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
Not wanting to waste any more time arguing, Nyla turned to leave, but Damon blocked her path. She frowned and looked up, about to speak, when he suddenly wrapped his arms around her waist."What are you— Mmph!" Her words were cut off as Damon's lips pressed against hers.Nyla's eyes widened in shock.Was he out of his mind?!The balcony was only separated from the main hall by a curtain. Someone could come by at any moment. If anyone saw this, she wouldn't be able to explain herself no matter how hard she tried.She trembled and tried to push Damon away, but he wouldn't budge. In her fury, she bit down hard on his lip.Damon winced in pain and released her. He wiped the blood from his mouth and was about to speak when Nyla slapped him across the face.The sound of the slap echoed in the sudden silence between them. A cool breeze swept through, making Nyla shiver. Damon's gaze was like a brewing storm.Nyla fought to suppress her fear and looked up at him, speaking with emphasis
A wave of heat surged from Damon's lower abdomen, causing the faces of the people in the hall to blur.With a cold glint in his eyes, he set down his glass and quickly headed for the exit.After years in the business world, Damon was accustomed to all sorts of underhanded tactics. He had never, however, anticipated that someone would have the audacity to drug him!His steps grew unsteady. Just as he left the hall, he heard the sound of high heels behind him."Damon…" Rebecca called out.Her hand wrapped around his wrist, and the faint scent of roses made his head spin even more.Rebecca attempted to hug Damon, but he abruptly shoved her away. She stumbled back several steps before managing to steady herself."Damon…" She looked at him, her eyes filled with disbelief. She hadn't expected that, even under the influence of the drug, he would still have the strength to push her away.Damon glared at her icily, a storm brewing in his eyes. "Did you drug me?"Rebecca's expression fr
"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