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
"Mr. Sumner, what brings you here?" Nyla asked.Seeing Nyla's composed demeanor, Richard frowned, his tone condescending. "Name your price, as long as you agree to let Cyrus go."Nyla remained calm. "And how much are you offering?""That depends on your demand. The incident happened so many years ago. Even if you send Cyrus to prison, I can still find a way to get him out. Stubbornness won't benefit you," Richard stated.Nyla stood up, her tone flat. "Since you've put it that way, there's no point in continuing this conversation."Richard's expression turned icy. "What do you mean by that?""I mean, I don't think we can come to an agreement. I have work to do, so I'll take my leave now." With that, Nyla turned and walked out.Watching her leave, Richard felt his frustration reaching a boiling point. If she wouldn't accept his offer, he wouldn't hold back any longer.He called one of his subordinates, gritting his teeth. "Investigate Harris Pharmaceuticals. I refuse to believe H
"Long time no see," Nyla greeted.Gabriel approached her with a smile. "Yeah, it's been a while."It had been five to six years since they last met, and they hadn't kept in touch much, so Nyla felt a bit awkward."Let's head inside," she said.Once they were seated and had ordered their food, Nyla turned to Gabriel and asked, "What made you decide to return and develop your career locally? Wren mentioned that your salary abroad was quite high. If you had stayed a few more years, you could probably have settled down there."Gabriel was momentarily distracted by seeing her face up close again, but he quickly composed himself. "I've gotten used to the food here."Nyla looked surprised and seemed skeptical. "Is it really that simple?""Yeah," Gabriel replied."Alright, so have you already found a job, or are you planning to take some time off?" she asked.Gabriel took a sip of his water, lightly tapping the glass, and said, "Actually, I had an interview with Prospectus Technology
Damon approached them with a smile, but Nyla could sense his bad mood.Gabriel followed her gaze and noticed Damon, his eyes narrowing slightly as he perceived the hostility.Damon walked directly to Nyla and sat down beside her. With a smile, he said, "Nyla, I didn't know you were having dinner with your brother. I would've joined you if I had known."Gabriel looked at Nyla, his expression questioning. "This is?"Feeling the weight of both men's gazes, Nyla frowned.Just as she was about to introduce them, Damon interjected with a smile, "Mr. Hackett, it's nice to meet you. I'm Damon Sumner, Nyla's boyfriend and the CEO of Prospectus Technology."Gabriel's eyes flickered as he shook hands with Damon. "Hello, I'm Gabriel Hackett."In that brief exchange, only the two men understood the underlying tension.Nyla asked Damon, "What are you doing here?"Damon released Gabriel's hand and turned to her. "What's wrong? Can't I join you? It seems like you didn't want me here."Nyla r
"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