Nyla responded to the message and transferred some money before putting her phone away and heading to the bathroom with her clothes.…Meanwhile, Damon received a call from Spencer on his way home."Mr. Sumner, a gossip account just posted a photo of Ms. Austen and Mr. Preston kissing at a restaurant, claiming she's cheating on you with him. The Internet is blowing up with people saying you've been played. Should we address it?" Spencer reported.Damon's expression remained icy. "Ignore it. Let them handle it themselves."He had already broken up with Rebecca. Whoever she was with now was none of his concern."Understood," Spencer replied.As soon as Damon hung up, his phone rang again.Seeing Rebecca's name on the screen, he hesitated but eventually answered. "I assume you've made up your mind about what you want?"There was a brief silence on the other end before Rebecca's voice, filled with a touch of desperation, came through. "Damon, I called to explain. The picture of me
Nathaniel cut her off. "If you really don't want to upset me, then go public about your breakup with Damon right now and announce our relationship."Rebecca fell silent, frustration and hesitation flashing in her eyes.She couldn't understand why Nathaniel, who had always been so accommodating, was suddenly pushing her like this.She had just told Damon that she and Nathaniel were only friends. If she turned around and made their relationship public, how would Damon perceive her?"Nathaniel, do you really have to force me?" she asked.Nathaniel chuckled. "Rebecca, it's because you've never given me any security in this relationship that we're at this point. Either you make it public or never show up in front of me again. If I don't see an announcement by 8:00 a.m. tomorrow, I'll assume you've made your choice."Before she could respond, he hung up.Rebecca frantically tried to call him back several times, but he didn't answer. It was clear—he was forcing her to choose.She was
When Wren heard that the compensation could amount to hundreds of millions, her face went pale with fear, and she nearly fainted.She recalled that when she married Harrison, his pharmaceutical company was valued at about that amount. How could a few leaked data points now be worth the same?Walking out of the police station in a daze, Wren felt lost, unsure where to go or whom to turn to. If Gabriel ended up in prison, his life would be ruined!She deeply regretted not preventing him from returning to the country. At least things wouldn't have escalated to this point.Wait, Nyla!As Wren considered that all this trouble began because of Nyla, anger flared in her eyes.She took a cab to Nyla's place and pounded on the door, but there was no response.Wren tried calling her, but the call remained ongoing, indicating that Nyla had likely blocked her number. Frustrated, she gave up and returned to the hospital to inform Harrison of the situation.To her surprise, Harrison sided wi
The lawyer beside Gabriel quickly began negotiating the compensation with Prospectus Technology's legal representative.Once they agreed on the amount, the Prospectus Technology lawyer returned to the company to inform Damon.Damon's expression remained cold. "He can afford to pay hundreds of millions?"Previously, Damon had investigated Gabriel and discovered that he was merely a researcher for a pharmaceutical company in Meristate. Regardless of his capabilities, it was unlikely he had accumulated such a fortune in just a few years.The lawyer handed Damon a check. "Mr. Sumner, this is the check Gabriel has issued."Damon glanced at the check with a cold stare.Clearly, he had underestimated Gabriel. The fact that Gabriel could issue a check for hundreds of millions indicated there were aspects about him Damon had not yet discovered."I understand. You may leave now," Damon said dismissively.After returning the check to the lawyer, Damon's demeanor reverted to its usual indi
Melody couldn't meet Nyla's gaze. She looked away and let out a wry chuckle. "My mom was under his control at the time. If I didn't do what he said, she might have died.""Why didn't you call the police?" Nyla asked."I was too scared... Nyla, no matter what, I'm really sorry. I've already transferred the 30,000 dollars back to you. I don't expect you to forgive me, but I hope you don't hate me," Melody pleaded.Seeing Melody's guilt and her red eyes, Nyla pressed her lips together. "I don't hate you, and I understand. If I were in your situation, I'd probably make the same choice. You don't need to feel guilty, but we can't be friends anymore."Melody stared in disbelief. She had prepared herself for harsh words but hadn't expected understanding instead.Tears welled up as she covered her face, choking out, "Thank you…"Nyla handed her a couple of tissues and, without another word, stood up and left.As she stepped out of the cafe, the shadow of betrayal that had been clouding
Damon finished ordering the dishes and looked up at Nyla. "Is there anything else you'd like? Let's order two more."Nyla took the menu and added two more dishes.When Damon heard the names, his eyes brightened with surprise. "I didn't expect you to remember what I like..."Nyla's expression remained neutral. "Mr. Sumner, I also like these two dishes.""I see," Damon replied.Nyla pretended not to notice the disappointment and loneliness in his eyes. She poured a glass of red wine for both of them and raised her glass."Mr. Sumner, I'm very grateful for your help during my time at Prospectus Technology, and for saving me several times. I'd like to toast to you. I'll finish my glass. You can drink as you please," she said.Damon tried to stop her, but it was too late. He watched as she downed half a glass of wine in one go. His gaze grew somber as he lifted his glass and drank it in one gulp.When Nyla reached for the wine bottle again, he stopped her. "Drinking too much isn't g
The delicate feel of Nyla's skin against Damon's hand darkened his gaze.Nyla's eyes were closed. Under the soft light above her, her curled lashes cast shadows on her cheeks, like a butterfly poised to take flight.Damon gazed at her serene, sleeping face, his eyes filled with affection and tenderness.He wasn't going to give up that easily. Even if she pushed him away a thousand times, he would keep trying until she was ready to start over with him.A server approached with their dishes, surprised to see Nyla asleep. "Sir, should we bring the food out now, or...""There's no need. Just bring me the bill," Damon replied.The server hesitated for a moment but quickly nodded. "Alright. I'll get that for you right away."After settling the bill, Damon gently picked up Nyla and left the restaurant.…When Nyla woke up again, she found herself in a bedroom. She sat up abruptly, eyes wide in shock. Only after noticing she was wearing pajamas did she finally relax.Wasn't she havin
