Everyone turned to look toward the door. The first thing they noticed was a pair of long legs, followed by Damon's cold, imposing face.His gaze landed on the hand clutching Mason's collar.Regina felt a chill run straight through her spine, and she shivered. Instinctively, she let go of Mason.At that moment, she had a terrifying sense that Damon might just chop off her hand. It was only a gut feeling, but his glare alone filled her with fear.Nyla hurriedly caught Mason, her gaze full of concern. "Buddy, are you okay?"Mason nodded. "Mommy, I'm fine…"His eyes kept darting toward Damon, an unusual glimmer in them.Whenever other kids had bullied him in the past, it had always been just his mother standing up for him. He had dreamed that one day his father would show up out of nowhere and make those bullies pay for hurting him and Nyla.Now that his father had truly appeared, his feelings were complicated.On the one hand, he wanted his father to protect him and Nyla. On the
The teacher didn't understand why the CEO of Prospectus Technology was claiming to be Mason's father. However, she knew that if she allowed Regina to continue her tantrum, her own job might be in jeopardy.Regina remained oblivious to her silent warning. She glared at the teacher and said coldly, "You don't need to say anything more. My son was beaten up so badly this time. I must make that little bas— Mason pay for it!"Damon smiled—anyone familiar with him would recognize this as a sign of his growing fury."And what kind of price do you want my son to pay?" he asked.Regina mistook his question as a sign of fear and sneered. "He should get on his knees and apologize to my son, promise never to lay a hand on him again, and compensate us for 15,000 dollars in medical expenses!"Damon nodded. "Is that all? Shouldn't your son also get a full check-up? There might be some internal injuries that aren't visible."Regina was taken aback, clearly not expecting Damon to be so cooperativ
Regina looked up in shock as Noah pushed through the crowd, his face filled with anger.A wave of guilt flashed in her eyes as he approached. She scrambled to her feet, flustered."Honey... why are you here?" she asked weakly.Noah's expression was dark, his voice tightly controlled to keep from shouting. "If I hadn't come, who knows what kind of scene you would have caused? Can't you just stay home? Do you have to come out here and make a fool of yourself?"There was no hiding the disgust in his eyes as he looked at Regina, who had once been his employee.After a work dinner one night…Regina managed to get into Noah's bed but then disappeared the next day. He searched for her for a while but eventually gave up when she couldn't be found.To his surprise, she showed up at his door six months later—pregnant, with a fetal sex determination report in hand. Noah's mother had always wanted a grandson and threatened to disown him if he didn't marry Regina.Reluctantly, Noah agreed t
"I'll leave the house, the car, and all the savings to you and Kayden. I don't want anything," Noah said.He then pushed past the stunned Regina and walked away.Watching him leave with such determination, Regina finally panicked. She quickly chased after him and blocked his path. "Honey, I'm sorry! Don't leave me and our son! I promise I'll apologize! Please don't do this! I'm scared!"Noah looked at her expressionlessly. "Let's get a divorce. I'll prepare the papers, and you'll just need to sign them.""No!" Regina cried, her eyes brimming with tears.Confusion and disbelief clouded her gaze. She couldn't understand how a simple fight between their son and a classmate had escalated to this point.What she didn't realize was that this was just the last straw. Her previous tantrums and unreasonable behavior had led to this moment, but she thought it was just about this one incident."I won't divorce you! Noah, don't even think about leaving me and our son! I know you've been see
Before Noah could finish his sentence, Damon interrupted, "Mr. Conway, at Prospectus Technology, we value capability. As long as you handle this matter properly, it won't affect your job. But it's best if you learn to balance your family and work."Noah's previously dim eyes lit up abruptly, and he quickly assured him, "Don't worry, Mr. Sumner. I'll take this to heart and make sure it never happens again!"Damon nodded and turned to leave.Noah walked over to Kayden, pulling him up from the floor as he said coldly, "I'll take you to apologize to Mason in a couple of days."Regina, standing nearby, looked at him. "Honey—"Noah turned and struck her hard, causing her to fall to the floor.Covering her face in disbelief, she stared at him. "You actually hit me?""If you want to die, do it yourself! Don't drag Kayden down with you!" Noah hissed.He then grabbed the trembling Kayden and left.Regina clutched her face, fury filling her eyes, but she gritted her teeth and chased afte
However, Oliver quickly adjusted his expression and walked toward Nyla and Mason.As Nyla stepped out of the elevator with Mason, she looked surprised to see him. "What brings you here today?"Oliver's demeanor was warm. "I came to check on you and Buddy."He then turned to Damon. "Mr. Sumner, thanks for sending Nyla and Buddy back. Just hand me the backpack."He reached for the backpack in Damon's hand, but the latter subtly moved it out of reach, his expression cool. "No need. Buddy is my child. It's my responsibility."Oliver raised an eyebrow but didn't press the issue. When he pulled his hand back, he noticed the bruise on Mason's face. "What happened to Buddy?"Nyla kept her explanation brief. "He got into a fight at school, but it's all been sorted out.""How did it get so bad?" Oliver asked."The other kid was hurt worse. Let's not stand out here. Come inside," Nyla said.She opened the door. As she turned to take the backpack from Damon, he suddenly spoke up. "Ms. Kin
Nyla turned around and said indifferently, "Alright, I won't see you out, Mr. Sumner."Damon's gaze darkened further as he sensed her dismissive attitude. He knew she wouldn't call him. Even if she didn't, it was fine—the principal would notify him."Goodbye," he replied.After Damon left, Oliver hesitated for a moment before asking how Damon had ended up coming back with them that day.Nyla couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "You've been holding that in for a while, haven't you?"Oliver exchanged a glance with her and laughed. "I'm just a bit curious."Nyla briefly recounted how Mason had gotten into a fight at school and how Damon had arrived not long after her.After hearing this, Oliver frowned. "Nyla, with something that serious happening, why didn't you contact me?"Nyla pressed her lips together and looked down. "I was too anxious at the time. It didn't occur to me."Besides, she had just learned that Oliver had been forced to resign because of her and Mason. Even if s
Hugh stiffened for a moment before his expression turned furious."What we're discussing is how you'll do anything to get back into the Raynor Group. I asked you to leave because you're jeopardizing the company's interests for a woman. I won't tolerate that!" he barked.Oliver nodded, his gaze cold. "Isn't it because you want Fred to take my place and use me as a stepping stone?"Hugh shot up from his seat. "What nonsense are you talking about?!"His face was flushed with rage, but Oliver noticed a flicker of guilt in his eyes."Whether I'm talking nonsense or not, we both know the truth. I just want to understand why you're paving the way for Fred at my expense," Oliver said calmly."That's enough!" Hugh slammed his hand on the table, shouting, "I don't want to argue about this useless stuff! You'll get your position back, but I'm very disappointed in you!"Meeting Hugh's enraged gaze, Oliver chuckled. "Dad, I've been disappointed in you too."With that, he turned and left.B
"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