Not long after Nyla's car hit the road, she sensed something was amiss. She deliberately changed directions several times, but the black car continued to follow her.She frowned in concern. It was clear that the unmarked car was tailing her.After a moment of consideration, she decided to turn around and head in the opposite direction from her home.โฆAbout ten minutes later, Nyla parked her car in front of the police station.The car following her finally realized something was wrong and tried to leave, but the police quickly stopped it.Officers swiftly detained the occupant of the car.Only after confirming her safety did Nyla get out of her vehicle."Ms. Jayston, please come with us to make a statement," an officer requested.Nyla nodded and glanced at the person being led into the police station. He appeared to be in his early 20s, with a square face and plain featuresโone of those faces that blended into a crowd.Nyla was certain she had never seen him before.The man
"Fine," Valarie conceded.As Nyla sat across from Valarie, the latter hesitated after taking a careful spoonful of oatmeal and asked, "Nyla... I didn't make too much of a scene last night after getting drunk, did I?"She vaguely remembered crying on Nyla's shoulder and being quite loud about it. It was so embarrassing...Nyla raised an eyebrow. "Now you're worried about being embarrassed?"Valarie could only look down in silence. If she had known she would be so out of control while drunk, she would have avoided alcohol altogether and not even gone to the bar last night."Did something happen yesterday that made you drink so much?" Nyla asked.Valarie's gaze dimmed as she looked down and murmured, "I'd rather not talk about it."Nyla didn't press further and nodded. "If you don't want to talk about it, that's fine. Just finish your oatmeal. I'll take you to work after you shower."Valarie thought for a moment and declined, "No need. My company is in the opposite direction from
"Alright. I understand," Pete answered.After hanging up, Nyla sat on the sofa, contemplating who could be behind the situation. Whoever knew about the Harris Pharmaceuticals incident and could track down Steven to use him against her must hold significant power.When Valarie emerged from the bathroom, she noticed Nyla staring off into space on the sofa. She walked over and waved her hand in front of Nyla's face. "What's got you so lost in thought?"Nyla snapped out of her reverie, shook her head, and stood up. "Nothing much. Let's go."โฆOn the other side, Nathaniel was fuming when he learned that Steven's tracking had been discovered."What's he doing? He was caught right awayโwhat a useless fool!" he scolded.His secretary kept their head down, waiting for Nathaniel to calm down before cautiously suggesting, "Mr. Preston, it might be best to stop Steven from tracking Nyla any further. Otherwise, it could lead back to us."Nathaniel's expression remained grim.After a long p
Nyla's eyes were cold. "I didn't do it and won't admit to it."Spencer sighed. "Ms. Jayston, it's not about whether you admit it or not right now."The evidence was clear. If Prospectus Technology decided to sue, it would almost certainly go through.Nyla remained silent for a few seconds before quietly saying, "Give me three days."Spencer replied, "I need to consult the board on this. The development of this asthma medication has cost the company hundreds of millions, and the board is very concerned. I can't make this decision on my own."Nyla nodded. "Alright, I understand. Thank you, Mr. Hogg."After Spencer and the others left, Melody quickly moved to Nyla's side. "Nyla, I believe you didn't do this. Think carefullyโwas there anyone who might have accessed your computer last week?"Nyla lowered her gaze. The email had been scheduled for 1:30 p.m., meaning either someone controlled her computer remotely or used it during her lunch break to set up the email.Since she was a
Seeing Nyla's change in expression, Damon asked, "What's wrong? Did you remember something?""Mr. Sumner, I need to check on something. I'll head back now," Nyla said.As she turned to leave, Damon's gaze grew serious. He stood up suddenly and grabbed her wrist, speaking softly. "Nyla, you can rely on me. I've made things clear with Rebecca, and we've broken up. I hope you can give me a chance to protect you."His words were earnest, but Nyla pulled her hand away as if she had been pricked."Mr. Sumner, from the moment we broke up, there's no going back. Whether you've broken up with Rebecca or not, I won't reconsider," she said.With that, Nyla turned and walked out.Watching her leave, Damon slowly tightened his fists, his expression showing a hint of defeat. He knew Nyla was deeply disappointed in him and wouldn't easily give him another chance.โฆAfter leaving Damon's office, Nyla went straight to find Melody.The lab had been busy recently, and Nyla usually skipped lunch.
As Melody spoke, she kept her eyes locked on Gabriel's. His eyes widened slightly, turning her suspicion into certainty."Why are you doing this to Nyla? Isn't she like a sister to you?" she demanded.Initially shocked, Gabriel quickly regained his usual gentle demeanor. "Melody, what are you talking about? I don't understand.""No one understands better than you. Did you put sleeping pills in the coffee you've been sending us?" Melody pressed.Her tone was firm, and her eyes burned with anger as she stared at Gabriel.He had been so considerate, claiming that working in the lab every day was exhausting, so he would send coffee to help them stay awake. He had even asked her not to tell Nyla.Blinded by love, she had believed he genuinely wanted to build a good relationship with Nyla. Looking back now, she felt foolish!She had handed Nyla the very coffee that led to the data leak scandal. The more she thought about it, the more distressed she became, and her eyes welled up with
The situation needed to escalate. If Nyla wasn't pushed to her limits, she wouldn't willingly stay by his side.Gabriel's smile deepened. He was confident that soon he would be with Nyla.โฆMelody cried bitterly in the taxi on her way home. She hadn't expected that the first man she ever liked would use her to scheme against Nyla, and worse... Nyla was his sister.When she got home, she cried again.It took several hours for her emotions to settle. Just as she was about to call Nyla to tell her what she had discovered, a news alert popped up on her phone screen.[Prospectus Technology's experimental data leaked. The culprit is a researcher with a personal vendetta against Prospectus Technology's CEO. Was this done out of revenge or for profit?]Melody clicked on the link and found a sensationalist article. Not only did it accuse Nyla of leaking the data, but it also exposed Nyla's past relationship with Damon.The article implied that Nyla had leaked the data out of spite after
Melody took the payment slip with a deep breath. "Mom, go back to the ward and take care of Dad. I'll figure out the money."Her mother looked apologetic and uneasy. "Melody, I'm sorry... We don't have the money, and we're causing you trouble..."She knew her daughter didn't have that much money either. Apart from borrowing, there seemed to be no other way.Her mother suggested, "Maybe I can ask your uncle for a loan... Youโ"Before she could finish, Melody interrupted, "Mom, we've already borrowed a lot from him for the apartment down payment. We haven't even started repaying it yet, and asking for more might upset my aunt. I'll find a way, so don't worry.""Alrightโฆ" her mother reluctantly agreed.Melody took the payment slip and went to the end of the hallway to call her classmates and friends.โฆIn the CEO's office of Prospectus Technology, Damon looked grim as he stared at Spencer. "Didn't I tell you that this matter must not be leaked?"Spencer felt distressed. He had in
"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, Iโ 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 shouldโ"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.โฆOn 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 detailโfrom 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 anyoneโI 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 subtlyโor sometimes not so subtlyโhint 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 herโbuilding 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 meetingโit 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