Nyla's grip on the car door tightened, her fingertips turning white. She bit her lip and lowered her gaze, speaking softly. "Okay, sorry for the trouble, Uncle Damon."As soon as she closed the door, the black Maybach began to drive away. Based on Damon's earlier attitude, she guessed he didn't like her.Damon was naturally aloof, and their few encounters had been far from pleasant. It was only natural he disliked her.Nyla turned and slowly walked toward her apartment complex, soon disappearing into the stairwell.Inside the black Maybach, Spencer kept his head down and stayed silent, sensing Damon's icy aura. He had thought Damon might show some leniency since Nyla was his niece-in-law.Given that Damon had dismissed the coat Nyla tried to return, it was clear he was cold toward all women except Marie. Spencer made a mental note never to act on his own again.Damon closed his eyes to rest, but he could still smell the faint scent of gardenias from Nyla's presence in the car, ma
"Take her to the hospital." Clark was cold, his gaze devoid of any warmth as he looked at Jordyn.Under his gaze, Jordyn felt despair and sadness, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Clark, I truly love you. Can't Mrs. Summer accept me and the baby I'm carrying?"Clark was full of disgust. "You're just a mistress. What right do you have to compare yourself to her?"Jordyn felt humiliated, choking back sobs. "During the time we were together, did you ever love me, even a little?"Clark sneered. "Do you know any man who falls for an escort?"He had entertained Jordyn only because she pursued him aggressively and was willing to do anything in bed. Love and sex were clearly distinct in his mind.The color drained from Jordyn's face—she looked as if she might collapse.She couldn't believe Clark saw her as nothing more than a disposable plaything. She refused to accept this. After all her efforts to get pregnant, she couldn't stand being discarded like trash."Please, Ms. Cindy, save
"Send me the surveillance footage."After the call ended, the maid quickly sent the video.As Clark watched Nyla jump from the second floor, disheveled, into Damon's car, his expression grew darker. When he drove past earlier, Damon didn't even call out to him.Damon never meddled in others' business—why was he helping Nyla?The thought of Nyla being seen in such a state by another man ignited Clark's fury. He didn't need to guess. She had likely returned to her rented apartment.Cindy, having seen the footage too, gritted her teeth. "I told you she's not good enough for you. Look at what she's wearing! She's brought shame to the Sumners!"Clark's expression was one of frustration as he glared at Cindy. "Mom, this is my fault. You judge Nyla without even knowing the whole story. Isn't that unfair?""What do you mean? I'm standing up for you, and you're defending her? I'm your mother! Don't you think I want what's best for you?"Seeing Cindy's pained expression, Clark felt a wav
"Got it, but I need some time to process this. Please leave now."Clark frowned, noticing Nyla's indifference. "Nyla, I said I'd give you time, but can you stop pushing me away?"Frustrated by his persistence, Nyla looked him in the eye. "You say you'll give me time, but have you really? The day after I found out about your affair, you tried to force yourself on me, and today you did it again."From the start, I haven't seen any real remorse from you. You're just trying to smooth things over quickly, but I can't move on that fast. At least not right now. Do you understand?"Seeing the redness in Nyla's eyes, Clark felt a pang of guilt and regret. He reached out to hold her, but she stepped back and avoided his touch, leaving his hand suspended awkwardly in the air."Clark, in all these years of marriage, I've never wronged you. We've been together for eight years, not eight months or eight days."You betrayed me and expect me to accept it quickly. Do you think that's possible? Un
Instantly, everyone in the R&D department turned their eyes to Lucia.Genevieve had never spoken to Lucia in such a harsh tone before, leaving Lucia more surprised than embarrassed. "Genevieve... what's wrong?" Genevieve didn't respond and simply turned to walk back to her office.As Lucia felt the curious gazes of her colleagues, her face turned red with embarrassment. When her eyes met Nyla's, her anger flared even more. She was certain Nyla was waiting to see her make a fool of herself.Suppressing her rage, she bit her lip and followed Genevieve into the office.As soon as the door closed, Genevieve threw a document onto the desk in front of her. "Take a look!"Her tone was full of disappointment, and her gaze on Lucia was disapproving.Confused, Lucia picked up the document and began to browse. Her face grew paler with each page, and her hands started to shake. How could this have happened?Upon seeing Lucia's guilty expression, Genevieve's voice grew colder. "I used to t
It was clear to Lucia that Genevieve wasn’t going to let her off the hook. She took a deep breath and said slowly, "I understand. Whatever decision the company makes, I will accept it."With that, she turned and left.As soon as she exited Genevieve's office, she could no longer contain her anger. She stormed back to the R&D department.Nyla was engrossed in her work, looking through some documents, when she heard the sound of hurried footsteps approaching from behind. As soon as she turned around, a slap landed hard across her face.The sharp sound of the slap silenced the entire room, drawing everyone's attention to the two women.Lucia had used all her strength, causing Nyla’s head to snap to the side. A red handprint quickly appeared on her pale cheek, and it swelled rapidly.Nyla looked up, her gaze cold as she stared at Lucia.Despite herself, Lucia felt a flicker of fear under Nyla's clear, unyielding gaze and instinctively wanted to step back. But once she remembered the
