Alanna's eyes reddened because of Hades' words. Even the veins on her fair-skinned temple were bulging.She understood what he meant. He was warning her to remember her place, and his words clearly showed anger at her for breaking her promise.Alanna really felt like crying, but she held her tears back. She looked up with a small smile and asked, "Oh? Is that all your baby's worth, Mr. Florentine? That's… pretty cheap.""Alanna Jacinto!" Hades' eyes were slightly red. "Don't take my tolerance toward you for granted!"Alanna chuckled. Before he could react, she abruptly wrapped her arms around his neck and planted a kiss on his lips. In fact, she even took the initiative to force open his lips.Stunned, Hades then held the back of her neck to deepen the kiss.However, Alanna promptly let him go. "Is this what you're looking for, Mr. Florentine?" She sounded extremely calm.Then, she continued, "I'll give it to you. After all, you paid me for it. I know my place well, indeed. I mu
Hades groaned softly, but all he said was, "Bite harder."Alanna did as he said. They seemed to be competing against each other.When it was all over, Hades carried Alanna back to the bed. He was still neatly dressed. There wasn't even a fold on his collar.Leaning against the window, he lit a cigarette and puffed on it. Then, he said, "I'll look into that incident and find out the truth for you since you insisted. However, I won't take your side when you confront Melanie."Alanna laughed bitterly as she lay in bed. That wasn't surprising at all.She pulled the blanket tighter around herself and tried to calm the lustful feeling that Hades aroused within her. Nonetheless, her heart turned cold.She bit hard on her lip. Eventually, she couldn't help but pull the blanket over her head.…As it neared the end of the year, Hades worked around the clock. Meetings were held one after another.Alanna didn't prompt him about the matter, and she didn't try to reason with him either. Si
Melanie's gaze bore into Alanna. She didn't believe a word of that. She didn't believe that Hades and Alanna were in a transactional relationship.Even if it used to be that way, it was impossible for them to still be in one.Hades was getting increasingly invested in Alanna, so much so that Melanie thought it exceeded his concern for her.Otherwise, Hades wouldn't have publicly announced that he was single. Also, he wouldn't have let Alanna off the hook after she splashed coffee over Melanie.Yet Alanna called that a transactional relationship? Bullshit!Besides, Melanie knew well what happened between them when they were young. Even if Hades thought of their relationship as a deal, Alanna most definitely harbored feelings for him!With a clenched jaw, Melanie hissed, "Do you think I'll believe whatever you say? Alanna, heed my advice, and don't ever dream that you'll be able to climb the social ladder this way!"Alanna laughed. "Ms. Smith, you two are getting engaged soon. Is
"I don't want to go." Alanna lowered her head as she stirred her coffee. She was not in the least interested in the banquet.Why should she attend it? To see Hades and Melanie acting all lovey-dovey? Or to witness how they finally had a happy ending after the twists and turns in their relationship?Yves stopped asking. The TV in the cafe was airing entertainment news."The head of the Florentine family made an appearance at a social function with his first love once again. They wore matching outfits, and their eyes were full of affection. Could it be that we might hear good news from them soon?"Alanna looked up just in time to see the photo it was broadcasting. In it, Melanie wore a black mermaid dress while Hades stood beside her in a black suit.She was looking up at him while he was gazing down at her. As the announcer had reported, their gazes were full of affection.Alanna quickly withdrew her gaze.Yves frowned. "Ms. Jacinto, Hades isn't—"Alanna interrupted, "I don't ca
Michel felt somewhat awkward. Hades arrived soon after he asked Alanna that question. He felt like he was being caught in the act.However, Hades should have noticed that Michel was interested in Alanna ages ago. It was just that none of them brought it up.Now that Hades was getting engaged, Michel finally mustered the courage to ask Alanna out. However, judging from Hades' attitude, he might not let Alanna go even after he got engaged.Michel thought it was a pity, but all he could do was let out a resigned chuckle. He couldn't risk offending Hades."You're here, Hades? Then I'll take my leave." With that, he got up.Hades glanced at him and eventually turned to Alanna. "Mr. Luther is leaving. Don't you have anything to say, Ms. Jacinto?"Alanna pressed her lips together. After a while, she turned and said, "Goodbye, Mr. Luther."Michel nodded and looked at Hades. "See you, Hades."Hades said nothing, and Michel left sheepishly.Alanna looked up and met his gaze. "Mr. Luther
Alanna looked out the window. There was a bit of a jam since there was a festival that day. The street was full of couples holding hands.Suddenly, Hades' phone rang. As usual, it was the ringtone he set specifically for Melanie.Frowning, Hades answered it."Hades, why aren't you here yet? Everyone's waiting for you.""I won't be going," Hades replied straightforwardly before hanging up.Alanna said, "Sorry to hold you up when you're supposed to be on a date."Hades scoffed as he looked at her. "The same goes for you. I interrupted your date, too, didn't I?"Alanna merely cast him a glance and said nothing else.After getting through the congested areas, Hades sped up. Shortly after, they arrived at the apartment.Alanna was about to get out of the car when Hades promptly locked the car doors.While loosening his necktie, he said, "There's no hurry."Then, he lifted her and placed her on his lap. They hadn't done it since that day.Hades had been in a terrible mood these f
Hades' gaze was profound as he stared at Alanna. A smile remained on her smooth, pretty face.He once said he liked it when she smiled. However, her smile was now an eyesore to him.Sneering, he asked, "That eager to leave me?"Alanna merely stared at him without responding. However, her answer was obvious.Hades abruptly tightened his hold on her chin. "I told you, Alanna. Without my permission, don't you dare think about leaving. I hope you keep that in mind."After saying that, he let go of her and turned to leave. With a resigned chuckle, Alanna washed up and lay in bed.The next morning, Chelsey took a day off to keep Alanna company. She was worried that Alanna might be feeling down.Alanna thought she was doing fine, though. Still, she didn't refuse Chelsey's goodwill.They left early in the morning for the mall. While they shopped, Chelsey watched Alanna's expression closely.Alanna knew she was worried and smiled. She felt amused. "I'm fine. You don't have to keep watc
Alanna frowned. She immediately understood where Yves planned on bringing her."Yves, I don't want to go there."Yves frowned. "Ms. Jacinto, I'm not bringing you to Hades' birthday banquet. I'm bringing you out to have some fun. We're going to a club, The Royale."Alanna didn't know what Yves had in store for her. But she was not interested. She was not in the mood to party either.Yves noticed her lack of enthusiasm and began to panic."Ms. Jacinto, I'm not planning anything bad. Could you trust me just this once, please?"Alanna ended up compromising after looking at Yves. After all, Yves was the one who had treated her the best.She put on some light makeup and changed into a dress.Although she had barely dressed up, Yves was still stunned by her beauty. He could not help but question his brother.He had no clue how Hades could stomach looking at Melanie when he had someone as beautiful as Alanna by his side.She was so much prettier than Melanie."Let's go."Alanna too
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