"Mom, you—" Jordyn began.Before she could finish, her mother's panicked voice interrupted, "Jordyn, Clark sent people to take us to see you. After we ate what they gave us, we fell asleep, and now we're locked in a room. We don't know where we are. Ask Clark what's going on!"A chill ran down Jordyn's spine, and she froze.Clark had actually kidnapped her parents and brother to use as leverage against her!Her mother's anxious voice continued on the line.Jordyn took a deep breath and replied, "Mom, don't worry. Nothing will happen to you. I'll go find Clark."She hung up and immediately headed to the company to find him.…After waiting all day, Jordyn finally saw him leaving the office.As soon as he stepped out of the elevator, she rushed up to him, her teeth clenched. "Clark, this is between us. Let my parents and brother go!""Have you knelt and apologized to Nyla?" Clark asked.His cold glare made Jordyn shiver. She couldn't bring herself to meet his eyes."I..." She
Nyla was stunned. Clark was forcing Jordyn to ask for her forgiveness? Why?As she pondered Clark's recent odd behavior and the unfolding events, her gaze fell upon Jordyn's flat stomach."Is the child you're carrying not Clark's?" she asked.Jordyn's face froze in shock, confirming Nyla's suspicion. Even if the child wasn't Clark's, it seemed unlikely that he would suddenly come to apologize.The only possible explanation was that Clark was truly infertile.If that were the case, everything made sense: why she hadn't gotten pregnant after three years of marriage, why Clark seemed so conflicted and guilty—it all pointed to him being the one who was infertile!Nyla's expression turned cold."Tell him I'm not interested in your problems. And let him know not to come here and disgust me anymore!" she snapped.Previously, Nyla was believed to be infertile, and Clark had used that against her. Now that he knew he was the infertile one, his pretense was utterly revolting."Ms. Jayst
"If you want to die, no one will stop you. But are you really willing to die?" Clark retorted.Jordyn lowered her eyes, unable to meet his gaze.Clark stood up and left without casting another glance at her.…That night, Jordyn attempted suicide. Fortunately, she was found in time and rushed to the hospital, avoiding death.When Clark heard the news, his expression didn't change. Coldly, he said, "Whatever. Let her be."Michael lowered his eyes, feeling a trace of sympathy for Jordyn. No matter what, she had been involved with Clark, yet he was so ruthless. He couldn't help but wonder if Clark would treat him just as coldly one day when he too lost his usefulness.Michael pushed the thought away and left Clark's office.…After spending a few days in the hospital without a visit from Clark, Jordyn realized that he wouldn't care even if she died right in front of him.She knew she had to take a different approach—starting with Nyla.Just as she was about to reach out to Nyla
After people discovered that Jordyn was the mistress who had caused Clark and Nyla's divorce, most condemned her, insisting she deserved it.However, a few believed Nyla was being too harsh, refusing to forgive Jordyn even after she pleaded on her knees outside her apartment.As the situation gained traction, Damon found out as well. He called Clark directly. "What's going on with Jordyn?"Clark raised an eyebrow. "Didn't expect you to hear about this, Uncle Damon.""Clark, Nyla's life is finally back to normal. I'm warning you, stop letting Jordyn harass her!" Damon's voice was piercing.Clark laughed. "I'll return your warning. Stay away from Nyla. I've decided to pursue her again.""Are you out of your mind?" Damon shot back."You don't understand. Nyla and I have years of history. As long as you stop interfering, we'll get back together," Clark insisted, sounding determined.Damon's tone turned frosty. "You're dreaming. She's never going to give you another chance."After
"Nyla..." Before Clark could finish his sentence, the dial tone cut him off.When he tried to call Nyla back, the line was busy.It was obvious that Nyla had taken him off her block list just to make that call, only to block him again afterward.Clark felt a little helpless but couldn't help chuckling. She was still the same as ever, petty when she was mad. He liked her just like that.On the other end, Nyla set her phone down in irritation. She had just managed to distance herself from Damon, and now Clark was hovering around like a persistent fly—disgusting and infuriating.Did he really think his behavior would win her over?Taking a deep breath, she pushed the thought of him out of her mind, picked up her pen, and returned to studying.…For the next few days, everything was calm.Nyla thought the matter was over, but as soon as she stepped out of her apartment complex, she ran right into Clark, who seemed to appear out of nowhere."Nyla, I'd like to talk to you," said Cl
Nyla stopped in her tracks and looked at Damon. "Oh? So?"The coldness in her eyes made Damon's gaze dim slightly, and his voice lowered. "Nothing. I just thought you wouldn't give him another chance.""If you have nothing else to say, Mr. Sumner, please stop bothering me in the future," Nyla replied.His obvious attempt to probe her feelings felt pointless to her. She had no intention of giving Clark another chance, and she certainly wasn't going to give Damon one either.Back home, Nyla decided to stay indoors for a while to avoid running into anyone from the Sumners or Jordyn. She also began considering whether she should rent a place in Capitarnia to focus on preparing for her exams.After all the entanglements with Clark and Jordyn, she strongly felt that staying in Saintornia would only lead to more harassment.With that thought in mind, she picked up the phone and called Caroline.-Clark had just arrived at his villa when he spotted a disheveled Jordyn standing under a
