Cindy took a deep breath. "Do you know about Nyla and Damon?"Clark's expression shifted, and Cindy gnashed her teeth. "So you do know! That woman actually dares to cheat on you!"Hearing Cindy's harsh words about Nyla, Clark furrowed his brow. "Mom, it's not what you think. This has nothing to do with Nyla. It's Uncle Damon being presumptuous."Cindy sneered. "Presumptuous? Do you think I'm a fool?! If she wasn't making advances on Damon, would he even notice her?!"Clark's face darkened. "If you keep insulting Nyla, I'm leaving right now."Seeing him get up to leave, Cindy shouted, "You stop right there!"Clark ignored her and continued walking. Enraged, Cindy stood in front of the door. "Don't think you can leave until I'm done talking!"Observing her unreasonable behavior, Clark remained expressionless. "What else do you want to say?""You're just going to let her cheat on you with your uncle?" Cindy demanded."I've already told you, Nyla doesn't like Uncle Damon. He's the
Cyrus scowled and spoke in a low voice. "Don't worry about this. I'll figure something out."Cindy was momentarily taken aback but then frowned at him. "What are you planning to do?""Just focus on your social gatherings. Leave the rest to me," Cyrus said, walking past her into his study.Once inside, Cyrus pondered for a moment. With Marie's birthday next month, he realized he could use the occasion to his advantage.By the time Damon and Nyla were together, he could leverage that situation to threaten Damon into providing the funds he needed.With this plan in mind, Cyrus sighed in relief. His frustration over the lack of funds dissipated.To him, women were merely playthings. As long as they served a purpose, he would use them to get what he needed. Even if Damon had feelings for Cindy, Cyrus wouldn't hesitate to maneuver her into Damon's bed and deal with the aftermath later.As for Clark, Cyrus would find him a more suitable marriage partner in the future.In the CEO offic
The other party smirked. "The money will be transferred to you tonight. You know what to do with the report.""Don't worry. I understand how things work when money is involved.""Pleasure working with you," the other party replied.…The day before Nyla's discharge, Pete finally replied to her message.Nyla planned to meet him after leaving the hospital, but this time they arranged to meet at a café rather than a bar.When Nyla saw Pete, she was taken aback. Although it had only been a short while, Pete was visibly injured—his left hand was in a cast, and he had a crutch beside him."Mr. Monaghan… How did you get hurt? Was it related to the investigation?" she asked.Pete handed her a USB drive and said in a low voice, "Ms. Jayston, this is all I could find. I can't investigate further. It's too dangerous."Noticing Pete's reluctance to discuss his injuries, Nyla decided not to press the issue. She accepted the USB drive with a nod."Understood. I'll transfer your payment sho
"No, why?" Nyla asked.Her mind was still preoccupied with when she would visit Lucia, so she had paid little attention to Clark."Nyla, the reason I haven't visited you these past few days is that I've been swamped with work. Uncle Damon deliberately terminated his partnership with the Sumner Group to target me, and I only managed to resolve this issue this evening," Clark explained.Nyla nodded. "I see."Clark felt exhausted due to her cold response. He had been getting only four hours of sleep each night due to his busy schedule and looked worn out, but Nyla seemed oblivious, still sulking.In the past, Clark would have tried to appease her. Now, he didn't feel like saying anything more. He fell silent, and the dining room was soon filled only with the clinking of cutlery.After dinner, Clark went straight to his study, while Nyla drove to the police station.Lucia's case had not been decided yet, so she was still in jail. After some time apart, Lucia looked pale and demorali
Jordyn was surprised to run into Nyla again at the hospital. After a moment's hesitation, she decided to follow her.Nyla, preoccupied with her own thoughts, didn't notice that she was being followed.By the time Nyla arrived at Harrison's hospital room, it was already past 9:00 p.m. Only Harrison was inside."Dad, where's Wren?" Nyla asked.Harrison looked up, surprised to see his daughter. "Why are you here so late? Wren went home to get me some fresh clothes."Nyla sat by the bedside, her expression serious. "Dad, I need to ask you something."Harrison smiled. "What's the matter? Why the serious face?""When you, Mom, and Clement were in university, did Clement have a thing for Mom?"Harrison frowned. "Did someone say something to you?"Seeing his reaction, Nyla was convinced Lucia's information was correct. "So it's true?"Harrison sighed. "That's all from many years ago, and your mother and I are divorced now. Why are you asking about this?"Nyla paused. After the divor
The phone was silent for a few seconds before Jordyn's voice, trembling with tears, broke through. "I know, but I don't know who else to turn to… I'm sorry… I'll find a way myself and won't bother you anymore…"With that, Jordyn hung up.Clark furrowed his brow, frustration surging within him. He appreciated Jordyn's gentle and understanding nature, but he didn't want to be entangled with her family. If he got involved now, they'd come to him with every problem in the future. He wasn't running a charity.However, considering that she was still carrying his child, he felt he should at least help handle the situation.After a moment of hesitation, Clark finally put on his suit jacket and left.Upstairs, after Nyla finished her shower, she heard the sound of a car engine starting outside. Pausing mid-motion, she walked to the window and saw Clark's car driving away.She drew her gaze back, dried her hair, and completed her skincare routine before going to bed.…When Clark arrived
