Stunned, Esther paused momentarily before starting to howl even louder.Terrence couldn't bear to see her in that state anymore and hurried over to help her up. "Mrs. Smith, don't worry. Hades never said he'd ignore Melanie."Hades narrowed his eyes, but ultimately, he didn't say anything to that.…It was already past midnight when Melanie was wheeled out of the emergency room. After learning that she was safe, the others left.Yves stood beside Hades with a grim expression on his face. "Hades, are you really going to take her issues into your hands again?"Hades was expressionless as he stared at the woman lying on the bed. Her face was ashen. His eyes were frosty. After a long while, he seemingly snapped back to his senses and turned to leave the hospital.Alanna was sound asleep when Chelsey rushed in.Alanna opened her eyes sleepily. "What's wrong?" she asked.Frowning, Chelsey handed over her phone. "That bastard," she mouthed.Alanna took the phone from her with knitte
Alanna pressed her lips together tightly. She was speechless for a second. After a long while, she asked, "Oh. Is she dead?"That was a harsh question, but it was the only thing she wanted to know now.Yves shook his head. "It's a pity, but no, she isn't."Alanna laughed out loud. Then, she calmly nodded. "A pity, indeed."Yves frowned as he looked at her. "Ms. Jacinto, Hades had originally planned to ignore Melanie. But with Melanie threatening him with her life, he can't just watch her die after what they experienced in the past."Just then, Alanna understood why Hades had asked her those questions last night. Perhaps he was giving her a final chance.If she were willing to return to him, he'd keep his promise and ignore Melanie. Otherwise, he'd continue siding with Melanie, and Alanna could no longer blame him for it.Alanna smirked. Actually, Hades must've already known her answer before he even approached her. He didn't come to her for an answer; he just needed a reason to
As she stared at the agreement, Alanna's eyes slowly turned cold.She knew Hades would certainly intervene. However, she had thought he'd only use his connections to help reduce Melanie's sentence or bail her out after the final verdict was out.Unexpectedly, he was now stopping Alanna from even filing a lawsuit. He was really looking out for Melanie like she was all he had.Alanna didn't want to argue with him. She skimmed through the pages and ripped the agreement in two.Upon seeing that, Hades' grave expression didn't change one bit. But only he would know that he was relieved deep down.He didn't want to cut all ties with Alanna. At least now, they'd still be connected to each other somehow."What are you doing, Ms. Jacinto?" Hades studied her intently as his eyes held a subtle flicker of hope.Could it be that she regretted it? Or perhaps she wasn't sincere about leaving the company?Alanna tore that agreement into shreds. As she spoke, she killed whatever hope he held. "
Alanna narrowed her eyes. Edmund had been readily agreeing to her conditions, and that seemed surreal to her.But after going through all the possibilities, she couldn't understand why Edmund insisted on hiring her.She paused before going to the third condition. "I'd like to sign an earnout agreement with you.""What?" Edmund frowned.Without speaking further, Alanna showed him the agreement.After looking it through, Edmund laughed. "Are you sure? This is not an easy target to achieve. If you're in urgent need of money, you can just let me know. Both I and Hudson can lend you the money for now. I'm worried you can't achieve the target written here easily."There was a look of resilience on Alanna's dainty face. She chuckled. "I won't know if I don't try."As Edmund studied her, unreadable emotions flashed deep in his eyes.After a long while, he finally nodded. "Alright, it's a deal. I'll get someone to transfer the amount to you. The branch company is opening soon. Please se
"What are you doing, Hades? Why did you let them in?" Melanie was obviously in a panic.Esther was anxious, too. "Yeah, why did you let them in, Mr. Florentine? Melanie's still recovering. The doctor said we shouldn't provoke her any further."However, Hades merely stood by the doorway and gazed at them coldly. "Melanie, as I said, you should bear the consequences after committing a mistake."If you can get off scot-free just because you hurt yourself, does it mean you can do the same again no matter what you do in the future?"Indeed, he couldn't ignore Melanie, but she had to learn her lesson.Melanie stared at him in shock. Her shock quickly turned into disbelief. She never expected Hades to make her pay for her crimes, even after she tried to hurt herself.Hatred filled her. It was all because of Alanna. If it weren't for Alanna, Hades would've never done this to her!Tears rolled down her cheeks as she asked, "Hades, are you really going to do this to me? Is my life so unim
Hades glared at Yves. "Yves Florentine, are you trying to pick a fight with me?"Seeing that he was really furious, Yves shut up. However, a short while later, he continued, "Hades, Ms. Jacinto is really nice. You know those rosary beads she gave you as a birthday present?"She went through a lot to get those for you, and it was all because she heard they worked wonders to protect the user. Do you think Melanie would do the same for you?"Hades abruptly stopped smoking. He turned to look at Yves. "What did you say?"Yves paused. Then, he repeated, "I said Melanie wouldn't have done that for you! It's clear who's nice to you, isn't it?"Hades' attention was on something else. "What rosary beads?"Yves was stunned. "Your birthday gift, of course. Didn't Ms. Jacinto give them to you?"Hades swallowed, and his brows furrowed. He suddenly remembered the rosary beads he saw when he packed Alanna's luggage a few days ago.However, he didn't pay much attention to them. He thought those
Seeing as Hades' expression became visibly darker, Renee became so scared that she had to hold back her tears."Mr. Florentine, Ms. Jacinto has just left. She left just moments ago," she informed him.Anxious, Hades turned and walked out. Upon leaving the marketing department, he phoned Alanna with his work phone.Alanna got into Jeff's car after leaving the building. Jeff had come to talk about the progress of the case. When she saw the incoming call on her phone, she frowned.Jeff laughed. "Is it Hades?"Alanna nodded."Answer it. Let's see if it's the case he wants to talk to you about."After staring at the unceasingly ringing phone, Alanna eventually answered it. "Mr. Florentine."Hades frowned upon hearing how she had addressed him. However, he wasn't in the mood to argue with her over that. "Alanna, who said you could resign without my permission?"Alanna chuckled. So that was what he was calling her for. Her tone grew cold. "Mr. Florentine, I've finished handing over m
Hudson frowned at his father. "Why are you stopping me from trying to court her?"Edmund's eyes flickered, and he walked toward his office. "You won't succeed, anyway, so stop wasting your efforts. If you're so eager, you might as well go home and meet the woman your mother set you up for a date with.""Dad, that wasn't what you said when you told me to come to Jagersville." Suddenly, Hudson paused. He continued, "Tell me the truth, Dad. You can't be interested in Alanna, can you? Why else will you insist on her working under us? You're even more eager than I am."Edmund glared at him. He barked, "Get lost!"…After leaving Northlight Group, Alanna hailed a cab to the hospital.Before she could enter the hospital, someone suddenly held a pointed object against her waist. She was stunned to feel the sharp pain coming from the back of her waist.Then came the odor of alcohol, followed by Garrett's menacing cackle. "Try to scream, and I'll send you off to hell!"Alanna stiffened.
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