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
"Uncle Damon, thank you for coming to see Nyla, but you're usually busy, so there's no need for you to come in the future." Clark's tone lacked politeness, and his gaze toward Damon was filled with hostility, practically spelling out "keep your distance from Nyla".Damon looked at him calmly, showing no sign of being provoked.Clark felt frustrated and ground his teeth in anger. Damon's attitude made him feel like his punch had landed nowhere.Damon ignored Clark's remark, turned to Valarie, and said, "Ms. Weir, I have another meeting shortly. I'll take my leave now."Valarie nodded. "Alright, I'll see you out.""No need," Damon replied.As Damon turned to leave, Clark followed and intercepted him in front of the elevator, staring at him with a stern expression. "Uncle Damon, I hope you understand that Nyla is my wife and your niece-in-law, not just some random woman. I hope you don't have any inappropriate thoughts."Damon glanced at Clark, his gaze devoid of warmth. "If I were
Jane smiled and praised, "You're such a good boy, Wil. Come here—Mommy wants to tell you something."Hesitant but trusting, Wilhelm slowly moved closer to her.The moment he was within reach, Jane grabbed his collar, her expression dark and menacing. "When I called you earlier, why didn't you come immediately?"Terrified, Wilhelm turned pale, tears brimming in his eyes. "Mommy… I was scared…""Scared of what?" Jane demanded."Scared you'd hit me… Waaaah…" Wilhelm cried.When Wilhelm had been staying with Gabriel, he'd worried he'd never see his mother again.But now, seeing her up close, she seemed frightening—nothing like the gentle mother he used to know.Jane's patience snapped at the sound of his crying. "Shut up! If you keep crying, I'll throw you out!"Wilhelm immediately clammed up, though he couldn't stop the little hiccups that followed. His face was streaked with tears, making him look pitiful.Just then, the door to the room opened, and Wendy walked in carrying som
Embarrassment flickered across Wren's face as she muttered, "I didn't… I just didn't know the situation before, okay?""If you don't know the situation, then don't meddle," Gabriel rebuked.After a moment of silence, Wren stole a glance at Gabriel and softly said, "Gabriel, this time it's my fault. I'm sorry. But Wil absolutely cannot be sent back to Jane. Who knows how she'll treat him? She's already proven she's capable of terrible things."Just thinking about Jane intentionally causing Wilhelm's allergic reaction made Wren's skin crawl. What kind of mother could be so cruel?"I know what I'm doing. From now on, if Jane contacts you, don't respond," Gabriel instructed.Wren quickly nodded. "Okay… I understand…""If there's nothing else, you can go. I have work to do," Gabriel dismissed."Alright… I'll leave now…" Wren answered.As Wren walked out of the villa, she finally let out a sigh of relief.Just as she was about to call her driver, her phone rang.Seeing that it was
Wilhelm froze at Gabriel's stern expression, shrinking behind Wren and peeking at his father with frightened eyes.Without looking at him, Gabriel called for a maid. "Take him to the Wilkies with the driver later."The maid nodded. "Understood."Just as the maid was about to lead Wilhelm away, Wren pulled the boy behind her and snapped, "Gabriel, can't you see how scared he is?"Gabriel finally lifted his gaze to her, his tone icy. "Weren't you the one who brought him to me and insisted I let him see Jane? Now that I've agreed, what more do you want?"Wren stiffened but quickly composed herself. "I only brought him because he was crying so pitifully. That doesn't mean I want him to live with Jane again."She wasn't stupid. It was clear that Wilhelm was better off with Gabriel than with Jane.If the divorce went through, Jane would eventually remarry, and who knew how much Wilhelm would suffer in her new household?At least with Gabriel, Wren could visit Wilhelm often, and he wo
