By the time they finished the experiment and were ready to leave, it was already past 8:00 p.m.Knowing that Melody lived quite far, Nyla offered her a ride home.Melody's eyes lit up. "Really? Thank you so much, Nyla!""It's no problem. It's not safe for a girl to go home alone at night," Nyla said.As they chatted, they put away the lab equipment and ensured everything was in order before heading downstairs together.Nyla sent a message to Damon, letting him know she would be dropping off Melody. He didn't seem to mind.When Melody saw Damon, she was a bit flustered.Sitting in the back seat and seeing Damon in the driver's seat, she was even more surprised. Having the company CEO as a chauffeur was something she could barely have dreamed of."Mr. Sumner, thank you for this," she said.Damon responded with a brief acknowledgment and turned to Nyla. "Can you set the navigation?""Sure," Nyla agreed.Melody's home was in the opposite direction of Damon's villa, so they dropp
In the end, it seemed Nyla didn't like Damon that much.However, they had a lifetime ahead of them. Damon had enough patience to make her eventually depend on him just as she once depended on Clark."Yeah, but I still hope that if someone bothers you in the future, you'll think of coming to me for help instead of handling everything on your own," Damon said.His serious demeanor made Nyla's heart soften."Okay," she agreed.…Back in her room, Nyla was about to remove her makeup when her phone rang. It was Valarie."Nyla, your ex-mother-in-law is spreading rumors that you've been violent with her. The upper crust of Saintornia is already talking about it," Valarie informed her.Nyla looked down. "Don't worry about it. She'll get what's coming to her soon enough."Valarie's tone was filled with frustration. "You don't know how horrible the things she's saying are. I'm so angry."Nyla's heart warmed a little. She replied gently, "You haven't fully recovered yet. Don't let someo
"If you're going to report it, do it quickly. If you don't, I'll handle it for you." With that, Nyla hung up.The next moment, she sent the surveillance footage she had copied earlier to William, along with a brief explanation of Cindy's actions.William confirmed that they could sue Cindy for defamation.Nyla smiled and sent a reply.Nyla: [Let's proceed with the lawsuit.]Although defamation might not land Cindy in prison, the embarrassment of being sued for it would be severe. After all, annoying people was something everyone could do.William agreed and asked if Nyla was available for a meeting the next day to discuss the division of assets with Clark.After agreeing to meet at a restaurant near the office, Nyla dried her hair and went to bed.…Meanwhile, Clark sat in his study, his expression filled with anger."She refuses to meet with us," he said.Cindy gnashed her teeth. "Then I'll go see her tomorrow. She has to sign the forgiveness letter!"She had been spreadin
"Y-You!" Cindy was so enraged that she nearly fainted. She shook violently, unable to say a word as she pointed at him.In the end, she stormed out in fury.…The next day at noon, Nyla arrived at the restaurant, where William was already waiting.She quickly walked over and sat down across from him, looking apologetic. "Sorry, I was delayed at the lab.""It's alright, Ms. Jayston. Please take a look at this document," William said.Nyla took the document from William and skimmed through it, her brow furrowing in concern. Since Clark's affair, he had deliberately transferred assets, with most now under Jordyn's name."Ms. Jayston, the main issue is that Clark and Jordyn are married. He likely consulted a lawyer when transferring the assets. It was done meticulously, so it's very difficult to reclaim them," William explained."So, how much can I expect to get?" Nyla asked."700,000 dollars," William replied.Nyla wasn't particularly surprised by this amount—she had suspected i
Just a moment ago, Wren had been thrilled about the upcoming reunion with her son. Now, she felt as if she had been struck by a hammer."I was actually planning to return last year," Gabriel explained. "I just hadn't found a suitable job until last month when I began talks with a company in Saintornia. I'm signing the contract tomorrow.""Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Wren asked.If she had known earlier, she wouldn't have agreed to take Harrison abroad for treatment. Being unfamiliar with life abroad, both she and Harrison would face many inconveniences compared to staying in the country."I wanted to finalize everything before telling you," Gabriel said.Wren frowned, still feeling some frustration. She had already promised Nyla, and backing out now seemed unreasonable. Plus, staying in Saintornia might expose them to potential retaliation from the Sumners.After weighing her options, going abroad still seemed best."Gabriel, there's something I need to tell you," Wren said.
