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
As they reached the elevator, Nyla's expression turned cold. "You can go be with Jordyn. I'm heading home to rest."Clark frowned. "I'll take you home. You haven't slept all night. I'm worried."Nyla smiled, her gaze filled with sarcasm. "Isn't Jordyn's father in surgery? Shouldn't you be more concerned about that?""Nyla, no one is more important to me than you," Clark insisted.Nyla looked at him. His eyes still held affection, but she no longer felt any warmth toward him."Don't say things like that. The more lies you tell, the more you end up believing them yourself," she said.Before Clark could respond, a choked voice came from behind them. "Clark… my dad…"Clark turned to see Jordyn with tears in her eyes, looking as if she might break down at any moment. His hands tightened into fists without him realizing.Nyla, noticing his reaction, chuckled. As the elevator doors opened, she stepped inside without a backward glance. She had no interest in fighting over a cheating ma
If Wilhelm stopped wanting to see Jane, the bond between them would naturally fade over time."No! I don't want food!" Wilhelm cried, hurling Gabriel's phone onto the car seat.He began pounding on the car door, trying to open it. "I want to see Mommy! I want to live with her, not you!"Gabriel, his patience wearing thin, locked the doors with a sharp click and turned to Wilhelm, his expression darkening."Your mother doesn't want you. Even if you find her, she won't take you. I'm the only one you have now," he said."I hate you! I don't want to be with you! I don't want you as my dad!" Wilhelm screamed.Gabriel's restraint, already fraying after days of tantrums, finally snapped. He stared at his son and said coldly, "It doesn't matter whether you want me or not. No one wants you now except me."Jane didn't want Wilhelm. The Wilkies wouldn't want him either."That's not true!" Wilhelm sobbed uncontrollably. "Mommy wants me. Mommy's just mad. If I'm good, she'll take me back! S
Lydia nodded. "Okay, Ms. Kinsey."Shortly after, Lydia returned with Mason by her side.When Mason saw Gabriel and Wilhelm standing at the door, he frowned and turned to Nyla. "Mommy, why is Wilhelm here?"Nyla patted his head gently. "He's here to apologize to you.""Oh." Mason's response was wary, clearly unconvinced.Gabriel observed Nyla's affectionate interaction with Mason, his eyes flickering with a trace of emotion. He turned to Wilhelm. "What did you promise me before we came?"Wilhelm's reluctance was evident. He had agreed to apologize, but only under the threat of losing his chance to see his mother."Mason, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pushed you yesterday. I hope you can forgive me," Wilhelm said, his voice subdued.Mason didn't respond immediately. Instead, he looked up at Nyla, silently seeking her guidance."Buddy, this is your decision to make," Nyla said softly. "I'll respect whatever you decide."Mason lowered his head, thinking for a moment.Finally, he s
Brandon sighed and placed the items on the desk. "Aunt Nyla, this crisis is unlike anything Prospectus Technology has faced before. If things go wrong, the company can go bankrupt."Uncle Damon prepared these after finding out Buddy is his son, but he hadn't found the right time to give them to you."Keep them for now. If Prospectus Technology collapses, he'll need this to start over."After a moment's silence, Nyla nodded. "Alright, I'll hold onto them. Is this the only reason you came?""Yes, I need to get back to work," Brandon replied."I'll see you out," Nyla offered.After sending Brandon off, she returned to the study and placed the documents and bank card in the safe upstairs.The next morning…As Nyla was getting dressed, Lydia knocked on the door."Ms. Kinsey, there's a man outside who says he's your brother," Lydia informed her.Brother?Thinking it was likely Gabriel, Nyla's expression turned cold. "I don't know him. Tell him to leave.""Understood," Lydia said
Damon put the file down and sat across from Nyla.Noticing two portions of breakfast on the table, he asked, "You haven't eaten either?""No," Nyla replied as she opened the packages and handed one to him. "I came to eat with you. Spencer told me he brought you breakfast this morning, but you didn't touch it.""I was too busy," Damon said."Being busy isn't an excuse to skip meals. I saw your assistants running around like crazy, and I heard they barely got any sleep last night. Is the issue with the company that serious?" Nyla asked."It's significant," Damon admitted. "Our chips might be causing malfunctions in our partner's machines. If that's confirmed, the company will face a massive compensation payout."Nyla frowned, worry flashing in her eyes. "I can't help much with work, but the least I can do is keep things in order at home. By the way, are you coming home tonight?""Probably not," he replied. "There's still a lot to handle.""Alright. Finish your breakfast. I'll hea
