Tucker was very firm in his stand.Hades walked nearer to him and pressed a knife against his neck. "I'm giving you one last chance."Still, Tucker stuck to his statement. "I didn't do it."Hades stabbed him in the palm with the knife.Tucker screamed. However, he didn't change his statement. "I didn't do it, Mr. Florentine. I really didn't. You're wrong. Melanie would be so disappointed if she found out—"Before he could finish, Hades withdrew the knife, and Tucker fainted on the spot. Hades looked extremely grumpy.Yves quickly handed him a wet tissue. "Hades, what on earth happened? Melanie…"As he wiped his hands, Hades kept silent. He glowered as he walked out. All he said was, "Send Tucker back in."Yves quickly nodded.It was still raining outside. Hades didn't have an umbrella. Standing there in the rain, he gazed far ahead into the misty veil.No one knew why he'd been so eager to meet Tucker. Rather than wanting to know if Melanie was the person he took her for, he
Upon hearing that, Chelsey felt relieved. Margaret looked at Alanna innocently, but Alanna ate her meal silently.After breakfast, Chelsey arched an eyebrow at Alanna. "Do you want me to take you to the bank?""Don't you have to work today?""I applied for leave. Let's go."They chatted as they left.Upon arriving at the bank, they had just parked their car when they saw Bernice getting out of another car.Chelsey couldn't help but roll her eyes when she saw Bernice. She muttered, "I guess the stars aren't aligned today. A toad's in our way."Alanna didn't know what to say to that. She merely laughed. "Just ignore her."However, even though she would love to ignore Bernice, Bernice wouldn't do the same.When she spotted them, she walked over. "What a coincidence, Alanna. We meet again."Alanna ignored her and headed straight for the bank.Bernice followed. "Alanna, have you broken up with Hades?"Alanna remained silent. Chelsey smirked. "Why? Is that any of your business, y
Chelsey hugged Alanna and patted her. "Take good care of it and wear it on your wedding day!"Smiling, Alanna nodded.…Hades went straight to the bathroom upon reaching home. He stayed in the rain for a long time yesterday, and his clothes smelled unpleasant.Otherwise, he wouldn't have turned back just before he was about to meet Alanna.After showering, he received a call from Yves. "Hades, the appraisal result is out. The necklace is real."Hades was dazed. "Are you sure?""Yes, I am. The maker of the necklace appraised it himself. It's definitely the real thing."Hades fell silent. After a long pause, he asked, "What about Alanna and Melanie's relationship?""I'm still looking into it."Hades hummed in response before ending the call. He stood rooted to the spot for a long time. He must be overthinking because of what Jeff said.After a long while, he entered the closet. He was reaching for his cologne after putting on his clothes when he realized it had run out.Frown
Yves was stunned. "Hades, can you tell me what actually happened?"Hades snarled, "I said, get Melanie back here. Didn't you hear me?"Yves gulped. "Okay. I'll contact our men in Yruvsia immediately."After ending the call, Hades walked out. Then, he called Justin. "Where is Alanna?""She's at the bank."Hades had just arrived at the bank entrance when Alanna and Chelsey walked out. Alanna's eyes were red. She obviously had just been crying.Hades gulped. All of a sudden, he was at a loss for words."Oh, you're here again, Mr. Florentine?" Chelsey teased.Hades didn't look at her. His gaze was fixated on Alanna as mixed emotions swirled in those eyes. He seemed to have plenty to say but was afraid to say them out loud.Alanna merely glanced at him before looking away. Turning to Chelsey, she said, "Let's go."Hades walked over and grabbed her hand. He forced a smile as he said, "Ally, I'll take you home.""There's no need." Alanna broke free of his grasp.Hades wanted to ho
But whatever it was about, it no longer had anything to do with Alanna.When Chelsey was driving, she received a call from the hospital. She had just ended the call and wanted to say something when her face changed. The brakes weren't working.Chelsey's face turned pale. When she spoke, her voice trembled. "Ally, the brakes aren't working."Alanna was stunned.With a swerve, Chelsey drove into the greenbelt by the roadside. Alanna subconsciously protected her tummy. The car lurched vigorously for some time before coming to a halt.It was fortunate that they were in the city and weren't speeding. Even so, Chelsey still got injured. Blood trickled down from her forehead.Alanna scraped her arm, too. Her face was ashen, and her fingers were trembling.In the next moment, someone opened the car door. Hades seemed even paler than her. He clumsily helped her unbuckle the seat belt and carried her out of the car."Are you injured? What about your tummy? Do you feel any discomfort?" he
Alanna could vaguely hear Yves' words. Her mouth was set in a hard line as her fingernails dug into her flesh. She was right.She looked at Hades, asking in a low voice, "Who did it this time? The Smiths? The Maxwells? Or was it your family?"Hades felt guilty as he gazed down at her pale face. Moreover, he felt his heart aching tremendously. "No matter who it is, I'll seek them out and teach them a lesson."Alanna stared at him. She wanted to ask him what if it happened again. Couldn't he understand yet?As long as he was with her, those people would continue trying to kill her!What was more intolerable to her was Chelsey had been dragged into this repeatedly.If Chelsey hadn't slowed down because she had to receive a call from the hospital, there was no telling what would have happened.But looking at Hades, standing before her, she decided against saying all that. No matter what, Hades had helped her today.She stared at him for a while before saying, "Thanks."That stung H
Meanwhile, Michel carried Chelsey into the emergency department. He yelled anxiously, "Doctor! Doctor, she's hurt!"Chelsey felt embarrassed by his actions and pinched him hard on the chest. "Oh, shut up!"Michel inhaled sharply from the pain. "Chelsey, I'm feeling anxious because of you!""I'm not dying from my injuries! The way you shouted made it seem as though I'm going to die anytime soon!""That's for the doctor to decide!"Chelsey clicked her tongue. "Let me down!"Michel immediately kept quiet and put her on a bench. Then, he went to get a doctor to treat her wounds.Although Chelsey was very lively, she was afraid of the pain.When the doctor poured the hydrogen peroxide solution on her wounds to treat them, her face paled in an instant. She immediately pinched Michel's hand so tightly that he yelped in pain.The doctor frowned as he watched Michel, who was his employer. He couldn't help but roll his eyes. Who was the patient now?After Chelsey had her wounds treated
Chelsey's gaze flickered. "Was it Bernice, that bitch?"Naturally, Alanna also thought of Bernice because Bernice was the only one who saw her in Chelsey's car today.However, she was the Smiths' relative and Melanie's cousin. That was why she didn't mention her just now.Hades frowned. He was about to say something when Chelsey suddenly scoffed. "Oh, right. They have Mr. Florentine here looking out for them. So what if it was Bernice? You'd give them a warning at most, yes?"Hades glowered as he glared coldly at Chelsey.Beside them, Michel cleared his throat and tugged on Chelsey. "Just keep quiet."Chelsey scoffed. "That was what he did, though. Why can't I talk about it?"Hades' expression turned even colder. "If it really is her, I won't let her off easily. You'd better mind your words, Dr. Soltz."Hades felt guilty toward Alanna so he put up with Chelsey because of her.But he was still the same person at the core. He could humble himself before Alanna, but that didn't m
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