"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
A week later, there was finally news from the hospital. Although Renee's injury was serious, it had healed fast because of the good treatment, and the risk of paralysis was gone. Everyone was happy and relieved to hear it. "Great! It must be your good fortune because you helped so many people. I knew that you would be okay!" Leia said excitedly as she hugged Renee. She'd been so worried about Renee that she hadn't been sleeping well and had lost a lot of weight. One might have thought she was the one who had gotten injured instead."You're not allowed to take part in any climbing activities from now on, be it rock climbing, mountain climbing, or even going up the stairs. If you do, someone has to be around to watch you!" Quinton said sternly. He would never let Renee take any risks like that again. "Don't worry, Quinton. Phoenix won't get in any trouble under my watch." Justin was unusually serious as he gazed at Renee."I heard from the doctor that you'll be discharged from the
Melancholy washed over Renee as she glanced at the flowers and sighed. "I got them from an old friend." "Who's the person who knows your favorite flower? Do I know them?" Leia picked out a sunflower and sniffed it. "Yes, you know him." Downcast, Renee nodded.Justin narrowed his eyes at the bouquet and growled, "Do I know him?""Maybe," Renee answered honestly. "Oh…" Nodding, Justin relaxed. "So it's not Stefan. It doesn't matter then." "Why not?" Renee looked puzzled."It's because I have nothing to fear if it wasn't from Stefan, even if it's flowers, gold, or cash," Justin said confidently.Renee was speechless. Justin seemed to be quite dumb even though he looked smart. He would've gone mad if he knew that Stefan brought food to Renee every night and stayed in her ward for more than an hour. "Regardless, I think he's a kind man since his gift is just what Ren likes," Leia declared brightly, happy if the number of Renee's pursuers grew. "Stop that. What's going on wit
"Don't say that, we're not that close." Disappointment overwhelmed Leia when she recalled the things that had happened in the mountains, and she immediately felt irritated with Xavier. "How cruel! We slept together, didn't we? Of course that makes us close," Xavier said teasingly, finding Leia's behaviour cute. He slowly got closer to her and stared deeply into her eyes. "I don't mind reminding you if you forgot how close we were.""How… are you going to do that?" Shaken by his nearness, Leia subconsciously leaned backward. "I remember that my ex likes it when I kiss her against the wall. I don't mind helping you remember if you've forgotten…" Xavier murmured seductively as he backed her into a corner, leaning over her. "Idiot!" Blushing, Leia tried to slap him but he grabbed her hand and pulled her into his arms, whispering softly into her ear, "Aren't we close?""I…" Leia's heartbeat quickened and she bit her lip, looking away. "I don't know.""Don't make assumptions then. W
"What's the rush? There's nothing urgent we have to do. Isn't it nice to relax, have some coffee, and get to know each other better?" Xavier crossed his legs, rested his chin on his hand and watched her, smirking lazily."Don't you have anything better to do, Xavier?" Leia said through gritted teeth. Her patience was running out, and she wasn't as shameless as the mean seated opposite her."Nope, the most important thing for me to do is to be with you," Xavier said flirtatiously as he sipped his coffee."You're crazy!" Leia pretended to vomit at his cheesy line.After a brief silence, Xavier asked casually, "I heard you're going to join a love reality show that's scripted to have you dating Santiago?""It's a rumor!" Leia declared. Xavier's joy lasted less than a second as Leia added proudly, "I'm going to date Mr. Dalton; it's not scripted at all!""Leia Osborne!" Xavier called her by her full name for the first time, his tone threatening."What's the matter, Mr. Stuart?" Lei
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
"Just forget about it?" Luneth fell into a daze when she heard Amber's words. She glanced at Amber darkly before letting out a twisted laugh. Then, she shook her head."No, I can't let it go just like that! Grady was hurt. How can I call myself a mother if I let it go like that? I must make the two people who hurt Grady pay dearly!"Luneth's expression shocked Amber. She subconsciously swallowed and asked, "Well, how will you handle it?" "I told Mateo to lock them up. When Grady's condition stabilizes, I'll make them pay!" Luneth's eyes shone with fury and vengeance, and she gnashed her teeth. "They hurt Grady, so I'll give them a taste of their medicine! I won't break their limbs or cut off their tongues. I'll just cut their foreheads and tear off their scalps! What do you think?""You want to…tear off their scalps?" Terror gripped Amber when she heard Luneth's plan. An awkward laughter escaped her. "Isn't that too ruthless? If they didn't do it on purpose, I don't think you sh
Amber grabbed some tissues beside her and carefully covered the scratch between her brows. She kept calm in hopes that she could make Luneth let down her guard. She knew very well that Liam, Renee, and Leia would be doomed if she didn't stop Luneth from telling Benjamin and Macsen about this incident. Although her face hurt badly from the teacup, it was nothing compared to their safety. "I'm sorry, Gem… I didn't do it on purpose. I was too angry and scared!" Luneth realized how aggressive she had been, and apologized to Amber in sobs. At the same time, she complained piteously, "You know how hard it was for me to get a child. Grady is very dear to Macsen and me. We don't even speak loudly to him or beat him up. But today, someone pressed him to the ground and beat him up. There's such a large hole in his head! The doctors told me that we needed to take good care of his wound. If it gets infected or he gets tetanus, the bacteria or virus might invade his brain and turn him mentall