The woman in his arms shifted around uncomfortably, carefully speaking up. "MâĶ Mr. Hunt, you've misunderstood. I'm not Ms. Everheart."Stefan froze. His expression darkened. "Who are you?""IâĶ I'm your personal caretaker, Layla Bridges. The madam sent me." Layla had quite an innocent-looking face. Even the way she spoke sounded like she could do no harm.Stefan's expression was frosty, rudely pushing the woman away without hesitation. He then questioned her, clearly upset. "How long have you been here?""For quiteâĶ a while.""So you were the one who enjoyed the night breeze, gave me my coffee, and listened to me this whole time?""YâĶ Yes." Layla hid the fact that Renee had come by just to win Stefan's heart. Instead, she inserted herself into the narrative. "The madam said you were in a bad mood and you need some quiet company. So I didn't talk the entire time and just listened to you. I didn't think you would mistake me for Ms. Everheart. I'm really sorry.""I don't blame you
Layla showed humility in order to comfort the angry man, but he didn't want to listen. He even went as far as to push her to the ground."Ah!" Layla yelped in pain as her head collided with one of the rock pillars, causing her to bleed."Now you know that I'm not a good person. So stay away from me if you value your life." Stefan warned her with a hostile expression.An egotistical man like him didn't need any sympathy, nor did he want to become a burden to others. He found it extremely ridiculous to have a woman sacrifice her whole life just to take care of him."Mr. Hunt, I volunteered for this, and I'm staying, even if you chase me away! Please give me a chance to care for you. I won't even complain if I end up dying in your hands!" Layla ignored her bleeding wound and expressed her dedication instead.Francine had been watching them for some time and nodded to herself with a satisfied smile."It's okay, Layla. I knew I was right to have chosen you. You're the best candidate t
Francine ignored his hostility and continued introducing the order in detail. "The Albus Order is very mysterious. We don't even know who their leader is. However, they are known as the miracle of the medical field. Especially the 'Bloodletting and Bone Fumigation Therapy' they have invented. I'm not even exaggerating when I say they could revive the dead with thatâĶ""People say that no matter how sick someone is, they can fully recover within ten days after receiving treatment from the Albus Order leader. If we can somehow contact them through Layla, we might be able to even cure your hemophobia, let alone your eyes!"Francine then sighed deeply, wiping her tears away silently. "Honestly, I'd rest in peace knowing that you've recovered from your condition. I wouldn't have any regrets if I dropped dead right then."Initially, Stefan wasn't quite paying attention to anything his mother said, but hearing the words 'Bloodletting and Bone Fumigation Therapy' piqued his interest."I'v
"AdieâĶ AbbyâĶ" Stefan mumbled his precious children's names, the sadness in his eyes compounded. "What right do I have to call myself their father now? I don't think they'd even want someone useless as family.""Then don't be useless! You're just blind and still have your smarts to back you up, and you're definitely still capable of managing the company. It's just that you can't show yourself during this period of time. Don't let anyone, especially Jovan, find out that you have lost your sight. Else, we'd have more problems to worry about." Francine had already thought this through and had only announced to the public that Stefan caught a severely contagious disease. She told everyone that he was still in recovery and couldn't manage the company or receive guests for the time beingHowever, a lie like that would only cover up the truth for so long. The limited time they currently had was a great incentive for her to find this Albus Order leader as quickly as possible.Just then, on
When Francine heard Renee's name, her expression immediately became unnatural. At that moment, she was unaware of Renee's current condition but guessed that she must be in great danger since she had fallen into Seraphina's hands. She sighed quietly with a tinge of melancholy, but she had no regrets.It was all because that wicked woman had sought to harm her only son with a passion. Besides, Renee did not regret it, which was why Francine felt that it was not outrageous to hack her into pieces. "You know that Stefan divorced her. It'll be useless even if you call her. Just keep in mind that Stefan dislikes unrelated people staying overnightâĶ" She sounded unconfident, so she gradually became impatient. She tried to drive him away. "It's getting late. Lisa, see him to the door."However, Jovan's teasing smile turned chilly. He went straight to the point and stated, "Aunt Francine, don't think of getting rid of me that easily since I came to you at this hour. I came asking for
He could no longer waste time with Francine so calmly. His eyes turned red as he shouted in the direction of Stefan's room. "Stefan, you coward! Did you hear? Your mother wants to kill Renee. Why are you still hiding and doing nothing like a coward?" "Shut up!" Francine was afraid that Stefan would come out when he heard it, so she lowered her voice and said, "I'll give you a chance since you want to play the hero and save the damsel in distress. She's now in Warehouse Seven. You may be able to save her life if you're fast enough." "That was direct!" Jovan did not expect Francine to tell him Renee's whereabouts so straightforwardly. A tinge of complicated feeling arose in his eyes. "It looks like you're not so cruel as I think. You're considered a good mother-in-law. At least you're more open-minded than my mother." "Hmph! You're overthinking. I wanted to get rid of you sooner by telling you about her whereabouts. I wasn't trying to be kind. Get lost now!" Francine would ne
