On that evening, Hades returned to the Florentine residence.He summoned all the elders of the Florentines to gather at the mansion."I see that some people are eager to become the family head. I called everyone here today to make it clear that I am not obsessed over the position of family head. If you wish to make a change, let's talk it out tonight."Everyone looked at each other with shocked expressions.They wondered why Hades wanted to change the family head for no reason.Hades was always assertive and domineering.But he was indeed talented in business.Since he became the family head, the Florentines had been on a steady rise. It was absurd to change the family head at this time.Just when everyone thought no one would speak, Zachary suddenly spoke up."The family head should at least consider the interests of the Florentines. Hades, what have you achieved all this while?"Hades chuckled. "Are you aiming for the position of family head?"Zachary didn't admit it.
Alanna stood by the window, her eyes empty."If you want to quit, find someone else to come. No one is forcing you."Grayson said, "Okay! Forget about everything I said. But are you sure you're doing well with your postpartum recovery?"Alanna lowered her gaze."Have you prepared what I asked?"Grayson sneered. "It has been ready for a while now. Just wait to watch the show."Alanna nodded.Travis handed a blanket to Alanna to wrap around her shoulders."Go get some rest."But Alanna simply shook her head.She then went back to work.Several days later, Alanna finished her confinement period.The accounts of the translation company that had been going against Alanna previously were exposed.Financial deficits, embezzlement, tax evasion, and issues with dual contracts came to light one after another.As the head of the company, Holly paled at the sight of the news.She approached Alexander in tears. "Grandpa, what should we do?"Alexander looked at the news exposed onlin
Of course, Alanna understood what he meant.Not only was it dangerous, but there were also many things she couldn't handle alone.She could deal with Holly, but it would be too difficult to uproot the Maxwells' foundation."I know."Jeff replied, "I'm glad you understand. My advice is, you'd better not take any risks. Anyway, what's done is done. I'll cover for you this time.""But you shouldn't get yourself involved in anything after this if you're going to do it alone. Your safety is your priority. Hades should deal with the revenge!"Alanna teared up, and she responded."I got it. Thank you, Mr. Simmons."Jeff gave her a few more reminders before hanging up the phone.Grayson frowned as he looked at the information about the Florentines."Alanna, the upcoming battle is getting harder. The Maxwells are deeply rooted. Although the Florentines have collapsed, they are still better off than ordinary people. We are no match for them, especially since I don't know how Hades set
Alanna only snapped to her senses when the car stopped at the venue's entrance.Stepping out and looking at the familiar scenery before her, she suddenly remembered the time she was scratched on the arm by Melanie's fans here.She sighed faintly.Then, she linked arms with Grayson and entered the venue.As soon as they entered, they attracted everybody's attention.Her gorgeous face drew everyone's gaze no matter where she went.Smiling, Grayson walked beside Alanna."It surely feels nice to walk beside a beautiful woman."However, Alanna's attention was drawn to the man standing in the center of the venue, who was surrounded by a huge crowd.Although Aashika Group had just been established, Hades' influence was no less than when he was in the Florentines.Knowing he had volunteered to leave the Florentines, the younger generation admired him even more.Hades had become the center of attention in the event.But tonight, there was another woman by his side.Alanna glanced a
Hades looked at the woman before him.He wanted to reject Alanna, yet he couldn't bring himself to say the words on the tip of his tongue.It had been a month since they last met, and he missed her terribly.He knew she must have something to tell him.Otherwise, she would never initiate a conversation with him again.In fact, he knew exactly what she wanted to say to him.But he didn't know how to face her in this situation.He longed for her to come closer to him.Yet, at the same time, he feared hurting her by letting her get too close."How have you been this past month?"Feeling a wave of bitterness wash over him, Hades asked.How could she have been doing well in this thin and haggard state?Hades felt a strong pang of heartache. He wanted to run up to her, hug her now, and tell her their daughter was fine.But he could only endure it."Not too bad," Alanna replied softly.Hades smiled and nodded. "You've lost a lot of weight."Alanna didn't respond. She simply st
Alanna clearly hated Hades when she left.But now, she turned back to him to seek revenge for their child.Hades felt a sharp pain in his heart but didn't compromise."Ally, you don't have to avenge our child. You just need to take care of yourself."Alanna's eyes were filled with bitterness."I'm doing fine.""Really?" Hades frowned at her.Alanna averted her gaze. "Hades, I know you have strength and connections. But that's my child. I want to avenge my child with my own hands!"Hades looked at the woman before him and said after a long while."Ally, I will seek revenge. I will avenge our child myself, not only for our child but also for your mother."Alanna fell silent. After a moment, she smiled."Hades, I chose to cooperate with you first because you are the father of my child. At least, our goals are aligned. But you are not my only choice.""Whether it's the Florentines or the Maxwells, we have many enemies. If you're not willing to help me, I will work with someone
Shane thought he looked familiar.Alanna followed his gaze, glanced over, and coincidentally met Hades' eyes.She withdrew her gaze and looked at Shane."Shall we go in and talk?"Shane stared at Alanna.He didn't know what happened to Alanna and Hades recently. He only saw Hades' confession online about falling in love with her at first sight.But now, it seemed that things weren't so good between them."Are you sure everything's okay? You and him ..."Alanna smiled. "Don't worry about him."With that, she went into the restaurant first.Hades stood at the entrance of Aashika Group and watched as Alanna and Shane entered the restaurant. His face fell.He never expected Alanna to approach Shane.Besides, it seemed she had intentionally dressed up.He turned to his assistant."Is Shane married?"His assistant was puzzled. "What?"Hades put his hand in his pocket and said after a while, "Go check if Shane, the co-founder of Lawson and Sullivan Law Firm, is married."Hade
Hades was so angry that the veins on his forehead bulged.But he could only blame himself for not being able to control his emotions.He knew Alanna purposely asked Shane to meet her near Aashika Group.Yet, he still couldn't resist it.Hades still remembered how this woman used to spend her days and nights translating for Shane.Hence, he came looking for her.Obviously, she was waiting for him to come."Do you like working with Shane so much?""Hades, I need to find someone to cooperate with, and I have to seek revenge. If you're not willing to help me, we'll go our separate ways. Otherwise, let's work together to seek revenge for our child."Alanna said, her eyes reddening."I just want to seek revenge for my child. So, think twice before coming to me."With that, she pushed open the car door and got out.Hades frowned as he watched her leave. His eyes were filled with complicated emotions. Alanna always seemed to find a way to leave him at a loss.After returning hom
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