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