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
Hades would ask, "Why are you making desserts again?"Back then, Alanna still had hopes and expectations for their relationship. Whenever he asked, she would always answer with a hint of anticipation, "Because I like sweet stuff."However, the next time Hades saw desserts on the table, he would repeat the same question.Later, Alanna stopped making desserts altogether, and even the new dishes she learned were tailored to Hades' taste.Now, three years later, he had asked yet again.Hades glanced at her. "You have to express your likes. Otherwise, others won't know."Alanna smiled stiffly.Expressing likes was only effective for those who meant something to another. For those who didn't matter, there was no point in saying anything.Alanna wordlessly concentrated on eating.Hades didn't speak again either. It seemed like it was a casual remark.After finishing the meal, he said, "I've arranged a temporary replacement for your position. Take a month off to recover before return
Hades had a powerful legal team. If he refused to let her resign, his lawyers could make it very difficult for her.Alanna felt irritated and asked, "Why are you doing this?"She couldn't understand why he insisted on keeping her by his side.Hades had a dark and unclear expression as he responded solemnly, "I don't like to be defied, Ms. Jacinto. Have you forgotten?"Alanna tightly pressed her lips. Of course, she hadn't forgotten.Hades was domineering and ruthless, never caring about others' feelings. He disliked being defied, so when she proposed to break up, he'd forced her to stay.Now, when she wanted to resign, he'd rejected without hesitation.Finally understanding the true reason, Alanna smiled bitterly. "Okay, I understand now.""Good."Then, Hades said to her, "Come, eat some more."Alanna had no appetite, but she knew that resisting was futile against this man.Therefore, she sat back at the dining table and reluctantly ate another serving while Hades silently w
Hades raised an eyebrow, glancing at Alanna.Alanna's lips twitch. Before she could say anything, Melanie's voice came from the entrance. "Hades."Hades walked toward the door. "Why are you here? Aren't you afraid of being seen?"His voice was unusually gentle as he spoke. No matter how many times Alanna heard it, it aroused uneasiness in her."Can't I visit a friend? Besides, I'm not here to see you. I came specifically to see Ms. Jacinto."While saying that, Melanie entered the apartment without waiting for an invitation."Ms. Jacinto, are you alright? I thought about it after I went home yesterday. I felt that I should come over to formally apologize to you. So, I took the liberty to visit. I hope you don't mind."Alanna let out a bitter laugh; she was in no mood to entertain Melanie's pretentious act. "Just say that you're sorry. I don't need to hear such grandiose phrases."Melanie instantly looked aggrieved. However, this time, she surprisingly didn't say much and proceed
Terrence was taken aback by Hades' comment.Arching an eyebrow, he looked at Hades with interest, then glanced at Alanna. "Hades, are you feeling bad for her?"Melanie's eyes were slightly red as she looked at Hades, feeling a bit aggrieved.Hades exuded a chilling aura as he replied, "Mr. Abbott, you've misunderstood. I'm just stating the facts."After concluding the subject, he turned his attention to Melanie. "How's your arm?"Instantly, Melanie broke into sobs. While wiping her tears, she looked at him with a mix of frustration and sadness. "You finally thought about me now?"Hades wasn't in the best mood. When he noticed Alanna's face had turned pale, he felt distressed. Thus, facing Melanie's immature behavior, he responded in annoyance, "Since when do I not care about you?"Melanie was stunned, not expecting Hades to speak to her in that tone. Her tears fell rapidly as she quavered, "I just wish you would care about me a little more. That's all I meant."Melanie loved to
Melanie's harsh words touched a nerve in Alanna.Yes, she had lost her baby. But even if the baby had survived, Hades wouldn't allowed her to keep it anyway.The realization hurt so much that she felt suffocated.Melanie, however, wasn't satisfied. She leaned in close to Alanna's ear and continued, "Alanna, don't you understand by now? You were just a fuck buddy. Do you really think you can rise in status by having his child?"With a sneer, she added, "Guess what would happen if it were me who got pregnant instead?"If it were Melanie, Alanna knew without a doubt that Hades would be extremely caring.Alanna's hands clenched tightly, her pale fingertips trembling slightly. She raised her head to meet Melanie's gaze, wearing a smile and making her tone seem indifferent as she responded, "Well, Ms. Smith, you have your work cut out for you."Even after all this time you've been back, Hades hasn't shown any intention of reconciling with you. You still have a long way to go before ge
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