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
Caroline didn't say anything more, merely reminding Nyla to be careful on her way back before heading into the hotel.…Nyla got home and sat on the sofa. She was about to rest when she noticed a corner of the invitation peeking out of her bag. She pulled it out and opened it. As she read through the conference details, her grip on the invitation tightened.Maybe Caroline was right. She should reconsider her future plans. She couldn't have children, and even without Rebecca's interference, she and Damon wouldn't have lasted.Besides, having already been burned once by Clark, she shouldn't make the same mistake again.With that thought, a determined glint appeared in her eyes.…The next morning, as soon as Nyla arrived at Prospectus Technology, she ran into Rebecca.To be precise, Rebecca was deliberately waiting for her."Ms. Jayston, good morning! I came to deliver breakfast to Damon. He has a sensitive stomach and doesn't like eating breakfast made by others, so I made it m
Before long, Spencer discovered that Clark was secretly meeting with a representative from the company Prospectus Technology intended to partner with next month.He quickly reported, "Mr. Sumner, Mr. Clark is meeting with Mr. Maddock at Pineer for lunch today."Damon's gaze turned icy. "Book a table.""Understood," Spencer replied.At noon…When Clark arrived at Pineer, he ran into Damon, and his expression shifted slightly."Uncle Damon, what are you doing here?" he asked.Damon raised an eyebrow and replied with a faint smile, "What's the matter? Just because you're here, does that mean I can't be?"Clark's gaze hardened slightly, but he managed a smile. "It's just unexpected to run into you while having lunch.""Quite a coincidence," Damon said, playing along.They walked into the restaurant together.As Clark watched Damon head toward Room 8, which he had reserved, his expression darkened. Just as Damon was about to reach the door, Clark stepped in front of him."Uncle
Even Brian and Delia, whom Emerald had spoiled, were expendable in her eyes—if they ever posed a threat to her position, she wouldn't hesitate to give them up.To her, family had always come second to the Nixons.…At exactly 3:00 p.m., Emerald's car pulled up outside Alexander's villa.She stepped out and walked into the living room, where Alexander and Nyla were already waiting.Without a word, she sat down, picked up the documents on the table, and flipped through them.After confirming there were no issues, she signed the last page, then pulled a bank card from her bag and placed it on the table.She slid it toward Nyla. "The password is six zeroes."Alexander picked up the card and handed it to his assistant. "Go check it."Emerald's expression stiffened. "Alexander, what the hell does that mean?!"Was he trying to humiliate her by having his assistant verify the card right in front of her?"Aunt Emerald, it's for both our peace of mind. This way, there won't be any iss
Alexander was silent for a moment before meeting Emerald's gaze. "Fine, I'll help you secure your position as head of the Nixons, but I won't help you eliminate your opponents."As long as there were threats to her power, she wouldn't have time to target Nyla and Damon. Keeping a balance of power was the best way to keep Nyla safe.Emerald's expression darkened. "You don't trust me?"Alexander nodded. "Aunt Emerald, I'd like to, but you need to give me a reason to. Back in Saintornia, you promised Nyla you'd support Prospectus Technology, but the moment she arrived in Meristate, you tried to bankrupt it."Now, you're making promises without proof. How can I trust you?""Alexander, don't forget—I'm your aunt. We're family!" Emerald hissed."To me, Nyla is my cousin, so she's my family too. Think about my offer, Aunt Emerald," Alexander said calmly.He remained unbothered by the situation. He knew Emerald was already backed into a corner—without his help, she had no chance of hold
"Sure," Nyla replied.After Alexander left, she turned to Damon. "We really will make it back together, right?"Seeing the worry in her eyes, Damon pulled her into his arms. "Yes. I promise. Trust me."She didn't say anything more, simply resting against his chest. Deep down, however, unease still lingered.…Three more days passed, and George still hadn't found Nyla.Meanwhile, unrest within the Nixons was worsening. More and more people began openly opposing Emerald, demanding a new leader.Emerald was exhausted and overwhelmed. The stress took a toll on her body—she collapsed and was rushed to the hospital again.When she woke up, the doctor warned her that she couldn't keep pushing herself like this, or her health would suffer serious consequences."I understand," Emerald said flatly. "I'd like to be alone now."Sighing, the doctor left the room.Emerald stared out the window, her gaze distant.For years, she had fought relentlessly to become the head of the Nixons.
