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.…Melody 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... You—"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.""Alright…" her mother reluctantly agreed.Melody took the payment slip and went to the end of the hallway to call her classmates and friends.…In 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
"I'm just worried about you..." Damon replied.Nyla showed no reaction to his words, merely watching him with a flat expression. "Mr. Sumner, you're my superior, and I'm your subordinate. I don't need your concern."Damon frowned as he spoke quietly. "Nyla, I know you're still upset about what happened before. I—"Nyla cut him off, looking slightly resigned. "I'm not angry. It's all in the past. No matter what you do, I won't get back together with you. I need to rest now. Please leave."She then closed the door.Damon stood at the door for a moment before finally turning and leaving.Back on the sofa, Nyla sat down and contemplated how to uncover the truth.Prospectus Technology was already preparing to sue Contelligence. The email sent to Contelligence had originated from her computer, so the person who had sent the email must have been in contact with Contelligence beforehand.Investigating Contelligence might be the faster route.With this in mind, Nyla called Spencer.Af
"Ms. Jayston, I discovered that Steven has had contact with someone from the Preston Group. However, it appears you have no personal grievances with them, so there would be no reason for them to target you," Pete said.Nyla tightened her grip on the phone. "Actually, there is some personal animosity. I understand the situation now, Mr. Monaghan, so there's no need for further investigation."If you have the time, could you check whether Robert Palfrey from Contelligence has had any contact with employees from Prospectus Technology?""Certainly. I'll look into it right away," Pete replied.After ending the call, Nyla transferred some money to Pete. Once he confirmed receipt, Nyla closed the chat. She placed her phone in her bag, paused for a moment, and then called Damon.The call connected quickly.Damon's voice carried a hint of tension. "Nyla... what's wrong?"Nyla pressed her lips together, a flicker of hesitation in her eyes before she composed herself. "Mr. Sumner, I'm not
Nathaniel called his secretary into the office and said coldly, "Contact Steven and have him prepare to attack Nyla."The secretary, Troy Cantrill, noticed the cracked screen of his phone on the floor and replied, "Understood, Mr. Preston. I'll handle it right away."He picked up the phone, left the office, and immediately ordered a new one to be delivered.…When Steven received the call, he was at a prenatal check-up with his girlfriend.Learning that he needed to attack Nyla, he hesitated. After all, Nathaniel had only instructed him to scare Nyla, not to harm her.Noticing Steven's hesitation, Troy said coldly, "Mr. Abney, do you think that money was easy to come by?"When Nathaniel first approached Steven, he was struggling to meet a request for 80,000 dollars from his girlfriend's parents. They had threatened to force her to have an abortion if he couldn't come up with the money.Nathaniel had found and given him 150,000 dollars to track and harass Nyla. Nathaniel had als
Camila asked him several times, but Steven just said he was too tired from work.After dropping Camila off at home, Steven watched her walk away and made up his mind. He was determined to protect her and the baby, even if it meant committing a crime.He called Troy, gritting his teeth. "I'll do what you asked, but I need to wait until my girlfriend gives birth.""No way. That's too late," Troy replied.Steven sneered. "Mr. Cantrill, I can always tell Nyla what you're planning. You're just looking for a scapegoat. Am I not even allowed to decide on the timing?""If you tell Nyla, there's no telling if your child will even have a chance to be born," Troy warned."Mr. Cantrill, if anything happens to my family, I'll post our phone conversation online. You wouldn't want this to blow up, would you? I just need two months," Steven negotiated.Troy was silent for a moment before saying coldly, "I'll consult with Mr. Preston and get back to you."…Upon hearing this, Nathaniel sneered
Hector sneered. "You certainly have the means to cover her compensation, Mr. Sumner."Damon looked at him and said slowly, "I'd cover her compensation—if she's actually responsible for this.""Who else could it be? The email was sent from her computer. That's a fact, isn't it?" Hector asked.If he weren't afraid of future retaliation from Damon, he'd almost accuse him of deliberately shielding Nyla."It was indeed sent from her computer, but there's no evidence of her communication with Contelligence," Damon replied."That email is evidence enough. What more do you need? Mr. Sumner, are you hesitating to pay?" Hector pressed.If the board were to be the fall guy, he would be the first to refuse!"Mr. Warner, today's meeting is to determine the exact compensation amount, not to discuss whether I'm willing to pay," Damon stated.Hector snorted and fell silent.After an hour of discussion, the agreed-upon compensation amount was 200,000,000 dollars.As the meeting ended, Hector
"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