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
Yves called Alanna again and told her about Anton before hanging up.Sitting in the back, Hades stared out the window, lost in thought."Hades, is Alanna really involved with Anton?"Hades replied after a moment of silence, "No."He knew that Chelsey had a crush on Anton. So Alanna would never get herself involved with him.With that, he continued staring out the window.He had a feeling that Alanna wasn't asking about Anton just now.He frowned."Any recent movements from Zachary?""Zachary met with Mr. Maxwell Senior. It seems like they're planning to team up. Zachary is quite cunning. He could have approached Mr. Maxwell Senior earlier, but he waited until after you injured Holly before contacting him."Yves said and glanced at Hades through the rearview mirror."Hades, you need to be careful too. After all, you are Zachary's primary target. He is eager to become the family head now, but Grandpa and the elders clearly oppose it. They're hoping for you to return, so Zachar
Chelsey wasn't in the mood to talk anymore. She got up and walked to the kitchen."What do you want to eat? I'll make you something."Alanna shook her head. Just as she was about to speak, her phone suddenly rang.It was Travis."Travis?" Travis' voice sounded heavy. "Ally, do you know that our company's bid qualification has been revoked?"Alanna fell silent briefly before letting out a bitter laugh. "As expected."Travis was confused. "You knew?"Alanna responded with a hum.Ever since Hades started sabotaging her, she knew things wouldn't go smoothly."Hades has been trying to keep me out of these matters."Alanna muttered softly.Travis fell silent for a moment. "Ally, actually, I ...""I know, you're all worried about my safety. But Travis, I'll only suffer more if we do nothing. Back when what happened to my mother, I was pregnant and powerless. So I had to be cautious all the time. But now, my child is gone. I don't need to tiptoe around anymore.""Travis, I don't
After crying for a while, Alanna felt much better.She washed her face and returned to the room. She then stared blankly at the video of the baby on her phone.She played the short clip countless times.Even though the child wasn't hers and had no connection to her, she couldn't help but keep watching it.Chelsey brought her a glass of milk."Whose child is this?"Alanna snapped back to reality. "Justin's."She saw the nameplate on the child's bed with the name "Aashika Charnas" written on it.Chelsey frowned. "You mean your driver?"Alanna nodded and smiled bitterly."Isn't it ironic for me to watch someone else's child and cry like this?"Chelsey felt intense heartache.A mother who had lost her child would be reminded of her own child when seeing others' babies."Stop thinking about it. Drink some milk and get some rest. I have to go on duty at the hospital."Alanna nodded and took a sip of the milk. "If you run into Anton at the hospital, just pretend you didn't see h
For some reason, Alanna felt like she was being held in someone's arms..For the first time in her dreams, the familiar warmth and scent stopped her from crying.Hades frowned at the woman in his arms. After a while, his fingers couldn't help but brush against her cheek."I'm sorry."Alanna moved slightly but didn't wake up. She instinctively snuggled into his embrace.Hades sighed and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead. He then left before dawn.Upon arriving downstairs, he looked up at the window upstairs.After a moment, he made a phone call."Mark, did you realize your system has been hacked?"…As soon as Chelsey arrived at the hospital and got out of the car, she saw Michel chatting with a beautiful female doctor not far away.She couldn't help but roll her eyes. Then, she walked inside.Seeing her approaching, Michel hurriedly rran up to her."Have you eaten?""Yes," Chelsey replied impatiently."What did you eat?"Chelsey glanced back at him, and Michel chuck
At first, Chelsey thought she was hearing things.Sugar daddy? Snapping to her senses, she slapped Michel in the face.Michel was stunned."Chelsey, what are you doing?""Slapping you! Michel, you'd better stay away from me from now on!"Chelsey said and got out of the car.Michel quickly followed. But before he could say anything, Anton appeared from inside.Seeing the two, Anton chuckled."Dr. Soltz, Mr. Luther, what a coincidence." Although his face bore bruises, he acted as if nothing had happened last night. Perhaps he was used to acting.Chelsey's expression stiffened, while Michel chuckled beside her. "Does your face still hurt, Dr. Presley?"Anton gently touched the bruise on his cheek and looked at Chelsey. "Dr. Soltz, don't you want to explain what happened last night?"Chelsey glanced at him. "Dr. Presley, it's time for my shift. Excuse me."With that, she entered the hospital.Anton frowned slightly. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.He didn't expect Che
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