"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
Alanna felt a piercing pain from Hades' words. She was surprised by how she was tainted just because Shane had steadied her once. She looked at Hades. "Then by that logic, Mr. Florentine, the places Melanie has hugged and held you must be cleaned even more."Hades stood aside and merely let out a light laugh. "Do you not understand who the real benefactor in our relationship is? If you could be my benefactor, I might consider not touching another woman."Suddenly, Alanna lost the will to argue further. She understood that she didn't have the right to demand anything from Hades. She had forgotten the inherent inequality in their relationship. "You can leave now. I'm going to take a shower."Hades looked at her. His gaze lingered on her pale face. "Are you sure you can manage on your own?" "I can." Hades nonchalantly nodded and turned to leave the bathroom.The moment the door closed, tears streamed down Alanna's face. She bit her lip to silence her sobs. After crying for a while
Alanna felt that Hades' question was likely just a formality. Alanna lowered her gaze and hid her emotions. In a soft voice, she said, "It's okay."Hades nodded. "I'll have someone bring a hairdryer over. Do you need anything else? I can have it sent along."Alanna shook her head. "There's no need for that. I should be able to leave the hospital after tonight."Hades didn't say much more. He just went into the bathroom and came out with a towel. "Come here. I'll dry your hair."Alanna shook her head. "No, I can do it myself."Hades' face immediately darkened. "Can't you understand what I'm saying?"Alanna looked at him. His expression was severely displeased. She knew he was still upset about the nurse's comment. She didn't want to argue further and sat on a nearby chair.Hades' movements were gentle as he dried her hair. Once her hair stopped dripping, he finally spoke. "Sorry, I was a bit rough earlier."Though he apologized, Alanna couldn't detect any regret in his words.
Hades' brow quirked slightly. "What? You don't trust me?"Alanna nodded.Hades actually took a moment to consider it seriously. "If we're talking about trust, I only trust myself. Is that answer satisfactory to you, Ms. Jacinto?"Alanna wasn't sure what to say. She wondered if he didn't trust Melanie either.Her fingers clenched involuntarily. "What about Melanie?"Hades' gaze darkened slightly. But Alanna kept looking at him. Before he could speak, someone knocked on the door.The executive secretary stood outside and handed Hades a bag. Hades took it and approached the bed. "Come here. Let's dry your hair."Alanna moved and sat on the couch. She let Hades dry her hair. After he was done, he finally spoke. "Melanie is special to me. If you don't want to demean yourself, Ms. Jacinto, don't compare yourself to Melanie."Alanna was silent for a moment. "Alright, I understand."Hades' phone rang. It was Melanie's exclusive ringtone. Alanna suddenly felt incredibly tired. "Mr. Flo
Initially, Alanna had felt somewhat relieved not to see Garrett at the entrance of the residential complex upon her return from Brunstein City. Unexpectedly, he had shown up at the hospital.Once inside the room, she asked with a stern face, "What is it this time? Speak up."Garrett entered the room but seemed in no hurry to speak. He took a tour of the room and clicked his tongue twice in admiration. "Hospital rooms have become so luxurious? My daughter is truly remarkable."Alanna wasn't in the mood for idle chatter and cut straight to the point. "What do you want? I've already given you the money you asked for!"Garrett chuckled heartily. "What? Are you disgusted by your own father?"Alanna's gaze was cold. "If you have nothing to say, then leave!"Garrett mocked, "Such a temper!" As he spoke, he spotted a pack of cigarettes Hades had left on the table and pocketed it. "Don't worry, I'm not here for anything bad this time. You're not getting any younger. You're almost hittin