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
Hearing that, Nyla instinctively bit her lip and lingered at the door momentarily. In the end, she sighed quietly and walked away without saying anything more.When she returned to the living room, Lydia immediately approached her. "Ms. Kinsey, how is Mr. Sumner?"Nyla shook her head. "He's fine, don't worry. But he still doesn't want to come out to eat. Just keep the food warm for him tonight and take it to him whenever he feels like eating."Lydia nodded quickly. "Got it. Ms. Kinsey, you should go have dinner.""Okay," Nyla said, though she didn't have much of an appetite.Between Prospectus Technology's bankruptcy and Mason being forcibly taken by Gabriel earlier in the day, she was utterly exhausted, both mentally and physically.Despite that, she had to force herself to eat for Damon and Mason's sake. They both needed her to stay strong.She sat down at the dining table, and Mason frowned slightly upon noticing it was just the two of them."Mommy, isn't Daddy coming to eat
"Valarie, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have given you the silent treatment for so long. I wasn't even angry anymore. I just… couldn't bring myself to reach out first," Brandon said.Valarie frowned slightly, her eyes filled with disbelief. "Then why is it that every time I texted you or came to see you, you acted so cold? And now, as I'm leaving, you suddenly run over and hug me like you don't want me to go. Don't you think you're being unreasonable?"Brandon lowered his gaze. "Because I felt like if I let you walk away, we might really break up."Valarie pressed her lips together and remained silent.To be honest, when she turned to leave just now, breaking up had definitely crossed her mind.How could a relationship where communication didn't work, and every conflict led to silence, last?After a moment of silence, Brandon looked up at her again. "Valarie, I know ignoring you all this time hurt you. I'm sorry. I was just trying to figure out how we could be together in a way that fel
Phoebe scowled. "Not planning yet? You're over 30 now. Nyla is already on her second child, and you still don't know when you're getting married?"Valarie stayed silent.Phoebe's frustration deepened. "You're already this old, and your father and I still have to worry about your marriage. When will you finally settle down?""Even if I wanted to get married, it's not something I can decide on my own! Why do you always put the blame on me?" Valarie grumbled.With how things were going between her and Brandon, marriage wasn't even on the table—breaking up seemed more likely.Phoebe narrowed her eyes. "So it's Brandon who doesn't want to get married? I told you not to date someone younger, but you wouldn't listen. Now look, you don't even know if or when he'll propose!"Valarie had had enough. "Marriage, marriage, marriage! That's all you talk about! If you keep pushing me, I'll move out tomorrow.""You—" Phoebe choked on her anger.Not giving her mother a chance to argue, Valarie
Valarie opened the box and found a red V-neck gown inside."This is gorgeous!" she exclaimed."Try it on," Nyla urged."Okay!" Valarie took the dress into the dressing room.Less than two minutes later, she stepped out. "Nyla, it fits perfectly."Nyla looked up, her eyes lighting up with admiration.Dressed in the red gown, Valarie exuded confidence and elegance, like a queen. It was impossible not to be drawn to her."I knew my taste wouldn't fail me! This dress was made for you—every curve is accentuated just right. You look absolutely stunning! If I weren't a woman, I'd probably fall for you right now!" Nyla gushed.Valarie laughed, covering her mouth. "You're exaggerating. But I really do love this dress. Thank you, Nyla!""There's no need to thank me. We don't do that between us! Oh, by the way, why don't you go downstairs and let Brandon see it too?" Nyla suggested.Valarie's smile faded slightly. "Forget it. He probably wouldn't care anyway.""You two still haven't ma
Brad's expression darkened. "Michelle, Stefan is your brother. And for the record, when your mother left the company to me, it was just a small business. I was the one who built it into a publicly traded corporation. You threw away your own future for a man. That's your own fault.""No! I won't let you give the Snowden Group to Stefan! If you dare, my mother's ghost will haunt you forever!" Michelle screamed.Her threats didn't faze Brad in the slightest.He rose to his feet, looking down at her. "You've lost your mind. I'll get you a lawyer, but you'll have to face the consequences of what you did."With that, he turned and walked away.Michelle's eyes burned with fury and hatred."Dad! Don't go! You can't do this to me! Dad! I know I was wrong! Come back!" she screamed after him.No matter how much she yelled, Brad never looked back.Despair crept into her expression as her screams faded.…For the next half-month, Brandon and Valarie didn't contact each other.It was a st
Waiting for someone who would never reciprocate was exhausting. Jayden was done humbling himself.Brad froze, staring at Jayden in disbelief. "Jayden, what do you mean? Didn't you say you'd do whatever it takes to get Michelle out?""Mr. Snowden, the evidence against her is solid. She instigated Stefan to kidnap Valarie. The only way out of this is if Brandon and Valarie agree to sign a letter of leniency."If they refuse, there's nothing I can do. You can't expect me to go up against both the Sumner and Weir Groups just for Michelle."If Michelle had ever loved him, maybe he would have done it.But now? He wouldn't waste his time and energy on someone who didn't deserve it."Then… what about Michelle?" Brad asked."Michelle may not get out, but Stefan turned himself in. That counts as voluntary surrender, so he'll likely get a lighter sentence."From what I know, Stefan is studying economics in university. Honestly, does it really matter who inherits the Snowden Group as long
Brandon nodded. "Let them in. Bring them straight to my study.""Yes, sir," the butler replied.Five minutes later, Brad and Jayden entered.Brandon glanced up from his desk. "Take a seat. I have a document to finish."Brad nodded quickly. "Of course, Mr. Sumner. Take your time."Only after completing his work did Brandon close the file and walk over. "Mr. Snowden, Mr. Gilmour, what brings you here?"Brad leaned forward anxiously. "Mr. Sumner, I'm here for my daughter. You and Michelle are friends. I'm begging you—please let this go just this once."I swear, she'll never appear in front of you or Ms. Weir again!"Brandon smiled. "Mr. Snowden, your daughter conspired with Stefan to kidnap Valarie. That's a crime. Whether or not we're friends is irrelevant. Do you expect me to go against the justice system?""Mr. Sumner, if you could just convince Ms. Weir to issue a letter of leniency, the court would consider it when sentencing. Just for old times' sake—"Brandon cut him off,
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…