"Nyla, I promise this won't happen again," Gabriel assured.Nyla didn't respond. She simply took Mason's hand and walked away.Gabriel and Wilhelm stood there for a moment before finally leaving, neither of them noticing the figure watching from the corner of the hospital lobby.Brandon dialed Damon's number again. "Uncle Damon, you don't need to come. Aunt Nyla already left with Buddy."I asked around and found out that Buddy and Wilhelm fought at school this morning. Aunt Nyla and Gabriel were here to get them checked out, but they've already gone their separate ways."There was a pause before Damon's cold voice came through the line. "Got it."Then he hung up.…When Nyla brought Mason home, Lydia looked surprised to see him. "Ms. Kinsey, why isn't Mr. Mason at school?""He'll stay home with me today. Buddy, go wash your hands and change your clothes," Nyla said.Mason nodded and ran upstairs.Lydia didn't press further but mentioned, "Mr. Sumner called earlier to check i
Nyla reached out and hugged Damon. "I'm not going to leave you. Whether you're the CEO of Prospectus Technology or just an ordinary person, you're still the one I love. I love you—not the company behind you.""Nyla, I'm sorry. I've been too sensitive lately," Damon said, his voice heavy with remorse."It's not your fault. It's normal to have moments of self-doubt when facing such a major setback. You just need to remember one thing: I'm never going to leave you. That's all that matters," she replied softly.Damon didn't say anything more. Instead, he tightened his embrace around Nyla.Suddenly, the sound of small footsteps echoed through the quiet room.They both turned toward the staircase and saw Mason coming downstairs in his pajamas.Damon released Nyla and faced the boy. "Buddy, why aren't you asleep yet?"Without answering, Mason ran up to them, clutching a card in his small hands. He held it out to Damon. "Daddy, I heard your company is in trouble because there's no money
The bodyguards hesitated before quickly leaving.Gabriel turned back to Damon with a grin. "Now can we talk?"Damon walked into his office without a word, and Gabriel followed.Sitting behind his desk, Damon glared at him coldly. "What do you want to discuss?"Gabriel smiled. "Mr. Sumner, with Prospectus Technology on the brink of bankruptcy, it's pointless to keep spending money fighting Nyce Tech in court. How about I give you some money, and you drop the lawsuit? What do you think?"Damon's expression hardened. "I doubt you can afford the price I have in mind.""I'm offering 10 billion dollars. You can take the money and start fresh. How about it?" Gabriel proposed.He had considered the amount for a long time, clearly confident that Damon wouldn't refuse.Silence filled the office.After a long pause, Damon snickered. "Gabriel, you colluded with Henry to steal Prospectus Technology's core trade secrets. Now you want me to let you off the hook for 10 billion dollars? Dream
Damon remained silent, his face set in a grim expression. If this card truly contained the staggering amount claimed, the situation was anything but reassuring.After verifying the balance at the bank, his expression grew even darker.Sensing something amiss—especially given Damon's lack of joy—Spencer grew uneasy."Mr. Sumner... isn't it good that the card holds this much money?" he asked hesitantly.Damon's gaze sharpened. "Head back to the office. I need to deal with something at home.""Understood," Spencer replied, though confusion lingered on his face.Damon left swiftly.Spencer stood by, watching the car disappear down the road, his thoughts clouded.Shouldn't they be celebrating? With this amount, saving the company should have been a sure thing.…Less than an hour later, Damon arrived at the villa.Nyla was lounging in the living room, watching TV.When she saw him enter, her brow furrowed slightly. "Why are you back so early?"Damon settled across from her, pla
Mason nodded. "I know. That's the money I earned myself.""You earned?" Nyla repeated.The couple stared at Mason in disbelief. How could a five-year-old possibly earn that kind of money?Damon frowned and crouched beside him. "Buddy, do you know there's 1 trillion dollars in that account? Do you understand how much that is?"Mason shook his head. "No... but it really is the money I earned."Damon asked, "Then tell Daddy, how did you earn it?"Mason hesitated, his expression conflicted. "Daddy... can I not tell you?"He had promised the person who helped him earn the money that he wouldn't reveal anything about it."Buddy, if you don't tell us, we can't be sure if this money is really yours," Damon replied gently but firmly.Mason thought for a moment before shaking his head again. "I can't say."Damon was about to push further when Nyla placed a hand on his arm, stopping him.She turned to Mason, smiling softly. "Okay, if you don't want to tell us, we won't force you. Go ba
Damon had never met anyone from the Nixons, but it was clear they had ties to both Drake and Mason.He sensed it wouldn't be long before he encountered someone from this enigmatic family. When that moment came, he hoped to finally uncover their motives for involving Mason.…That evening, when Damon returned to the villa, he called Nyla into the study."I have something important to tell you," he said, his tone serious.Noticing his expression, Nyla looked puzzled. "What is it? Does it have to do with the money in Buddy's account?"Damon nodded. "Yes. Five years ago, shortly after Rebecca returned to the country, a mysterious group abroad began investigating you."Later, I discovered that the person behind the investigation was Drake Mummery, a senior executive at MK Company in Meristate. He's connected to the Nixons—a powerful family in Meristate."Today, I found out that all the money in Buddy's account came from someone within the Nixons."Nyla's face turned serious, a mix