Gabriel took the document, skimmed its contents, and his face darkened."What is it?" Tom asked.Gabriel tossed the document onto the table with a cold laugh. "Nothing important. Damon's just trying to catch me off guard."The document contained evidence of Nyce Tech hiring paid posters to smear Prospectus Technology, but Gabriel wasn't worried.Soon enough, those allegations would become the truth.Tom glanced at the papers and grinned. "As long as it's not a big problem. Anyway, I should get going.""Fine, but don't forget your part in this," Gabriel said pointedly.There was a cold glint in Tom's eyes, though his smile remained. "Relax. I won't let you handle Prospectus Technology alone."After Tom left, Gabriel drained his wine in one gulp.As he prepared to head to his study, a maid approached with a concerned expression."Mr. Hackett, Mr. Wilhelm still refuses to eat," the maid informed him.Gabriel had brought Wilhelm straight back to the villa instead of letting him
Damon's expression was icy as he spoke. "I've already sent the head of R&D with a team to investigate. Let's wait for their findings before jumping to conclusions."He added, "The Agihop 6th Gen isn't out yet. If the issue does lie in the Agihop 5th Gen, we should prepare for the worst—compensation payouts and the possibility of... bankruptcy.""What?!" A collective gasp echoed through the room, disbelief etched on everyone's faces."All this over a single batch of faulty machines from the Longbow Company? Isn't that a bit extreme?""Exactly. If the problem is with the Agihop 5th Gen chips, wouldn't paying compensation suffice?""Mr. Sumner, aren't you exaggerating?"The notion that Prospectus Technology could face bankruptcy over a single chip seemed absurd.Meeting their skepticism with a calm demeanor, Damon elaborated, "The news about Longbow Company's machines breaking down after using our chips has already spread.They're attributing the issue to Prospectus Technology's p
Damon's expression remained unmoved. "As I said, we'll investigate thoroughly. Asking us to accept responsibility before the investigation is complete seems unreasonable, doesn't it?"Jeffrey let out a cold laugh. "Fine, Mr. Sumner. But I hope you act quickly. Every day of delay costs us millions. The longer this drags on, the more Prospectus Technology will have to pay."With that, Jeffrey turned and stormed out of the room.Damon, his expression as icy as ever, summoned the head of the R&D department to his office."Take two of your team members to the Longbow Company and investigate the root cause of the machine failures. Determine whether it's our chips," Damon instructed."Mr. Sumner, it can't be our chips! We've invested so much in their development, and they've been on the market for over three years without a single issue. The problem must be elsewhere," the department head replied.Damon's tone sharpened. "I want accurate results based on the investigation—not assumption
Upon noticing Nyla's flushed cheeks, Damon's eyes darkened further."Nyla, need some help with your bath?" he asked, his voice low and enticing.Nyla snapped out of her daze, quickly pushing him away. Her wary gaze made him look like some kind of dangerous predator."No need, I'll do it myself," she replied.If she let him help, they might not come out of the bathroom for two hours.Disappointment flickered in Damon's eyes. "You really don't need help?""Mm-hmm. Now go. If you have nothing to do, play with Buddy downstairs. I'm going to shower," Nyla said, grabbing her pajamas.She darted into the bathroom as though something was chasing her, locking the door behind her with a sharp click.Hearing the lock, Damon chuckled softly, shook his head, and left the bedroom.Downstairs, Mason was playing with toys in the living room. He didn't even glance up at the sound of Damon's footsteps, already able to distinguish between Damon and Nyla's steps. Just as Damon reached the sofa,
Damon raised an eyebrow and said flatly, "It's not about my approval. It's about ensuring the safety of the other children."Gabriel kept his gaze low, anger flickering in his eyes. What else could he say?"Understood. I've learned my lesson today, Mr. Sumner," he gritted through his teeth.The crowd began to disperse.Most parents hurriedly took their children and left, keeping a noticeable distance from Wilhelm and Gabriel as they passed, still wary that Wilhelm might lash out unpredictably.Before long, only Damon, Nyla, and Mason remained at the gate with Gabriel and Wilhelm.Gabriel turned to Damon with a cold expression. "If there's nothing else, Mr. Sumner, I'll take Wilhelm and leave now.""Mr. Hackett, shouldn't your son apologize to Buddy?" Damon asked.Gabriel's expression hardened.Taking a deep breath, he looked down at Wilhelm and said sternly, "Wilhelm, apologize to Buddy."Wilhelm lifted his chin defiantly. "I won't! I didn't do anything wrong!""Wilhelm, beh