Alanna pursed her lips tightly. "Mr. Florentine, you're overthinking things."She did not think Hudson wanted to sleep with her. At most, he just wanted to flirt with her.Hades did not answer her. His expression seemed normal, but she could immediately tell he was in a bad mood. She had been with him for three years after all.Hades did not allow Alanna to leave his arm throughout the second half of the banquet. He had a high status, so everyone wanted to come and pay their respect to him. Everyone brought a drink for him.But Hades seemed disinterested. He looked at the glass before him and chuckled. "Ms. Jacinto, drink on my behalf."Alanna immediately frowned. She did not want to drink, especially since she was on her period. "Mr. Florentine, I don't want to drink."Hades did not say anything as he just looked at her.Alanna looked at him and chuckled bitterly. She knew that he was angry. So, she gave up. She gathered her courage and accepted the drink before her. She
"I can walk!" Alanna said.But Hades didn't say anything and just carried her back to the room.Once back in the room, Alanna went straight to the bathroom.After coming out, Hades called for room service.Alanna looked at the food and didn't feel like eating at all.He raised an eyebrow. "Don't want to eat?"Alanna said, "Not hungry."Hades nodded and made another phone call.Soon, the hotel delivered a serving of mushroom soup and two croissants."Don't eat too much sweet stuff at night."Alanna was silent for a moment. Then she said, "Thank you."After eating, Alanna lay down and fell asleep. Probably because she had some alcohol, she slept very soundly.The next day, she vaguely felt Hades kiss her lips."You stay in the hotel and wait for me to come back."Alanna knew Hades didn't want her to go to the signing ceremony.She opened her eyes and met his gaze. "I want to go out for a walk."Hades frowned slightly. "Where to?"Actually, Alanna wanted to check out the
Alanna instantly felt on edge. She looked at Hades and tried her best to seem relaxed. "I just wanted to check out some high-end nursing homes for my mom. I'm thinking of her future."Hades stared at her as if he was trying to see if she was hiding something.Alanna didn't look away. She knew Hades was suspicious by nature and she didn't dare to show any guilt.It seemed like forever before he finally nodded. "So, you're thinking about moving to Brunstein City?" Alanna fell silent for a moment. Honestly, after she found out that the nursing home was owned by the Simmons family, she had already decided to give up on it.If she were to leave, she didn't want to be anywhere near Hades."Maybe.""Do you like it here in Brunstein City?"Alanna shook her head. "It's not about liking it. But it's the capital, right? The healthcare's supposed to be better here than other places."Hades didn't respond to that."But it's a lot more expensive here, too. You know, Jagersville has good h
Jeff waved his hand when he saw Hades and Alanna."Hades, Ms. Jacinto, nice to see you again."Alanna nodded in greeting. Jeff then pulled the woman behind him forward."This is my fiancée, Rachel Simmons. She's a photographer.""Rachel, this is Mr. Florentine."With that, he paused for a moment. Then, he glanced at Hades before adding, "And his colleague, Ms. Jacinto."Hades' eyes flashed, but he remained silent.Rachel greeted them briefly and then stayed quiet.On the other hand, Yvette spoke up. "I was thinking who else it could be. Turns out it's Ms. Jacinto, who enjoys being a mistress."Her words caused everyone's expression to darken.Hades raised his eyebrows slightly. There was a cold light in his eyes.It was the first time he heard someone insult Alanna directly. Whether it was rumors at the company or the mess on the internet, he had never really cared.But when he heard it in person, he felt displeased. After all, Alanna was his woman. He didn't like others bu
Hades looked at her. "Ms. Jacinto, didn't you try to steal me?"Alanna met his gaze. "Aren't you single?"Hades' brow furrowed slightly.Then Alanna continued, "If you're single, how can there be talk of stealing Ms. Smith's man?"Hades snorted. "Ms. Jacinto, you better always be this confident."Alanna pursed her lips, and she didn't reply. Only she knew she didn't feel confident at all. Hades might claim to be single to others, but his heart was with Melanie.Hades took her around the stables and picked a horse that looked spirited. "Sure you don't want to ride?" he asked her.Alanna shook her head. She had actually learned horse riding.Horse riding, fencing, golf—Hades had taught her all of them. But she didn't feel like riding today."I'll take you with me."Alanna frowned and was about to refuse, but Hades lifted her onto the horse before she could speak.Hades mounted behind her, spurred the horse, and they bolted off."Hades!" Alanna cried out.They were going too
When Hades saw her coming out, he walked over to her."Tired?""I'm okay."Hades nodded. "Then, come have dinner with me later."Alanna stiffened suddenly. "Mr. Florentine, I can go back with Mr. Simmons."Hades' eyes narrowed sharply. "Alanna, why not take my car?"Alanna felt bitter and melancholy. "Aren't you going to see Ms. Smith?"Hades looked at her. "It's just dinner. After eating, we'll go back together."Alanna laughed. "But I don't like being around Ms. Smith. You must have noticed that she doesn't like me."Hades scoffed coldly. "Then you should know that I don't like you riding in other men's cars."Alanna looked down at the floor. "You can drop me off downtown. I can take a taxi back."Hades didn't say anything else. It was unclear whether he agreed or not.Jeff came over to say goodbye and casually asked, "When are you planning to return to Jagersville?"Actually, their business trip was already concluded. But Hades glanced at Alanna. "We'll stay two more da
What Terrence meant was clear to all three of them.Hades' face was covered in a layer of frost.In the past, he didn't care much about such insulting words from Terrence.Human nature was flawed. When someone couldn't get what they wanted and felt envious, they tended to adopt a sour grapes attitude.But now, seeing Alanna enduring the humiliation made him feel annoyed."If you're so bored, I can find some more work for you, Mr. Abbott!"Terrence's face almost cracked. It took him a while before he snorted. "Hades, is it worth it to fall out with me over a woman like her?""Whether it's worth it or not is my business. If you still want to try it, I'm ready."Terrence snorted again but said no more. He didn't want to experience being tormented by Hades again. A simple word from him could make Terrence suffer a lot.Hades was notoriously ruthless and unfathomable, even within their circle.But Terrence still couldn't fathom the idea of Hades falling for Alanna. How could a man
Hades caressed her wrist gently. "Feeling unwell?""Would you let me leave early if I were?"She was indeed feeling unwell, but it was more about her feelings than her health.Hades' eyes narrowed slightly. "If you're not feeling well, I can have someone bring you medicine. Let's eat first. Then you can go."Alanna laughed. She freed her hand and walked out.She couldn't figure out why Hades was insisting that she stay for the meal. Was it just to see her uncomfortable? Or to show her how affectionate he and Melanie were?Once outside, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.Back in the private room, Hades turned to Melanie. "Do you find it fun to always pick on her?"Melanie immediately became defensive. "What do you mean by that? I was just trying to have a conversation, but she's the one who's acting cold."Hades raised an eyebrow. "Why didn't you just ignore her then?""Then why did you bring her here? Hades, why are you doing this to me? You said you liked me!"Hades loo