After a few rings, the call connected."Mr. Sumner, I'm really sorry about last night. I accidentally got drunk... I apologize. When are you free? I'd like to make it up to you—"Damon calmly interrupted, "Nyla, you're no longer an employee of Park Pharmaceuticals. You don't need to call me Mr. Sumner."Nyla bit her lip. "That's not the point. I'm really sorry about last night. If you're available, I'd like to invite you to dinner tonight."There was a brief pause before Damon's deep voice sounded. "Nyla, I don't need your dinner. Last night was about wanting to see you. If you keep insisting, I might start to think you still have feelings for me."Nyla lowered her gaze and replied nonchalantly, "Mr. Sumner, that's not what I meant... I just wanted to thank you. If my actions might lead to a misunderstanding, please send me the bill from last night, and I'll transfer the money to you."There was a moment of silence.Nyla realized Damon was angry, but she didn't want to have any
Jane could make a promise like this to obtain shares in Prospectus Technology, but who could guarantee she wouldn't go back on her word in the future for her own benefit?Besides, Damon would never give her an opportunity to join Prospectus Technology.Her expression changed again, clearly unprepared for Damon's blunt refusal.Yet, if she kept the 10% shares of the Wilkie Group, she would gain nothing. Worse, Pedro might pressure her into giving them to Theo.Rather than let the shares go to waste, she'd rather sell them."Mr. Sumner, can we reconsider? Even if it's just 0.5% of your shares, I'd be willing to accept that," she negotiated.Damon remained unmoved. "Ms. Wilkie, please leave."Jane studied his resolute expression and finally understood—acquiring shares in Prospectus Technology was no longer an option.Taking a deep breath, she met his gaze directly. "Mr. Sumner, since you're unwilling to exchange shares, how about I sell you the 10% I own in the Wilkie Group?"Dam
Pedro scowled as he said coldly, "She's about to leave the country. What's the point of holding so many shares?"It's not that we're unwilling to give her money, but you all know the situation at the Wilkie Group. Even if we were to give her the money, it will have to wait until the company stabilizes."Jane sneered. "You make it sound so reasonable. If I handed over all my shares to Theo, I'd be lucky to see a penny from him. That's assuming he'd even bother to get my name right!"Pedro glared at her. "Are you really going to push me?""You're the one forcing me," Jane replied, her voice icy. "Even if the shares rot in my hands, I'll never give them to Theo!""Fine! You're a truly good granddaughter!" Pedro snapped, his voice brimming with fury.The meeting ended on a sour note, with everyone leaving in frustration.…Back at the villa, Ruth sat beside Jane. "Now that they couldn't get the shares, they'll surely come up with other ways to take them from you. Jane, don't let yo
Theo's expression darkened as he stepped forward, looking down at Jane. "Say that again!"Jane raised an eyebrow. "What? You can't take it? Want to make a move?""You!" Theo clenched his fists, and for a moment, he was tempted to strike Jane."Enough!" Pedro's sharp voice echoed. "Isn't this enough chaos? Keep quiet, both of you!"Theo's expression changed, and he took a deep breath, saying nothing more.Jane knew she was no longer in line to inherit the Wilkie Group. She had become a mere pawn, no longer of any use to Pedro, so there was no need to pay her much attention.She glanced at Pedro, her voice flat. "Grandpa, you called me here today just to talk about Gabriel being arrested?"Pedro frowned. "Gabriel's arrest will damage the Wilkies' reputation. Stay home for a while and finish your travel documents. I want you to leave the country."Jane sneered. "Got it."She knew she was now a discarded pawn in Pedro's eyes. Of course, he would want her to leave as soon as possib
If Falcon didn't make contact within a month, it would mean something had happened to them."Alright, I understand," Spencer replied.He turned and left the office, sighing once outside. He could only hope they couldn't reach Falcon because of some kind of accident, not something worse.Once the office door closed, Damon's gaze darkened.If he wasn't mistaken, Falcon had likely been found by the Nixons, though Damon wasn't sure whether they were alive or dead.The Nixons, the hidden power behind Drake, were far bigger and more mysterious than he had imagined.While he was lost in thought, his phone suddenly rang.Upon seeing that it was Gabriel, his expression immediately turned cold.As soon as he answered, Gabriel's furious voice came through. "Damon, are you really going to drive me to the brink?"The legal team from Prospectus Technology had filed a lawsuit against Nyce Tech for illegally stealing trade secrets and submitted evidence of other criminal activities to the cou
"It's going alright. We're slowly getting back on track, but I'm still worried. I don't know if this is the right call," Damon answered.Using the money in Mason's account might save Prospectus Technology, or it could drag him further into trouble.Nyla looked at him, her voice soft. "Right or wrong, it's the only option right now. We'll just have to take it one step at a time. It won't be any harder than it is now."If Prospectus Technology went bankrupt, they didn't know how Gabriel would retaliate against their family. As long as the company remained intact, they would be safe."I'll protect you and Buddy, no matter what. No one will hurt you," Damon vowed.He had already decided that if things went south, he would find a way to get Nyla and Mason to safety.The oil was reaching temperature as they spoke.Nyla dropped the meatballs in. "Don't worry so much. We'll be fine. The three of us will be alright."Damon walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her with a hum.
