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
"In the past year, our team has worked tirelessly, delving deep into the mechanisms of cancer and exploring new treatment strategies. Today, I am proud to announce that we've developed a 'Long-acting Drug'," Brendan said, his voice brimming with pride."This 'Long-acting Drug' not only exhibits a high level of specificity, precisely targeting cancer cells, but it also maintains therapeutic effects in the body for an extended period. This means cancer patients can expect longer survival times and an improved quality of life."Brendan's announcement was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers from the audience.As Brendan finished his speech, other researchers began presenting their findings.Caroline was the fifth speaker. Dressed in a simple white lab coat with her hair neatly tied back, she projected a professional and capable image.She started by displaying a series of detailed experimental data charts.Pointing to the data on the screen, she explained, "These are the result
"Oh, okay," Melody replied.Nyla looked away, her expression calm. "Let's go."Even after they left the venue, Melody remained visibly excited. "Nyla, thank you so much for today! After listening to the conference, I'm even more determined to pursue a career in drug research."Seeing Melody's flushed cheeks and bright, sparkling eyes, Nyla couldn't help but smile. "What made you suddenly think of this?"Previously, when their experiments kept failing, Melody had been noticeably down for a few days, feeling frustrated. Nyla had feared she might give up, but Melody persisted and now seemed even more committed to this path."I heard Caroline say that their experiments failed over a thousand times, but they still kept going. I think that's amazing. I want to be like them—standing up there someday, sharing my experiences," Melody gushed.She looked a little embarrassed at this point. "I've never really stuck with anything before. Now I want to commit to drug research."Nyla nodded. "
Caroline couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. She turned back to Nyla with a questioning look, but Nyla showed no reaction.Nyla simply said, "Let's go. We're going to be late for our reservation."With that, Nyla took Caroline by the arm and headed toward the parking lot, offering no further explanation.Rebecca bit her lip, unable to resist glancing at Damon.When she saw his gaze fixed on Nyla's departing figure, she dug her nails into her palms. Jealousy bloomed like wild grass in her heart, intensifying her dislike for Nyla.She lowered her eyes, masking her emotions perfectly."Damon... Ms. Lovell is good friends with Ms. Jayston. Ms. Jayston doesn't like me. Do you think she'll speak poorly of me to Ms. Lovell? If Ms. Lovell starts to dislike me too..." she muttered.Her hesitant tone caused Damon to frown."I've already agreed to invest in their lab. Whether she likes you or not, their latest anti-cancer drug will still be available to you," Damon replied.
Rebecca smiled bitterly. "I've got less than three months left. There's no point in fighting over these things. After three months, I'll give Damon back to her."As soon as she finished speaking, Nathaniel grabbed her hand and said seriously, "Rebecca, don't talk like that. Damon has already invested in Caroline's research lab, and the drug is close to being developed. You're going to be okay!"Rebecca's gaze was wry. "The drug is still in the trial phase. No one can be sure if it will work, and there might be side effects."Seeing her so pessimistic, Nathaniel felt a pang in his heart, his eyes instantly filling with pain."Rebecca, you used to be so optimistic. Now you've become so negative, which isn't like you. You should be strong and resilient, never letting anything get you down. And I believe that drug will work!" he encouraged.Rebecca lowered her eyes and said softly, "I want to be strong, but I just can't. Besides... Damon doesn't love me anymore. He only agreed to get
Caroline paused before smiling. "Alright. I'll be waiting for you in Capitarnia.""Sure," Nyla promised.After Caroline entered the hotel, Nyla drove off.Halfway home, her phone suddenly rang.Seeing that it was an unknown number, she decided not to answer. The caller didn't try again but sent a text message instead.It wasn't until Nyla parked downstairs that she checked the message.[Ms. Jayston, my father was one of the victims of the Harris Pharmaceuticals incident six years ago. I saw in the news that you found evidence and sent Cyrus Sumner to the police. I also have some evidence and would like to give it to you. Please contact me if you see this message.]After reading the text, Nyla tightened her grip on her phone but didn't rush to reply.Cyrus had been in custody for a while, and this person was just now reaching out. It seemed a bit suspicious.After a moment of consideration, she decided to ignore it for the time being.If the other party was genuinely desperate
"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