"A few days ago," Damon replied.Nathaniel quickly asked, "Where is she now?"Noticing Nathaniel's agitation, Damon took his phone back, ended the call, and turned it off. With an indifferent expression, he provided the name of a hotel.Nathaniel immediately got up and left in a hurry, his steps slightly erratic.Caleb looked at Damon, who remained expressionless. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. "You really don't have any feelings left for Rebecca?"Back in university, Damon had been aware that Nathaniel liked Rebecca and had always kept her close, not giving Nathaniel any chance to get near her.Could it really be that Damon had moved on so completely?Damon took a sip of his drink and replied calmly, "The moment she left for abroad and proposed breaking up, there was no more chance for us."Caleb couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head. "That's just like you."He had expected Damon to be despondent when Rebecca left, but surprisingly, Damon had returned to his old
"Will you help me then?" Rebecca asked.Nathaniel regretted his words. He should have taken advantage of the opportunity instead of advising her to fight for Damon. Now, he was committed and had to stick to his promise."If you need it," he replied.Rebecca finally smiled. She was about to respond when Nathaniel's phone rang suddenly. Relieved, he quickly answered the call and stepped aside.After finishing the call, he returned to Rebecca and said, "Rebecca, I'm sorry, but something urgent just came up. Let's exchange contact details and discuss this further next time.""Alright," Rebecca agreed.They exchanged contact information, and Nathaniel left.Rebecca watched him go with a smirk, her eyes narrowing slightly.…Nyla had anticipated trouble sleeping after leaving Damon's villa, but to her surprise, she fell asleep quickly once she returned to her hotel room.She didn't dream all night and woke up early the next morning, around 6:00 a.m.After washing up, tying her hai
Spencer lowered his head, hesitant to speak. The loss of the major deal was significant, and he was puzzled as to why the other party would risk offending Prospectus Technology by working with Clark's small company.Damon's eyes were filled with anger. "Go get the person in charge of this deal!""Understood, I'll go right away!" Spencer hurriedly left, eager not to be stopped by Damon.Since breaking up with Nyla, Damon had become quite fearsome.…Near noon, Nyla and Melody went to the cafeteria for lunch.Melody noticed something odd and couldn't help but ask, "Nyla, aren't you having lunch with Mr. Sumner?"They had only recently gotten together, so it seemed strange that Nyla was acting as if nothing had changed. Just a few days ago, she would occasionally check her phone for messages, but today she hadn't looked at it at all.Nyla pursed her lips and replied calmly, "We've broken up.""What?! You guys broke—" Melody quickly covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes wide w
Nyla turned and noticed Melody's starry-eyed expression, her surprise evident. She knew Gabriel was good-looking.Back in high school, when people found out she was his sister, many girls had asked her to pass love letters to him.Initially, Gabriel would just toss the letters in the trash with a scowl. Eventually, he became so fed up that he warned Nyla to stop collecting them or he would tell Harrison.Nyla hadn't heard from Wren about any relationships he might have had while being abroad these years.Nyla shook her head. "I don't know about that. If you're curious, though, I can try to find out for you."Melody hugged Nyla excitedly. "Nyla, you're the best! If I end up with him, I'll definitely owe you one!"While they were talking, Gabriel returned with his food. He sat down next to Nyla and began eating quietly.On the other side of the table, Melody gazed at him with starry eyes, almost drooling.Noticing Melody's obvious infatuation, Nyla cleared her throat softly to re
Nyla clenched her hands at her sides and looked down, pretending not to see Damon. As she walked past him, her heart raced, fearing he might do something to draw attention.His gaze had been unsettling, after all.It wasn't until she exited the dining hall that she felt the weight of his stare lift. With a sigh of relief, she frowned. They were no longer together, so why did he still look at her like that?Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to stop thinking about it. They no longer had any connection, and it was best to treat future encounters as if they were strangers.Soon, Melody and Gabriel left the dining hall and headed back to the lab building with Nyla. Nyla showed Gabriel to his desk and briefly explained the storage of experimental drugs before retreating to her own space for a nap.…The afternoon passed quickly, and just before the end of the workday, Melody came over to Nyla and whispered, "Nyla, remember to ask your brother if he has a girlfriend! Whether I
Hearing the anxiety in Melody's voice, Nyla couldn't help but smile. "Don't worry. If he really dislikes someone, he won't even speak to them."Melody said, "He's my first crush, so naturally, I'm a bit anxious. I hope I didn't disturb you.""No, don't worry. I'll try to create opportunities for you two to be alone," Nyla reassured her.Melody was deeply touched. "Oh, Nyla, you're the best!"After exchanging a few more comforting words, Nyla ended the call. She set her phone down and reflected on how even someone as carefree as Melody could feel insecure about matters of the heart.Upon thinking about her own recent breakup with Damon, Nyla's expression grew somber. She took a deep breath, forced herself to move on, and prepared for bed.…The next morning, as Nyla walked into the office, she felt the eyes of her colleagues on her. Once she reached her office, Melody hurried over, her tone filled with anger. "Nyla, did you break up with Mr. Sumner because of his ex?"Nyla was
Noticing Spencer's silence, Damon frowned. "Is there something else?"After a moment of hesitation, Spencer spoke up. "Mr. Sumner, I think you should reconsider. The rumors circulating in the company are just hearsay. You could issue a statement prohibiting discussions about your personal life, but there's no need to clarify your relationship with Ms. Austen."If all the employees learned that Nyla had dumped Damon, it might cause an even bigger stir.Damon was silent for a few seconds before replying in a deep voice, "Fine, we'll handle it your way."Soon after, the CEO's office issued a statement banning employees from discussing Damon's personal life. Anyone caught doing so would be terminated.…Nyla and Melody were busy with experiments all morning and didn't check their phones until lunchtime. It was then that Gabriel informed them of the situation.As Gabriel spoke, he kept a close eye on Nyla. When he saw that Nyla's expression remained calm and indifferent, he looked aw
Gabriel smiled. "Mr. Sumner, what brings you here unexpectedly?""I'm here to check on your upcoming work plans," Damon replied.Gabriel was momentarily taken aback. "Mr. Sumner, you don't need to come in person for something so minor next time. Just have Mr. Hogg give me a call, and I'll report to your office."Spencer looked down, pretending not to hear and wondering whether Gabriel was genuinely that oblivious.Damon had come personally to see Nyla. How could he be concerned about a researcher's work progress otherwise?Damon's expression darkened. "So, you plan to report here?""Of course not. Our office is over here. Let me take you there," Gabriel said, leading Damon toward his office.As Damon passed by Nyla, the air seemed to freeze with his icy demeanor.Nyla pursed her lips and turned her gaze away.Damon's footsteps halted. He turned coldly toward her. "Do you not want to see me, Ms. Jayston?"Not wanting to stir up trouble, Nyla shook her head. "No.""Then why do
"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