When Bernice regained consciousness, she saw Hades standing before her. Her face turned pale. "Hades," she called out before yelping in pain.Yves slapped her before she could finish. "Watch your words, or you might get in trouble."With her face as pale as a sheet, Bernice said, "Ha… Mr. Florentine, my cousin, Melanie, is your girlfriend—"She was interrupted by yet another slap from Yves. She shrieked again."I said, watch your words. Don't you understand?"After getting slapped twice in a row, Bernice's face started swelling. Yves didn't go easy on her at all."Mr. Florentine, I didn't do anything wrong, did I?" Bernice asked.Hades stood two feet away. He stared at her with a grave look. "Did you sabotage Chelsey's car?"Bernice was stunned and felt uneasy. Still, she bit the bullet and said, "I didn't do that, Mr. Florentine. I'm serious."Hades abruptly removed the rosary beads he wore on his wrist and pocketed them. Then, he walked toward her.Bernice's expression was
Melanie's face was already pale in the first place. And now, her face was drained of color."Hades, what are you trying to say? I am 'Mel.' Have you forgotten? When we were young, we stayed in the fishing village. I—"She screamed in pain before she could finish talking as the dagger slit her face. Blood trickled down her dainty features."Hades!" Melanie let out a shrill shriek. "I am 'Mel.' I really am!"Although that was what she said, her eyes showed that she was clearly rattled. She didn't expect Hades to have discovered the truth. Their scheme should've been impeccable!Tucker asked around for all the information he could gather. He even bribed the family of the nanny who took care of Hades back then.And the necklace. They stole Alanna's necklace and replaced it with a replica. Then, they smashed the replica when the timing was right. Nothing should've gone wrong.How did Hades find out? The panic in her eyes grew all the more intense.Hades raised his hand and stabbed h
Hades had just reached Chelsey's apartment when he saw her walking out."Oh, why are you here, Mr. Florentine?" Chelsey asked.Hades' eyes were red. "I want to talk to Alanna."Chelsey chuckled. "You're too late. She left."Hades was stunned. "What?"Almost immediately, his phone rang. Justin said, "Mr. Florentine, Ms. Jacinto is taking a flight to Brunstein City in an hour."Hades' expression was icy. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?"Justin was in low spirits. "I had to make sure if she was there to see Mr. Campbell off or if she was leaving, too.""Is she leaving with Hudson?""Yes, she is."Hades scowled. He ended the call and was about to leave when Chelsey called out to him. "Hades, can we talk?"Hades turned his sullen gaze on her. Moments later, he nodded. "Sure."After staring at him for a while, Chelsey said, "I guess you know what I'm going to say. I hope you'll keep a distance from Alanna. I know you're reluctant, but please think about all the danger you've put
Bernice seemed to have suffered severe injuries, but they weren't fatal.Alanna fell into a trance as she stared at the article.Hudson nudged her. "What are you thinking about? Aren't you supposed to be happy that the person who had ill intentions toward you has met with such an unfortunate incident?"Alanna came back to her senses and forced a smile. However, she was clearly distracted.Hades said he would deal with Bernice. She had thought he would merely warn Bernice as he used to do. At most, he would punish the Linds, as well. But she never expected him to do something like this.Alanna exhaled as she tried to compose herself. "Let's go. It's time to board the plane."Hudson nodded. He glanced at Justin before entering the boarding gate."How's your father doing lately?" Alanna asked nonchalantly.Hudson snorted. "I don't know what he's thinking. I'm trying my best here to save the company, yet he seems prepared to give it up entirely."Every day, he keeps figuring out w
Alanna nodded. Olivia didn't say anything else, but her gaze lingered on Alanna for a bit before she looked elsewhere.After saying goodbye to Hudson, Alanna followed Travis to the conference hall. It was already past 10:00 pm when they finished their tasks."Are you tired?" Travis looked at her. He was feeling concerned. "Can your body endure constantly moving about like this?"Smiling, Alanna shook her head. "It's fine. It's good to be occupied."At least when she was occupied, it would stop her mind from wandering.Travis hesitated and was about to ask her if she wanted to have supper. That was when he saw a man standing outside in the dark.Hades had one hand in his pocket. He was slender, and his shadow under the streetlamp was especially tall. His gaze fell on Alanna and was filled to the brim with guilt and mixed emotions.Alanna saw Hades, too. She cast him a glance before averting her gaze.Travis laughed and looked down at Alanna. "Do you still need me to take you bac
Alanna tensed. Her complexion paled as she listened to Hades.She stood there unmoving before reaching out to push him away and slapping him hard.After that, she turned around to leave.The sun had already gone down as Alanna walked on aimlessly. Tears were streaming down her eyes.Hades quickly chased after her despite being slapped.But Alanna was walking too fast, causing Hades to fail repeatedly when he tried to reach out to hold her. Finally, he managed to hug her from behind.Alanna paused momentarily before bursting out in tears. All her suffering and pain were all because he had mistaken the wrong person for her.That simple mistake had caused her to lose everything she held dear to her.Alanna continued to cry until she felt discomfort in her stomach. That caused her to return to her senses.She quickly pushed Hades away and walked to the side of the road to book a cab.However, Hades carried her up and brought her to his car which was parked nearby.Alanna didn'
Hades tensed. He raised his hands to wipe the tears from Alanna's cheeks and said, "The thought of leaving you here alone worries me. What if you slip and fall during your bath? "Could you please let me stay? I won't do anything. I just want to take care of you. You can think of me as your maid and order me around.""It's alright," Alanna said as she got up and headed toward the bathroom.She went in and closed the door as tears instantly began to fall uncontrollably from her eyes.She kept telling herself not to cry as her stomach was already beginning to feel slightly uncomfortable. But the tears still kept falling.She would rather be told that Hades didn't love her. It would be much better than the ridiculous situation she was in.They had been in love. They could have been deeply in love and happy even.She could have had their child and her mother by her side.They could have built their own happy family.But now, it felt like they were worlds apart.The hurt could
Although Yves didn't know what Hades wanted to remember, he didn't question it. He just asked, "Is Alanna doing okay?"Hades looked at the closed bathroom and said slowly, "She's not."Hades was slightly pale as he felt a sharp pain in his heart.Soon, the doctor arrived after Alanna had finished her bath. After the checkup, the doctor deduced that her discomfort was due to the high influx of emotions."Are you sure she's fine?" Hades asked nervously.The doctor laughed. "I believe she'll be fine. But I can't do an ultrasound now. If you're still worried, you can bring your wife to do an ultrasound."Hades and Alanna tensed at the word "wife."Hades subconsciously glanced at Alanna, as he was worried she would correct the doctor about their relationship.However, Alanna was not in the mood to explain. She thanked the doctor and said, "Hades, you should send the doctor out."Hades nodded and brought the doctor down.When he returned, he realized that Alanna had already locked
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