She was probably someone Hades had taken a fancy to. After all, Hades never got close to those he had no interest in. Yet, Alanna was seeing Rita with Hades for the third time now. Alanna stood rooted to the spot by the entrance. Shane raised a brow. "What's wrong?" Alanna snapped to her senses. "Why don't we eat somewhere else?" Before Shane could say anything, he heard someone calling Alanna's name. "Ms. Jacinto, are you here for lunch too?" Rita called out haughtily. Alanna's lips grew pale. She turned around and met Hades' eyes. The man was looking at her with a piercing gaze. Yet, Alanna couldn't read any emotions from his eyes. Alanna greeted him in a small voice, "Hello, Mr. Florentine." Hades gave a slight nod. Then, he turned his eyes to Shane. Coincidentally, Shane was observing Hades. Hades Florentine was regarded as the golden boy in their city. Various impressive stories about Hades circulated in the elite circles of Jagersville. According t
Alanna closed her mouth upon hearing those words. She turned to look at Shane and smiled apologetically. Shane was not bothered by the arrangement. He was more than willing to have a meal with Hades. After the two sat down, Rita nudged Alanna with her elbow. "So, tell us the truth. You two were on a date, right?" Alanna subconsciously looked at Hades. Seeing Hades showed no reaction, Alanna said, "I'm afraid that's none of your business, Ms. Bettany." Rita didn't seem offended by her words in the slightest. She glanced at Hades and puckered her lips. "What's this, Hades? Do you normally forbid your employees from having romantic relationships? Look at how beautiful of a couple Ms. Jacinto and Mr. Lawson make!" Then, Rita turned to Alanna and winked at her. "Ms. Jacinto, you don't have to feel so scared of Hades. What's wrong with having a boyfriend and going on dates? Hades may be your boss, but he can't possibly interfere with your personal life." Alanna curled h
Alanna didn't get a cab. She just continued to walk aimlessly by the road. Then, a familiar car stopped before her. The window of the car was rolled down, and Hades' face appeared before her. "Get in."Alanna paused for a moment before opening the door and getting in. "When will the results be out?""Today at 3:00 pm."Hades nodded in response and stopped talking altogether. Alanna explained, "About my father, I asked him about it."Hades turned to look at her. "So you want to have a meal together?""I just don't want to be indebted to you.""The easiest way to repay debts is with money.""I don't have any money."Alanna raised her head to look at Hades. He should know how broke she was. Hades held on to the steering wheel with one hand and smiled mockingly. "The one million dollars you got yesterday has already been used up? Did you find yourself a boy toy and squander all that money on him?""I didn't!" Alanna replied at once. Hades snorted. Alanna fell silen
Alanna frowned. "Did he say who it is?"Renee shook her head. "What do we do now?"After a moment of silence, Alanna said, "I'll go talk with Mr. Florentine."Upon arriving at Hades' office, Alanna instantly heard his voice. It seemed like he was on the phone. It was the first time she heard him speak so gently. It made her feel a pang in her heart. She took a deep breath and adjusted her breathing. Then, she knocked on the door."Come in." Hades' voice came from inside the office. Alanna pushed the door open and walked in. "Okay, I have work to do. We'll talk later."Hades hung up and looked at Alanna. "What business do you have with me?""I'm here to talk about the endorsement of the new product. Our proposal was approved. Why did you suddenly decide to change the brand ambassador?" Hades loosened his tie. "No need for so many questions, Ms. Jacinto. You just have to follow orders."Alanna's expression fell. She spent over six months working on that proposal. Yet, this
Alanna clenched her fists slightly. "My stomach still feels a little uncomfortable.""Take some meds and drink small amounts. Champagne's alcohol content isn't too high."Alanna fell silent. Saying more might reveal too much. Truthfully, Hades rarely forced her to drink alcohol. He could be considered quite the gentleman in this aspect. But he was being very persistent this time. It was unclear whether he still had some doubts about her pregnancy or was just intent on testing her.Alanna composed herself when they arrived at the venue. She held Hades' arm as they walked into the banquet hall. As soon as she entered the hall, she noticed Terrence, who was standing a short distance away.He raised his glass at her. Hades smirked. "You're quite the charmer, aren't you, Ms. Jocinta."Alanna smiled. "Don't worry, Mr. Florentine. I'm only interested in money."Hades looked at her with a raised brow. "Does that mean anyone could sleep with you as long as they pay up?"Alanna sm
Hades sat beside Alanna and wrapped an arm around her waist. He had a smile on his lips, but his gaze was icy. "You two seem to be having fun. What were you talking about?"Alanna smiled. "Mr. Abbott was just telling me that your first love is coming back."Hades cracked a smile at her words. Then, he asked, "So, that's why you were smiling so happily, Ms. Jocinta?"Alanna was frustrated. What else could she do but smile? Should she have yelled at him and asked him why he could love his first love but not her?She knew her place. "I was just happy for you, Mr. Florentine."Hades' expression fell. "And I thank you for your kindness."Alanna pursed her lips and fell silent. Terrence couldn't help but smile when he saw the two of them bicker. "Mr. Florentine, remember to inform me when your first love comes back. I'll take Ms. Jocinta off your hands. That way, I wouldn't be snatching her from you, right?" A smile appeared on Hades' gloomy face. "What, did you two already
Alanna replied helplessly, "I was trying to be courteous."Hades chuckled. "You're such a sophisticated woman, Ms. Jocinta."Alanna didn't respond. As if trying to vent, Hades started to kiss her on the shoulder. Then, he moved to her chest. The dress was worth a few million dollars. Alas, Hades had already pulled on it so hard that it was damaged and could no longer be worn. "Can we not do it today, Mr. Florentine?" Hades held her chin. "Why? Because of Terrence? You want to do it with him instead?"Alanna finally realized how much her conversation with Terrence upset Hades. It was laughable. He didn't love her, but he was extremely possessive of her. Perhaps it was a trait that men shared. They could stop playing with their toys but wouldn't let anyone else touch them. "I'm just a little tired. Can you go easy on me?"Hades smiled. "You can beg me for that, Ms. Jocinta."The car started to shake vigorously. While enduring Hades' fiery passion, Alanna was cautiously
"Threatened miscarriage." Chelsey showed Alanna the ultrasound report. "That fucking man. Can't he just not have sex for once?"Alanna lay on the bed with her eyes closed. She was trying to calm herself down.Chelsy was annoyed. "Why don't you just tell him?"Alanna remained silent for a moment. Then, she opened her eyes. Maybe it really was time to tell Hades about the baby. Or else, he might really cause a miscarriage. She knew that by doing so, it was unlikely she would get to keep the baby. But, since she couldn't bring herself to make the decision, she decided to let Hades do it for her instead. "I'll think about how I should tell him."Chelsey looked at Alanna. "Have you made up your mind?" Alanna pursed her lips. "I can't just keep dragging it out."Chelsey nodded. "It's better to be decisive and cut him out of your life as soon as possible. That way, you can go back to the free single life!"Alanna said bitterly, "I still have to work to pay my mom's hospital bi
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