Nyla had wanted to discuss things properly with Mason, to make him open up slowly and tell her the truth.Now, she felt the urgency to figure out how that money had come about as soon as possible.She rarely spoke so sternly to Mason, so he was startled and dropped the block on the floor.Mason's eyes were red, but he stared at Nyla defiantly, refusing to speak.Nyla pressed, "Buddy, who is this master of yours?"Why would they give Mason so much money out of the blue?"I won't say!" Mason responded firmly.Nyla's brow furrowed in anger as her patience wore thin. "If you don't tell me, I'll take away all your electronics starting today."Mason yelled, "I hate you, Mommy! You're not the loving mommy you used to be anymore!"After shouting, he spun on his heel and ran upstairs.Moments later, the slam of his door echoed through the villa.Hearing the commotion, Damon emerged from the study and walked into the living room. He saw Nyla standing there, visibly upset."What happe
Mason hadn't expected his master to say they'd meet in person soon."Of course. Have I ever lied to you?" the young man replied."No!" Mason chirped.After hanging up the phone, the thought of meeting his master lifted Mason's spirits. He jumped off the toilet, phone in hand, and walked out of the bathroom.Back in his room, a knock came at the door."Buddy, are you in there? Can you open the door? Daddy wants to talk to you," Damon said.Hearing Damon's gentle voice, Mason hesitated briefly but eventually opened the door."Daddy, if you're here to ask about my master like Mommy, I'm not going to tell you," he stated.Damon smiled, reaching out to pat Mason's head. "Don't worry. I'm not going to ask. You don't have to say anything if you don't want to. Mommy and I talked earlier, and she won't press you on it anymore either. She was just worried, that's all.""My master wouldn't hurt me!" Mason defended."I know, Buddy. Mommy's just concerned about you. She already feels bad
"That's more like it," Valarie chirped.Nyla couldn't help but say, "Valarie, stop bullying Brandon all the time."Brandon turned to her and sighed dramatically. "Aunt Nyla, since you mentioned it, I have to say something. You have no idea what I've been through these past six months, I— Ouch!"Before he could finish, Valarie pinched his waist. "What was that? Tell me, Brandon. Have you been unhappy these past six months?""N-No... I've been very happy..." Brandon winced."Have I bullied you then?" Valarie pressed."No..." Brandon murmured.Valarie huffed. "If not, then keep your mouth shut, or Nyla will really think I mistreat you." Brandon gave her a pitiful look, lowering his head like a scolded puppy.Before they married, Valarie had been gentle and beautiful in his eyes. But after marriage, he realized how wrong he had been.Gentle and beautiful? All an illusion.If he stayed out drinking and came home late, he'd have to choose between sleeping on the couch or outside.
Taking Mia to work was exhausting, but every time she smiled at Damon, it made everything worth it."She'll be fine. Didn't you just say she loves us both equally? She'll cry for a bit, but if you stop taking her to the office, she'll get used to being at home," Nyla reasoned.Seeing Nyla's determination, Damon finally relented. "Alright, we'll try it tomorrow. But if she cries too much, you'll have to take her to the office.""Deal!" Nyla said....After getting ready for work the next morning, Damon kissed Mia on the cheek and headed for the door.As soon as he changed his shoes at the entrance, she reached her little arms toward him, asking to be held. She had grown so accustomed to going to the office with him every day that it had become a reflex.Damon glanced at Nyla. "Nyla, maybe today we should—"Nyla interrupted, "Nope. You go to work. And if you're free for lunch, don't bother coming home. If you need to work late, no rush to come back either."Damon chuckled. "You'
"Brandon, from now on, I'm entrusting Valarie to you," Jonathan said. "She's been spoiled by us and can be a little willful at times. I hope you'll be patient with her in your marriage, and I wish you both a lifetime of happiness together."Brandon held Valarie's hand tightly, his expression solemn. "Dad, don't worry. I'll cherish her with all my heart."Jonathan nodded, stepping down from the stage. He discreetly wiped away his tears.After exchanging vows and rings, Valarie and Brandon sealed their love with a kiss, surrounded by cheers and applause.…On the way home from the wedding, Nyla glanced at Damon. "I saw Mr. Weir wipe his tears so many times today. When Bunny gets married, you'll definitely be just like him, sneaking off somewhere to cry."Damon's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, his gaze sharpening. "No one will ever be good enough for my daughter. If she never gets married, we'll take care of her for the rest of our lives."Nyla raised an eyebrow and
