If Harris Pharmaceuticals hadn't gone bankrupt, Clark wouldn't have dared to flaunt his affair so brazenly.Wren looked at Nyla with guilt. "Your father and I owe you an apology. You've been through so much, bearing this burden alone. It must have been really tough."Nyla shook her head. She wasn't as upset now as she had been when she first discovered Clark's infidelity. "I'm fine. I took a chance, hoping he wouldn't betray our relationship. I just lost the gamble."She had no regrets about her choice because she had chosen the Clark who once loved her, not the deceitful man he had become."It's okay. You'll find someone better in the future."Nyla smiled faintly. Whether she found someone else or not didn't matter. She just wanted to get the divorce and claim her fair share of the assets. "Wren, please don't tell my dad about the affair. His health isn't good, and I'm afraid he won't be able to handle it."Wren nodded. "I understand. Don't worry."After Nyla and Wren finished
Nyla frowned and looked at Clark with displeasure. "Who I ate with is none of your business, is it?"A dark gleam passed through Clark's eyes as he lowered his voice. "Nyla, I'm not trying to monitor you. I just want to be part of your life.""Are you really trying to be part of my life, or are you feeling guilty about taking Jordyn to that dinner today?"Clark widened his eyes, his heart sinking. Nyla had seen them."Today was about meeting a client. She handled this client before she left the company, so she knows the situation better. That's why I brought her along. I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to misunderstand."Nyla smiled. "Do I really need to misunderstand your relationship with her?""Nyla, I can assure you that there's nothing between us now. The only person I love is you."Nyla wanted to ask him why Jordyn had to dress so seductively and hold his arm like a date since it was just a business meeting. Anyone who saw them would think Jordyn was Clark's girl
"It's a long story. Just let me handle it," Nyla said and hung up.As she watched the number of hateful comments against her skyrocket, her expression grew colder.On the other side, Clark had just returned to his villa when he received a call from Michael. "Mr. Sumner, someone posted a video of Mabel's father kneeling to Mrs. Sumner. The Internet is blowing up with people cursing her. Should we take the video down?"Clark's gaze darkened. After a moment, he replied, "No, leave it up. I'll deal with it when she comes to me."He thought he had been too lenient with Nyla recently, which was why she had been so cold toward him. This incident would remind her of her place.Damon also heard about the online attack on Nyla and immediately contacted her, asking if she needed help removing the video.Nyla felt a pang of bitterness hearing Damon's calm voice over the phone. The video had been circulating for over an hour, so there was no way Clark didn't know about it. Yet, the one person
Seeing the hateful comments directed at her, Lucia was so furious she nearly crushed her phone. She hadn't expected Nyla to be prepared for Kenneth’s confrontation from the start. Now, not only had Nyla managed to clear her name, but Lucia might also get implicated.Panicking, Lucia contacted the influencer who had posted the video and asked them to delete it. However, she was told that the account had been locked and couldn't be accessed.Lucia's heart sank. How could this happen right after Nyla released the recording? Could it be Clark's doing?The more she thought about it, the more anxious she became. If they traced this back to her, she'd be finished.Desperate, she rushed to Clement, who was in his study.After listening to Lucia's explanation, Clement slapped her hard across the face. "You idiot! Are you trying to get us all killed?"He had warned her before not to go against Nyla, but she hadn't listened and had gone behind his back to create this mess.Lucia's cheek st
"I'm looking into it. It should be resolved in the next couple of days."A flicker of joy flashed in Lucia's eyes. "Thanks, Dad!""Don't celebrate too soon. If there's a next time, I won't intervene," Clement warned sternly."Got it. I'll go back to my room and sleep now. You should get some rest too," Lucia replied, turning to leave.Just as she turned, Clement spoke again in an ominous voice. "Lucia, you better not have overheard something you shouldn't have. Don't expect me to overlook family ties if you did."Lucia could hear the warning in Clement's tone and bit her lip. When she turned back to him, her expression was filled with confusion. "Dad, what shouldn't I have heard? I don't understand."Clement looked at her coldly. Seeing her puzzled expression, as if she truly hadn't heard anything, he suppressed his suspicions. "It's better if you don't understand. Go rest now."It wasn't until Lucia locked the door behind her when she returned to her bedroom that she realized s
Clark believed he was in control of the marriage. So, when he discovered that Nyla had handled the incident on her own without asking for his help, he angrily called to question her.If it had been the Clark from eight years ago, he wouldn't have waited for her to surrender—he would have protected her at all costs. The 28-year-old Clark was no longer the same as his 20-year-old self.Nyla lowered her gaze, her eyes involuntarily reddening.The silence on both ends of the line was deafening, with only their breaths audible. After over a minute of this, Clark still hadn't spoken.Not willing to wait any longer, Nyla ended the call. She rubbed her tear-stained eyes and couldn't help but chuckle bitterly.She felt useless. Despite vowing not to let him affect her anymore, she still felt hurt. Clark had occupied eight years of her life. Perhaps she needed another eight years to slowly move on.…In the living room of the villa, Clark didn't have the courage to call back after Nyla hu
Clark's expression was tense, filled with anger. He knew Cyrus could definitely follow through on his threats. After all, Cyrus had never cared about him.Finally, he called Michael, his voice cold. "Don't take any action against Clement for now."Hanging up, he glared at Cyrus. "You can leave now."Cyrus' gaze darkened. "One day, you will understand that everything I do is for your own good."Clark didn't reply. Instead, he picked up a file, pretending he hadn't heard anything.There was a flash of coldness in Cyrus' eyes at Clark's indifferent face before he turned and quickly left.Michael was already on his way to the subsidiary company when Clark's call came. Finding the situation inexplicable, he turned back. Just as he entered the office, a chill ran down his spine, as if he had stepped into an icy wasteland. "Mr. Sumner, regarding Clement—""Don't worry about it. Just spread the news that it was Lucia who filmed the video."Seeing Clark's cold expression, Michael dared
When Clark arrived, Nyla had only just woken up. Due to a mild concussion, she felt dizzy and nauseous as soon as she opened her eyes, so she kept them shut while lying down.Sensing someone sitting beside her hospital bed, she thought it was Valarie returning with medicine."Valarie, I feel awful. I think I'm going to be sick..."Seeing Nyla's furrowed brows and her pale face covered in cold sweat, Clark was heartbroken. He quickly grabbed a tissue from the nearby table and wiped the sweat from her forehead.As Clark came closer, Nyla caught a whiff of his cologne and suddenly opened her eyes wide. When she saw that it was indeed Clark, she turned her head away and said with disgust, "Don't touch me."Her resistance was clear in her eyes. Clark's hand froze in midair before he withdrew it and sat down."Fine, I won't touch you. Just let me know if you need anything."Nyla was feeling so uncomfortable at the moment that she didn't bother trying to get Clark to leave. She simply
"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