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
After a few moments of silence, Damon answered coldly, "I'll head over right after my meeting."…Nyla arrived at the top floor at noon, only to be stopped by Spencer."Ms. Jayston, Mr. Sumner isn't in his office right now," he informed her."Is he still in a meeting?" she asked.Spencer shook his head, his gaze fixed on her. "No. He got a call from Mr. Richard this morning. He went back to the Summer residence and hasn't returned yet."Nyla's heart sank. She didn't need to guess—it was clearly about what had happened earlier that morning."I see. Thank you for letting me know, Mr. Hogg," she replied.Noticing that her expression remained unchanged, Spencer frowned. "Ms. Jayston, aren't you going to go over there?""Even if I did, it wouldn't help. Besides, seeing me would only make the Sumners more upset," Nyla answered calmly."This whole situation started because of you. Shouldn't you stand by Mr. Sumner and face it together?" Spencer's gaze was filled with disapproval, hi
Melody was furious after hearing the gossip and stormed over to the women who were talking.She sneered. "I was wondering where that foul smell was coming from. Turns out someone's just jealous!"One of the women glared at Melody. "We're just telling the truth. Unless the person involved has something to say, who are you to butt in? Don't be someone's puppet. Who knows what dirty tricks she pulled to get close to Mr. Sumner!""If you've got what it takes, go land yourself a Sumner. If not, shut up! And if you think Nyla isn't that pretty, why don't I buy you a mirror so you can see what you look like?" Melody shot back."You!" the woman snapped.Melody tilted her chin up defiantly. "You what? Why don't you go repeat every word you just said to Mr. Sumner's face and see if he still lets you loudmouths keep your jobs?"The woman opened her mouth to retort, but her friend pulled her back. "Forget it. Let's go."The woman shot Melody a cold look. "You'll regret this!"Melody crosse
A flash of pity crossed Richard's eyes. "Do you really think you can marry into the Sumners again?"Damon was defying him now only because he still had feelings for her.It wouldn't be long before he realized the difference between marrying a wife who could help him and one who couldn't. When that time came, he wouldn't choose Nyla.If Nyla were smart, she'd leave him now.Nyla replied calmly, "I know a lot of people want to marry into the Sumners, but I'm not one of them. When I married Clark, it was because of who he was, not because of the Sumners behind him. Now, I'm with Damon for the same reason—because he's Damon."Richard snorted. "Are you willing to swear that you're with him with no ulterior motives? That it's purely because you like him as a person?"Nyla's hands tightened at her sides. She was about to respond when Damon interrupted coldly, "Dad, enough. Stop pressuring her!"Richard glared at him. "Shut up! If you don't break up with her today, we'll sever our fathe
Clark gnashed his teeth, feeling a surge of anger. It was clear that Richard was favoring Damon.Unlike Damon, however, Clark didn't have his own company and couldn't afford to defy Richard.He quickly lowered his head and spoke in a guilty tone. "You're right, Grandpa... I acted on impulse. Besides, Jordyn is carrying my child...""Enough. I don't want to hear about your relationship problems anymore. You can go now," Richard cut him off sharply.Seeing the irritation in Richard's expression, Clark took a deep breath and forced a smile. "Alright."…As soon as Damon and Nyla left the Sumner residence, Damon finally released Nyla's hand."Why did you come here, knowing you'd be put through the wringer?" Damon's voice carried a hint of anger, making Nyla bite her lip nervously.She looked up at him, her gaze filled with concern. "I didn't want you to keep getting hurt because of me."Richard was Damon's father, so she knew Damon wouldn't fight back.Originally, she had only pl
Under Tim's leadership, the Westcott Group maintained its position as one of the top four families in Capitarnia, leaving the other three far behind.After reading the file, Gabriel closed it and asked coldly, "I asked you to arrange a meeting with Mr. Westcott. What's their response?"The secretary hesitated. "Mr. Hackett, Mr. Westcott's secretary hasn't responded. It seems they aren't interested in meeting with you."Gabriel wasn't fazed. The document made it clear that Tim was proud and highly selective in his dealings. Such a person wasn't easily approached.For Damon to even gain the Westcott Group's consideration, he must have put in significant effort.Still, there was an opportunity as long as the contract wasn't signed."No need to wait for a reply. I'll go to the Westcott Group myself tomorrow morning," Gabriel said."Understood, Mr. Hackett," the secretary replied.…At 7:00 a.m. the next day, Gabriel was already standing outside the Westcott Group. The sun hadn't f
Damon nodded. "Got it. Have the PR department continue contacting major media outlets to remove any negative commentary about Prospectus Technology. We can't let this situation escalate further."In the business world, public opinion could be lethal. Most people were naturally inclined to follow the crowd. Without knowing the full picture, they could easily be misled.If the narrative that Prospectus Technology's chips were faulty spread too far, restoring their reputation later would require monumental resources. It was critical to stop this from snowballing now."Understood, Mr. Sumner. By the way, how's the deal in Capitarnia coming along?" someone asked.Upon hearing that, Damon's previously tense expression relaxed slightly. "Progress is decent. Barring any unforeseen issues, we should be able to sign the contract in a couple of days."The group on the call let out a collective sigh of relief.Once the deal was signed, Prospectus Technology would recover some of its losses
