Upon hearing those words, everyone's expressions turned grim, and the meeting room plunged into heavy silence.After a moment, Damon spoke. "For now, return to your departments and prepare comprehensive reports on your projects. I'll instruct the legal team to file a lawsuit against Nyce Tech for illegally stealing Prospectus Technology's proprietary data."However, litigation could take a long time, and Prospectus Technology might not survive that wait."If Nyce Tech decided to drag this out, both companies could end up in ruins, leaving room for others to reap the rewards.The room remained silent.Seeing no objections, Damon said firmly, "If there's nothing else, this meeting is adjourned."With that, he stood and walked out.Back in his office, it wasn’t long before Spencer knocked and entered. "Mr. Sumner, Nyce Tech just reached out. Gabriel wants to meet with you."Damon’s face darkened.After a moment, he replied, "Tell him to come to my office at 2:00 p.m."...At pr
With that, Gabriel hung up.Prospectus Technology was struggling in vain.Soon, it would announce its bankruptcy, and Damon would revert to an average Joe. By then, Gabriel could do anything he wanted to him.…News of Prospectus Technology's imminent bankruptcy began circulating internally.At first, few believed it. But as rumors spread and the tension became palpable, employees and business partners grew uneasy.Prospectus Technology's partners began calling Damon, desperate for confirmation. But no matter how many times they tried, their calls went unanswered, leaving them increasingly convinced the rumors were true.Soon, partners began terminating contracts with Prospectus Technology.By the third day, most of the company's business agreements had been canceled.Adding fuel to the fire, the police reported that Henry had committed suicide while in custody.His death didn't change the facts. Damon had already handed over the evidence of Henry's collusion with Nyce Tech,
Nyla looked up and saw the deep sadness in Damon's eyes, which caused a sharp pang in her chest.She reached out and hugged him, whispering, "Yes, as long as the three of us are together, we'll be okay."The two held each other in silence, as if time had frozen in that moment.After a while, a knock came at the door.Damon released Nyla and called out, "Come in."Spencer entered and reported, "Mr. Sumner, the employees' salaries and severance pay have been disbursed. They'll pack their things and leave by tonight. The shareholders have also taken their shares and left."As he spoke, his eyes reddened. He had never imagined the company he'd worked at for so many years would one day face bankruptcy.If it weren't for Henry leaking so much confidential data, Prospectus Technology wouldn't have ended up like this.Damon, looking weary, pinched the bridge of his nose. "Got it. You should also collect your pay and severance and then leave."The company was bankrupt, and he no longer
"For how long?" Nyla asked.Seeing the worry in her eyes, Damon stroked her head, answering in a slightly hoarse voice, "Don't worry. With you and Buddy here, I won't do anything foolish. I promise."Nyla bit her lip, her concern evident."I promise," Damon said again, his tone firm. "If I left you and Buddy behind, I'd be the most selfish person alive. Trust me, okay?"Looking into his serious gaze, Nyla hesitated before finally nodding. "Alright. I'll be in the living room. If you get hungry, just let me know.""Okay. But don't wait up for me. I might sleep in the study tonight. Get some rest," Damon replied."Alright," Nyla conceded.Damon turned and walked toward the study, his steps heavy.Nyla's worry deepened as she watched his retreating figure. She was genuinely afraid that he might not be able to cope.For now, all she could do was trust him. Prospectus Technology's abrupt collapse was something he needed time to process and accept.After Damon disappeared around th
The first room—empty.The second room—also empty.By the time Nyla had checked every room, there was still no sign of Mason. Her patience was wearing thin, and her emotions were teetering on the edge of breaking.Gabriel's voice broke the tense silence behind her. "Nyla, don't worry. Buddy is in a very safe place. You just need to—"Slap!Before he could finish, Nyla spun around and slapped him hard across the face.The crisp sound echoed down the hallway, plunging it into silence.A bright red handprint bloomed on Gabriel's cheek, stark and glaring. Yet, instead of anger, he let out a faint laugh. "Nyla, you still don't trust me, do you? You still think I'd hurt you, is that it?"Nyla's gaze was icy. "I'll ask you one more time. Where is Buddy? If you don't tell me, I'll call the police."Gabriel might use gentle words, but his actions spoke differently. From his underhanded tactics that had brought down Prospectus Technology to taking Mason without her consent, everything he
Gabriel's expression changed when he saw the police. He hadn't expected Nyla to actually follow through and call them.One of the officers turned to him, his tone stern. "Is what Ms. Kinsey said true? Where is the child? If you don't hand him over, we'll have to treat this as a kidnapping case and take you into custody."Gabriel forced a smile and glanced at Nyla. "Nyla, didn't you just say you already know where Buddy is? Why involve the police if you've already found him?"Nyla scowled. "Yes, I know where he is, but the location requires your fingerprint for access. Now that the police are here, don't try any more tricks."A flicker of surprise crossed Gabriel's face. He hadn't expected her to figure out where Mason was being kept. That location indeed required his fingerprint to enter.When he'd taken Mason earlier, he had anticipated that Nyla would come looking for him, so he had locked the boy in his company office.Since Nyla already knew, and with the police present, cont
