Ricky smiled. "Nice to meet you, Ms. Kinsey. I'm Ricky."He spoke in Nyla's language so fluently and without an accent that, had she not seen him in person, she wouldn't have guessed he was a foreigner.Emerald stood up and glanced between them. "Nyla, take Ricky for a walk around the garden. I have something to take care of. We'll have lunch together later."Nyla nodded. "Alright."Satisfied with her response, Emerald left the room.As she had anticipated, Nyla needed to understand that she had no choice but to comply. This would stop her from resisting.Emerald had invited Ricky to stay for lunch, and he had readily agreed.Once she was gone, the spacious living room seemed to grow quieter, leaving just Nyla and Ricky.Ricky turned to her. "Shall we go?""Sure," Nyla replied.As they walked toward the garden, Ricky kept up a steady stream of conversation, making the stroll feel less tedious.About an hour later, he asked with a smile, "Ms. Kinsey, I like you. What's your f
"Do you think I would tell him that?!" Emerald shot back. "Think about it. What man would want to be with you if he knew you were already married?!"Nyla remained unfazed by Emerald's harsh words. Instead, she looked up at her with a smirk. "You were married to my dad before, yet you still managed to marry your current husband and have two more kids. Why don't you introduce me to someone else? I'm sure there's always someone willing."Emerald trembled with anger, pointing at Nyla as though she wanted to lash out, but no rebuttal came to mind.Unbothered, Nyla poured Emerald a glass of water and said calmly, "Don't get too worked up. You're not young anymore."What if you have a stroke? I doubt either of your precious children would be available to take care of you.""Shut up!" Emerald growled.Every word out of Nyla's mouth hit a nerve, making Emerald's chest rise and fall with fury.How did she end up with such an ungrateful daughter?!Nyla shrugged and continued. "You better
Emerald stiffened. "That still doesn't give you the right to insult her."Setting her utensils down, Nyla feigned innocence. "So what you're saying is, she can insult me, but I can't insult her back?"Emerald could tell she was being led into a trap and held her tongue.Seeing her silence, Nyla pressed, "Since you're not saying anything, I'll take that as a yes.""Who said I agreed?!" Emerald snapped, her face grim.She took a deep breath and added, "I'll let it slide this time. But if it happens again, both of you will be punished."Delia opened her mouth to protest, but under Emerald's icy stare, she had no choice but to drop her head and angrily stab her food.Still, her eyes burned with resentment. She wouldn't let Nyla off the hook so easily.Meanwhile, Nyla stood up with a smile. "I'm full. You guys enjoy your meal. I hope this little incident didn't ruin your appetite!"With that, she turned and left.Delia ground her teeth, her face twisted with frustration.Emerald
At that thought, Brian decided it was best to let Delia remain naïve.Back in her room, Delia grew more frustrated. She opened her messaging app and started venting to her best friend about the situation.After hearing her out, her friend suggested they find a way to embarrass Nyla at the Saturday banquet.Delia hesitated. She hadn't agreed yet.After all, the banquet was something both her mother and Brian had approved. If she caused trouble and ruined the event, Emerald would never let her off the hook.Despite that, the thought of simply accepting Nyla as a member of the family didn't sit well with her either.Thinking it over, she asked her friend if there was a way to humiliate Nyla without it being traced back to her.Her friend offered a few ideas—perhaps triggering an allergic reaction or making Nyla sick, something subtle that would embarrass her at the banquet but wouldn't lead back to Delia.After considering the suggestion, Delia immediately formulated a plan. She s
The dining room was thick with tension when Brian finally spoke. "Nyla, even though we have different fathers, now that you live here, we're family. Mom is throwing this banquet so everyone knows you're officially part of the Nixons."Nyla turned to him with a smile. "If this banquet is for me, why am I the last one to know about it?"Brian's gaze darkened slightly, but he remained silent.Emerald let out a cold laugh. "Does it really matter when you found out?""It doesn't," Nyla replied. "But I'd prefer if you didn't pretend this is for my benefit when it's obviously for your own gain. That just makes you look desperate.""Nyla! Who do you think you're calling desperate?!" Emerald snapped.If Nyla weren't her biological daughter, Emerald would have kicked her out immediately.This girl was nothing like the child she remembered. When she was little, she had been sweet and adorable. What had happened to her?Nyla showed no fear. "I mean you. Do you really need me to spell it ou
Brian's expression changed slightly as he turned to Emerald. "Mom, we should have someone follow her. If something happens to her, it could affect our future plans."Emerald's face darkened. "Don't worry. She'll be taken away, but they won't let her die. Our plans won't be affected.""Mom..." Brian began, as though about to say more."Enough, Brian! Are you questioning my orders now?" Emerald barked.Seeing that Emerald was truly angry, Brian didn't dare push further. He simply nodded and said, "Alright, we'll do as you say."After the commotion, Emerald lost her appetite. She stood up and left the dining room.As she was about to return to her study, her phone rang.It was Edward's assistant, who informed her that Edward had just coughed up blood and collapsed. He'd been rushed to the hospital and was now in the ICU.Emerald lowered her gaze and nodded. "Understood. I'll be there soon."After hanging up, she immediately summoned Brian and Delia. The three of them quickly got
"But he doesn't want to see you." The woman sneered. "Before he collapsed, he specifically said that if the three of you showed up, you weren't to be let in. Isn't that hilarious?"Emerald scowled. "I don't care. I'm seeing him tonight.""You think you can do whatever you want just because you're in charge of the Nixons now?" Mary Jewell challenged.Emerald had no patience for her nonsense. Her voice was sharp. "Break in."At her command, the men behind her surged forward.Mary's face paled slightly, and she instinctively stepped back. The two guards in front of the door immediately moved to intercept them.Fifteen minutes later, the hospital hallway was littered with bodies—Emerald's men had all been taken down.Yet, the two original guards remained firmly in place, unmoved.Mary reappeared, lifting her chin with an air of arrogance. "Looks like you won't be getting in tonight after all. If I were you, I wouldn't bother humiliating myself like this."Emerald let out a cold la
If they couldn't find Nyla by 6:00 p.m., the banquet would have to be canceled, and Emerald would become a laughingstock.At another estate on the west side of the city…Nyla was having lunch in the garden with an elderly man who appeared to be around 70, his graying hair neatly combed."Ms. Kinsey, try this truffle omelet. It's the chef's specialty," the old man said.Nyla smiled and nodded. "Thank you."After breakfast, they took a walk through the garden."Ms. Kinsey, how does my estate compare to your mother's?" the old man asked.Nyla glanced around, then smiled. "Each has its own charm. Both are beautiful.""And which one do you prefer?" he pressed.Nyla thought for a moment before meeting his gaze. "Do you want the truth or a polite answer?""The truth, of course," he replied.She answered honestly, "I prefer Ms. Kinsey's estate because it has my favorite Damask roses.""Just because of that?" he asked, amused."Yes," Nyla said simply.The old man chuckled. "Alrigh
"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