Yves' brows furrowed instantly. "Ms. Jacinto, I'm not joking. I'm telling you the truth. After being by Hades' side for so long, are you really content to just hand him over to Melanie? If I were you, I wouldn't be willing to give up without a fight."Alanna smiled. She felt like there wouldn't be any difference even if she refused. She understood that relationship matters shouldn't be forced. In the past three years, she had tried to make Hades fall for her, to feel even a flicker of affection for her, but she had failed. She hadn't succeeded before, and now, it was even less likely with Melanie's return.Alanna didn't respond. She was unsure of what to say.Yves grew anxious. "Ms. Jacinto, you don't know how worried Hades was when he couldn't reach you. There was traffic on his way here, so he just left his car and ran to see you. Are you saying he doesn't care for you at all? I don't believe it."Alanna knew that if Hades truly had no regard for her, his character wouldn't al
Hades still harbored anger inside. Alanna's indifferent demeanor deeply unsettled him. She made it seem as if his presence was inconsequential. She could chat and laugh with Terrence, yet his company seemed superfluous. He had intended to smoke a cigarette to calm down. He couldn't understand why he was so easily affected by her emotions. Finishing the cigarette only intensified his irritation.He stubbed out the cigarette and headed back to the hospital room, only to find her lying in bed. She curled up into a small bundle on the bed. Alanna wasn't short. She was 5.5 feet, which meant she was quite tall for a woman. It was just that she was too thin. She was already slender, and her waist was so tiny that a hand could encircle it. However, she was well-proportioned where it mattered. Now, she seemed to have lost even more weight after the miscarriage. Especially in the oversized hospital gown, she appeared even more fragile, as if she could shatter upon touch.The anger insi
Alanna nodded. "Yes, I've thought it over and decided to resign." She got up, entered the bathroom, and avoided Hades' gaze. She knew without looking that his expression wouldn't be pleasant. But having sent the message, she had nothing more to say.When she came out after freshening up, Hades had already gotten dressed. "The company's lawyer will discuss the termination with you today." After speaking, he left with a stern face.Alanna's lips twitched, but she ended up saying nothing.When Chelsey came to check on her, she asked, "Did Hades come last night?" Alanna nodded. Chelsey huffed. "At least he has a conscience. But your man is really intimidating. I just met him outside, and with his presence and that look on his face, I'm surprised at myself for daring to speak to him like that."Alanna's lips twitched involuntarily. "He's not 'my man,' so stop making such comments."Chelsey chuckled, "Isn't he though?" After saying this, she gave Alanna a suggestive look. "I'v
Alanna quickly opened the company's website to take a look. Although operations had resumed normally, fans of Melanie were still calling out for their "Mr. Florentine" in the comments section below the site. "Mr. Florentine, when will you marry our sister?" "Mr. Florentine, you two are so sweet." "Mr. Florentine, I'm here to witness your love." "Mr. Florentine, hurry up and announce to confirm your relationship with our sister." "Mr. Florentine..." The uniform calls of "Mr. Florentine" made Alanna feel stifled.The company's website wasn't unattended. Yet, these comments remained prominently displayed on the homepage. Without Hades' consent, this would have been impossible. This was probably what it meant to have a loved one; even their fans were indulged.She took a deep breath and tossed her phone aside. Just as she was about to lie down, someone knocked on the room's door. "Come in." The door opened, and Alanna paused in her movements. It was the company's chief
"Mr. Florentine, I'd like to discuss the termination agreement with you," Alanna started. A cold laugh came from Hades' end. "Ms. Jacinto, haven't you seen the agreement?" Alanna's lips were tight. "I have.""Then, is there something you don't understand?" Hades inquired. Alanna took a deep breath. "I just want to resign normally. If you think it necessary, I can wait until you find a suitable replacement before proceeding with the resignation."Hades' voice was cold. He showed his displeasure even through the phone. "Ms. Jacinto, my company isn't a charity. You signed the labor contract, so you should abide by it."Alanna clenched her fists. "Mr. Florentine, you agreed to my resignation at the club then." Hades instantly recalled the incident at the club when Alanna accepted Terrence's offer. His face darkened immediately. The entire boardroom fell into a tense silence. Every executive present dared not even breathe too loudly.Hades slammed his pen onto the table which st
Alanna paused for a moment. "Speaking of that case, have you not found someone else for it?"Shane laughed. "You already agreed to help me. Why would I need someone else? Unless you're having second thoughts?"Suddenly, Alanna found herself at a loss for words. After she had refused Shane's request for help under those circumstances last time, he hadn't contacted her again. She had assumed Shane must have found someone else, but it turned out he had been waiting for her all along.After a while, she responded with a smile. "You can send them directly to my email for future translation needs. I'll try not to delay your work.""Deal. What about your current situation?" Shane inquired."It's a termination agreement. Should I email it to you?"Shane said, "No need. Since it's lunchtime, how about we grab a meal together?"Once Shane made the suggestion, Alanna felt it would be rude to refuse, especially since she had asked for a favor. "Alright," she agreed after a moment of silence
