"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
Seeing Clark's pleading look, Nyla wondered how he had the nerve to seek her out. And to ask her to help for the sake of the love they once shared?If she could go back in time, she would have thrown the flowers right back at him and told him to get lost when he confessed his feelings."I can't help you. You caused this, and you should face the consequences," she said.She brushed past him and headed for the elevator.Nyla had barely taken two steps when he grabbed her hand.Clark's eyes were bloodshot, and his once-handsome face was contorted with rage, making him look somewhat terrifying."Nyla, are you really this heartless? When we divorced, you took over 700,000 dollars from me, and now you won't even ask Damon for help? I'll ask you one more time: Are you going to help me or not?!" Clark's eyes were wide with resentment, and his breathing was ragged.Nyla's heart sank.Clark was clearly agitated. Who knew what he might do if she refused?"Fine… I'll talk to him for you.
Although Clark was holding Nyla, her displeasure was evident.Clearly, she was unhappy with the situation. Additionally, his hand was concealed inside her coat, which seemed highly suspicious."What are you doing here?" Damon demanded.His cold gaze settled on Clark as he tapped lightly on the desk, emanating an oppressive aura.Clark leaned closer to Nyla and whispered, "Speak."His hand, hidden behind Nyla, shifted slightly, causing her to go rigid.At that moment, Damon finally realized what felt so off.His eyes turned icy as he fixed his sharp gaze on Clark. It was as if it could cut through him at any moment."Clark, it seems you really want to join your father!" Damon threatened.Intimidated by Damon's aura, Clark's hand on Nyla's waist trembled.He took a deep breath and forced himself to meet Damon's eyes. "Uncle Damon, if I hadn't done this, you wouldn't have agreed to see me, right?""I'm giving you three seconds to let her go. Otherwise, I'll ensure you understan
Clark shook his head. "How could that be? I just hope you understand that someone with nothing can be fearless."He turned and left after speaking.Back in the car, Clark shook his sleeve, and a knife fell out, its blade glinting coldly.He picked it up and sneered. If Damon hadn't agreed earlier, this knife would have been pressed against Nyla's neck.He wouldn't have done that unless absolutely necessary, though. After all, Nyla was once his wife.…Only Nyla and Damon remained in the office.The room fell into silence, with neither of them speaking.Nyla took a deep breath and looked at Damon. "Mr. Sumner, I'm really sorry about this morning. I didn't expect him to show up and use me to threaten you."Damon frowned. "You don't need to apologize for what Clark did."Her pale face clearly indicated Clark's actions had shaken her.."I also caused you trouble, and I appreciate you saving me. If there's nothing else, I'll get back to work now," Nyla added.As she turned to le
"Maybe," Nyla answered.Damon released her and stepped back, his expression returning to its usual coldness."Alright. I won't bother you again until I've sorted things out with Rebecca," he promised.After Nyla left, Damon dialed an international number. "How's the investigation progressing?""Mr. Sumner, we're still looking into it. However, Ms. Austen's previous hospital was a private facility with strict privacy protections, so I haven't been able to access her medical records yet," the other party reported."I want results within three days!" Damon barked.After ending the call, Damon set his phone down, his eyes icy with frustration. Rebecca had better not be lying to him!Spencer knocked and entered the office with several documents. "Mr. Sumner, these are the files for this afternoon's meeting.""Mm." Damon glanced up and said in a low voice, "Send someone to keep an eye on Clark. Make sure he doesn't get a chance to approach Nyla again."Spencer hesitated for a moment
Then, Stefan was enveloped by the fragrance.When Valarie's arms wrapped around his waist, his body stiffened as though he had been struck by an electric jolt.Before he could respond, she had already released him.Smiling, she said, "Thanks for dinner and for showing me around campus tonight. Goodnight.""G-Goodnight..." Stefan stammered.As Valarie walked away, the faint scent of gardenias lingered for a moment before fading, leaving Stefan with an inexplicable sense of loss.He stood there, watching her car until it disappeared from view. Only then did he snap back to reality and head toward his dorm.Just as he reached the building, his phone rang. Seeing the name "Michelle" on the screen, he hesitated before stepping aside to answer."What do you want?" he asked."Nothing much. Just wondering how things are going with Valarie," Michelle replied."It's whatever. If that's all, I'm hanging up," Stefan said.A cold laugh echoed from the other end of the line. "Stefan, if y
"Fine, Brandon. Don't regret this!" Jayden snapped and hung up the phone.Brandon set his phone down and walked out of his office.…When Jayden returned to the hospital ward, Michelle looked at him with anticipation. "Jayden, what did Brandon say? Did he agree to come?"Meeting Michelle's hopeful gaze, Jayden pressed his lips together and lowered his eyes, unable to meet hers. "Michelle... Brandon's been really busy with work lately, so he doesn't have time to visit. But once he's less busy, he'll come see you—""You don't have to lie to me," Michelle cut him off, her gaze falling as she gave a self-deprecating smile. "He's not busy… He just doesn't want to come, does he?""Michelle..." Jayden walked over to the bedside, wanting to comfort her, but he didn't know what to say."Jayden, can I have some time alone?" Michelle asked quietly.Seeing the heartbreak on her face, Jayden felt a sharp pang of sadness. He also felt a growing sense of unfairness toward her.She had been i
