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
Alanna was dazed as she listened to him. Though she kept quiet, a tear silently rolled down her cheek. She got what she wanted, but she felt no joy.Their relationship left her with a heart covered with scars alongside several insignificant delightful moments.She had never expected them to end things this way. She thought they would part ways on a friendly note or that perhaps Hades would soon grow bored of her someday. This was the only outcome she had never foreseen.Hades' gaze fell on her tear, and he instinctively wanted to help her wipe it off. However, Alanna dodged him the moment he raised his hand. His fingers froze in mid-air.After several moments, he withdrew his hand. "I asked Margaret to cook you some chicken soup. You should at least take a sip."After a short pause, he continued, "You can stop taking that medicine. I won't pressure you to take it anymore."Then, he got up to serve her the soup. He wrapped his slender fingers around the bowl so tightly that his kn
Alanna's expression was taut. Truth be told, she was curious about Jeff's intentions as well.However, she could very well differentiate whether or not someone harbored ill intentions toward her. At least, she didn't sense anything of that sort from Jeff."And you think you're a gentleman, huh?" she retorted.Hades' eyes narrowed. "I'm far from being one, that I admit. But at least I don't have a fiancée or a girlfriend. I've only been intimate with you alone."Alanna, since the beginning, you're the only woman I've been in a relationship with. I've never even touched Melanie. I'm never one to show my affection to more than one woman."Alanna pursed her lips. She didn't know how to describe her feelings upon listening to his sudden confession.However, she refused to continue this topic. No matter who Hades would go to bed with or how many women he'd have in the future, it would no longer concern her."I'll follow through with the proper resignation procedures, and hopefully, yo
"Don't worry, Mr. Florentine. I never regret my decisions." Alanna was dead-set.Hades felt even more upset, but he stayed silent. He merely stared at her. He waited for her bottle of IV fluid to finish before leaving the hospital with her.After having some food and the IV therapy, Alanna regained her strength. When Hades walked over to carry her, she declined. "I can walk on my own."Hades scoffed and yielded. After leaving the emergency department, he said, "Let's go home first. It worries me to let you roam outside in this state. Don't even think of blaming it on me if something else happens to you. Besides, Margaret cooked your favorite dishes."Alanna could sense that he was trying to make her stay. However, his attempt seemed ridiculous at this point."There's no need. Help me thank Margaret when you get back," she said as she lowered her gaze. Then, she went to the roadside to hail a taxi.Hades left fuming. After how low he'd stooped, Alanna didn't seem to acknowledge hi
Travis nodded. "Yeah, let's have something together. I have something to talk about with you, too."Alanna checked the time. She wasn't hungry, actually. And after starving herself for three days, a liquid diet was all she could take.Still, she agreed to their invitation. There was something she needed to discuss with them. So, she opened the door and got into the car.They decided on a restaurant that was well-known among the locals. The moment they entered, they saw Terrence walking out with a woman who resembled Alanna.Upon seeing Alanna, Terrence was stunned. Since the day he witnessed Alanna being rescued from the sea, his heart ached subconsciously. Not even he could understand why.He'd been thinking of her as a plaything and never expected that there would come a day when he'd actually feel sorry for her.He dropped the mocking attitude he'd always assumed whenever he met her. In a calm voice he rarely used, he asked, "Ms. Jacinto, are you alright?""I'm fine. Thanks f
Upon hearing the busy signal, Hades scoffed. Alanna's audacity was truly showing. Despite having yet to receive the termination agreement, she already had the nerve to block his number.Hades snuffed the cigarette and texted her, "Call me back."Then, he stared at his phone as he waited for her call. However, Alanna didn't end up calling him. His phone remained silent till the end, and his text remained the last sentence of their conversation.Hades grew increasingly frustrated. He could no longer suppress his anger. Though he'd convinced himself to stop pursuing what he wouldn't get, it was difficult to follow through.He clutched his phone in a firm grip and thought of going to see her. But on the other hand, he thought there was no reason for him to pester her.Why should he stoop so low? It would be unseemly, as though he couldn't survive without Alanna. He put his phone back down but picked it up again a few moments later. It was still as silent as a mouse.Frustrated, he sc
Hudson seemed unconcerned. "You don't have to worry about that. Just come over when you resign. Northlight Group welcomes you whenever."Alanna had no excuse to put him off now that he put it that way. "Sure. I'm looking forward to working with you."Though they were at the restaurant to eat, none of them actually ate much.After leaving the restaurant, Travis dropped Hudson off at the hotel. Then, he gave Alanna a lift back. "How have you been feeling these couple of days?" he asked.Alanna nodded. "Pretty good."Travis hesitated before asking, "How are things… between you and Hades?"Alanna didn't want to talk about Hades. Although she was determined to leave him, her heart would still ache at the mention of him. Memories of him were deeply etched in her mind.She was silent for a second. "We're breaking up," she answered. Then, she changed the topic. "Travis, please let Mr. Jyles know he can assign me more tasks after this."Travis nodded. "No worries, I'll do my best to sch
With a stiff expression, Hades apologized, "I'm sorry."Alanna smiled. "That's all irrelevant now, so let's not talk about it. Hades, since Melanie's so important to you, you should just settle down with her. I'll appreciate it if you both stop bothering me."Hades' expression soured at her words. Was she that eager to cut all ties with him? Besides, since when had he said that he was going to get together with Melanie?Alanna noticed his expression, of course, but she dismissed it. After saying that, she turned and entered the apartment block.Hades lunged forward and grabbed her wrist. Alanna immediately frowned. But then, she suddenly noticed his hand was bleeding.She pressed her lips together and didn't try to break free. "Anything else you have to say?"Hesitating, Hades struggled as he said, "Ally, please give me a chance to redeem myself. I promise I won't let anything like that happen in the future. I'll answer your calls whenever you call me, okay?"Alanna chuckled. "A
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