After holding each other for a moment, Damon released Nyla just as his phone buzzed in his pocket.His expression darkened when he saw that it was Spencer calling. He swiped to answer. "What's going on?""Mr. Sumner, I reached out to the companies this morning, but every one of them rejected us. Mr. Walker from Excellence received a warning from someone."His secretary told me privately that they were threatened—if Excellence works with Prospectus Technology, they'd be bankrupted. Under this pressure, no company is willing to partner with Prospectus Technology," Spencer reported.At this rate, Prospectus Technology was heading straight for another financial crisis.Damon lowered his eyes, his tone icy. "Got it. I'll deal with it when I get back this afternoon."He hung up and met Nyla's worried gaze. "Damon, is it Drake or Alexander targeting Prospectus Technology?""If I'm right, it's Drake," Damon replied.He could tell that Alexander didn't want to create open hostility betw
Lydia frowned. "Ms. Kinsey, you barely ate anything..."Nyla shook her head. "I've had enough. I'm going upstairs to rest. Thank you.""Alright. Let me know if you get hungry later," Lydia reminded her."I will," Nyla replied.After Nyla left, Lydia sighed and glanced at the table, still laden with dishes.It wasn't just Nyla who had been eating poorly lately. Worrying about Damon's company had taken a toll on Lydia's appetite, too.Upstairs in the bedroom, Nyla sat at her vanity, staring at her phone. She hesitated to tell Valarie about her marriage to Damon.After a moment, she finally called her."Nyla, what's up?" Valarie answered."Valarie, I have something to tell you. Prepare yourself," Nyla warned.Valarie sounded alarmed. "What is it? Good news or bad news?""Good news, I guess," Nyla replied."Okay, spill. I'm ready," Valarie said."I got married to Damon," Nyla announced."What?!" Valarie's voice shot up an octave. "Say that again! Are you serious?"Nyla repli
After Damon finished speaking, the conference room fell into complete silence.It was a while before one of the shareholders stood up. "Mr. Sumner, you said yourself that you can't guarantee Prospectus Technology will pull through this."If the company goes bankrupt, I'll lose everything. I came to this meeting today to hear what you had to say. Now that I've heard it, I've decided to sell my shares."With that, he turned and left without a second glance.After he walked out, several other shareholders stood up and announced their intention to sell their shares as well.Before long, only seven or eight people remained in the room.Seeing that no one else was leaving, Damon broke the silence. "Does this mean the rest of you are willing to stay and weather the storm with the company?"A shareholder seated next to him nodded. "Yes. I'm staying. Over the years, this company has faced bigger challenges and survived. I don't believe we'll fall now. And even if we do, I'm willing to ta
"Understood, Mr. Sumner. Should we continue with the plan for the Wilkie Group?" Spencer asked."Yes," Damon replied.…The day passed quickly, and before long, evening arrived.After reviewing the last contract on his desk, Damon picked up his phone and called Nyla. "Nyla, I'll come pick you up soon. We're going out for dinner tonight."Nyla, who had just picked up Mason, raised an eyebrow. "What about Buddy?""Tonight is just for the two of us. We'll bring him next time," Damon answered."Alright, I'll drop him off first," Nyla said."Okay. See you soon." Damon smiled as he ended the call, grabbed his coat, and headed out.…Half an hour later, Damon parked in front of the villa and called Nyla. "Nyla, I'm outside.""Okay, I'm coming," she replied.Not long after, she emerged from the villa. She wore a brown cashmere coat over a beige V-neck sweater and a matching skirt. Her long, wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders.Although her makeup was light, her delicate features
Once Nyla finished ordering, she handed the menu to Damon.After he placed his order, she finally said, "By the way, I told Valarie about our marriage today. I plan to invite her and Brandon over for dinner in a few days."Damon nodded. "Alright, it's up to you.""Also, when will you have time to visit my dad and tell him about us?" Nyla asked."I might be busy for the next couple of days. How about Saturday?" Damon suggested."That works," she replied.Looking at her seriously, Damon said, "Nyla, I owe you. Once everything is settled, I'll make it up to you with a proper wedding."Seeing the guilt and sadness in his eyes, Nyla took his hand. "Don't be silly. I've already said I don't care about that. As long as the three of us are together and happy, that's all that matters.""But I still feel like I've let you down," Damon said, his voice heavy with emotion. He loved her and couldn't bear the thought of her suffering, even a little. His heart ached for her."Enough of that!
Nyla nodded. "Alright. Just don't work too late.""I won't," Damon assured her as he answered the call and walked toward his study.His body tensed at whatever was said on the other end, and his pace quickened.Once he closed the door, he asked coldly, "Are you sure?"Spencer's voice came through clearly in the quiet room. "Yes, Mr. Sumner. I've got the footage. Ms. Sumner did meet with Drake two nights ago."Damon's gaze dropped. After a long pause, he said, "I see. Don't act yet—just keep an eye on her and observe what she does next.""Understood," Spencer replied.After hanging up, Damon tossed his phone onto the desk and let out a cold laugh. It seemed Charlotte had completely turned her back on him. Otherwise, she wouldn't have gotten involved with Drake....Over the next few days, Spencer gathered substantial evidence of illegal activities involving the Wilkie Group.When he handed the documents to Damon, he asked, "Mr. Sumner, should we hand this over to the police?
Pedro fell silent, his face dark and stormy as he said nothing.Damon wasn't in a hurry and didn't push for an answer. He waited calmly, confident that Pedro would eventually give him the response he wanted.After what felt like an eternity, Pedro finally looked up and spoke. "If I don't agree, will you hand those incriminating documents over to the police?""Mr. Wilkie, the moment you asked that question, you already knew the answer," Damon replied.Pedro took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on Damon. "Fine. I agree. But if Drake discovers this, the Wilkie Group and Prospectus Technology will go down together."It was a no-win situation. If he didn't agree, Damon would expose everything, and the Wilkie Group would crumble. However, agreeing risked Drake discovering the betrayal, which would also spell doom for his company.Damon's expression remained steady. "Mr. Wilkie, rest assured. If you help me take Drake down, I'll hand over every piece of evidence I have against the Wilkie
Drake laughed, his tone light. "Mr. Wilkie, are you still upset about that? Yes, I had to strong-arm you at first, but it was for the sake of our partnership."And look at the opportunities I've brought the Wilkie Group—several lucrative deals. If you play your cards right, overtaking Prospectus Technology will just be a matter of time.""Let's hope you're true to your word, Mr. Mummery," Pedro replied.Being stuck between Damon and Drake felt like walking on thin ice.Pedro couldn't shake the thought that the Wilkie Group might go bankrupt at any moment. If he'd known this was how the company would end up, he would have preferred it go bankrupt earlier. It would be better than living on the edge now."Don't worry. I'll have 100,000,000 dollars invested in the Wilkie Group soon. If you have any other requests, feel free to let me know anytime," Drake said."Alright. I'm feeling a little under the weather, so I won't be seeing you out, Mr. Mummery," Pedro said.As soon as Drake l
"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