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
Nyla frowned. "Wren, you agreed to this yesterday. Why are you suddenly changing your mind?"Nyla had arranged for them to go abroad with their safety in mind.She wouldn't let Cyrus off, and once Damon learned she had been using him, he wouldn't protect her anymore. She wouldn't have the energy to properly arrange for them by then.Wren looked helpless. "It's not that I don't want to go abroad, but your father is worried about you. He refuses to go overseas, no matter what."After a moment of silence, Nyla said firmly, "I'll go to the hospital tonight and persuade him myself."Wren's gaze was evasive. "Your father is still upset with you. It might be better to wait a few days. I'm worried that if you go tonight, you two might end up arguing again.""I need to go, even if it means arguing. Wren, I have work to do later, so I'll head back to the office now." With that, Nyla stood up and left.…When Damon found out that Nyla was going to the hospital that evening, he offered to
"That's more like it," Valarie chirped.Nyla couldn't help but say, "Valarie, stop bullying Brandon all the time."Brandon turned to her and sighed dramatically. "Aunt Nyla, since you mentioned it, I have to say something. You have no idea what I've been through these past six months, I— Ouch!"Before he could finish, Valarie pinched his waist. "What was that? Tell me, Brandon. Have you been unhappy these past six months?""N-No... I've been very happy..." Brandon winced."Have I bullied you then?" Valarie pressed."No..." Brandon murmured.Valarie huffed. "If not, then keep your mouth shut, or Nyla will really think I mistreat you." Brandon gave her a pitiful look, lowering his head like a scolded puppy.Before they married, Valarie had been gentle and beautiful in his eyes. But after marriage, he realized how wrong he had been.Gentle and beautiful? All an illusion.If he stayed out drinking and came home late, he'd have to choose between sleeping on the couch or outside.
Taking Mia to work was exhausting, but every time she smiled at Damon, it made everything worth it."She'll be fine. Didn't you just say she loves us both equally? She'll cry for a bit, but if you stop taking her to the office, she'll get used to being at home," Nyla reasoned.Seeing Nyla's determination, Damon finally relented. "Alright, we'll try it tomorrow. But if she cries too much, you'll have to take her to the office.""Deal!" Nyla said....After getting ready for work the next morning, Damon kissed Mia on the cheek and headed for the door.As soon as he changed his shoes at the entrance, she reached her little arms toward him, asking to be held. She had grown so accustomed to going to the office with him every day that it had become a reflex.Damon glanced at Nyla. "Nyla, maybe today we should—"Nyla interrupted, "Nope. You go to work. And if you're free for lunch, don't bother coming home. If you need to work late, no rush to come back either."Damon chuckled. "You'
"Brandon, from now on, I'm entrusting Valarie to you," Jonathan said. "She's been spoiled by us and can be a little willful at times. I hope you'll be patient with her in your marriage, and I wish you both a lifetime of happiness together."Brandon held Valarie's hand tightly, his expression solemn. "Dad, don't worry. I'll cherish her with all my heart."Jonathan nodded, stepping down from the stage. He discreetly wiped away his tears.After exchanging vows and rings, Valarie and Brandon sealed their love with a kiss, surrounded by cheers and applause.…On the way home from the wedding, Nyla glanced at Damon. "I saw Mr. Weir wipe his tears so many times today. When Bunny gets married, you'll definitely be just like him, sneaking off somewhere to cry."Damon's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, his gaze sharpening. "No one will ever be good enough for my daughter. If she never gets married, we'll take care of her for the rest of our lives."Nyla raised an eyebrow and
"Of course! When's the wedding?" Nyla asked.Valarie shook her head. "We haven't decided yet. He'll come to my house in a few days to discuss it with my parents."Nyla raised an eyebrow. "You're about to get really busy. Planning a wedding alone will take a lot of work.""Yeah, I'm already getting a headache just thinking about it," Valarie replied....For the next few months, Valarie was completely consumed by wedding preparations and work, barely having time to catch her breath.The wedding was set for August 8th, leaving them with less than six months to finalize everything.Valarie even traveled abroad several times to meet with designers and ensure her wedding dress was exactly what she wanted.Beyond the dress, she and Brandon spent hours discussing every detail—from the venue to the wedding favors and bouquet choices....After months of nonstop planning, the big day finally arrived.Valarie was already up, getting her hair and makeup done at 2:00 a.m.By the time N
