The company's official Twitter account had just posted a tweet about two minutes ago.BrillianceJewelOfficial: "Our CEO is currently single. We are grateful for everyone's interest in our CEO's love life. But we hope everyone will still put their focus on our products. @MelanieSmith, we hope we'll still have a happy cooperation in the future."Chelsey called her again. Alanna answered the call and heard Chelsey's excited voice. "Oh, my God! Ally, I take back my curses toward Hades. That Tweet was basically a slap in Melanie's face!"Melanie had just claimed that no one would be able to ruin their relationship. But Hades just officially announced that he was single. I would love to look in her window and see her expression now!"Alanna was filled with mixed feelings when she saw that Tweet. But she had to admit it was indeed the best course of action.Although Melanie had posted a Tweet, she had never claimed to be Hades' lover. Her Tweet could have been about their friendship.
Alanna closed her eyes. But she just could not fall asleep.Hades was breathing down her ear, and the warmth of his breath made her skin itch.She moved a little. Suddenly, Hades flipped her around and was lying on top of her. He assertively pried her lips open and stuck his tongue in her mouth.Alanna obediently allowed him to kiss her.After a while, Hades finally let go of her unwillingly. Hades looked at her deeply while his fingers stroked her cheeks."Did you meet Michel today?"Alanna did not expect him to ask such a question. But she did not have anything to hide. So, she nodded and said, "Yes.""Where did you meet him? What did you do after meeting him? Ally, don't lie to me. I will look into it."Alanna laughed bitterly. "Mr. Florentine, why are you asking me if you plan on looking into it?"Hades laughed. "I need to ask. Otherwise, it would seem like I don't trust you."Alanna gritted her teeth and glared at the man who was still lying on top of her.Hades had no
Hades patted her head. "Since your fever went down, you should get up and eat something."Then, he left the room.Alanna took a deep breath and composed herself before going to shower. When she came out, Hades had brought some food over.It was a bowl of chicken soup.Hades looked up at her. "Try some. It's my first time cooking. I don't know if it tastes good."Alanna froze as shock flashed across her eyes. She never thought Hades would know how to cook. They had been together for three years, but it was her first time seeing Hades cook. She couldn't even imagine Hades standing in the kitchen.Hades raised his eyebrow when he noticed that Alanna wasn't moving. "What? You don't like it?"Alanna shook her head. She actually loved chicken soup. When she was young, Tara would often cook chicken soup for her whenever she was sick.She never thought Hades would cook the same thing for her one day. An inexplicable feeling rose in her heart."What's with that expression of yours?"
Melanie immediately felt aggrieved. "Hades, you fell for her, didn't you?"Hades frowned slightly. "You're overthinking things."…Alanna rested at home for two more days before returning to the company. She had just walked out of the elevator when Renee walked up to her."Ms. Jacinto, are you alright?"Alanna nodded. "I'm alright. Sorry for making you worry."Renee held onto Alanna's arm. "I was scared you would go off the deep end. There are a lot of people becoming depressed and choosing to end their lives after being cyberbullied."Alanna found Renee's words amusing and patted Renee's head. "I'm not that weak."Renee looked around. "Actually, you don't know this, but I had been thinking how nice it would be if you really did have a relationship with Mr. Florentine. Melanie would be totally pissed off."Alanna's lips twitched. "You're overthinking things. Mr. Florentine won't fall for someone like me."Renee pursed her lips. "I heard Melanie had come to the company to make
Terrence's company has been having a few financial problems recently. He was busy, but he was not that busy.He had a thorough investigation of his board of directors ever since Hades had reminded him to beware of his directors.Thus, he had offended many people in the process.He only realized a few days ago that there was nothing wrong with his board of directors. All of his financial issues were coming from Hades.However, Hades' words had wreaked so much havoc.He could only conclude that Hades was doing all that because of Alanna.He could not accept that fact. So, he came to the company today.He did not dare to do anything to Hades. But what was there to be scared of Alanna?Alanna froze. She never expected Hades to do something to Terrence. Her lips turned slightly pale as her heart ran wild.But she managed to regain her composure after a moment. Hades might not have done such a thing because of her.She understood her place in Hades' heart clearly."What does that
Terrence suddenly inched closer to Alanna's ear and said gloomily, "Do you think Hades would kill me or kill you first if I were to rape you?"Alanna's expression instantly paled. "I don't know if Hades would kill you. But I know he would make your life miserable. I'm sure you understand Hades well, Mr. Abbott. Do you think he would allow his people to be played with by another man?"Terrence suddenly smiled. "Are you even considered one of his? You're nothing but a toy."Alanna's lips froze. "But even so, he still went after you because of me. Didn't he?"Terrence narrowed his eyes.Alanna pushed him away and opened the door. "Mr. Abbott, I'll take my leave now!"Terrence could not help but admit he dared not do anything toward Alanna now. Hades had given him a painful lesson.Although it had only been for two months, his company might not recover for another two years!He was unwilling to give up. So, he decided to insult Alanna before leaving. "Alanna, what is the point
Alanna could not help but tremble when she heard Hades' words. She clenched her hands tightly into fists and forced herself to ignore her fluttering heart.After a while, she asked, "Why? I thought you didn't care."Hades looked at her quietly. After a while, he said indifferently, "I don't care. But I would not allow someone else to covet something that belongs to me. Not to mention, allow them to try and make a move."Alanna smiled. As expected, that's how it was. He did it all because he would not allow someone to covet something that was his. It was not because of her. In other words, he would have done the same thing even if the thing in question was a cat or dog he was raising.Alanna tried her best to maintain her composure. She gave him a small smile. "Alright. I understand."Hades looked at her. "Ms. Jacinto, why did you think I did it?"Alanna took a deep breath and calmed her emotions. "I thought you helped me because you pitied me again." Hades raised an eyebr
The marketing department should also gather. However, Alanna had been in no mood to celebrate so she had been putting off the planning.After giving it some thought, she said, "You can arrange it. Just inform me after you've made the arrangements."Renee did not let her go. "Ms. Jacinto, everyone wants to bring a plus one to the gathering. Can they?"Alanna laughed. "Of course. They can bring whoever they want."Renee blinked. "What about you, Ms. Jacinto? Why don't I bring a few of my male friends when the time comes? It'll be like a blind date."Alanna quickly rejected the proposition. She didn't want to create any more trouble for herself. "Please don't. I don't intend to get into a relationship for now."Then, Alanna patted Renee on the shoulders and said, "I still need to finish some work. I'll get going now. You all should hurry and return to work.""Alright."Alanna sighed in relief after she returned to her office.At that moment, Chelsey called her. "Ally, I've sent y
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