"I'm going to take a shower!" Alanna retorted as she shook off his grasp and headed into the bathroom.Tears started to fall once she was inside. She had rarely thought of the child lately. Holding onto certain memories only brought pain. She had been trying to let go of it. Yet, tonight, he had reopened that wound. The pain was unbearable for her.The hot water streamed down. Alanna crouched and hugged herself under the spray. That seemed the only way to lessen the heartache. Tears continued to fall from her eyes. Yet, she remained quiet. Her suffering was silent, much like her love for Hades. It started intense and fervent. She felt she could do anything for him. But over days and years, her love seemed to be quietly depleting.It took a while for Alanna to calm down. She wrapped herself in a towel and left the bathroom. Hades stood by the window, smoking. He saw her exit. Then, he entered the bathroom without a word. He soon returned with a hair dryer."Come here," he said.
Hades kept Alanna awake late into the night until the early morning. He only let her rest when she was completely worn out. "You may sleep now," he said. Alanna closed her eyes and quickly fell asleep.Hades checked the time. It was already past ten in the morning. He took his phone and left the bedroom. Then, he called Jeff. "I won't make it today. I'll visit another day," he said.Jeff felt disappointed upon hearing that Hades wouldn't come. He had hoped to see Alanna again. "And... What about Ms. Jacinto?"Hades' brow twitched. He laughed lightly. "You seem quite interested in our Ms. Jacinto," he teased.Jeff chuckled and felt somewhat speechless. "Are you sure you're not the one interested?" Hades lit a cigarette and didn't respond. "Interested" wasn't a word he'd associate with his relationship with Alanna. He admitted to an obsessive possessiveness over her. But he considered such possessiveness normal for any man. "Is there anything else? If not, I'm hanging up.""Wa
"Are you hungry?" Hades inquired.Alanna nodded. Indeed, she was hungry. The meal from the previous night had unsettled her, and she hadn't eaten all day."Get up. I'll take you out for a meal," he proposed. Alanna responded, "I'd prefer not to move around. Can we order something instead?" Hades chuckled lightly. "After such a long rest, are you still not fully recovered?"Alanna pressed her lips together slightly. "After all, it was quite an ordeal," she remarked. Hades began helping her with her clothes while still smiling. "It's good to get up and move around a bit."As he helped her dress, he asked, "You went to Brunstein University, right? How about we take a tour around Brunstein University?" Alanna's brows furrowed in confusion. "Why Brunstein University all of a sudden?" Hades met her gaze. "Is it wrong for me to want to know more about you?"Alanna found she couldn't argue with him. While she dressed, she felt sore, but it was manageable.After their meal, it w
The question was somewhat unexpected. After all, they had only met for the third time today. Thus, Alanna was momentarily taken aback. Nonetheless, she politely inquired, "May I ask what aspects of my mother you're interested in, Mr. Simmons?"Jeff responded, "Your mother's age, her profession, and, if it's not too much trouble, her maiden name?"Mentioning her mother brought a hint of sourness to Alanna's heart. Her mother had always been an exceptional woman—beautiful, gentle, and talented in dance and art. Unfortunately, life had not been kind to her. A series of unfortunate events had led her to her current state. She never got the chance to showcase her talents, especially because of one man.Alanna swallowed the lump in her throat and composed herself before responding. "My mother's surname is Thortorn. She's been out of work due to a car accident three years ago." She refrained from elaborating further. As for her mother's age, Alanna was unsure about that. Her mother had
Jeff left Alanna his phone number nonetheless. "We should keep in touch. Don't mind him," he suggested. Alanna promptly saved Jeff's number. Jeff cast a glance at Hades with a smile. Hades' gaze was profound, but he ultimately chose to remain silent.After Jeff departed, Hades showed no sign of wanting to leave. He didn't drink coffee, so only a glass of water sat before him. He toyed with the glass with his slender fingers as if it were a piece of art. "Mr. Florentine, aren't we leaving?" Alanna asked. Hades raised his eyebrows slightly. "We have to leave because Jeff left?"His remark carried an edge, which hinted at his displeasure. Alanna presumed it was due to her saving Jeff's number. Yet, she knew she had her own social life to maintain. "If you prefer to stay, we can linger a while longer," she said without adding anything further.Hades observed her and asked, "Do you fancy someone like Jeff?" Alanna pressed her lips together and diverted her gaze to the window.
Alanna paused as she was surprised by Hades' sudden question. She took a moment before asking, "Why do you ask all of a sudden?" Hades' eyes narrowed slightly. "Can't I ask?" he retorted. "It's not that. I just prefer not to bring it up," she explained.Hades' gaze grew even colder. "It seems you have been deeply hurt," he observed. His grip on her waist tightened almost painfully. "You still can't forget him, can you?" "It just feels uncomfortable to remember, that's all," Alanna admitted.Hades' expression turned colder. "It seems you're quite devoted." Alanna chose not to respond to that comment. Hades continued after a pause, "What kind of person is he to linger in your thoughts like this?" "A good person. He was kind to me," she said softly.Hades scoffed. "He's kind to you, but why is he not with you anymore? Are you sure he's not just a player who toyed with your feelings?" Alanna looked down. "He forgot about me." Hades raised an eyebrow. "Forgot? How? Was he
Only then did Renee nod. "The New Year commercial should've already been aired by now, but Melanie's the only one who hasn't finished shooting her part. Her progress is way behind schedule."She even went to Brunstein City two days ago. When she returned, all I did was remind her that she should speed things up, and she hit me."Guilt crept into Alanna's heart. She knew it was most likely her fault that Renee had to go through that.Alanna and Melanie had a dispute when they were in Brunstein City. Melanie couldn't do anything to her when Hades was there, so she took it out on Renee upon returning instead.Alanna couldn't help but say, "I'm sorry,"Renee pursed her lips. "Why are you apologizing?"Alanna didn't elaborate on the matter. She merely asked, "Where's Melanie? Is she still in the office?"Renee gave her a quick nod. "She went to the topmost floor."Alanna nodded. "Get some ice from the break room and apply it on your injury. I'm going up."When Alanna arrived at the
Henry witnessed the whole thing. He approached Alanna in shock. "Ms. Jacinto, why didn't you just put up with her?"He meant to say that Alanna should've just compromised whenever possible since it wasn't every day that Melanie showed up there.Some time ago, Melanie had been in a bad mood and proceeded to find faults with the secretarial department whenever she came. The entire department had to tolerate her antics.However, Alanna decided to do the opposite today. After what she did, she'd probably have to face Melanie's wrath.Alanna smiled bitterly. "Even if I didn't do that, do you think I wouldn't get in trouble? I'm still going to get told off, anyway. Might as well do it, then. At least I get to entertain myself.""But…"Alanna chuckled. "It's fine."Truth be told, she didn't give a damn anymore. Hades could get mad at her for all she cared. It wasn't the first time it happened, anyway.…Melanie went downstairs. Without even knocking, she shoved the meeting room door
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