Not long after Tom left, Gabriel's secretary rushed into the office, panic in his voice. "Mr. Hackett, I can't find where the money for Prospectus Technology came from. It's as if it just appeared out of nowhere. I—""Get out!" Gabriel's bloodshot eyes and contorted face radiated fury, making him look terrifying.The secretary froze, then quickly turned and left, shutting the door behind him.It was over.With Prospectus Technology saved, Gabriel had lost his leverage over Damon. And with it, Gabriel's chance of being with Nyla was gone too...."Mr. Sumner, with this new investment, the company will be back on track soon. I'll start reaching out to the employees who left. If any of them are willing to return, we can reinstate them right away," Spencer said with a smile in Damon's office."Got it. Go ahead and handle it," Damon replied."Understood!" Spencer chirped before exiting the room.Damon opened a file on his desk, but his thoughts kept wandering.He wasn't sure if us
Nyla went upstairs while Damon returned to his study.Instead of diving into his paperwork, he sat at his desk, wrestling with the dilemma of whether to use the money in Mason's account to save Prospectus Technology. Hours later, he made a decision....The next morning, Damon left for the office after breakfast.Meanwhile, Mason was heading upstairs to change when Nyla called him back. "Buddy, starting today, you don't need to go to school. You'll stay home with me for a while to study instead."Mason blinked in surprise. "Why?"Nyla stroked his hair, her tone gentle. "I'm not working right now, so I can help you practice writing at home. We'll do this for a while before you go back to school. Does that sound good?"School wasn't that important to Mason, so he nodded easily. "Okay."Relieved that he didn't press for more details, Nyla let out a soft sigh. Lying to kids could be exhausting.At the office…Damon had just stepped in when Spencer arrived, his expression grim.
Mason hadn't expected his master to say they'd meet in person soon."Of course. Have I ever lied to you?" the young man replied."No!" Mason chirped.After hanging up the phone, the thought of meeting his master lifted Mason's spirits. He jumped off the toilet, phone in hand, and walked out of the bathroom.Back in his room, a knock came at the door."Buddy, are you in there? Can you open the door? Daddy wants to talk to you," Damon said.Hearing Damon's gentle voice, Mason hesitated briefly but eventually opened the door."Daddy, if you're here to ask about my master like Mommy, I'm not going to tell you," he stated.Damon smiled, reaching out to pat Mason's head. "Don't worry. I'm not going to ask. You don't have to say anything if you don't want to. Mommy and I talked earlier, and she won't press you on it anymore either. She was just worried, that's all.""My master wouldn't hurt me!" Mason defended."I know, Buddy. Mommy's just concerned about you. She already feels bad
Nyla had wanted to discuss things properly with Mason, to make him open up slowly and tell her the truth.Now, she felt the urgency to figure out how that money had come about as soon as possible.She rarely spoke so sternly to Mason, so he was startled and dropped the block on the floor.Mason's eyes were red, but he stared at Nyla defiantly, refusing to speak.Nyla pressed, "Buddy, who is this master of yours?"Why would they give Mason so much money out of the blue?"I won't say!" Mason responded firmly.Nyla's brow furrowed in anger as her patience wore thin. "If you don't tell me, I'll take away all your electronics starting today."Mason yelled, "I hate you, Mommy! You're not the loving mommy you used to be anymore!"After shouting, he spun on his heel and ran upstairs.Moments later, the slam of his door echoed through the villa.Hearing the commotion, Damon emerged from the study and walked into the living room. He saw Nyla standing there, visibly upset."What happe