Tucker had been itching to get acquainted with the Florentine family for a very long time.This desire of his stemmed from the time he had Melanie impersonate Alanna and get reunited with Hades ten years ago.He never thought that Melanie was so willful to the point that she wanted to make Hades hers, be it physically or emotionally.Not only did Melanie fail in doing so, but she also gave Alanna a chance to become Hades' mistress.Alanna just chuckled in response. "If Hades truly wanted to marry Melanie, do you really think I'd be able to sabotage their relationship?"That question stabbed Tucker right where it hurt the most.He thought Hades would patch up his relationship with Melanie after his return. After all, the fact that Hades had given Melanie one of Brilliance Jewels' endorsement gigs was proof that he cared about her.The Smiths were already prepared to marry Melanie into the Florentines. But they didn't expect to see things heading in a different direction.Hades h
Alanna thought she'd reach her apartment first. She didn't expect to see Travis waiting outside for her right after getting out of the cab."How did you get here so fast, Travis?"The truth was that Travis was already in the area when he called Alanna earlier."I happen to be dealing with something in this area."After that, he handed Alanna a cup of hot cappuccino. "I remember you liking this beverage."Alanna's eyes lit up instantly. "I never thought you'd remember my preferences after all these years."Travis flashed her a gentle smile. "I was worried that your taste in beverages might have changed."Alanna just giggled without continuing the topic. She asked, "Aren't you going home for the holidays?""I did. I rushed back here without any prior notice."Truth be told, Travis didn't have to attend the conference. The minister's right-hand man was the one attending the conference.Although Travis was considered a rising star in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, his qualifica
Alanna let out a frightened shriek. The next thing she knew, her assailant covered her mouth immediately.A familiar voice drifted into her ear at the same time."What are you screaming for?"Alanna's body almost went limp for a moment. She patted her chest. She still felt the tendrils of fright snaking around her heart. Then, she turned around to glare at Hades."What the hell is wrong with you, Hades? Why are you standing in the corridor instead of entering my apartment?"Hades chuckled coldly while giving Alanna's waist a hard pinch."You think I want to stay outside as well? How am I going to get into your apartment, huh? Am I supposed to break in?"Alanna froze momentarily. Only then did she remember that she didn't give Hades a copy of her apartment keys."Sorry, I forgot about the keys."Hades shot her a look before dragging her into her apartment. The moment the lights in the apartment were turned on, he trained his gaze on the cappuccino cup Alanna was holding. His
Alanna chuckled bitterly without saying another word. She sat behind her desk quietly and started preparing her files for the conference.Of course, Hades would never stop Melanie from pursuing her dreams. Not only would he not stop her, but he'd also give her his full-fledged support.Otherwise, he wouldn't have given Melanie Brilliance Jewels' endorsement gig when she had first returned to the country.To Hades, Alanna could never match up to Melanie.Perhaps it was like what Melanie had said to Alanna. Hades must have thought that Alanna didn't deserve to have her own dreams.Hades' expression was still dark as ever. Alanna's words left a bad taste in his mouth.The truth was, he never thought about Alanna's preferences in life. From the way he saw it, she should stay by his side, seeing as she was his woman and all.But Alanna made it sound like he had done something wrong.The room was eerily silent afterward. It didn't take Alanna much time to immerse herself in her studi
The conference lasted for three hours.The moment Alanna walked out of the interpretation booth, Travis walked over to join her immediately."I told you you could handle it, didn't I? Mr. Jyles sang praises about you the whole morning!"Alanna laughed in response. "Truthfully speaking, I was tense throughout the conference. I was so worried that something bad might happen.""You suspended your studies for far too long, Ally. Your talent has gone to waste because of that."Alanna looked down at her feet, and a low chuckle left her lips."It's true that I've suspended them for way too long. Thank goodness I'm resuming them now. It's never too late for me as long as I can start studying again."Then, they proceeded to walk toward the exit side by side.Once they reached the main exit, they bumped into the conference members who had just left the hall at the same time.Alanna moved to the side out of courtesy. Suddenly, she saw someone standing before her. Shocked, she raised her
Hades frowned immediately. "Are you sure?"Alanna's complexion was still a little pale. "Yes."If she wasn't certain the first two times she got stalked, then she was very sure that whatever happened today wasn't just her imagination playing tricks on her."When did you find out about this?""About two days ago."Hades narrowed his eyes slightly before tilting Alanna's chin with a finger. "Is the stalker someone who has bad blood with your mother?"Alanna hesitated for a moment."Probably," she replied.The truth was, she wasn't certain about who the potential perpetrator was. But she couldn't think of anyone else other than Tucker and Esther."Justin will follow you around from now on."Justin Charnas was the name of Hades' personal bodyguard who followed him around.Alanna pursed her lips, though she nodded soon enough.Hades pinched her cheek gently. "Don't think too much. Nothing will happen to you and your mother."Still, Alanna couldn't help but feel uneasy. In the e
Hades grabbed Alanna's wrist. "What's wrong?""My mom's life is in danger," she replied in a seemingly calm manner, but her tone kept quivering the whole time.Hades' expression darkened immediately."I'll drive you to the hospital."Alanna nodded with a grunt.Tara was still in the emergency room when Alanna and Hades reached the hospital. The primary doctor passed Alanna a critical illness notice right away.Her hand kept trembling when she signed the notice. Having noticed her plight, Hades took her hand and guided her through the signing process.Once the document was signed, Alanna sank down on a bench with red-rimmed eyes. Hades joined her on the bench. He gripped her hand tightly."Don't worry. Your mother will be fine."Alanna nodded, though her mind was still blank.Suddenly, Hades' phone started ringing. The familiar ringtone made Alanna freeze.Hades shot her a look before getting up and walking away to answer the call. A moment later, he returned to her side with
Alanna dared not hesitate a moment longer. She opened the car door with the intention of bolting away.But the moment she got out of the car, she saw a group of people running toward her. The leader had a jagged scar running down his face. He looked extremely terrifying.Alanna dialed 911 hurriedly, but the automated voice informed her that all available operators were engaged with other calls at the moment. So, she was required to wait for her turn.A vein popped out of Alanna's temple at that moment. She hung up on the emergency hotline before dialing Hades' number.Unfortunately, she was greeted with an automated notification telling her that his phone was switched off at the moment.Not daring to waste any more time, Alanna proceeded to dial Yves' number.Fortunately, he answered it soon enough."Ms. Jacinto, it's not even a proper morning yet. What's the matter?""Yves, save me! I'm outside Carement Hospital right now! Save me—ahh!"Before she could finish her sentences,
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