Cortez's light chuckle came from the other end of the phone. "If this is about Kajer Tech, I don't see the need for a private meeting. We can discuss it publicly once you've found your eldest daughter."Emerald suppressed her anger. "I want to know why you publicly went against me!"He could have spoken to her privately, but instead, he chose to humiliate her in front of everyone."I'm not going against you. You're just too greedy," Cortez sneered. "You deliberately transferred Kajer Tech's shares to your daughter so you could use the company's annual dividends as leverage over us. That way, we'd have no choice but to let you continue leading the Nixons. Am I wrong?"His mocking tone felt like a slap to Emerald's face, making her even angrier. "Cortez, don't forget—you're supposed to be on my side!"Cortez chuckled. "I've always said I only act in my own best interest. I supported you in the past because our interests aligned."But now? You're hurting my position. We're no longer
Emerald's expression darkened. "Cortez, that's a serious accusation. I have never tried to hollow out the Nixons. Since taking over, I've worked tirelessly for the family's success. If you choose not to believe me, so be it."She added, "If you insist on resolving the Kajer Tech issue first, then this meeting is over. We'll discuss it again once I find my daughter."Without another word, Emerald stood and left.The moment she was gone, murmurs erupted throughout the room—voices filled with frustration and resentment."We can't let Emerald keep leading the family like this! Who knows how much more damage she'll cause?"Several people turned sharp glares toward Cortez."Cortez, you've always backed Emerald. Did you really not know she's turned Kajer into her own company?""I bet he turned a blind eye because she gave him something in return!""Hold on. If Cortez was really benefiting from Emerald's deals, he wouldn't have called her out just now. I trust him."Cortez let out a c
Emerald frowned, her voice cold. "Cortez, we have more important matters to discuss.""In my opinion, this is the most important matter today," Cortez replied evenly. "If Kajer becomes your private company, won't the Nixons lose a significant portion of their annual revenue?"Emerald's expression remained unchanged. "You don't need to worry. Regardless of who owns Kajer Tech, my share of the dividends will always be reinvested into the Nixons."Cortez gave a slight smile, though his eyes held no warmth. "Emerald, that's just your word. How can we trust it?"If Kajer Tech truly has no ties to the Nixons anymore, doesn't that mean you'll have the power to use its revenue as leverage against other family members?"If someone upsets you, you can cut off their funding. How is anyone supposed to voice a differing opinion under those conditions?"Emerald's gaze darkened. "Cortez, I can assure you, that will never happen.""We're not children, Emerald. Promises mean nothing. My stance i
Mary pulled a document from her bag and handed it to Emerald. "You can check it carefully—it has Edward's signature."Emerald's expression remained cold as she took the papers. Sure enough, Edward's signature was on the last page.She slammed the document onto the table. "I heard Edward's health has been declining. Does he still have the energy to authorize you to attend the meeting?""Of course. After all, Brian lost a leg and can't inherit the Nixons anymore. But Vik is still perfectly fine. As Edward's son, he has every right to the family legacy," Mary announced.Emerald's face twisted with anger. "Mary, if you say one more word about Brian, I'll tear your mouth apart!"Mary chuckled. "Emerald, I'm just stating facts. Why are you so mad?""Shut up!" Emerald hissed.Tension crackled between them, but the other Nixon members quickly grew impatient.Cortez frowned. "Are we holding this meeting or not? If not, I'm leaving. I didn't come here to watch you two argue."Suppressin
Mary looked at Vik expressionlessly. "Of course. He was ready to make you pay for Brian's leg. Do you still see him as your father?"Vik's expression shifted. After a long pause, he finally spoke. "But... he used to treat us well..."Although Vik had been deeply disappointed when he discovered that Edward was willing to sacrifice his leg for Brian's, he still couldn't bring himself to harm his father.Mary let out a cold laugh. "He did treat us well in the past, but didn't we treat him well, too?"She had been with Edward since she was 20, willingly playing the role of the woman he kept outside his marriage. She had once believed that Edward truly loved her.But today, she had come to a painful realization: no matter what, she and Vik would never compare to Brian and Emerald in Edward's heart.Even after Emerald and Brian drugged him and nearly killed him, Edward had chosen to stand by them. If that were the case, then Mary wouldn't hesitate to be ruthless either.Vik couldn't a
The day Vik was locked up was the longest and most agonizing of his life. He no longer wanted to live in constant fear. If they kept fighting with Emerald, they could end up dead.Mary looked at him. "Vik, do you really think Emerald will let us go? Do you think you can hide the truth about Brian's accident forever?"Vik's face went pale, and his entire body trembled. "Mom... I don't know what to do. I don't want to fight anymore. I'm scared."Mary stepped closer, placing her hands on his shoulders. "Vik, look at me."At her commanding tone, Vik summoned the courage to lift his head."The only thing we can do now is fight Emerald and Brian," she said."If we succeed, you'll never have to worry about Brian finding out about the accident because I won't let him live. If we fail, then the outcome will be the same as if we hadn't fought at all."She paused. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Think carefully about whether you want to fight."Vik swallowed hard. After a long