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
"Mr. Maddock, my secretary has already revised the contract and should be arriving in about five minutes," Clark replied.Peter's frown deepened, and he looked visibly displeased. "Mr. Sumner, we've already agreed on the partnership. Why the rush? Do you think I'm going to back out?"Noticing Peter's displeasure, Clark quickly attempted to explain, "No, Mr. Maddock, that's not what I meant.""Then what do you mean? I've told you I need to catch a flight, yet you're holding me up. Mr. Sumner, I have other options too!" With that, Peter stood up and left.As he opened the door, Damon emerged from the adjacent Room 9.Clark hurried after Peter. "Mr. Maddock… I can arrange a car to take you…"Before he could finish, he noticed Damon standing by the door, and his expression soured.Peter also noticed Damon and was taken aback. He quickly approached Damon. "Mr. Damon, what are you doing here? Mr. Clark said you were too busy to handle the negotiations, which is why he's doing it with
Avoiding eye contact with Damon, Clark lowered his head. "Uncle Damon, I realize I was wrong…"Damon's anger morphed into a chuckle. "Realize you were wrong? Do you understand that what you did is a crime? You used Prospectus Technology's name to deceive other companies into signing contracts with yours. If this gets out, you could be taken to court!"He was astonished by Clark's audacity.Clark, now genuinely terrified, looked up at Damon with fear. "Uncle Damon, I understand my mistake. When my dad handed over the company to me, the funds were nearly depleted. If I didn't secure partnerships with some major companies, the company would soon go bankrupt. "Please, just give me one chance. I promise I won't make the same mistake again!"Upon seeing Clark's frightened and guilty demeanor, Damon's anger intensified. "Realizing your mistake doesn't excuse the fact that you committed it in the first place."The room fell into silence.After a long pause, Clark finally looked up at D
Many researchers were eager to attend the conference, but the entry requirements were stringent, and invitations were difficult to obtain."My senior gave it to me. This conference aligns perfectly with her research focus," Nyla explained."Wow, your senior sounds amazing! Nyla… I'm really interested in this conference. Could you take me with you?" Melody asked eagerly.Nyla hesitated but then said, "I'll ask my senior if I can bring an extra person.""Great!" Melody exclaimed.Nyla sent a message to Caroline and soon received a reply that it was okay.When she learned she could attend the conference with Nyla, Melody's face lit up with excitement. "Nyla, thank you so much! I'm really grateful!""Alright. Let's clean up the lab and get ready to leave for the day," Nyla suggested.With that, she got up and headed toward the lab, with Melody quickly following.After they left, Gabriel glanced at the invitation Nyla had left on the desk, his eyes flickering with unspoken thoughts
As soon as Damon stepped out of the car, someone else appeared at the entrance of the apartment building.Damon's stride faltered, and his expression immediately hardened.Gabriel positioned himself in front of Nyla.Nyla's face, though free of makeup, remained strikingly beautiful, causing Gabriel's heart to stir as he gazed at her."Do you need something?" she asked, her tone frosty.Sensing her coldness, Gabriel looked somewhat disappointed but managed a forced smile. "Nyla, I just returned from visiting your dad. He misses you. If you're free tomorrow night, let's go see him together."Nyla pressed her lips together. "Okay. If I'm free, I'll go."Eager to avoid further interaction with Gabriel, she turned to leave.Just as Gabriel was about to call after her, he felt a cold stare. Turning, he saw Damon approaching, his face stormy.Nyla noticed Damon too. Her gaze flickered with confusion. He had publicly reconciled with Rebecca—why was he there?With that thought in mind
"Clark said he loved me, but that didn't stop him from cheating with Jordyn. You say you love me, but that doesn't stop you from getting back together with Rebecca. I guess, in your minds, your feelings are worth a lot. Just because you like me, I'm supposed to be grateful and accept whatever you do," Nyla said.Damon frowned. "That's not what I mean..."Nyla smiled. "It doesn't matter what you mean. Since you chose Rebecca over me, there's no chance for us. It's that simple."The calmness in her gaze stirred a sense of panic in Damon. He felt like he was really losing her."Nyla…" he started."We've already said everything that needs to be said. There's no point in dragging this out. Let's end it here," Nyla concluded.Their love had always been unequal, never truly balanced. She'd rather not have such love at all.…Back home, Nyla had just sat on the couch when her phone rang. It was a call from William."Ms. Jayston, your assets with Mr. Sumner have been divided. Your shar
Nyla checked the time—it was only 7:00 a.m., and the conference didn't start until 9:00 a.m."Isn't it a little early for you to be here?" she asked groggily, still not fully awake.Melody's voice was filled with excitement. "I couldn't sleep, so I got up early. I brought breakfast for you, but don't worry. I'll just walk around outside until you're ready."Nyla sighed, feeling a bit helpless. She told Melody which floor she lived on so she could come up and wait inside.By the time Nyla finished getting ready, it was just past 8:00 a.m. The two of them arrived at the conference venue before 8:30 a.m.As they approached the entrance, a black Maybach and a Rolls-Royce pulled up beside them.The doors of the Maybach opened, and Rebecca and Damon stepped out. From the Rolls-Royce behind them emerged Nathaniel.As soon as they exited their cars, conference staff members enthusiastically greeted them. "Mr. Sumner, Mr. Preston, Ms. Austen, welcome to the conference. Please allow me to
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