Nyla quickly comforted Mason. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. Mommy's late."She hugged and consoled him for a long while before he finally calmed down, though his little body still trembled with occasional sobs, his cheeks streaked with tears.Nyla gently wiped his tears away, her voice soft. "No more crying now, okay? Mommy's taking you home."Mason sniffled. "Okay."When Nyla stood up, she noticed Gabriel still lingering nearby and frowned. "Why are you still here?"Gabriel ignored her question. He crouched down and looked directly at Mason. "Buddy, tell me—how did you get out of the office?"The security systems at Nyce Tech had always been flawless, yet right after locking Mason in his office, everything had gone haywire.It seemed impossible, but Gabriel couldn't shake the suspicion that somehow Mason was involved.Mason's eyes mirrored his mother's disdain. "Why should I tell you? You're a bad man! I hate you!"If it hadn't been for this man, he would have been home, enjoying d
No one dared to answer. In truth, they had made no progress—neither fixing the bug nor stabilizing the system.The silence in the conference room was suffocating.Heads lowered, each person desperate to avoid eye contact with Gabriel.Their collective silence only fueled his anger. He slammed the files on the table. "Get back to work! If this isn't resolved today, don't expect to leave!"Relieved to escape his presence, the team scrambled out of the room.Left alone, Gabriel pulled out his phone and reviewed the security footage from his office. He rewound to the moment right after he had locked Mason inside.At first, Mason tried the door but quickly realized it was locked. Then he began wreaking havoc—knocking over a teapot, pulling a painting off the wall, scattering important documents across the floor, and gleefully stomping on them.Gabriel's jaw tightened as he watched the destruction unfold, veins bulging in his temple.He continued to watch. Mason hopped onto Gabriel's
Valarie froze, staring in disbelief. "You think I don't see us as equals? If that were true, I wouldn't have come here to apologize. I'd be waiting for you to apologize to me instead!"She had rushed over right after work to make things right, only to be met with suspicion. The injustice of it stung."If you really understood you were wrong, you'd accept that my feelings don't just vanish the moment you say 'sorry.' I'm human, not a machine. Your apology doesn't erase everything," Brandon retorted."When I met Michelle before—without you knowing, but with others around—you wanted to break up. Now you've secretly met Stefan and even went to see him after knowing he kidnapped you. What do you take me for? How important is he to you?"Valarie stepped back at the anger in his voice. "So what now? You won't accept my apology, and you want to break up?"Brandon took a deep breath, his gaze lowering. "Let's take a few days to cool off. No contact for now."Valarie nodded. "Fine. Whateve
Valarie sighed. "Fine. I'll think of something...""Good. I have to be up early tomorrow, so I'll talk to you later. Goodnight," Nyla said.After hanging up, Valarie stared at her phone for a while before opening her chat with Brandon. She started typing but couldn't bring herself to send anything.Forget it. He was still mad. She'd deal with it tomorrow.Setting her phone down, she got up to take a shower.…When Valarie woke up the next morning, the first thing she did was check her phone.Nothing. Not a single message.Brandon would always text her "good morning" first thing every day.But today? Silence.He was probably still mad.Pushing aside her disappointment, she got up, showered, dressed, and headed to work.She had meant to apologize last night, but for some reason, it felt even harder today.The entire day, she found herself distracted. Every time her phone buzzed, she snatched it up, hoping it was Brandon—only to feel disappointed when it wasn't.By the end o
"If you really didn't want any misunderstandings between us, you wouldn't have met him today, especially behind my back," Brandon said coldly.Seeing the anger in his eyes, Valarie nodded. "I admit I should've told you. But he invited me to dinner to thank me for covering his mother's medical bills. He even suggested I bring you along, but you were out of town for work, so I didn't mention it."Brandon let out a sharp laugh. "Was it because I was away, or did you never plan to tell me in the first place?"Valarie frowned. "Do you have to twist my words like that? You were on a business trip. If I told you, you'd just overthink it. That's why I kept quiet.""So I should be grateful you were looking out for me, is that it?" Brandon shot back."If you're going to keep talking to me like this, there's no point in continuing this conversation. Ron, stop at the next intersection. I'll take a cab home," Valarie said.Ron Gibson, the driver, hesitated and glanced at Brandon. "Mr. Sumner…