Besides, Harrison had never seen a secretary who dared to address her employer by name."Clark, I may be old, but I'm not a fool! Do you think that just because the Jaystons are down, we'll put up with whatever you do to my daughter?"Clark frowned. "Dad, you're not well. Let me take you back to your room so we can talk this through."He reached out to help Harrison, but the latter pushed him away. "Don't touch me! Give me back my phone. I told you to call Nyla over. You will explain everything to her face-to-face!""Dad, this is a matter of life and death. Can't you stop making a scene?" Clark said.Seeing the impatience in Clark's eyes, Harrison sneered. "I must have been blind to your true nature! Don't bother calling me 'Dad' anymore. I'll make sure Nyla divorces you."With that, Harrison turned and walked away. After just a few steps, he suddenly collapsed and lost consciousness.…Nyla was awakened by the phone ringing in the middle of the night.By the time she hurried
Before Nyla could say anything, Wren suddenly grabbed her hand. "Nyla, you know how much your father has suffered from being in the hospital all these years. If we can arrange a kidney donation, he can be discharged soon..."Seeing the urgency in Wren's gaze, Nyla felt a wave of bitterness.From the moment Clark used the kidney to pressure her, she felt defeated. She couldn't just watch her father die. She had no choice but to pretend nothing had happened.Noticing Nyla's blank expression, Wren, desperate, continued. "Please, just consider it a favor for me. If you agree, I'll even get on my knees for you."Wren began to kneel in front of her.Nyla quickly helped her up and said, "Wren, I know what I need to do.""Thank you… I'm sorry…" Wren said, almost in tears with relief. She then noticed Nyla's pale face and tried to keep her own emotions in check.Turning to Clark, Nyla said coldly, "You should go. When Dad wakes up, I'll explain everything to him so he doesn't think you w
Brandon noticed Nyla's cold attitude and sat down in silence. Neither of them spoke until Damon returned with the fruit."Why so quiet?" he asked.Nyla took the bowl of strawberries from his hands. "Nothing to talk about."Damon looked slightly surprised. Nyla rarely made her feelings about someone so obvious.He turned to Brandon and asked, "Did you do something to upset my wife?"Brandon was speechless.He was innocent! He hadn't even seen Nyla recently—how could he have offended her?Then it hit him. Valarie must have told her everything during her visit earlier. That had to be why Nyla was siding with her friend and giving him the cold shoulder.Realizing this, he grew anxious. "Aunt Nyla, I swear, there was nothing going on between me and that friend. Valarie misunderstood.""Oh," Nyla said flatly. "Then go explain it to her. She's the one dating you, after all."Thinking about Valarie's dinner plans that evening, Nyla suddenly chuckled. If Brandon knew about the younger
"I really don't know. I can barely remember how we even started liking each other. By the time I realized it, we already had feelings," Nyla explained.Seeing how serious Nyla looked, Valarie let out a sigh. "Fine. I guess I'll have to figure it out on my own."The two continued chatting for a while. Just as Valarie was about to leave, Damon walked in.She stood up to greet him but frowned slightly when she saw Brandon following behind him. Without a word, she completely ignored him.Brandon's face darkened for a moment, and he was about to say something when Valarie turned to Nyla and said, "Nyla, I'm heading out.""Okay, I'll walk you out," Nyla offered."No need. I've been here so many times—I know the way," Valarie dismissed.Watching Valarie disappear out the door, Brandon hesitated for a moment before turning to Damon. "Uncle Damon, I need to talk to Valarie. Give me ten minutes."Without waiting for a response, he rushed out after her.When he reached the entrance, he s
Nyla knelt in front of Mason and gently said, "Of course.""Thank you, Mommy!" Mason chirped.For the next week, Mason slept with Nyla and Damon every night. Only after he was completely sure they weren't going anywhere did he finally move back to his own room.…As soon as Valarie found out that Nyla and Damon were back, she drove straight to their house.The moment she saw Nyla, her eyes turned red, and she rushed over to hug her tightly. "I thought you were never coming back! You didn't even tell me—you just disappeared! Do you even consider me a friend?!"Nyla gently patted her back. "I didn't want you to worry.""And that's why you just left without a word?! You're a terrible person!" Valarie whined."Okay, okay, I admit it. I'm awful. I'm sorry, alright? Please don't be mad," Nyla coaxed.Valarie scolded her a little more before finally sitting down on the couch. "So now that you're back, you're not going back to Meristate, right?"Nyla shook her head. "Nope. I have not
