Nyla wasn't ready to forgive Damon. Could he really force her to fall in love with him again?Damon opened the car door and said calmly, "Get in the car."After having the driver take Rebecca home, Damon returned to his office to continue working. Work was the only thing that temporarily distracted him from thoughts of Nyla.Today, however, for some reason, he couldn't concentrate on the documents in his hands. Frustrated, he tossed the files onto his desk, grabbed his car keys, and left the office.…Once Melody and Gabriel had finished ordering at the restaurant, she looked up at him across the table and commented, "Gabriel, I've never been to such a high-end restaurant before. The food here is so expensive."Gabriel smiled, his voice gentle. "Then you should get used to it."He was already handsome, but with his bright smile under the lights, he looked almost glowing—so good-looking that it was hard to look away.Melody's face flushed instantly, and she quickly looked away.
Gabriel contacted the head of the R&D department at a rival company, smiling as he said, "Mr. Palfrey, I have some details about Prospectus Technology's experimental research. Would you be interested?"…As soon as Nyla arrived at the office the next morning, Melody excitedly shared the details of her dinner with Gabriel from the previous night. "Nyla, he's so gentle and handsome. After last night, I think I like him even more!"Seeing Melody's flushed cheeks and lovestruck expression, Nyla couldn't help but smile. "Take it slow. You've only had one dinner, and you're already so excited.""You're right. But I'll keep trying and aim to win him over soon, so I can become your sister-in-law!" Melody gushed.Nyla's smile brightened. "Go for it. I believe in you!"Just then, the office door opened, and Gabriel walked in, smiling."What are you two so happy about?" he asked.Melody's cheeks flushed again at the sight of him. She shook her head quickly. "Nothing. We need to start the
Valarie sneered. "I didn't name anyone specifically. Why are you so quick to take offense? Have you been a mistress for so long that you're feeling guilty?""You!" Jordyn was about to retort, but Clark held her back."Enough. The auction is about to start. Let's go in," he said.If Jordyn and Valarie started arguing at the entrance, it would only reflect poorly on him.Jordyn shook off his hand, fuming. "Clark, I'm your wife, but you always defend others. Are you still thinking about that tramp, Nyla?"The moment the words left her mouth, Valarie slapped her.The sharp sound of the slap echoed, leaving a red handprint on Jordyn's face."How dare you hit me?!" Jordyn hissed, raising her hand to strike Valarie, but the latter grabbed her wrist and slapped her again on the other side of her face.Valarie smirked. "That's better. If you keep running your mouth about tramps, I won't let you off the hook!"Jordyn, furious, tried to fight back, but Valarie pushed her into Clark's arm
Nyla glanced away, her expression neutral, and lowered her gaze without saying anything.Valarie, sounding somewhat aggrieved, remarked, "I really don't understand what Damon sees in her. She dumped him years ago, and now he's getting back with her? It's like he's begging for humiliation!"Upon thinking about how Damon had left Nyla for Rebecca, Valarie's irritation flared."Enough about him. The auction's about to start, and you don't want to miss out on the jewelry you're interested in," Nyla reminded her."No worries. The piece I want is the final item," Valarie replied.While they spoke, Jordyn, who sat diagonally behind them, watched with barely concealed resentment. She placed a hand on her lower abdomen and frowned. "Clark, my stomach hurts a bit. I'm going to the restroom."Clark's impatience flickered in his eyes. "What's the matter? The auction is about to begin."Jordyn, who had never been to such an event before, noticed that everyone was dressed casually, and it wou
After a moment of hesitation, Jordyn decided to cancel her plans with the waiter.Rebecca was right—there would be plenty of chances to deal with Nyla later. There was no need to act hastily without confidence in her success. Let Nyla stay arrogant a little longer!…Back at the event, the auction was already underway.The current item up for bid was a pink diamond necklace. The main diamond was heart-shaped, surrounded by 99 smaller diamonds that sparkled like stars around the moon. It was breathtaking, and Jordyn's attention was instantly captivated."Clark, this necklace is stunning. I want it. Can you bid on it for me?" she asked.Clark didn't respond, but his gaze remained fixed on the necklace. He imagined how beautiful it would look on Nyla's neck. During his business trips, he often bought her necklaces, as her collarbones were so elegant that any jewelry seemed to enhance her beauty.The bidding for the necklace soon began.When Clark didn't answer her, Jordyn frowned
Damon remained indifferent, showing no sign that he had heard Rebecca or intended to respond.Rebecca's smile faltered slightly, her nails digging into her palm. After a few seconds, she managed to compose herself and looked away casually.Soon after, Damon bought several more sets of jewelry, drawing even more envious glances from onlookers toward Rebecca.Valarie, seated at the back, felt a wave of nausea. She couldn't believe that Damon was buying so much jewelry for Rebecca.When he had been with Nyla, he had never given her anything. Valarie felt a deep sense of injustice on Nyla's behalf.Beside her, Nyla remained composed, showing no sign of emotion.…After more than half an hour, the time had finally come for the centerpiece of the auction—"The Lone Tear".As soon as the cover was lifted, a collective gasp rippled through the crowd.The jewelry was even more breathtaking up close than in the photographs.The centerpiece was a massive diamond necklace with a main ston
Rebecca blushed slightly and whispered, "You've already bought me so many pieces of jewelry tonight. You've spent too much money. I just thought this set was pretty. I don't want you to spend any more."Even as she spoke, her gaze kept drifting back to the jewelry on stage, her eyes betraying her unspoken desire.At that moment, Valarie raised her paddle and, through gritted teeth, said, "9,000,000 dollars!"This was her limit. Any higher, and she wouldn't be able to keep bidding. Her offer was a significant jump from the previous bid, and the room fell into an eerie silence as all eyes turned to her.No one immediately raised their paddles.Valarie gripped hers tightly, silently praying that no one else would bid."9,000,000 dollars, going once!"A few others interested in the jewelry hesitated, unsure if they wanted to raise the stakes.The set was undeniably beautiful, and owning it would make anyone the center of attention at any event. But 9,000,000 dollars? Spending that
The crowd turned in shock at the sound of the new voice.They had been expecting a wealthy heir from Saintornia, but instead, a young man stood before them—someone they didn't recognize.Murmurs rippled through the room."Who is that? I've never seen him before.""No idea, but anyone bold enough to bid 20,000,000 dollars must be important."...Next to Gabriel, Melody was so shocked that her phone slipped from her hand, clattering to the floor.She whispered, "Gabriel, are you crazy? Where are you getting that kind of money?""Don't worry. If I'm making an offer, I can afford it," Gabriel replied confidently.Damon glanced over his shoulder at Gabriel, his eyes narrowing dangerously.Their gazes locked, and for a brief moment, the air between them crackled with unspoken tension.Valarie, equally stunned, quickly turned to Nyla. "Nyla, your brother's been abroad for years. When did he get so rich? I should've gone abroad too."Nyla was at a loss for words. She was just as sh
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