Rebecca pondered for a moment before agreeing with a smile. "Alright, I can help, but there's no need for unnecessary theatrics. I can get your family out, but I won't let them go until you've helped me deal with Nyla."Jordyn's face turned cold as she gritted her teeth. "No need. Just make sure you help them leave when the time comes."If her family fell into Rebecca's hands, it wouldn't be any different than being under Clark's control. She would still be blackmailed into doing things she didn't want to do.Rebecca let out a light laugh, her tone laced with mockery. "Ms. Cheatham, you're not really in a position to make demands. Either I help get your family out, or you figure it out yourself.""Rebecca, you're kicking me while I'm down!" Jordyn hissed.Jordyn's anger didn't faze Rebecca. If anything, it made her smile even wider. "I didn't want to do this, but you handed me this leverage on a silver platter, didn't you?"Silence fell on the other end of the line.The quiet st
Jordyn shook her head. "Mom, it's a long story. I'll explain later. For now, just settle in here. Once everything is taken care of, I'll come get you."Her father frowned, anger evident in his voice. "So, what? We're just supposed to stay locked up in this place?""Dad, just bear with it a little while longer. It won't be much longer, I promise," Jordyn assured him.Before her father could say more, her mother interjected, "Alright, I understand. Jordyn, I don't know what happened between you and Clark, but you have to be patient. Only by enduring can you make things work.""Yeah, I know," Jordyn replied.Nearby, her brother wore a long face as he raised his voice. "Jordyn, I don't care what's going on between you and Clark. I'm going on vacation with my girlfriend next week. If you haven't sorted this out by then, you're going to pay for it!"His tone dripped with impatience and resentment.Having been their parents' golden child his entire life and with Jordyn always yielding
Nyla looked at Valarie. "What do you mean, giving each other looks? Just eat. I made your favorite—spicy chicken."Valarie nodded. "Okay."As they ate, Damon glanced at Brandon. "When are you going back to the company?"It had been nearly a month since Brandon left the Sumner Group. If he stayed away much longer, the people he had trained might start siding with someone else.Brandon paused mid-bite, instinctively glancing at Valarie across the table. She didn't even look his way.After a brief silence, he lowered his gaze. "In a few days.""Alright." Damon didn't press the issue.Brandon was the CEO of the Sumner Group. Damon couldn't keep treating him like a subordinate.Halfway through the meal, Brandon's phone rang.Seeing Jayden's name on the screen, he frowned and ignored it. But the phone rang again. And again.After declining multiple calls, he realized the others at the table were all looking at him.He picked up the phone. "It might be urgent."Stepping aside, he
"I just wanted to see if you'd tell me the truth. Now I know—you don't trust me," Jayden said.Michelle cried, "Fine! I admit it. I sent Stefan after Valarie. I wanted him to ruin her relationship with Brandon! Go ahead and tell Brandon if you want! I don't care!"She stood, ready to leave.Before she reached the door, Jayden's voice echoed behind her."I won't tell Brandon," he said. "But I won't help you anymore, either. There's still time to stop this. You can walk away now."Michelle's footsteps faltered momentarily, but she didn't turn back. She had never regretted her choices—why would she stop now?As long as she could have Brandon in the end, she wouldn't give up.If Jayden refused to help, she'd just have to figure it out on her own.…That evening, as Valarie got off work, she received a call from Nyla."Valarie, come over for dinner tonight! Oh, and by the way, I sent you a thank-you gift last night. Make sure you accept it," Nyla said.Valarie had seen Nyla's mon
"Whether or not you're having me followed, who I choose to spend time with is my business. I hope you'll stop prying into my private life," Valarie said.Brandon grabbed her wrist, his voice low and firm. "Valarie, the month is almost up. Don't forget the promise you made."She pulled away. "There's still a week left. We'll talk when the time comes."With that, she turned and left.Brandon watched her go, frustration darkening his face.The anonymous photos he'd received that morning were still fresh in his mind, making his expression even stormier.Forcing himself to stay calm, he pulled out his phone and called his assistant. "Find out who sent those photos to my email this morning."After hanging up, his mood remained grim. It was time to give Stefan a warning.Just as he was about to leave, his phone rang again.His eyes flickered with annoyance at the unfamiliar number. Without hesitation, he rejected the call and blocked it.Ever since he'd cut off Michelle, she'd been
