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
The only thing in the message Hades sent Alanna was a photo of the sunrise he took on the plane. Its radiant beauty dyed half the sky red.Alanna gazed at the photo for a long time. Then, she saved it before stashing her phone away under her pillow. Finally, she drifted off to sleep.…Hector said he would send someone to pick up Alanna, but she didn't expect it to be Travis.As usual, he wore a smile. "Did you have a good night's sleep?"Alanna nodded. "I guess so."Travis laughed. "Great. I was worried you couldn't sleep." After a pause, he continued, "Ally, have you made peace with Hades?"Alanna fell silent for a moment before replying, "Not yet."Although they hadn't gotten back together, Alanna could feel her determination wavering. She found it harder and harder to resist his advances.However, she had qualms about the Florentines' attitude toward her.She didn't elaborate further as she packed her stuff and followed Travis downstairs.In the elevator, he stared at he
After ending the call, Alanna glanced at Travis. "Sorry about that. Don't mind him, Travis."Travis laughed. He didn't mind, because he understood how Hades felt. He had felt a similar sense of crisis before. Never would he have thought that their roles would be reversed.Travis gazed at Alanna. After a while, he asked, "Ally, what would've happened to us if I had insisted on not letting you go?"Alanna was typing a message when he asked her that question. She paused. She did not know how to answer him because she wasn't sure herself.However, with Hades constantly causing trouble for them, their relationship might not last anyway, regardless of how persistent they were."It's all in the past now. You should just let it go," she replied.Travis merely smiled. It was easier said than done, especially after finding out Hades was the reason why they broke up. He was more indignant than ever.However, he wouldn't try to come in between Hades and Alanna. He'd offer his blessing if Ha
Benedict sighed. "I'm getting more emotional as I age."Jeff knew Benedict was thinking of Sandra, so he took Benedict aside and consoled him.Before they departed, Alanna called Hades, who was still in the board meeting. His phone was on the table when it rang.A bunch of elderly men were in the meeting room of Florentine Group with him. They scowled when they heard his phone ring."Hades, we're now having a board meeting. You should at least show us some respect as we're your elders."Hades glanced at the screen and promptly answered the phone. The board directors looked all the more disgruntled."Hades Florentine! Are you even listening?"Hades looked up with a sullen gaze, and their fury simmered instantly.Alanna's voice came through the receiver, saying, "Are you busy? Talk to you later then."Hades hummed in response but didn't end the call. He merely placed the phone back on the table.Alanna was about to end the call. Just then, she heard a furious voice demanding, "
After more than ten hours of flight, the team reached Yruvsia the next day.Alanna had just disembarked when she saw Justin stepping forward from the team of bodyguards standing nearby.She was stunned. "Why are you here?"Justin laughed. "Mr. Florentine was worried about your safety, so he requested for Mr. Archdale to slot me in as one of the bodyguards."Almost immediately, Alanna understood the reason behind Hades' action.Her safety wasn't a concern on this trip. Their team consisted of members of the Department of Defense and bodyguards that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs specifically hired for them.Hades must've sent Justin over because he was concerned about her working alongside Travis.She couldn't help but scorn him inwardly. What a jerk he was. Still, she went along with it. Justin was already here, anyway. She couldn't just send him back.As Travis got down from the plane, he headed straight for Alanna. He paused when he saw Justin. "You're…" Justin smiled and
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