Alanna's voice was soft and pleading. Something stirred in Hades' heart. He looked up at Alanna and unconsciously pinched her cheek. "How would you like me to help?""Tell everyone I'm not a mistress. Could you clarify that for me, please?" She had been pretending not to care all day. She couldn't hold it any longer. She had done nothing wrong, so she felt it wasn't right for her to be slandered like this. The feeling of being pointed at and whispered about was too uncomfortable. When she saw how gently Hades was applying medicine for her, Alanna's stance finally softened. If anyone could clear her name from these rumors, she knew it would be Hades.However, Hades paused and asked Alanna, "Do you think that's appropriate, Ms. Jacinto?" His words snapped Alanna back to reality. She instantly sobered up. She did feel that it wasn't appropriate. She wondered what position or standing Hades had to clarify things for her. She realized that if he did clarify, it would be an indirect
Hades picked up the documents and glanced through them casually before signing his name. After signing, he didn't return the documents to Alanna but instead looked up and asked, "Is your arm feeling better?"Alanna was silent for a moment before saying, "Much better."Hades gave her a look and inquired further, "And how are you feeling overall?""I'm fine," Alanna replied.The man nodded nonchalantly. "Don't overwork yourself. Delegate what you can.""Alright," she paused before asking, "Is there anything else, Mr. Florentine?"Hades watched her in silence. "Why are you in such a hurry to leave?"Alanna didn't deny it. "I have more work to attend to."Hades' eyes narrowed slightly, and after a while, he asked, "Is the class reunion this weekend?"Alanna was surprised he remembered this detail. She nodded and added, "There's no need to attend if you're busy."Initially, when Hades said he would accompany her to the class reunion, she was indeed looking forward to it. Even th
Alanna hesitated briefly before saying, "I just wanted to confirm if you will attend the class reunion." The interest seemed to fade from Hades' voice. "I'll be back tonight. Have dinner ready and wait for me at home." "Okay," Alanna agreed.Hades inquired further, "Anything else?" "No, that's all." "Alright," Hades concluded and ended the call.Alanna put away her phone and checked the kitchen. The fridge was empty. Hades was particular about his food; it always had to be fresh. Lately, due to Alanna's ill health, he had arranged for meals to be delivered from a hotel. She tidied up a bit and headed out to the market. Regardless, she was the one asking for a favor this time. She wasn't sure if Bernice would stir up trouble at the reunion. But at least with Hades there, she felt she wouldn't be as brazen.When she returned from the market, it was already evening. Alanna went straight to the kitchen. By the time the meal was ready, it was nearly eight. After setting the tab
Alanna stared at the dishes before her and became lost in thought. It took her a while to come back to her senses. She sat down calmly and began to eat. She had put a lot of effort into preparing the meal. It seemed a waste to throw it away. Alanna ate a lot. Afterward, she disposed of the leftovers in the trash bin. She then packed it downstairs to feed the stray cats and dogs.After returning, she took a shower and sent the address to Hades before sleeping.…The next afternoon, Chelsey suddenly came over. As soon as she entered, she cursed. "This is infuriating!" Alanna frowned. "What happened?" "It's that bitch Bernice. She actually hinted in the alumni group that you're someone's mistress. It's so infuriating that it's giving me a headache," Chelsey exclaimed.Alanna's eyes narrowed slightly. She had always blocked the alumni group notifications and hadn't expected Bernice to stir trouble there. She checked her phone, and indeed, the group had been filled with vile langu
Alanna couldn't quite describe her feelings at that moment. She felt a chill from head to toe as if bitterness was about to engulf her entirely. It was unclear if the cold was from the weather or because she was dressed too lightly. Her hand trembled slightly as she held the phone.She wanted to ask Hades what was so important. Yet, she couldn't bring herself to type a single word. Deep down, she somewhat understood that only Melanie could make Hades break a promise. She questioned if asking would bring her comfort.Masochistically, Alanna opened Melanie's Twitter. Indeed, Melanie had posted a photo three minutes ago. It was from a movie premiere she was attending. In that photo, Alanna spotted the back of a man. Although it was just a silhouette and only half-visible, she recognized him instantly as Hades. Even more, he was wearing the suit she had bought for him.Alanna thought she could handle it calmly. Yet, her fingers couldn't help but tremble. After exiting the hotel, she
Bernice looked at the recording function on Alanna's phone. Her face contorted with rage. A moment passed, and she scoffed. "Prove your point. Bring that man here! If he shows up, I'll apologize to you immediately!"Alanna's expression stiffened further. "His presence or absence is none of your concern!" Mauricio and some men intervened as the argument heated up. They separated the two women."Bernice, let's go," Mauricio suggested. However, Bernice showed no sign of wanting to depart. Mauricio glanced at Alanna apologetically. "Alanna, I'm sorry. If you'd prefer to leave...""Are you running away because you're a mistress and can't tell your classmates, Alanna?" Bernice interrupted before Mauricio could finish. "Intruding in relationships, ruining them, and yet acting so high and mighty. In reality, you're just a tarnished whore!"Bernice's insults continued unabated. Mauricio struggled to hold her back. She felt that perhaps Bernice's fury stemmed from being fired because o
Alanna thought Chelsey was referring to the photo Melanie had posted. She laughed softly, "I saw it. It's fine, Chelsey. Don't worry about me. I'm almost home."Chelsey's heart sank. "Alanna, don't take it seriously, okay? Don't look at those words, mind them, or bother about them. We haven't done anything they accused us of, so we have nothing to fear, alright?"Chelsey's voice choked up. She genuinely felt sorry for Alanna. She wondered why Hades had to treat Alanna this way. She wondered where Alanna fell short.Overwhelmed by her emotions, Chelsey lost her composure. Alanna then realized something was amiss. "Chelsey, what are you talking about?"Chelsey suddenly hesitated. "Alanna... Twitter... Haven't you seen it?" In that instant, Chelsey wished she could bite off her tongue. "I have to hang up now."Alanna didn't let Chelsey finish and hung up the phone before opening Twitter. The top trending topic was glaringly obvious. #MelanieSuspectedOfBeingCheatedOn# Seeing thi
Alanna paid the fare and got out of the car. She found herself at Tara's hospital. Alanna didn't know where else to go after leaving the hotel, so she ended up here. She stood outside the hospital and hesitated to enter.The hospital was bustling with people. She feared people might recognize her and their ensuing whispers. Alanna worried that even Tara, lying in her hospital bed, might be embarrassed by her presence. Despite knowing she hadn't done anything wrong, Alanna felt overwhelmed by fear. She remained frozen at the entrance and did not take a step further.The rain continued to fall. The cold autumn night wind carried droplets of rain and lashed against her. One would assume she was cold, yet Alanna seemed not to feel it. She stood at the entrance and looked up at the floor where Tara was. The rain had wet her hair, and her hair clung to her pale cheeks. Her face looked serenely sad at that moment.Michel came out of the hospital and found such a scene. The woman stood
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