in this fort. There are many cunning and disloyal men. You can't fall in love with just any guy. Someone pure like you will be lied to and bullied. Do you understand?" Liam advised her eagerly, as though he were her senior. He patted her head gently, making her want to rely on him an
Mateo was gone, leaving Liam and Amber alone in the restaurant. Suddenly, awkwardness and silence overcame them. An amorous feeling hovered in the air.Liam finally stopped acting. He chuckled awkwardly and sat up straight, then said to Amber, "Thank you for what you did just now. I wasn't that serious. I was just acting.""I saw that." Amber grinned, teasing him. "I've got to say, you acted well. I thought Matt almost strangled and killed you.""I'm not that weak. Plus, he's not that brave either." A sudden competitiveness gripped Liam; he purposely flexed his arms and acted strong. "Did you think Mateo could fight me? With his physique, I can defeat him with one hand!" "Mm, I think so too. You must be stronger than Matt." Amber nodded, giving Liam her full support. She started to feel that Renee was right to claim that he was just a child."By the way, did you talk to Luneth? What did she say?" Liam asked; he knew that Luneth's attitude was the key to quickly resolving that iss
Amber took a deep breath, her eyes teary. She had long pondered over those words, but was too timid to say them aloud.She wanted to thank Liam for repeatedly insisting that she try to understand herself and reminding her not to take her marriage so callously. After some contemplation, Amber decided to not marry anyone."I won't marry you or Liam. I just want to marry someone I love and who loves me back. Only people who love each other can get married," she said firmly, looking dead serious. Both Mateo and Liam were stunned. Liam stopped acting weak; he held Amber's shoulders and stared at her carefully. "Is that what you truly think?""Yes!" Amber was shocked by the sudden change in Liam and subconsciously leaned backward."That's great! I didn't say those things for nothing. You're finally enlightened!" Liam nodded with gratification. "All I want is for you to understand yourself. There are many messy things and troubles in a marriage. If it isn't supported by love, you'll
Amber helped Liam to sit down before serving him water and rubbing his neck. She was full of anxiety.Mateo angrily gulped down a glass of wine, but the wine was so strong that he began coughing vigorously. It suffocated him. After helping Liam to settle down, Amber turned and glanced at Mateo, who was full of tears."Matt, why…are you crying? You strangled him, but you act like you're wronged!" "I…" Mateo pointed at his throat and the glass; he needed some water. Amber frowned and said solemnly, "You can't do that. You've repeatedly attacked Liam. You were over the line! Don't you know he thinks of you as his brother and values his friendship with you?"Mateo was flabbergasted to hear it. He knew nothing about that—it seemed Liam was even better at acting than him. While complaining about Mateo, Amber smoothed Liam's chest to make the latter feel better. "Liam always lets you have your way, but you target him. If I came late today, you might strangle and kill him."Mateo
Mateo swallowed. "Yes, I'm aware of that. The Stuart family has been investing in a lot of entertainment properties in Southeast Aeos in the recent few years. They're controlling more than half of the TV stations. Their power and influence are incomparable.""Looks like you keep up with the current events. Are you involved in the entertainment field too?" Liam asked.He had easily gained the result he wanted with just a few words. He faked a smile and looked at Mateo, who was panicking.Mateo glanced at him and said grumpily, "All that Master ever asks us to do is indecent. If we don't have any people in the media, we're doomed."The Triangle was never governed by the law, but public opinion was a dangerous weapon. If they went over the line and got reported by the media, international law would get involved. Naturally, it would affect their business.The Stuarts did decent business like the Osbornes and might appear easy to control. However, they couldn't be offended casually—a
Because of Liam's declaration, he and Mateo failed to reach a consensus.Mateo's gaze grew colder and more sinister, and he glared fiercely at Liam. "Fine. There's nothing to talk about between us.""No, you're wrong." Liam calmly swayed the wine glass. "You can get down on your knees and say sorry. Maybe I'll let you off by then!""How dare you!" Mateo could no longer take it—he pushed all the cutleries on the table to the floor and pointed angrily at Liam. "You refused my kindness. I won't go easy on you!""Just come at me. I'll wait," Liam shot back provocatively. He knew Mateo well—the man was wicked and cautious, but also cowardly. Under these circumstances, he wouldn't act recklessly. Hence, Liam wasn't afraid to infuriate him. Renee was right. Mateo had done so many things to control Liam. As long as Liam remained calm, Mateo couldn't do anything to Renee and Leia. "You think I won't do that?" Mateo clenched his fists and snarled fiercely, "I'll break one of their fing
Liam casually twirled the wine glass in his hand and asked Mateo coldly, "So, you won't stop until you marry Gem?""Not just that." Mateo tore off a drumstick and bit into it, then cracked a cunning sneer. "Marrying Amber is always in my plans. I'll marry her even if you're not involved. Tonight, I want to talk to you about the few territories in your hands.""The territories in my hands?" Liam frowned. Initially, he was confused—then, he understood it and chuckled. "What territories? I just work for Mr. Jenkins. The territories we took in belong to him. You'd better ask them from him instead of me. That's more straightforward."When Liam and Amber decided to fake their marriage, Benjamin focused on training Liam. In the process, he gave Liam a lot of power and authority.Liam didn't fail Benjamin. He did a great job even with his limited power. In half a year, he took three territories, namely the East River, West River, and South River. The three territories came with an importan