"Do you really like her?" Richard's voice was authoritative and stern, carrying the weight of his position."Yes," Damon answered.Richard's eyes betrayed his irritation. "Then you'd better stop pursuing her, or the consequences will be more than the Jaystons can handle."Nyla reporting Cyrus to the police had crossed Richard's bottom line. He couldn't allow Clark to be associated with her any longer, nor let the Sumners be embarrassed.Damon's gaze turned icy as he met Richard's eyes. "Dad, if you go after the Jaystons, I'll go after the Sumner Group."The Sumner Group was Richard's lifelong achievement—his pride and creation.Richard's gaze flared with anger. "You really want to go against the Sumners for the sake of a woman?""Dad, it's not about going against you. It's about you interfering with my feelings," Damon replied."If you were with any of the women your mother introduced, we wouldn't have said a word. But you know Nyla is your nephew's wife, and you still choose t
Damon was furious that Nyla had taken such a dangerous action without consulting him.On top of that, Cyrus had caused the Jaystons' bankruptcy, and Damon himself was a Sumner. He wasn't sure if Nyla might also harbor some resentment toward him.After sitting in the car for a long time, Damon was about to leave when he saw Nyla walking out of her building in casual clothes, carrying two bags of trash. His gaze automatically settled on her, and his previously cold demeanor softened.Nyla noticed Damon's car as well and hesitated for a moment. After tossing the trash into the bin, she walked over to his car.As she stopped a few steps from the car, the window on the driver's side rolled down. Their eyes met, and neither of them spoke for a while.Finally, Nyla bit her lip and spoke slowly. "Uncle Damon, are you here… to reprimand me?"Damon's gaze darkened, then he smirked. "If I were here to reprimand you, do you think you'd be standing here talking to me?"Nyla turned pale and f
"Mmph!" Nyla's eyes widened in shock.Was Damon out of his mind?!First, he had forced a kiss on her in the private room, and now he was doing it out in the open… If someone saw them, she couldn't even imagine the consequences.She tried to push him away with her hands against his chest, but his body was like a wall of steel. No matter how hard she pushed, he didn't budge."Uncle Damon— Mmph! Let… Let go…" She struggled to speak.Damon pressed against her, his eyes blazing with anger. She had kept the fact that she had set Cyrus up to kidnap her a secret, and now she wanted to distance herself from him.As if!Anger flashed in Nyla's eyes when she saw that Damon had no intention of letting her go. She bit down hard on his lip.Damon winced and released her, sneering. "Are you a dog?""What does that have to do with you? Don't forget, I'm your niece-in-law!" Nyla hissed.Damon raised an eyebrow at her attempt to use her status to make him let her go. "You sent Clark's father t
Nyla and Damon came from entirely different worlds. At present, his interest in her seemed like just a fleeting impulse. He would eventually grow tired of her.It was better to avoid the pain of abandonment than to start something that would inevitably end in disappointment.After all, she wasn't an 18-year-old girl who might naively believe that Damon would marry her. Given his background, he would surely choose a partner of equal standing in the future.Nyla didn't want the stigma of having seduced her husband's uncle, nor did she want to suffer another blow to her love life.She pushed her inappropriate thoughts aside and headed to the bathroom for a shower.Just as she was about to go to bed, her phone suddenly rang. Seeing it was Clark, she hesitated for a moment before answering."Nyla, I heard you called the police and had Dad arrested?" Clark's voice was filled with disbelief as if Nyla had committed a heinous crime.She let out a light laugh, her eyes flashing with mock
Cindy immediately intervened when she learned that Nyla wanted a divorce from Clark."Your dad is still in the police station. If you divorce her now, it will only make it harder for her to relent later. As long as she's still your wife, we can at least mitigate the sentence with a letter of forgiveness if your dad is convicted. If you divorce her now, things will only get worse," she said.Clark's face was grim. "She has evidence of my involvement in the kidnapping. If I don't go along with her demands, she'll turn that evidence over to the police."Cindy frowned, anger flashing in her eyes. "That scheming woman! She really came prepared! But the more she acts like this, the more you can't divorce her right now. Otherwise, who knows what she'll do to the Sumners.""Mom, do you still naively believe that if I delay the divorce, she'll let the Sumners off the hook?" Clark asked.Nyla was determined to sever ties with the Sumners by sending Cyrus to jail.After this incident, neith
