Nyla stared at Emerald. "Don't forget, you promised I could visit my father anytime. Are you going back on your word again?"Emerald paused for a moment. "You can go after work, but not during office hours.""Fine. I'll go tomorrow evening." Nyla turned and left without another word.A flicker of something crossed Emerald's eyes while watching her go.Suddenly, her phone on the desk buzzed.Seeing the caller ID, she quickly answered. "Cortez, why are you calling me so late?"Cortez's cold voice came through the receiver. "Emerald, I just heard you sold that land in the south to the Bumards?!"Emerald's grip tightened around the phone. "How did you find out about that?""How I know is none of your concern. What matters is that you need to buy it back. If you don't, I won't support you anymore!" Cortez threatened.Cortez had supported Emerald's rise to power within the Nixons because she had promised to relocate them to the south.For years, the Nixons had longed for that move—
It was possible that even the fight between Brian and the Bumard member had been part of their plan.Emerald's expression darkened, and she ordered Filipe to bring Brian to her.A few minutes later, Brian timidly walked into the study. "Mom, what did you need?"Emerald glared at him. "How did you end up in a conflict with the Bumard member that day?"Brian winced, then cautiously asked, "Why are you suddenly asking about this? Did something happen?""Answer me!" Emerald barked."I had an argument with you that day, so I went to a bar. I met a woman there, and after having a few drinks with her, I was about to take her to a hotel. But when I got up to leave, that guy from the Bumards showed up..." Brian quickly confessed, terrified by her cold gaze."So, you had a fight because of that woman and ended up in a brawl?" Emerald asked.Brian hummed in confirmation, keeping his head down, too afraid to meet her gaze.Emerald sneered. "You really are an idiot. You don't even realize
Damn the Bumards!The more Brian thought about it, the angrier he became. He had to get revenge. But before he could do that, he needed to fix this situation first.After thinking for a long time, he contacted Alexander. "Alexander, I need your help."Alexander's voice came coldly from the other end of the line. "I'm afraid I can't help you. I'm barely managing to save myself."Ever since Emerald had said she was cutting ties with him, his father had also claimed he was disowning him. He had become like a rat that everyone wanted to chase away."Alexander, I really have no other choice. You're the only one I can turn to," Brian pleaded."I really can't help you," Alexander replied curtly and hung up.Brian called again, but the line was disconnected.He slammed his phone down on the bed and began pacing angrily around his room, but he couldn't think of a solution.In the end, he called Filipe into his room and asked him to find out where Alexander was. He was going to find him
Realizing that Alexander had no intention of helping him, Brian let out a cold laugh and stopped pleading. "Fine. Remember what you said today. Since you refuse to help us, from now on, we're enemies!"With that, he stood up and stormed out.Watching him leave, Alexander shook his head, sighed, and returned to his bedroom.Whatever had happened between them was no longer his concern, and he had no intention of getting involved further.…After storming out of Alexander's villa, Brian headed straight back to the estate. With Alexander refusing to help, Brian was left with no options for resolving the issue with the land in the south. Should he really go and beg the Bumards? The thought crossed his mind, but he dismissed it almost immediately. Even if the Bumards were willing to return the land, they'd surely demand an exorbitant price.The mere thought of it made Brian's expression darken. That night, no one in the estate slept well, except Nyla. …The next morning, B
When George arrived, Emerald wasted no time. "George, Brian is heading south. You're going with him."Surprised, George asked, "Ms. Kinsey, what is Mr. Nixon going there for?""The land we bought in the south fell through. We need to find a new one. Brian doesn't know the players down there, so I need you to guide him."Do not provoke anyone. If you haven't found the right property within two weeks, come back immediately," Emerald instructed.George nodded. "Understood. I'll start preparing now.""I'll have tickets booked for you both for tomorrow morning," Emerald said."Got it, Ms. Kinsey," George replied.After George left, Brian returned to his room to pack. He and George headed to the airport after lunch....When Nyla arrived at the office that afternoon, Jenny approached her. "Ms. Kinsey, these are the design drafts from the team. Let me know if any of them match your vision. If not, I'll have them redone."Taking the stack of drafts, Nyla nodded. "Alright, I'll review
Robin Hiett let out a cold laugh. "She doesn't own any shares in Kajer anymore. Why would I go to her?"The idea of Emerald transferring all her shares to her daughter without consulting the shareholders—and appointing her as CEO—seemed absurd to him.What could this clueless girl possibly know? Aside from running the company into the ground, what other skills did she have?Jenny's expression grew serious. "It doesn't matter if you're upset with Ms. Kinsey. She now holds the largest share of the company, making her the rightful successor to Ms. Emerald as Kajer's CEO.""Did Emerald hold a meeting about this? Did any of us shareholders agree?" Robin sneered. "I demand a shareholder meeting and a vote! There's no way I'll let a woman who knows nothing about business run Kajer!"The conversation was in Meristate's native language, but Nyla understood every word.She spoke calmly to Robin. "You can call for a shareholder meeting, but it won't change the fact that I hold the majority
Nyla paused and turned to look at Emerald. "What is it?""I heard Robin went to see you today," Emerald said."Yeah. What about it?" Nyla responded.Emerald pressed her lips together before speaking sternly. "He's Kajer's second-largest shareholder and the head of R&D. Try not to offend him. If he approaches you, avoid conflict."Nyla found this amusing. "You should be telling him that. I didn't even know who he was until today. He's the one who came looking for trouble.""I don't care. Just don't provoke him," Emerald repeated.Seeing Emerald's cold expression, Nyla lowered her gaze and spoke evenly. "That's not happening. I won't go looking for a fight, but I'm not just going to sit there and take it if he comes after me."Emerald frowned. "I didn't put you in that company to make enemies.""Oh, so you put me there to be a punching bag?" Nyla retorted.Emerald fell silent, and an awkward tension settled between them.Finally, Filipe spoke up. "Madam, your next meeting is ab
"Ms. Kinsey, Madam is in a bad mood today. If she says or does anything unpleasant, try to endure it to avoid unnecessary trouble," Filipe reminded her."Got it," Nyla replied.…Dinner that night was tense.Emerald sat at the head of the table, her face so dark it seemed a storm was brewing.Even the usually chatty Delia was unusually quiet, keeping her head down and eating timidly, not daring to crack a single joke.Nyla remained indifferent, acting as if she noticed nothing. She ate at her usual pace, unbothered by the heavy atmosphere.Halfway through her meal, she set down her utensils and announced, "I'm done."Just as she stood to leave, Emerald spoke in a cold voice. "Wait. I need to talk to you later."At this, Nyla sat back down, casually pulling out her phone and starting a zombie-shooting game.Delia glanced at her from the side, her eyes flashing with dissatisfaction at how Nyla seemed unaffected by Emerald's mood.She could understand why Emerald didn't like Ny
"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