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
200,000,000 dollars! Damon had spent that amount just to buy her a piece of jewelry!Rebecca couldn't help but turn to Nyla with a triumphant smile. It was clear now that Damon's greatest love was her, and Nyla didn't even compare.She had expected to see resentment or jealousy in Nyla's eyes but was surprised when Nyla simply met her gaze calmly before looking away.Rebecca frowned, feeling as though she was hitting a brick wall. Nyla must be pretending to be calm—she was probably seething with jealousy!Soon, someone came to collect Damon's signature and process the payment.After completing the transaction, the staff brought over all the jewelry Damon had bid on, with The Lone Tear on top.When Damon opened the jewelry box, The Lone Tear sparkled brilliantly under the lights, drawing everyone's attention.Although the auction was over, most people stayed behind, their eyes glued to the piece of jewelry in Damon's hands. Some even wondered if he was going to propose to Rebecca
Because of Damon's actions, everyone in the venue was now watching them.Rebecca bit her lip hard, her eyes filled with anger and resentment. Damon was giving The Lone Tear to Nyla right in front of everyone!She could already imagine the crowd's scornful whispers. The more she thought about it, the more she hated Nyla.The venue fell silent for a few seconds before murmurs of voices erupted."What's going on? Why is Damon giving The Lone Tear to Nyla? Isn't he supposed to be with Rebecca?""And if I remember correctly, Nyla was his niece-in-law, right? The Sumners are so extravagant.""This is disgusting. Nyla just divorced Clark not long ago. Were they already involved before the divorce?"Hearing the sneers and disdainful comments around them, Valarie fumed."What are you all talking about?! Nyla's divorce from Clark was because Clark cheated on her with Jordyn. It has nothing to do with Damon!" she barked.Few people knew about Nyla and Damon's relationship. If Damon hadn'
"Also... Rebecca is probably furious tonight. She might even reveal your relationship with Damon," Valarie said, her eyes filled with concern.She was deeply upset with Damon. Although Nyla and Damon had broken up, he had publicly given her jewelry! As the CEO of Prospectus Technology, no one dared to criticize him openly, but had he considered what Nyla might face as a result?Valarie was relieved they had broken up. Otherwise, Nyla would have endured even more with such a domineering man.Nyla pursed her lips and replied calmly, "It's fine. I anticipated something like this might happen when I agreed to be with him."She had once hoped that when this day came, he would be by her side."Let's just go. We'll deal with it if things really blow up," Valarie suggested.Nyla nodded. "Okay."…Back home, Nyla rested in the living room for a while. Just as she was about to wash up and go to bed, the doorbell rang.Seeing Gabriel at the door, Nyla frowned, remembering how he had driv
"Yes! I've loved him for so many years, and now I only have three months left to live. I can't accept this!" Rebecca cried out, her voice breaking.Nathaniel managed a wry smile. "And what about me? I've loved you for years. Why won't you ever turn and look at me?"He had always believed that as long as Rebecca was happy, that was enough. But seeing her heartbroken over Damon now felt like a vice around his chest, nearly suffocating him.If she truly had only three months left, why couldn't he at least try for himself?Rebecca was momentarily stunned, clearly caught off guard.After a long pause, she spoke softly. "Nathaniel, I've always considered you just a friend.""But I don't want to be just your friend," Nathaniel said firmly.Rebecca bit her lip in frustration. "I'm your good friend's girlfriend. We can't—"Before she could finish, a shadow suddenly fell over her.Nathaniel's lips met Rebecca's before she had a chance to react."Mmph!" She shook her head and tried to p
Spencer felt helpless. The issue was that Nyla might not even want to see Damon.Although Damon was exceptionally skilled in managing the company and business, Spencer believed he was too overbearing in relationships, focusing solely on his own perspective and never considering Nyla's feelings.Even without Rebecca, it was possible that he and Nyla would have eventually broken up.Watching Damon's departing figure, Spencer sighed and did not attempt to stop him.…Damon reached the hospital room and was about to knock on the door when it opened from the inside.Upon seeing Damon, Valarie's eyes filled with anger. She said coldly, "Damon, are you here to gloat over how badly you've hurt Nyla?"Damon frowned as he spoke in a low, tense voice. "How is she right now?""Don't worry. She won't die. But if you keep bothering her, who knows what might happen next time?!" Valarie retorted.Her sarcastic tone only increased Damon's impatience. "Ms. Weir, I admit I didn't handle things w
Facing Nyla's cold, unyielding gaze, any explanation seemed inadequate.Damon lowered his eyes and said in a deep voice, "You don't need to worry about this. I'll handle it.""Whether you handle it or not is irrelevant to me. I'm planning to resign," Nyla said flatly.A cold glint flashed in Damon's eyes. "Nyla, I've already told you I won't let you resign.""You are not important to me and have no right to interfere in my decisions. I'm simply giving you advance notice that you need to find someone to replace me. This isn't up for discussion," Nyla stated firmly.A heavy silence settled in the room, creating a stifling atmosphere between them.After an indeterminate amount of time, Damon's hoarse voice broke the silence. "Do you really despise me this much? Would you rather resign than continue working at Prospectus Technology?"Nyla frowned.While her decision to resign was partly because she didn't want to continue dealing with Damon, it was also because she needed time to s
Nathaniel had expected that, after last night, Rebecca would want to be with him. He was shocked to realize she had never even considered breaking up with Damon."What do you mean? If you're not planning to break up, then what was last night all about?!" he demanded."Last night was just an accident. Let's pretend it never happened. Besides, Damon is your good friend. If he finds out that you slept with his girlfriend, it will damage your friendship," Rebecca said."Pretend nothing happened? Do you think that's possible?" Nathaniel questioned.He angrily grabbed Rebecca's hand and said emphatically, "Damon doesn't have any feelings for you anymore. When are you going to realize that?"Rebecca slapped him, her eyes blazing with anger. "This is between me and him. It's none of your business!"Nathaniel, furious, managed a bitter smile. "Fine! So be it!"He quickly gathered his clothes from the floor, dressed, and stormed out, slamming the door behind him with a loud bang.Once he
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