Damon clenched his jaw, and anger flared in his eyes. "You were the one who started this. When it ends is up to me."Nyla looked at him coldly. "Damon, don't you think you're being unreasonable? If you really cared about me, you wouldn't have reconciled with Rebecca. Now you're coming back to bother me. Do you want me to be your mistress?"Damon's gaze was icy. "I said I'd need three months.""I've also said that I'm not willing. If you truly feel even a shred of guilt, then stop bothering me," Nyla retorted.She grabbed her bag and turned to leave.Only after she got into the car did her emotions settle.…Back at the restaurant, Damon sat stiffly, his presence radiating coldness.Suddenly, his phone rang.As soon as he answered, a panicked voice came through. "Mr. Damon, you need to come back to the Sumner residence immediately!"…By the time Damon arrived at the residence, over an hour had passed.Walking into the living room, he saw Clark sprawled on the floor—his hair
If Richard really let Clark return to the Sumner Group, who knew? It might just go bankrupt one day."You can go now. There's no need for you to come here anymore. Your affairs are no longer my concern, and I won't deal with you again," Richard said.Clark's eyes flashed with panic as he realized that Richard was truly disappointed in him. He quickly crawled forward and grabbed Richard's leg."Grandpa, I know I was wrong! Please forgive me this once. I promise I'll listen to everything you say from now on," he pleaded.Richard looked down at him, his gaze void of emotion. "I've given you too many chances, and you've never appreciated them. From now on, you're on your own. Whatever you do, you'll have to face the consequences yourself."With that, he turned and left.Clark tried to chase after him, but the service staff stopped him. "Please leave, Mr. Clark.""Get out of my way!" Clark's voice was commanding, but the service staff didn't budge.As Damon stood to leave, he passed
Jordyn hadn't expected Clark to hit her. Too stunned to react, she stumbled back several steps. If she hadn't grabbed onto the cabinet by the entrance, she would have fallen.Her face turned pale as she clutched her stomach, tears welling up in her eyes. "Clark... I'm pregnant... How could you hit me?"Clark sneered. "Why couldn't I? I warned you to take care of yourself and rest, but you stabbed me in the back the first chance you got. You're just a liability. We're getting the divorce papers tomorrow!"Shock flashed across Jordyn's face as she stared at Clark, taking a few moments to process his words."No! I don't agree to a divorce! I won't divorce you!" Jordyn cried.She had worked so hard to marry Clark, and she would rather die than leave him."You don't get a say in this! After the divorce, you can keep the baby or get rid of it. I don't care!" Clark shouted.Realizing he wasn't bluffing, Jordyn panicked. She grabbed his arm, sobbing. "Clark, you can't do this to me! If
Nyla's expression hardened. "We're already divorced. If you show up here again, I'll call the police again."Clark appeared hurt by her words, gazing at her sorrowfully. "I didn't know you hated me this much now..."Nyla turned her head away, unwilling to look at his seemingly affectionate face—it only made her feel sick.After gathering all the necessary information, the police took Clark to the station for questioning. He was eventually bailed out by Jordyn.As soon as Clark exited the police station, he began to walk away, but Jordyn quickly grabbed his arm. "Clark, I know I acted impulsively this time, but we already have a child. Even if you don't care for me, you should think about the child. Besides, if you divorce me now, people will assume you're guilty, and your reputation will suffer even more."Clark coldly shrugged her off. "I don't need your fake kindness. My reputation's already ruined—how much worse can it get? Staying with you will only drag me down further."Aft
Nyla didn't pay any attention to Clark as she walked right past him.Unexpectedly, Clark followed her to her car. "Nyla, if you just take the flowers and breakfast, I'll leave."Nyla frowned, barely holding back the urge to snap at him.Just as she was about to respond, an angry voice cut through the air. "Clark, stay away from Nyla!"Both Clark and Nyla turned to see Gabriel approaching.A flicker of surprise crossed Clark's face before he forced a smile. "Gabriel, what are you doing here?"Gabriel's expression was cold and unyielding. "You and Nyla are divorced. Stay away from her, or you'll have to deal with me!"Clark's smile faded slightly, and his tone chilled. "What happens between Nyla and me is none of your business. Don't forget, you're just her stepbrother. Don't think too highly of yourself!"Gabriel's face darkened immediately.Before he could reply, the sound of an engine starting broke the tense silence—Nyla had driven off without saying another word.The two m
However, that didn't matter anymore. All Jordyn wanted was to stay by Clark's side."When I was talking business with Mr. Durant earlier, there was an accident. I saved his life, and he promised me a favor," Jordyn explained.Clark frowned. "Why didn't you tell me this sooner?"If Jordyn had told him earlier, he wouldn't have had to forge Prospectus Technology's name to sign contracts with other companies.Not wanting to continue the topic, Jordyn changed the subject. "Did you go see Nyla this morning?""How did you know?" Clark asked.Seeing the accusatory look on his face, Jordyn smiled bitterly. "A friend of mine lives nearby. She saw you and sent me a picture. We're still married, and you're already chasing after Nyla?"Clark rubbed his nose, feeling a little regretful about seeing Nyla earlier. He hadn't expected Jordyn to convince Albert to sign the contract."Jordyn, let's not dwell on the past. You helped me through this, and from now on, I'll be good to you and our chi
Disbelief flashed across Rebecca's eyes."Why? Don't you like her?" she asked."You just need to remember she's not someone you can mess with. I'm returning to the country soon, so you'd better not make any moves. Otherwise, you won't be able to handle the consequences!" Drake warned.Rebecca froze for a moment, but before she could react, the video call ended.After tossing his phone onto the table, Drake's expression turned into one of extreme excitement.Finally, he had found her!…Meanwhile, Rebecca stared at her now blank phone screen, her gaze cold. What did Drake mean by saying Nyla was off-limits? And his reaction—it didn't seem like he was romantically interested in her.After all, if Drake were interested in a woman, he would first have private photos of her taken, then use those to coerce her into sleeping with him.The more Rebecca thought about it, the stranger Drake's attitude seemed. There had to be something more going on!No matter how hard she tried, she
Nyla knew there was no way Harrison didn't realize she would be at a disadvantage once he accepted the money. But he took it anyway.She had lost—not to the Sumners, but to Harrison.She looked up at Richard, about to speak, when the door to the private room suddenly swung open.Damon walked in, his expression cold as he stared at Richard. "Dad, I remember telling you not to bother her."Richard's scowl deepened, and he replied icily, "Didn't you just say yesterday that we've cut ties? What does it matter to you if I bother her or not?"Damon nodded. "You're right. In that case, Prospectus Technology will have issues with the Sumner Group too.""This is outrageous! You're going to turn against the Sumner Group just for a woman?" Richard bellowed.Damon remained silent, but his gaze spoke volumes.From the moment Damon entered the room, Nyla only glanced at him once before ignoring him completely.She fixed her eyes on Richard and said, "Mr. Richard, I'll withdraw the lawsuit a
"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