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
"No, I'm not," Damon replied.Nyla raised an eyebrow. His tone was so stiff, and yet he claimed he wasn't angry?"Then why are you upset? Because I talked to Clark?" she asked.Damon's gaze darkened. "I'm not that childish.""Then what are you angry about?" Nyla pressed.Aside from exchanging a few words with Clark, she couldn't think of anything she had done that might have upset Damon. Besides, she and Clark were divorced now, and the conversation had happened right in front of Damon.What was there to be angry about?After a few seconds of silence, Damon spoke in a low voice. "Was the heart medication patent he presented back then something you gave him?"Nyla paused for a moment before nodding. "Yes. He had just started working at the Sumner Group at the time, and the shareholders didn't respect him. We were married then, and I knew that if he succeeded, it would benefit me too. So, I gave it to him."Damon smiled, but his tone was sarcastic. "You really did treat him well
The next moment, Nyla felt a soft touch on her forehead, like a feather gently brushing against her skin, tickling her heart.Damon pressed a light kiss to her forehead before pulling back, his gaze betraying a hint of guilt."Nyla, I'm sorry. Thinking about how much you were willing to give up for Clark made me uncomfortable, but that wasn't fair to you," he apologized.When he decided to be with her, he knew he should accept her past and not hold it against her.Nyla was momentarily stunned. Then, she wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned against his chest as she murmured, "Okay."Her body felt soft in his arms, and her fragrance was intoxicating.Damon's gaze darkened with desire. "Nyla, if you keep holding me like this, I can't guarantee what will happen next."The restrained desire in his voice sent a shiver through Nyla, a warm tingle spreading across her body as her cheeks flushed slightly.She quickly pushed him away, her eyes flashing with a mix of mock anger an
Hearing the annoyance in Nyla's voice, Damon chuckled and let her go. If he kept teasing her, she might actually get mad.Nyla took a few steps back, smoothing her hair that had become tousled during their playful scuffle. She shot Damon an irritated look."Alright, don't be mad. I might have to work late tonight, so I'll have the driver take you home first," Damon said.Nyla frowned. "Your wounds need to be dressed. How late are you planning to work?""Not sure yet. As for the dressing, I'll have Spencer take care of it," he replied.Nyla grew more frustrated due to Damon's casual demeanor, her face turning cold as she remained silent.Damon sighed. "It's really nothing, just minor wounds. They'll heal in a few days.""I'll come by after work to change your bandages, and then I'll head home," Nyla said.When the elevator doors opened, she stepped out, leaving no room for Damon to protest.Watching her hurry away, Damon couldn't help but smile.…Meanwhile, Clark returned ho
Damon's tone carried a hint of grievance.Nyla looked up, startled. "I was planning to finish up the experiment and then come to you.""Since I'm already here, why don't you do it now? I've got another meeting soon," Damon said."Alright, take off your shirt," Nyla instructed.As she prepared the fresh bandages and medication, she glanced up to find Damon's bare torso before her. Her grip on the bandages tightened involuntarily.His upper body was defined with perfectly sculpted abs, and his muscular back appeared both raw and masculine.Noticing Nyla's gaze fixed on his abs, Damon cleared his throat. "If you want to look, I can take it all off for you tonight. You can admire it all you want."His teasing tone made Nyla's face flush instantly.How embarrassing! She had actually zoned out while looking at his abs!There was no way she was going to admit to something so mortifying, so she denied, "I was just thinking about something. I've seen plenty of men with abs. I wouldn't
Nyla pursed her lips and entered the hospital room."Dad, I'm planning to send you abroad for treatment. The doctor has already agreed. Once your health improves and everything is arranged overseas, I'll buy tickets for you and Wren to go," Nyla announced.Harrison interrupted her, "I'm not going. I'm staying in the country."Nyla frowned. "Dad, the medical facilities abroad are better, and you need time to recover…"Harrison cut her off, "After you send me and Wren abroad, what are you planning to do next? Are you going to fight the Sumners alone?"Nyla lowered her gaze and replied flatly, "No. Didn't you tell me before not to continue?""Then why are you still involved with the Sumners?" Harrison slammed his hand on the table, his eyes filled with anger as he stared at Nyla."When have I been involved with the Sumners?" Nyla asked, bewildered."Don't lie to me! You just divorced Clark, and now you're entangled with his uncle. What exactly are you trying to do?!" Harrison dema
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