"Are you here to play hero and save the damsel in distress? It's a pity you came late." Seraphina's hand hurt from his grasp, so she was grumpy. "What do you mean I came late? Make it clear!" Jovan was no longer as calm and as reserved as he was. He was very agitated now. "Why are you roaring? You sound like she's your wife or something. She has nothing to do with you. You're just her plan B and backup!" Seraphina uttered hurtfully. "Don't beat around the bush. Let me repeat my question. Where did you get Renee to?" Jovan had lost all his sanity. He strangled Seraphina's neck and interrogated her with a hideous face. It was a critical moment. If it was delayed for even a second, there might be an irretrievable result. He could not afford to see that happen. "SheâĶ She's dead!" Seraphine almost suffocated. Her face flushed deeply as she answered with difficulty. "What did you say? Say that again!" Jovan lost his mind. He wanted nothing but to break Seraphina's neck
Jovan was the mysterious man who gave her the video of Renee pushing Briar down the cliff. She successfully broke Stefan and Renee up by relying on that video.However, they were just separated. The feelings Stefan had for Renee never changed, but they intensified. A great sense of defeat washed over her when she saw him sacrifice himself just to protect Renee. On the contrary, she felt like her dignity was being violated. Naturally, her hatred for Renee grew with time. All she wanted now was for Renee to die. Seraphina believed that Stefan would belong to her if Renee died. Unfortunately, Renee was too tough, and she escaped repeatedly. She was indeed hard to handle. "Seraphina, tell me honestly. You're lying by claiming that Renee had jumped into the river, aren't you? She won't do such a stupid thing given her character." Jovan used the last bit of sanity he had to analyze the possibility of Renee jumping into the river. "Hmph! Jump into the river to search for her.
Justin smiled and described the children's experiences, acting like a stepfather. When he talked about the children, he made it sound like they were his biological children. Stefan didn't look so good. He felt that the glass of wine was getting bitter."Well, I'm sure kids will find everything new and exciting when they go to a new place. But they'll get bored with it when time passes. They'll love their real home better." Stefan had wanted to act relaxed and casual, but he could not stop himself from refuting when he heard Justin's provocative words. "Mm?" Leia sat beside Liam and leaned against his arm, and whispered, "What are they doing? This is weird. Are they going to fight?""It's just a competition between men. They won't get into a fight." Liam kept eating and watching the fun. He merely found it amusing. As expected, Renee was greatly admired. Although she remained silent, she would always be in the limelight. Liam was amused to see people like Stefan or Justin
"How dare you!"Stefan's words instantly made Leia speechless. She had wanted to rebuke him, but he snatched the chance from her and struck her dumb.In short, he was an utter scumbag.After a moment, Leia finally managed to comment, "How shameless!" Justin had kept silent all the while. He looked at Stefan with a scrutinizing and mocking gaze. "Mr. Hunt, I admire your honesty and self-awareness. If that's the case, let's stop being reserved and have fun together!""Yes, let's have fun together. I'm shameless, too!" Liam joined in the effort to mock Stefan. He swayed his glass of wine and faked a smile. "I've known her a long time, so of course I know what shameless things Mr. Hunt has done. I think I'd better grab this chance to tell you all of them since everyone is here today."Standing at the door, Renee was worried that Liam might say more indecent things. She hurriedly stopped him. "Pipe down, Liam!" "Got it." Liam shrugged helplessly but obeyed her.Although he yea
"Do you want to leave?" Stefan saw Renee. He was calm, indifferent, and distant. His behavior stung Renee. Renee could easily recall their lovey-dovey memories. They had both risked their lives for each other and vowed to be together forever. They had two children, too. Yet, they ended up as strangers.Although Renee was heartbroken, she became competitive. She smoothed her hair and said in a similarly cold manner, "I'm going to the washroom." "Okay." Stefan did not have anything to say. He nodded and walked past Renee before heading to the dining table. "Hmph! I didn't expect you to come so boldly," Quinton sneered.At the sight of Stefan, Quinton subconsciously clenched his fists, acting like he was about to fight Stefan. On the surface, he wouldn't act aggressively because he knew Renee would stop him. "It's not easy for the few great families to get together. It's good and meaningful for us. If I refused to come, it would make me seem heartless."Stefan kept his co
