As soon as Mason set down the phone, a knock came at the door."Buddy, who were you talking to just now?" Nyla asked.Mason swallowed hard and called out, "Mommy, I wasn't talking to anyone. I was just… talking to myself.""It's late. Go to bed soon," Nyla urged."Okay, Mommy," Mason replied.The sound of footsteps faded from outside the door, and he let out a breath of relief. If Nyla had walked in just a moment earlier, he wouldn't have been able to explain himself....The next morning, Damon, Nyla, and Mason sat at the breakfast table.Damon set his tablet aside and suddenly turned to Nyla. "Nyla, let's get married."The thought of Drake circling Nyla like a predator had left Damon uneasy. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was on the verge of losing her.Nyla froze, looking up at him.Seeing the seriousness in his expression, she couldn't help but laugh. "Other people propose with a ring or at least some flowers."But you? You just hit me with a casual, 'Let's get m
Nyla's eyes were cold, lacking any warmth.Alexander sighed softly. "Nyla, I truly hope we can have a proper conversation. Aren't you curious at all about how your mother has been living abroad all these years?""There's nothing for me to be curious about," Nyla replied. "Mr. Kinsey, I have things to do, so I'll be leaving now."As she made to leave, Alexander stepped in front of her. "Your mother may be returning to the country next week. She wants to see you. When are you available?""I'm not," Nyla said, sidestepping him. She got into her car and drove off.As she drove, her mind wandered. Why was Emerald coming back now? Years ago, she had left so decisively. Why return now, to disrupt the peace Nyla had finally found?…After arriving home, Nyla sat down on the couch, lost in thought.She hesitated briefly before calling Valarie.When Valarie heard about Emerald's potential return, she immediately suggested, "If she wants to see you, you should meet her. And I think you
Theo's expression darkened, and he let out a cold laugh. "Mr. Sumner, you don't need to lecture me. If you'd been willing to return the 10% stake in the Wilkie Group, we wouldn't have ended up like this."Damon didn't respond. He simply picked up his pen and signed the termination contract.The moment he finished, Theo impatiently snatched the contract away and handed a bank card to Damon."Mr. Sumner, the penalty fee is on this card. The PIN is six zeroes," he said.Damon glanced at him but didn't take the card. "Just leave it on the desk."Theo's face stiffened, and a shadow of resentment flickered in his eyes. "What's this? Mr. Sumner looking down on me?"Damon opened a document without even looking up. "If that's what you think, then so be it."Theo's grip on the card tightened until his knuckles turned white. He stared at Damon for a long moment before finally placing the card on the desk. "You should be careful not to let your arrogance make enemies everywhere, Mr. Sumner.
Pedro nodded. "With your assurance, I feel more at ease."Drake smiled, stood, and said, "I won't take up any more of your time. I look forward to hearing good news from you soon.""Don't worry, Mr. Mummery. I'll do my best," Pedro replied.Once alone, he let out a long sigh and slumped into his chair. He picked up his phone and dialed a contact. "Hello, Xavier? I'd like to discuss a partnership... When might you be free—"He was cut off mid-sentence."Mr. Wilkie, I don't think I can risk working with the Wilkie Group right now. After what happened with Prospectus Technology, who's to say we won't be next? I'm in a meeting. Let's not waste each other's time."The call ended abruptly.Frustrated, Pedro tried several more contacts, only to be met with rejection after rejection. His anger eventually boiled over, and he hurled the phone to the floor."I refuse to believe the Wilkie Group can't survive without their cooperation!" he roared.A maid, alarmed by the commotion, rushed
Theo's expression darkened, and he frowned. "Grandpa, it's not that I don't want to listen to you, but this situation is already affecting the company. I need to give the shareholders an explanation. Several of them confronted me today."Just thinking about the scowls on those shareholders' faces irritated him. He knew full well that they didn't take him seriously. Some even had the nerve to compare him unfavorably to Jane.Pedro stared at him coldly. "A few complaints from shareholders, and you're already falling apart? What will you do if the company faces a real crisis?""Grandpa, if you keep stirring things up like this, we might not need to wait for a real crisis—the company could collapse any day now," Theo countered."Say that again?" Pedro growled.Facing his grandfather's icy glare, Theo instinctively shrank back, muttering under his breath, "I'm just stating the facts...""Get out!" Pedro hurled a file at his feet, his face livid with anger.Theo sighed helplessly. "Gr
Tom wondered if he had just gone from being Drake's lackey to Damon's errand boy. He sighed and summoned his secretary.Less than an hour later, the investigation was complete."Mr. Genge, the Watson Group hasn't signed any major contracts recently. However, they've been in contact with Mr. Mummery," Tom's secretary reported.Tom sneered. "I see. That'll be all."After the secretary left, Tom immediately informed Damon. "The Watson Group has been meeting with Drake. Looks like they're working together now. Be careful.""Got it," Damon answered.Hanging up, Damon placed his phone on the desk, his expression darkening as he thought things through.Drake's intentions were clear, and he was beginning to make moves against Prospectus Technology. As for Alexander, it was only a matter of time before he acted as well.The more Damon considered the situation, the darker his expression grew.Taking a deep breath, he called Spencer back into the office. "Spencer, how long have you been
Seeing Nyla's furious expression, Damon spoke calmly. "Nyla, don't get upset yet. Let me finish.""What's there to listen to?" Nyla snapped. "Do you really think Alexander and Drake wouldn't be able to find me and Buddy? Going abroad would be even more dangerous. Not only could we run into unforeseen incidents, but they could also find us and drag us back to Meristate."Damon stood and pulled her into his arms. "I understand what you're worried about. But if I'm suggesting sending you both away, it means I've already arranged everything to ensure your safety. Trust me, okay?""I won't do it!" Nyla shoved him away, her voice cold. "No matter what you say, I'm not agreeing to leave the country."With that, she turned and left the room.Damon's eyes filled with helplessness and pain as he watched her retreating figure.He knew why Nyla refused to leave—it was because she was worried about him. But he was just as concerned about her and Mason's safety.Because of their earlier argum
"Just some womanly matters. Don't pry," Nyla chided, though her tone lacked sharpness.Damon nodded. "Got it. Do you need me to drive you?""No, I'll take a cab," she replied."Alright," he said.As Damon drove away, Nyla slipped her marriage certificate into her bag and flagged down a taxi. Her destination: the restaurant where she had arranged to meet Alexander.…When she arrived, she found herself 30 minutes early. Yet, Alexander was already there."You're here," he remarked, standing as she approached."Yes," she replied, seating herself across from him.Her expression was composed, her gaze devoid of the resentment that once lingered there. "Why are you so early?""I didn't have anything else to do, so I came early," he said, shrugging lightly. "What did you want to talk about?"Nyla drew a steady breath before speaking. "I thought about what you said after I got home. You're right—she's my mother. I can't cut her out of my life completely. I'm willing to try to accept
"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