Erin forced a smile. "I'm glad you understand, Ms. Kinsey."Nyla nodded. "I do understand, but I hope you'll think things through in the future and avoid doing something so pointless.""Of course, I'll keep that in mind!" Erin gritted her teeth in frustration, her gaze sharp and icy as she glared at Nyla.Nyla smiled and turned to Damon. "Thank you for today, Mr. Sumner. I assume you and Ms. Hulle have more to discuss, so I'll take my leave.""Let's have dinner another day as an apology," Damon replied."No need for that. I wouldn't want to be labeled as someone who disrupts other people's relationships," she said, stepping past Damon and leaving.Soon, only Erin and Damon remained in the private room.It was the best and most secluded room in the restaurant, isolated from others, allowing them to hear only faint conversations from nearby tables.Damon looked at Erin calmly, showing no signs of anger, but she couldn't even meet his gaze. She knew he was upset.After a long sil
Damon looked at Erin with a straight face, his eyes narrowing slightly as he assessed the credibility of her words.Erin felt her heart racing, forcing herself to maintain eye contact. Just as she thought she couldn't bear the pressure any longer, she heard Damon's cold voice say, "This is your last warning."It wasn't until his figure disappeared through the doorway that she sank back into her chair, cold sweat trickling down her back.…Damon headed straight to the branch office after leaving the restaurant.Spencer was already waiting for him at the office door. "Mr. Sumner, here are the documents that need your signature."Damon walked into the office, signed the documents, and then looked up at Spencer. "Have Luca take these back. You'll stay here in his place. Things in Capitarnia are different from Saintornia. Some matters are beyond his capabilities."Spencer lowered his gaze, hiding the complexity that flickered in his eyes. "Understood, Mr. Sumner."Once outside the o
After Luca left, Spencer put down his phone and contemplated his next move. From Luca's reaction, he could confirm that Nyla's child was Damon's.When he received the photo from his subordinate, he had initially suspected it might be fake. If the child had no connection to Damon, Nyla wouldn't have agreed to meet him after receiving his message that day. That was why he had sought out Luca, who had previously seen the child.The outcome was clear—the photo was likely a decoy from Nyla, designed to mislead him.The more she tried to hide, the more it indicated her guilt. She was afraid he would realize how much the child resembled Damon.Thinking back to how Richard had once threatened him about not mentioning Nyla to Damon, Spencer subconsciously clenched his hands at his sides.After a moment's hesitation, he dialed his subordinate's number. "The photo you sent is fake. Start following Nyla. We need a clear shot of that child's face."After hanging up, he frowned and considered
Nyla fell silent. She didn't want to let Mason go, but it was the best option she could think of for now. Lately, she had been having dreams in which Damon came to take Mason away, and the first thing she would do every morning was check to make sure he was still by her side."But… if I don't send Buddy away, I have no other options…" she muttered.Oliver paused for a moment before saying softly, "Nyla, don't rush. Damon has lost his memory, so he might not come after Buddy. What's most important now is that you stay calm and don't stress yourself too much."Nyla bit her lip and replied quietly, "I understand what you're saying, but I can't help but worry…""I'll be back tomorrow. Let's meet and discuss this. There has to be a better solution," Oliver assured her."Okay," Nyla replied.After hanging up, Oliver thought for a moment before calling his secretary. "Contact Spencer Hogg, the secretary of Prospectus Technology's CEO, Damon Sumner. I want to meet with him when I get bac
It seemed that Spencer had taken his words to heart. Oliver liked smart people. While he wasn't afraid of confronting Prospectus Technology, it would be best to resolve this matter quietly.…By the time Oliver arrived at Nyla's house, it was already past 7:00 p.m.When the doorbell rang, Nyla was helping Mason practice his writing. Upon opening the door to find Oliver, her eyes lit up with surprise. "You're back!""Yeah, I brought a gift for Buddy," Oliver replied.Nyla accepted the gift, a smile spreading across her face. "He was just saying a few days ago that he wanted this toy. I can't believe you got it for him today.""This shows that Buddy and I are in sync," Oliver said, his warm gaze on Nyla enough to melt ice.Feeling a bit flustered under his gaze, Nyla looked away awkwardly. "Have you eaten yet?"Oliver shook his head. "Not yet.""Then sit down and play with Buddy for a bit. I don't have much food left, but I can make you some egg and cheese toast."Oliver nodded
Nyla froze for a moment, her face flushing instantly. She had been so worried about Mason lately that she hadn't had time to consider her feelings for Oliver.In truth, she didn't need to think too hard—she had already decided to give things a try with him."Oliver, I've made up my mind. I want to give us a chance, but I've always thought of you as just a good friend, so I can't promise I'll definitely fall in love with you," she said.Oliver had treated her exceptionally well over the years, doing so much for her. She felt that no one else would care for her like he did, and she didn't want to deceive him. She appreciated everything he had done, but gratitude alone wouldn't be enough for a lifetime together.At her words, disappointment flashed in Oliver's eyes, but he understood that feelings couldn't be forced."Alright, let's give it some time. How about three months? If after that you still can't love me, we'll just remain friends," he said.Nyla felt a pang of guilt. "I'm s
