Stefan didn't hide anything—he told Quinton about everything that had happened to him and Renee lately.Quinton staggered back, his eyes wide in shock. "What... did you say?" He couldn't believe that his pitiful sister had faced so much in just a few months. "I'm running out of time. I have to get the four items that Owen wants in a month. I think you should go back and be with Ren since you're her brother. I won't be worried if it's you taking care of her." Stefan had been worried about Renee, but he had to find the items for the antidote. Somehow, fate had made him bump into Quinton, and it might be a sign telling him that someone needed to go back and watch over Renee. The only other person who would risk their life for Renee and protect her unconditionally was Quinton. "No!" Quinton refused instantly."You… don't want to go back?" Stefan asked slowly, looking perplexed. Was Quinton not worried about Renee? "Of course, I want to go back, but not now." Quinton frowned, looki
The process was undoubtedly dangerous, and Quinton had suffered a lot of injuries getting the items. Similarly, Chase had also suffered a lot. Once they got what they wanted, they went to a nearby hospital to treat their wounds and rushed back to Beach City as fast as they could. Quinton had tried to get in touch with Stefan, but there was no response from him. He figured that Stefan might be in a place without any signal. He cut the call and took a deep breath to calm himself, then went to Everheart Manor. He hesitated before he went in. As Renee's brother, he had failed to uphold his responsibility as head of the family. Not only did he fail to protect Renee, but he had caused her so much trouble. He felt ashamed to meet her, and stood outside the door for almost ten minutes."Mr. Everheart, why aren't you going in?" Chase asked Quinton carefully as they stood at the door of the manor. "I'm too ashamed to go in," Quinton answered honestly."Really?" Chase was shocked and touche
"Uncle! Mr. Cheever! You both are finally back!" Adie and Abby were playing hopscotch in the yard, and lit up in excitement when they saw Quinton and Chase. They quickly ran over."Kids, it's been so long. Are you doing okay? Are you listening to your mommy?" Quinton asked gently as he hugged the two children. Quinton was a serious person who wouldn't even frown when he was in pain, but right now, he was speaking softly to the children like a kindergarten teacher. It was more than Chase could bear. "Uncle, you're finally home. Mommy is seriously ill, and we don't know what to do. I'm glad you're back..." Adie held Quinton's hand and said worriedly. He saw himself as the man of the house when Quinton left, and wanted to help Renee and protect her and Abby. Lately, he hadn't been eating or sleeping well because he was stressed, but now that Quinton was back, Adie felt like a burden had been lifted off of him. He knew that no one would dare to bully Renee and Abby if Quinton was around
Quinton was happy that he had rushed back—it was obvious that the family was falling apart. "You don't have to worry so much. I'm home, so everything will get better... Your mommy is just scared, and wants someone to be with her and protect her. Just leave this to me!" Quinton patted his chest to reassure them, and the two children led him to Renee's bedroom.There was a large terrace in Renee's bedroom that stretched out to an arc-shaped balcony. Various kinds of plants and flowers had been grown there, and when it was sunny, it was nice to sunbathe there amidst the nice fragrance of the flowers.Renee rarely left her room after she had lost her eyesight, and couldn't even enjoy sunbathing anymore. Feeling the sun's warmth on her skin was a cruel reminder that she could no longer see the flowers planted there, and that she might never find happiness. Today, however, she was willing to enjoy sunbathing on the balcony to get some fresh air. Somehow, she felt like her downfall would co
"What do you mean?" Quinton frowned in disdain. "Don't liken me to that iceberg—I'm not as cruel and aloof as him.""But you both said the same thing!" Renee smiled tenderly, feeling loved. "I got myself into this mess, but you both keep blaming yourselves. Like him, you look cold and fierce on the outside, but are actually a really warm and sensitive person." Outsiders felt that Renee was miserable because she was blind and poisoned, but she really wasn't because she was loved by so many. They tried their best to cure her, and although the poison had spread to her entire body, she felt happy to be loved so genuinely."If that's the case, I need to change my opinion of him," Quinton muttered as he pulled a chair over and sat beside Renee. Surprisingly, he started complimenting Stefan. "Yes, he constantly has a poker face on, and he seems world-weary and difficult, but he's sincere towards you. Back then, I wouldn't have believed him if he said he would die for you… but now I would. H
Renee couldn't reach Stefan's phone, and he hadn't replied to any of her texts. Although Renee was anxious, she believed that Stefan would be safe and return when he had promised… but now she wasn't so sure. "He was lucky you were there that day to save him, but will someone be there to help him if it happens again? Will he..." Renee bit her lip, too frightened to think about it."Don't worry about him, he's strong. He won't get into accidents that easily." Quinton tried to comfort Renee and told her about their plan. "I discussed it with him—I'm in charge of finding the Western Hills Fruit and Northern Lake Anaconda, and he's in charge of finding the dragon's saliva. His task is more difficult than mine, so naturally, he'll come home later than me."Renee, however, could not stop overthinking. "Is the dragon's saliva even real? I feel like Dr. Wagner is just trying to give me hope, and it doesn't actually exist.""Why not?" Quinton immediately fished out the three items he had plac
