"I don't want to choose either. Just stop the car now. I want to get out," Nyla said.Damon calmly resumed driving. "Since you don't want to choose, I'll do it for you."Nyla was so frustrated she almost laughed. She knew that no matter what she said, Damon wouldn't let her out of the car. Resigned, she turned her gaze coldly toward the window.In less than half an hour, they arrived at the hospital.Damon carried Nyla inside. Resisting was pointless, so she remained silent and expressionless.…After the examination, the doctor assured them there were no major issues and prescribed some medication for internal and external use.As they were leaving the hospital, Damon tried to carry Nyla again, but she stepped back to avoid him."Thanks for tonight, but I'll take a taxi home," she said coldly.With that, she picked up her medication and turned to leave the hospital.Damon followed her silently. As they approached his car, he stopped her and said, "I'll take you home."Nyla
Nyla pressed her lips together and called him. "I'm still out. There's no need to bring me anything next time."After a few seconds of silence on the other end, Gabriel's gentle voice came through. "Alright. It's already past 10:00 p.m. Do you need me to pick you up?"Because of what Wren had said, Nyla wasn't eager to have too much contact with Gabriel. She declined, "No, my friend is giving me a ride. If there's nothing else, that's it."She hung up, and Valarie looked at her with curiosity. "Who were you talking to?""My stepbrother," Nyla answered.Valarie's eyes widened in surprise. "He's back? When did that happen?"Since Valarie used to visit Nyla's home often, she had met Gabriel several times."Just a few days ago," Nyla replied."Oh, he seems to be quite concerned about you now. I remember when I used to visit you. He was pretty aloof," Valarie remarked."Yeah. By the way... I said I'd cover the bill tonight, but you ended up doing it. Send me the bill, and I'll reim
"Thanks, but there's no need. In the future, let's try to keep our interactions to a minimum. I don't want to be insulted anymore," Nyla requested coldly.She was about to walk past Gabriel when he stopped her."Nyla, I apologize on behalf of my mother for what she said. I've spoken to her, and she promises not to contact you again. Please don't be angry, okay?" Gabriel asked."If she truly believes she was wrong, then you wouldn't be the one showing up here tonight," Nyla replied.Gabriel frowned and asked softly, "If she came to apologize in person, would you forgive her?"Nyla's displeasure was evident. She didn't understand why Gabriel was so insistent that she forgive Wren.Wren was just her stepmother—their interactions had been minimal, and there was no need to force a reconciliation."I won't forget what she said to me, and I can't forgive her. If there's nothing else, don't come looking for me again," she said.Without giving Gabriel a chance to respond, Nyla opened th
Damon's expression remained indifferent. "The day she returned to the country and contacted me."Nathaniel's body trembled slightly. He took a deep breath and said slowly, "Is it because Rebecca only has three months left that you broke up with Nyla and got back together with her?"Damon frowned. "I haven't reconciled with her."He had only promised to spend these three months with Rebecca, but he had no intention of resuming their relationship."So, you don't have feelings for her anymore?" Nathaniel asked."From the moment she chose to go abroad, there was no chance for us anymore," Damon replied.Nathaniel's hands clenched at his sides, and his expression grew intense. "But she still loves you. That hasn't changed. And she only has three months left to live. Can't you at least give her some false hope?""No. That wouldn't be fair to Nyla," Damon said.He had asked Nyla to wait for three months and had promised not to reconcile with Rebecca. Even if Nyla didn't believe him, h
The blaring car horns from the back snapped Nyla back to reality. She quickly pulled over to the side of the road.Her hands were shaking as she picked up her phone.The call was still connected, and Valarie's anxious voice came through. "Nyla, what happened? Are you okay? Are you on your way to work? I shouldn't have told you this now!"Nyla wiped her misty eyes and replied quietly, "I'm fine. My phone just fell.""I'm glad you're okay... I really shouldn't have called you now..." Valarie's voice was filled with regret.In her anger upon seeing the news, she had called Nyla impulsively. She deeply regretted it now, fearing she would never forgive herself if something happened to Nyla."Yeah, I need to get back to driving. Talk to you later." With that, Nyla ended the call.Taking a deep breath, she opened a web browser to search for news about Damon and Rebecca. Every link was about their official reconciliation.[Prospectus Technology's CEO Damon Sumner Finally Gets His Happy
