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
Impatience flickered in Nyla's eyes. "I don't have anything to say to you, and I don't see you as a plague. To me, you're just a stranger."Clark looked somewhat helpless. "Why be so stubborn? We used to love each other. Even though we're apart now, I still want the best for you. It's just that my uncle isn't right for you."Nyla frowned and said coldly, "I don't want to hear your nonsense. Move aside!"Her good mood, which had brightened after meeting Caroline, was completely ruined by her encounter with Clark.Jordyn sneered. "Clark, stop talking. If she wants to be the third wheel, let her. It's not like you'll be the one embarrassed in the end."Nyla had initially tried to ignore them, but couldn't help glancing at Jordyn upon hearing this."Speaking of being a third wheel, Ms. Cheatham, you must have a lot of experience since you moved up from being a third wheel yourself, right?" she retorted.Jordyn's face turned ugly. "Nyla, what are you babbling about? Clark and I are l
Damon and Nyla didn't speak. They simply lay there, holding each other, feeling time slowly slip away.Eventually, they both drifted off to sleep.The next morning, Nyla and Damon were still asleep when there was a knock at the door."Daddy! Mommy! Are you awake?" Mason called.Nyla stirred but still felt groggy, her eyes refusing to open. "Damon, can you get the door for Buddy?""Alright." Damon sat up, yawning as he walked to the door.When he opened it, he looked down to see Mason fully dressed—hat, mask, everything—looking completely ready to go.Seeing that Damon was still in his pajamas, Mason frowned. "Daddy, it's already past eight, and you guys are still sleeping?"Damon leaned against the doorframe, looking a little helpless. "Mommy and I went to bed late last night. Can you let us sleep for just 30 more minutes?"Mason thought about it seriously before nodding. "Alright. I'll wait for you in the living room.""Good." Damon closed the door and climbed back into bed,
Damon nodded. "Got it. You don't need to worry about these things. You're going to Meristate alone. If something happens, I won't be able to reach you right away. You need to be careful.""I know," Nyla replied."You can't trust Alexander or Drake, but they don't get along. You might be able to use that to your advantage," Damon suggested."As for the internal power dynamics of the Nixons, I don't have all the details yet, but from what I've found, your stepfather has a son and a daughter with your mother."He also has a mistress, and they have a son together. For the past ten years, he's essentially been living with her, and his relationship with your mother is terrible."Now that he's sick, he wants to pass the Nixons down to his mistress' son. Your mother won't accept that, so there's been a lot of internal conflict."I wasn't able to find out much more beyond that. If you can gather more information once you're there and can contact me, call me. I'll help you."Hearing Damon
"Alright, let's take a nap. We still have to play with Buddy later," Damon suggested.Nyla shook her head. "Before we nap, there's something I need to tell you.""What is it?" Damon asked.She pulled a small notebook from her bag, flipped it open, and handed it to him. "This is what Buddy wrote last night—all the rewards he wants."I plan to buy the remaining ones over the next two days. I'll also prepare a few extra gifts. In the future, for his birthdays or holidays, just pick something from here and give it to him for me."As soon as she finished speaking, Damon frowned. "Even after you go to Meristate, you can still send him gifts yourself. Are you planning never to come back?""No, listen to me. I just want to be prepared. If I can stay in touch with both of you after I leave, then you won't need to use these gifts. I'll choose new ones every year and send them myself. I'm just getting these ready in case something happens," Nyla explained.Damon protested, "There won't be
Mason nodded excitedly. "Okay!"They returned to the changing area, showered, changed into fresh clothes, and took the shuttle to the restaurant.As soon as they sat down, a server approached. "Mr. and Mrs. Sumner, we have several types of cuisine ready. What would you like for lunch?"Damon looked at Nyla. "Nyla, you decide."Nyla glanced at Mason and noticed his eyes fixed on the roasted chicken leg. She couldn't help but smile. "I'd like a steak, but I think Buddy wants the chicken leg."Following her gaze, Damon saw that Mason's eyes were practically glued to the golden-brown roasted chicken leg. He chuckled. "Alright, we'll have the steak, and Buddy can have the chicken leg.""Understood. How would you like your steak cooked? Any dietary restrictions?" the server asked.Nyla shook her head. "Medium-well, and no restrictions."Damon replied, "Medium-rare.""Got it. And for Mr. Mason, besides the chicken leg, would he like anything else?" the server asked."No, that's all
