Annie could not help but sigh. Although she had her reservations about Winter, she knew that Suzy and Winter were once good friends.She remembered that neither Suzy nor Winter had been entirely friendly toward her in the past. Hence, Annie had assumed that even after such an incident, Suzy's relationship with Winter would not have deteriorated this much.However, seeing Suzy's resolute attitude, Annie decided not to press the matter further.Suzy pleaded, "Annie, please don't think badly of me. I just can't take it anymore. She's upset with Noelle, but why should that affect us?"Annie reassured her, "I understand, Suzy. I won't judge you. To be honest, I was also very resentful toward Winter during that time. I couldn't understand why she treated me that way. But now, I've moved past it. My only focus is to go abroad and get my face fixed.""When are you leaving?" Suzy asked, feeling relieved after getting that weight off her chest. "I'll see you off when the time comes."Annie
The quiet place Winter mentioned was Homestyle Garden House. She had visited it a few times with Emilia and Jade and indeed found the environment pleasant and tranquil.After getting in the car, Winter made a reservation. She then led Suzy to the place.It was Suzy's first time there. She frowned slightly but followed Winter inside. Winter chose the innermost room, which others rarely passed by, ensuring their privacy.Considering the severity of the recent incident, Winter was worried about its impact on Suzy, despite it being censored online. "Suzy, this place is usually free of those people. It's mostly frequented by refined, wealthy ladies… So about that day—""Enough!" Suzy interrupted. "I don't want to discuss it anymore. There's no need to keep bringing it up."She then took a deep breath.Being from a distinguished family, Suzy was adept at brewing tea, a skill her mother had insisted she perfected.As she prepared the tea, Suzy forced herself to remain calm. "I know the
"Does that mean I'm just supposed to just accept being victimized?" Suzy laughed bitterly. "Winter, I'm out of options now. I'm too afraid to go back to my old workplace. My parents still haven't forgiven me. Winter, I..."Winter reassured her, "Don't be upset, Suzy. I'll help you. Are you looking for a job? I can ask Xavier to arrange something for you at Frotconn, or maybe at City Ring Corp? It's my family's company!"Winter felt guilty toward Suzy, but more importantly, she feared Suzy might become distant or cut ties with her after this incident, which could jeopardize her previous actions…"Winter, you're so kind to me!" Suzy hugged Winter tightly. "I won't cause you any trouble, Winter. I don't need Frotconn or City Ring Corp. Do you need someone by your side? Can I work for you instead?""Me?" Winter pointed at herself in surprise. "You mean you want to join me in the entertainment industry? But I don't need anyone. I have a manager and an assistant. Besides, Suzy, you're my
Noelle noticed that Charles' mood seemed off ever since he returned from the Hoffman residence the other day. Although she found it strange, Charles did not say anything in particular, so Noelle could not do much about it.As days passed, she adapted well to her role in the project department. She successfully completed most of the tasks Brian assigned her independently. Brian would still often take Noelle on field trips to inspect the project in West City.Brian reviewed Noelle's project plan and found her ideas quite mature.One day, Noelle accompanied Brian on another outing. When they returned around noon, they spotted a young woman helping an elegant, dignified woman out of a car at the entrance of Colossus Group's building.The woman's demeanor suggested she was someone of high status.Noelle walked behind Brian as they discussed some details about their meeting with the survey team. Suddenly, they heard the young woman say, "Aunt Clary, do you think Charles will be angry if
"Outrageous!" Clarisse was furious at Charles' words. "Is this how you speak to me?"Charles remained silent.Clarisse sighed. "You won't return to the Hoffman residence, so I had no choice but to come find you."Hearing Clarisse's softened tone, Charles smirked with disdain. "Mother, you must be mistaken. I've always been this way. Grandpa and Dad never found any issue with it.""That's them. They don't care about you, so naturally, they don't mind if you return or not. But Charlie, I'm your mother.""Oh, you remember now you're my mother? When I needed your care, you weren't there. Now that I don't need it, you show up." Charles' tone turned cold, his face showing impatience."I'm working. If you have business matters, schedule an appointment with my secretary. For personal matters, wait until after work!""Charles!" Clarisse gritted her teeth. "I didn't come to discuss this. You should know I wouldn't come from Capiton to Brookville if it weren't for you.""Then you should g
Charles left without looking back, leaving Clarisse standing pale-faced at his office door. "Charlie, is this really how you treat your mother?" Unfortunately, Charles did not answer.The security guards felt confused, but since Charles was Collosus Group's big boss, his words were like law. They were paid to do their job, so they naturally followed Charles' orders. "Ma'am, please leave with this young lady. This is a company, and we can't let outsiders in freely.""Am I an outsider? I'm Mr. Hoffman's mother!""But you're not a Collosus Group employee!"Janet felt utterly humiliated. When had she ever not been the center of attention? In Capiton, which rich young man did not treat her kindly? The Baker family members all adored her like a treasure.This was the first time Janet felt so embarrassed, especially since the person humiliating her was the man she liked so much.Janet's eyes quickly reddened as she grabbed Clarisse's hand. "Aunt Clary, what should I do? Charles seem