Valarie raised an eyebrow and called Stefan.The call was answered almost immediately, followed by a nervous voice. "V-Veevee? You're calling me?""Did I interrupt anything?" Valarie asked."N-No! Not at all! I'm just surprised, that's all," Stefan replied.Valarie smiled. "Have you eaten yet?""I... uh... n-not yet... There's a new menu in the cafeteria. It's really good. Want to come try it?" Stefan asked.His cautious, hopeful tone tugged at Valarie's heart."Sure. Give me 20 minutes," Valarie said.After hanging up, she drove straight to Saintosh University.…The moment Valarie parked near the entrance, she saw Stefan walking toward her.She stepped out of the car and met him halfway. "Have you been waiting for me this whole time?"Stefan shook his head. "No, I just got here."As he spoke, he avoided her gaze, his eyes darting nervously.They walked across campus together, Stefan eagerly pointing out buildings and landmarks.Valarie laughed. "You know, I actually at
Valarie pushed him away, her expression impassive. "Say that again when the month is over.""You can trust me. I'll keep my promise," Brandon assured her.A flicker of sarcasm crossed Valarie's face, but she remained silent.She walked into the villa, and only once the door clicked shut behind her did Brandon turn and leave.Back in her bedroom, Valarie collapsed onto the couch, pressing her fingers to her throbbing temples.…The following days passed in a blur of work.Valarie was so consumed that she barely had time to eat.Every now and then, her youthful admirer would text her, asking what she was up to. If she had a free moment, she'd send a brief reply. Otherwise, she ignored him.Thankfully, he was tactful enough not to press when she didn't respond.By Friday evening, the preliminary phase of the project was complete, and Valarie finally had the chance to enjoy a proper weekend.She called Nyla, hoping to meet for drinks.There was a brief pause before Nyla's voice
"Just go, Brandon. I don't want to argue with you here," Valarie said.Upon seeing her cold expression, a sharp pain stabbed at Brandon's chest. Without a word, he turned and walked away.Only when his figure disappeared through the restaurant's doors did the young man finally release Valarie's hand."Are you okay, Veevee?" he asked softly.Valarie exhaled, offering a small smile. "I'm fine. Let's finish eating."But throughout the rest of the meal, she was clearly distracted.The young man noticed and did his best to make her laugh, but her mood remained subdued.After dinner, Valarie offered to drive him back to his university.The drive was quiet, her energy subdued—nothing like the lively spirit she'd had when they first met up.When they reached the campus gate, he turned to her. "Veevee, do you... still have feelings for that guy from earlier?"Valarie hesitated before answering, "No, I'm just tired. Don't overthink it. Get some rest.""When can I see you again? I'll t
Valarie frowned and coldly asked, "Brandon, what are you doing here?"Brandon glared at her, frustration thick in his voice. "Valarie, I should be the one asking you that. You promised me that if I stayed away from Michelle for a month, you'd forgive me. So why are you here, on a date with another man?"His tone dripped with jealousy, but Valarie remained unfazed."I did say that," she replied calmly. "But if I remember correctly, we're already broken up. Who I see and what I do is none of your business, is it?"Brandon's face darkened. "You say we're broken up, but I never agreed to that. We just had a fight. And if you're seeing someone else while we're in a rough patch, that's not fair to us, is it?"Before Valarie could respond, the man across from her spoke up. "It's fine, mister. Even if I'm just a backup for her, I'm willing."The words hung in the air, and the entire restaurant fell silent.Brandon's anger flared, and he let out a laugh, though it was devoid of humor. He
Brandon noticed Nyla's cold attitude and sat down in silence. Neither of them spoke until Damon returned with the fruit."Why so quiet?" he asked.Nyla took the bowl of strawberries from his hands. "Nothing to talk about."Damon looked slightly surprised. Nyla rarely made her feelings about someone so obvious.He turned to Brandon and asked, "Did you do something to upset my wife?"Brandon was speechless.He was innocent! He hadn't even seen Nyla recently—how could he have offended her?Then it hit him. Valarie must have told her everything during her visit earlier. That had to be why Nyla was siding with her friend and giving him the cold shoulder.Realizing this, he grew anxious. "Aunt Nyla, I swear, there was nothing going on between me and that friend. Valarie misunderstood.""Oh," Nyla said flatly. "Then go explain it to her. She's the one dating you, after all."Thinking about Valarie's dinner plans that evening, Nyla suddenly chuckled. If Brandon knew about the younger
"I really don't know. I can barely remember how we even started liking each other. By the time I realized it, we already had feelings," Nyla explained.Seeing how serious Nyla looked, Valarie let out a sigh. "Fine. I guess I'll have to figure it out on my own."The two continued chatting for a while. Just as Valarie was about to leave, Damon walked in.She stood up to greet him but frowned slightly when she saw Brandon following behind him. Without a word, she completely ignored him.Brandon's face darkened for a moment, and he was about to say something when Valarie turned to Nyla and said, "Nyla, I'm heading out.""Okay, I'll walk you out," Nyla offered."No need. I've been here so many times—I know the way," Valarie dismissed.Watching Valarie disappear out the door, Brandon hesitated for a moment before turning to Damon. "Uncle Damon, I need to talk to Valarie. Give me ten minutes."Without waiting for a response, he rushed out after her.When he reached the entrance, he s
Nyla knelt in front of Mason and gently said, "Of course.""Thank you, Mommy!" Mason chirped.For the next week, Mason slept with Nyla and Damon every night. Only after he was completely sure they weren't going anywhere did he finally move back to his own room.…As soon as Valarie found out that Nyla and Damon were back, she drove straight to their house.The moment she saw Nyla, her eyes turned red, and she rushed over to hug her tightly. "I thought you were never coming back! You didn't even tell me—you just disappeared! Do you even consider me a friend?!"Nyla gently patted her back. "I didn't want you to worry.""And that's why you just left without a word?! You're a terrible person!" Valarie whined."Okay, okay, I admit it. I'm awful. I'm sorry, alright? Please don't be mad," Nyla coaxed.Valarie scolded her a little more before finally sitting down on the couch. "So now that you're back, you're not going back to Meristate, right?"Nyla shook her head. "Nope. I have not