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
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
Nyla pursed her lips, remaining silent.Seeing her hesitation, Valarie added, "Nyla, just think about my suggestion. I believe it makes sense to cooperate with them for now. Once we deal with Drake, we can address their past actions. What do you think?"Nyla looked at her. "I understand. I'll think about it. You should head back now."With that, she stood and left.Valarie's argument had some merit, but Nyla could tell she wasn't only considering things from her and Damon's perspective. Valarie likely wanted Damon to go easy on the companies that had previously turned on Prospectus Technology.Back in her bedroom, Nyla sat in a lounge chair on the balcony, thinking for a long while before dialing Damon's number.The call was answered quickly."Nyla, what is it?" Damon asked."Valarie came to see me just now. She asked me to intercede for the companies that turned on Prospectus Technology and to convince you to give them another chance," she replied.There was silence on the ot
"Actually, my daughter is friends with Valarie. I could ask her to help set up a meeting with Nyla," one person said hesitantly.Jerry's face lit up. "Yes, let's do that."Another person clapped him on the back. "Well done. Didn't know you still had an ace up your sleeve!"The man shrugged. "I usually don't pay attention to who my daughter befriends. I didn't expect it to come in handy now.""Well, it's a reminder for us all. I'm going home to tell my kid to start making more friends."…An hour later, Nyla received a call from Valarie. "Nyla, are you home? I need to talk to you about something.""I'm home," Nyla replied, arranging a flower in a vase. "What's up? Can't you just tell me over the phone?""It's better in person. I'll be there in 30 minutes," Valarie replied.Though Valarie said 30 minutes, she arrived in less than 20. As she stepped into the living room, she saw Nyla kneeling on a cushion by the sofa, carefully arranging flowers in a vase on the table."Nyla," s
The group fell silent again. After a long pause, someone finally spoke. "Right, since Damon won't let us off the hook, let's go to Mr. Mummery and see if he can help us."Minutes later, the people who had been waiting outside Prospectus Technology turned and left.The front desk quickly relayed this to Spencer, who reported it to Damon. "Mr. Sumner, they've been outside since 5:00 a.m. and have now suddenly left. I'm not sure if they've given up or if something else is going on."Damon's expression remained indifferent. "Whatever their reason, it has nothing to do with us. Don't bring this up to me again in the future. You can leave now.""Yes, sir," Spencer replied.…After contacting Drake, the group waited in a private room at a restaurant.Two hours later, Drake finally arrived.As soon as he entered, Jerry Walker from Excellence stood up hurriedly. "Mr. Mummery, you're finally here. We've been waiting a long time."Drake offered a faint smile, took a seat, and raised an e
It was Percy's secretary who had said that the Watson Group would be in crisis if they offended Drake. That was why Percy had refused to work with Prospectus Technology.Now? They hadn't offended Drake, but they had offended Damon. If they had to offend someone, he'd rather it be Drake.Percy had worked with Damon for years. He knew Damon wasn't the type to push people to their breaking point. As for Drake, Percy had investigated him—he was a ruthless man.People who had worked with Drake had all suffered. Yet, no one dared retaliate because Drake was supported by the Nixons. Associating with someone like that would be dangerous.Percy's gaze shifted to the window, his expression grim. He couldn't shake the feeling that the tides were turning in Saintornia.…In the days that followed, executives from companies that had severed ties with Prospectus Technology flooded Spencer's phone with calls, all begging for a meeting with Damon.No matter how persistent they were, Spencer alw
Charlotte stared in disbelief, her wide eyes filled with fear and guilt. Her face turned ashen."Uncle Damon..." she called out."Don't call me uncle," Damon replied icily. "I don't have a niece who betrays her own family. Since you've chosen to side with Drake, you've also chosen to stand against me and Prospectus Technology. From now on, we're business rivals, and I won't show you any mercy."His piercing gaze felt like the chill of a winter wind. "But since we once shared a bond, let me offer you some advice—stay far away from Drake. Otherwise, you won't even know how your end comes."With that, Damon brushed past her and left.Charlotte stood frozen, watching his figure disappear, too shaken to pursue him further.…Back in Damon's office, Spencer entered after a knock. "Mr. Sumner, Mr. Guinness from the Watson Group is here to see you.""I'm not seeing him. Tell him the Watson Group's issues have nothing to do with me," Damon replied."Understood," Spencer answered.In t
"What does her return have to do with you getting married?" Harrison asked, his confusion clear."She wants me and Buddy to move to Meristate," Nyla said softly."What?!" Harrison's face darkened. "She hasn't cared about you for years. She didn't even visit once. And now she's coming back to force you to leave your husband and move abroad? Has she lost her mind?!"After a brief hesitation, Nyla shared what she had learned from Alexander about her mother's plans.Harrison's anger flared as he processed the full story. "That's insane! She abandoned you for years, and now she expects you to inherit some foreign family's legacy? What about your life, your happiness? This is absurd!""That's why Damon and I decided to register our marriage now," Nyla said calmly. "We'll handle everything else as it comes."Harrison sighed deeply. "Alright, I understand. If you're not ready for a wedding now, we'll wait.""Thank you, Dad," Nyla replied.After lunch, Damon and Nyla prepared to leave w
Jane's cold voice came through the line. "I'm busy. What do you want?""The Wilkie Group might go bankrupt," Theo said bluntly. "Damon has already gathered substantial evidence of our illegal activities. Grandpa's getting old, and I can't hold the company together on my own. Can you come back and help me?"There was a moment of silence before Jane's mocking tone cut in. "Theo, when I was at the Wilkie Group, we didn't do anything illegal. How is it that the company started falling apart the moment you took over?"Theo forced down his rising anger and replied coldly, "Everything I've done was for the company's growth. When are you coming back?""I'm not coming back. Give up on the idea," Jane said sharply. "I've already sold my shares to Damon. The company has nothing to do with me anymore. You're on your own."She wasn't a fool. Theo's reason for asking her to return wasn't to pass the company to her. He wanted her to be the scapegoat for the things he'd done in the past. She migh
Drake laughed, his tone light. "Mr. Wilkie, are you still upset about that? Yes, I had to strong-arm you at first, but it was for the sake of our partnership."And look at the opportunities I've brought the Wilkie Group—several lucrative deals. If you play your cards right, overtaking Prospectus Technology will just be a matter of time.""Let's hope you're true to your word, Mr. Mummery," Pedro replied.Being stuck between Damon and Drake felt like walking on thin ice.Pedro couldn't shake the thought that the Wilkie Group might go bankrupt at any moment. If he'd known this was how the company would end up, he would have preferred it go bankrupt earlier. It would be better than living on the edge now."Don't worry. I'll have 100,000,000 dollars invested in the Wilkie Group soon. If you have any other requests, feel free to let me know anytime," Drake said."Alright. I'm feeling a little under the weather, so I won't be seeing you out, Mr. Mummery," Pedro said.As soon as Drake l