After changing their clothes, Damon led them to a shallower spring more suitable for Mason. He stepped in first to test the temperature, then carefully lowered Mason into the water.As soon as Mason felt the warmth, he beamed. "It's so cozy!"Damon chuckled and let go once he was sure Mason was steady. The shallow depth was perfect for Mason, as the water reached his neck when seated.For Damon and Nyla, however, it was a bit too shallow.After Mason adjusted to the spring, Damon turned to Nyla. "Should we move to one of the deeper springs? This one feels a little chilly."Nyla hesitated, glancing at Mason as he splashed around. "But I'd feel uneasy leaving Buddy here alone.""I'll call for some staff to keep an eye on him. He'll be fine," Damon said.After a moment of thought, Nyla nodded. "Alright."Once the staff arrived to supervise Mason, Damon led Nyla to a nearby, deeper spring.As she sank into the warm water, which reached up to her shoulders, she sighed in satisfacti
Drake stormed off, his anger radiating with each step.Reaching his car, he kicked the door hard in frustration. The action brought little relief, so he pulled out his phone and dialed a number."Put a hold on the collaboration between MK and the Kinsey Group. Don't move forward until I return," he commanded.Whatever the person on the other end said only fueled his fury."Do as I say! I'll take full responsibility for any consequences!" he growled before abruptly ending the call.Breathing deeply to suppress his rage, Drake yanked open the car door and sped away.…Two hours later, Damon pulled up to a luxury hot springs resort.Nyla's face lit up with delight as she turned to him. "I've always wanted to visit this place, but you've been so busy with work that I never mentioned it."Damon smiled. "Spencer recommended it. I might have to give him a raise when we get back."In the back seat, Mason's curiosity was piqued—he'd never been to a resort before.As the family exited
"Enough with the overthinking!" Lydia chided. "Take this time to relax. Once they're back, you'll probably be driving late nights again.""Fair enough," Walter remarked.…In the car, Damon glanced at Nyla. "The place we're going is a bit far. You and Buddy should rest. I'll wake you when we get there."She nodded. "Okay."Leaning back, she closed her eyes but couldn't fall asleep. Thoughts of leaving Damon and Mason in just three days weighed heavily on her.After a while, she opened her eyes, gazing at Damon with a mixture of longing and reluctance.Sensing her stare, Damon turned to her briefly. "What's wrong? Can't sleep?""Yeah," she admitted softly. "I just wanted to look at you. Don't mind me."Damon smiled. "Nyla, do you really think I can drive normally with you staring at me like that?"His teasing tone made her roll her eyes. "Buddy's here. Be serious!"From the back seat, Mason piped up, "Mommy, I covered my eyes! Pretend I'm not here. I can't see or hear anythin
Nyla and Damon exchanged a glance and couldn't help but laugh."Let's go upstairs and pack too," Damon suggested. "Otherwise, Buddy will be all done and rushing us."Nyla nodded. "Alright."The two headed to their bedroom, each packing clothes for the next few days.Since Nyla needed to gather her skincare products and makeup, Damon finished first. He walked over, intending to help, but she waved him off."Just stay put," she said. "If you touch this, you'll mess up everything I've just organized. Besides, you don't even know what's what."Damon chuckled, leaning against the dresser. "Fine. I'll just watch you."He didn't argue—makeup wasn't his forte. To him, all the lipsticks looked the same, though Nyla insisted there were big differences.It took another ten minutes before she finally zipped up her bag.Damon grabbed their suitcases and carried them downstairs, where Mason was already waiting.Upon seeing them, Mason's eyes lit up. "Mommy, Daddy! Are we leaving now? Where
Harrison's response was immediate. "I'm not going. I've lived in Saintornia all my life, and I'm used to it here. Besides, with my health as it is, I don't have many years left anyway. I'd rather not move around."Nyla's heart sank. "Dad, you'll live a long and healthy life."Harrison gave a faint smile. "At my age, with my body the way it is, every day is a gift. The only thing I can't stop worrying about is you. Otherwise, whether I live or die wouldn't matter to me.""Please take care of yourself," she implored."I will. Since your mother is willing to entrust the company she's built over the years to you, make sure you work hard and don't let her down," he advised.In Harrison's mind, Emerald was still the gentle and kind woman he'd known years ago. He had no reason to doubt what Nyla told him."I will," Nyla replied.After sitting with him a while longer and discussing a few things, she finally took her leave.When she returned to the car, her eyes were red, and tears shim