Alanna was still unconscious at the moment. Even if Travis wanted to talk to Hades, there was no way he could ignore Alanna's opinion regarding her mess of a relationship.So, he had no choice but to let the matter go.But once Alanna woke up and needed his help, he'd do all he could to help her out.By the time Alanna woke up, it was already dark outside. She was still a little dazed even after opening her eyes.Before she could regain her senses, she heard a voice asking her, "Are you fully awake?"It was a voice Alanna was extremely familiar with. For once, it didn't make her heart flutter in anticipation.She hummed in response."Are you feeling unwell? I'll call the doctor for you."It was then Alanna felt a strange emptiness in her hand. She finally realized that Hades had been holding her hand all this time.She looked down at her lap and chose not to react to Hades.Soon, the doctor entered the ward to give Alanna a check-up. "Even though the patient has regained cons
Hades was extremely firm when it came to this matter. He glared at Alanna with reddened eyes. "Alanna, I've told you many times in the past, haven't I? As long as I don't agree to the breakup, you can forget about ending things with me! "I'll teach Melvin a lesson on your behalf. Just focus on your recuperation and stop throwing tantrums like this."All Alanna could feel was bitterness that seeped from her heart upon hearing Hades' words. She reclined against the bedpost and looked like a fragile glass doll.However, a stubborn glint was still present in her eyes."Hades, I don't want to be with you anymore. You ditched me when my mom was severely ill, not to mention you still sought Melanie out even though you knew my life was in danger. "Since then, I no longer wanted to be with you anymore. Even if the abduction never happened in the first place, I'd still want to break up with you."Alanna's eyes had gone red as well when she was done speaking her piece.Hades stared at
Alanna nodded with a smile.Chelsey placed the candles on the cake for Alanna before lighting them."Come, make a wish to keep yourself safe and sound for the rest of your life. Let's hope ordeals like this will never happen ever again."Alanna stared at the candles' flickering light. She wished that she could regain her freedom in the future.After that, she blew out the candles, but she wasn't in the mood for cake. Chelsey, being a wonderful friend, didn't force her to try the cake. "It's hard for you to digest buttercream anyway. I'll get you something that's easier on your stomach later."Alanna looked down at her lap. "Chelsey, help me buy a phone. Please swing by my apartment to grab a contract too. After that, I need you to prepare some medicine for me."Chelsey frowned immediately. "What kind of medicine?""The kind that'll make me unable to stomach anything. Even if I'm forced to eat something, I'll throw everything up right away," Alanna explained with a smile.Bu
Melanie's breath hitched in her throat when she heard Alanna's words. She never expected her to say such things without beating around the bush.But her expression soon fell, for she noticed Hades' expression turning frosty as soon as Alanna was done speaking.It was evident that Hades didn't like hearing Alanna saying such things.He didn't want to break up with that bitch at all."Melanie, you should go back first," Hades stated in an icy voice.Melanie's expression fell even more. She ignored Hades' order and chose to stare at Alanna instead."Ms. Jacinto, that's not what I meant. I—""Get the fuck out!"Alanna couldn't be bothered to listen to Melanie's pretentious words. She continued bluntly, "Or do you want me to call security? Ms. Smith, you should be aware that it'll be humiliating for a public figure like you to be thrown out of the ward."Melanie froze immediately. Tears began welling up in her eyes soon enough.She turned to look at Hades. She clearly felt aggriev
Chelsey's expression was very thunderous at the moment."I put in a request to be transferred to the VIP floor for my shift because you're here. But that Melanie bitch kept making so many demands."First, she wanted me to pour her a glass of water. Then, she demanded that I peel an apple for her. I'm a doctor, not her fucking nurse!"All I did was chew her out! She has the gall to lodge a complaint about me instead! My boss gave me a good scolding just now! Ugh, I'm so pissed right now!"Chelsey continued angrily, "Also, Hades really is an asshole! He was the one who dragged you into this mess, yet he was still in the mood to celebrate Melanie's birthday with her! Seriously, I feel like smashing the entire cake onto his head right now! Did he fucking celebrate your birthday with you, huh?"Alanna just chuckled bitterly without replying to Chelsey's question."I'm sorry for implicating you, Chelsey.""What do you mean you implicated me? Melanie's the bitchy one! At first, I thoug
Alanna gazed downward in response."Can you leave the ward for the time being, Mr. Florentine? I'd like to have a private word with Mr. Simmons."Hades chuckled coldly in return. "Oh? Can't you two chat while I'm around?"Jeff started shuffling the papers in his hands into a neat stack. "Of course, Mr. Florentine. But I hope you can stay quiet throughout the conversation."Whenever Jeff snapped into his work mode, his gentle demeanor would be replaced by his decisive personality. Even his gaze would turn razor-sharp.Alanna fell silent for a moment."Let's talk outside, Mr. Simmons."Jeff shot Hades a look. "I'm fine with that."Hades' expression became increasingly thunderous. Before Alanna could get out of bed, he finally relented by standing up immediately.Upon reaching the doorway, he added, "Eat your meal first before talking business with him."After that, he left the ward right away, making sure to slam the door behind him.Alanna pursed her lips firmly. As for Jef
"You've been waiting here for two hours?" Jeff remarked.Glancing at Jeff, Hades questioned, "You sure you want to help her?"Jeff raised a brow and asked, "Why shouldn't I?""Don't say I didn't warn you—she can't afford to pay you," Hades retorted with a sneer.A majority of the cases Jeff took on involved significant economic disputes or high-profile divorces among the wealthy elites.His fee for a single case was at least nine figures.Chuckling, Jeff declared, "I take on pro bono cases too sometimes."Hades' expression soured. "Are you sure you don't have any feelings for her, Jeff? Why do I find that hard to believe?"Jeff's expression wasn't all that pleasant either."Hades, do you realize you're acting like a cornered beast that's frantically lashing out? If you don't want her to leave you, you should focus on figuring out why she's adamant about doing so instead of taking your anger out on others!" Jeff rebuked.Hades narrowed his eyes. After a long silence, he finall
As she leaned weakly against the door, Alanna chuckled and said, "It's not because of you. The problem lies with me."Then, she looked at Hades, who was standing there with a stormy expression. The vein in his forehead started twitching."Go ahead, Alanna. Let's see if you can keep up with this stubbornness of yours for the rest of your life!" Hades snarled.Alanna simply laughed in response.At last, Margaret realized the two were fighting.Once Hades left, Margaret couldn't resist attempting to talk some sense into Alanna."You can't keep depriving your body of food like this, Ms. Jacinto," Margaret said.Alanna smiled weakly and said, "Don't worry about me. There's a reason why I'm doing this."Margaret frowned, but she didn't know what else to say.Alanna persisted for three days, and Hades' expression soured even more with each passing day.They seemed to be engaged in a cold war.Alanna was obstinately using her health to protest against Hades' domineering ways, but Ha
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