Alanna and Hades had lived together for a long time in the past. It was only natural for her to know what that was.She was about to move away when Hades surprised her with a kiss.Alanna quickly shoved him away after regaining her senses."Hades, I haven't even brushed my teeth. How can you still kiss me like this?"Hades chuckled in amusement. "That's not a problem to me. I did kiss some of your body parts, after all."Alanna stared at him suspiciously. "And what are the body parts that you mentioned?"But Hades neglected to answer that question. He just stared at Alanna with lust-filled eyes instead.Such topics weren't meant to be conversation starters early in the morning. Hades' morning wood was still present, after all. He couldn't help but recall the night when Alanna had placed her legs on his shoulders.He swallowed dryly as a result. Then, he leaned in to murmur into her ear, "Why don't I trigger your memory?"Alanna's instincts told her that it'd lead to a disast
It was Melvin.Tucker would never have expected that Melvin was the one who asked to meet him.He could barely recognize Melvin in his current state. Melvin was only in his 20s, yet he looked so scruffy because of his stubble. He was wearing a cap as well. His eyes were filled with so much ferocity and hatred."Why are you here?"If Tucker remembered correctly, Cyrus had already sent Melvin to a faraway place.Melvin just laughed. "Why can't I be here?"Mixed feelings swirled in Tucker's eyes. He knew all about the incident where Melanie and Melvin had worked together to abduct Alanna. If Hades were to capture Melvin now, Tucker was worried that Melanie might get involved again."Aren't you scared that Hades might discover your tracks?"A hint of malice crossed Melvin's eyes the moment he heard Hades' name being uttered."Hades is a nobody right now! My grandfather has already taken back the mantle as the Florentines' patriarch some time ago. Do you really think Hades still
"What?" Tucker sounded shocked. "That bitch has been the one behind my problems all this time?"He had always thought that Hades was the one causing trouble for him. To think that it was Alanna all this time…Since when did that bastard daughter of his become this powerful?Tucker quickly regained his senses. "Why are you telling me all these things?""Let's work together, Tucker. I'll help you with your financial crisis. In return, I want you to screw up Alanna's project that takes place in the northern suburbs. "If you want to save your wife, you should tell your daughter to do better. She might be useless now, but she's still Hades' first love."…Alanna received a phone call from Hades before she got off work."I heard that your meeting is over."Alanna turned to glance at Renee, who adopted an innocent look. "What's the matter, Ms. Jacinto?"Alanna didn't respond to her.Hades just chuckled softly. "What do you want to have for dinner? Do you want me to pick you up?"
Renee was extremely friendly to Hades. When she was still working in Brilliance Jewels, she was fearful of Hades. Now, she didn't fear him that much."Are you waiting for someone here, Mr. Florentine?"Hades just chuckled coldly while looking at Alanna. "Yeah."Renee replied, "Okay. Ms. Jacinto and I will take our leave now."But Hades suddenly stopped her. "Wait."Alanna flashed him a warning look, causing him to chuckle in amusement."Ms. Jacinto, are you planning to accept the government's deal on the development of the northern suburbs? Perhaps we can strike up a collaborative deal."His suggestion took Renee by surprise. "Wow! I suppose word travels fast these days, Mr. Florentine. We just had a meeting today about it. In fact, we're about to start looking for a business partner."Hades just gazed at Alanna unblinkingly. The latter just glanced at him wordlessly."We can… touch on that subject."After that, Alanna turned to look at Renee. "You can leave now, Renee."R
"Do you want to come here often, then?""Hades!" Someone called out to Hades as soon as he asked his question.Both Hades and Alanna turned around to see Veronica standing a short distance away. Holly stood next to her.Hades' gaze darkened slightly. Before he could respond to Veronica, the latter quickly led Holly to the gazebo."What a coincidence, Hades!"Hades maintained a cold expression. "You may leave after greeting me."Veronica huffed in response. "What's with that attitude, Hades? Do you have any idea how concerned Holly is about your condition? She even came all the way here to learn how to whip up herb-based dishes!"After that, she took a seat in the gazebo before forcing Holly to sit down as well. Then, she turned to look at Alanna."Hello, Ms. Jacinto. We met again. Let me introduce myself. I'm Hades' younger sister, Veronica Florentine. This, here, is Holly Maxwell. She's…"Veronica pointed at Holly as she spoke.Holly spoke up before Veronica could continue s
Hades' actions surprised Alanna.He looked down at her while asking, "Are you still mad?"Alanna didn't answer him. All she did was shove him away."Just hurry up and go back to the hospital. Chelsey will be home soon."But Hades didn't show any signs of wanting to leave. "Let me stay with you a little longer."Alanna glanced at him before heading into the kitchen. There, she dug out a can of coffee powder before putting the kettle on the stove.Meanwhile, Hades toured around the small apartment on his own. "Which one's your room?"Alanna pointed in a certain direction. Hades walked over to check out that particular room. After that, he entered the kitchen and hugged her from behind."You should move back to my apartment. Once you do, I'll move into the guest room. This apartment is too shabby."Alanna refused to believe that Hades would move back to his guest room."This place is pretty nice. I like living here."She shoved Hades away as she spoke. "Stop messing around."T
"Hades, I beg you. Please take our past relationship into account and spare my mom, okay? She did everything for my sake, so please punish me for everything she's done. Just… Just let her go, alright?"Melanie did her best to remain calm.But Hades merely replied, "Melanie, you've worn that excuse out."After that, he hung up on her before blocking that number.Meanwhile, after Alanna saw Hades out of the door, she turned to glance at Chelsey.Chelsey happened to be glaring at her angrily. "Were you going to have sex with him if I never came home?"Alanna chuckled in response. "Why would you think that?"Chelsey huffed before saying, "You can't let him sleep with you this easily, you hear? Jerks like him will never know how to cherish women!"Alanna was tickled pink. "Okay. What's wrong with you, by the way? Why are you all huffy and pissed after getting home from work?"Flames of rage shot up from within Chelsey's core when that topic was brought up."What the fuck is wrong
The next day, Chelsey reached the hospital's parking lot. Just as she parked her car and was about to get out of the car, Michel rushed up to open the car door agitatedly.At first, Chelsey was stunned. When she recognized Michel, she could feel fury boiling in the pit of her stomach.How dare that jerk show his face around here again!"You want another glass of water from last night, Michel?"Michel was so pissed that he was starting to see red. "It really was you! Chelsey Soltz, how the fuck did I offend you, huh?"Did you know I was forced to run over a dozen laps around my neighborhood just to get rid of the stimulants' effects? Those who saw me might think of me as crazy!"Chelsey shot him a look of disdain. "Don't insult crazy people. Not even the craziest guy of the bunch would drop by the OB/GYN department just to get diagnosed there.""Don't you know the reason why I did that? If it weren't for the fact that you kept reprimanding me every chance you got, I wouldn't have
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