The group fell silent again. After a long pause, someone finally spoke. "Right, since Damon won't let us off the hook, let's go to Mr. Mummery and see if he can help us."Minutes later, the people who had been waiting outside Prospectus Technology turned and left.The front desk quickly relayed this to Spencer, who reported it to Damon. "Mr. Sumner, they've been outside since 5:00 a.m. and have now suddenly left. I'm not sure if they've given up or if something else is going on."Damon's expression remained indifferent. "Whatever their reason, it has nothing to do with us. Don't bring this up to me again in the future. You can leave now.""Yes, sir," Spencer replied.…After contacting Drake, the group waited in a private room at a restaurant.Two hours later, Drake finally arrived.As soon as he entered, Jerry Walker from Excellence stood up hurriedly. "Mr. Mummery, you're finally here. We've been waiting a long time."Drake offered a faint smile, took a seat, and raised an e
"Actually, my daughter is friends with Valarie. I could ask her to help set up a meeting with Nyla," one person said hesitantly.Jerry's face lit up. "Yes, let's do that."Another person clapped him on the back. "Well done. Didn't know you still had an ace up your sleeve!"The man shrugged. "I usually don't pay attention to who my daughter befriends. I didn't expect it to come in handy now.""Well, it's a reminder for us all. I'm going home to tell my kid to start making more friends."…An hour later, Nyla received a call from Valarie. "Nyla, are you home? I need to talk to you about something.""I'm home," Nyla replied, arranging a flower in a vase. "What's up? Can't you just tell me over the phone?""It's better in person. I'll be there in 30 minutes," Valarie replied.Though Valarie said 30 minutes, she arrived in less than 20. As she stepped into the living room, she saw Nyla kneeling on a cushion by the sofa, carefully arranging flowers in a vase on the table."Nyla," s
Nyla pursed her lips, remaining silent.Seeing her hesitation, Valarie added, "Nyla, just think about my suggestion. I believe it makes sense to cooperate with them for now. Once we deal with Drake, we can address their past actions. What do you think?"Nyla looked at her. "I understand. I'll think about it. You should head back now."With that, she stood and left.Valarie's argument had some merit, but Nyla could tell she wasn't only considering things from her and Damon's perspective. Valarie likely wanted Damon to go easy on the companies that had previously turned on Prospectus Technology.Back in her bedroom, Nyla sat in a lounge chair on the balcony, thinking for a long while before dialing Damon's number.The call was answered quickly."Nyla, what is it?" Damon asked."Valarie came to see me just now. She asked me to intercede for the companies that turned on Prospectus Technology and to convince you to give them another chance," she replied.There was silence on the ot
Drake's ultimate target was Nyla. If Prospectus Technology fell, no one could protect her or Mason.The companies that had sided with Drake acted out of self-interest, but they now regretted their decisions. Damon could gain significant strength by reestablishing cooperation with them.Of course, Valarie had her own motives. She wanted to repay Summer Coates for saving her life and hoped to restore their collaboration."Whether or not she can stay out of it, talking to her won't help. Stop dragging her into this," Brandon said."Brandon, who are you to order me around?" Valarie retorted.Pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration, Brandon replied, "Can you stop being unreasonable? I'm not threatening you. I'm reminding you. Don't forget—the Weir Group avoided bankruptcy only because of my uncle."Valarie laughed coldly. "You're right. He did save the Weir Group, and I'm grateful. But that doesn't mean he can interfere in everything I do."Without giving him a chance to respo
Hearing Damon's response, Nyla finally felt relieved. "That's good to hear.""Let's eat," Damon said."Okay." Nyla picked up her utensils, ready to grab some food when her phone suddenly rang.Seeing Alexander's name on the screen, her expression shifted slightly. She set her utensils down and answered.As soon as the call connected, Alexander's voice came through. "Nyla, your mom's flight lands in two hours. I'm heading to the airport to pick her up. Do you want to come along?"Nyla clutched her phone, her breathing growing heavier. It took her a few seconds to respond. "No, I'm busy tonight. Anything else?""How about tomorrow? Can we meet somewhere? She really wants to see you," Alexander asked."We'll see," she said hurriedly, then ended the call.Noticing her pale expression, Damon took her hand and said softly, "If you don't want to see her, then don't. You don't have to force yourself."Taking a deep breath, Nyla shook her head. "No, I want to see her. I just... I'm not
"If you force her, she'll resist even more. And don't forget, she has unresolved feelings about the past," Alexander reminded her.Emerald's face darkened. "What does she have to resent? If it weren't for what happened back then, she wouldn't even exist. She should be grateful I brought her into this world!"Alexander frowned. "If you want her to follow you to Meristate, you'll need to tone it down. She's not like Brian and Delia, who grew up with you.""Fine. I'll meet her tomorrow and see," Emerald replied.After divorcing Harrison and moving abroad, Emerald had initially thought about Nyla often. But over time, as her business grew and she had Brian and Delia, her thoughts of her eldest daughter faded.Now, she only cared about Nyla because the Nixons needed her as a successor. Otherwise, she might never have thought about her again.Emerald knew she had wronged Nyla, but she had gone through so much over the years. Besides, she had a son and a daughter who listened. She no lo
