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
As soon as the call connected, Wren's frantic voice came through. "Where are you right now? Your dad went to the Sumners on your behalf and got into trouble. He ended up in the emergency room after drinking excessively to make amends!"Nyla's mind went blank, and her body froze in place. It took her several seconds to react. "I'll be there right away!"Her voice trembled as she spoke.Valarie, who had just woken up, noticed Nyla's distress and quickly got up. "Nyla, what's wrong?"Nyla looked up, her eyes red and tears streaming down her face. "My dad is in trouble. I can't drive..."Valarie's expression turned serious. She grabbed Nyla's hand and said firmly, "We can't drive after drinking so much last night. We'll take a cab."She led Nyla out of the bar and hailed a cab to the hospital.When they arrived at the emergency room, the surgery had just ended.Dr. Leslie Knapp, looking exhausted and irritated, addressed Nyla and Wren with frustration. "I've warned you repeatedly t
When Damon arrived, Nyla was sitting on the sofa, staring blankly. Hearing the footsteps, she looked up toward the door. Her eyes were red and filled with helplessness and fear, like a frightened little rabbit."Uncle Damon, you're here," she called out.Damon approached her and asked in a low voice, "Are you hurt?"Nyla shook her head. "I'm okay… I was at the bar with Valarie. I wasn't home… When I came back, this is what I found…"Damon frowned. "Have you called the police?""Yes, I did. They should be arriving soon," she replied."Alright. You can't stay here. I'll have Spencer find you a new place," Damon said."Can I stay with you for the next few days?" Nyla asked.As soon as she finished speaking, the living room fell silent, so quiet that they could almost hear each other's breathing.Damon's eyes narrowed dangerously as he spoke, each word deliberate. "Do you know what you're saying?"His direct gaze seemed to penetrate everything, making Nyla feel as if she had nowh
After Nyla finished speaking, she hung up and blocked Clark without giving him another chance to speak.Soon, an unfamiliar number called her again, but she ignored it.After several attempts, the calls stopped.Nyla served the meal she had prepared on the table. Just as she finished tidying up the kitchen, the doorbell rang.When she checked and confirmed that it was Damon at the door, she opened it.Noticing the aroma of food, Damon looked surprised. "You cooked?"Nyla nodded and stepped aside to let him in. "Yes. Let's have dinner before we head out."As they walked into the living room, Damon saw the table set with three dishes and a soup. They looked appetizing, and the tableware was neatly arranged.After sitting down, Damon suddenly asked, "Did you use to cook often?"Nyla smiled. "No. Before my divorce from Clark, we mostly had a housekeeper who cooked."Damon hummed but said nothing more. He picked up his cutlery and took a bite.After a moment of silence, he set do
Back at the villa, Damon instructed the housekeeper to show Nyla to a guest room while he retreated to his study. He needed Spencer to investigate the man who had bumped into Nyla that evening."Mr. Sumner, we've identified the man. He's the popular actor Malcolm Underwood. He was at the restaurant tonight with his non-celebrity girlfriend. He bumped into Ms. Jayston while rushing out after spotting a paparazzo," Spencer reported.Damon's expression remained icy, and his voice was devoid of emotion. "Give him a lesson."Spencer was taken aback, realizing he had underestimated Nyla's importance to Damon.After a moment of reflection, he suggested, "Should we leak the fact that he has a non-celebrity girlfriend?"Malcolm had a new romantic drama coming out soon and was currently promoting his on-screen romance. If news of his real-life relationship emerged, it could severely damage his public image.Damon hummed in agreement.…Meanwhile, Sky returned to his studio and reviewed t
Nyla lowered her gaze and nodded. "Okay."…As they neared the company, Nyla asked Damon to drop her off at the corner.He frowned, clearly displeased. "Am I so embarrassing to you?""It's not that," Nyla replied. "I just got divorced from Clark. If people from the company see us together now, it will negatively affect you.""I don't mind," Damon said flatly."But I do. I need some time to adjust to our relationship, so let's keep it private for now, okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with hope and a hint of hesitation.Damon covered her eyes with his hand, his voice low and husky. "Alright, but I'll need to collect some interest."Nyla was startled, her eyes widening. "What kind of interest?"Her lashes brushed against Damon's hand, tickling him slightly. He held her waist and leaned in to kiss her."Mmph…" Nyla stiffened, instinctively trying to pull away. As she moved back, she found herself pressed against the car door, unable to escape. She could only surrender to Damon.
Clark sneered. "I was wondering why you were so eager to divorce me. Turns out you've latched onto my uncle. Nyla, you're no different from those cheap women out there."Nyla slapped him hard across the face, drawing the attention of everyone around them.Clark had never felt so humiliated. His eyes blazed with fury as he reached out to choke Nyla.Before he could touch her, a powerful kick sent him crashing to the ground.Damon pulled Nyla into his arms, looking down at Clark with cold, piercing eyes. "She's your future aunt. Show some respect when you speak, or next time it won't just be a kick."Upon hearing the words "future aunt", Clark's face flushed with rage."Uncle Damon, Grandpa and Grandma will never allow you to marry a divorced woman. Being with her will only make you a laughingstock in Saintornia!" Clark spatThe more he spoke, the more smug he became.Richard and Marie had always been so picky about the women they wanted for Damon. Yet here Damon was, falling for
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