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
After Alanna finished speaking, Hades' eyes narrowed slightly. He leaned back on the couch in a relaxed posture. He set his gaze on Alanna with an inscrutable expression. "Did you agree?"Alanna didn't want to agree but felt that Garrett couldn't have let her off that easily. "I only mentioned that I've been feeling unwell lately and would discuss it once I've recovered."Then, she looked at Hades. "Would you help me?"Hades chuckled coldly. "Ms. Jacinto, how do you want me to assist you?"Alanna laughed softly, "Garrett seems quite afraid of you. Just a word from you, and he probably won't threaten me anymore."Hades' gaze turned darker, which made it difficult to read his emotions. After a while, he finally spoke. "You seem quite adept at commanding others."Alanna's lips twitched slightly. She couldn't deny it. Indeed, she hoped to use Hades to prevent Garrett from bothering her further. She looked at Hades and asked, "Is that possible?"With a light laugh, Hades gestured for
After who knew how long, Alanna scoffed in self-depreciation.She knew it was impossible, but she still kept her hopes up for some reason.After pulling herself together, she looked toward Hades calmly. "Is that really okay?"Hades didn't mind it at all. In fact, he'd always acted as he pleased and was never considerate.On the other hand, Alanna would be saved from plenty of trouble by declaring she was no longer single.At least, those who had ulterior motives toward her would give up on her."Why wouldn't it be okay?"Alanna chuckled. "Aren't you worried that Ms. Smith will get to know about this?"Hades shot her a look and smirked. "You've been acting like I'm yours in front of her for a long time now, Ms. Jacinto."Time and again, you had stressed to her that we were in a relationship, yet you're pretending to be oh-so innocent now?"Alanna was rendered speechless.Indeed, she'd been hinting at Melanie that she and Hades were seeing each other.But was she really doing
Alanna was enraged. Even if she was too unfit to do her job, why did Hades have to delete the parts she'd already translated?She glared at him. Before she could speak, he said, "Besides, I don't want some random guy's stuff to appear on my laptop."Alanna was rendered speechless and suddenly didn't feel like talking to him.Hades was never reasonable. She could just redo her work after she got home.However, Hades seemed to see right through her. "Here's my advice, Ms. Jacinto. You'd better focus on nursing yourself back to health while you rest at home."I'm letting you off work so you can do that, not for you to offer your service to some other man. If you're really itching to work, you can always report to work tomorrow!"At that moment, Alanna didn't know what to say.Hades was domineering. It seemed she could only continue her job behind his back from now on.Soon, Henry brought them food.Hades wrung a hot towel dry before wiping Alanna's hands with it. Instinctively, s
After ending the call, Hades looked at Alanna. "I have something to attend to and can't stay with you tonight. Can you manage on your own?""Yeah," Alanna replied straight away.Hades let out a low hum. "I'll come tomorrow morning to pick you up.""Sure."As Hades left the hospital, he bumped into Terrence.An intern who resembled Alanna had started working in Terrence's company, and he'd been engrossed with her.Today, that intern was feeling unwell and insisted he kept her company. So, he came to the hospital with her.That was also how he and Alanna bumped into each other in the restaurant that noon.Actually, things had been going well between Terrence and the intern when Alanna was out of the picture.However, after meeting Alanna that noon, he immediately lost interest in the intern.In terms of elegance, she was inferior to Alanna. The same could be said about their looks. Her only advantage was that she resembled Alanna closely.A mere intern couldn't match Alanna's
Hades' expression had been in a constant state of grumpiness.The moment Terrence brought up Alanna, he started feeling irritable.He'd always thought he wouldn't mind Terrence talking to him about that. After all, he hadn't planned on committing to a relationship with Alanna.No matter what, she'd still find another man after their contract expired.Ultimately speaking, he paid her for sexual favors and had never thought of being in a serious relationship with her.Therefore, he never felt anything whenever people around him expressed their interest in Alanna.Given that Alanna knew her place and didn't act inappropriately with other men before the end of their contract, he was all good with it.However, he felt annoyed with how Terrence kept blatantly expressing his lust toward Alanna before him.Glancing at his phone, he called Yves."Hades?"Hades' eyes narrowed. "Get Terrence busy."Yves was stunned. "What?"He couldn't believe his ears.Terrence and Hades had known e
Alanna felt down. Still, she did her best to steady her nerves."Why did you send me those messages, Mr. Abbott? Try and get Hades to dump me if you can!" Terrence chuckled. "Hades is a grown man. Why would he dump a woman whom he could sleep with whenever he wanted to?"On the other hand, do you find it pleasurable to be with him in a relationship like this, Ms. Jacinto?"Alanna smirked. "Regardless, it's my business, and it has nothing to do with you.""How can you say that? I'm still waiting to develop a more intimate relationship with you, you know."Alanna said through a clenched jaw, "Terrence Abbott, if fooling around with women is what you want, I suggest you find someone else! My stomach churns at the mere sight of men like you."You secretly took my photos and sent them to Hades, and now you record what he's said for me to hear. How despicable of you to use such methods to sow discord between us!"Terrence thought it was no big deal, though. "So what if I'm despicabl
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