Oliver noticed the way Nyla's ears reddened, sensing her shyness but choosing not to comment on it. He nodded. "Alright. I have a full day of meetings tomorrow. Let's plan for dinner the day after.""That depends on whether I have to stay late for experiments," Nyla replied."Okay, I know you're busy. I'll check in with you again the day after," Oliver said easily.As Nyla walked him to the door, Oliver hesitated before asking, "You don't have to see me out, but... can I give you a hug?"Before he even finished, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him.Oliver froze, his eyes wide in disbelief. He had prepared himself for rejection, so her response caught him completely off guard.After a moment of shock, joy surged through him. He gently returned the embrace, treating her like something fragile and precious."Nyla, I'm really happy you're willing to respond to me," he said, his voice unsteady.Feeling the depth of his emotions, Nyla loosened her hold and replied sin
What was Spencer up to with his investigation into Nyla and his private meeting with Oliver? The thought of the Raynor Group trying to snatch the amusement park project made Damon's expression harden.Was Spencer betraying him? No, that didn't make sense.Over the years, many had tried to pry Prospectus Technology's secrets from Spencer, but none had succeeded.There was no way Spencer would betray him.Besides, Spencer had been looking into Nyla before this. There had to be some other reason.After a moment of contemplation, Damon called Luca."Mr. Sumner, how may I assist?" Luca's voice was tense.Damon's late-night calls usually meant something was wrong. It had happened enough times that Luca had grown anxious whenever Damon called him after hours."You're close with Spencer. Have you noticed anything off about him lately?" Damon asked.Luca hesitated, recalling Spencer's earlier inquiry about a photo. Should he tell Damon? He suspected that Nyla's child might be Damon's,
Under Tim's leadership, the Westcott Group maintained its position as one of the top four families in Capitarnia, leaving the other three far behind.After reading the file, Gabriel closed it and asked coldly, "I asked you to arrange a meeting with Mr. Westcott. What's their response?"The secretary hesitated. "Mr. Hackett, Mr. Westcott's secretary hasn't responded. It seems they aren't interested in meeting with you."Gabriel wasn't fazed. The document made it clear that Tim was proud and highly selective in his dealings. Such a person wasn't easily approached.For Damon to even gain the Westcott Group's consideration, he must have put in significant effort.Still, there was an opportunity as long as the contract wasn't signed."No need to wait for a reply. I'll go to the Westcott Group myself tomorrow morning," Gabriel said."Understood, Mr. Hackett," the secretary replied.…At 7:00 a.m. the next day, Gabriel was already standing outside the Westcott Group. The sun hadn't f
Damon nodded. "Got it. Have the PR department continue contacting major media outlets to remove any negative commentary about Prospectus Technology. We can't let this situation escalate further."In the business world, public opinion could be lethal. Most people were naturally inclined to follow the crowd. Without knowing the full picture, they could easily be misled.If the narrative that Prospectus Technology's chips were faulty spread too far, restoring their reputation later would require monumental resources. It was critical to stop this from snowballing now."Understood, Mr. Sumner. By the way, how's the deal in Capitarnia coming along?" someone asked.Upon hearing that, Damon's previously tense expression relaxed slightly. "Progress is decent. Barring any unforeseen issues, we should be able to sign the contract in a couple of days."The group on the call let out a collective sigh of relief.Once the deal was signed, Prospectus Technology would recover some of its losses
"We can sign an agreement if you're still worried. I promise never to challenge your custody of Wilhelm in my lifetime," Jane assured.Seeing her determination, Gabriel remained silent.Noticing his hesitation, Jane gripped the armrests of her wheelchair tightly. "Gabriel, you're already hesitating, even though you haven't remarried yet. How can I believe you'll treat Wilhelm fairly in the future?"Gabriel's gaze turned cold. "No matter what, Wilhelm will be better off with me than with you. When and how much of the shares I give him is my decision, not yours."With that, he turned to leave.As he reached the doorway, Jane's voice echoed behind him. "If you don't transfer half your shares to Wilhelm, I won't leave the country!"Gabriel paused, then glanced back at her mockingly. "Whether you leave or stay means nothing to me. And why would you think your refusal to leave is a threat to me?""Gabriel, you're a bastard!" Jane shouted.Gabriel smirked and left without another word
