Chelsey was shocked and did a double-take.Alanna had told her she'd wanted to end things with Hades when she first wanted to abort her baby. But after Alanna decided not to abort her baby, nothing else happened to their relationship. Chelsey had thought Alanna changed her mind for the sake of her baby.Alanna just never brought Hades up again for some time. So, why did she bring him up again now?"What has that fucking bastard done to you again lately?"Chelsey looked at Alanna and continued, "Is it because of Melanie?"Alanna shook her head. She'd had this thought for a while. It was just that she wasn't able to leave him due to several reasons.Garrett was one of them, her mother's hospital fees were another, and the unborn baby in her belly was the third. Alanna had to deal with all of them.Although she'd managed to save up a few months' worth of her mother's hospital fees, Alanna still wasn't sure if she'd be able to find a new job after leaving Hades because of her pregna
Hades always had plenty of women around him, including D-listers and other lesser-known influencers. However, he'd never let himself get embroiled in any gossip or scandals involving them.Also, Hades would never attend an event like this, what more allow himself to be photographed there.This was the first time for everything.Alanna laughed bitterly to herself. Just as she thought, his first love would get substantially different treatment from him. He would bring her along to events and functions in public. This made Alanna remember what Terrence told her the other day.She was nothing but a thief in the night, unashamedly stealing something that belonged to others. She was shameless and disgusting.…Alanna took public transport home. After getting down at the stop, she suddenly caught sight of Garrett from afar.Garrett had a beer bottle in his hand as he sat down at the entrance to her building in a drunken manner. Whenever someone passed by, he would question them, asking
Alanna's eyes flashed for a bit. "Are you worried about something?"Hades just chuckled coldly and said, "You must be dreaming, Ms. Jacinto."Alanna felt embarrassed. She said, "Don't worry, Mr. Florentine. I didn't take his offer."Hades gave her a dark look. "Why not? Was his price not high enough for you?""He told me to state my price and said he'd be waiting."Hades narrowed his eyes and said, "If that's the case, is it just that you haven't thought of the price you want, Ms. Jacinto?"Alanna looked at Hades and tried her best to sound as natural as possible. "Mr. Florentine, are you worried about the price I want or the fact that I'm considering it?"Hades laughed coldly and released her. He just sat on the couch and continued looking at her like that."It doesn't matter whether or not you want to put a price on your head. That's your own business. I'm just wondering if you're going to breach our contract, Ms. Jacinto."He said it in such a faint and nonchalant manner th
Hades released his hold on her and went back to his documents. He said, "Ms. Jacinto, you're asking too many questions. Don't ask about Melanie anymore in the future."Alanna sat on the couch with her fingers tightly intertwined. It was only a long while later that she replied, "Okay."She forced herself to laugh like she couldn't care any less about it. "I won't ask about her anymore. Don't get mad at me, Mr. Florentine."She then went back to the coffee table and poured out another cup of coffee.The documents Hades was reading must be for his meeting tomorrow. He looked through the documents with a serious expression on his face.Alanna accompanied him on the couch until it was past midnight.Lately, she hadn't been feeling as nauseous as before. However, she had been feeling a lot more tired and sleepy. The room was quiet save for the occasional sound of pages flipping. Alanna sat before the coffee table and began drifting off to sleep.It was until Hades carried her in hi
Alanna felt her mind going blank.She hurriedly got out of bed and tapped on the Twitter icon on her phone.A photo of Melanie and a "mysterious man" entering a hotel at midnight was trending on the social platform. Alanna could tell at once that the man in the photo was none other than Hades.Because of their photo together from a few days ago, many of the commenters guessed that Hades was also the supposed mysterious man in the photo. Hades Florentine was the true heir to the Florentine family. Brilliance Jewels was also under his name.For a man as wealthy and powerful as him to be seen at a hotel late at night with a D-list celebrity who'd just returned to the country, people just assumed that they were in a sugar daddy arrangement. A lot of comments in the comment section leaned toward curses and criticisms of the couple.Since Melanie was the ambassador for Brilliance Jewels, the company's reputation was also a reflection of Melanie's reputation. If her reputation was ruin
"Ms. Jacinto, are you alright?" Henry asked. Returning to her senses, Alanna forced a smile and said, "I'm fine." Henry opened his mouth to comfort her, but he couldn't find the right words. Finally, he closed his mouth and opened the car door for Alanna in silence. Alanna closed her eyes the moment she got into the car. What was she thinking yesterday? How could she have had the thought that Hades would ever treat her gently?The heartache within her was suffocating. After some time had passed, a call from Renee came in. "Ms. Jacinto, what shall we do to resolve the situation? Should we contact Melanie's manager?" Alanna remained silent for a moment. "Don't worry about it. Mr. Florentine will handle it personally." Renee hesitated briefly before asking, "Ms. Jacinto, are you okay?" Alanna smiled faintly. "I'm fine." …At the hotel, Hades was lounging on a sofa with an inscrutable expression on his face. Yves stood next to him in silence for some time. "Hades, I don
When Alanna got to the hotel, she found a transaction notification on her phone for 500 thousand dollars. After reading the message, she skimmed through the trending topics once more. As expected, the headlines were changed. News about Melanie being Hades' first love had replaced the previous topic regarding the mysterious man she met at the hotel. The netizens online went hysterical at the sudden revelation, posting their best wishes and envious messages in the comment section under the post. There were even speculations about whether the two had reconciled. Alanna's hand stiffened and the grip on her phone tightened inexplicably. After a while, she chuckled. It was probably the best outcome she could ask for. This was the outcome that Melanie desired anyway. She wanted Hades to disclose their relationship publicly. On the other hand, Alanna's only reason for staying by Hades' side was because of money. So, he used money to smooth things over with her. Indeed, his actions we
Alanna stared at Hades in surprise. When did she ever act as she pleased in front of him? "No, I never thought of it that way. I just…" Although Alanna felt upset, she did not utter a single word about it. Her grievances would be considered dramatic in front of a man who did not love her. She did not have the right to feel wronged. Taking a deep breath, Alanna sorted out her conflicting emotions and turned to look at Hades again. "I just don't understand. Ms. Smith has been back for quite some time. Why won't you reconcile with her?"Hades' expression darkened. "Ms. Jacinto, you're overstepping boundaries." She continued, "It is really uncomfortable for me to be stuck in this position between both of you." Hades turned to her with a hint of anger in his face. "Ms. Jacinto, you should understand your position and know your place. What happens between Melanie and I has nothing to do with you." Alanna choked up instantly. That was true. From the beginning, she was nothing but
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