The two arrived in Brunstein City late at night.The cold wind howled, and Alanna couldn't help but shiver.Just then, a coat was draped over her shoulders from behind.Following it were a scarf and a hat.Alanna looked at the man before her, who was helping her with the scarf. She then said softly, "Thank you."Hades looked at her."You're welcome."Alanna avoided his gaze and turned to walk away.Watching her retreating figure, Hades sighed bitterly.There seemed to be an invisible wall between them.This was the outcome he wanted, yet it hurt him deeply.Alanna left the airport and hailed a cab.Hades watched her cab leave and instructed his driver to follow her.He didn't get out of the car until he saw Alanna entering the hotel.He then booked a room next to Alanna's.Once in the room, Hades let out a sigh.Then, he called Yves."Send a few more bodyguards to Brunstein City."Yves was surprised.Hades chuckled bitterly. "Alanna found out about the bidding."Yve
Hades felt a pang in his heart. He was at a loss for words.Alanna emerged from her room and saw the two men standing face-to-face.Without glancing at Hades, she said to Travis, "Let's go."Travis cast Hades a glance and nodded to Alanna.On the way, he handed her some information he had gathered."You need to be careful. If things get too dangerous, we can always drop this project."Alanna pursed her lips and smiled. "I know, Travis."Travis dropped Alanna off at the venue and left.The bidding lasted for more than two hours.As it ended, Alanna heard someone calling her name.She turned around to see Edmund standing not far away.Alanna's eyes flickered, and she walked over."Long time no see, Alanna. Are you here for the bidding as well?"Alanna's lips curled into a slight smile. "Just here to join in the fun."Edmund's eyes flickered. "I heard you left the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?"Alanna nodded."I realized it wasn't the right fit for me."Edmund smiled. "Int
"Yes."Hades responded softly.The scar on Hades' back was hideous and terrifying. It was located right behind his heart.Alanna's fingers trembled as she held the ointment.She knew Hades was injured.But she hadn't expected it to be this severe.The scar looked like it had been stitched up multiple times.Hades didn't say anything more. He just sat there quietly.After a long pause, he said in a low voice, "This is my badge of honor for protecting my wife and daughter."His Adam's apple bobbed slightly as he spoke.Yet, he immediately regretted saying those words.Indeed, a flash of pain crossed Alanna's eyes. She quickly masked her emotions and lowered her gaze before continuing to apply the ointment to his back."Be careful when you shower tonight. I'll have someone check the security footage."With that, she turned to leave.However, Hades grabbed her wrist."Ally, can I send you abroad? Stay there until everything here is resolved."Alanna's eyes reddened. She sta
Hades said, "Are you up for it or not?""Will I still get my share of the profits if you use your men?""The Florentines go to you, while the Maxwells go to me. These are just small gifts. Paul, don't compete with me over this."Paul's lips twitched. Hades had made himself clear. What else could he say?After hanging up, Hades got dressed and called Jeff."Let's have lunch together at noon. I want to discuss the bidding with you."Meanwhile, Alanna returned to her room and called Chelsey.Chelsey answered groggily. As soon as she spoke, she was startled by her own voice.Alanna was stunned."Chelsey? What's going on ..."It took Chelsey a couple of seconds to snap to her senses.Michel was still asleep with his long arm draped over her waist.She turned her head to see him looking at her.Chelsey's mind buzzed.She was about to move when Michel flipped over and pinned her beneath him again."Are you going to kick me again?"Chelsey quickly hung up the phone and pushed M
Chelsey murmured in response.Alanna was speechless.She didn't know how to respond to that."Did you drink too much last night?""No, I was perfectly sober."Alanna was shocked. "Then how did you end up sleeping with Michel again? What about Dr. Presley?"Chelsey fell silent briefly."Ally, maybe I misunderstood Anton. I always thought Anton had feelings for me."Alanna was stunned. "What do you mean?"Chelsey stared blankly at a small stone on the side of the street.Anton had joined their hospital last year.At that time, Alanna had just gone through a miscarriage. Although Hades didn't hold her accountable for changing the medical records, the matter was eventually brought to light by someone with ill intentions.She was facing the risk of being fired at the time. It was Anton who spoke up for her and allowed her to stay.He had helped her several times since then. He would always appear when she needed him the most.Hence, she always wondered if Anton might have feel
Alanna pondered briefly and agreed to the meal.Meanwhile, Olivia sat in a car and repeated the video of Edmund approaching Alanna and Hades stepping in to protect her.She had been investigating Alanna for a while now.After all, once the seed of suspicion was planted, it was hard to remove.Ever since the Simmonses' family banquet, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Edmund had some special feelings towards Alanna.Yet, nothing in their behavior had confirmed her suspicions.Especially recently, Edmund didn't react at all even after knowing everything Alanna had encountered.She thought she might be overthinking. But a few days ago, Hudson mentioned that Edmund didn't allow him to pursue Alanna. Her doubts surged again.That was what led to today's incident. She didn't expect Hades to block the water for Alanna.Olivia frowned. Just as she was about to put away her phone, Hudson called.Her gaze flickered when she heard that Alanna was asking about the dress."Hudson, arra
Alanna frowned as she looked at the woman before her.Her suspicions about Edmund became even more certain now.Edmund was targeting her.Tightly gripping her cup, she kept a calm expression."Honestly, Mrs. Campbell Senior, I'm also somewhat curious. Why does Mr. Campbell insist on bringing me to Northlight?""If you suspect there is something between me and Mr. Campbell, I suggest you dismiss that thought. I have Hades, and I'm not interested in Mr. Campbell. If you have any doubts, you should investigate your husband. Why did he insist on going to Jagersville, and why did he insist on hiring me?"Olivia's face immediately fell.But she had to admit that Alanna was right.Observing Olivia's expression, Alanna poured a glass of water for her."Mrs. Campbell Senior, I wonder if you happen to know my mother."Olivia furrowed her brows. "Your mother?""Yes, my mother. Her name is Tara Thornton."Olivia stared at Alanna.She had looked into Alanna's background.Naturally, sh
Hudson also had something to attend to. So he didn't stay long.Jeff watched Alanna's departing figure before glancing at Hades."I'm starting to regret helping you keep her here."Hades lowered his head and lit a cigarette. After a moment, he chuckled. "To be honest, I regret it too."If he had let her go back then, maybe she and the child would still be safe.Jeff's gaze darkened slightly. "But now that things have come to this point, regret doesn't help. It's more important to think about what to do in the future. Honestly, I don't agree with her taking risks.""Her mind is set on revenge now. You can stop her once, but you can't keep stopping her forever."Hades fell silent briefly. "At least, she'll take one less risk every time we stop her."Jeff frowned at him but didn't say anything more.These two were adamant.Hades followed Alanna back to the hotel.When Alanna was about to open the door, Hades suddenly spoke up."Did you meet with Mrs. Campbell Senior?"Alanna