Wren's voice was pleading, but a chill ran down Nyla's spine. This must be the real reason she had called.Nyla had already been blackmailed by Clark numerous times with the promise of a kidney donation for her father, only to be betrayed when the kidney was given to Jordyn's father instead."Wren, I can't agree to this," Nyla replied firmly. "A person can't live without bottom lines. If I compromise this time, I'll be letting Clark control me forever."She had compromised too many times before, each instance leading to more pain and betrayal from Clark. She wouldn't trust him again, nor would she compromise.There was a long silence on the other end of the line, followed by the sound of the call being disconnected.Nyla had no intention of calling back. She simply put down her phone and went to take a shower.…The next few days passed quietly.Clark didn't reach out, and Nyla's life returned to its calm routine.Just when she thought she could approach Richard in about a wee
Richard's call at that moment filled Clark with dread."Grandpa..." he began hesitantly.Richard's voice crackled with anger. "Don't call me Grandpa! I don't have such a foolish grandson! The news about that woman's pregnancy has caused a huge scandal, and it's already affecting the Sumner Group's stock prices. You need to resign and leave the company immediately!"Clark's face drained of color. "Grandpa... what about my transfer to the subsidiary?""Don't even think about it. The board is extremely dissatisfied with you right now. You need to handle this scandal. If you can't clean up this mess, don't bother coming back to the company!" Richard bellowed.The words struck Clark like a bolt of lightning, and panic washed over him. "Grandpa, I promise I'll resolve this as quickly as possible. There won't be a next time. If the board members have concerns, I'm willing to start from the bottom at the subsidiary."If he was expelled from the Sumner Group altogether and barred from the
Brandon didn't get angry. He calmly replied, "At least I won't cause a scandal that tanks the company's stock price by getting a mistress pregnant. Don't you agree?"Clark glared at him, an intense and menacing aura surrounding him. "Get out!""I'll wait for you to pack up your office so that I can move in tomorrow," Brandon taunted.Soon, everyone left the office, leaving Clark alone. He swept the documents off his desk in a fit of rage and stormed out.…An hour later, Jordyn entered Clark's car with a small suitcase through the back gate of her apartment complex."Clark, thank goodness for you. I really don't know what I would've done without you…" she said.Clark drove in silence, his face dark and stormy.Sensing his foul mood, Jordyn bit her lip. "Clark… Shouldn't we try to suppress the news about my pregnancy?"Clark's grip on the steering wheel tightened. "You don't need to worry about that. Your priority now is to make sure the baby is born."A glint appeared in Jord
When Nyla saw the so-called "evidence" on Clark's phone, her eyes filled with sarcasm. "So, based on this chat screenshot, you've decided it was me?""That's not all," Clark replied, his tone cold. "There's also a recording."He played the recording right in front of Nyla.As she listened, she finally understood—it was all a setup, specifically designed to frame her. She couldn't figure out what the person behind this stood to gain."This voice does sound a lot like mine," Nyla said calmly. "However, if you take it to a forensic lab, you'll see it's been fabricated."Clark's gaze was full of disappointment as he looked at her. "I gave you the evidence you asked for, but you're still denying it? Nyla, when did you become so malicious?""Is it that I'm malicious, or that you want to believe I am? You didn't even bother to have this recording or the chat logs authenticated, yet you've decided it was me. If I really wanted to leak Jordyn's pregnancy, would I leave such obvious eviden
Nyla had not yet confronted Jordyn about bribing the maid to swap her dress last time. Just days later, Jordyn was already pushing her luck again.Considering the so-called evidence against her, Nyla found it laughable. The fact that Clark believed it without even verifying it showed just how blind and foolish he had become.After a moment's thought, Nyla called Michael. She obtained the audio being used as evidence from him and immediately sent it to a reputable forensic agency in Saintornia. Given the money involved, they promised results within three days.Nyla then packed a few changes of clothes and checked into a hotel, knowing Clark would likely come looking for her the next day. Until the results arrived, she had no intention of engaging in any pointless arguments with him.As expected, as soon as she arrived at the office the next morning, she received a call from Clark. His voice was agitated, almost frantic. "Where are you? You didn't come home again last night?! Were yo
