Hades gulped. There was a short pause before he answered, "I met her at the airport."Making Alanna face him, he explained, "Ally, nothing happened between us. You must believe me. I've come to see you. I have no idea why she was there at the airport."Alanna pursed her lips as she concealed her unhappiness.She paused for a long while. Then, she asked, "How did she know you were coming to Yruvsia?"Hades' expression darkened. "I don't know yet, but I will find out. Don't get mad, okay?"He paused and continued, "She hugged me briefly, but I pushed her away instantly. I can send someone to get the CCTV footage."Alanna gazed at him with her lips set in a hard line. She knew she should believe him. However, she felt a dull ache deep down.At the end of the day, Melanie remained a thorn in the flesh to Alanna. As Hades' sweetheart, Melanie was a gaping crevice that separated Alanna and Hades.Alanna tried her best to get over Melanie; she wanted to get over her. But whenever she
Chelsey answered, "I'm on duty tonight. I was worried you'd be sad. You didn't pick up my calls, so I'm concerned.""I'm fine. Really." Alanna reassured her.They chatted for a bit. When she realized that Alanna was fine, Chelsey ended the call.When Alanna exited the restroom, Hades pulled her aside. "I'm just 'a friend'?"Alanna shot him a look. "What else do you expect?"Miffed, Hades grabbed her waist. "Ally, I left part of me inside of you!"Alanna jolted. Looking up, she glared at him. What a shameless bastard.Hades chuckled. "Will you do what we've done with 'a friend'?"Alanna sneered. "We used to be colleagues, remember? What? We can have a go with colleagues but not friends?"Hades had no comebacks for that. Wistfully smiling, he cursed himself inwardly; he deserved it. He was now suffering from his past deeds.He knew Alanna must still be mad. She couldn't get over what happened with Melanie that soon. Still, he had at least managed to be intimate with her today.
Everyone else was stunned at Holly's question. What on earth was wrong with her? Hades was there with them, yet she kept talking about Travis and Alanna.Travis chuckled. The answer was obvious. Those who knew him could easily answer that question. Still, he didn't say anything.Alanna and Hades had come so far. He shouldn't come between them anymore.He took his glass and took three shots. Everyone else was still in a daze.Travis placed his glass back down and stood up. "Enjoy yourselves. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll be taking my leave."Then, he left just like that. Frowning, Alanna watched as he left. An indescribable emotion welled up inside her.Hades sneered. "Feeling sorry for him?"Lowering her gaze, Alanna downed the last of her drink. She wasn't feeling sorry for Travis; she was just angry. Holly was obviously trying to sow discord between them.In this relationship, Travis was by all means innocent, but Holly had to involve him in it.Alanna ignored H
On the other hand, Alanna's gaze would occasionally linger on Travis. When Travis left lonely, Hades could see from her eyes that she cared.Alanna leaned against him and listened to his heartbeat. She didn't say anything else.She must be drunk, enough to want to make Hades stay with her without considering the consequences. She didn't want to give a damn about Melanie or the Florentines.However, there was enough reason left in her to keep that to herself.Hades carried Alanna back to the hotel. After entering the room, he pinned her against the door. "Ally, I'm yours wholly. May I also have all your attention from now on?"Alanna looked up, and her gaze met his. "Hades, I've always had eyes on you. Always. But you strayed and forgot about me. You didn't want me…"Hades' heart ached at the sight of her tears. "I want you. Ally, I'll always be at your beck and call, if you're willing to let me."Alanna pushed him in the chest as she silently wept. "You didn't want me and our ba
A storm seemed to be brewing in Hades' cold eyes. It was as though he was suppressing something with all his might. "When did you realize it?" he asked."About two hours ago, the men watching Melanie called and said they couldn't find her or reach her by phone," replied Yves.Two hours ago, Hades and Alanna had just left the bar.Hades' gaze was profound and frosty. Melanie appeared out of nowhere at the airport and went missing suddenly. Could she have managed the feat on her own?He took a puff on his cigarette. "Take Grandpa's men out and send them back to him!""And Melanie?"Hades looked out into the dark sky in silence. Moments later, he said, "Try looking for her. If you can't, call the cops."Yves acknowledged his instructions. However, he sighed. Melanie had only been behaving herself for a few days, and now she was acting up again.Besides, her going missing wasn't the main issue. He was only worried that she would come up with some other schemes.Hades had just met
Alanna paused for a moment before putting Hades' phone down. But Yves called her again the moment she did so.Exasperated, she let out a low chuckle. Then, she answered the call right away.Before Alanna could say anything, she heard Yves saying, "Hades, we found Melanie. She's currently on the hospital's rooftop at the moment. She keeps threatening that she'll jump off the building, and she refuses to listen to anyone at all. In fact, she insists on seeing you."I've already had our people set up security measures at the ground level. There are people heading toward the rooftop as well…"As Alanna listened to Yves' report, she had no idea how to respond to him.A while later, she finally replied, "Yves, this is Alanna. Hades is showering at the moment. I'll give him the phone."Silence ensued from Yves' end of the line. After that, he instinctively explained, "Please don't misunderstand me, Alanna—"But she cut him off right away."You don't have to explain anything to me. You
Hades' eyes turned cold instantly. His voice was equally chilly as well."Where is she?"Yves' voice was a degree colder too. "We've placed a thick inflatable mattress at the ground level. There were even a few canopies situated between the floors which managed to break her fall considerably."The doctor said Melanie will most likely survive this ordeal. It's just that it might be very difficult for her to stand again for the rest of her life."Hades seemed to have breathed a sigh of relief. He stayed silent for a while before finally replying, "Have some men watch over her. Make sure to switch out the people looking after her."Once he was done speaking, he hung upon Yves. He then turned around to see Alanna staring at him."She survived once again, right?"Hades didn't know what to say.It didn't matter what he said right now. Alanna would always feel uncomfortable no matter what.She turned her back on Hades stubbornly while mumbling, "That bitch really is as tough as a coc
Alanna hung up right away and proceeded to walk out of the washroom. But once she reached the door, she realized that she couldn't open it.Stunned, she pulled at the door a few times, but it refused to budge. This made her heart go tense.Just as Alanna was about to call for help, she heard a scream coming from the side. A split second later, a woman named Miriam Gross convulsed violently while foaming at the mouth before collapsing to the floor.The other women in the washroom shrieked at the top of their lungs.Again, Alanna was taken aback by the scene. She didn't hesitate to drop down to her knees next to Miriam afterward.She undid Miriam's buttons swiftly. After making sure that there weren't any foreign objects in Miriam's mouth, Alanna quickly lifted one of Miriam's arms and placed the second arm onto her chest. After that, she propped up Miriam's leg so that she could flip her over forcefully.While Alanna busied herself in flipping Miriam over, she called out to the pa
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