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
The Weirs' villa was expansive, and reaching the garden required walking down a winding path.With everyone else gathered in the main hall, the path was quiet and serene. Flowers and neatly trimmed shrubs lined the way, their fragrance mingling with the night breeze to create a calming atmosphere.As Nyla approached the garden, she suddenly heard a low, muffled groan from the nearby bushes. Her steps faltered, and she glanced toward the sound, feeling a pang of unease.Without a second thought, she turned and began hurrying back the way she had come.Before she could get far, a hot hand clasped around her waist."Ah!" Nyla screamed in surprise, only to be met moments later by a fiery, demanding kiss.The familiar scent of pine filled her senses, and she stared in shock. The man kissing her was none other than Damon!Before she could react, Damon's hands slid from her waist to her back. She shivered and tried to push him away, but his grip was too strong. She bit his lip hard.W