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
Nyla went upstairs while Damon returned to his study.Instead of diving into his paperwork, he sat at his desk, wrestling with the dilemma of whether to use the money in Mason's account to save Prospectus Technology. Hours later, he made a decision....The next morning, Damon left for the office after breakfast.Meanwhile, Mason was heading upstairs to change when Nyla called him back. "Buddy, starting today, you don't need to go to school. You'll stay home with me for a while to study instead."Mason blinked in surprise. "Why?"Nyla stroked his hair, her tone gentle. "I'm not working right now, so I can help you practice writing at home. We'll do this for a while before you go back to school. Does that sound good?"School wasn't that important to Mason, so he nodded easily. "Okay."Relieved that he didn't press for more details, Nyla let out a soft sigh. Lying to kids could be exhausting.At the office…Damon had just stepped in when Spencer arrived, his expression grim.
Not long after Tom left, Gabriel's secretary rushed into the office, panic in his voice. "Mr. Hackett, I can't find where the money for Prospectus Technology came from. It's as if it just appeared out of nowhere. I—""Get out!" Gabriel's bloodshot eyes and contorted face radiated fury, making him look terrifying.The secretary froze, then quickly turned and left, shutting the door behind him.It was over.With Prospectus Technology saved, Gabriel had lost his leverage over Damon. And with it, Gabriel's chance of being with Nyla was gone too...."Mr. Sumner, with this new investment, the company will be back on track soon. I'll start reaching out to the employees who left. If any of them are willing to return, we can reinstate them right away," Spencer said with a smile in Damon's office."Got it. Go ahead and handle it," Damon replied."Understood!" Spencer chirped before exiting the room.Damon opened a file on his desk, but his thoughts kept wandering.He wasn't sure if us
"It's going alright. We're slowly getting back on track, but I'm still worried. I don't know if this is the right call," Damon answered.Using the money in Mason's account might save Prospectus Technology, or it could drag him further into trouble.Nyla looked at him, her voice soft. "Right or wrong, it's the only option right now. We'll just have to take it one step at a time. It won't be any harder than it is now."If Prospectus Technology went bankrupt, they didn't know how Gabriel would retaliate against their family. As long as the company remained intact, they would be safe."I'll protect you and Buddy, no matter what. No one will hurt you," Damon vowed.He had already decided that if things went south, he would find a way to get Nyla and Mason to safety.The oil was reaching temperature as they spoke.Nyla dropped the meatballs in. "Don't worry so much. We'll be fine. The three of us will be alright."Damon walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her with a hum.
If Falcon didn't make contact within a month, it would mean something had happened to them."Alright, I understand," Spencer replied.He turned and left the office, sighing once outside. He could only hope they couldn't reach Falcon because of some kind of accident, not something worse.Once the office door closed, Damon's gaze darkened.If he wasn't mistaken, Falcon had likely been found by the Nixons, though Damon wasn't sure whether they were alive or dead.The Nixons, the hidden power behind Drake, were far bigger and more mysterious than he had imagined.While he was lost in thought, his phone suddenly rang.Upon seeing that it was Gabriel, his expression immediately turned cold.As soon as he answered, Gabriel's furious voice came through. "Damon, are you really going to drive me to the brink?"The legal team from Prospectus Technology had filed a lawsuit against Nyce Tech for illegally stealing trade secrets and submitted evidence of other criminal activities to the cou
Theo's expression darkened as he stepped forward, looking down at Jane. "Say that again!"Jane raised an eyebrow. "What? You can't take it? Want to make a move?""You!" Theo clenched his fists, and for a moment, he was tempted to strike Jane."Enough!" Pedro's sharp voice echoed. "Isn't this enough chaos? Keep quiet, both of you!"Theo's expression changed, and he took a deep breath, saying nothing more.Jane knew she was no longer in line to inherit the Wilkie Group. She had become a mere pawn, no longer of any use to Pedro, so there was no need to pay her much attention.She glanced at Pedro, her voice flat. "Grandpa, you called me here today just to talk about Gabriel being arrested?"Pedro frowned. "Gabriel's arrest will damage the Wilkies' reputation. Stay home for a while and finish your travel documents. I want you to leave the country."Jane sneered. "Got it."She knew she was now a discarded pawn in Pedro's eyes. Of course, he would want her to leave as soon as possib
