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