At that moment, Alanna was full of despair.She couldn't bring herself to imagine what would happen to her if something undesirable happened.With a grunt, she bit hard on that person's lips and started struggling violently."It's me!"It wasn't until Hades' voice rang out that she felt the gloom within her dissipate.It took her several more seconds to come to her senses. Then, she got riled up. "Have you gone mad, Hades Florentine?"Hades chuckled. Alanna wasn't sure about it, but she thought he sounded pleased.He asked, "Me? Mad? Or perhaps you should explain yourself. How could you not recognize me?"Alanna was rendered speechless. Indeed, she didn't know it was him.Under those circumstances, all she felt was fear. It didn't even occur to her that it could be Hades.After all, he had told her clearly that he wouldn't be back tonight."Sorry. I didn't recognize you.""That calls for punishment." With that, Hades lowered his head and started kissing her on the lips.Al
But somehow, Hades' mood lifted.The room lights were turned off. In the dim room, Hades looked down at Alanna, who was still trying to unfasten his belt.She looked impatient. Her brows were knitted, and she was biting her lip.Hades held her chin and kissed her again. At the same time, his large hands held hers as he guided her to unbuckle his belt.Since getting together with Alanna, he'd seldom done it on his own. Likewise, he'd rather not have Alanna use her hands to help him. He preferred doing it the proper way.But tonight, he was satisfied with how it was done.He leaned against the bed so Alanna could lean against him."You performed well tonight, Ms. Jacinto," he said. He felt satiated.Alanna gently closed her eyes and concealed the emotions welling within her. Then, she broke free from his embrace, got up, and entered the washroom.After washing her hands, she exited the washroom and saw Hades smoking by the window. The room was still dark, so she could only see h
The next day, Hades was already up when Alanna woke up. He was answering a call by the window.He was clad in a suit, and his jawline was well-defined from the side.When he noticed she was awake, Hades ended the call and turned around. His gaze met hers."You really like gazing at me, huh?" he asked.Alanna averted her gaze. "Why are you still here?""I promised to pick you up from the hospital."Hades sat beside her. Noticing the blush on her cheeks, he chuckled. "Why are you blushing?"Alanna looked awkward for a second. "You're mistaken."However, Hades held her face with his large hand. "Do you think I don't know what I see?"He paused and continued, "Do you find me attractive?"Alanna's expression became tauter. She avoided eye contact as she answered, "No."Hades released her. Smiling, he said, "Go ahead and gaze all you want. I'm not against it."Alanna's lips moved as she wanted to explain. But sometimes, a situation would only become more awkward the more one trie
Besides, Hades would never go easy on those who irked him.He could let it slide the last time because Alanna had just miscarried. That wouldn't work for a second time."Chelsey, you should get back to work. I'll call you when I'm home," urged Alanna.Chelsey cast Alanna a concerned glance. Then, she snorted at Hades before turning to leave the ward.Now, only Alanna and Hades remained.Alanna was silent for a moment before saying, "Chelsey has a quick temper. She just feels sorry for me. Please don't hold it against her, Mr. Florentine."Hades narrowed his eyes and was visibly cross. "So, you think I've been nasty toward you, too? Ms. Jacinto?"Alanna's lips curved up. With a chuckle, she replied, "You've been quite nice to me. No one in your position would've personally taken care of their mistresses in the hospital."You've been great, Mr. Florentine. I can't expect you to care for me as though I'm your girlfriend or wife, can I? I know my place."Hades shot her a glance as
Hades stared at Alanna like she was a dummy."Why would I hand it to you if it wasn't for you?" Then, he touched her forehead. "Has the fever roasted your ability to think?"Alanna laughed. "I'm just surprised that you'd give me a gift."Hades retracted his hand. Nonchalantly, he replied, "It's not so much a gift than a compensation."Alanna didn't ask what he was compensating her for. She merely lowered her eyes and opened the box.As she did, she was stunned. In it was a pair of earrings with glittering, crystal-clear diamonds. It reminded Alanna of the pair of earrings in the auction. She kept glancing at it when it appeared on the screen.It somehow resembled this pair of earrings before her. So, that was what Hades meant by this being a compensation.Alanna gazed at the earrings. It truly resembled those that were on auction.Nevertheless, one pair was the real thing, while the other was counterfeit, just like Melanie and her. To Hades, she was most likely akin to a coun
"I'll get someone to bring you food every day for now.""Alright."Actually, it didn't matter to Alanna whether or not someone brought food for her. Although she was still a bit weak, it wasn't like she couldn't cook at all.However, she didn't feel like opposing his decision since he'd already said that.Right before they finished their meal, Alanna's phone abruptly rang. She pulled it out and glanced at the caller ID. It was Shane.Hades saw it, too. Almost immediately, his expression visibly darkened.Alanna was hesitating whether or not she should answer it when Hades elegantly picked up the napkin to wipe his mouth.Then, he flung it onto the table and asked, "Aren't you picking that up?"He looked gloomy and enraged.Alanna inhaled deeply and answered the call. Nothing was going on between her and Shane, anyway. She'd seem guilty if she refused to answer it.However, Hades snatched her phone from her the moment she did so. He turned on the speaker mode.Alanna's face f
After Alanna finished speaking, Hades laughed quietly with scorn and disdain. He asked, "Do you think you have the right to discuss the terms with me, Ms. Jacinto?"Alanna met his gaze. "You said we could talk about it, didn't you? I thought I did have the right."Hades' gaze fell on her fair, tender earlobes. She was just a weak, fragile woman, yet she'd go against him over such trivial matters.Anger surged within him. Grabbing her by the waist, he leaned closer and bit hard on her earlobe.Alanna felt a sudden pain in her earlobe. Hades' voice reached her from right beside her ear immediately after."Are you proposing those terms because you're still thinking of going over to help that Shane guy?" His voice was frosty.Alanna knew he was furious, but she didn't deny it. Indeed, she wanted to help Shane.It wasn't only because she had promised him and didn't want to go back on her word, but it was also because of the money and wanting to have her own career.Career aside, the
Alanna cast Hades a glance before handing him her phone. He picked it up straight away.Before he could speak, Garrett demanded, "Alanna Jacinto, are you really going to watch that old hag die?"Hades' eyes narrowed. After a while, he asked, "Garrett Jacinto, do you know who I am?"Garrett was stunned. "H-Hades Florentine?""If you dare harass Alanna again, I won't stop with just cutting off one hand!" Hades sounded brutal as he said that.Then, he hung up on Garrett.Alanna frowned. "What did you mean by cutting off his hand?"Hades merely glanced at her without explaining himself. All he asked was, "Why was your mother ever interested in Garrett?"Alanna pressed her lips into a thin line.Why was Tara interested in Garrett? She was probably tricked by his initial impression.Garrett was extremely nice to Tara at first.He wasn't wealthy then. But every day after work, he'd wait at Tara's workplace to pick her up from work. Then, he'd buy her food that she craved but was he
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