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
Clark looked at Nyla with a complicated expression, disappointment washing over him. In the past, her gaze had always been warm and loving, but now it was so cold."Nyla, how have you been? I heard you're involved in a lawsuit over the leak of Prospectus Technology's experimental data. You—"Nyla frowned and cut him off sharply, "That doesn't concern you. Just keep your woman in check and make sure she doesn't lash out at random people."Without waiting for Clark's response, she let go of Jordyn and walked away.Jordyn had wanted to confront her, but her expression changed when she noticed Clark's gaze lingering on Nyla as she left.She wrapped her arm around Clark's, speaking softly. "Clark, we're here to look at rings today. Let's not let someone irrelevant spoil our mood."Clark pulled his gaze away, looking at her with a trace of coldness. "If you see her again, treat her as a stranger or avoid her."Jordyn's eyes flashed with anger, but she tightened her grip on Clark's arm
As Nathaniel met Rebecca's questioning eyes, his gaze darkened. He stood up and walked toward her. "Rebecca, let me explain."Rebecca hurled the thermal container she was holding at Nathaniel. It hit him and then fell to the floor, rolling a few times before coming to a stop next to the sofa.Nathaniel's face turned grim, and his gaze toward Rebecca grew cold.Rebecca didn't notice his change in demeanor and said angrily, "I heard everything clearly. What's left to explain? If you're not going to help me deal with Nyla, then we're breaking up!"With that, she turned and walked out quickly.While watching her leave, Nathaniel's hands clenched at his sides. After a moment of hesitation, he ran after her.He caught up with her at the elevator, bending down to meet her gaze. "Rebecca, it's my fault. Please don't be upset. I promise I will fulfill my promises to you, okay?"Rebecca looked up with tear-filled eyes, her face pale. "Can I still trust you?"Her tearful appearance made N
"Okay," Nathaniel answered.As they embraced, their thoughts were worlds apart.Nathaniel was preoccupied with Rebecca's health, while Rebecca was focused on seizing the rare opportunity to get close to Damon if he attended the party the following night. It might be her only chance to make something happen with him.…The next evening, when Nyla arrived at Valarie's house, the driveway was already lined with luxury cars.After confirming Nyla's identity, a maid escorted her into the hall.Upon entering, Nyla immediately noticed the many eyes fixed on her, accompanied by a murmuring buzz."Isn't that Nyla? I thought after her divorce from Clark, she'd completely fade from this circle.""Why would she have the nerve to attend Valarie's birthday party? Is she hoping to catch a wealthy suitor here?""Hah, everyone knows about her past with the Sumners. Who would take her seriously? Maybe for a fling, but not as a serious prospect—her looks are her only asset."Valarie overheard t
Spencer followed Damon's gaze and quickly understood the reason when he noticed the sudden drop in temperature around him."Mr. Sumner—" Before Spencer could finish, Damon strode swiftly toward Nyla and Oliver, who were talking.Spencer wanted to stop him but didn't dare, so he hurriedly followed behind.Nyla was chatting with Oliver about his work when she suddenly felt a chill on her back, causing her to shiver slightly.Oliver, being attentive, asked kindly, "Ms. Jayston, are you feeling cold?"Nyla nodded. "Yes. It might be the air conditioning."As she spoke, Oliver had already begun to remove his jacket to drape it over her. However, a hand stopped him.Oliver looked up in surprise and saw a man with an icy demeanor and hostility in his eyes. He recognized Damon from previous business dealings with Prospectus Technology, though he was only a department manager and doubted Damon would remember him."Hello, Mr. Sumner," Oliver greeted.Damon raised an eyebrow and replied c