Alanna's lips trembled.Ever since turning 18 years old, Garrett would caress her cheek or pinch her butt from time to time.Alanna's mother had gotten into many fights with him over this, but Garrett never changed his ways. The torture only stopped after she left home for college.However, she couldn't possibly tell Hades about this.She met Hades' eyes and simply said, "No."Hades still had an unpleasant look on his face. "I hope there will never be a next time."He was referring to Garrett causing a ruckus on the company grounds."There won't be a next time. I'll hand in my resignation letter immediately."Hades narrowed his eyes and suddenly chuckled. "Seems like someone's determined to leave.""Yes," Alanna replied bitterly.Hades chuckled again. His laughter was so cold and chilling that it just made her heart crawl. "Alright then. I won't get in the way of your resignation."Alanna responded, "Thank you."Hades glanced at her one more time before walking toward a sea
Alanna took a cab to get to the hospital where Tara was hospitalized. She ran into Garrett outside the hospital entrance just as he was leaving the building. "Oh! If it isn't Alanna, my dear daughter?" Alanna said through gritted teeth, "What exactly do you want from us?" Garrett merely looked at her with the same expression. "You know very well what I want." "Garrett Jacinto, are you not afraid of divine punishment?" "The worst divine punishment I've received is having been involved with you and your mother!" he barked. Then, Garrett pushed Alanna out of the way and walked off. Alanna stood still, feeling so furious that her hands were shaking. She could feel a pulsing ache in her lower abdomen. Alanna quickly called Chelsey. "It's probably caused by the sudden change in your emotions. Look for a place to sit and try to calm down. If you still feel unwell, you'll need to seek treatment right away." After ending the call, Alanna drew a deep breath to cool her he
Hades' eyes hardened. "Please get it done as soon as possible, Ms. Jacinto. We'll have a new manager take over your work right away." After a brief moment, Alanna finally responded, "I will." Then, Alanna placed the proposal on Hades' desk. "This is the marketing proposal for our new product. Could you check it and let me know if there's anything we should change, Mr. Florentine?" Hades took the document and began looking through it carefully. He had always been strict and serious when it came to work-related matters. Since Hades didn't dismiss her, Alanna stood there silently, waiting for him to finish. The proposal was, at most, only ten or so pages long. Yet, Hades spent more than an hour checking the document. He asked about almost every line and every little detail included in the proposal. After ensuring everything was fine, Hades finally signed the document and passed it to Alanna. Alanna took the document and stood there, feeling slightly torn. "Do you need
Hades sat comfortably on the couch, looking completely relaxed. He appeared to be in a good mood. The lady who was with Hades at the café yesterday was sitting beside him. She was wearing a skimpy skirt, revealing her long and slender legs. Alanna could see how close Hades and the lady were sitting next to each other. She quickly turned her gaze away. It seemed Alanna had chosen a bad time. On the other hand, the lady's face darkened as soon as she saw Alanna. Still, she kept silent since Hades was there too. Hades raised a brow as he gazed at Alanna. "Ms. Jacinto, is something the matter?" Alanna cast a glance at the lady sitting beside Hades. "I need to talk to you about something." Hades leaned back in his seat. "If this is about your resignation, you should just drop by the human resources department." Alanna paused briefly. "It's not about my resignation." Hades let out a low chuckle. "What is it, then? I thought you'd only come to me for matters regarding
"Alanna Jacinto!" Hades tightened his grip on Alanna's chin. Alanna fell silent. Hades had seldom lost his temper. Most of the time, he would appear calm and composed. He would keep all of his emotions deep inside and not let anyone notice his true feelings. However, Alanna could see how his eyes blazed with anger at the moment, terrifying her. "I was just joking." Alanna looked him in the eye. "Do you think I'm worth that price, Mr. Florentine?" Hades' eyes narrowed. "For that price, you'll need to perform and live up to my expectations." Then, he got up from the couch. "Go home as soon as you get off work." Alanna forced a smile. "Alright." After work, Alanna went back home. Her home was an apartment she received from Hades as a gift when they had just started their relationship. She was filled with happy and hopeful thoughts when she decorated every part of the apartment back then. She had always called this place home—a home that belonged to the two of t
"What's wrong?" Hades asked in a low voice. His gaze fell on Alanna's lower abdomen. Hades had always been a keen-eyed and wary man. Alanna could tell that he was growing suspicious of her. She lowered her head. "I feel a bit sick in the stomach since I haven't eaten for a day." Hades remained expressionless. He grabbed Alanna by the back of her neck and made her look up at him. "Is it really just a stomach problem?" Alanna looked him straight in the eye. "Yes. Garrett has been giving me a headache all day. It made me lose my appetite." She continued, "I already felt rather unwell in the stomach earlier. I must have vomited because I ate the porridge too quickly just now." Hades stared at her for a while. Although he didn't seem convinced, Hades nodded. "You should go for a checkup tomorrow." Alanna balled her fists. "Alright." She pressed her lips together for a few seconds. Then, Alanna couldn't hold back from asking, "Do you suspect that I'm pregnant, Mr. Florentin
"Chelsey, I need your help." "What is it?" "The father suspects that I'm pregnant. He'll have his secretary bring me for a checkup tomorrow. Can you help prepare a fake report for me?" Chelsey fell silent. "Chelsey?" Alanna slightly frowned as she called out her name. "Is Hades Florentine the father?" Chelsey asked. Alanna was momentarily stunned. She didn't expect Chelsey to have guessed the father's identity so quickly. Still, Alanna felt that there was no need for her to hide this from Chelsey. She admitted frankly, "That's right. Hades is the father." "Fuck! Was it really him? Did he use his position to force you into a relationship with him? That bastard looks like a decent man, yet he's done something so despicable! He even used his authority!" Alanna was at a loss for words as she listened to Chelsey cursing incessantly. After a brief pause, she gave a low chuckle. "He didn't use his position to force me into this." Chelsey stopped shouting at once. "Did yo
The next morning, the chief secretary arrived outside Alanna's apartment and knocked on the door. She stood by the door and smiled softly. "Ms. Jacinto, Mr. Florentine asked me to bring you to the hospital for a checkup." "Alright." At the hospital, Alanna felt slightly relieved when she saw it was Chelsey who was in charge of drawing her blood samples. After they settled things up at the hospital, the chief secretary took Alanna to a restaurant to eat. "Mr. Florentine said that you could have the day off." "Okay." Alanna didn't refuse the offer since she had a few things to take care of. After she parted ways with the chief secretary, Alanna headed for the place she and Shane had agreed to meet up at. "What would you like to drink?" Shane asked as Alanna sat down at their table. "Just plain water." Shane ordered a glass of water for her."You told me you needed my help with something. What is it?" Alanna beamed a smile at him. "I didn't get to ask about the deta
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