Having said that, Renee lowered her head, about to leave. She didn't even have the time to bother about Adie and Abby, and told Quinton to take them home later. Her strange behavior filled Quinton with displeasure. He blocked Renee and said solemnly, "Are you afraid? Do you want to run away? People might think that you're guilty and have cheated on your husband!""No, I'm not!" Renee refuted him loudly, then explained seriously, "I'm busy. I need to handle something right away. Plus, I'm not guilty. I did nothing wrong. There's no reason for me to feel guilty." Quinton went straight to the point. "What are you afraid of since you know you're not guilty? Why do you want to run away? He should be afraid instead!""I told you. I'm not afraid of him. I'm justâĶ" "What?" Quinton crossed his arms and looked at Renee coldly. He wanted to get to the bottom of it.Renee came up with a ridiculous yet normal excuse. "IâĶ I recalled that the dessert shop that I want to head to is about to
Jovan called Stefan to sound the latter out. Anyway, it would be convenient for Stefan to rush over since they were both at the same spot. "I'll be right there," Stefan said. Then, he hung up.For a moment, silence washed over everyone, as if something terrible was about to happen.After taking in the new information, Leia said indignantly, "What's going on? Why does he want to come? Isn't he too shameless? How dare he come?" Although everything wasn't discussed openly, everyone knew why Stefan and Renee broke up all of a sudden, despite how lovey-dovey they were. The reason was that Stefan had cheated on Renee.Even if the adultery was faked, it was still the cause of their breakup. If Stefan were shameful or guilty, he wouldn't have agreed to come. He was going to face Renee there with their friends and family around. Certainly, it was embarrassing. "Hmph! Why not? He impersonated me, seized my business, and snatched away my woman. Plus, he led a steady life, got married
Jovan's words made the atmosphere quiet and bizarre. "Are you out of your mind, Jovan? It's already very annoying to have someone like you here. Do you have to get another annoying guy?" Leia frowned, crossing her arms. She kept scolding him.Initially, the atmosphere was considered harmonious. It was still considered fine even if there was an annoying person like Jovan. Unexpectedly, he wanted to call another, more terrible person to come here. Things would certainly go wrong. "Ms. Osborne, you're famous for talking harshly, too. You're just like me. I love it." However, Jovan was not mad at all. He grinned while waiting for Stefan to answer the call. Generally, Stefan would not answer Jovan's call. Surprisingly, he picked it up that time."What's the matter?" Jovan purposely put it on speaker mode. Stefan sounded aloof and emotionless.Jovan sounded wicked as he calmly asked Stefan, "Do you want to join a gathering, Stefan?""I'm going to hang up if you don't say anythi
In the past, Jovan had always regarded Stefan as a coward. Stefan couldn't forget about Renee, but he kept pushing Renee to another man. It seemed like Justin was more responsible, considerate, and gentle. Of course, Renee would lead a very happy, steady, and comfortable life with such a man. At the very least, Jovan felt that he could not be that meticulous and considerate. He would only drive Renee mad just to get her attention. "Hmph! Are you trying to humiliate me or yourself?" Justin didn't find that a compliment. Instead, it sounded like smockery. Jovan made it sound like Justin was a nice guy, but would not be picked by Renee. Usually, people like that had to suffer and would not end up well."I'm praising you." Jovan was helpless because of his reputation as the villain. Although he had said a lot of annoying things, he did want to compliment Justin. His love was probably as deep as Justin's, but his and Stefan's ways of loving Renee were much inferior to Justin's.
"That's unnecessary." Justin stood in front of Renee, his face cold. He said firmly, "She's unwell and can't have wine." "Is she unwell? I didn't see that." Jovan sized Renee up before he sized Justin up. Then, he sneered, "And who are you to her? You can't stop her from having wine.""It's none of your business who I am to her. I said she can't have wine." Justin always kept peace with others, but at that moment, he was dominant. He didn't always want to control Renee, but she had drunk a lot of wine that day. It might have hurt her belly. Hence, he felt it better for her to abstain from wine lately. However, Jovan was unaware of that affair. He simply found Justin purposely showing his ownership over Renee, which disgusted him."Waiter, get her a glass of milk. She only wants that," Justin instructed a waiter, showing his consideration for Renee. "It's okay. I can have a little wine. Plus, I'm rather good at drinking. It's not easy for everyone to get together tonight. I do
They danced for around ten minutes. Renee danced to the song heartily. Her initial gloomy mood also improved.Renee drank some water and took a few deep breaths. Then, she sincerely praised Leia, "Alright. Your welcome ceremony is bizarre, but it helped relieve my stress. I like it very much!"She could tell that Leia had painstakingly prepared that gift for her. After all, it was not easy to ask the Zambawi people from primitive tribes to sing an English song. "I'm glad you like it. I did this because I wanted you to relax and stop taking things seriously. You need to stop being so hard on yourself and get rid of all the pressure!" Leia said honestly. The Zambawi hand-drum dance came with the charms of a primitive dance. Its goal was to set people free. Of course, it was suitable for Renee to relieve her stress."Yeah, your stress is relieved. From now on, you'll start afresh. This is for you. I'm sure it'll be one of your happy memories." Liam handed the previous Polaroid to