The existence of dragons had always been a great controversy, as they only appeared in legends. In Aeos, dragons symbolized power, honor, and luck, but in Benores, they were the incarnation of evil. Stefan had done his research, and found that there were records of dragons appearing in Water City, Srey, Cheville, Tregas, and Reka. The incident of a dragon falling was widespread in Reka, and they even had photos as proof. It indirectly proved that dragons were real, and there were other places where dragons had apparently resided too.Stefan had asked around and finally came to a village called Dragos. It was located in the depths of the mountains, and the villagers lived in groups on the cliff. They led a primitive life away from the world. There weren't many villagers, but they were united and quite unfriendly to visitors. All of them believed in dragons and used dragons as their totems. The walls of their houses were full of pictures of dragons. Stefan sent everyone except Elijah
Elijah tried a few times, but failed to pass through it. When he looked down, he saw a cliff with a huge gap, and it almost gave him a heart attack. "Ah, I... I can't do it. I can't!" Elijah grabbed his chest, feeling dizzy. He couldn't hold on even if he wanted to. "Just wait here if you can't do it. I'll go up and take a look. I won't be long," Stefan said briefly, then bent over and passed through the hole. It was hard for him to pass through that hole because he was tall. If he was careless, or if he slipped, he might fall off the cliff. Luckily, he was strong and agile, and entered the village smoothly. Neil also entered the village skillfully. Elijah had tried several times but failed, so he just waited at the entrance of the village helplessly. After entering the village, Stefan found that Neil was right—one could only move around through the cliffs. There was a palm-sized path that went up to the top of the mountain where only a few houses could be seen."How amazing!" S
Jovan cleared his throat and assumed his usual casual demeanor. "I lost my mind on the day of the engagement ceremony. I knocked Renee out and took her away. This incident has nothing to do with her. You guys can blame me. I should be the one to hang myself, too.""Jovan!" Renee glared at Jovan. "Don't take the blame for me. I won't thank you, either."Jovan turned and started arguing with Renee. "No, I'm not taking the blame for you. I was just telling the truth. I did knock you out and take you away that day. You didn't leave on your own!"He felt guilty toward Renee, especially when he saw her lying in bed and using an iron wire to cut her wrist so she could run away. It was a great shock to him.He realized he had nearly ruined her, body and soul. At that moment, he no longer wanted to compete for her. He felt that he might as well let her go and grant her wish. He just wanted her to be safe and happy, regardless of who she chose to be with.His greatest wish was to see her
Both Renee and Jovan finally arrived at the Baldwin residence under Sabre's escort.Austin was waiting in the tea room since he knew Renee was coming."I'm sorry, Grandpa Baldwin. I'm here to apologize to you." Sabre pushed them into the room.After entering the room, Renee realized that Justin was there too, sitting on Austin's left and pouring tea for Austin. Justin was no longer enthusiastic and close to Renee. Instead, he kept his head low and was busy. He did not even look at her, as if they did not know each other. "You want to apologize to me?" Austin sneered. He raised a cup of tea and sipped it. "Stop flattering me. Plus… You shouldn't be apologizing to me."Justin stopped what he was doing, but he was still unresponsive. He stared absent-mindedly ahead as if he were away from reality. He seemed like a different man. Renee had never seen this side of him, which filled her with sadness and guilt. She blamed herself for turning a carefree and bright youth into a gloo
"Cut the crap!" Sabre was a man who had undergone a lot of things and problems all year round. He abruptly gripped Jovan's chin and said coldly, "You can't keep your head for long. You'd better not waste your energy, and you should watch your tongue.""Well, there's something I should say." Jovan didn't resist as he grabbed the chance to touch Sabre's face. "What's your name, dude? Why are you doing this job at such a young age? How much did Austin pay you every month? I'll give you ten times your salary. Just betray him and work for me.""I'm going to kill you!" Sabre was always a serious man, and got furious because of Jovan's words. He was about to slap Jovan before Renee immediately stopped him."Don't do this, Sabre. Let's talk it out. He's the vice president of Hunt Enterprise, but you wanted to slap him. We should keep peace. Plus, he generally never watches his tongue, and he scolds his family more fiercely. Don't take him seriously." Renee tried her best to calm Sabre dow