"We can sign an agreement if you're still worried. I promise never to challenge your custody of Wilhelm in my lifetime," Jane assured.Seeing her determination, Gabriel remained silent.Noticing his hesitation, Jane gripped the armrests of her wheelchair tightly. "Gabriel, you're already hesitating, even though you haven't remarried yet. How can I believe you'll treat Wilhelm fairly in the future?"Gabriel's gaze turned cold. "No matter what, Wilhelm will be better off with me than with you. When and how much of the shares I give him is my decision, not yours."With that, he turned to leave.As he reached the doorway, Jane's voice echoed behind him. "If you don't transfer half your shares to Wilhelm, I won't leave the country!"Gabriel paused, then glanced back at her mockingly. "Whether you leave or stay means nothing to me. And why would you think your refusal to leave is a threat to me?""Gabriel, you're a bastard!" Jane shouted.Gabriel smirked and left without another word
Wilhelm froze for a moment, his eyes welling up with tears as confusion and hurt clouded them."Mommy, do you really not want me anymore?" he asked, his voice trembling.Jane's gaze flickered with a brief trace of pain as she looked at Wilhelm sitting pitifully on the floor. But the softness in her eyes vanished as quickly as it appeared.She stared at him coldly. "That's right. I never wanted you. I hit you to try and get your father to come back."The other day, when I took you out for steak, I deliberately let you eat that hazelnut cake. You started itching later because you're allergic—that was intentional, too. I wanted you hospitalized so I could force your father to see me."Her tone grew harsher. "Now that Gabriel and I are divorced, you're of no use to me. You're just a burden. Taking you with me would only drag me down."And I hate your father. Naturally, I hate you, too. Don't show up in front of me again!"Wilhelm sat frozen, her words cutting into him like shards of
If Wilhelm stopped wanting to see Jane, the bond between them would naturally fade over time."No! I don't want food!" Wilhelm cried, hurling Gabriel's phone onto the car seat.He began pounding on the car door, trying to open it. "I want to see Mommy! I want to live with her, not you!"Gabriel, his patience wearing thin, locked the doors with a sharp click and turned to Wilhelm, his expression darkening."Your mother doesn't want you. Even if you find her, she won't take you. I'm the only one you have now," he said."I hate you! I don't want to be with you! I don't want you as my dad!" Wilhelm screamed.Gabriel's restraint, already fraying after days of tantrums, finally snapped. He stared at his son and said coldly, "It doesn't matter whether you want me or not. No one wants you now except me."Jane didn't want Wilhelm. The Wilkies wouldn't want him either."That's not true!" Wilhelm sobbed uncontrollably. "Mommy wants me. Mommy's just mad. If I'm good, she'll take me back! S
Lydia nodded. "Okay, Ms. Kinsey."Shortly after, Lydia returned with Mason by her side.When Mason saw Gabriel and Wilhelm standing at the door, he frowned and turned to Nyla. "Mommy, why is Wilhelm here?"Nyla patted his head gently. "He's here to apologize to you.""Oh." Mason's response was wary, clearly unconvinced.Gabriel observed Nyla's affectionate interaction with Mason, his eyes flickering with a trace of emotion. He turned to Wilhelm. "What did you promise me before we came?"Wilhelm's reluctance was evident. He had agreed to apologize, but only under the threat of losing his chance to see his mother."Mason, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pushed you yesterday. I hope you can forgive me," Wilhelm said, his voice subdued.Mason didn't respond immediately. Instead, he looked up at Nyla, silently seeking her guidance."Buddy, this is your decision to make," Nyla said softly. "I'll respect whatever you decide."Mason lowered his head, thinking for a moment.Finally, he s
Brandon sighed and placed the items on the desk. "Aunt Nyla, this crisis is unlike anything Prospectus Technology has faced before. If things go wrong, the company can go bankrupt."Uncle Damon prepared these after finding out Buddy is his son, but he hadn't found the right time to give them to you."Keep them for now. If Prospectus Technology collapses, he'll need this to start over."After a moment's silence, Nyla nodded. "Alright, I'll hold onto them. Is this the only reason you came?""Yes, I need to get back to work," Brandon replied."I'll see you out," Nyla offered.After sending Brandon off, she returned to the study and placed the documents and bank card in the safe upstairs.The next morning…As Nyla was getting dressed, Lydia knocked on the door."Ms. Kinsey, there's a man outside who says he's your brother," Lydia informed her.Brother?Thinking it was likely Gabriel, Nyla's expression turned cold. "I don't know him. Tell him to leave.""Understood," Lydia said
Damon put the file down and sat across from Nyla.Noticing two portions of breakfast on the table, he asked, "You haven't eaten either?""No," Nyla replied as she opened the packages and handed one to him. "I came to eat with you. Spencer told me he brought you breakfast this morning, but you didn't touch it.""I was too busy," Damon said."Being busy isn't an excuse to skip meals. I saw your assistants running around like crazy, and I heard they barely got any sleep last night. Is the issue with the company that serious?" Nyla asked."It's significant," Damon admitted. "Our chips might be causing malfunctions in our partner's machines. If that's confirmed, the company will face a massive compensation payout."Nyla frowned, worry flashing in her eyes. "I can't help much with work, but the least I can do is keep things in order at home. By the way, are you coming home tonight?""Probably not," he replied. "There's still a lot to handle.""Alright. Finish your breakfast. I'll hea
Gabriel took the document, skimmed its contents, and his face darkened."What is it?" Tom asked.Gabriel tossed the document onto the table with a cold laugh. "Nothing important. Damon's just trying to catch me off guard."The document contained evidence of Nyce Tech hiring paid posters to smear Prospectus Technology, but Gabriel wasn't worried.Soon enough, those allegations would become the truth.Tom glanced at the papers and grinned. "As long as it's not a big problem. Anyway, I should get going.""Fine, but don't forget your part in this," Gabriel said pointedly.There was a cold glint in Tom's eyes, though his smile remained. "Relax. I won't let you handle Prospectus Technology alone."After Tom left, Gabriel drained his wine in one gulp.As he prepared to head to his study, a maid approached with a concerned expression."Mr. Hackett, Mr. Wilhelm still refuses to eat," the maid informed him.Gabriel had brought Wilhelm straight back to the villa instead of letting him