The past eight years felt like a dream.Fortunately, it was over now, and there would be no more entanglements in the future.Clark's eyes flashed with anger upon seeing Nyla's relieved expression. He turned to Jordyn and said coldly, "Did you bring your ID card?"Jordyn was momentarily stunned, but then her eyes lit up with excitement. "Yes! Clark, you…""Give it to me. We're registering our marriage now," Clark said curtly.Jordyn quickly pulled out her ID card from her bag and handed it to Clark, her face alight with anticipation. She had been waiting for this day!Last night, upon learning that Clark would be divorcing Nyla today, she had rushed to bring her ID card. She planned to use their child as leverage to see if Clark would marry her after the divorce.To her surprise, he proposed marriage to her first!Clark took her ID card with a stony expression and handed it, along with his own, to the staff. "Get us registered!"His face was stern, and his tone was rigid, show
Both Nyla and Wren turned their heads simultaneously, realizing that Harrison had woken up.Nyla hurried over to help him, but he pushed her away."Nyla, you've disappointed me greatly," he said.Confronted with her father's disappointed gaze, Nyla felt hurt. "Dad… even you don't understand me?"She had done it to seek justice for him, hoping that, even if no one else understood her, he would."What good does understanding you do? The matter is over now. Digging it up only affects your life. You still have a long way to go. If you send Cyrus to prison, what if the Sumners retaliate against you?" Harrison asked.He was no longer in a position to protect her. By pursuing this, she was risking her entire future."Should I just pretend nothing happened and continue living in mutual disdain with Clark for the rest of my life?" Nyla retorted."Whether you stay with him or not doesn't change the fact that Harris Pharmaceuticals is bankrupt. Is there any way to remedy this situation no
Wren stiffened. Throwing up her hands, she said, "Fine. I won't say anything more. I finally understand what it's like to be a stepmother—whatever you do, you're never right. I get it now!"Harrison frowned, looking somewhat helpless. "That's not what I meant.""Then what do you mean? I've taken care of you diligently these past two years, and I haven't mistreated your daughter. Now, just because I mention the trouble she has caused, it's too much?" Wren questioned.Seeing Wren's confrontational expression, Harrison felt irritated. He turned his head away and fell silent.Wren, even more enraged, began complaining about how difficult it had been to care for Harrison over the years.After a few minutes, Harrison could no longer tolerate it and barked, "Yes, it's been hard taking care of me, but didn't I provide you with enough before Harris Pharmaceuticals' bankruptcy? No matter how she is, you have no right to criticize her!"Wren sneered. "Then ask her to take care of you from n
Seeing the flicker of guilt in Alexander's expression, Nyla said, "If you really feel sorry for Buddy and me, promise me one thing.""What is it?" Alexander asked."If I ever ask for your help after going to Meristate, you have to help me no matter what," Nyla said.Alexander smiled. "You might find that once you become the Nixons' successor, I'll be the one asking you for help.""So, is that a no?" Nyla asked.Seeing her serious expression, Alexander finally nodded. "Fine, I promise.""Let's hope you won't break your word," she replied.Alexander offered, "If you don't believe me, I can swear on my life."Nyla shook her head. "That won't be necessary. I have other things to do, so I'll be leaving now."…Nyla headed straight to Prospectus Technology.Damon was surprised to see her arrive unexpectedly. "Nyla, why are you here at this hour?""I missed you, so I came to see you," Nyla answered.Her gaze was tender, filled with love—and a hint of sorrow so subtle it was almos
