Filipe Gable, the butler, hesitated before speaking. "Madam, isn't this a little inappropriate?"After all, Nyla was still Emerald's daughter and, technically, one of the masters of the estate. It wasn't proper for a service staff to unlock the door to Nyla's room with a spare key.Emerald hadn't originally intended to take things this far, but Nyla was being uncooperative—so she only had herself to blame."Just do as I say!" Filipe let out a quiet sigh before nodding. "Understood."Filipe left the hall, taking a few staff members with him. He stopped outside Nyla's bedroom and knocked lightly before speaking through the door. "Ms. Kinsey, please come out. If you refuse, I will have no choice but to unlock the door with the spare key. Please don't make things difficult for me."Behind him, one of the maids frowned in confusion. "Why are you treating her with so much respect? It's obvious Madam doesn't care about her at all. Anyone can see that she despises her."Filipe shot the
Had Emerald actually kidnapped Harrison and brought him here?!Emerald's smile deepened. "Don't look so horrified. He's not in great health, so I simply brought him here to recuperate. Don't worry—so long as you behave, he'll be just fine."A buzzing filled Nyla's mind. She hadn't expected Emerald to be so utterly ruthless.She wanted to explode right then and there and rip off Emerald's mask before everyone—but she couldn't.The only reason Emerald hadn't harmed Harrison yet was that Nyla hadn't made a scene. If she exposed everything now, she would lose her value as a pawn, and Harrison would become disposable.At this point, Emerald didn't even see her as her own daughter anymore. Why would she spare an ex-husband she'd divorced years ago?Not only could Nyla not fight back, but she had to suppress her disgust and play along with Emerald's act of motherly love.She clenched and loosened her fists at her sides. After a few seconds, she forced a smile. "If anything happens to m
Nyla had a good impression of Filipe.Filipe quickly waved his hand. "It's just my duty, Ms. Kinsey. You should go now."Nyla said nothing more and turned toward the estate's entrance.Filipe sighed quietly as he watched her disappear into the distance.They were all Emerald's children, yet while Brian and Delia could act spoiled and willful around their mother, Nyla was met with nothing but disdain, forced into things she never wanted.The contrast was striking, and Filipe couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for her.…More than half an hour later, the car pulled up in front of a private nursing home.Because prior arrangements had already been made, someone was waiting the moment Nyla stepped out, ready to lead her to Harrison's ward.When she pushed open the door and saw him lying in bed, she subconsciously tightened her grip on the doorknob.She had wanted to believe Emerald was lying. But seeing Harrison here, weak and confined, she could no longer deceive hersel
Now, Harrison was nothing more than a bargaining chip for Emerald to use against Nyla. He couldn't even die if he wanted to.He lifted the blanket and glared at the restraints tying him to the hospital bed. If he could, he would have cut through the ropes and jumped out the window right then and there.…Back at the estate, Nyla had regained her composure.As soon as she stepped into the main hall, Filipe approached her. "Ms. Kinsey, Madam has asked you to go to the study."She had been planning to see Emerald anyway, so she nodded. "Alright, I understand."When she reached the study, she didn't bother knocking. She simply pushed the door open and walked in.Emerald was on the phone.Hearing the noise, she looked up at Nyla with clear displeasure, quickly saying a few final words before hanging up. "What do you want? When are you going to fix your bad habit of barging into people's rooms without knocking?""You could always lock the door," Nyla said flatly. "That way, I wouldn
Emerald raised an eyebrow and leaned back in her chair, a mocking glint in her eyes as she looked at Nyla. "I thought you'd make some outrageous demand, but this is it?"Her tone dripped with disdain, as if ridiculing Nyla for not seizing the opportunity to ask for more.Nyla remained expressionless. "Yes, that's my only condition.""Fine, I agree. Now, will you sign it?" Emerald asked.Without another word, Nyla picked up the pen and signed her name at the bottom of the document. She clicked the pen shut, placed it atop the papers, turned, and walked out.Emerald narrowed her eyes as she watched Nyla leave.After confirming the signature, she immediately called her assistant to take the document and begin the legal process.…Word quickly spread through Meristate's high society—Emerald had transferred all her shares in Kajer Tech to Nyla.Some saw it as a clear sign that Emerald was grooming Nyla to take over the Nixons. After all, Kajer Tech generated billions in revenue eac
Nyla let out a short laugh. "Wow, I really did come here to serve a sentence, didn't I? A strict wake-up time, a rigid schedule—should I get a sewing machine while I'm at it?"Emerald's eyes hardened. "I'm not joking. You signed that agreement last night. As of today, you are the owner of Kajer Tech. You have one month to learn how to run it.""Sorry, not interested," Nyla said, refusing."If you refuse, you'll never see Harrison again," Emerald threatened.Nyla's expression changed, her jaw tightening. "I knew I shouldn't have trusted you. You have no integrity whatsoever."Emerald sneered. "Did you really think you could just sign a piece of paper and be done with it? You have three minutes to decide. Either follow my orders, or forget about seeing Harrison ever again."Taking a deep breath, Nyla clenched her fists. "Fine. I'll do it."Emerald didn't look surprised. This was the outcome she had expected."You can go eat breakfast now," she said. "Since today is your first day
"I'm starting to wonder if you really intend to hand the Nixons over to Nyla. Is that why you gave her Kajer Technologies?" Brian asked.The moment his words left his mouth, the atmosphere in the study grew tense.Emerald's gaze hardened, anger simmering beneath the surface. "Brian, I've spent years planning everything for you, and this is how you see me?"Brian stood his ground. "Mom, it's not about what I think. It's about what you did. There are plenty of companies on par with Kajer Tech—why did you have to give her that one? Why Kajer?"Emerald took a steadying breath, forcing down her irritation. "I told you—I don't owe you an explanation. And even if I did, with your current understanding, you wouldn't get it.""If you don't explain this to me, I won't do anything for you anymore," Brian shot back.Emerald slammed her palm on the desk. "Say that again?!"Brian clenched his jaw, silent but visibly seething.The room fell into a heavy silence as mother and son stared each o
Brian's expression darkened, his eyes flashing with something almost sinister. "No matter what, I won't let Nyla inherit the Nixons."Emerald better be using Nyla as a mere pawn. If he found out she was seriously considering making Nyla the successor, he wouldn't hesitate to take action—even if it meant turning against his own mother.Delia failed to notice the change in Brian's demeanor and nodded vigorously. "I'm with you. There's no way we can let Nyla take over!"She had never hated anyone as much as she hated Nyla. Just thinking about the way men—especially the one man she had secretly admired for years—had looked at Nyla at last night's banquet made her seethe with jealousy. She wished Nyla would just disappear.Brian smirked. "Good. That's what I wanted to hear. From now on, she's our common enemy, and we need to work together against her."Delia huffed. "Agreed."Brian, seeing no real plan forming in Delia's mind, inwardly sneered—idiot.Outwardly, he simply said, "I hea
"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