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
If Damon hadn't fallen for Nyla, he would have remained with Rebecca for the following three months. With Nyla refusing to wait any longer, he didn't want to delay her either."I was wrong to promise you I'd be with you for the next three months as your boyfriend. If you have any other conditions, let me know. I'll do my best to meet them," Damon said."What else can you offer me besides money and a place to live? Not to mention, we used to be together, and I risked my life to save you. All I asked for was your company for three months. Is that really too much to ask?" Rebecca pressed.Damon fell silent for a few seconds.Under Rebecca's disbelieving gaze, he finally nodded. "Yes. Rebecca, I'll never forget what you did for me, but I can't repay it with feelings. I'm sorry."Continuing to be with Rebecca would only hurt Nyla more and drive her further away. Damon couldn't imagine life without Nyla.Rebecca smiled self-deprecatingly, tears streaming down her face. "Damon, I really
"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