Nyla suggested, "I think he aimed the van at me deliberately. This might not have been an accident."The two officers exchanged a glance before one of them addressed her. "That's a possibility we can't rule out, but we'll need to wait for the investigation results. From what we know now, the most likely cause is drunk driving. Have you had any recent conflicts with anyone?"Nyla thought for a moment, then shook her head. "Not that I can think of.""Understood. We'll investigate that possibility further. If you remember anything else, please let us know," the officer replied."Alright, thank you," Nyla said.After the officers left, Nyla couldn't help but replay the details of the van charging at her.Could this really have been an accident? But... who would drink in the early morning?After waiting outside the ward for a while and confirming that Clark's condition had stabilized, Damon wanted to take Nyla home to rest.However, she refused, "I'm not tired. I want to stay here a
"Dad, Mom, it's getting late. Nyla can stay here with me. You should head home and get some rest. Come back tomorrow morning," Clark said.Cindy had initially wanted to stay and care for Clark, but upon realizing that his condition was caused by Nyla, she agreed to Clark's request. "Alright. I'll come back tomorrow."After they left, Nyla turned to Damon. "Uncle Damon, thank you for today. You should go home and rest. Let me walk you out."Damon frowned, his demeanor growing colder. "You're exhausted too. I'll arrange for a caregiver to come soon. I'll take you home.""No. I'll stay here to take care of him tonight," Nyla insisted.Understanding her stubbornness, Damon nodded after a few seconds of silence. "Alright."He turned and walked toward the door, and Nyla got up to see him off.When she returned, she noticed Clark's expression had changed slightly. Pretending not to notice, she sat down by the bedside.After a long silence, Clark finally spoke. "Nyla, can you stop bein
After watching Nyla enter the apartment complex, Damon left.On his way back to the company, he was deep in thought about how to ensure that Clark and Nyla would divorce smoothly.Since Clark's legs were now disabled from saving Nyla, he might use this as leverage to keep her with him. Damon's gaze grew colder as he considered this possibility.Meanwhile, in Cyrus' study…"Make sure that driver keeps his mouth shut. If this leads back to me, I won't let you off!" he barked.A man in his 30s, with his head lowered, stood before Cyrus' desk and replied, "Mr. Sumner, don't worry. He was dying anyway. He'll definitely keep quiet for the sake of his family."Cyrus nodded, his eyes filled with calculation. "Good. Make sure the money for his family is in cash. Leave no evidence.""Understood!" the man answered.After his subordinate left, Cyrus leaned back in his chair with a cold smirk.…In the evening, Nyla arrived at the hospital with a thermos of soup, only to hear Clark's furi
"Drink the soup first. I'll think about what you said," Nyla replied."Nyla, my dad said that as long as you don't hand the evidence over to the police, you can ask for whatever compensation you want," Clark said.Nyla placed the bowl on the table, her expression unreadable as she looked at Clark. "I said I would consider it. Focus on your recovery. I'll visit you again tomorrow."After Nyla left, Clark called Cyrus, frustration evident in his voice. "She still hasn't agreed."Cyrus sneered. "I told you the self-pity trick wouldn't work, but you wouldn't listen. Are you finally giving up?"Earlier, Cyrus had planned to kill Nyla outright, but Clark suggested staging a self-pity act, pretending that he had been disabled while saving her. This was supposed to soften her heart and persuade her to destroy the evidence. But it had all been for nothing."I didn't expect her to be so heartless. Even with my legs ruined, she won't relent. She wants a divorce and won't destroy the evidenc
However, Cyrus was Damon's older brother. If Damon knew about this, he probably wouldn't help her.After thinking for a while without coming up with any clear answers, Nyla decided not to dwell on it any further and planned to find an opportunity to ask Damon directly.…The next morning, Nyla went to the hospital to visit Clark.When she opened the door to the ward, she saw Jordyn sitting by Clark's bedside, feeding him chicken soup.She paused and said indifferently, "Looks like I'm interrupting."There was a hint of provocation in Jordyn's eyes, but she quickly set the bowl down, stood up, and said awkwardly, "No, no. Since you're here, I'll leave now. I'll come back to see Clark after you're gone…"Before Nyla could respond, Clark spoke up. "Jordyn, please step outside. I need to talk to her."Jordyn nodded. "Alright. I'll be right outside. Call me if you need anything."As she passed by Nyla, she whispered, "Nyla, you won't win against me."Nyla smiled. "Don't worry. I'v
"Only what you can actually get is truly important. Do you understand? There are so many injustices in this world. Not everyone receives an apology or justice. Justice doesn't align with the truth—it aligns with power," Clark said.Nyla looked at him with cold eyes and replied, "So, according to you, I should just accept your so-called compensation as if it were charity and act like nothing ever happened?""I hope you understand what's most important for you right now. Be realistic. Pursuing fairness has little real meaning," Clark elaborated.Nyla took a deep breath. "As long as I believe it's meaningful, that's enough."Upon seeing her firm expression, Clark's gaze darkened. "So you're determined to hand over that evidence to the police, no matter what?""I said I need time to think," Nyla insisted.Finally, the last trace of warmth left Clark's eyes. He looked at Nyla with a blank expression and said, "Understood. You can go now."Seeing him like this made Nyla feel uneasy.
Damon was in a meeting when he suddenly stood up, his voice low and urgent. "I understand. I'll have people look into it right away."Spencer, who was nearby, immediately approached him. "Mr. Sumner, what's going on?""Dismiss the meeting. We'll continue tomorrow. Contact the two people I asked you to arrange to protect Nyla immediately. She's missing," Damon instructed.Spencer was astonished, realizing the seriousness of the situation. "I'll handle it right away."As soon as Damon returned to his office, Spencer knocked on the door with a grim expression and said, "Mr. Sumner, the two guards reported that Ms. Jayston's car has been heading out of town. I've already asked them to try and intercept it.""Alright. Send me her current location," Damon requested."Got it," Spencer answered.After sending the location, Spencer's phone rang. He answered it, and his face turned ashen as he listened."Mr. Sumner… the person in the car… isn't Ms. Jayston…" he said.Damon's eyes widene
As soon as they reached the door, a dozen police officers surged in.The situation unfolded so quickly that Cyrus was still in shock, his face reflecting fear and anger, when he was pinned to the ground."Let me go! Do you know who I am?!" Cyrus growled."No matter who you are, you're under arrest for kidnapping. We are taking you into custody!" one of the officers declared.Cyrus glared at Nyla with a look of deep hatred. "Nyla, you set me up!"He had been very discreet, keeping his plans to kidnap Nyla a secret from everyone except his trusted associates. The swift arrival of the police meant that Nyla must have known about the kidnapping in advance and set a trap for him.His eyes burned with rage. It was as if he wanted to tear her apart.Nyla, pale and frightened, looked at him with wide eyes. "You're insane! You're the one who kidnapped me. How could I possibly force you to do anything?"Yet, Cyrus caught a fleeting glint of satisfaction and coldness in her eyes."Just w
"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