"Who are you to stand up for her?" the woman demanded, struggling to free her arm from Gabriel's grip but failing."I don't need to explain my relationship with her to you," Gabriel replied coldly. "What you did to her was caught on surveillance. I'll take her to get checked out, and then the lawyer will discuss medical and emotional compensation with you.""Oh, she hit me too! I can get checked out too. It's no big deal!" the woman retorted defiantly.Gabriel's eyes grew colder. He leaned in close, his voice a threatening whisper meant only for her ears. "You'd better pray she's okay. If she's hurt, I'll make sure you regret this."The woman shivered at the genuine menace in his tone, sensing he wasn't merely making empty threats.Frozen in fear, she watched as Gabriel released her and swiftly picked up Nyla in a bridal carry, heading toward the door.Nyla was surprised by Gabriel's assistance, especially after their conversation the previous night.As they reached the door, sh
Soon, Spencer returned with a report. "Mr. Sumner, this morning Ms. Jayston had a confrontation with one of Prospectus Technology's employees at the elevator. She was pushed and fell. Gabriel took her to the hospital."Damon frowned. "What happened? Why was there a confrontation?"Spencer hesitated before cautiously replying, "It seems related to your reconciliation with Ms. Austen… Here is the surveillance footage. You can take a look."Damon took the tablet and watched the video. His face darkened with anger."Fire the employee who caused the trouble," he ordered."Mr. Sumner, wouldn't that be too harsh? After all, Ms. Jayston also slapped the employee," Spencer pointed out.Damon's expression remained icy. "If I recall correctly, I issued a statement previously prohibiting discussions of my private life."Seeing the fury in Damon's eyes, Spencer quickly agreed, "Understood. I'll take care of it immediately."…News of the employee's termination soon spread throughout the co
After graduating from university, Caroline went to Northornia for further studies, while Nyla returned to Saintornia. It had been over four years since they last met.Nyla responded warmly and asked for the hotel's location before finding a nearby restaurant known for its specialty dishes.…When Nyla entered the restaurant around 6:00 p.m., she spotted a short-haired woman with a youthful face waving at her from a window seat. "Nyla, over here!"Seeing Caroline's smile, Nyla felt as if she had been transported back to her university days and couldn't help but smile in return.Caroline had been a top student who continued her studies directly after earning her master's degree. She had come to Saintornia with her advisor for a conference.After Nyla took her seat, Caroline smiled and said, "Nyla, you haven't changed much since university.""It's you who haven't changed. Seeing you reminds me of the days you used to help me with experiments," Nyla replied."Don't mention it. You
Watching Mason dash away, Nyla couldn't help but smile. But that smile quickly faded as she thought about their imminent separation."Nyla, why are you staring after Buddy like that?" Damon's voice snapped her back to reality.She turned to him, quickly masking her sadness. "Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about how fast time flies. Buddy's already five years old."Damon slid an arm around her waist. "It might feel fast to you, but not to me. When I think about the five years we lost, I can't help but feel regret. If we'd been together all that time, the three of us would've been so happy."The mention of those lost years made Nyla sigh.If only she had trusted Damon more back then, they wouldn't have missed out on so much time together.And now, just as they had reunited, they were about to be separated again."I'm sorry, Damon..." she murmured.Seeing the guilt in her eyes, Damon pulled her into his arms, his voice soft. "There's nothing to apologize for. For me, as long as
After getting dressed and stepping out of the break room, Nyla spotted Damon sitting behind his desk, looking refreshed as he worked.She shot him a glare, unable to suppress her annoyance.Damon rubbed his nose, feeling a bit guilty. "Honey, why didn't you rest a little longer?""It's almost time to pick up Buddy from school. Are you still busy with work?" Nyla asked."There's just a little left to do, but I can finish it at home. Let me grab my things, and we'll pick up Buddy together," he answered.Nyla considered telling him to stay and finish his work but remembered they only had three days left together. She nodded. "Okay, I'll wait for you."Five minutes later, they were on their way downstairs.Since Nyla had driven over, Damon decided to take her car to pick up Mason.During the ride, Nyla stared out the window, lost in thought about how to tell Damon she'd be leaving for Meristate.Damon noticed something was off but didn't press her. He figured he'd wait until after
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