Valarie looked up and saw the approaching glow.When the figure finally stopped in front of her, she realized it was Brandon.Frowning, she asked, "Where did you go? I waited so long for you. And what are you hiding behind your back?"Brandon flipped his phone face-down on the table, revealing the flowers he had hidden. Then he dropped to one knee."Valarie, I had planned a perfect proposal for you, but when you asked earlier about the meaning of wearing a wedding dress, I knew I couldn't wait any longer."Before I met you, my life revolved solely around work. I never paused for anyone—I never cared whether the sun was rising or setting, or if the moon was full or waning. But everything changed after I met you."I began cherishing the thought of greeting you every morning, sharing meals with you, and standing by your side for life."Valarie, I want every morning to begin with us waking up together, and every night to end with us holding each other as we fall asleep."Finally, B
Of course, every time they visited Valarie's home, Phoebe would subtly—or sometimes not so subtly—hint that they should get married.Brandon had always assumed Valarie wasn't interested in marriage since she never responded to those hints. He hadn't considered proposing.But today, seeing her so excited about picking out baby clothes made him start to imagine a future with her—building a family, raising a child.That thought filled his heart with warmth.After more than three hours of shopping, they finally left the mall, their arms full of bags.Once they loaded everything into the car, Valarie turned to Brandon. "I'm starving. Let's grab something to eat."Brandon nodded. "Sure. What are you in the mood for?""I'm not picky. Is there anything good around here? I don't feel like going too far," she replied.Brandon paused, then said, "There's a place with ethnic cuisine nearby. I went there once for a business meeting—it was pretty authentic. Want to give it a try?""Sounds g
Nyla was silent for a moment before nodding. "Alright. If you ever need Damon to help figure out Brandon's thoughts, just let me know.""I will. Don't worry about us, though. You just gave birth. Your main priority should be resting," Valarie said."Okay," Nyla replied.Valarie lingered in the bedroom for a while, but when she saw Nyla looking tired, she stood up and left.Downstairs, only Brandon was in the living room.Valarie walked over to him and asked, "Where's Damon?""He had something to take care of for work, so he went to the study. How's Aunt Nyla?" Brandon asked."She seems to be doing well, and the baby is adorable. Oh, right, I forgot to ask what the baby's name is. I only know her nickname is Bunny," Valarie said.Just thinking about Mia Sumner's cute little face made Valarie smile. She was already looking forward to the day the baby would call her godmother.A flicker of something crossed Brandon's eyes. "You really like kids, huh?""Of course! I've said befor
Once they were in the car, Nyla suddenly recalled Damon's phone call earlier. "By the way, what did Alexander want?"After a brief pause, Damon glanced at her. "He said Ms. Kinsey left you an inheritance and asked when we'd be able to go to Meristate to take care of it."Nyla pressed her lips together before replying, "Call him later and tell him to donate it or keep it for himself. I don't want it.""Alright," Damon replied.When they arrived home, Damon helped Nyla settle onto the couch, placing a pillow behind her back for support. Then, he said seriously, "Nyla, you've been through enough. Let's not have any more kids after this."During her first pregnancy with Mason, Damon hadn't been around, so he hadn't realized how difficult it was for her.Now, experiencing this pregnancy with her, every checkup and blood draw made his heart ache.Once Nyla gave birth, he planned to get a vasectomy. Two kids were enough for them.Nyla shot him a look. "This wasn't exactly planned, was
More than half an hour later, Nyla finally stirred from her nap.When she opened her eyes, she found Damon sitting by her bed, watching her. She froze for a moment, caught off guard.Rubbing her eyes, she realized he was still there and confirmed she wasn't dreaming.She slowly sat up, her voice still heavy with sleep. "Why are you here? Shouldn't you be in your study working?""I missed you, so I came to see you," Damon replied.Nyla narrowed her eyes. "You definitely have something to say if you're here all of a sudden."Damon chuckled, a little helpless. "I guess I can't fool you.""Of course not. I know you too well. Ever since I got pregnant, you've never come to see me like this in the afternoon," Nyla said."Alright. Go freshen up first, and I'll wait for you downstairs," Damon suggested."Okay," Nyla replied.After washing up, she went downstairs and sat beside Damon. "Alright, tell me. What's going on? You're acting all mysterious."Damon hesitated for a moment befo