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
When Melanie posted that photo, the internet was already in chaos. But the picture was actually taken well before. It was snapped right at the beginning of the event. She simply chose the right moment to release it. She intended to provoke Alanna into confronting Hades. Given his temperament, she wondered how Hades could tolerate a woman causing trouble repeatedly. She knew he would grow tired after a few incidents."So, Hades doesn't care about you at all, Alanna. Don't you find that pitiful?"Alanna clenched her fists tightly as she felt a suffocating pain in her heart. She didn't fully believe Melanie's words. But she knew better. Regardless of when the photo was taken, Melanie couldn't have posted such a Tweet without Hades' tacit approval under those circumstances.Moreover, if he cared, she felt he could have made her delete the Tweet even if it had been posted. But he didn't. The Tweet was still online, and that signified that no one else could intervene even if they hadn't
Fortunately, the dinner was coming to an end. As they were getting up to leave, Melanie expressed her desire to go out for some fun. Hades didn't say anything but looked at Alanna. "I can't go. You guys have fun," she said. "What about you, Hades?" Terrence asked him. "I'm a bit tired. Let's plan another time," Hades replied while looking genuinely fatigued.Melanie pouted but didn't insist further. As they were leaving, they ran straight into Hudson. Hudson seemed to be the youngest among them. He wasn't dressed in a suit today but casually, with a youthful and sunny disposition. His eyes lit up upon seeing Alanna. "Ms. Jacinto" he greeted, then turned to Hades. "Mr. Florentine, what a coincidence to meet again."Alanna nodded at him but didn't say much. Hades' gaze was intense, and he didn't respond at all. Hudson didn't mind and continued looking at Alanna. "Ms. Jacinto, you seem a bit unhappy. Is something wrong?"Alanna smiled lightly. "I'm just a bit tired, Hudson. Sor
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