"Alright, I'll let it slide this time. But from now on, we need to spend more time with Buddy. We can't let this leave a lasting emotional scar on him," Nyla said."Got it! Mission accepted!" Damon quickly replied.Nyla couldn't help but chuckle. "Alright, I still need to take my dad home later. You should get back to work.""Why don't you let Dad stay here tonight?" Damon asked.Nyla sighed. "I tried, but he refused. He said he's used to living there and prefers to go back."Damon nodded. "Alright, but you're pregnant now. I'll take him home later.""Then let's go together. You drive," Nyla said."Okay," Damon agreed.Nyla left Damon's study and walked to the living room, where Harrison was sitting on the couch, playing with Mason.She sat down beside them. "Dad, Damon and I will take you home later.""No need. Just call me a car. I've already arranged for the housekeeper to meet me downstairs," Harrison refused."How can I be at ease with that? We'd rather take you ourselv
Nyla nodded. "I only just found out a few days ago."Alexander grinned. "That's amazing—double the good news!"He turned to Damon. "You'd better take good care of her when you're back. Otherwise, you'll have me to answer to."He was definitely going to visit them when the baby was born."I will. I promise," Damon replied.…The next morning, they boarded the plane home.After a long flight, they finally landed safely in Saintornia.As soon as they got off the plane, the first thing Nyla wanted to do was see Mason.When they arrived at the villa, simply standing at the front door made her eyes well up with tears.Damon steadied her and spoke gently. "Nyla, you're pregnant now. You shouldn't get too emotional."She wiped her tears. "I know... I just missed Buddy so much.""Let's go inside first," Damon said.The moment they stepped into the living room, they saw Mason sitting on the couch, watching TV with a blank expression.Nyla stared at him, afraid it was all just a dre
Damon chuckled, his voice low. "If Nyla takes the money, she'll keep thinking about Ms. Kinsey from time to time. Not taking it means she's truly ready to forget her."Seeing he couldn't convince either of them, Alexander sighed. "Alright, I'll hold onto the money for now. If you ever need it, just let me know."Damon nodded. "Okay."Later that night, Alexander thought it over and decided to deposit the money in a bank under Mason's name, setting it up as a fixed-term deposit for 13 years. It would be given to Mason when he turned 18.…Damon walked to Nyla's bedroom door and knocked softly."Come in," Nyla called.As he pushed the door open, he saw her sitting on the balcony, staring at the distant city lights, lost in thought.When she noticed him, she smiled. "You're here."Damon nodded and sat beside her. "Nyla, are you feeling down?""No, I just feel a little drained after everything that's happened. I really want to go back home," she replied.He gently took her hand.
Even Brian and Delia, whom Emerald had spoiled, were expendable in her eyes—if they ever posed a threat to her position, she wouldn't hesitate to give them up.To her, family had always come second to the Nixons.…At exactly 3:00 p.m., Emerald's car pulled up outside Alexander's villa.She stepped out and walked into the living room, where Alexander and Nyla were already waiting.Without a word, she sat down, picked up the documents on the table, and flipped through them.After confirming there were no issues, she signed the last page, then pulled a bank card from her bag and placed it on the table.She slid it toward Nyla. "The password is six zeroes."Alexander picked up the card and handed it to his assistant. "Go check it."Emerald's expression stiffened. "Alexander, what the hell does that mean?!"Was he trying to humiliate her by having his assistant verify the card right in front of her?"Aunt Emerald, it's for both our peace of mind. This way, there won't be any iss
Alexander was silent for a moment before meeting Emerald's gaze. "Fine, I'll help you secure your position as head of the Nixons, but I won't help you eliminate your opponents."As long as there were threats to her power, she wouldn't have time to target Nyla and Damon. Keeping a balance of power was the best way to keep Nyla safe.Emerald's expression darkened. "You don't trust me?"Alexander nodded. "Aunt Emerald, I'd like to, but you need to give me a reason to. Back in Saintornia, you promised Nyla you'd support Prospectus Technology, but the moment she arrived in Meristate, you tried to bankrupt it."Now, you're making promises without proof. How can I trust you?""Alexander, don't forget—I'm your aunt. We're family!" Emerald hissed."To me, Nyla is my cousin, so she's my family too. Think about my offer, Aunt Emerald," Alexander said calmly.He remained unbothered by the situation. He knew Emerald was already backed into a corner—without his help, she had no chance of hold
"Sure," Nyla replied.After Alexander left, she turned to Damon. "We really will make it back together, right?"Seeing the worry in her eyes, Damon pulled her into his arms. "Yes. I promise. Trust me."She didn't say anything more, simply resting against his chest. Deep down, however, unease still lingered.…Three more days passed, and George still hadn't found Nyla.Meanwhile, unrest within the Nixons was worsening. More and more people began openly opposing Emerald, demanding a new leader.Emerald was exhausted and overwhelmed. The stress took a toll on her body—she collapsed and was rushed to the hospital again.When she woke up, the doctor warned her that she couldn't keep pushing herself like this, or her health would suffer serious consequences."I understand," Emerald said flatly. "I'd like to be alone now."Sighing, the doctor left the room.Emerald stared out the window, her gaze distant.For years, she had fought relentlessly to become the head of the Nixons.