Alanna didn't know what to say.They arrived at Delecta Diner. Just as Alanna was about to get off, Hudson grabbed her. "Hades is right behind us. Link your arm with mine when we get down."Alanna frowned as she turned to look. Indeed, she saw Hades' car behind them.Hudson went to the passenger side and opened the door for her.He winked at her. "While I was waiting for you outside your workplace, I saw Melanie posting on social media that she'd be here tonight, too. They are probably here for a date. Surely you don't want to let them get the better of you."Alanna glanced at Hudson. She wanted to tell him it was unnecessary to put on a show. But in the end, she took a deep breath and linked arms with him.They got out and were arm in arm. Hades took it all in. His already sour expression turned frosty.Yves silently exhaled. Hudson was really bold. Yves had never seen anyone with the audacity to provoke Hades in public, but Hudson did it.Hudson and Alanna appeared to be a go
Yves' head throbbed as he watched the scene unfold. Hudson was truly fanning the flame. What date was he talking about?Hades had been meeting Melanie a lot less recently. If it weren't for the appointment with the plastic surgeon, he might not have come. But Hudson made it seem like Hades and Melanie were actually here for a date.Yves glanced at Alanna, who was expressionless. She didn't care whether or not Hades was on a date with Melanie.Why should she be surprised? That was a common occurrence even when Alanna and Hades were still together. Now that they'd broken up, there were even fewer reasons for Hades to stay away from Melanie.Even if they were there to spend the entire night together, that was none of Alanna's concern. She turned to Hudson and replied naturally, "Let's go."Hudson smiled and waved at the other three.Hades clenched his jaws and tried his best to control his fury, which was burning brightly in him.He underestimated Alanna. He thought she was just pr
But that was fine. He hoped Hades could remain blind to the extent that Alanna could get over him.Alanna stopped talking about it. She started talking to Hudson about the branch company in Jagersville. The preparation stage was coming to an end, and that was the main reason why Edmund had come.As they chatted, they entered the elevator. Upon exiting the elevator, a waiter led them to a private room.Two men stood at the door, and Jeff was one of them. The other was someone Alanna read about when she was reading up on Northlight Group's background—he was Edmund Campbell, the board director of Northlight Group, whom she was to meet today.Edmund's eyes narrowed when he saw her. His eyes sparkled oddly but only briefly.Hudson greeted him. "Dad, this is Ms. Jacinto. Isn't she more beautiful in person?"Edmund had an authoritative air about him. As he studied Alanna, he seemed to be able to see right through her.He sized her up and nodded after a long while. "She's beautiful, ind
Edmund frowned. It was inappropriate to decline Hades' suggestion now. So, he agreed. "Sure."With that, it was decided. However, the others had differing responses.Alanna felt her eyelid twitch. She didn't know what Hades was up to. She had the feeling that he was up to no good. He might even screw up her chance of getting employed.Meanwhile, Melanie was scowling. Hades was here to meet the plastic surgeon with her, yet now he was going to have dinner with Alanna?"Hades, we're here for something else," she reminded.Hades glanced at Yves. "Go and see the plastic surgeon with her."Yves nodded. "Let's go, Ms. Smith."Melanie was furious. "No. Hades, I want you to accompany me."Hudson couldn't hold in his laughter. "Your date's angry, Mr. Florentine. Perhaps you should keep her company."Hades cast Melanie a glance. "Melanie, have you forgotten what I said?"Melanie didn't forget, of course. Since that call the other day, Hades had started to be distant. Well, actually, he
So what if he knew something?Hades wouldn't do anything to her.He knew she was the real reason behind Alanna's cyberbullying fiasco. It was just like how he also knew she was the mastermind behind Alanna's miscarriage.Hades was a smart man. He knew the truth. He just chose to protect her every time.With that thought in mind, Melanie's heart calmed.…Hudson was slightly annoyed when he noticed Hades entering their private room. But he could not do a thing as Edmund had already invited him to join and eat.After Hades entered, Edmund had gestured to the open seat beside him. However, Hades nonchalantly went to sit beside Alanna."I think I'll just sit beside my employee, Ms. Jacinto."Alanna's eyes twitched as her expression faltered.But it was inappropriate for her to speak out as Edmund had remained silent.Hudson watched as Hades went to sit beside Alanna. He followed suit and sat on the empty seat beside her.Edmund's eyes flashed as he watched them. However, he rem
Alanna immediately froze.Hades' words were indescribably humiliating.She lowered her head and used a tissue to wipe her wet hands.After a long time, she turned to look at Hades. "Perhaps to you, my only worth is my body. But I have my own value in other people's eyes. Hades, don't use your dirty thoughts to judge everybody else."Then, she walked out of the bathroom.Hades' expression darkened as he caught up to her and held Alanna's hand. "What is he if he's not your new benefactor? Would he be willing to spend tens of millions for the breach of contract if he was just your employer? Alanna, do you think I'm stupid?"Alanna pursed her lips. After a long time, she said, "So what if we have a deal? It has nothing to do with you. Or did you think I would never be able to escape your grasp no matter how hard I tried?"Or do you think I deserve to be your toy no matter what happens to me?"Alanna glared at Hades. Her gaze was full of hatred. She could not understand what Hades
Alanna was slightly annoyed. But she could not make a scene as they were still having dinner with Edmund.So, she allowed Hades to give her whatever food he wanted. But she did not touch any food he gave her.Edmund remained silent as he watched their exchange.Alanna thought Edmund would choose another candidate after Hades' interference.After all, it was unwise to offend Hades if they planned to expand their business to Jagersville. She wasn't irreplaceable either.She had already prepared herself mentally. But to her surprise, Edmund began to discuss the terms of their contract after the meal. Alanna was surprised.Hades' gaze darkened before he started to laugh. "Mr. Campbell, you really do love to spoil your son."Edmund smiled and pretended not to hear the hidden pretense behind Hades' words. "Mr. Florentine, please help me look out for him in the future."Hades' gaze darkened and he did not answer Edmund. After the meal, Hades left the room with a solemn expression.
Alanna did not know Hudson well. But even if she didn't, she knew Hudson was currently a much safer option than Hades.Not to mention, she never planned to ask Hudson to send her home. Hudson had also drunk alcohol. He couldn't even drive, let alone send her home.Her original plan was to leave the building and call a cab home. But she was too lazy to explain it to him. Not to mention that with their relationship now, there was no need to explain anything to him.She pursed her lips and looked at Hades. "Mr. Florentine, you just wanted to tell me about his impure intentions. Am I wrong?""You knew about his intentions, yet you still allowed him to send you home?" Hades asked."But what about your intentions? Hades, are you that different compared to others?"Hades' expression darkened as he tightened his grip around Alanna's wrist.He immediately dragged Alanna out once the elevator doors opened. Alanna struggled but failed to break free. They had also attracted the attention of