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
Upon seeing the tears streaming down Melanie's face, Hades eventually nodded. Melanie suppressed her anguish. Then, she took the clothes Henry handed her and left to change.Then, Hades asked Henry, "Where's Alanna?""She went to the studio," Henry replied.Hades snorted. "Acting as though none of this has anything to do with her, huh?"Henry paused before explaining, "Mr. Florentine, actually, Ms. Smith splashed coffee on herself before Ms. Jacinto did."The emotions in Hades' eyes were unreadable. Henry couldn't help but clench his fists on either side of him.After a long pause, Hades asked, "So?"Henry bit the bullet and answered, "Ms. Jacinto isn't at fault."Hades smirked. "Did she do it?"Henry pressed his lips together before saying, "She did."Hades scoffed again. "Then why did you say she wasn't at fault?"Henry stiffened. In the end, he heard Hades say, "You're dismissed."…Alanna was waiting for Hades' call, but to her surprise, she heard about Henry's dismiss
Alanna's response didn't make Hades feel any better. Still, he didn't say anything about it.While gently pinching her face, he bent over slightly to kiss her on the lips. "Don't start a fight with her the next time something like this happens. Just come to me."Alanna wanted to ask if he would side with her if she did so, but in the end, she decided against it. One shouldn't get their hopes up when the outcome was clearly impossible."Alright," she replied nonchalantly.Hades stroked her hair. "You should get back to work, but don't exhaust yourself."He paused before continuing, "I won't be back for dinner tonight."Alanna didn't ask further. It was evident that he was going to console his crush. Perhaps she was so used to it that she felt nothing.Calmly, she nodded and left the office. She had a short exchange with Henry and went back to work.After work, Alanna headed straight for the hospital Tara was at. She hadn't visited Tara for some time now.As usual, Tara lay moti
Alanna thought an apology was all she'd get from Bernice. It surprised her to find out that Bernice had been placed in custody.Alanna smirked. "So what? I warned you, didn't I? You'll still have to go to jail for slandering!""But I wasn't behind all those rumors on the internet!"Alanna lowered her gaze with a sneer. Indeed, Bernice wasn't the mastermind, but Alanna had suffered because of her all the same.She replied, "You should confront Melanie about this. After all, you were taking the blame for her!" A flicker of hatred crossed Bernice's pale face when she heard Melanie's name. "Let's have a chat, Alanna."Alanna shook her off. "Sorry, I'm not interested in whatever you're proposing."Then, she walked around Bernice and headed for the roadside.However, Bernice called out, "Alanna, I know how you miscarried!"Alanna halted abruptly. She felt as though someone was squeezing her heart. She turned around and asked, "What did you say?"A savage grin flashed across Bernic
After stopping the recording, Alanna casually pocketed her phone. Then, she calmly hailed a taxi and returned home.The moment she entered her house, she felt completely drained. She stood at the doorway in a trance for a long time before taking her phone out and playing the recording again.After she did so, she felt an agonizing stab of pain in her chest. She'd never imagined that that was the truth behind her miscarriage. Melanie was behind it all along!Alanna clutched her phone tightly. After who knew how long, she suddenly started laughing. However, the anguish in her laughter was palpable.In the dark room, she stood there at the entrance. She was still in a daze. It seemed as though she was doing her very best to suppress the rage within her.The deafening silence was only broken when her phone rang. Alanna took a deep breath to calm herself before picking up her phone.Chelsey's voice rang out through the receiver. "Ally, it's almost New Year. I'll have three days off. S
However, Chelsey could only watch. Even if she knew that Bernice was most likely telling the truth, she felt helpless.Alanna took another deep breath and laughed. "Alright."After ending the call, she sat at the bar counter. She just realized that the first snow in Jagersville had started.As she watched the fluttering snow outside the window, Alanna didn't know what to think. Was Hades really oblivious to Melanie's scheme?A voice within her prompted her to think about the possibility that he might not have known about it.But so what if that were true? Would he take her side? Would he help her gather evidence that his sweetheart was behind her miscarriage?She wanted to call Hades. But though her finger lingered above his contact for a long while, she didn't go through with it. She lacked the courage and the confidence to do so.She didn't know whether or not Hades would come home tonight. As though trying to prove something, she insisted on waiting for him.Time passed, and
Hades' eyes narrowed, and he smirked. "Bernice told you that?" he asked as he released her.He lowered his head and puffed on his cigarette before looking at Alanna impassively. He continued, "So you'll believe whatever she says?"Though he remained expressionless, the air around him turned dense and cold. Evidently, what Alanna said had put him in an unpleasant mood.Alanna's lips pressed tightly together. Of course, she didn't believe Bernice fully. But now that she'd heard about it, there was no way she'd let it slide that easily."I'll take it as it is, even if it turns out to be just another trap!" She stared right into his eyes unwaveringly.Hades' expression was sour. Moments later, he asked, "Do you really have to make a fuss, Alanna?"As Alanna gazed at him, her tears fell uncontrollably. "Hades, I just want to know the truth!"Hades fixed his gloomy gaze on her. His expression was one of indifference. "What could you do even if you learn the truth? Could you change wha
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