Alanna was somewhat puzzled. She wondered what had gotten into Hades this time.Yet, she instinctively felt he was angry. She didn't approach him but stood by the bed instead. "If there's something you want to say, just say it from there."Hades' eyes narrowed suddenly. He reached out to grab Alanna's wrist. He pulled her toward him with force. Alanna, who was already weak, fell hard against him. Hades wrapped his arms tightly around her waist, spun around with her in tow, and pinned her against the window sill. "Who did you meet?" His voice was cold enough to form icicles.The window sill dug painfully into Alanna's back. She instinctively struggled to free herself. Hades noticed her struggle and looked even more displeased. He tightened his grip and made Alanna feel as if her back was pressed against a blunt knife. "I said, which man did you meet!""Hades! It hurts!" Alanna exclaimed. Hades let out a cold laugh. "Sorry for causing you pain." Despite his words, he showed
Alanna wondered what she had done. She had simply shared a meal with Shane. That was all. Suddenly, she remembered how she had felt dizzy when they got up from their meal today, and Shane had steadied her. That was their only physical contact for the day. Yet, Alanna didn't think that brief moment would make Hades suspect anything between her and Shane.Alanna's face turned a shade paler as she looked at Hades. "Mr. Florentine, are you having me watched now?"Hades scoffed coldly. "Ms. Jacinto, rest assured. I'm not that idle. However, from today onwards, I think having someone monitor you is the best idea. Otherwise, I might end up being the last to know if I'm cuckolded!"Alanna's lips paled as she glared at Hades. "What the hell are you saying?"Hades glanced at her, took out his phone, and tossed it before her. "See for yourself, Ms. Jacinto."Alanna picked up the phone and unlocked the screen to see a chat. There was a photo. The photo was taken from a clever angle. It ma
He casually picked it up and glanced at it, his eyes filled with displeasure. "Who is this pretty boy?"Alanna looked at the snow outside."Can't you tell? A handsome guy."Hades frowned. "Is he more handsome than me?"Alanna couldn't be bothered to answer him.Hades lowered his eyes and held her waist. "Ms. Jacinto, are you feeling needy?"Alanna furrowed her brows. "Hades, can you be serious?"But Hades shamelessly replied, "If you have any needs, just give me a call. I'll be at your service anytime and anywhere."Alanna glared at him. "Hades, have some dignity."Hades chuckled. "Ms. Jacinto, are you doubting my abilities?"Alanna kicked his leg without hesitation.Hades laughed. "Feeling better now?"Alanna paused before nodding slightly. "Thank you.""Silly girl. Why are you thanking me?" Alanna smiled and got back to her work. She glanced at the man on the other side, who was busy replying to emails on his phone."If you're busy, you don't have to come over here on
Alanna was surprised. She then looked up at the man before her.She had a guarded expression.The man chuckled and handed her another business card. "I'm Mason Lowe and a classmate of Grayson's. I've heard a bit about you from him. I happened to have a business meeting recently that required translation. Would you be interested in taking up the job?"Alanna remained wary."Mr. Lowe, since you're Grayson's classmate, it would be more convenient to talk to him. I have something to attend to today, so I'll take my leave."With that, she pulled Chelsey and headed out. After their figures disappeared, Mason chuckled."She's quite guarded."He muttered to himself before lighting a cigarette. Just then, his phone rang. A woman's voice came from the other end."Didn't I ask you to approach Alanna? Why haven't you made any progress after such a long time?"Mason took a drag of his cigarette."Do you think it's easy to get close to Alanna? She's always surrounded by bodyguards. I o
Chelsey didn't know how to comfort Alanna."Ally, you need to move on."Alanna nodded without saying much. There was nothing else she could do.While the doctor examined Chelsey's wound and prescribed her medication, a commotion arose outside.Michel and the dog's owner had followed them to the clinic."Chelsey!"As soon as Michel entered the clinic, he called out.Chelsey gave him a sidelong glance. "What are you doing here?"Michel chuckled. "I came to check on you after hearing you got bitten."Chelsey scoffed. "What for? I got bitten by a dog, not you."Michel clicked his tongue. "Even if we were to bite each other, you would be the one who bit me."Chelsey aimed a kick at him. But before she could reach him, someone shouted, "Michel!"Chelsey immediately retracted her foot and glared at Michel. "Get out of the way. Stop being an eyesore."Michel chuckled. "Chelsey, are you reluctant to kick me?"Without hesitation, Chelsey aimed another kick at him. This time, she hi
Justin entered the room just in time to hear Alanna's questionHe paused briefly before taking a deep breath and walking up to her."Ms. Jacinto."Alanna turned around and saw Justin coming in with a stack of forms.Her lips twitched. But before she could speak, Justin beat her to it."Ms. Jacinto, what brings you here?" His demeanor was natural, showing no signs of evasion.Alanna pursed her lips and smiled slightly. "I'm here accompanying Chelsey for her shot."With that, she glanced back at the little girl."Is this your daughter?"Justin nodded, his eyes filled with affection as he looked at the girl."Yes, she's my daughter."Alanna's fingers twitched. "May I hold her?"Almost instinctively, the nanny holding the girl took a step back.Alanna's hands froze. She said, "Sorry."Justin's brow furrowed instantly.He glanced at the nanny before explaining softly to Alanna."Aashika was born prematurely and has a very weak immune system. We always disinfect before holdin
After leaving the detention center, Alanna seemed lost in thought.Although Tucker hadn't revealed much, she couldn't shake off her suspicions about Edmund."Do you think it could be Edmund?" Hades remained silent."The key question now is, if it's Edmund, why would he harm your mother?"Alanna lowered her gaze.Hades was right. She wondered why.Since learning that Tara was being targeted, she had thought of countless possibilities. Who could be behind the threats, and why would anyone want to harm such a fragile woman?But she still had no answers.Hades felt a pang of heartache."We'll find out eventually. Don't worry, if it's him, he'll show his true colors sooner or later."Alanna looked out the window and responded in a hum.Hades looked at her and gently caressed her cheek."Ally, don't feel sad. It hurts me."Alanna brushed his hand away. "Stop touching me all the time."Hades' mouth twitched."I've already asked Margaret to make preparations for the New Year.