Wilhelm froze for a moment, his eyes welling up with tears as confusion and hurt clouded them."Mommy, do you really not want me anymore?" he asked, his voice trembling.Jane's gaze flickered with a brief trace of pain as she looked at Wilhelm sitting pitifully on the floor. But the softness in her eyes vanished as quickly as it appeared.She stared at him coldly. "That's right. I never wanted you. I hit you to try and get your father to come back."The other day, when I took you out for steak, I deliberately let you eat that hazelnut cake. You started itching later because you're allergic—that was intentional, too. I wanted you hospitalized so I could force your father to see me."Her tone grew harsher. "Now that Gabriel and I are divorced, you're of no use to me. You're just a burden. Taking you with me would only drag me down."And I hate your father. Naturally, I hate you, too. Don't show up in front of me again!"Wilhelm sat frozen, her words cutting into him like shards of
If Wilhelm stopped wanting to see Jane, the bond between them would naturally fade over time."No! I don't want food!" Wilhelm cried, hurling Gabriel's phone onto the car seat.He began pounding on the car door, trying to open it. "I want to see Mommy! I want to live with her, not you!"Gabriel, his patience wearing thin, locked the doors with a sharp click and turned to Wilhelm, his expression darkening."Your mother doesn't want you. Even if you find her, she won't take you. I'm the only one you have now," he said."I hate you! I don't want to be with you! I don't want you as my dad!" Wilhelm screamed.Gabriel's restraint, already fraying after days of tantrums, finally snapped. He stared at his son and said coldly, "It doesn't matter whether you want me or not. No one wants you now except me."Jane didn't want Wilhelm. The Wilkies wouldn't want him either."That's not true!" Wilhelm sobbed uncontrollably. "Mommy wants me. Mommy's just mad. If I'm good, she'll take me back! S
Lydia nodded. "Okay, Ms. Kinsey."Shortly after, Lydia returned with Mason by her side.When Mason saw Gabriel and Wilhelm standing at the door, he frowned and turned to Nyla. "Mommy, why is Wilhelm here?"Nyla patted his head gently. "He's here to apologize to you.""Oh." Mason's response was wary, clearly unconvinced.Gabriel observed Nyla's affectionate interaction with Mason, his eyes flickering with a trace of emotion. He turned to Wilhelm. "What did you promise me before we came?"Wilhelm's reluctance was evident. He had agreed to apologize, but only under the threat of losing his chance to see his mother."Mason, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pushed you yesterday. I hope you can forgive me," Wilhelm said, his voice subdued.Mason didn't respond immediately. Instead, he looked up at Nyla, silently seeking her guidance."Buddy, this is your decision to make," Nyla said softly. "I'll respect whatever you decide."Mason lowered his head, thinking for a moment.Finally, he s
Brandon sighed and placed the items on the desk. "Aunt Nyla, this crisis is unlike anything Prospectus Technology has faced before. If things go wrong, the company can go bankrupt."Uncle Damon prepared these after finding out Buddy is his son, but he hadn't found the right time to give them to you."Keep them for now. If Prospectus Technology collapses, he'll need this to start over."After a moment's silence, Nyla nodded. "Alright, I'll hold onto them. Is this the only reason you came?""Yes, I need to get back to work," Brandon replied."I'll see you out," Nyla offered.After sending Brandon off, she returned to the study and placed the documents and bank card in the safe upstairs.The next morning…As Nyla was getting dressed, Lydia knocked on the door."Ms. Kinsey, there's a man outside who says he's your brother," Lydia informed her.Brother?Thinking it was likely Gabriel, Nyla's expression turned cold. "I don't know him. Tell him to leave.""Understood," Lydia said
Damon put the file down and sat across from Nyla.Noticing two portions of breakfast on the table, he asked, "You haven't eaten either?""No," Nyla replied as she opened the packages and handed one to him. "I came to eat with you. Spencer told me he brought you breakfast this morning, but you didn't touch it.""I was too busy," Damon said."Being busy isn't an excuse to skip meals. I saw your assistants running around like crazy, and I heard they barely got any sleep last night. Is the issue with the company that serious?" Nyla asked."It's significant," Damon admitted. "Our chips might be causing malfunctions in our partner's machines. If that's confirmed, the company will face a massive compensation payout."Nyla frowned, worry flashing in her eyes. "I can't help much with work, but the least I can do is keep things in order at home. By the way, are you coming home tonight?""Probably not," he replied. "There's still a lot to handle.""Alright. Finish your breakfast. I'll hea
Gabriel took the document, skimmed its contents, and his face darkened."What is it?" Tom asked.Gabriel tossed the document onto the table with a cold laugh. "Nothing important. Damon's just trying to catch me off guard."The document contained evidence of Nyce Tech hiring paid posters to smear Prospectus Technology, but Gabriel wasn't worried.Soon enough, those allegations would become the truth.Tom glanced at the papers and grinned. "As long as it's not a big problem. Anyway, I should get going.""Fine, but don't forget your part in this," Gabriel said pointedly.There was a cold glint in Tom's eyes, though his smile remained. "Relax. I won't let you handle Prospectus Technology alone."After Tom left, Gabriel drained his wine in one gulp.As he prepared to head to his study, a maid approached with a concerned expression."Mr. Hackett, Mr. Wilhelm still refuses to eat," the maid informed him.Gabriel had brought Wilhelm straight back to the villa instead of letting him