Alanna pressed her lips together. "Alright."Although Winston told her this matter would be properly handled, she still felt aggrieved. As she had told Winston, she never feared rivalry, but tricks like this disgusted her.Hades must've known that she had already disembarked, so he called. Alanna answered it with a listless greeting.Judging by her tone, Hades guessed she wasn't in a good mood. "What's wrong?"After giving it some thought, Alanna decided to tell him about it. She felt better after doing so. She even comforted Hades, "It's fine. I have nothing to be afraid of even if I have to compete for the task."Hades' face darkened, but his tone remained cheerful as he said, "Yeah, I know. They are no match for the mighty Alanna."His words tickled Alanna, who burst out laughing. But when she stopped laughing, aggrievement washed over her. "Why would anyone spread such rumors?"Hades sneered. "Because they are jealous of what you have. And because they can't get their hands
The moment Alanna saw Holly, everything fell into place.She thought Holly's departure from the Florentine family indicated she had given up on Hades. But now it seemed Alanna had been too naive.How would someone who addressed Hades affectionately and specifically learned to cook nutritious food for him give up so easily?When Winston saw Alanna, he hurried over. He whispered into her ear, "Your competitor tonight is Holly Maxwell. She has a knack for languages."Besides, this task involves antiques, and her grandfather, Alexander Maxwell, happens to be a professional in this field. Under his influence, Holly may have an advantage over you."Alanna was Winston's prized student, after all. He was unwilling to see her being taken advantage of in this aspect.Alanna nodded. "I've looked into various sources to prepare for the task, so don't worry, Mr. Jyles."Winston nodded. He believed in her competency without a doubt. However… He couldn't help but glance at the jury.There was
Winston believed everyone would have formed their own judgment even if Alanna lost.The jury exchanged glances, all having a complicated look in their eyes. They didn't expect Alanna to be that brilliant. Things had turned out to defy their expectations greatly.Then, they looked at Alexander, who took the middle seat. He appeared somehow embarrassed too.He confidently approved the contest because he believed Holly was on par with Alanna. Therefore, he pulled many strings to manifest the current situation. He even made a deal with the jury beforehand.Now, he felt his cheeks burn with humiliation. Holly was nowhere as good as Alanna.But now that things had come to this, he and Holly would be the clowns of the day if Alanna still won. So no matter what happened, he'd help Holly to secure the role.It didn't take long for the crowd to realize who was better. But to their surprise, Holly emerged as the winner."Ms. Jacinto, you performed really well, but you carried yourself as t
Hades seemed concerned for her. "Aggrieved?"He stroked the corners of her eyes with his slender fingers and wiped away her tears.Dazed, Alanna stared at him. There was a long pause before she asked, "Why are you here?"Hades laughed. "I'm on a business trip."Alanna held in the urge to cry. "I'm not really aggrieved; I'm just dissatisfied with the outcome. I performed better than Holly."“Yeah, you are a thousand times better than her." Hades chuckled. "I'll avenge you, okay?"Alanna stared at him and let out a laugh after a long while. "It's inappropriate for you to intervene as it concerns the ministry. Forget it. Another opportunity will come by."Hades still smiled. "It's inappropriate for me to intervene, indeed. However, someone else has the right to do so."Then, he signaled Alanna to look beside him. It was then she realized a group of people was standing there under the night sky.They were all significant figures from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Hector was the
After saying all that, Hector turned his cold, stern gaze on the person who announced the result."'You should always know your place', huh?" he questioned. "And you said she carried herself as though she were the negotiator? Come, enlighten me. What should an interpreter be like?"All the blood drained from that person's face.Hector continued, "The inspectors from the Inspector General's Office will investigate further to find out if any similar cases of injustice and bribery have happened."As for the result of the contest—"Before Hector could finish, Holly abruptly said, "Mr. Archdale, I know I'm greatly inferior compared to Ms. Jacinto. Hence, I'm willing to give up this opportunity to her."Everyone was stunned at her words. She caught everyone by surprise by giving up the role she had just won.Hector and the rest were here to avenge Alanna. But because of Holly's statement, what they were doing now was akin to forcing Alexander and Holly to make way for Alanna instead.
Alanna looked back and saw Travis looking at her.Some time had passed since they last met. He was much thinner now, but he seemed to be full of life compared to before.He had arrived with Hector. Though he initially planned to catch up with Alanna, Hades had been with her all the time.Upon seeing that she was about to leave, he failed to restrain himself from calling out to her.Alanna smiled. "It's been some time, Travis."Travis nodded. "Yeah. How have you been lately?" he asked as he glanced at Hades, who was standing beside her. Dismay crept into his heart.He hadn't been to Jagersville recently nor had he been asking around about her. Still, he knew Hades and Alanna were one step away from reconciling. Hudson had been telling him about it every day.Alanna smiled slightly. "I'm doing fine. How about you?"Travis nodded as he concealed the heartache he felt. He replied, "So so."Alanna wanted to say something else, but Hades abruptly pulled her into an embrace. "You've
"It's late, Mr. Silva. We've got to go," said Hades.Travis looked at Alanna. "Ally, my family was harsh on you, so I never blamed you for choosing to break up with me. Still, I hope you will prioritize yourself more in the future."I wish you all the happiness in the world," he said before he left.Alanna stared blankly at Hades. After some time, she asked, "Was what Travis said true?"At that instant, Hades didn't know how to explain. He knew it was wrong of him to do that. "Ally…"Alanna instantly knew what the answer was. Indeed, Hades was more than capable of doing what Travis said.Hades asked in a low voice, "Are you mad?""No," replied Alanna as she turned and walked off.Hades quickly caught up with her. He carried her in his arms and got into the car. In a low voice, he pleaded, "You can hit and scold me all you want. Just don't get mad at me, okay?"Alanna gazed at him. Suddenly, she didn't know what to say.He would put her in an extremely uncomfortable position w
Alanna paused abruptly. It was past midnight now. If he was taking the 3:00 a.m. flight, he'd have to leave for the airport by 2:00 a.m.Hades lowered his gaze to look at her. "Let me stay for a while, okay?"Alanna glanced at him. Eventually, she replied, "You're sleeping on the couch."Hades hastily agreed. "Then shall I help you shower?""There's no need for that!"Hades chuckled and stopped his shameless acts, mainly because there wasn't enough time for him to do anything else.He only had slightly more than one hour left. Even the foreplay would take longer than that.When Alanna finished showering, Hades was on the phone. He ended the call after a brief exchange upon noticing her. Alanna glanced at him and walked toward the bed.Hades went to the bathroom for a quick shower and returned with only a towel wrapped around his waist.Alanna was stunned. There was a bathrobe in the bathroom, but he chose to cover himself with a towel.She was about to remark on it when her g
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