In a rage, Gwyneth picked it up. "Jeff, come over here right now. Someone's bullying me!"Jeff said something, and Gwyneth paled. "Jeff, I'm your aunt!"Jeff must have said something nasty as she hung up on him in fury.Glaring at Alanna, she hissed, "Just you wait, Travis will certainly break up with you!"Then, she picked up her bag and headed out.Alanna said nothing ever since Hades entered. She couldn't discern what she was feeling right now. She wasn't sure if she was feeling ashamed or embarrassed.Gwyneth's humiliating words shook her to her senses. She had been naive; things were more complicated than she thought they were."Sad?" Hades asked. It sounded like he was gloating. "Alanna, can you bear with Travis' family? They look down on you even before you're married to him. They'd only make things more difficult for you after. Can you really put up with it?"Alanna met his gaze. "Feeling pleased now aren't you, Hades?"Hades chuckled. "Oh, no. I told you from the star
Hades was sincere about that, but Alanna thought he was ridiculous.Protect her? He once said the same thing, but look at how things had turned out."Hades, just stop bothering me, okay?"Hades froze. He gazed at Alanna with a bitter look. "You think all this happened because of me?"Alanna resented him, indeed. She admitted Travis' family was a hurdle she couldn't get past. Even if this hadn't happened today, she'd have to face it sooner or later.But if Hades hadn't been bothering her, she wouldn't have to suffer such humiliation because of those photos.Her eyes were red as she looked at him. "Well, it happened because of those photos!"Hades was miffed. "Alanna, don't you understand? Your relationship with Travis will never make it."Alanna refused to bring the conversation any further. Glaring at him, she growled, "Are you getting out or not? No? Then I'll get out!"With that, she attempted to get out of the car.Hades grabbed her. "Where are you going?""I'm getting a
Chelsey gazed at Alanna while feeling sorry for her.Why was Alanna's love life such a bumpy one?"What are you going to do?" she asked.Alanna chuckled. "Travis told me to wait for him."Chelsey frowned. "Can this even be sorted out, though?"To her, it seemed hard enough. It would be a different story if Travis were from an ordinary family. However, that wasn't the case."I don't know."Chelsey hugged her. "Alright, let's stop thinking about it. Let's have a drink, shall we?"At that, she brought out a bottle of red wine. "I sneaked this out of my dad's wine cabinet."Smiling, Alanna nodded. "Thanks, Chelsey."Chelsey shot her a glare. "Stop being so polite!"She pushed a glass over to Alanna and clinked hers against Alanna's. "Let's prioritize ourselves more from now on, Alanna."Alanna had calmed down, but she felt a surge of emotions at that very moment.Feeling the urge to cry, she took some time before nodding with a smile. "Yeah, let's do that."The holidays were
Travis reached out to hold her hand. Then, he said, "Ally, I can give up everything I have for you. What about you?"Alanna froze when she heard Travis' words. After a moment, she chuckled apologetically. "I'm sorry, Travis. I can't do such a thing."Travis looked hurt as he said, "Ally, are you really that unwilling to fight for us?"Alanna lowered her head. "Travis, I can fight for us. But I can't give up everything I have right now."She could not do it. She could not abandon the life she had tried to fight tooth and nail for. She could not abandon Tara either.At the same time, she could not allow Travis to give up everything for her. Travis had a bright future ahead. He came from a happy family too. Who was she to ask someone like Travis to sacrifice everything for her?She didn't think she was worth such a sacrifice. She also did not want to be in a relationship where it felt like she owed him the world."But you were the one who wanted to give this relationship a try!"
Hades was silent before he chuckled bitterly. "Alanna, we used to be happy together!"Alanna laughed. "I never said that I was happy in our relationship.""Are you saying that you weren't happy?"Alanna looked at Hades. "That's right. Hades, every second with you was like torture!"With that said, she broke free from Hades' grasp and turned toward the corridor.Alanna didn't want to admit it. But Hades always had a knack for making her emotional.He could always cause her pain with a few measly words. She didn't even feel that sad when she ended things with Travis.What was there for her to be happy about?Was there joy in being kept like a pet? Or was there joy in watching Hades and Melanie acting all lovey-dovey?There were just fuck buddies. There was no reason to bring happiness into the equation!Hades frowned as he watched Alanna leave resolutely. After a long time, he suddenly laughed with a strong sense of bitterness and pain. He suddenly realized that all his har
On the way there, Alanna received a call from Travis."Ally, something came up. I can't accompany you today."Alanna had completely forgotten that Travis was coming to see her. "It's alright, Travis. Happy New Year."Alanna's tone sounded rushed. Travis wanted to talk more, but Alanna immediately ended the call.After ending the call, Alanna rushed to the hospital as quickly as she could.Hades followed behind and cursed. Why was she driving so recklessly? Was she not afraid she'd get into an accident?Alanna parked her car and ran to Tara's ward.Hades watched her run and felt slightly worried. Did something happen?He opened his car door and followed behind.The doctor was still completing Tara's checkup when Alanna arrived. "Doc, how is my mom doing?"The doctor looked surprised as they said, "She is showing signs that she might wake up soon. She's beginning to react to stimuli. Ms. Jacinto, you can try calling out to her. She'll probably be able to react to it."Alanna
Then, she heard Hades say, "I don't want to let you go. Could you just let me hug you? Just for today. Is that alright?"Alanna struggled for a few more seconds before she stopped. She pressed her forehead against Hades' chest as the tears fell from her face.Hades felt his heart break. He suddenly realized how fragile Alanna was. Perhaps, her stubbornness had been an act.Hades pressed her head against his chest. His voice was slightly hoarse as he said, "Don't cry. Everything will get better."Alanna did not allow Hades to hug her for too long. She immediately pulled back after regaining composure.Hades also did not push things and let her go."Have you eaten?"Alanna had not eaten anything. But she did not want to leave Tara just yet. "I'm not hungry. It's alright. You don't need to worry about me."Hades looked at her and said, "I'll ask someone to send some food here. You can eat here."Alanna was silent momentarily before she said, "It's alright. There's no need for m
Hades dragged Alanna out of the hospital and pushed her into his car. Alanna was furious as she watched Hades lock the door. "What on earth are you trying to do?"Hades did not answer her. Instead, he sent a message on his phone, started his car, and drove off.Throughout the ride, his phone kept ringing. His family kept calling him. Melanie also tried to reach him. However, Hades just silenced his phone.Alanna did not say a word. Back then, she had been sensitive toward Melanie's special ringtone. But now, she felt nothing as she listened to the ringtone.Hades drove out of the city and headed toward the hills by the suburbs.Alanna felt a headache coming. She was about to say something when Hades suddenly stopped the car.Then, he opened his car door and got out.Alanna frowned.Hades had already made his way to the passenger's seat. He opened her door. "Get down.""What on earth are you trying to pull?"Why did he bring her to an empty hill so late at night?If it we
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