Gabriel paused on the other end of the line and asked, "Is someone with you?""Yes," Nyla replied."Then that's all for now," Gabriel said.After hanging up, Nyla turned to Damon and asked, "Why did you suddenly ask what I want for dinner tonight?"Damon's expression remained calm. "I just happened to see it and thought I'd ask. Did I interrupt your call?""No," Nyla replied, though she found it a bit odd that he would speak up while she was still on the phone.Damon seemed to disregard her puzzled look and asked, "Who was on the line?""Wren's son. He went abroad when I was in university. We don't stay in touch very often, so I haven't mentioned him to you," Nyla explained.Damon narrowed his eyes slightly but did not press further.…The two of them ended up going to the restaurant Damon had suggested for dinner.Clark, who had just wrapped up a meeting with a client, spotted them as they were finishing up. His gaze hardened, and after seeing off his client, he walked dire
After Clark's outburst, he turned and left in a hurry.Nyla felt a mix of emotions. It was clear that Clark was trying to avoid offending Damon while still preserving his pride. She couldn't understand why she had ever fallen for such a spineless man.Once he was gone, she resumed eating her steak as if nothing had happened.Before long, she noticed Damon's gaze fixed intently on her face. She looked up and asked, puzzled, "Is there something on my face? Why do you keep staring at me?""It's nothing," Damon replied. "I just thought you might be affected by what he said.""Why would I let him affect my mood? He's a stranger to me now. It's not worth getting upset over him," Nyla said."That's good to hear," Damon remarked.After dinner, they returned directly to the villa.…Meanwhile, it took over an hour at the police station for Clark to bail out Cindy.Cindy's eyes were red with anger. "That bitch Nyla! How dare she sue me? I won't let her get away with this!"The lawyer
Cindy turned to him in disbelief, her body trembling with rage. "Are you saying I'm embarrassing?""Isn't it true? Look at everything you've done recently—none of it has worked out. If you're incapable, stop making things worse!" Clark snapped.His anger was palpable, and his words were harsh and unforgiving.Tears streamed down Cindy's face as she choked out, "If it weren't for my useless husband and son, would I have to do all this? Now you complain that I'm making things worse. Why aren't you capable of bailing your dad out? Clark, I am so disappointed in you!"With that, she shoved the car door open and stormed off.Clark didn't follow her, his expression dark and stormy.Why couldn't Cindy understand him?With his current capabilities, he couldn't possibly get Cyrus out of the police station.Moreover, what Cyrus had done was a fact. The immediate priority was to take over the company from him and then figure out other ways to help, even if it meant just making his life a
"Would you happen to have a moment later? I'd love to discuss something," Gabriel asked.Tim smiled. "What a coincidence. I suppose I can spare a few minutes for a chat.""Excellent," Gabriel replied.Standing, Crystal smoothed her dress. "I'll freshen up."She knew better than to linger during Tim's business discussions."Your lipstick needs touching up. Take your time," Tim said mildly."Of course," Crystal answered.She found a quiet spot and sat for over half an hour, waiting until she received a bank notification confirming a deposit of 7,000,000 dollars.Satisfied, she returned to the table, only to find Tim dining alone."Tim, when did Mr. Hackett leave?" she asked, quickening her pace to sit across from him.Tim continued cutting his steak with deliberate precision. "No talking while eating."Although his tone was calm, Crystal had been with him long enough to sense his simmering anger.She pressed her lips together, instinctively explaining, "Tim, I'm sorry. Mr. Ha
By midday, Tim still refused to see Gabriel.Gabriel, considering taking a break and returning later, received a call from his secretary."Mr. Hackett, I found out Mr. Westcott has a girlfriend. Perhaps she could help arrange a meeting," his secretary said.A spark lit in Gabriel's eyes. "Send me her details right away."The secretary quickly forwarded the information.Tim's girlfriend, Crystal Glasco, came from an average family and worked as his assistant.Her background was straightforward—a bachelor's degree and a job at the Westcott Group right after graduation, where she became Tim's assistant.Their relationship, however, was more about Tim keeping her than about them being equals. That said, their three years together suggested Tim held some level of affection for her.After reviewing the details, Gabriel immediately called his secretary back. "Find a way to contact Crystal. I need to meet her today."…At around 8:00 p.m., Crystal entered an upscale restaurant in Cap
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