Pedro scowled as he said coldly, "She's about to leave the country. What's the point of holding so many shares?"It's not that we're unwilling to give her money, but you all know the situation at the Wilkie Group. Even if we were to give her the money, it will have to wait until the company stabilizes."Jane sneered. "You make it sound so reasonable. If I handed over all my shares to Theo, I'd be lucky to see a penny from him. That's assuming he'd even bother to get my name right!"Pedro glared at her. "Are you really going to push me?""You're the one forcing me," Jane replied, her voice icy. "Even if the shares rot in my hands, I'll never give them to Theo!""Fine! You're a truly good granddaughter!" Pedro snapped, his voice brimming with fury.The meeting ended on a sour note, with everyone leaving in frustration.…Back at the villa, Ruth sat beside Jane. "Now that they couldn't get the shares, they'll surely come up with other ways to take them from you. Jane, don't let yo
Jane could make a promise like this to obtain shares in Prospectus Technology, but who could guarantee she wouldn't go back on her word in the future for her own benefit?Besides, Damon would never give her an opportunity to join Prospectus Technology.Her expression changed again, clearly unprepared for Damon's blunt refusal.Yet, if she kept the 10% shares of the Wilkie Group, she would gain nothing. Worse, Pedro might pressure her into giving them to Theo.Rather than let the shares go to waste, she'd rather sell them."Mr. Sumner, can we reconsider? Even if it's just 0.5% of your shares, I'd be willing to accept that," she negotiated.Damon remained unmoved. "Ms. Wilkie, please leave."Jane studied his resolute expression and finally understood—acquiring shares in Prospectus Technology was no longer an option.Taking a deep breath, she met his gaze directly. "Mr. Sumner, since you're unwilling to exchange shares, how about I sell you the 10% I own in the Wilkie Group?"Dam
Valarie widened her eyes in surprise. "Alright, but there are a lot of questions here. It might take me a day or two to finish. You're not in a hurry, are you?""No rush, but the sooner, the better. I really appreciate your help," Damon said.Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, Valarie smiled. "It's no trouble at all. I'm happy to help with the wedding preparations."After parting ways with Damon, Valarie returned to her office.As soon as she sat down, her phone rang. It was Brandon."Valarie, what did my uncle want? Did he give you a hard time?" he asked.Hearing the tension in his voice, Valarie set the file down. "Why would you think he would give me a hard time?"There was a brief silence before Brandon spoke again, his voice low. "I was worried he might blame you for my decision to leave the Sumner Group.""You're overthinking it. He asked me to help with something unrelated. If there's nothing else, I'm hanging up," Valarie replied."Valarie—" Brandon began.Before he co
Damon lowered his head to look at Mason and took the drawing from his hands.The picture showed a family of four—him, Nyla, Mason, and a little girl—standing under a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds.Damon smiled and pointed to the little girl in the drawing. "Who's this?""That's my little sister. I hope Mommy gives me a baby sister," Mason said earnestly."What if it's a baby brother instead?" Damon asked.Mason paused, then nodded confidently. "If it's a brother, I'll protect him too."Damon's smile deepened at Mason's innocent expression. "Well, it looks like our Buddy is growing up. You're already thinking about protecting your little sibling.""Daddy, when are you and Mommy going to give me a little sibling?" Mason asked."Soon. It won't be long now," Damon answered.Mason's eyes widened with excitement. "Really? Daddy, you're not lying to me, are you?""Of course not. When have I ever lied to you?" Damon asked.Mason huffed. "You've lied to me plenty of times.
"I've got it. You can let go. I promise I won't drop it," Stefan's roommate reassured him.Stefan's fingers tightened briefly before he slowly released his grip. "Yeah."His roommate carried the cake over to the others, calling them to share. He kept a piece for Stefan.That piece remained untouched until Stefan went to bed.…Over the next few days, Brandon appeared at the Weir Group every day. Sometimes, he brought food; other times, flowers.Valarie was beyond annoyed. She'd told him repeatedly to stop pestering her, but he refused to listen. Eventually, she ignored him altogether.On Friday evening, Valarie spotted Brandon's car parked by the curb as soon as she stepped out of the office.By then, she was used to seeing him there. She walked directly to her car, pretending he didn't exist.Just as she reached it, Brandon called out from behind, "Valarie."Valarie pressed her lips together and turned to face him. "What do you want?""Valarie, are you free tonight?" he ask
As Stefan stared at the candle, an unreadable emotion flickered in his eyes. He pressed his hands together, closed his eyes, and made a wish.After a moment, he opened his eyes and blew out the candle. "Thank you, Veevee.""No need to thank me. But I'm curious—what did you wish for?" Valarie asked.Stefan smiled. "If I tell you, it won't come true, right?""Fair enough. Here, this is your birthday present," Valarie said.When Stefan saw the black box she handed him, he looked surprised. "Isn't the present all those clothes?""Those were just extras. This is the real gift," Valarie replied.Stefan hesitated, taking the box. "Can I open it now?"Valarie nodded. "Of course."He carefully untied the ribbon and lifted the lid. As soon as he saw what was inside, shock flashed across his face."This is..." he murmured.Inside the box was a key."I bought you an apartment near the university. That way, you won't have to stay in the dorms anymore," Valarie explained.Stefan immedia
