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
When Nyla returned home, she messaged HR to request a day off and slept until nearly noon.Upon checking her phone, she noticed several missed calls and a text message.[Ms. Jayston, your medical report is ready. Our staff tried calling you but couldn't reach you. You can either pick up a hard copy at the hospital's medical office or call us back to receive an electronic version. Have a great day!]Nyla immediately called the hospital to request an electronic copy of the report. As she opened it, her heart sank.The result was devastating—she was indeed infertile.Her eyes filled with tears, not because of Clark, but because her dream of having her own child seemed impossible. She might never be able to become a mother.Her phone slipped from her hand as she covered her eyes, tears streaming down her face.After an unknown amount of time, she finally calmed down.Taking a deep breath, she washed her face and decided to visit another hospital for a second opinion soon. If the in
Melody glanced at Nyla, hesitated for a moment, but kept her thoughts to herself. When the attack occurred, she had been too slow to react, but Nyla had immediately rushed to Damon's side, shielding him from the blow.Melody had a vague sense that Nyla's feelings for Damon might be different. However, since they only exchanged greetings at the company and never showed signs of closeness, she wasn't sure about their relationship.Lost in thought, Melody was jolted back to the present by Nyla's serious tone. "There's a leak in the filter paper. Didn't you notice?"Melody snapped back to reality and looked down, spotting a hole in the bottom of the filter paper. The solution had leaked through and contaminated the previously filtered liquid, meaning they would need to start over."I am sorry, Nyla. I didn't notice," Melody apologized."There's no need to apologize. Just be more careful when doing experiments. If you can't focus, take a break," Nyla replied calmly.The experiment the
Nyla's eyes widened in surprise. "What kind of surprise?""If I tell you now, it won't be a surprise, will it?" Valarie countered."Alright then," Nyla conceded.After Nyla and Valarie finished shopping and were about to leave, they unexpectedly ran into Jordyn and Cindy, who were also shopping and carrying multiple bags."What are you doing out shopping late at night instead of staying home? That dress you're holding—you couldn't afford it even if you worked a whole year. My son works hard for his money, and you don't do anything to help him except spend it all," Cindy scolded.Cindy's gaze at Nyla was almost burning with anger. If Valarie hadn't been there, Cindy would have been even harsher, especially given Nyla's affair with Damon.Valarie hadn't expected Cindy to be so harsh toward Nyla in public. She sneered and was about to speak when Nyla interjected, "Mrs. Sumner, it appears that the money you and Ms. Cheatham are spending also comes from Clark. While it's understandabl
Clark had recently faced numerous issues with the Sumner Group, and as CEO, he had to prioritize company matters.Nyla wasn't disappointed at all. She lowered her gaze and said, "I don't really want anything. It's okay if you don't get me a gift."Clark frowned. "Then I'll just get what I had in mind.""Alright," Nyla complied.They fell into silence. Clark looked at her, hoping she would tell him to take care as she used to before his business trips, but she kept her eyes down and said nothing.Eventually, he stopped expecting anything from her."I still have some work to finish. Get some rest early," he said.With that, he turned and left.Back in his study, he had just settled in when he received a call from Michael."Mr. Sumner, I checked, and Ms. Cheatham's father does indeed need a kidney transplant. However, there isn't a suitable donor yet, so he's still in the ICU," Michael informed him."I understand. Have someone look for a kidney donation," Clark instructed."Oka
"Understood!" Spencer replied but then turned back to look at him, his expression hesitant."Is there something else?" Damon asked."It's not a big deal... It's just... With Ms. Jayston's birthday coming up, should we prepare a gift for her?" Spencer asked.Damon frowned, his gaze showing irritation. "What does her birthday have to do with me?"Spencer quickly shook his head. "No, nothing...""In the future, you don't need to report anything about her to me. Professionally, she's just an employee from Park Pharmaceuticals. Personally, she's my niece-in-law. We need to keep our distance," Damon clarified.Spencer lowered his head. "Understood, Mr. Sumner."…Back at home, Jacqueline was fuming.After learning that Nyla had refused to help, Jacqueline's father, Byron Rainford, scolded her and instructed her to keep trying until Nyla agreed to assist.She was burning with frustration. Given Nyla's attitude that morning, continuing seemed pointless.While she was brooding, she s
Nyla rushed over to Valarie, but in her panic, she stumbled and fell beside her.Valarie's eyes were closed, her clothes torn and ragged, and her face bore visible handprints.Seeing the blood pooling beneath Valarie, Nyla finally remembered to call for emergency help. Her hands shook as she fumbled with her phone, dialing several times before finally getting through.With a trembling voice, she reported that someone had fallen from a building, choking up as she provided the address.After hanging up, Nyla dared not touch Valarie. She trembled uncontrollably, tears streaming down her face.Valarie had come here to celebrate her birthday. If something happened to her, Nyla would never forgive herself.Nearby, a black Maybach was stopped at a red light.Noticing the crowd gathered around the hotel, Spencer glanced over curiously and then frowned.He spoke up. "Mr. Sumner, the person in the center of the crowd appears to be Ms. Jayston—"Before he finished speaking, the sound of
"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