Alanna looked at Melvin with her lips slightly pursed. She remembered what Yves once told her. Hades had disciplined Melvin because he meddled in business he shouldn't have. So, instinctively, she avoided Melvin. "Sorry, I have other things to attend to." With that, she bypassed Melvin and headed straight for the private room. Melvin didn't stop her but watched her enter the room before withdrawing his gaze. A sinister smirk briefly crossed his otherwise fierce face as he looked away."Go and find the best-looking public relations person we have here for the lady who just walked in. Make sure she is well taken care of tonight."The person beside him hesitated. "Boss, who is she?"Melvin scoffed coldly. "Hades' girlfriend. I want to see how he reacts when his woman cheats on him."His eyes flashed with malice. He also wanted to test if Hades was truly invulnerable.Alanna was greeted by a cacophony of noise as soon as she entered the private room. The usually carefree Renee had
"Ms. Jacinto, did I do something wrong? Don't be so cold to me. Just tell me what it is, and I'll change, okay?" James said.Alanna's head began to throb with pain.Renee gave her a flirtatious wink from the side. "Why don't you just let him stay? You're alone anyway."Alanna's brows furrowed instantly, and she stood up to leave. James followed her out. "Don't go. You'll upset me."But Alanna didn't stop. She pushed through the private room door, only to lock eyes with a familiar pair the moment she looked up. The man stood at the other end of the hallway while exuding an air of languor. He was dressed in a black shirt with the hem neatly tucked into his waistline. His tall presence was imposing even from a distance. Despite looking somewhat displeased, his natural aristocracy couldn't be overshadowed. A young woman stood beside him. She was barely in her twenties. She was cute and charming, and she was clinging to his side.Alanna hadn't expected Hades to be here. She remembe
Alanna stood still and did not say a single word. Instead, her gaze fell on the young lady next to Hades. She indicated that Hades was out having fun too.The young lady looked back at Alanna with hostility. "Mr. Florentine, who is this woman?"Hades did not answer her question. He swept his cold gaze over Alanna. After what felt like an eternity, he finally turned to the young lady beside him. "Leave."The young lady was stunned for a moment. "Mr. Florentine, what are you saying? I...""Don't you understand what I'm saying? Get the hell out!" The young lady's face turned pale. She looked hurt as she stood up and left.Once the young lady had left, Hades spoke. "Come here." Alanna did not move and did not want to sit next to him. Fortunately, Hades did not press the issue. He laughed coldly, stood up, and walked toward Alanna. His gaze then shifted to James beside her. "Ms. Jacinto, is this the type of man you like?"James was clean and fresh-looking. He was decently appealing
Terrence watched their retreating figures. He felt as if he was suffocating. He stepped forward and kicked James again to find some relief. Lately, he hadn't been troubling Alanna. Yet, her image grew obsessively in his mind. Terrence felt tormented and increasingly resentful.He had heard about the conflicts between Alanna and Hades. He thought he would have a chance with her if she left Hades. But to his frustration, she presumably preferred a gigolo over him. Annoyed, Terrence kicked James again. "Wretch!"Hades pulled Alanna out and headed straight to the parking lot. After putting her in the car, he scoffed. "Ms. Jacinto, you always manage to surprise me." Alanna stayed silent. She felt no guilt about the evening's events but knew Hades wouldn't see it her way."What brought you to the Vortex Vibes?" he asked."End-of-year department gathering," she replied softly. Hades laughed coldly. "Is this how your department usually gathers? In a nightclub?"Alanna's lips twitched,
Hades held her waist and looked down at her with rare tenderness in his eyes. Alanna was momentarily lost in the gentleness on his face. But soon, she snapped back to reality and smiled at him. "Mr. Florentine, are you reneging now?"Hades looked at her. After a moment, he let her go and leaned against the wall to light a cigarette. "Alanna, I gave you a way out. Are you sure you don't want to come back?"Alanna turned and walked toward the door. "I'm sure." She left after speaking as she opened the door and walked out directly.Hades stood still, and his expression was dark. After a moment, he took out his phone and made a call. "Take down all the properties under Melvin's name tonight!"After the call, Hades stood by the window. He watched Alanna disappear into the night before he took a drag of his cigarette. He had intended to let her have her freedom for a few more days. But tonight's events made him regret letting her go. He felt that she belonged to him and that she shou
Alanna did not want to be caught between Hades and Melanie anymore. Holding Tara's hand, she couldn't help but feel the tears well up in her eyes. "Mom, please wake up soon, okay? I'm... tired." After saying this, her tears started to fall. She wiped her tears away and forced a smile. "But it's okay. There's been someone helping me these past three years. His name is Hades. Do you remember him? He's the crybaby from our time in the fishing village when we were kids."But he's an impressive and powerful man now. Maybe you'll get to meet him once you're better. It's just... He probably doesn't remember us anymore." She laughed lightly and squeezed Tara's hand. "Anyway, no matter what, you have to wake up. It doesn't matter if it's sooner or later. Just don't leave me here alone..."…After leaving Tara's hospital room, Alanna collected the bill from the doctor and went to the payment counter. She paid with everything she had in her bank account. After taking care of everything, sh
Alanna pursed her lips tightly. She expected Hades to challenge her regarding this issue. Yet, her heart still felt stifled. She felt that Hades truly seemed unwilling to leave her any way out. She managed a bitter smile. "I did say so, but Mr. Florentine, you never agreed."Hades raised his eyebrows slightly. "Ms. Jacinto, you initially wanted to uncover the truth in exchange for giving up this villa. Now that the truth is out, do you want the villa as well? Aren't you expecting too much?"His face held a smile, but his eyes lacked warmth."Hades," Alanna said. She endured the pain in her heart as she looked at him. "This villa was bought with my child's life!" Hades' smile vanished instantly. He looked at Alanna coldly for a long while before speaking. "Alanna, don't play the emotional card with me. Child or no child, I don't care."Alanna looked at him, then suddenly laughed. "If that's the case, then I'm not limited to you alone. There are other wealthy men in this world. If
Alanna's body was slightly stiff. The soreness from last night's ordeal had not yet subsided. Fortunately, Hades did not torment her further. He just kissed her a couple of times before letting her go.Before the end of the workday, Henry had completed the paperwork. Alanna looked at the property title placed before her and was unsure how to feel. She took a deep breath, picked up the title, and went to the real estate agency.The agent who had helped her rent her apartment a few days ago greeted her. The agent was somewhat surprised to see her property title. "Ms. Jacinto, you have such a large villa. Why are you renting an apartment? Isn't the villa comfortable?"Alanna didn't explain much. She only asked him to find a buyer quickly. The agent remarked, "Ms. Jacinto, your villa is well-located and well-equipped. It's top-notch in the market, and your asking price is reasonable. Don't worry, the moment we list it, buyers will come in minutes."Alanna nodded. She thanked him and
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