Michelle reached for her phone on the table.Just before her fingers could brush it, Jayden's hand shot out faster, snatching it away.She looked up at Jayden, her teary eyes flashing with defiance. "Give me back my phone!"Jayden took a deep breath and spoke slowly. "Michelle, it's not too late to stop. If you really did send Stefan to get close to Valarie, then tell him to back off."Michelle nodded. "Fine. No matter what I say, you won't believe me. So, let's say I did send him. What are you going to do? Tell Brandon?"Jayden fell silent, unsure of how to respond. Before coming here, he hadn't even considered what he would do if Michelle was behind this.Would he tell Brandon? Or pretend he didn't know?"Whether you were behind this or not, you need to call Stefan and tell him to stop seeing Valarie. If Brandon finds out about your relationship, he won't believe anything you say again," Jayden warned.Michelle's eyes filled with disappointment. "So, you don't believe me eith
It usually took Stefan ten minutes to walk from the dorm to the school gate, but today, he made it in just five.The moment he saw Valarie, a wave of happiness surged inside him.He knew it now. He had truly fallen for her."I had some errands nearby and happened to pass by your school. Then I remembered I still had something to give you," Valarie explained.Stefan raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "What is it?""You'll find out later. Let's eat first," she suggested.Stefan nodded. "Okay."…Neither Valarie nor Stefan noticed Jayden, who had secretly taken a photo of them from a distance.Behind Jayden, Yale frowned. "Jayden, isn't it a bit inappropriate to secretly take photos of Valarie?"Jayden glanced at him. "What's wrong with it? She's the one sneaking around on Brandon, having dinner with another man. I'm just taking a picture. What's the big deal?""But Valarie and Brandon broke up. She's free to date whoever she wants now. Besides... that guy could be her younger bro
"What's up?" Jayden asked."You free for dinner tonight?" Yale invited.Jayden checked his schedule—no meetings, no social engagements.Raising an eyebrow, he asked, "Who else is coming?""Just the two of us," Yale replied."Alright, send me the details," Jayden said.…That evening, Jayden pulled up in front of a high-end restaurant in Saintornia.As he stepped out of his car, Yale's voice came from the side. "Jayden, what a coincidence. We arrived at the same time."Jayden looked over, then waited for Yale to catch up before they walked inside together.Once seated in a private room, Jayden studied Yale. "You asked me to dinner alone. There must be something you want to talk about."Yale chuckled. "Can't hide anything from you. Let's order first."After placing their orders and the server left, Yale leaned back and met Jayden's gaze. "What's your plan with Michelle and Brandon? Are you really trying to set them up?"Jayden's fingers tightened slightly around his glass. H
At present, nothing mattered to Brandon except Valarie. If Jayden insisted on forcing him to see Michelle, their friendship might not survive.Yale nodded. "Got it. I'll mention it, but I won't push it if he doesn't listen."He and Nolan had a clear view of the situation and weren't planning on getting too involved. They didn't want to end up stuck in the middle, trying to please both sides and failing.…The news of Brandon stepping down as CEO of the Sumner Group spread quickly through Saintornia.As soon as Michelle heard about it, she called Jayden."Jayden, I just saw online that Brandon resigned as CEO of the Sumner Group. What's going on?" Her voice trembled with worry.There was a brief silence on the other end before Jayden responded in a low voice. "I don't know yet. I'll ask around.""Jayden, do you think it's because of that exposé you had someone post online? Maybe you should have them take it down. I want to see him, but I don't want him to leave the Sumner Group
Valarie opened the door and stepped out.After she left, Brandon pulled out his phone and dialed Yale. "Got time for a drink tonight?""Sure. But last I checked, Valarie keeps a tight leash on you. You sure you can go drinking?" Yale asked.Hearing the teasing in Yale's voice, Brandon lowered his gaze. "She doesn't care what I do anymore."She didn't even want him now, so why would she care if he went out drinking?"Alright then. I'll call Nolan and Jayden. You and Jayden need to settle your beef anyway. You two fighting online all the time is just making people laugh at you," Yale grunted.Brandon frowned. "If you invite him, I'm not going. I don't want to see him."If Jayden showed up, the first thing he'd do was try to convince him to see Michelle. And right now, just hearing her name annoyed him.If it weren't for Michelle, things wouldn't have spiraled so far between him and Valarie."Fine, fine. I won't call him. See you at the usual place," Yale said."Yeah," Brandon h