"I don't need the Sumner Group to deal with you," Damon said, his voice cold.Clark's expression darkened. He scoffed. "Nyla and I are married. Whatever happens between us is none of your business.""Even as her husband, you have no right to force her into something she doesn't want to do," Damon replied, his tone unwavering.Besides, it wouldn't be long before Clark and Nyla were divorced.The two men locked eyes, and the tension between them was palpable, the air around them seeming to drop in temperature."Clark, stop harassing me. I'm not going to agree with what you just proposed, no matter what," Nyla said coldly.Clark felt a chill in his heart. Nyla knew how important the Sumner Group was to him, yet she still refused to help.With Damon standing there, he realized that trying to reason with her was futile."Nyla, I'll come back another time," Clark said.Nyla frowned. No matter how many times he came, she knew she wouldn't change her mind. Before she could respond, he
Clark didn't believe Jordyn's words, but he chose not to respond. Suddenly, his phone rang."Mr. Sumner, more photos and details about your affair with Jordyn have been exposed. The online backlash is intense, and... the Sumner Group just released a statement saying you've been dismissed," Michael informed him.The statement from the Sumner Group didn't mention Clark's resignation. It stated that he had been fired, indicating that Richard was genuinely furious.Clark clenched his phone and took a deep breath before replying, "I understand. Let me know if there's anything else.""Okay," Michael replied.After hanging up, Clark took a moment to collect his thoughts, grabbed his coat, and left.Jordyn called after him, but he ignored her completely.He drove to the Sumner residence and, upon arriving, did not go inside. Instead, he knelt at the entrance.Richard and Marie were taking a walk in the garden when they were informed of the situation.Richard snorted. "If he wants to k
Cyrus was livid. "How dare you blame me? You raised such a worthless son who can't even manage one mistress properly!""Shut up!" Cindy retorted, her chest heaving with anger. "If you hadn't been out of the house all the time with your string of mistresses, Clark wouldn't have turned out like this. He learned it all from you!"Cyrus sneered. "I'm not going to argue about old grievances. It's pointless now. You'd better not make things worse. If you really anger the old man, Clark might never get back into the Sumner Group."After all, the Sumners had more than one heir.As Cyrus was about to leave, Cindy tried to stop him but was shoved aside, nearly falling. When she managed to steady herself and looked around, Cyrus had already disappeared.…Clark had been kneeling at the Sumner residence entrance all night. When it started pouring rain in the middle of the night, he stayed put, enduring the downpour until he collapsed.The next morning, a maid found him unconscious at the do
Valarie widened her eyes in surprise. "Alright, but there are a lot of questions here. It might take me a day or two to finish. You're not in a hurry, are you?""No rush, but the sooner, the better. I really appreciate your help," Damon said.Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, Valarie smiled. "It's no trouble at all. I'm happy to help with the wedding preparations."After parting ways with Damon, Valarie returned to her office.As soon as she sat down, her phone rang. It was Brandon."Valarie, what did my uncle want? Did he give you a hard time?" he asked.Hearing the tension in his voice, Valarie set the file down. "Why would you think he would give me a hard time?"There was a brief silence before Brandon spoke again, his voice low. "I was worried he might blame you for my decision to leave the Sumner Group.""You're overthinking it. He asked me to help with something unrelated. If there's nothing else, I'm hanging up," Valarie replied."Valarie—" Brandon began.Before he co
Damon lowered his head to look at Mason and took the drawing from his hands.The picture showed a family of four—him, Nyla, Mason, and a little girl—standing under a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds.Damon smiled and pointed to the little girl in the drawing. "Who's this?""That's my little sister. I hope Mommy gives me a baby sister," Mason said earnestly."What if it's a baby brother instead?" Damon asked.Mason paused, then nodded confidently. "If it's a brother, I'll protect him too."Damon's smile deepened at Mason's innocent expression. "Well, it looks like our Buddy is growing up. You're already thinking about protecting your little sibling.""Daddy, when are you and Mommy going to give me a little sibling?" Mason asked."Soon. It won't be long now," Damon answered.Mason's eyes widened with excitement. "Really? Daddy, you're not lying to me, are you?""Of course not. When have I ever lied to you?" Damon asked.Mason huffed. "You've lied to me plenty of times.
