"You're overthinking things. Mr. Florentine Senior and I go way back. Not to mention, Hades and I do not have any conflicts of interest in the industry. Why would I need to deal with him?"Alanna smiled, but she didn't say anything.Edmund looked at her and asked, "Do you still want to join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?"Alanna nodded.Edmund sighed and said, "Alright. I'll respect your decision."Alanna frowned slightly as she left Edmund's office.How much of Edmund's words could be trusted? How much of it was lies?…Alanna spent the afternoon busy with the handover. The sky was already dark when she left the company.Hades had stopped by the roadside. Alanna was about to walk toward him when she heard Renee call her. "Ms. Jacinto."Alanna paused, whereas Hades had already gotten out of the car.Renee was startled. "Mr. Florentine, you're here again."Hades nodded and walked toward them."Why are you here this time?"Hades laughed. "I'm here to pick up my girlfriend
Alanna was taken aback by the sudden kiss.Having snapped out of her trance, she tried to push Hades off her. But he responded by deepening the kiss instead."Ally, are you listening to me?"Travis' voice rang out from next to her ear. Yet, Hades picked up the phone and said, "Do you even know that you're disturbing our private time?"Then, he hung up on Travis immediately.Flustered and anxious, Alanna yelped, "What the hell, Hades?"Hades gripped her by the waist and picked her up right away."Stay away from Travis, Ally."This left Alanna feeling a little helpless. "We don't contact each other unless it's about work."Hades' expression was still sullen. "You can also contact your other colleagues when it comes to work, right? But why is it always Travis that contacts you? Is there no one else working at the ministry?"Alanna frowned at his invasive questions. "Hades, both Travis and I don't get to decide who does what in our jobs. I can promise you that I don't have anyt
Alanna turned around to look at Hades.Sometime later, she said, "Can you wear condoms from now on? You're making me really uncomfortable right now."Hades chuckled in response. "Is it dripping already? Let me see."When he was about to hike Alanna's skirt upward, she quickly kicked him away. "Get lost."Hades laughed as he scooped her into his arms. "I'll help you with the cleaning up.""No way! I'll do it myself!""Be a good girl now, Ally. Let me help you clean yourself up."…On the other hand, Chelsey had just parked her car in the hospital's parking lot when Michel walked past her. His temple was still bruised.Chelsey shot him a glance before slamming her car door shut. Then, she made her way toward the inpatient department.The disdain and disgust in her gaze were so strong that Michel couldn't ignore it at all. Hence, he caught up to her angrily."What the hell do you mean by that, Chelsey?"Chelsey stopped in her tracks before patting Michel on the shoulder. "Mr.
Alanna spent the next two days processing the handover request with Hudson while preparing the documents for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Based on her and Hades' speculations, she thought Edmund wouldn't easily let her leave Northlight Group.Surprisingly enough, Edmund never said or did anything even on the last day of the handover process.Alanna couldn't help but think if she was overthinking things. Now that all the tasks were successfully handed over to Hudson, Alanna called Hades before getting off work. She wanted to head to the airport straight away.However, someone stopped her outside the company."Hello, Ms. Jacinto. Can we talk for a moment?"Alanna frowned at the beautiful and elegant-looking woman in front of her. "And you are?""You can call me Mrs. Florentine. I'm Hades' mother."Stunned, Alanna nodded a moment later. "Alright. We can talk at the café next door."Ever since Joana laid her eyes on Alanna, she never averted her gaze.After both of them sat
A moment of silence went by. "The Maxwells are my grandfather's old friends," Hades finally said.Alanna knew what he meant almost immediately.Hades chuckled. "I promise I won't make physical contact with her. Is this okay?"Jealousy began swelling up in Alanna's heart. She wanted nothing more than to ask Hades if it was okay for him to skip out on the banquet.It didn't matter if Hades and Holly ended up making physical contact. Cyrus would still introduce Holly to everyone as his future granddaughter-in-law.But Alanna suppressed her urge to say anything.At the end of the day, Hades was a Florentine. Alanna had no reason to ask him not to attend his own grandfather's birthday banquet.Hades could tell that Alanna was upset, so he caressed her cheek."Why don't you attend the banquet with me?"Alanna shook her head. "Nah."She forced out a smile and added, "If I were to attend the banquet, I'd just make myself a free target for humiliation and derogatory insults."Hades f
Travis didn't say anything after that. He double-checked the press conference's sequence of events with Alanna one last time before walking away.The moment he did, Holly approached Alanna immediately."Does Hades know how close you are with Mr. Silva?"Alanna shot her a look. "Have you fully recovered from your injuries, Ms. Maxwell?"Of course, Holly had yet to recover from her injuries. In fact, the gash on her cheek might become a permanent scar.When Alanna brought up Holly's injuries, the latter looked immensely frustrated. She never would've thought that Hades was willing to hurt her because of Alanna.Even though the Maxwells later visited Cyrus, who promised them that he'd deal with Hades appropriately, Holly was still annoyed. After all, Hades cared about Alanna a great deal.Holly tittered softly. "What's there to be smug about, Alanna? Do you really think you can capture Hades' heart just because he wants you by his side?"Alanna just looked at the written speech wh
After that, Alanna greeted the foreigners in fluent Luterynean.The president, Saul Jaeger, stared at her in awe.Hector chuckled out loud. "Take a good look at the refined madam."Alanna frowned slightly, but she soon recognized the woman. It was Miriam, the one she had saved in the washroom on the day of the ceremony.Miriam was thrilled to see her savior. She quickly hugged Alanna."I finally got to meet you, Ms. Jacinto! The reason why we came here today is to meet you in person! Thank you so much for saving my life!"Alanna laughed. "It was nothing."But Miriam refused to let her go. "It might be nothing to you, but to me, you're still my savior."Saul began telling Alanna how grateful he was for saving Miriam's life. Hector chuckled softly from his position."They wish to invite you to Luterynd as Crevania's Goodwill Ambassador. It so happens that Mrs. Simmons and I share the same idea to nominate you as the ambassador as well. We wonder if you're interested in accepting
By the time Hades brought Alanna out of the washroom, she was so exhausted that she had gone limp. She leaned against his chest and felt as though she was about to fall asleep.But she still remembered Hades' unusual emotional state.Something was definitely off about Hades tonight.Even though Hades was quite temperamental, it was rare for him to exhibit such a temperamental side once they patched things up.Clearly, something was wrong."What's wrong, Hades? Did something happen today?"Hades looked down at Alanna in his arms. A moment later, he muttered, "Am I that obvious?"Alanna just stared back at him with pursed lips.Hades placed her on the bed before turning around to grab the hair dryer for her. He didn't answer her question, though he took the time to blow dry her hair gently.Then, he changed the air-conditioner's temperature to a comfortable one. Finally, he pulled her into his arms and closed his eyes."I just missed you. On my way here, I had a dream. I dreame
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