Having gained no advantage from her visit to Charles, Clarisse returned directly to the Hoffman residence. Janet supported Clarisse the whole way, her expression no better than Clarisse's.Although Janet was very dissatisfied with Charles' attitude toward her, she did not dare say anything to his face. She could only follow Clarisse, as she was now the only one supporting Janet's relationship with Charles.Clarisse easily saw through Janet's thoughts. Noticing her low spirits, she patted Janet's hand. "Janet, you must be tired too. Why don't you go upstairs and rest? I have some things to discuss with your uncle."After sending Janet away, Clarisse immediately called for the butler. "Where's Mateo?"James had served Maxwell for a long time and held a high position in the Hoffman household.He was even a few years older than Mateo and Henry. He had never quite liked Mateo's wife, especially given Clarisse's early departure from the Hoffman family. It was something he had always cri
Clarisse's expression darkened as she set her teacup down forcefully. "Mateo, I don't want to discuss these things with you. I don't know what your mindset is in saying all this. I came to you today for just one thing.""Go ahead," Mateo said, his lips twitching. He knew she must have had a reason to approach him so voluntarily. "What do you need from me?""Regarding Charlie and Janet's marriage, it's been delayed for so many years now. When do you think we should arrange their wedding?" Clarisse asked politely, suppressing her usual haughty demeanor.Mateo's brows furrowed upon hearing this. He looked at Clarisse, his eyes filled with complexity. "You know Charlie won't agree to this. Why are you so persistent? Janet could have anyone. Why does it have to be Charlie?"Clarisse grew impatient. "Mateo, just give me a straight answer. Do you agree or not? What's wrong with Janet? I think she's far better than that Kelly!"Mateo felt helpless. "This has nothing to do with Kelly. We'r
On the wedding day, Noelle's heart raced with excitement. She slipped into her beautiful wedding dress and stood looking at herself in the mirror. She was wearing a white gown and could hardly believe that moment was real. She looked so beautiful and full of hope that she almost forgot how nervous and thrilled she felt."You look so beautiful, Noelle! Like a princess," Linda said from behind her. Noelle turned and saw her bridesmaids smiling at her. She smiled back, feeling thankful and a little nervous."Thanks, everyone. I can't believe how perfect today is," Noelle said, her voice full of emotion. She looked at the ring in her hand, feeling so happy and excited.She walked over to the bed, picked up her phone, and called Charles. When he answered, she heard his deep voice say, "Honey, I can't wait to see you." Noelle felt a warm glow inside and smiled. "I feel the same, Charles. I love you."After she ended the call, she stood in front of the mirror once more, gazing at her wedd
Kelly and Noelle were sisters and looked almost the same, both incredibly beautiful. Liliana was like a finely carved statue of beauty, and then there were Linda and Eloise. One was sweet and charming, while the other was cool and aloof, like a regal ice queen.Tania blinked her eyes, "Aren't they lovely? I chose the bridesmaids' dresses." She let out a sigh, "I had hoped to be a bridesmaid too, such a shame!"Their happy chatter filled the house, and Noelle felt like the luckiest girl in the world. She turned to Kelly, her best bridesmaid, her eyes shining with thanks. "Kelly, I'm so grateful you're always here for me," Noelle said softly. Kelly grinned and gave her a gentle shoulder pat, "You don't have to thank me, Noelle. You're my sister and seeing you so happy with the right guy is all I could wish for."Linda, touched by their words, had teary eyes like she was the bride too. She dashed from the kitchen, lifted a cup, and laughed, "I feel like I've turned into your wedding pl
"Yeah." Charles chuckled, planting a kiss on the corner of Noelle's eye. "All of this is yours, feel free to touch all you want!"Noelle's cheeks flushed bright red, and she tried to pull her hands back, but Charles gently held onto them. "What's wrong? I don't let anyone else touch me!""You're such a tease!" Noelle's face turned even redder, "Ever since we got married, you've just gotten cheekier and cheekier.""Yeah, I'm all yours," Charles said as he cradled Noelle's face in his hands, their eyes locked in a gaze.Just like that, time stood still. They looked at each other as if they could never look away. "Charlie!""Noelle!" Charles gently cradled Noelle's face in his hands, showering her with soft kisses....The whole town of Brookville buzzed with excitement for Charles and Noelle's wedding. It was not just the big shots in the business world who were thrilled; people online and just about everyone else were talking about it, too. The media and social networks were all