Valarie turned to the couch and saw Stefan sitting there, watching her with concern."You stayed here all night?" she asked, surprised."Yeah." He nodded. "You drank too much last night. I was worried about you, so I stayed to look after you.""That must've been exhausting," Valarie remarked.Stefan shook his head. "It wasn't. How do you feel now? I bought you breakfast and made you honey water this morning. If your head hurts, the honey water should help.""I'll wash my face first." Valarie got out of bed and went to the bathroom.While freshening up, she noticed several faint red marks on her neck and chest—suspiciously like hickeys. She frowned slightly.When she stepped out, Stefan was still on the couch, looking especially well-behaved.Valarie sat across from him, pointed at her neck, and asked bluntly, "Did you do this?"The moment the words left her mouth, Stefan's face turned bright red. He lowered his head, avoiding her gaze. "I... I couldn't help myself. But I swear
After placing Valarie on the couch, Stefan stepped out of the private room to answer the call.Michelle sneered. "Stefan, tomorrow is the deadline for your mother's medical bill, and you haven't made any progress."Looks like you really don't care about the money. Or… have you gotten close to Valarie and don't need it anymore?"What a pity. Valarie still doesn't know you have ulterior motives. Do you want me to help tell her?"Stefan lowered his head, his eyes dark with emotion. "I'll send the photos in a bit."He hung up without hesitation.Slipping his phone back into his pocket, he didn't return to the private room immediately. Instead, he leaned against the wall and lit a cigarette. The swirling smoke obscured his features, making it impossible to read his expression.It felt like his entire life had been shrouded in darkness since birth. No matter how hard he fought, he could never break free.His phone buzzed with a new message from Michelle.Michelle: [Stefan, your mo
Nyla continued. "And Buddy?""Mr. Mason has already gone to bed," Lydia reported.Nyla nodded, then turned and made her way to the study.She gently pushed the door open and saw Damon fast asleep on the couch. Quietly, she stepped inside.The couch wasn't very big—perfect for her to nap on while reading. But for someone as tall as Damon, it looked rather cramped.As she moved closer, she noticed he hadn't even loosened his tie before falling asleep. A flicker of distress crossed her eyes. He must have been exhausted from all the wedding preparations.Carefully, she reached out, loosened his tie, and unbuttoned the top few buttons of his shirt. Then she grabbed a blanket and draped it over him.After making sure he was comfortable, she left the room as quietly as she had entered.Since she wasn't sleepy yet, she decided to sit in the living room for a while.Just as she settled on the couch, Lydia approached with a shawl. "Mrs. Sumner, the temperature drops at night. Keep warm.
Nyla was momentarily stunned but reached out to accept the gift."Can I open it now?" she asked.Alexander nodded. "Of course."She lifted the lid and found a stunning ruby necklace inside, surrounded by diamonds that shimmered like a star-studded sky. It was breathtaking—impossible to look away from."It's beautiful. Thank you," she gasped."As long as you like it, that's all that matters. By the way, where's Buddy?" Alexander asked."He's probably in the main hall," Nyla answered.Alexander chuckled. "Alright. I'll go look for him."As soon as he left, Valarie let out a gasp of amazement. "Nyla, who was that guy? I just saw this necklace on the news a while ago. It was auctioned off for 20,000,000 dollars to a mysterious buyer! And now, I see it in real life—right here!"Nyla was taken aback. She hadn't expected the necklace to be that valuable.She examined it again. Aside from its beauty, it didn't seem all that special."Are you sure it's worth so much?" she asked.Val
Opening the food container, Nyla found it filled with all her favorite snacks. She couldn't help but smile."Valarie, you barely ate anything earlier. Want some?" she asked.Valarie glanced at the food, raised an eyebrow, and replied, "I'm already full—from all the PDA I've been force-fed today."Time passed quickly, and before they knew it, it was already 2:00 p.m.Valarie led Nyla out of the dressing room, where Harrison waited at the entrance, seated in his wheelchair.The moment Nyla saw him, her eyes welled with tears. "Dad."Harrison's voice thickened with emotion. "I'm here to walk you down the aisle."Nyla squeezed his hand as they descended the stairs together.At the entrance to the grand hall, Nyla held her bouquet with one hand and her father's hand with the other, her heart racing with anticipation.The doors swung open.Damon stood at the end of the aisle, dressed in a sharp white suit. His eyes locked onto Nyla's, filled with nothing but love and tenderness.E
At that moment, Nyla finally understood what Damon had meant by a "surprise."Her eyes welled with emotion as she turned to Valarie. "Where is he now?""I'm not sure, but he's probably still handling the wedding preparations. Try on the dress first and see if it fits!" Valarie said with a grin.Nyla blinked back her tears and nodded. "Okay."With Valarie's help, she slipped into the wedding dress.It fit her perfectly—just as she had imagined.Gazing at her reflection in the mirror, she felt a bit dazed.It had been so long since she'd last worn a wedding dress—so long that she had almost forgotten what it felt like.Beside her, Valarie admired the sight. "You look gorgeous! My best friend never disappoints. Oh, wait—there's still this!"Nyla turned to see Valarie holding a diamond-studded tiara. She couldn't help but smile."Let me put it on for you," Valarie offered."Okay."Valarie carefully adjusted the tiara on Nyla's head, making sure it sat just right."Perfect," sh