Alanna glanced at him and brushed off his hand.Hades' eyes twinkled with amusement."Is it okay to spend the New Year's Eve together?"Alanna turned her head and looked at the calendar hanging on the wall.It was already mid-December.The New Year was approaching.Their baby was already three months old.If nothing had gone wrong, their New Year's Eve would have been filled with joy.Alanna withdrew her gaze, lowered her head, and straightened her clothes.Hades saw the glimmer of moisture in her eyes when she lowered her head.His heart ached, and he quickly hurried over to hug her."Everything will be fine."Alanna fought back her tears and nodded before pushing him away.Hades looked at her determined expression with a sense of helplessness."Let's go see Tucker. Maybe we can get some information about your mother."Alanna nodded and followed him out.After the two left, Chelsey rolled her eyes in the room."What a world! I have to see them being all lovey-dovey ri
In Northlight Group at Brunstein City, Edmund listened as his assistant reported everything to him."You mean, Olivia has been investigating Tara recently?"The assistant nodded. "Yes, and she's been very thorough."Edmund's pen snapped in his hand."Besides that, did she find out anything else?""She already found out about Tara's death."Edmund's face turned grim. "Got it."After speaking, he paused briefly. "Prepare something for me, and also, invite Mrs. Campbell to have lunch with me at the company."Olivia arrived at Northlight Group before noon.Before she could enter the office, she heard Edmund making a phone call."Mr. Florentine, I can help stabilize the stock price of Florentine Group with Northlight, but I hope you won't vent your anger on Alanna. Yes, she's important to me. You could say, even more important than Hudson."Olivia's steps abruptly halted. The smile on her face gradually disappeared.It wasn't until Edmund's secretary called out to her that Olivi
Alanna's grip on her phone tightened slightly."Hades, are you... really okay?"Hades chuckled. "I'm just trying to get some sympathy from you. Is it working?"Alanna pursed her lips and remained silent.Hades chuckled. "Go to bed early."After a pause, he added, "Also, try not to take sleeping pills.""Where are you?"Alanna suddenly asked.Hades was stunned.He glanced at the villa in the distance. "I'm taking a walk outside.""Taking a walk in the dead of winter?"Hades chuckled. "Ms. Jacinto, are you showing concern for me?"Alanna scoffed. "Go ahead and enjoy your walk."Hades quickly responded, "I'm outside handling some business. I just finished and suddenly missed you. So I wanted to call you."Alanna pursed her lips."Hades, we're partners now. From now on, don't hide anything from me."Hades' voice softened."Alright, I won't hide anything from you."Alanna didn't say much and hung up the phone directly.She silently looked at the sleeping pills on the beds
Afterward, he sneered, extinguished his cigarette, and drove away.Just as he left the residential area, a car suddenly came speeding towards him.Hades jerked the steering wheel.But the car behind him turned around and came back in his direction.Hades narrowed his eyes and stepped on the gas pedal, rushing forward.However, he didn't intend to shake off the car this time.Instead, he maintained a distance that allowed him to keep sight of the car. It was neither too close nor too far. He ensured that the car couldn't catch up with him and he wouldn't lose sight of it.The scenery outside became increasingly desolate.At some point, they were already on the outskirts.Surprisingly, Hades lit a cigarette at this moment.Then, he sent a location to Yves."Come handle the accident."Hades' car suddenly went uphill before rushing down a steep slope.The person in the car behind widened their eyes.Below the steep slope was a wall!They slammed on the brakes. But the speed