Damon gave him a cool glance. "It seems like you have a lot of free time lately.""No, no, not at all. I still have plenty of files to sort through this afternoon..." Spencer quickly ducked his head, silently vowing to rein in his curiosity next time.…After Nyla iced her cheek for about ten minutes, the burning pain subsided, so she returned to her desk.As soon as she sat down, her colleague, Sasha Yates, rolled her chair over and whispered, "Nyla, everyone is talking about what happened between you and Lucia. What happened? Why did she suddenly hit you?"Nyla didn’t want to blow things out of proportion. If she made a big deal out of it, Lucia might lose her job. Considering she had just joined the company, forcing Lucia out would make her colleagues think she was scheming, which would make her work life difficult.Besides, despite Lucia's recent data tampering, she had produced some valuable research in the past, and the company would likely handle the matter privately.Nyl
"No way! They wouldn't betray me!""If you think it's Nyla, then show me evidence. If you don't have any, keep your mouth shut. The company is already being lenient with you, so don't push your luck."Facing Genevieve's penetrating gaze, Lucia felt like all her schemes were laid bare. She lowered her head, feeling a bit guilty. "I understand. I'll go back to work now."Genevieve didn't respond and picked up a file to read.Lucia knew that Genevieve was clearly angry, so she didn't dare say more and left the office quietly.…Back in the R&D department, the first thing she did was walk over to Nyla's desk."Nyla, playing dirty tricks behind someone's back isn't a real skill. I suggest you focus on your work. After all, you've got a three-month probation period. If anything goes wrong, you won't get the permanent position. Don't you agree?"Nyla remained expressionless at Lucia's smug expression, lowering her gaze to continue reading her documents.Before Lucia could say more, t
Watching Mason dash away, Nyla couldn't help but smile. But that smile quickly faded as she thought about their imminent separation."Nyla, why are you staring after Buddy like that?" Damon's voice snapped her back to reality.She turned to him, quickly masking her sadness. "Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about how fast time flies. Buddy's already five years old."Damon slid an arm around her waist. "It might feel fast to you, but not to me. When I think about the five years we lost, I can't help but feel regret. If we'd been together all that time, the three of us would've been so happy."The mention of those lost years made Nyla sigh.If only she had trusted Damon more back then, they wouldn't have missed out on so much time together.And now, just as they had reunited, they were about to be separated again."I'm sorry, Damon..." she murmured.Seeing the guilt in her eyes, Damon pulled her into his arms, his voice soft. "There's nothing to apologize for. For me, as long as
After getting dressed and stepping out of the break room, Nyla spotted Damon sitting behind his desk, looking refreshed as he worked.She shot him a glare, unable to suppress her annoyance.Damon rubbed his nose, feeling a bit guilty. "Honey, why didn't you rest a little longer?""It's almost time to pick up Buddy from school. Are you still busy with work?" Nyla asked."There's just a little left to do, but I can finish it at home. Let me grab my things, and we'll pick up Buddy together," he answered.Nyla considered telling him to stay and finish his work but remembered they only had three days left together. She nodded. "Okay, I'll wait for you."Five minutes later, they were on their way downstairs.Since Nyla had driven over, Damon decided to take her car to pick up Mason.During the ride, Nyla stared out the window, lost in thought about how to tell Damon she'd be leaving for Meristate.Damon noticed something was off but didn't press her. He figured he'd wait until after
Seeing the flicker of guilt in Alexander's expression, Nyla said, "If you really feel sorry for Buddy and me, promise me one thing.""What is it?" Alexander asked."If I ever ask for your help after going to Meristate, you have to help me no matter what," Nyla said.Alexander smiled. "You might find that once you become the Nixons' successor, I'll be the one asking you for help.""So, is that a no?" Nyla asked.Seeing her serious expression, Alexander finally nodded. "Fine, I promise.""Let's hope you won't break your word," she replied.Alexander offered, "If you don't believe me, I can swear on my life."Nyla shook her head. "That won't be necessary. I have other things to do, so I'll be leaving now."…Nyla headed straight to Prospectus Technology.Damon was surprised to see her arrive unexpectedly. "Nyla, why are you here at this hour?""I missed you, so I came to see you," Nyla answered.Her gaze was tender, filled with love—and a hint of sorrow so subtle it was almos
Emerald looked at Nyla and asked, "What are your conditions?""First, Buddy stays in Saintornia. He can't come to Meristate with me. Second, I need you to provide resources to Damon's company to help him take it international. Third, I want full control over my marriage decisions," Nyla stated firmly.Emerald narrowed her eyes and pondered briefly before letting out a soft laugh. "Once you join the Nixons, you and Damon will belong to two entirely different worlds."As for Buddy—if you leave him here, his life trajectory will end up just like yours. Are you sure you want to leave him behind?"Nyla's second condition wasn't difficult for Emerald to guess. She could see where this was heading, though Nyla clearly underestimated the Nixons. Even with abundant resources, Damon could never compete with them.As for Nyla's third condition? Once she was in Meristate, who she wanted to marry would hardly be her decision to make."I'm sure," Nyla said resolutely. "You want me to go to Mer
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
"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
"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
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
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