"There's no need to apologize." Alanna took a deep breath to calm her breathing.Then, she continued, "Hades, I don't believe you'd forgotten what I said when you went to Melanie. You made a choice.""Alanna, you know—"Alanna interrupted him, "I don't know. All I know is that when I needed you, you were with Melanie. Hades, you have no idea how helpless I felt when I was with Mom or how I'd hoped you were with me."But you weren't there. You abandoned me twice, and I really don't want to go through that anymore…"Her words stabbed Hades' heart like a thousand swords."I'm sorry. I promise you that will never happen again. Ally, I promise." He gently kissed her and apologized over and over again.He continued, "Ally, give me another chance to redeem myself, okay? I want to take care of you and our baby. I want to give you both a home."Alanna felt heartbroken. To have a home was something she longed for, but she knew it was beyond her reach.She pushed him away. "It's not ever
As Jane said, the bag held a key, a book, and a box. When she picked up the key, Alanna was slightly surprised. It was a key to a bank vault. The book, on the other hand, was Tara's diary.Then there was the box. Alanna opened it to take a look and felt her heart stop beating. It held her shattered pink diamond necklace.It was the one Garrett had smashed to pieces. Unbeknownst to her, Tara had glued those shattered pieces together.Alanna was unable to control herself. She started sobbing. She never expected Tara to do such a thing without her knowing.When she abruptly started weeping, Hades became flustered. He quickly wrapped his arms around her. "What's wrong? Did Ms. Thornton leave something behind for you?"However, Alanna continued crying. It went on for some time before she eventually calmed down. Hades hugged her tenderly. He gently patted her repeatedly.Alanna wiped her eyes and thanked him. "Thank you."Hades held her by her waist. "You wiped your tears and snot on
At the same time, Holly learned about how Alanna didn't leave and how Hades had gone to look for her and threw a tantrum.Alexander looked at her with a frown. "That's enough. What's the use of throwing a tantrum?"Holly was livid. She was sure Hades and Alanna would have broken up once and for all. She never expected them to still stay together despite the turn of events."Why can't I seem to get rid of Alanna? Hades will never spare me a glance with Alanna in the picture."Alexander snorted."What's the rush? Someone will get rid of her sooner or later. The Smiths have blamed Melanie's situation on her. Not to mention, the Florentines will never allow her to stay by Hades' side."Holly frowned. "Grandpa, were you the one who made a move on Melanie?"Alexander scoffed. "She's just a piece of trash. Keeping her around was meaningless, so I decided to make her useful."Holly frowned. "But the Smiths are useless pieces of trash. Are you sure they can do it?"Alexander laughed.
Alanna frowned, whereas Hades' eyes darkened.He didn't care that Hudson had asked him to give up on Alanna. Instead, his focus was elsewhere as he asked, "Mr. Campbell forbade you from pursuing Alanna?"Hudson shrugged. "Yes. Why did you think I stopped?"Hades chuckled coldly. "Wasn't it because you knew you would lose?"Hudson burst out into laughter. "You're just a manwhore. You have Melanie and Holly by your side. Why would I ever think I would lose to you? If I were to lose, it would be to Travis, not you!"Hades looked at Alanna guiltily. However, Alanna seemed to be lost in her thoughts as she frowned.Hades' gaze darkened further. "Did Mr. Campbell ever say why he didn't want you to pursue Alanna?"Hudson pursed his lips. "He probably doesn't want to offend you. You're like a hooligan, punishing everyone that doesn't gain your favor."Hades' expression darkened further.However, Hudson didn't care. He conversed with Alanna before turning to leave.After he left, Hade
Alanna held her phone and lay back on the sofa in a daze while her heart clenched tightly in pain.Trust…How was she supposed to trust him? All of the trust between them had been crushed and destroyed.Chelsey was stretching as she came out of her room. She was startled to see Alanna and asked, "Ally, why are you back?"Then, she walked toward her and asked, "What happened? Why do you look so unwell?"Alanna returned to her senses and lowered her gaze. Then, she shook her head and said, "It's nothing. I've declined the dispatch offer."Chelsey could tell that something was wrong through her expression. "But that doesn't explain the look on your face right now. Did something happen?"Alanna laughed. "Hades learned about my pregnancy."Chelsey felt her heart sink. "Is he clinging onto you again?"Alanna laughed, but her eyes were full of pain. "He said that he wanted to give the child a proper family."Chelsey sneered. "That's such an easy thing to say. But what about his fami
Then, she quickly took her phone and looked through Garrett's transaction records that Hades had sent her some time back.Her heart pounded as she scrolled through the records. When she reached the date she wanted, she immediately froze.She looked at the date in the diary and the date of the transaction once more.It just so happened that Garrett had received 200 thousand dollars on the day her necklace broke. It was just like how he had received the money when Tara had gotten into a car accident.Alanna's heart beat rapidly.If Garrett had been paid to keep quiet about Tara's accident, then why was he paid to shatter her necklace?She could still understand it if Garrett had been paid to push Tara.After all, Tucker and Esther had never planned on letting Tara go.But what about her necklace? Who would benefit from it?Alanna's thoughts went wild.She immediately thought of Melanie's necklace. But she quickly dismissed that thought. Hades had admitted that he was the one to
Alanna was prepared to sleep when she heard someone knocking on their door outside.Chelsey shouted out in annoyance, "Who is it?"Then, Chelsey went to open the door before starting to mumble."Who is it?""It's Hades! And he's brought a woman with him..."Alanna frowned and walked over. She paused when she reached the door.Hades was soaked from the rain. His black T-shirt stuck to his body and showed off his perfect curves.On the other hand, Margaret was completely dry.Alanna's expression immediately tensed. "Why are you here?"Before Hades could say anything, Margaret said, "Mr. Florentine asked me to come here and make some food for you."Then, Margaret moved to enter the house.Before Alanna could react to what was happening, Margaret had successfully entered their house.Hades followed suit and tried to enter as well.However, Alanna immediately reached out to close the door.Hades quickly held onto the door and said, "I'm already soaked. Could you let me go in t
Chelsey was furious and shot Hades a glare. She snapped, "You men are all scumbags."Then, she turned and entered her room. She slammed the door shut behind her.Alanna turned around and looked at Hades. "Hades, there's no need to drag Chelsey into our affairs."Frowning, Hades asked, "You think I'm the one who ruined her chance to go for the training?" He laughed. Then, he continued, "Ally, am I that despicable to you? As ruthless as I am, I would never have harmed your friend."He wouldn't do that, especially not now when Alanna was giving him the cold shoulder. He'd be out of his mind to harm Chelsey now.Alanna glanced at him while pursing her lips. "That would be for the best. It's late, and I want to rest now. Both of you should go back."Hades disagreed, "Let Margaret stay if you don't want me to. I'll only be at ease if you at least have someone to look after you."After a short pause, Alanna replied, "Chelsey's doing a great job looking after me." Then, she turned to Ma
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