Melanie was standing at the door with a few bags in her hand. She laughed when she saw Alanna."Ms. Jacinto, you don't mind me coming here to give Hades a few things, do you?"Alanna looked at her, chuckled, and turned to go back in.What right did she have to mind?She reached the study and knocked on the door. "Mr. Florentine, Ms. Smith is here."Hades was looking through his documents. Confusion flashed across his eyes when he heard Alanna.After a while, he said, "Send her here."Melanie was standing in the living room. She looked extremely upset.Alanna's lips were very swollen. They were still swollen even though Alanna had just taken a bath. In fact, her lips look much more luscious after her bath.Anyone with eyes could tell that they were swollen after being kissed.Melanie gritted her teeth. Her expression darkened even more when she arrived at Hades' study and saw his injured lip.Hades looked at her and chuckled. "Why are you here at such a time?"Melanie glared
Melanie felt aggrieved. "I didn't say anything. I just wanted Alanna to help me pick some clothes for you, and she got upset. Maybe Alanna thinks I shouldn't be buying clothes for you." Melanie's tears came quickly.Alanna was increasingly amazed by Melanie's acting skills. "Yes, Ms. Smith, as long as you understand. You shouldn't buy clothes for someone else's boyfriend in the future. It's not appropriate!"The words "someone else's boyfriend" changed Melanie's expression instantly. She even stopped crying.She glanced at Alanna and then looked at Hades in shock. Hades leaned back in his chair and showed no intention to deny it.Suddenly, Melanie threw all the bags in her hands at Hades and ran out crying.Hades looked at Alanna. After a while, he let out a cold laugh. "Are you happy now?"Alanna looked at him. "Didn't you say it was okay to call each other boyfriend and girlfriend in public?"Hades chuckled, but his eyes were cold.He stood up and walked over to Alanna. His l
Chelsey finally sensed that something was off with Alanna's mood. "What's wrong? Did something happen? Did that jerk Hades bully you again?" Alanna's nose tingled sharply. She wanted to confide in Chelsey but found the disgraceful nature of her feelings hard to voice. Ultimately, she simply said, "It's nothing. It's just a bit of a cold."Chelsey clicked her tongue. "It's getting colder these days. Dress warmly. You haven't fully recovered yet. You need to take good care of yourself." "Okay." They chatted a bit more before hanging up.The doorbell rang again. Alanna opened the door and found Henry standing outside with a bag and a box in hand. "Mr. Florentine asked me to prepare these clothes and jewelry for you. He says you're starting work tomorrow." Alanna glanced at them, took them, and set them aside casually. "Thank you for this."Henry seemed hesitant. Alanna asked, "Is there something else?" After a moment, he spoke up. "Ms. Jacinto, the person currently in your
Alanna set her glass down, and Hades poured her another. As she drank more, Hades' brow eventually began to furrow.Alanna placed her glass in front of him. "Pour, Hades. Why have you stopped pouring?"Hades suddenly found it meaningless. When he had come back, he was indeed angry. He felt that Alanna truly didn't regard him at all. Challenging Melanie in front of him was one thing, but she couldn't believe she would discard his gifts so carelessly!So, he wanted to tease her a bit. But now, he found no pleasure in tormenting a drunk.Hades pushed the bottle aside and carried Alanna into the bedroom. This time, Alanna was genuinely drunk. Despite her usually decent tolerance, she couldn't handle drinking like this.Hades carried her into the bedroom, and she immediately rushed into the bathroom.As he watched Alanna vomiting miserably, Hades' expression darkened as he went to fetch a cup of water. When she finally finished, he pulled her up. "Drink some water!"Alanna refused, a
Alanna woke up in the middle of the night. She felt thirsty. Her temples throbbed with pain, and her throat was parched. She instinctively reached for the space beside her, but Hades wasn't there. She remembered him coming back. He probably left again.Alanna chuckled bitterly. She got out of bed and went to get some water. However, she saw Hades on the balcony. His figure was impressive, but he seemed lonely in the night. He was in a bad mood. Alanna could tell at a glance.She didn't interfere or ask. The only person who could affect his mood like this was probably Melanie. Alanna went into the kitchen alone, poured herself a glass of water, and drank it. Then, she returned to the bedroom.As she was about to fall asleep, the bedroom door opened. Hades stood at the doorway. Alanna couldn't see his expression, but she could smell the strong scent of smoke on him. "Are you awake?" Hades' voice was deep and slightly menacing.Alanna's lips twitched slightly. "Yes, Mr. Florenti
"So that's what happened. Are you feeling better now?" Renee asked."Much better..."As Alanna spoke, she pushed the door open and entered her office. She paused the moment she stepped in, then laughed coldly. Despite Henry's warning yesterday, seeing Bernice Lind here caught her off guard.Bernice was Esther's niece and Melanie's cousin.In her childhood, Bernice often bullied Alanna alongside Melanie. Renee also looked displeased at the sight of Bernice."She's a parachuted executive arranged by Mr. Florentine. Supposedly, she's related to Melanie, so she was placed here. But in reality, she knows nothing. She just gives random orders, loses her temper all the time, and has already caused several people in our department to resign," Renee whispered in Alanna's ear.Alanna asked her to step out first, then approached her desk. Bernice was chatting with someone. She looked up and instantly smiled upon seeing Alanna."Melanie, guess who I saw?" Whatever the response was, it mad
Alanna stood at the door of Hades' office. She took a deep breath and then knocked on the door. "Come in." Hades' voice came from inside. Alanna pushed the door open and saw him sitting leisurely behind his desk."Mr. Florentine, did you want to see me?" Hades chuckled lightly. "Ms. Jacinto, you really do know how to cause trouble."Alanna scoffed, "Aren't you the one who's causing me trouble? You knew that I was coming back today. Why didn't you have HR notify Ms. Lind?""So, you decided to handle it this way?" Alanna asked him, "What did you expect me to do?"Hades raised an eyebrow. "Couldn't you have come to me?""Would you have helped me if I did?" Alanna still remembered how Hades responded when she sought his help while Melanie was making things difficult. "Find someone else if you can't handle it," was his response. He was unwilling to help her. As long as it involved Melanie, Alanna always had to step aside. She didn't want to humiliate herself again. She woul
Alanna turned sharply to look at him. "Hades, I built the marketing department from scratch!"Hades hummed in acknowledgment. "So?"Alanna's lips trembled slightly. "So, I can't just hand it over to Bernice!"Hades pinched her chin. "Then, you should adopt a more pleading attitude."Alanna stared straight at him. After a long moment, she let out a bitter laugh. "Mr. Florentine, I don't want to leave the marketing department."When he saw her softened stance, Hades' expression finally lightened slightly. "Alright, I'll have HR reassign her. As for Melanie's endorsement, your assistant can handle it from now on. You won't need to interact with Melanie anymore."Alanna chuckled bitterly. "Okay, thank you, Mr. Hades."His gaze darkened as he raised his hand to her earlobe. Before she could react, he kissed her. It was long before he seemed to calm down and let her go."Be more obedient in the future, Ms. Jacinto. Don't make me angry all the time."Alanna managed a bitter smile and
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