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
Alanna Jacinto couldn't help but find humor in the situation after speaking. Staying to care for her was a duty for Hades Florentine. It was not a choice. He preferred to accompany Melanie Smith to the hospital for her dressing change.Alanna had thought she would never use responsibility as a chain to bind someone. It reminded her of the time she found out she was pregnant and didn't want to trap him with so-called responsibilities. Yet, here she was, using it. She didn't want to watch Hades leave with Melanie. It was probably just to spite Melanie.Hades squinted at her, then laughed after a long silence. "You didn't want me to stay before, did you, Ms. Jacinto? What changed your mind?"Alanna met his mocking gaze. Her lips paled slightly as she replied, "Mr. Florentine, you said it yourself. Taking care of me is your responsibility, isn't it?"Hades chuckled lightly and let go of her. "Don't worry, Ms. Jacinto. I won't leave you behind. I'll be back after changing Melanie's
The call connected after two rings. "Mr. Florentine, I'm currently..." Before Alanna could finish, Terrence Abbott's voice interrupted. His tone carried lazy sarcasm. "Ms. Jacinto? Hades went to pick up Melanie. He left in a hurry and forgot his phone. Do you need something?"Alanna's grip on her phone tightened. Her knuckles turned white. She ended the call abruptly and resumed her attempt to hail a ride through her phone app.When she finally got a ride and arrived at the hospital, an hour had passed. Chelsey Soltz greeted Alanna with a concerned frown upon seeing her drenched in the rain. "Do you realize you shouldn't be getting wet in the rain at a time like this?"A weak smile appeared on Alanna's pale lips. "Okay, I get it. Don't be angry. I'm feeling really awful right now. Can you not be angry for my sake?"Chelsey's expression was a mix of anger and heartbreak. She glared at Alanna before reluctantly accompanying her for a check-up. "You've got a bit of an infection. L
Hades returned home after dropping Melanie off, and it was already past ten in the evening. Upon entering, Margaret immediately mentioned, "Mr. Florentine, you're finally back. Ms. Jacinto has a fever."Hades paused before taking off his shoes, and his brow furrowed instantly. "How did she get a fever?" he asked while striding toward the bedroom.When he opened the bedroom door, he found the room empty. His expression darkened. "Where is she?" he inquired."Ms. Jacinto went to the hospital," Margaret informed him.His face grew even more displeased upon hearing this. "Why didn't you accompany her?" he demanded.Margaret appeared troubled. "Ms. Jacinto insisted she could go by herself. I wanted to go with her, but she wouldn't allow it."Hades' expression turned even darker. "So, you just let her go alone because she said so? Don't you realize she's ill? How could you let her go by herself?" His already commanding voice now carried an intimidating edge, which left Margaret too
Alanna nodded. Chelsey stood by the bed and carefully unwrapped the bandage. When the wound was revealed, Alanna's brow immediately furrowed. "Does it hurt?" Chelsey asked.Alanna endured the pain. She glanced at the wound and quickly looked away. "It's manageable.""What do you mean manageable? Your face has turned pale from the pain." Chelsey changed the dressing while saying, "This wound will leave a scar. Do you still have any scar removal cream?"Alanna nodded. Garrett Jacinto had often beaten her until she was bruised and battered in her early years. Since then, she had frequently used scar removal creams. She kept them stocked at home to this day."What happened to that fan afterward?" Chelsey asked with a frown."The legal process was followed for a lawsuit.""That's it? You're not going to investigate further?"Alanna scoffed, "What else could I have done? The authorities have concluded that Melanie had nothing to do with it." And with Hades protecting Melanie so we
Alanna avoided his gaze. "I had my phone on silent and didn't see it," she explained.Hades scoffed. He approached her and towered over her. "Didn't see it? Really?" he pressed.Alanna looked up to meet his gaze. "What else could it be? Why do you think I didn't answer, Mr. Florentine?"Hades' expression darkened instantly. "Ms. Jacinto, haven't I told you not to throw useless tantrums?""What do you mean by 'useless'?" Alanna couldn't hold back her frustration. "Is it that only Melanie's tears are 'useful' in your eyes? Only Melanie has the right to be upset, and I don't even have the right to throw a tantrum?"Hades narrowed his eyes slightly. He reached forward to pinch her chin with his cold fingers. "Why do you make yourself sound so aggrieved? I've hired a caretaker for you and provided compensation for you. What are you still feeling aggrieved about? Is it because I didn't take you to the hospital?"Alanna laughed as her eyes unexpectedly welled up with tears. She fought
Alanna's lips were tightly pursed. After a moment, she laughed and met Hades' gaze. "It won't happen again. Mr. Florentine, rest assured that I won't get upset over such things anymore."Hades looked at her with a profound gaze. He had intended to tell her he would try to answer her calls in the future, but now... He scoffed at the thought. He had felt unnecessarily hopeful.Hades felt agitated as he tugged at his soaked shirt. "Call Yves. He's nearby. Ask him to bring me a change of clothes."Alanna's lips twitched slightly. She wanted to tell him he didn't need to stay. She was fine now, so she wondered why he needed to linger. But before she could speak, Hades had already entered the bathroom. Hades was particular about his attire. He would never wear a drenched outfit again. Even if he were to leave, he would probably wait for Yves to bring him clothes.When she realized this, Alanna still made the call. Yves was indeed nearby. He quickly delivered the clothes, including a pa
Yves' brows furrowed instantly. "Ms. Jacinto, I'm not joking. I'm telling you the truth. After being by Hades' side for so long, are you really content to just hand him over to Melanie? If I were you, I wouldn't be willing to give up without a fight."Alanna smiled. She felt like there wouldn't be any difference even if she refused. She understood that relationship matters shouldn't be forced. In the past three years, she had tried to make Hades fall for her, to feel even a flicker of affection for her, but she had failed. She hadn't succeeded before, and now, it was even less likely with Melanie's return.Alanna didn't respond. She was unsure of what to say.Yves grew anxious. "Ms. Jacinto, you don't know how worried Hades was when he couldn't reach you. There was traffic on his way here, so he just left his car and ran to see you. Are you saying he doesn't care for you at all? I don't believe it."Alanna knew that if Hades truly had no regard for her, his character wouldn't al
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