Alanna was at a loss for words. Renee and her big mouth!Immediately, she walked around Hades' car. "I can't afford to hire you as a driver, Mr. Florentine."Hades quickly got out of the car and grabbed her. "I'll do it for free."Alanna glared at him. "Do you have too much time on your hands, Hades?"Hades hummed in agreement. He'd have the time for this as long as he tried hard enough. At worst, he'd lose a few hours of sleep.Alanna shot him another glare. She knew how busy things were at Brilliance Group. "I really don't need you to be my driver. Besides, it's inappropriate."Hades was the head of the Florentine family. She didn't want others to talk behind her back just because she got him to be her driver.Hades was prepared to be rejected. "I'll be your driver for the night. Then I'll arrange for someone else to do it, okay? Don't hire someone you're unfamiliar with. You won't know whether or not you can trust them."Alanna pressed her lips together. "I'll look into thei
Edmund specifically found a fortune teller to decide on the best day to hold the opening ceremony. It had been decided that the ceremony would take place at the beginning of the upcoming month.As the company's person in charge, Alanna had to make the call for various matters.She and Hudson kept talking about it in low voices while Hades sat beside them with his arms crossed. He looked grumpy.When they were about to finish eating, he suddenly asked, "Is Northlight after the plot of land in the northern suburbs?"Alanna paused. Indeed, Northlight Group wanted that piece of land, but the Quigley family owned it.Because of that incident with Blake, she had a disagreement with them. That was why she couldn't even talk to them now.Hades arched an eyebrow at her. "Ally, I can help you arrange for a meeting with the Quigleys."Alanna looked at him. Moments later, she asked, "On what condition this time, Mr. Florentine?"Hades' eyes flickered. "You'll only have to help me dress my
Alanna paused. Then, she answered, "I can't, Hades. I just can't bring myself to tell my mom about us."Hades stared at her silently for several moments. "So you decided to cancel me from your life?"Alanna replied, "It's safer not to mention you. Drive safely on your way back."After saying that, she returned to the ward with her phone. However, Hades unexpectedly came in after her.She turned and shot him a glare. Whispering, she asked, "What are you doing, Hades Florentine?"Hades ignored her and went straight to Tara's bed. "Nice to meet you, Ms. Thornton. I'm Alanna's… friend."Standing beside them, Jane exclaimed, "Ms. Thornton, I guess you haven't heard. This is Mr. Florentine, Ally's admirer. He's very enthusiastic in his efforts to court Ally."Tara turned to look at Alanna, who lowered her gaze. Alanna said, "Mom, I'm not interested in him."Hades chuckled. "You're not interested in me now, but that may change in the future. Do you agree, Ms. Thornton?"Tara stared b
Hudson demanded, "You're not planning to get back together with Hades, are you?"Alanna shoved his hand aside, "What nonsense are you talking about?""I'm talking nonsense? More like you're playing dumb."Alanna paused before saying, "Hudson, I told you before that you and I can only be friends."Hudson laughed. "So what? Will that change the fact that Hades is a scumbag? Alanna, think about how he treated you. Don't fall for it just because he's being nice for a second."Alanna stepped around him. "I'm thinking straight!""And that'll be for the best." Hudson ended the conversation with that and handed her a cup of coffee.Alanna glanced at him and took it. "Thanks."Hudson said nothing and returned to his office.As Alanna watched him leave, she sighed. After the ruckus Hudson caused, she suddenly remembered her promise to help Hades dress his wound.She originally thought Hades would take the initiative and approach her. However, she didn't receive any calls from him even
Hades was in his office. He was listening to the newly hired marketing manager present their proposal for the upcoming summer.Halfway through, he raised a hand to signal the manager to stop. After checking his phone, Hades smiled."Shall we have dinner together? You can help me change the dressing then."Alanna read Hades' message in silence. Indeed, she couldn't reject him now. After taking a deep breath, she replied: "Okay."Hades' lips curled into a smile, and the marketing manager watched him, terrified.Had anyone seen Hades smile like that? To think that that iceberg of a man could actually do that!Hades put his phone away and looked up at the marketing manager. "Redo your proposal. Have you studied the market trends for this summer? Have you conducted market research?"If you don't know how to go about it, you should refer to those the previous manager has done."The marketing manager snapped back to his senses. He fearfully agreed and left the office with the proposal
With that, Hades drove off. Alanna stood rooted to the spot, dazed. She only returned to her senses a long while later.As she held the bouquet, she made her way back to the apartment absent-mindedly.Chelsey was stunned to see the bouquet she held. "This is… from Hades?"Alanna's eyelashes fluttered at her question. She remained silent and walked straight into the bedroom.That night, she stayed awake for a long time. The sweet scent of lisianthus seemed to fill every corner of the room.The next day, Alanna reached the golf course very early where she was supposed to meet Paul.The Quigleys were involved in businesses that were borderline lawful. In contrast, Paul appeared to be someone reserved. In his 40s, he exuded the boldness and sensibility expected of his age.Alanna was slightly surprised when she met him.Likewise, Paul was awed when he saw her, too. "You're much prettier in person, Ms. Jacinto."They had never met, but because of the incident with Blake, Paul had l
It was almost noon when Alanna and Paul finished a round of golf. Paul invited Alanna for lunch.He remained a gentleman throughout the meal. He did not force her to drink nor did he drink too much himself. He was thoroughly courteous, and both enjoyed the meal.When they finished their meal, Paul asked, "Have you made up your mind about that plot of land?"Alanna's mind was in a jumble. After a brief pause, she replied, "Mr. Quigley, this is not a decision I can make alone. Maybe we can talk about this again sometime later?"Smiling, Paul responded, "Sure. I look forward to hearing from you."Alanna nodded.After leaving the restaurant, Alanna hopped into her car. She was still in a daze.Before this, she didn't ask about the details regarding the incident with Blake. At that time, the relationship between her and Hades was already tense. He never told her about what he'd done.In fact, she had heard from Yves that Hades had tortured the hell out of Blake. Alanna couldn't de
Alanna fell silent for a moment. Then, she replied, "I'll go over after work."She heard Hades' deep chuckle through the receiver. He said, "Alright. I'll pick you up.""There's no need. I'll go there on my own." With that, Alanna hung up on him right away.Hades looked at the phone in his hand and smiled in resignation.He remained quiet for a while as he glanced at Margaret, who was preparing bone broth for his hangover in the kitchen."You don't have to make the bone broth anymore, but please get some ingredients from the supermarket."Margaret was puzzled. Looking at him, she asked, "Mr. Florentine, we're well-stocked on ingredients."Hades got up and went to the restroom. As he did so, he instructed languidly, "After getting the ingredients, you're done for today."Margeret paused. She understood what he meant now. After packing her belongings, she headed out.Suddenly, Hades called out to her and asked, "Do you know what Ms. Jacinto's favorite foods are? Aside from desse