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
"Let's go. The others are waiting for you."Jeff then looked at Alanna. "My grandpa, in particular, has been rambling about wanting to see you again ever since we parted ways."Alanna smiled. "I should've dropped by to visit them sooner."Jeff laughed as well before leading the couple into the manor. But after they took a few steps, they saw Jill helping Benedict into the courtyard."You're finally here!" Benedict waved merrily at Alanna. "Ally, come here! Let me see if you've grown thinner!"Jeff couldn't help but chuckle. "Grandpa, you're exaggerating things. We just parted ways with Alanna a few days ago."Benedict flashed Jeff a glare before proceeding to drag Alanna into the manor.Alanna turned to look at Hades, who nodded at her. Only after Alanna and Benedict disappeared into the distance did he greet Jill. "Hello, Mrs. Simmons."Jill nodded at him with a smile. "You should talk to Jeff while I check on the food in the kitchen."After Jill walked away, Jeff said, "Yo
"This is Sandra's wing. Oh… no one has stayed here for so many years. They never let anyone touch anything there. Sometimes, I feel that the longer they preserve everything inside the wing, the sadder I become."Benedict let out a small sigh.Only then did Alanna recall the fact that Jill had a daughter who had gone missing in the past. She pursed her lips for a moment. Just as she was about to speak up, someone called out from afar, "Dad, I heard that we have guests over."Both of them turned around to see a woman walking toward them. It was Gwyneth, the woman who had caused trouble for Alanna back then. She was also Jeff's and Travis' aunt.The moment Gwyneth saw Alanna, her smile vanished instantly."I was wondering who the guest was. Turns out it's just a lowly bitch."Benedict's expression darkened instantly. "Watch your mouth!"Gwyneth was stunned upon hearing Benedict's response. "Dad, I'm telling the truth! It's bad enough that bitch seduced Travis! To make things wors
Alanna didn't really understand what Hades meant by that. Then again, she didn't really want to wear the ring.She could tell that it was an incredibly expensive ring. If she were to damage or lose it, she'd be filled with grief.Soon, Hades and Alanna returned to Jagersville."Are you going home?"Alanna shook her head. "I want to visit my mom at the hospital."Once Tara's condition began to stabilize, she was immediately transferred out of the ICU ward.Alanna had been traveling between cities recently, so she didn't get to take care of Tara. Now that she had more time on her hands, she wished to spend more time with Tara.Hades nodded in response. He began driving toward the hospital right away.Once they reached the hospital, Alanna glanced at him."You should go to the ward with me."Hades paused momentarily. Even though he did have plans on following Alanna into Tara's ward, he understood very well why she specifically told him to go with her.She wanted him to visit T
Alanna frowned at Hades, who just stood at the side with an impassive look."Michel is a real bastard for pulling such a shitty stunt. He deserves to be beaten up."Chelsey shot him a look. "It's rare for a scumbag to see reason."Once the elevator doors slid open, she made a beeline for Mark's office right away.Alanna was worried that Chelsey might act brashly, so she quickly stopped her. "Chelsey, remember to use your words, not violence. Okay?"As she spoke, she tried to retrieve the sharp scalpel from Chelsey's hand.But Hades grabbed her hand comfortingly. "Mark's there. Everything will be fine."Alanna shook his hand away before following Chelsey into the office.Michel happened to be sitting in Mark's office leisurely at that time.Mark stared at him. "Lately you haven't been dropping by the hospital that frequently. Are you no longer interested in those beautiful doctors? Or is it because you're sexually incompetent nowadays?"Michel huffed in response. "Well, I've b
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