"Aunt, I'm a big boy!"Bran made a serious face and let go of Noelle's leg.Seth let go of Noelle's leg, too, "Aunt, I'm a big boy as well!"Their tiny voices were so sweet and funny.However, those two adorable kids were determined to be big boys and take their baths.Noelle looked at Charles with a frown, "They're just little, why be so strict? And what's wrong with me helping them with their baths?""Boys and girls are different!" Charles said with a scowl, his eyebrows all twisted up, looking really upset, "You just can't be the one to bathe these two little ones.""So what do we do?" Noelle asked, throwing her hands up, thinking Charles was being way too silly with his jealousy. The kids were only three or four. They did not know anything about boys and girls being different.Bran and Seth looked at Charles too, their faces asking, 'what do we do now?'Charles's frown was so intense it looked like he could catch flies with it. If the kids were not so young—and if they had
Teresa canceled the ride order, took a deep breath, and then walked towards Brian.She spotted Brian standing next to the car, holding a cigarette between his fingers. He had taken a few drags but put it out when he saw her approaching. Clearing away the smoke, he smiled and said, "Hop in!"Teresa gave a small smile. "Thanks a lot, Mr. Parker."When Noelle and Charles got home, they were each greeted with a big hug around their legs. Bran clung to Charles, and Seth clung to Noelle."Uncle!""Aunt!"Both Noelle and Charles paused in surprise, but Charles was quick to act. He scooped up Bran and asked, while holding Seth's hand, "What's going on? Where are your mom and dad?"Noelle, having taken off her shoes, came over with Charles's slippers in hand. "Charles, put these on first!"Charles looked at Noelle and lifted his legs for her to help.Noelle glanced at him, not planning to assist. However, Bran and Seth were on it. Each took a leg and managed to slip off Charles's shoes
"You know you can always come to me," Charles said, joining in the conversation.Noelle was so annoyed she could not speak, but one look at Charles's deep, dark eyes and her anger melted away. She just sighed and rubbed her forehead. "Charles, you're becoming such a cling-on!""Is it so bad that I want to be close to you?" Charles asked with a light smile. "Don't forget your seatbelt!" He reached over to help her with the seatbelt, but Noelle was faster, clicking it into place herself. Then she peered past Charles to a car across the street. "That's Mr. Parker's car. Teresa told me there was nothing between them!"Noelle could not resist trying to get a better look, but Charles stepped in front of her. "It's way too early to worry about that," he said.He thought about how little time they had together already. How could he let anyone else take up the precious moments he should be spending with his beloved?Noelle wanted to look again, but Charles just drove off, ignoring her prot
It was not just a look-alike. It was him, for real!Noelle did not even want to admit she knew Rowena, the goofball.Teresa was super quick on her feet. She jumped up and asked the owner to bring over an extra chair. "Hey, you're here to get Noelle?"Charles gave Teresa a quick look and decided he liked her way more than Rowena, who was not behaving at all. He glanced at Rowena, who was still leaning on Noelle, and Noelle had not even pushed her away. This made Charles feel a bit colder, but he still managed to nod politely, "Mhm!"Teresa might have looked cool and collected, but inside, she was totally freaked out by Charles's super chilly vibe."Um... Rowena, sit up straight, will you?"Teresa caught the look in Charles's eyes, which seemed like he was about to lose it, so she quickly pulled Rowena over and held onto her hand tight.Charles finally seemed happy, and his face even looked a little friendlier. "What are you guys having?"Noelle could not help but give Charles a
Charles was speechless.He peered through the car window, his gaze locked onto the three women across the street. When he saw Rowena's hands still on Noelle's shoulders, his eyes practically blazed, "Tell your friend to get her hands off!""I..." Noelle glanced to the side and caught Rowena's hand, which was fidgeting on her. "Stop that!""Ooh, pretty girl, who are you talking to?" Noelle rolled her eyes, but Teresa jumped in quickly, "Is that Charles? Noelle, it's getting late. Did he come to pick you up? I wonder if he's eaten yet. Maybe you should invite him to join us for a bite?"Noelle peered across the street, her throat suddenly dry, and spoke into the phone, "Come on over, then!"Charles, phone in hand, watched Noelle from across the street. Teresa's words made him smile a bit, and he stepped out of his car, striding across the road with his long legs.Those days, Charles dressed in comfy clothes, like light gray instead of his usual black, to be gentle with the kids.
"Okay, okay, I'll be your good friend!" Rowena gave Noelle's shoulder a reassuring pat. "We've got that special bond, don't we? We wouldn't miss your wedding for the world!" Rowena gave Teresa a playful wink, and Teresa nodded with a smile, "Rowena's right, we wouldn't miss it. Now, let's have a toast!"After chatting for a bit longer, Noelle pulled out her phone from her purse. She saw a text from Charles asking, "Finished eating?"Noelle typed back, "Almost, I'll head back once we wrap up here.""Great, I'll be waiting for you!"Noelle read the message and felt a strange vibe. She glanced up and saw the eye-catching car parked across the street – the Rolls-Royce Phantom that Charles had recently gotten.The car parked on the side of the road was impossible to miss. Everyone walking by just had to sneak a peek. It was anything but low-key.Noelle pressed her hand to her forehead, looked down, and quickly texted Charles, "Why did you come out? And in such a flashy car!" It was no