Alanna didn't hide the disgust she felt toward Hades.Hades didn't mind it at all and walked toward her. "Garrett's autopsy report is out."Alanna halted in her tracks. "So what is it? Was it an accident, or was he murdered?""He was murdered. Suffocated. And the time of his death coincided with the time we left the alleyway."Alanna felt goosebumps all over. She never expected that, as the victim, she would now become the suspect."What about the CCTVs nearby?" Travis couldn't resist asking.Hades met his gaze. "Do I look stupid to you, Mr. Silva? I checked all of them when I discovered Garrett was dead. During that period, Alanna and I were the only ones walking out of the alleyway."Alanna looked grim. Who was behind all this? What was that person trying to do? Was this directed solely at her, or was Hades one of the targets, too?Her mind was muddled. Initially, she suspected Melanie was behind this. But now, she was unsure of that theory. Could it really be Melanie? If it
Hades stopped right before he hit Alanna's face. His eyes were filled with agony as he asked, "Alanna, do you really care for him that much? Aren't you afraid that I might hit you?"Alanna was scared, of course. She had witnessed once before the amount of force that lay in his punch. However, she would never let him hit Travis again.Travis had been through a lot because of her. She didn't want him to get hurt for her sake again. That would only leave her feeling guiltier.Alanna stared at Hades for a while. Then, she smirked. "Hades, he's my boyfriend. Who should I care for if not him? You?"Hades felt a sting in his heart. Dazed, he stared at what was happening before him. After a long while, he scoffed and withdrew his hand.Without saying anything, he turned and followed the staff into the room. As she watched him leave, Alanna heaved a sigh of relief. She comforted Travis and left with the staff.The interrogation took nearly three hours. When it was all over, Alanna was tak
Jeff continued, "And you did all that just to sleep with her for another year? It's not even worth the effort. Why would you even do all that?"Hades leaned against the wall with his head tilted slightly upward. His expression was obscured by the cigarette smoke.Actually, he knew better than anyone else that he didn't have to do all that, but he just couldn't let go.He was reluctant to accept that Alanna, who was supposed to belong with him, was leaving him for good. To top it off, she now had a new boyfriend."But at least she would've belonged to me for the time being," he replied.Jeff studied his best friend for a moment before scoffing. "You know yourself best. You had taken advantage of her situation when that agreement was signed."Hades, if reluctance is all you feel, then heed my advice and move on. You can find someone else and make do for a year. It'll all pass in no time."Jeff continued, "It's a different story if you're sincere about winning her back. And you're
Hades' eyes lit up, but Alanna's next words snuffed out his joy. Through gritted teeth, she said, "Melanie committed a crime and deserves to be punished. Why should I break up with Travis?"Hades' expression soured. But before he could say anything, Alanna fell out of her seat. Her face was as pale as a ghost."Alanna!" With a grave expression, Hades held her. That was when he realized Alanna was sweating profusely. "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"Alanna endured the pain and remained silent.However, Hades quickly realized what was happening. He immediately placed a hand over her stomach. "Are you having your period?"Instinctively, Alanna shoved his hand aside. "Please help me get some painkillers, thanks."Hades' eyes narrowed. She refused to let him touch her even when she was in this state. If she hadn't needed his help to get her painkillers, she would've never let him get this close.Hades didn't do as she said. Instead, he carried her and started walking out. He i
There were many people at the clinic. Seeing that Alanna was struggling very hard to break free, Hades could only let her go.Alanna withstood the pain as she walked out. It seemed there was no need to wait in the police station any longer.However, she left her phone there, so she headed for the police station after leaving the clinic. Hades followed her with a sour expression.Just before they reached the police station, he suddenly asked, "Alanna, do you really think your relationship with Travis will last? If you don't believe me, let's make a bet. I bet you'll break up soon enough."Alanna frowned. After a while, she chuckled. "That aside, even if he and I break up, you and I will never get back together!"Then, she entered the police station. After getting her phone back, she immediately called Travis. He must've been nearby because he came over within minutes after her call."How did you get here so fast, Travis?" Alanna asked.Travis laughed. "I made some lentil soup and
Hades narrowed his eyes. Several moments later, he scoffed. "This is between Alanna and me. What has it got to do with you?"Seeing as a fight was about to ensue, Alanna quickly stepped between them.Glaring at Hades, she questioned, "How much do you want? If 200 dollars is too little for you, what about 2000 dollars? Or perhaps 20 thousand dollars?"Hades felt his blood pressure rising. "Alanna, it's not about the money, alright? Do I look like I'm desperate for money?"Alanna's lips were set in a hard line. "Hades, I'll unblock your number. Just tell me how much your medical bills amount to, and I'll transfer the amount to you."Then, she tugged Travis along as she headed toward the car.Hades was about to follow them when a car stopped before him.Jeff got out and looked toward Alanna. "You're unwell? Go back and rest. Leave it to me."Alanna nodded. "Thanks," she said before promptly getting into the car.As the car left, Hades' gaze slowly darkened. Fortunately, Alanna wa
Nevertheless, Alanna picked it up anyway. "Anything?""Hi there, are you this gentleman's girlfriend? He's drunk. Could you please come and get him?"Alanna was stunned. Then, she replied, "I'm sorry, but you called the wrong number. I don't know him.""It can't be! Your contact number is the first number on his phone. Besides, he was calling for you even though he was drunk. How can you not know him?"Alanna pressed her lips together. After a long while, she replied, "Sorry, but I really don't know him. You might want to call Yves. Yves will get him."Then, she ended the call.Travis was staring at her from the side. "Was it Hades?"Alanna nodded. "Let's get some rest, Travis."Travis pursed his lips. He had wanted to continue kissing her after the call, but it seemed she wasn't in the mood for that now."Goodnight, Ally. Remember to call me if you feel unwell.""Sure."…At the bar, the bartender ended the call and turned to Hades.Though Hades was drunk, he was still aw
When Alanna arrived at the police station, Hades was already waiting there.He had one hand in his pocket while he leaned against his car. A piece of gauze was plastered to his forehead.Alanna merely glanced at him as she headed inside.Frowning, Hades cast a glance at her car before catching up with her. "Travis bought you that shabby old car?"Alanna ignored him.Hades' brows were creased as he grabbed her wrist. "Alanna, did you hear me?"Visibly annoyed, Alanna barked, "Hades Florentine, it seems that wound doesn't hurt enough. If you touch me again without my consent, I'm going to fight back!"Hades smirked. "And how are you going to fight back?"As she glared at him, Alanna suddenly kicked his leg. The pain brought a frown to Hades' face.It wasn't the first time Alanna had kicked him. Whenever she did, she'd always kicked him with all her might as though he was her sworn enemy."Alanna Jacinto!" Hades bellowed.Alanna didn't hold back and kicked him again.It hurt t
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