"Did you finish talking with my dad?" Nyla asked.Damon glanced down at her and replied, "Yes.""I'll go in and say a few words to him, and then we'll head back," Nyla said."Alright," Damon agreed.Nyla entered the hospital room. To her surprise, Harrison's expression was less distressed than before. Though still stern, he seemed to have softened considerably."Dad, please reconsider going abroad for treatment. If you really don't want to go, I won't force you," Nyla said.Harrison looked up at her and said coldly, "No need to reconsider. I know what I want. As for you and Damon… I suggest you think it through. After all, he's Clark's uncle."If you're with him, you'll face not only public gossip but also opposition from the Sumners. The path with him will be much harder than it was with Clark."Nyla was taken aback by his response. She wondered what Damon had said to change Harrison's attitude so drastically."I've thought it through, Dad," she replied."As long as you've t
Nyla glanced at Cindy, who was clearly struggling to maintain her composure while attempting to apologize. The scene struck Nyla as somewhat amusing."Mrs. Sumner, did you really expect to come here, apologize, and ask me to drop the lawsuit after publicly accusing me of assault?" she asked.Cindy's expression faltered for a moment as she clenched her fists to suppress her anger."Nyla, I admit I was wrong. I'm apologizing now. Can't we just put this behind us?" Cindy asked."Sure," Nyla said, nodding. "But you need to issue a public statement clarifying that I didn't assault you and that it was you trying to tarnish my reputation. I'll drop the lawsuit if you do that."Cindy froze. They had come to resolve this privately, not to make it public. Releasing a statement would only highlight her attempt to malign her former daughter-in-law."Nyla, can we find another way to resolve this? We can negotiate," Cindy suggested."Embarrassed, are we?" Nyla's smile remained, but her eyes w
As they walked into the living room, Damon broke the silence. "Why did you accept the money instead of insisting on a public apology?"Nyla replied, "Even if she apologized, it wouldn't be sincere. Clark managed to persuade her to apologize privately because he doesn't want this to go public. If I had kept insisting, it would have only backfired."Damon studied her. "So, your goal was always just the money?"Nyla nodded. "Yes. If I had asked for the money myself, Clark might have accused me of extortion through his lawyers."Damon fell silent, his gaze distant as he pondered this. When he didn't speak again, Nyla turned to head back to her room.After a few steps, Damon's voice, tinged with resignation, came from behind her. "Nyla, if you just wanted the money, you didn't have to scheme like that. You could have told me directly. I could have helped you."Nyla paused and looked back at him, her eyes filled with an unreadable emotion. "I'm scheming against Clark. He's your family.
Damon patted her head and said softly, "If I haven't earned your complete trust, then I still haven't done well enough."Nyla looked up at him, about to speak, when his phone suddenly rang."Did you change your ringtone?" she asked, noticing that Damon's phone sounded different from usual.Damon didn't answer. He picked up his phone and walked aside to take the call.For some reason, Nyla felt a wave of unease wash over her, and she couldn't help but frown.Soon, Damon ended the call and returned to her."I have to go out for a bit. You should go to sleep," he said.He turned to leave, but Nyla instinctively grabbed his hand. "Is it something important? Can you stay and keep me company? I…"She struggled to find a reason to keep him around.Was it just her inexplicable anxiety?The reason seemed a bit absurd even to her.Damon's gaze softened, and he nodded. "If you're scared, I can have the driver pick up Valarie to keep you company."Nyla opened her mouth, then slowly sho
Nyla looked down and said slowly, "It's nothing. I just wanted to check on how things are going since you didn't come back last night."There was a brief pause on the other end before Damon's deep voice came through. "I'm almost done with everything. I'll be back tonight."Nyla subconsciously tightened her grip on the phone. "Alright, then let's have dinner together tonight.""Okay, I'll see you then," Damon replied.…After ending the call, Damon looked at the woman sitting across from him with tears in her eyes. He said coldly, "Rebecca, it's over between us. I'll book a flight for you shortly."Rebecca paused in wiping her tears and looked up at Damon. "I don't want to leave! I wasn't planning to leave when I came back to the country."Damon's frown deepened, and his entire demeanor turned cold. "Do as you wish, but we're done.""If you didn't care about me, you wouldn't have come to see me last night. You still love me, don't you?" Rebecca asked, her eyes filled with love a
If they hadn't been at a couple's restaurant, sitting on the same side of the table, and if Damon hadn't been serving her food, Nyla might have convinced herself that the woman was merely a business partner of Prospectus Technology.She put down her phone and lowered her head, her expression somber.The moment she saw the photo, she had the urge to call Damon and confront him, but she managed to calm herself at the last moment.Nyla was merely using Damon. Even if he was involved with another woman, what right did she have to question him?After all, she hadn't planned on being with him forever, had she?Her phone buzzed again, with Valarie sending several more messages.Valarie: [I looked into it. The woman's name is Rebecca Austen, Damon's first love. After receiving a full scholarship, she went abroad, and they lost touch.]Valarie: [Not many people knew about their relationship back then. After she went abroad, no one dared to mention her in front of Damon. If I hadn't inves
Between adults, the meaning of such a statement was often implied.Damon was indifferent. "It's too late to go up now. Get some rest."Rebecca was a bit disappointed but forced a smile. "Alright. Be safe going back."…When Damon returned to the villa, it was already past 10:00 p.m.After changing his shoes and entering the living room, the maid approached him."Mr. Sumner, Ms. Jayston waited a long time for you to return for dinner. In the end, she went upstairs without eating," she reported."Okay, I understand. You can go rest," Damon replied."Alright," the maid said and left.Damon rolled up his sleeves and went to the kitchen to prepare a plate of sandwiches, which he took upstairs.When Nyla heard the knock on the door, she assumed it was the maid and got up to answer it.Seeing the tall, familiar figure at the door, she was momentarily stunned and almost shut the door.Damon used his foot to block the door, looking apologetic. "Nyla, I'm sorry I came back so late."
Damon stared at her blankly. "Rebecca, you never used to play these petty games."Rebecca hesitated for a moment before slowly withdrawing her hand. She replied calmly, "You used to never refuse me.""I told you, I have a girlfriend now," Damon stated firmly.Rebecca looked up at him and asked, "Do you love her?"Damon remained silent.Rebecca felt a glimmer of confidence and said, "If you really loved her, you would admit it without hesitation."Damon frowned. "Rebecca, I didn't admit it because I don't want to hurt you."Rebecca's smile faltered. After a moment, she softly said, "It's fine if you love her. You'll fall in love with me again."Damon wanted to tell her that he wouldn't fall for her again—that for him, they were long over. But seeing the sadness on her face, he couldn't bring himself to say it."Let's go," he said, turning toward the hospital exit.Rebecca caught up with him, trying to walk beside him as she used to. He stepped back slightly."Rebecca, while I
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