"I'll come even if you don't welcome me. Bye." Renee hung up. She knew that Justin resented her and feared that Austin might punish her. Regardless, he could not stop her from going to North City. She understood that no one could be at ease if the issue was unresolved. She was the cause of the conflict—the key factor. Thus, she must go there.Finally, the plane took off. Renee fell into thoughts while watching the dense clouds. Jovan sat beside her and noticed her worry. He wanted to hold her hand to comfort her and give her strength. However, his hand stopped in midair. He decided against holding her hand. He knew that she did not need his consolation or reassurance. Instead, she would only resent him."Don't worry. It's going to be okay." Jovan sounded casual. "I'm the culprit and will be blamed. You don't have to be scared."Renee turned and frowned at him. "I don't want to see you in danger, either."Jovan looked serious before he beamed. "Well, I'll risk my life for
Hence, Renee did not beat around the bush or refuse to answer Jovan's question on purpose. She had no idea what her heart wanted and could only see how things went."What?" Jovan narrowed his eyes, wearing a complex expression. The current situation gave him a great sense of danger. He teased, "It looks like I've underestimated that guy. He can end up your man though he's your fallback guy.""Can't you watch your tongue?" Renee became angry as she stuffed a piece of cake into his mouth. "Eat something and stop talking."At that time, her phone rang. Justin did call her back—just like what Jovan had said. Renee quickly picked it up, sounding anxious. "Justin, why didn't you answer my calls? I called you several times!""What's the matter?" Justin sounded extremely icy. Renee had never seen him act that way—it felt unreal. She said carefully, "I want to ask where you are now.""What's the matter?" Justin kept his cold demeanor and repeated the same question without saying anythi
A minute passed by. Renee was holding the phone but had yet to get a call back from Justin. She was not that very confident."Why isn't he calling me back? Should I call him again?" Although she did not want to be embarrassed, she already did after making six calls. She was fine with it already."Calm down. Let's wait a little longer." Jovan sipped some coffee and sounded at ease."Will he call me back?" Renee held her chin, uncertain. For the first time, she knew how aggrieved a kiss-ass felt. In a way, she was considered one as she tried to please Jovan.Jovan placed the cup of coffee down and looked at Renee with leisure and surprise. "Are you that eager to get in touch with him?"After all, based on his observation as an outsider, he knew Renee did not love Justin. Renee only cared about Stefan and regarded Justin as merely a friend. Logically, she shouldn't be that upset."Of course." Renee was open about her feelings and added honestly, "I did want to spend the rest of
Jovan was not mad. Instead, he smirked with satisfaction. "Yeah, that's right. Never let me get that. We need to keep owing something to each other and always get tangled up with each other!"Renee could not take it, and acted like she was about to vomit. "I can't keep on eating. It's disgusting." Although she had made such a claim, she sat down and was engrossed in enjoying the food. She was not as tense as before and started to relax.Similarly, Jovan started eating with satisfaction. The current situation was what he wanted the most. She hated him, but it was her true self.When they were full, it was almost time for them to board the plane. Before boarding, Renee hesitated for a long time before calling Justin. She gave him three calls, but he picked up neither of them.On the other hand, Jovan was sitting in the exclusive lounge for the passengers of first-class cabins. He was flipping through magazines to kill his boredom when he noticed Renee's phone. Jovan smiled and
At that time, Jovan was peeling prawns for Renee. They were hot but fresh. When he was peeling them, their hotness burned his fingers, but he was fine with it."Yes, I had…" While blowing the prawns to cool them down, Jovan smiled and said, "I didn't find one at the moment, so I can't forget about you."Renee frowned and said grumpily, "Don't blame it on me. You just can't settle down. I don't want to be accused wrongly."She never felt that Jovan loved her deeply. He merely acted like an overbearing child who tried to snatch away his cousin's beloved woman because he always regarded his cousin as a role model. It was not that different from trying to snatch away one's toy. Of course, that wasn't true love."Just introduce a woman to me then." Jovan finally peeled the prawns and poured some sauce on them before he placed them on a plate before her. He added, "Have them while they're hot. They taste the best now. You need more protein since you're weak."Renee found it difficul
Vermillion was neither eye-catching nor dark. It suited the scarf around her neck well, making her look brighter and more sophisticated. She was not as pale and weak as she looked just now. "I like this color. I didn't expect you to know women this well. You picked the right lipstick color." Renee pursed her lips and sincerely praised Jovan.Usually, insensible men would pick pink lipstick, which was awful. When Jovan picked that lipstick, Renee's heart skipped a beat. She was even wondering where she should go to remove the lipstick. However, it was not pink. It happened to be vermillion, which she had always favored. It would be hard to gain such knowledge if Jovan had not had experience with it. It could be seen that he had dated quite a lot of women."I'm glad you like it." Jovan looked at her rosy lips which were wonderful and charming. He inevitably swallowed.Renee noticed that he was charmed—but he was not simply attracted by her. Instead, he admired her religiously, whi