"Exactly, Mr. Sumner, please help us out!"Damon's expression remained indifferent while facing the hopeful gazes of the group. "I can help you, but tell me—what can you offer in return?"He wasn't a philanthropist, and given these people had previously worked against Prospectus Technology, there was no way he would let them off easily."Mr. Sumner, whatever you ask—if we can do it, we will!"The others echoed in agreement, desperate to save their businesses.Damon nodded. "Alright, I have only one condition—join me in taking down Drake."Relief washed over the group. Some even looked incredulous.Was that really his only condition? After all, even if Damon hadn't explicitly asked, they'd likely side with him against Drake once their companies were back on their feet.The humiliation Drake had subjected them to was a bitter pill none of them were willing to swallow."Mr. Sumner, that's it? That's all you're asking?"Damon turned his cold gaze to the man who spoke. "Yes. But l
A moment later, Nyla entered the restaurant.Alexander stood quickly and led her toward their table."Nyla, just a heads-up—your mom's used to giving orders, so her words might come across as commanding. Be prepared," he said again, his tone cautious."Okay," Nyla replied evenly, following him.In less than two minutes, they arrived at the table."Nyla, this is your mom," Alexander said, then turned to the woman sitting before them. "Aunt Emerald, this is Nyla. Doesn't she look just like you?"Emerald and Nyla's eyes met, neither speaking for several long moments.After what felt like an eternity, Emerald raised her chin slightly. "Sit down."Her tone was devoid of any warmth.As Nyla looked at the woman in front of her, she found it impossible to reconcile this commanding figure with the gentle, loving mother she remembered from childhood.She sat across from Emerald and spoke directly. "I've heard from Alexander that you want me to go to Meristate."Emerald nodded, her gaz
Nyla was momentarily stunned but reached out to accept the gift."Can I open it now?" she asked.Alexander nodded. "Of course."She lifted the lid and found a stunning ruby necklace inside, surrounded by diamonds that shimmered like a star-studded sky. It was breathtaking—impossible to look away from."It's beautiful. Thank you," she gasped."As long as you like it, that's all that matters. By the way, where's Buddy?" Alexander asked."He's probably in the main hall," Nyla answered.Alexander chuckled. "Alright. I'll go look for him."As soon as he left, Valarie let out a gasp of amazement. "Nyla, who was that guy? I just saw this necklace on the news a while ago. It was auctioned off for 20,000,000 dollars to a mysterious buyer! And now, I see it in real life—right here!"Nyla was taken aback. She hadn't expected the necklace to be that valuable.She examined it again. Aside from its beauty, it didn't seem all that special."Are you sure it's worth so much?" she asked.Val
Opening the food container, Nyla found it filled with all her favorite snacks. She couldn't help but smile."Valarie, you barely ate anything earlier. Want some?" she asked.Valarie glanced at the food, raised an eyebrow, and replied, "I'm already full—from all the PDA I've been force-fed today."Time passed quickly, and before they knew it, it was already 2:00 p.m.Valarie led Nyla out of the dressing room, where Harrison waited at the entrance, seated in his wheelchair.The moment Nyla saw him, her eyes welled with tears. "Dad."Harrison's voice thickened with emotion. "I'm here to walk you down the aisle."Nyla squeezed his hand as they descended the stairs together.At the entrance to the grand hall, Nyla held her bouquet with one hand and her father's hand with the other, her heart racing with anticipation.The doors swung open.Damon stood at the end of the aisle, dressed in a sharp white suit. His eyes locked onto Nyla's, filled with nothing but love and tenderness.E
At that moment, Nyla finally understood what Damon had meant by a "surprise."Her eyes welled with emotion as she turned to Valarie. "Where is he now?""I'm not sure, but he's probably still handling the wedding preparations. Try on the dress first and see if it fits!" Valarie said with a grin.Nyla blinked back her tears and nodded. "Okay."With Valarie's help, she slipped into the wedding dress.It fit her perfectly—just as she had imagined.Gazing at her reflection in the mirror, she felt a bit dazed.It had been so long since she'd last worn a wedding dress—so long that she had almost forgotten what it felt like.Beside her, Valarie admired the sight. "You look gorgeous! My best friend never disappoints. Oh, wait—there's still this!"Nyla turned to see Valarie holding a diamond-studded tiara. She couldn't help but smile."Let me put it on for you," Valarie offered."Okay."Valarie carefully adjusted the tiara on Nyla's head, making sure it sat just right."Perfect," sh
