At the end of the day, he had been careless. His original plan was to take Alanna away from Jagersville. That way, she would not have the opportunity to reach out to Hudson.But he never thought that there was still Travis to be wary of.Hades' expression darkened as he parked and got out of the car.He had not walked toward them when their laughter reached him first. His expression darkened further.Hades stood before them with a gloomy expression. Alanna's smile immediately tensed when she saw Hades. "Travis, let's go."Travis did not say anything when he saw Hades. Instead, he turned to Alanna and nodded."Where are you going?" Hades asked with a frown.Alanna remained silent as she walked up and opened Travis' car door.Hades walked over and closed Travis' car door with a gloomy expression. "Alanna, can't you hear me talking to you? I'm asking you where you're going!"Alanna's expression turned solemn. "Hades, don't you think you should mind your own business? You're onl
But now, Hades had insulted him because of her.Travis smiled and said, "There's nothing to be sorry for. In truth, he didn't say anything wrong. I do want you for myself."Alanna pursed her lips and chuckled bitterly. She was unworthy of Travis. She was unworthy in all aspects.Travis could tell that Alanna had not moved on from her past relationship. He wasn't in a hurry. Travis had already waited for three years. He did not mind waiting for a few more.He asked gently, "Have you had dinner?"Alanna shook her head. It was already ten by the time they finished the meeting with their business partners, the Granite Group. She had planned to return to the hotel and order some room service. She never thought things would end up this way."Why don't I take you to eat some good food? Do you have anything in mind?"Alanna smiled. "Anything is fine. Or I can just make some instant noodles later."Travis glanced at her. "Is that what you normally do?"Alanna answered, "Sometimes."
Alanna was unprepared for the slap, and her cheek turned red. She cradled her cheek and looked at Yvette, who stood beside a hotel attendant."You bitch! Was seducing Hades not enough for you? You had to try and seduce Hudson too. Are you that desperate?" Yvette said as she raised her hand again.But before she could slap Alanna, Alanna raised her hand and slapped Yvette instead.The loud slap echoed throughout the corridors. Alanna had not held back one bit.The hotel attendant was shocked by the turn of events. She stood there and looked at Alanna in shock. "Miss, do you need us to call the police?"Alanna pursed her lips tightly and glanced at Yvette's cheek. Then, she turned to the attendant and said, "I'll have to trouble you with that. Could you also call security while you're at it? Thank you."The attendant quickly nodded.Yvette was still in a state of shock after being slapped by Alanna. She had not expected Alanna to hit her back.She immediately screamed, "Alanna, t
The door shut. The people outside could no longer peer in.Yvette stood there for a few seconds. She was stunned. Then, she started cursing. "That bitch! She refuses to admit to seducing Hudson. I'm not done with you yet!"…Inside the room, Hades was looking at Alanna solemnly.Alanna was in shock and slightly terrified of the whole situation. She stood rooted to the spot as her fingers trembled. After a long time, she said, "Thank you."Hades glanced at her and pulled her into the bathroom.There was some blood on Alanna's hands and cheeks.Hades pulled her into the bathroom and wiped away the blood on her. Then, he asked, "Do you have any other injuries?"Alanna shook her head. "No."Hades' expression darkened, and his gaze remained cold. He pinched Alanna's jaw and forced her to raise her head."Alanna, can you see it now? Did you think that Hudson is as innocent as he seems? Although he showed you care and kindness, he still brought trouble to your doorstep. Don't think
Hades frowned after listening to Alanna's words."You know our relationship is between us. It has nothing to do with Melanie. Why do you insist on dragging Melanie into this?"Alanna met Hades' gaze before chuckling coldly. No one knew how much she wanted to be free from Melanie. The whole situation made it seem like she was the one being unreasonable. It sounded like she was unable to let go and move on.However, Melanie would not let her go. Even if Alanna allowed bygones to be bygones and move on, Melanie would not do such a thing.As long as Hades did not draw a clear line with Melanie, Melanie's tricks would only become crueler with each act.Alanna chuckled and said, "Does it really have nothing to do with her? Hades, who are you fooling here? What's the point in fooling yourself? "Or did you think you could hide your playboy tendencies by acting like this?"Alanna's words were harsh as she looked at Hades coldly. Hades felt his heart sink as he saw the coldness in Al
Hades immediately narrowed his eyes. "What did you say?""I asked you to get the fuck out! Can't you understand what I'm saying?" Alanna did not want to talk to him anymore.There was no reason for them to talk. Melanie was not the only problem in their relationship.Hades protecting Melanie was just the most obvious problem. The biggest problem in their relationship was that Hades did not love her.Since the beginning of their relationship, she had never had a place in his heart. So, he had never hesitated to abandon her when he faced a problem and had to decide between her and something else.Her previous question had been her way of testing the waters. She had to consider the chances that Hades would protect Melanie if she decided to fight against Melanie.After all, it would be a big problem for her and Jeff if Hades insisted on protecting Melanie.Hades was furious. Did Alanna just ask him to fuck off? How dare she say that to him?"Alanna, is this how you treat someone wh
Hades' body immediately tensed. All the lust he felt immediately faded as he slowly let go of Alanna. Pain flashed through his eyes.Alanna's question was like a sharp knife stabbing into his heart.It was her first time mentioning the incident since everything went down.He had thought that it had passed. He used to believe he could pretend the whole fiasco had never happened as long as no one talked about it.But now, the scar in their relationship from that incident had been brought to their attention at the mention of the cliff.He could not erase or remove it. And despite the time that had passed, the pain still felt new and fresh.Of course, Alanna wasn't the only one to bear that pain. He carried it with him too.Hades gulped as he took two steps back. The reason behind Alanna's sudden mention of the incident could not be more obvious. She wasn't making a fuss. She just really did not want Hades to continue touching her."You'd rather talk about that trauma than let
Hades did not leave after exiting Alanna's room. Instead, he leaned against the wall and lit a cigarette.He wasn't sure if his feelings for Alanna were due to unwillingness. However, he was sure he was unwilling to give up just yet.There was no reason he was the only one trapped in the past when it took two to start a relationship.He had clearly felt how much Alanna had cared for him back then. She would do everything he wanted and listen to anything he said. She would even give him anything he wanted.But now, she could calmly extricate herself from their relationship without problems.He could only say that women were much crueler than men when they wanted to be.Hades did not leave the hotel. Instead, he stayed by Alanna's door throughout the night. He stood there and smoked cigarette after cigarette.Passersby could not help but give him a second glance. A hotel attendant even brought an ashtray over for him.Hades stayed there until dawn. Once he was sure no one would c
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