Emerald looked at Nyla and asked, "What are your conditions?""First, Buddy stays in Saintornia. He can't come to Meristate with me. Second, I need you to provide resources to Damon's company to help him take it international. Third, I want full control over my marriage decisions," Nyla stated firmly.Emerald narrowed her eyes and pondered briefly before letting out a soft laugh. "Once you join the Nixons, you and Damon will belong to two entirely different worlds."As for Buddy—if you leave him here, his life trajectory will end up just like yours. Are you sure you want to leave him behind?"Nyla's second condition wasn't difficult for Emerald to guess. She could see where this was heading, though Nyla clearly underestimated the Nixons. Even with abundant resources, Damon could never compete with them.As for Nyla's third condition? Once she was in Meristate, who she wanted to marry would hardly be her decision to make."I'm sure," Nyla said resolutely. "You want me to go to Mer
A moment later, Nyla entered the restaurant.Alexander stood quickly and led her toward their table."Nyla, just a heads-up—your mom's used to giving orders, so her words might come across as commanding. Be prepared," he said again, his tone cautious."Okay," Nyla replied evenly, following him.In less than two minutes, they arrived at the table."Nyla, this is your mom," Alexander said, then turned to the woman sitting before them. "Aunt Emerald, this is Nyla. Doesn't she look just like you?"Emerald and Nyla's eyes met, neither speaking for several long moments.After what felt like an eternity, Emerald raised her chin slightly. "Sit down."Her tone was devoid of any warmth.As Nyla looked at the woman in front of her, she found it impossible to reconcile this commanding figure with the gentle, loving mother she remembered from childhood.She sat across from Emerald and spoke directly. "I've heard from Alexander that you want me to go to Meristate."Emerald nodded, her gaz
"Exactly, Mr. Sumner, please help us out!"Damon's expression remained indifferent while facing the hopeful gazes of the group. "I can help you, but tell me—what can you offer in return?"He wasn't a philanthropist, and given these people had previously worked against Prospectus Technology, there was no way he would let them off easily."Mr. Sumner, whatever you ask—if we can do it, we will!"The others echoed in agreement, desperate to save their businesses.Damon nodded. "Alright, I have only one condition—join me in taking down Drake."Relief washed over the group. Some even looked incredulous.Was that really his only condition? After all, even if Damon hadn't explicitly asked, they'd likely side with him against Drake once their companies were back on their feet.The humiliation Drake had subjected them to was a bitter pill none of them were willing to swallow."Mr. Sumner, that's it? That's all you're asking?"Damon turned his cold gaze to the man who spoke. "Yes. But l
"If you force her, she'll resist even more. And don't forget, she has unresolved feelings about the past," Alexander reminded her.Emerald's face darkened. "What does she have to resent? If it weren't for what happened back then, she wouldn't even exist. She should be grateful I brought her into this world!"Alexander frowned. "If you want her to follow you to Meristate, you'll need to tone it down. She's not like Brian and Delia, who grew up with you.""Fine. I'll meet her tomorrow and see," Emerald replied.After divorcing Harrison and moving abroad, Emerald had initially thought about Nyla often. But over time, as her business grew and she had Brian and Delia, her thoughts of her eldest daughter faded.Now, she only cared about Nyla because the Nixons needed her as a successor. Otherwise, she might never have thought about her again.Emerald knew she had wronged Nyla, but she had gone through so much over the years. Besides, she had a son and a daughter who listened. She no lo
Hearing Damon's response, Nyla finally felt relieved. "That's good to hear.""Let's eat," Damon said."Okay." Nyla picked up her utensils, ready to grab some food when her phone suddenly rang.Seeing Alexander's name on the screen, her expression shifted slightly. She set her utensils down and answered.As soon as the call connected, Alexander's voice came through. "Nyla, your mom's flight lands in two hours. I'm heading to the airport to pick her up. Do you want to come along?"Nyla clutched her phone, her breathing growing heavier. It took her a few seconds to respond. "No, I'm busy tonight. Anything else?""How about tomorrow? Can we meet somewhere? She really wants to see you," Alexander asked."We'll see," she said hurriedly, then ended the call.Noticing her pale expression, Damon took her hand and said softly, "If you don't want to see her, then don't. You don't have to force yourself."Taking a deep breath, Nyla shook her head. "No, I want to see her. I just... I'm not
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