"Then it's settled. I'll pick you up tomorrow morning. We'll need to get our hair and makeup done too," Valarie said.Nyla nodded. "Alright."…That evening, during dinner, Damon mentioned his upcoming business trip.Nyla looked slightly surprised but quickly nodded. "How long will you be gone?""Two or three days. I'm not sure yet," Damon replied."Okay, got it."Damon placed a piece of braised pork on her plate and gently reminded her, "While I'm away, let Lydia and the maids handle things. Don't try to do everything yourself.""I know. Don't worry," Nyla assured him.After dinner, once Damon had gone to his study, Nyla called Valarie. "He's definitely leaving in the morning. Come pick me up after nine.""Got it," Valarie answered.After hanging up, Nyla turned on the TV and curled up on the couch, waiting for Damon to finish working. Before she knew it, she had dozed off.Around 10:00 p.m., Damon emerged from his study to find her asleep on the couch again.With a sigh,
Brandon only knew how to send flowers, gifts, or food every day. He never thought to create surprises like Damon did.Valarie could always predict what Brandon would send, and it never surprised or touched her.It was boring."I'll leave it to you tomorrow, then," Damon reminded her."I'm happy to help," Valarie replied. "But I have a suggestion for you."Damon raised an eyebrow. "What suggestion?""Teach Brandon how to create surprises." Valarie huffed. "That way, he won't just stand outside my office building every day."Damon chuckled. "Thanks for the compliment. I'll do my best."After hanging up, Valarie tidied her desk, grabbed her bag, and left the office.As soon as she stepped outside, she spotted Brandon waiting nearby.She rolled her eyes and pretended not to see him.Brandon quickly caught up. "Valarie, I've been waiting outside your office for half a month now. Can't you just give me a chance? Let's have a meal together."Valarie glanced at him. "Brandon, if yo
The parents and the children sighed in relief after hearing what Mason said.Some parents even began praising him, encouraging their own kids to learn from his kindness.After another ten minutes of pleasantries, they finally left, and the house fell silent again.Damon turned to Nyla. "Are you satisfied with how this was handled?"Nyla glanced at him. "That's not a question for me. You should be asking Buddy. If he's satisfied, then I'm satisfied."Mason looked up at Damon and smiled. "Thank you, Daddy. I'm very happy with the outcome.""As long as you're happy. If anyone at school bullies you again, you need to tell Mommy and Daddy right away. Let us handle it, okay?" Damon reminded him.Mason nodded seriously. "I know, Daddy."This time, he had intentionally acted upset in front of his parents, ensuring they noticed something was wrong so they would discover he was being bullied.Thinking about it, he felt a little sneaky.Then again, they had bullied him first, so it seem
"I feel the same way, Mr. Sumner," one of the parents said, her voice trembling. "I never expected my son to do something so cruel to a classmate. Whatever it takes to make it right, I'll do it—even if that means making my son kneel down and apologize right now!"Another parent spoke up. "Mr. Sumner, this is my failure as a parent. I want to personally apologize to you. I'm truly sorry."One by one, eight adults, all around Damon’s age or older, lowered their heads and offered their apologies.Damon watched them coldly, his face unreadable.Meanwhile, Nyla continued playing with Mason as though she hadn’t noticed the scene unfolding.Mason, having recovered from his initial shock, remained silent. He calmly stacked his toy blocks, as if he hadn’t heard a word of their apologies.The children who had bullied him earlier huddled close to their parents, their faces pale with fear.Seeing their strict, distant parents suddenly humbled in front of Damon, they began to understand the
Candice, the youngest daughter of the Taft Group's CEO, had a birthday party that attracted guests from powerful families. Given that Mason attended one of the most elite kindergartens in Saintornia, it was safe to assume that all of the students' parents were influential and wealthy."Spencer is still looking into it. I'll update you as soon as I have answers. Don't worry too much," Damon reassured her.Nyla lowered her gaze. "Okay."Noticing her distress, Damon pulled her into his arms and spoke gently. "Nyla, don't be too hard on yourself. We caught this early, so we can handle it properly."I'll arrange for a child psychologist to help Buddy process this. He won't be left with lasting trauma. You're not to blame."Nyla rested her head on his shoulder, her voice trembling. "I've been neglecting Buddy lately. That's why I didn't notice anything was wrong. And from the way those kids treated him in the video, this isn't the first time they've bullied him."She couldn't bear to i
"Buddy clearly doesn't want to talk about it," Damon said. "If you keep pressing him, it'll only make him feel worse. I'll have Spencer look into what happened at the party today. Once we have the full picture, we'll figure out what to do. For now, let's go eat dinner."Nyla pressed her lips together. "I don't have much of an appetite."Thinking of how dejected Mason had looked earlier made her heart ache."You still need to eat something," Damon coaxed.Distracted, Nyla took only a few bites before setting her utensils down.Damon didn't push her. Instead, he asked Lydia to keep the food warm in case she got hungry later.Soon after dinner, Spencer arrived. "Mr. Sumner, I managed to get the surveillance footage from the Tafts' party today."Damon nodded and had Spencer send it to his phone.The video was over half an hour long. At first, everything seemed normal, but midway through, things took a turn.A group of kids cornered Mason, forcing him to eat all the cake in their h