Alanna had no intent of showing up before them. She didn't like the name Melody Smith either. As long as they didn't cause trouble for her anymore, she didn't mind staying away from them forever. That was until three years ago when Tara got into a traffic accident. She had no choice but to go to Tucker for help. That was the time she realized how heartless Tucker truly was. She never had any contact with the Smiths after that. She would still see Melanie on the TV or social media occasionally.Melanie debuted overseas four years ago. She never returned to the country in the past four years, but people knew about her because she was pretty. She was even dubbed the woman in everyone's dreams because of her beauty. Alanna fell asleep as soon as she got in bed after she got home.In her dreams, she was back at the beach. It was winter, and the winds were chilling. Even the windows of the beachside villa were making noises in the wind. Melanie was yelling at her because she lost
That would mean Hades left her place because his first love called him. Alanna felt hurt. She caressed her stomach instinctively. Alanna wondered if it was time for her to leave since Hades' first love had returned. Did that mean … she could leave and give birth to the baby? She spaced out as she looked at her belly. She didn't even catch what Renee was saying. Her heart was already in turmoil. "Ms. Jocinta?"Alanna snapped back to reality and composed herself. "It's time to work. Stop gossiping, or you'll be in for it if Mr. Florentine catches wind of this."Renee stuck her tongue out and went back to her desk. Alanna also forced herself to start working. Renee came knocking on Alanna's door at noon. "Mr. Florentine is asking for you, Ms. Jacinto."…The door to Hades' office was slightly ajar. Alanna could hear his voice coming from the office when she arrived at the door. He seemed to be on the phone. His tone was very gentle. Alanna never even knew he was ca
Alanna relented. Hades wouldn't give her the chance to turn him down. He never cared about her feelings. Over the years, she had learned to accept her fate because she couldn't rebel against him. She accepted the orders he gave and the pain he inflicted. "Understood."They finished the meal in silence. Hades ate very slowly. He never liked talking while he was eating. He was very sophisticated. Alanna was distracted while eating. She tried her best to ignore the rumors but still felt upset. Hades' phone rang after they finished eating. Alanna glanced at it and noticed a single letter "S" as the caller ID. Hades accepted the call immediately. "What's wrong? I ate … yeah. You should eat proper meals, too … Okay. I'll hang up now."Alanna already knew who the caller was. Hades was only so gentle when he was talking with his first love. "You left in a hurry last night. Was it because your first love came back?" Alanna asked in a seemingly casual manner. Hades was fiddli
Melanie was suddenly silenced. "I didn't kick her out. I just asked her to move."She looked at Hades with an aggrieved expression."Hades, you won't get mad at me over a manager, right?"Tears welled up in her eyes after she said that. She had been waiting for Hades to contact her in the past few years while she was abroad. Unexpectedly, he didn't even attempt to contact her in the past four years. During that period, she had thought of coming back for him more than once. But she had her pride, too. She was the one who asked for the breakup. Hades treated her differently. He would smile gently at her and call her by her nickname, "Mel". He would even fight against his siblings for her sake. But there were also limits to his special treatment of her. He never touched her, nor did he ever talk about marriage with her. He even refused to meet with her parents. Her original intent was to give Hades a push—some kind of a sense of urgency so he would marry her as soon as
Melanie held Hades' arm after she got out of the car. Alanna withdrew her gaze and walked toward the studio. However, she was stopped at the entrance. "Ms. Jacinto."Melanie was holding on to Hades. Alanna couldn't see her face because she was completely covered up. But she could sense that Melanie had a big smile on her face. "I'm sorry I kicked you off the car just now."She claimed she was sorry, but she deliberately mentioned the fact that Alanna was kicked out of the car. There were a lot of people in their vicinity. All of them heard what she said. Their gaze fell on Alanna. Alanna was one of the first employees of the company. She had been by Hades' side since he started the company. Hades had always treated her well. Although there was a fuss over her resignation a while back, she didn't resign in the end. No one in the company dared to cross her. Melanie was the first to do something like that. Her words basically confirmed everyone's suspicions. Her relation
Melanie's expression soured. "Do you really think he belongs to you just because you've spent a few years by his side? To the public, he's always been a bachelor. That should tell you enough about what he thinks of you."Her words struck Alanna like a poisoned knife. She knew better than anyone else what she meant to Hades, but she did not want to show weakness to Melanie."He doesn't belong to me, but he doesn't belong to you either!" she retorted.This seemed to hit Melanie's sore spot. Her expression darkened. "Don't act haughty so soon, Alanna. He'll be mine sooner or later. I'm here now because we're going to discuss our marriage, so if you know what's good for you, you'll stop harassing him!"It's one thing for your mother to be a homewrecker. Are you going to follow in her footsteps as well? How despicable!"Unable to hold back her anger, Alanna slapped her."Alanna!" Just then, Hades' voice sounded from behind.Alanna's hand trembled. She tensed, afraid of what she wou
Alanna scoffed. "In that case, isn't it better if we get to the bottom of this, Ms. Smith? No one can smear your reputation if things are made clear, can they?"The truth did not matter in her battle with Melanie. Victory depended on Hades' favor, which she clearly lacked.She was fighting a losing battle.She knew that even if they checked the surveillance cameras, it wouldn't matter in the end; as long as Hades placed the blame on her, then no amount of proof would change his mind.Even so, she wanted him to know the truth."There's really no need for that, Ms. Jacinto," Melanie said hastily. "I've already said that I'll let this slide. What else do you want from me?"Alanna looked at her calmly. "How could we let this slide? We can't let you suffer such a grievance, Ms. Smith."Hades stood between them with an unreadable expression. "The filming is starting soon, Ms. Jacinto. Are you sure you want to continue wasting everyone's time like this?"It was clear where his loyalti
Alanna swallowed her retort.She knew Hades' temperament. He'd already given her an ultimatum so that he would see her tonight either way.Alanna did not want to make trouble for herself. "I'll go home," she said."Do hurry," Henry said in amusement.When Alanna returned home, Hades had just finished showering.His loose bathrobe barely hid his perfect figure.He sat down on the sofa and lit a cigarette as he stared at Alanna through the smoke.After a while, he smiled. "I didn't know you could be so feisty, Ms. Jacinto."Alanna did not move.She knew that he was talking about what happened earlier that day at the studio. "I'm not going to stand there and let someone bully me. Are you going to defend Ms. Smith, Mr. Florentine?"Hades continued staring at her for a moment. Then, he snuffed out his cigarette and said, "Come here.""You can talk from there," Alanna said.Hades just stared at her.In the end, Alanna caved and walked over to him.Hades pushed a box that was on
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