LOGIN"In my eyes, Thomas is still just a kid in his early twenties. Making mistakes is only human."The good thing is, he still has a chance to fix things. He can still make a different choice. And every decision he's facing now will become part of what he's lived through."Some things, Shayla had only understood after living through them a second time.In her previous life, out of pride and a grudge she couldn't swallow, she had walked away from the Kalen family alone.She'd been forced to leave her three children behind, and to watch the child of the woman she despised most enjoy everything that should have belonged to her own daughter.She had spent half her life on it and only figured it out on her deathbed. How could she possibly be too hard on a kid who was barely twenty and had only just started out in life?Shayla looked at Sharon and went on, "If you want to help him, then help him."The Kalens don't go looking for trouble, but we're not afraid of it either. With me and your
Growing up, Sharon's mother had always been easygoing with her.Aside from a few bottom lines, she had hardly ever demanded much of her.Whatever Sharon wanted to do, her mother and brothers supported her.Her father had never been around, but Sharon had never felt the least bit lonely.It was safe to say she had been born with a silver spoon in her mouth and raised surrounded by love.She had never known hardship. Whatever she wanted, she got, like a carefree little princess.But perhaps no one's life was perfect.After a lifetime of smooth sailing, she had finally tasted the bitterness of love.After thinking it over, Sharon told Shayla everything.Anyone in the world might hurt her, but never her mother.When she'd heard it all, Shayla was quiet for a long time before she looked at her daughter."Sharon, what do you want to do?"Sharon hadn't expected that question. She was stunned for a moment."Do you want to help him?" Shayla asked. "Wait for him? Or just call it qui
"Got it," Julliard said.He was about to hang up when Vince stopped him."Wait. There's one more thing."Julliard frowned. "What else?""Thomas was the one behind what happened to Samantha," Vince said. "Is there any way you could put me in touch with the Malcolm family?"Julliard was silent for a few seconds. "Thomas did it? Are you sure?""Of course I'm sure." Vince laughed softly. "We grew up together in the Ferrero family and we've been at each other's throats for years. I know his methods well."He covered his tracks, but he didn't leave the trail completely clean."Haven't you always wanted something you could use against Thomas? I can give you a tip."There's a bar owner in Marcentine named Marcus Ford. He seems to know Thomas well. Thomas has been to his bar a few times."Oh, and Grant Marshall is one of Marcus's men."Are you satisfied with the tip I've given you?"Julliard's breathing quickened at the news."Vince, are you sure?""When has any tip I've given you
"How is that possible?" Julliard blurted out. "I covered my tracks..."Vince cut him off. "Julliard, Thomas Ferrero is far more capable than you think. Don't underestimate him."He's not someone you can deal with easily. If he hadn't gone missing for half a year last time and given me room to breathe, the position of Ferrero family head would have been his long ago."Even now, after choosing not to marry Carmen, he isn't going to be easy to unseat."Vince let out a slow sigh. "If he's willing to spend the time getting Sharon to agree to marry him, he can still take the position."The moment Julliard heard that Thomas could still become family head, his voice changed."Didn't you say we could use this chance to bring him down?!""We can," Vince said. "But to win over Sharon and get her family's approval, he'll need at least a year. A year is long enough for a lot of things to change."Why do you think Thomas chose to marry Carmen in the first place instead of slowly winning Shar
Someone like Jamie, who was starting from nothing with no foundation to stand on, had to be especially careful. He couldn't afford to show even the slightest weakness.But right in the middle of his quiet scheming and preparations, someone had ruined his hand.That stretch had been the hardest time of Jamie's life.Fortunately, Sharon had given him a leg up. It had kept him from sinking too low and carried him through to where he was now.Today's Jamie was no longer the man he used to be, at everyone's mercy with no way to fight back.The hardest days were behind the two siblings now.Ryder's voice pulled Johanna out of her thoughts."Mr. Walton came to the same decision. He was planning to go back next month, but if he's going to be attacked no matter where he is, he might as well return to Marcentine. "At least he has some power there. Protecting himself won't be a problem."Johanna knew Jamie had taken over some of the power their father, Russell Walton, once held, but she
Once Sharon's condition had stabilized, she decided to return to Marcentine.Julliard was flying back with her this time, and so was Johanna.Jamie's hand still needed follow-up treatment, so he wouldn't be going back with them just yet.At the airport, Jamie said to Sharon, "I'll be back next month."Sharon gave a small nod. "Okay. Focus on your treatment. And don't worry about Johanna. Wendy and I will look after her."Jamie looked at Sharon, his voice low. "Thank you. Take care of yourself."With that, he turned to Johanna. "Johanna, if Sharon runs into any trouble over there, make sure you call me.""Don't worry, Jamie," Johanna said.Overhearing the exchange, Julliard sneered, "Jamie, why don't you deal with your own problems first? As long as you don't drag Sharon into any more trouble, we'll all count our blessings."How many of your problems has Sharon solved since she met you? She introduced you to a mentor, got your work seen at an art exhibition, and when your hand
Julliard's brows twitched slightly, his expression still shadowed with worry."But the evidence is clear, Thomas killed Chuggs. There's no way to clear his name," he said. "I heard the Noel family plans to take him to the International Court. If they succeed and a verdict is reached, he might end u
The man looked really similar to Jamie— handsome in a severe, chiseled way, his features sharp and aristocratic. Up close, though, his eyes betrayed him: unfocused, empty of light.His voice was low and magnetic in the hush of the corridor. "Megan, what's going on out there? Why all the commotion
"No, no—don't," Sharon blurted, alarmed that he'd actually agree. "Don't stay up. Rest. Three days is enough."Liam stole a glance at Thomas; the latter's expression remained unreadable, calm as ever.In truth, one day would have sufficed—Thomas had suggested "three" to avoid arousing Sharon's sus
Thomas wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, but this time, the headache felt worse than ever.Even now, fully awake, the pain throbbed deep in his skull.Instinctively, he reached up to touch his head—and felt the rough texture of a bandage wrapped around it.Then, like a floodgate opening,







