It took several minutes before Damon finally released Nyla.He looked down at her and said, "You've lost weight. Andre told me you were sick, but I couldn't see you. Was it really tough on you?"Nyla shook her head. "It was a bit hard at first, but I'm almost better now."Looking at her lightly made-up face, Damon could tell she was saying that to avoid worrying him.When they used to meet, she never wore makeup—just her natural face. Makeup was either for looking pretty or just to enhance one's appearance.A wave of tenderness washed over him as he softly said, "Nyla, I'm sorry. I wasn't strong enough, and that's why you had to suffer. Just hang in there a little longer. I'll take you back home."Nyla nodded, her gaze filled with trust. "I believe you. By the way, how did Andre agree to help us cover our tracks?"When Andre had first come to the estate to teach her, he hadn't been in contact with Damon. If he had been, he would have told her about it during their first lesson.
Damon looked at Nyla indulgently. "Okay, I'll cook for you every day.""By the way, how's Buddy now?" Nyla asked.She had been so focused on asking about Damon and Andre that she had forgotten to ask about Mason. The thought made her feel guilty."Buddy is doing well, but after you left, he stopped talking much. He stays in his room most of the time, only coming out for school or meals. I'm not sure what he's doing in there," Damon said.Nyla's heart clenched. "It's all my fault.""It's not your fault. Don't blame yourself. There are plenty of people in the Nixons who are dissatisfied with Emerald. Plus, she tends to make decisions on her own."She won't stay in power for long. Soon, the three of us will be together again," Damon reassured her."Yeah," Nyla replied."Forget about these things for now. Let's just eat. We'll talk later," Damon encouraged.Nyla didn't have much of an appetite, but thinking of how Damon had made all this food for her, she forced herself to eat mor
Nyla nodded. "Mm, be careful."They walked into the hall—Andre heading toward Emerald's study, while Nyla went to her room.Just as she reached the second floor, she was stopped by Delia, who was waiting there.Delia glared at her, eyes full of jealousy. "Where did you and Andre go to eat?"After Nyla left with Andre earlier, Delia had planned to follow them. But when she was about to head out, Filipe informed her that not only had Emerald canceled her credit cards, but her driver and car had also been taken back.Filipe had also relayed a message from Emerald—when Delia finally came to her senses, her credit cards and car would be restored.Furious, Delia locked herself in her room for over an hour.When Emerald returned, she went downstairs to confront her mother. Of course, it ended in failure. After all, Emerald now controlled the family's finances.If Emerald refused to give her money, there was nothing Delia could do but seethe in anger.Nyla's expression remained indiff
There was a glint in Andre's eyes before his smile widened. "Don't worry, Ms. Kinsey. I've always seen Ms. Nixon as a younger sister."Satisfied with his answer, Emerald smiled. "Good. You probably have other things to do. I won't keep you.""Sure, Ms. Kinsey. Goodbye," Andre replied before turning to leave.As soon as he was gone, Emerald was about to resume her work when Filipe suddenly knocked and entered."Madam, Mr. Nixon got into a fight with someone from the Bumards at the bar last night," he reported.Emerald jumped to her feet. "What happened?! Where is he now?"Filipe's expression was grim. "He was captured by the Bumards. I just received a call from them asking us to go pick him up."Emerald's eyes flashed with fury. Her voice turned cold. "What an idiot!"The Bumards had been the Nixons' biggest rivals in recent years. Instead of avoiding them, Brian had run straight into their people—and fought. He was a fool!The Bumards hadn't called just to return Brian. They w
On the way back to the estate, neither Emerald nor Brian spoke. The atmosphere in the car was tense and heavy.When the car stopped at the estate entrance, Emerald didn't even glance at Brian. She opened the door and stepped out without a word.Brian quickly followed. It wasn't until they reached the door of her study that she finally turned around, visibly annoyed. "Why are you still following me? Go see the family doctor and get your wounds treated."Brian looked at her with guilt. "Mom, I'm sorry. It was all my fault. I promise I'll listen to you from now on."Emerald didn't bother to respond. She simply pushed open the door to her study and shut it behind her.…Not long after Emerald and Brian left the Bumard estate, a black Maybach pulled up at the entrance.As the car came to a stop, a maid immediately stepped forward and opened the back door.Damon got out, and the maid bowed his head slightly. "Mr. Sumner, Mr. Bumard has been waiting for you."Following the maid, Damo
"Alright. When I first met you, you said the same thing. I never thought you'd remain unchanged after all these years," Ross commented.Damon didn't pursue the topic. Instead, he asked about Edward's condition."I got word from the hospital. His health is deteriorating, and he probably only has a month left. So, within this month, Emerald will do everything she can to remove anyone who opposes her," Ross answered."The more she does, the more evidence we gather," Damon replied."Yes, but the situation is still far from optimistic. Many in the Nixon family still support Emerald," Ross reminded him.Damon smirked. "But she has one foolish son. Once word gets out that she traded the land in the south for Brian's sake, plenty of people will turn against her."Those who supported her weren't doing so out of loyalty. The moment they realized she couldn't fulfill her promises, they'd be the first to abandon her.When that happened, Emerald would find enemies everywhere, and her positio
"How formal do you want it?" Nyla asked.Emerald furrowed her brow and glanced at Nyla's outfit before responding. "There's a mall on the way to the company. I'll take you there to buy a couple of sets of formal clothes.""Okay."After lunch, Emerald took Nyla and they left.Only Delia and Brian remained at the dining table.Delia eyed Brian cautiously, expecting him to be angry, but he seemed calm, even eating without any sign of irritation."Brian, Mom's taking Nyla to Kajer Tech today to officially learn how to handle company documents. Weren't you opposed to her taking over Kajer before? Why does it seem like you don't care at all today?" Delia asked.Brian set his utensils down and replied, "You wouldn't understand, even if I explained. If you have nothing else to do, just go shopping. Don't ask about things that aren't your concern."Delia's expression immediately soured. "Don't forget, Mom said I'll have a share in the Nixon businesses too. Of course, I need to ask. How
"Since this one works, I'll go with it. I don't want to try the rest," Nyla said, refusing.Emerald glanced at the time. "Alright, then wear this one to the company."The sales associate looked at Emerald. "Ms. Kinsey, what about the others?""Wrap them all up. Make sure to include the shoes and accessories with each one," Emerald replied."Understood," the sales associate answered.…Ten minutes later, the associate followed Emerald and Nyla, carrying several bags.After placing them in the car's trunk, she smiled brightly at Emerald. "Goodbye, Ms. Kinsey. Next time, let me know in advance when you're coming, and I'll have afternoon tea ready for you."Emerald's visit had helped her meet her monthly target, and she was already looking forward to next month's bonus.Emerald hummed, turning to the driver. "Let's go."The mall was a short distance from Kajer Tech, and they arrived soon after.After exiting the car, they took the private elevator directly to the top floor.Whe
"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