"I've got it. You can let go. I promise I won't drop it," Stefan's roommate reassured him.Stefan's fingers tightened briefly before he slowly released his grip. "Yeah."His roommate carried the cake over to the others, calling them to share. He kept a piece for Stefan.That piece remained untouched until Stefan went to bed.…Over the next few days, Brandon appeared at the Weir Group every day. Sometimes, he brought food; other times, flowers.Valarie was beyond annoyed. She'd told him repeatedly to stop pestering her, but he refused to listen. Eventually, she ignored him altogether.On Friday evening, Valarie spotted Brandon's car parked by the curb as soon as she stepped out of the office.By then, she was used to seeing him there. She walked directly to her car, pretending he didn't exist.Just as she reached it, Brandon called out from behind, "Valarie."Valarie pressed her lips together and turned to face him. "What do you want?""Valarie, are you free tonight?" he ask
As Stefan stared at the candle, an unreadable emotion flickered in his eyes. He pressed his hands together, closed his eyes, and made a wish.After a moment, he opened his eyes and blew out the candle. "Thank you, Veevee.""No need to thank me. But I'm curious—what did you wish for?" Valarie asked.Stefan smiled. "If I tell you, it won't come true, right?""Fair enough. Here, this is your birthday present," Valarie said.When Stefan saw the black box she handed him, he looked surprised. "Isn't the present all those clothes?""Those were just extras. This is the real gift," Valarie replied.Stefan hesitated, taking the box. "Can I open it now?"Valarie nodded. "Of course."He carefully untied the ribbon and lifted the lid. As soon as he saw what was inside, shock flashed across his face."This is..." he murmured.Inside the box was a key."I bought you an apartment near the university. That way, you won't have to stay in the dorms anymore," Valarie explained.Stefan immedia
Michelle reached for her phone on the table.Just before her fingers could brush it, Jayden's hand shot out faster, snatching it away.She looked up at Jayden, her teary eyes flashing with defiance. "Give me back my phone!"Jayden took a deep breath and spoke slowly. "Michelle, it's not too late to stop. If you really did send Stefan to get close to Valarie, then tell him to back off."Michelle nodded. "Fine. No matter what I say, you won't believe me. So, let's say I did send him. What are you going to do? Tell Brandon?"Jayden fell silent, unsure of how to respond. Before coming here, he hadn't even considered what he would do if Michelle was behind this.Would he tell Brandon? Or pretend he didn't know?"Whether you were behind this or not, you need to call Stefan and tell him to stop seeing Valarie. If Brandon finds out about your relationship, he won't believe anything you say again," Jayden warned.Michelle's eyes filled with disappointment. "So, you don't believe me eith
It usually took Stefan ten minutes to walk from the dorm to the school gate, but today, he made it in just five.The moment he saw Valarie, a wave of happiness surged inside him.He knew it now. He had truly fallen for her."I had some errands nearby and happened to pass by your school. Then I remembered I still had something to give you," Valarie explained.Stefan raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "What is it?""You'll find out later. Let's eat first," she suggested.Stefan nodded. "Okay."…Neither Valarie nor Stefan noticed Jayden, who had secretly taken a photo of them from a distance.Behind Jayden, Yale frowned. "Jayden, isn't it a bit inappropriate to secretly take photos of Valarie?"Jayden glanced at him. "What's wrong with it? She's the one sneaking around on Brandon, having dinner with another man. I'm just taking a picture. What's the big deal?""But Valarie and Brandon broke up. She's free to date whoever she wants now. Besides... that guy could be her younger bro
"What's up?" Jayden asked."You free for dinner tonight?" Yale invited.Jayden checked his schedule—no meetings, no social engagements.Raising an eyebrow, he asked, "Who else is coming?""Just the two of us," Yale replied."Alright, send me the details," Jayden said.…That evening, Jayden pulled up in front of a high-end restaurant in Saintornia.As he stepped out of his car, Yale's voice came from the side. "Jayden, what a coincidence. We arrived at the same time."Jayden looked over, then waited for Yale to catch up before they walked inside together.Once seated in a private room, Jayden studied Yale. "You asked me to dinner alone. There must be something you want to talk about."Yale chuckled. "Can't hide anything from you. Let's order first."After placing their orders and the server left, Yale leaned back and met Jayden's gaze. "What's your plan with Michelle and Brandon? Are you really trying to set them up?"Jayden's fingers tightened slightly around his glass. H
At present, nothing mattered to Brandon except Valarie. If Jayden insisted on forcing him to see Michelle, their friendship might not survive.Yale nodded. "Got it. I'll mention it, but I won't push it if he doesn't listen."He and Nolan had a clear view of the situation and weren't planning on getting too involved. They didn't want to end up stuck in the middle, trying to please both sides and failing.…The news of Brandon stepping down as CEO of the Sumner Group spread quickly through Saintornia.As soon as Michelle heard about it, she called Jayden."Jayden, I just saw online that Brandon resigned as CEO of the Sumner Group. What's going on?" Her voice trembled with worry.There was a brief silence on the other end before Jayden responded in a low voice. "I don't know yet. I'll ask around.""Jayden, do you think it's because of that exposé you had someone post online? Maybe you should have them take it down. I want to see him, but I don't want him to leave the Sumner Group
Valarie opened the door and stepped out.After she left, Brandon pulled out his phone and dialed Yale. "Got time for a drink tonight?""Sure. But last I checked, Valarie keeps a tight leash on you. You sure you can go drinking?" Yale asked.Hearing the teasing in Yale's voice, Brandon lowered his gaze. "She doesn't care what I do anymore."She didn't even want him now, so why would she care if he went out drinking?"Alright then. I'll call Nolan and Jayden. You and Jayden need to settle your beef anyway. You two fighting online all the time is just making people laugh at you," Yale grunted.Brandon frowned. "If you invite him, I'm not going. I don't want to see him."If Jayden showed up, the first thing he'd do was try to convince him to see Michelle. And right now, just hearing her name annoyed him.If it weren't for Michelle, things wouldn't have spiraled so far between him and Valarie."Fine, fine. I won't call him. See you at the usual place," Yale said."Yeah," Brandon h