Late at night, a car pulled out of the hospital and then arrived outside an abandoned factory in the suburbs.When Hades kicked open the door of a workshop, he immediately heard a furious voice from inside."That wretch! She harmed my daughter, and now, wants to harm me too? You corrupted cops, I want her dead! I'll kill her when I get out!"Hades flexed his stiff wrists, picked up a wooden stick from the ground, and weighed it in his hand.Before anyone could react, he swung the stick at the man's leg. The sound of bones shattering echoed through the dilapidated workshop along with a scream.Throwing away the stick, Hades took out a cigarette and lit it."Who gave you the order?"The man was pale from the pain. He looked at Hades with fear in his eyes, yelling, "She was the one who hurt my daughter! I only pushed her a little. What's so wrong with that?"Jack, who was standing nearby, sweated profusely. If things got out of hand, it would be tricky for him to clean up the mess
Hades carried her out of the ward.In the hospital's corridor, onlookers threw them curious glances, making Alanna feel uneasy."I can walk," she said.Hades looked down at her. "Are you sure?""Yes."While Hades glanced at her once more, he showed no intention of putting her down.The elevator doors opened, and just as they were about to enter, Hades paused.Alanna turned to look, seeing Melanie and Terrence in the elevator. Surprisingly, Melanie also had a bandage on her arm.Instantly, Hades frowned. "What happened to you?"Melanie looked away, mumbling, "It's nothing."With a scoff, Terrence spoke up, "Hades, why didn't you answer Melanie's phone call last night? She got injured, and I'm the one who brought her to the hospital."Hades stared at the bandage on Melanie's arm. "How did you get injured?"Melanie's eyes turned red-rimmed. "Are you worried?"Hades let out a chuckle and said curtly, "If you don't want to answer, I won't ask.""Why are you acting like that?"
Standing at the side, Melanie started to tear up. "Terrence, stop it. I did this just to appease Ms. Jacinto's anger. I never thought about making anyone bear the consequences."Terrence furrowed his brow instantly. "You're being too kind."Melanie turned to look at Hades, saying, "As long as Ms. Jacinto stops being angry, anything is fine with me."Hades' gaze was dark, and his face remained extremely grim. His eyes fell on Alanna.Alanna, however, showed no signs of compromise. "Since Ms. Smith is so eager to apologize to me, then go ahead and be my guest."Her words stunned both Melanie and Terrence.The latter bit out, "What do you mean?"Leveling his gaze, Alanna answered matter-of-factly, "Mr. Abbott, you said I refused to forgive Ms. Smith. Now, I'm giving her a chance to apologize. I'll accept it if she does. Also…"She looked toward Melanie and continued, "Didn't you say that as long as I stopped being angry, anything was fine with you? In that case, apologize to me, a
A brief silence later, Alanna chuckled. "It was quite satisfying."Hades paused before warning, "It's over with Melanie now. Don't bring it up again for no reason."His reproachful tone was evident, making Alanna laugh bitterly. "Mr. Florentine, you've been watching the whole time. I wasn't the one who brought it up, and I didn't blame Melanie. Did she have to act so hypocritically?"At this, Hades' expression soured even more. "You didn't blame her openly, but do you not hold it against her deep down?""Am I not even allowed to have feelings now?" Alanna snipped.Hades glanced at her and didn't say anything more.Alanna felt uncomfortable; her whole body felt awkward. In reality, walking was difficult as her legs were weak. However, she didn't want to ask for Hade's help.Frowning, Hades studied her posture and eventually bent down to lift her."I can walk by myself. You can go check on Ms. Smith. After all, she got injured because of me. I can't afford to bear that responsibi
Nonetheless, she seriously couldn't stomach anything."I want to have something light.""Okay, I'll go make something for you."When Margaret took the chicken soup out, Hades' brows furrowed. "She's not eating?""Ms. Jacinto says she wants something light."Hades fell into silence for a moment, then instructed, "Make something lighter for her. Next time, ask her for her preferences before cooking.""Understood," Margaret hurriedly replied and went into the kitchen.Hades took a last look at the closed bedroom door before entering his study.As a lighter alternative to chicken soup, Margaret ended up making a clear vegetable soup for Alanna.Although Alanna still had no appetite, she relented and took a few sips.It was only then she had to admit that Hades was right. She had to take care of her health, and no one would feel sorry for her if she didn't cherish herself.As usual, Hades was rational and clear-headed.A bitter taste lingered in Alanna's mouth at the thought of
Listening to his words, Alanna felt as though her heart was being cut by a sharp knife.She didn't want to tell Hades that she might not be able to conceive again. Saying so might make it seem like she was forcing him to take responsibility.But Hades' words were akin to a blade, stabbing deep into her heart. The agony made it difficult to breathe.Alanna sucked in a deep breath and forced a smile at him. "Alright, I will."Hades' brows furrowed even deeper. Even though he was the one who proposed the idea, her response made him extremely unsettled.How could she be thinking of having a baby with someone else?As Hades' deep, intense gaze fell on Alanna, he deliberately said, "But, Ms. Jacinto, don't expect too much. Nowadays, a man letting you have his baby doesn't necessarily mean he loves you. Be wise when choosing someone in the future."Alanna chuckled. "At least he would let me have a baby."Hades' face instantly darkened. After a while, he spoke with a lack of interest,
Eyes fixed on the ceiling, Alanna replied, "I'm fine. I'm just feeling a little lethargic.""That's normal. Do you know how much blood you lost last night?"Alanna didn't know, but she was aware that she had started bleeding in the car."Is Hades taking good care of you?"Alanna hummed, saying, "He is. He even hired a caregiver to look after me.""Oh." Chelsey sounded surprised. "He does have a bit of a conscience."Alanna chuckled. If it were due to contractual obligations, Hades had fulfilled his part. Not only did he not blame her for concealing the truth, but he'd also hired a caregiver for her."Rest at home. I'll come visit when I have time.""Okay."After chatting for a while, Chelsey suddenly mentioned, "By the way, our high school has an upcoming reunion party. You'll finish your postpartum recovery when the time comes. Should we go together?"Upon the reminder, Alanna recalled that there had been discussions about a high school reunion in the WhatsApp group chat rec
Alanna was under the impression that Hades wouldn't return that night. After all, Melanie was waiting for his comfort.Unexpectedly, he came back in the evening."Mr. Florentine, you're back," Margaret said.Hades nodded and then asked, "How is she? Has she eaten?""Yes. Ms. Jacinto ate quite a bit."Hades nodded again and went to the bedroom. He found Alanna sitting up in the bed and reading a book.Alanna looked up at the noise, meeting his gaze.Silently, Hades approached the bedside and took the book from her. "You shouldn't be reading. Focus on resting for now.""Okay," said Alanna after a short pause. Her voice was extremely indifferent, still conveying that detachment.Hades looked at her for a moment but chose not to say anything. Slowly, he unbuttoned his shirt and headed into the bathroom with his sleepwear.After washing up, he went to the study.A while later, he returned with a document in hand. "Take a look. If you have no objections, sign your name."Alanna t