"Of course! When's the wedding?" Nyla asked.Valarie shook her head. "We haven't decided yet. He'll come to my house in a few days to discuss it with my parents."Nyla raised an eyebrow. "You're about to get really busy. Planning a wedding alone will take a lot of work.""Yeah, I'm already getting a headache just thinking about it," Valarie replied....For the next few months, Valarie was completely consumed by wedding preparations and work, barely having time to catch her breath.The wedding was set for August 8th, leaving them with less than six months to finalize everything.Valarie even traveled abroad several times to meet with designers and ensure her wedding dress was exactly what she wanted.Beyond the dress, she and Brandon spent hours discussing every detail—from the venue to the wedding favors and bouquet choices....After months of nonstop planning, the big day finally arrived.Valarie was already up, getting her hair and makeup done at 2:00 a.m.By the time N
Valarie looked up and saw the approaching glow.When the figure finally stopped in front of her, she realized it was Brandon.Frowning, she asked, "Where did you go? I waited so long for you. And what are you hiding behind your back?"Brandon flipped his phone face-down on the table, revealing the flowers he had hidden. Then he dropped to one knee."Valarie, I had planned a perfect proposal for you, but when you asked earlier about the meaning of wearing a wedding dress, I knew I couldn't wait any longer."Before I met you, my life revolved solely around work. I never paused for anyone—I never cared whether the sun was rising or setting, or if the moon was full or waning. But everything changed after I met you."I began cherishing the thought of greeting you every morning, sharing meals with you, and standing by your side for life."Valarie, I want every morning to begin with us waking up together, and every night to end with us holding each other as we fall asleep."Finally, B
Of course, every time they visited Valarie's home, Phoebe would subtly—or sometimes not so subtly—hint that they should get married.Brandon had always assumed Valarie wasn't interested in marriage since she never responded to those hints. He hadn't considered proposing.But today, seeing her so excited about picking out baby clothes made him start to imagine a future with her—building a family, raising a child.That thought filled his heart with warmth.After more than three hours of shopping, they finally left the mall, their arms full of bags.Once they loaded everything into the car, Valarie turned to Brandon. "I'm starving. Let's grab something to eat."Brandon nodded. "Sure. What are you in the mood for?""I'm not picky. Is there anything good around here? I don't feel like going too far," she replied.Brandon paused, then said, "There's a place with ethnic cuisine nearby. I went there once for a business meeting—it was pretty authentic. Want to give it a try?""Sounds g
Nyla was silent for a moment before nodding. "Alright. If you ever need Damon to help figure out Brandon's thoughts, just let me know.""I will. Don't worry about us, though. You just gave birth. Your main priority should be resting," Valarie said."Okay," Nyla replied.Valarie lingered in the bedroom for a while, but when she saw Nyla looking tired, she stood up and left.Downstairs, only Brandon was in the living room.Valarie walked over to him and asked, "Where's Damon?""He had something to take care of for work, so he went to the study. How's Aunt Nyla?" Brandon asked."She seems to be doing well, and the baby is adorable. Oh, right, I forgot to ask what the baby's name is. I only know her nickname is Bunny," Valarie said.Just thinking about Mia Sumner's cute little face made Valarie smile. She was already looking forward to the day the baby would call her godmother.A flicker of something crossed Brandon's eyes. "You really like kids, huh?""Of course! I've said befor
Once they were in the car, Nyla suddenly recalled Damon's phone call earlier. "By the way, what did Alexander want?"After a brief pause, Damon glanced at her. "He said Ms. Kinsey left you an inheritance and asked when we'd be able to go to Meristate to take care of it."Nyla pressed her lips together before replying, "Call him later and tell him to donate it or keep it for himself. I don't want it.""Alright," Damon replied.When they arrived home, Damon helped Nyla settle onto the couch, placing a pillow behind her back for support. Then, he said seriously, "Nyla, you've been through enough. Let's not have any more kids after this."During her first pregnancy with Mason, Damon hadn't been around, so he hadn't realized how difficult it was for her.Now, experiencing this pregnancy with her, every checkup and blood draw made his heart ache.Once Nyla gave birth, he planned to get a vasectomy. Two kids were enough for them.Nyla shot him a look. "This wasn't exactly planned, was
More than half an hour later, Nyla finally stirred from her nap.When she opened her eyes, she found Damon sitting by her bed, watching her. She froze for a moment, caught off guard.Rubbing her eyes, she realized he was still there and confirmed she wasn't dreaming.She slowly sat up, her voice still heavy with sleep. "Why are you here? Shouldn't you be in your study working?""I missed you, so I came to see you," Damon replied.Nyla narrowed her eyes. "You definitely have something to say if you're here all of a sudden."Damon chuckled, a little helpless. "I guess I can't fool you.""Of course not. I know you too well. Ever since I got pregnant, you've never come to see me like this in the afternoon," Nyla said."Alright. Go freshen up first, and I'll wait for you downstairs," Damon suggested."Okay," Nyla replied.After washing up, she went downstairs and sat beside Damon. "Alright, tell me. What's going on? You're acting all mysterious."Damon hesitated for a moment befo