"It's true, Ms. Weir. Let's proceed with your statement first," the police officer said.Valarie had little to say. She had passed out so quickly that she couldn't remember anything afterward. The police officers only asked about her meeting with Stefan.During the questioning, Valarie learned the truth—Stefan had invited her out with the intent to kidnap her, and he had gone through with it.Once they finished, the police officer said, "Thank you for your cooperation, Ms. Weir. You're free to go now. Please stay home and wait for further updates."Valarie nodded. "Alright, thank you."As she stepped out of the interrogation room, Brandon was waiting. "Valarie, let's go home."She turned to him. "Brandon, I want to see Stefan."She needed to understand why he had kidnapped her and why he had called the police afterward.Brandon frowned. "You should already know that he and Michelle are half-siblings. He approached you with an agenda from the start. What's the point of seeing hi
Just as the bodyguard was only a few steps away from Stefan, he let out a cold laugh. "Take one more step, and I'll slit her throat right now."The bodyguard froze, hesitating.Michelle's sharp voice echoed. "Don't come any closer! Get away!"She had just felt the blade press harder against her neck.Stefan was a lunatic—he'd actually do it!The more she thought about it, the more terrified she became.Right then, the distant wail of police sirens cut through the night, growing louder as they approached.A flicker of relief flashed in Michelle's eyes. Her bodyguards must have secretly called the police.She was safe!Within moments, five police cars pulled up, surrounding them as a dozen police officers stepped out.Seeing the police, Stefan lowered the knife.Michelle seized the moment and bolted toward the police officers. "Officers, arrest him! He held me at knifepoint! He was going to kill me!"She was still catching her breath when one of the police officers turned to
Stefan let out a cold laugh. "Cover the expenses? Or use my mom as leverage to control me? You already know the answer."Michelle chuckled. "If you don't appreciate my kindness, fine. Transfer her wherever you want. But don't expect a single cent from the Snowdens.""Oh, you'll pay," Stefan said."What?" Michelle frowned, about to speak, when she suddenly felt a blade press against her neck.Her expression shifted instantly. "Stefan, are you insane? One phone call, and your mom will be dead in minutes!"Stefan nodded and smiled. "I believe you. But I just realized something... The Snowdens only have one successor—you. If you die, who do you think will inherit everything?""You're dreaming! If you dare lay a hand on me, my dad will make sure you suffer!" Michelle shouted."That's not your concern," Stefan said.Upon seeing the cold intent in his eyes, a wave of fear finally surged through Michelle.She forced herself to stay calm and locked eyes with him. "What do you want? You
"I'm not doing anything special. What's up? Aren't you supposed to be in a business meeting? How do you have time to call me?" Valarie asked.Brandon replied, "It's all taken care of. My flight is tonight. Want to meet up?"Valarie raised an eyebrow. "What time will you be back in Saintornia?""A little after 11:00 p.m.," Brandon answered.Valarie shook her head. "That's too late. You've been on a business trip for almost a week. You should just go home and rest."Brandon chuckled. "But I really want to see you. How about this? I'll have my driver stop by your place. We can see each other briefly, and then I'll head home. Sound good?"Valarie considered it. His route home would pass by her neighborhood anyway. "Alright. Just call me when you're close. I'm about to have dinner, so I'll talk to you later. Bye.""Okay," Brandon replied.After hanging up, Valarie entered the restaurant.Stefan had reserved a private dining room, and by the time she arrived, he was already inside.
Michelle hung up after delivering her threat.Stefan stood frozen, his body tense with despair.No matter what he did, it seemed he could never truly escape the Snowdens.If it weren't for them, he wouldn't be able to pay for his mother's treatment. Yet, they were the people he hated most. He despised them.He also despised his mother, Lily. If she had never given birth to him, he wouldn't be trapped in this nightmare, stuck in the mud with no way out.And yet… she was the only person who had ever shown him kindness.That fragile thread of family—thin and fraying—still tugged at his heart, holding him back. Even though it hurt, he couldn't bring himself to sever it.…Valarie had just returned home when her mother called her over. She changed into her house slippers and sat beside her."Valarie, when are you and Brandon getting married?" Phoebe asked.Valarie frowned. "Mom, we haven't even discussed that yet.""You're not getting any younger." Phoebe huffed. "You rejected every guy we
The two of them were eight years apart, with different interests and personalities.Some of Stefan's behavior struck Valarie as incredibly immature. But more importantly, she had never seen him in a romantic light.To her, he was more like a younger brother—someone she felt protective of, but not someone she could ever like that way.He should be dating girls his own age, and she should get back to living her own life.With that thought, Valarie accepted the money.Valarie: [Thank you for everything these past few weeks. And… I'm sorry about today.]…Stefan stared at the message on his screen in a quiet park, his lips curling into a mocking smile.Just as Brandon had said—Valarie had only been using him as a distraction. Now that she was back with Brandon, she'd discarded him without hesitation.Taking a deep breath, he deleted the chat and didn't reply.They had always been from different worlds. Now, things were simply returning to how they had been before.Still, he coul