Raymond and Gabriel stayed in the study for over an hour before emerging.By then, Raymond's expression had shifted from initial unease to radiant joy, his face brimming with smiles.It seemed the fortune teller had been right—Wren was indeed his lucky star.Despite his company's brush with bankruptcy, Gabriel not only promised to inject 70,000,000 dollars into it but also agreed to partner with them on future projects.The potential profits were enough to make it impossible for Raymond to hide his grin.Seeing his cheerful demeanor, Wren let out a breath of relief.Setting Wilhelm down from her lap, she turned to Raymond and asked, "So, you reached an agreement?""Yeap. I need to get back to the office, though. I'll have the driver pick you up later," Raymond replied."Alright. Will you be home for dinner?" Wren asked."Of course! Tonight, we'll celebrate properly," Raymond promised.After Raymond left, Wilhelm tugged on Wren's sleeve. "Grandma, when are you going to talk to
"Okay," Wilhelm answered.He accepted the bowl and took a couple of sips, then looked up at Gabriel and asked, "Daddy, where's Mommy?"Upon seeing the cautious look in Wilhelm's eyes, a complex expression crossed Gabriel's face.He crouched down to the boy's level and said gently, "Wil, from now on, you'll live with Daddy. Is that okay?"Wilhelm froze, tears welling up in his eyes. "Daddy, does that mean you don't want Mommy anymore?"Jane's words echoed in his mind—that Gabriel had a bad woman outside and didn't want them anymore.Now that his father didn't want his mother, it wouldn't be long before he didn't want him either, especially if he had a child with that bad woman.Gabriel sighed and spoke softly. "Wil, this is an adult matter that you won't understand. Daddy isn't abandoning Mommy. We're just going to live separately. But no matter what, both of us love you very much.""You're lying!" Wilhelm cried, throwing the bowl to the floor, where it shattered into pieces.H
Looking at Jane's self-righteous demeanor, Gabriel remained expressionless. His gaze was indifferent, as if she were a stranger of no consequence.His lack of reaction agitated Jane even more."Gabriel, why aren't you saying anything? Why?!" she shouted.Gabriel's voice was calm. "Because I think you're pitiful.""Pitiful?!" Jane repeated, then burst into laughter. "Do you think you're any less pitiful than I am? You abandoned your wife to be with Nyla, but has she even spared you a second glance? In the end, you and I are no different—we're both pathetic losers."Gabriel showed no visible reaction but said, "Jane, I'm not like you.""What's so different about you?" Jane demanded."I can make my own choices. You can't. Take this situation, for example—I can ensure you'll never see Wilhelm again, but there's nothing you can do to stop me," Gabriel stated.Jane froze, her laughter faltering. An overwhelming sense of unease gripped her. "What are you going to do?"Gabriel waved h
Although Wilhelm wanted more, he hesitated briefly before obediently putting down his spoon."Okay, Mommy," he said.His compliance sparked a brief flicker of guilt in Jane's eyes. But the feeling vanished as quickly as it had come, replaced by a calm determination.After settling the bill, she led Wilhelm back to the car.As soon as they were on the road, Wilhelm began squirming in his seat, scratching himself furiously. His small face scrunched in discomfort as he complained, "Mommy… I don't feel good. I'm itchy all over…"Jane glanced at him and saw red spots breaking out across his skin."Hold on, Mommy's taking you to the hospital right now," she said.She sped toward the nearest hospital, reaching it in less than ten minutes.…By the time Jane pulled into the ER, Wilhelm's face was covered in hives. He was clawing at himself, leaving red marks all over his pale skin.Jane rushed to unbuckle him and carried him inside, moving quickly toward the emergency desk.A doctor
Wilhelm thought that when Gabriel was home, Jane never hit him without a reason.But ever since his father left, his mother had become unpredictable. Sometimes, even the sound of him making noise while eating would lead to punishment, forcing him to stand in the corner.He missed the mother who would kiss him and speak to him gently. He didn't want the mother who hit him for no reason."But Daddy's out there with another woman now and won't come home," he said.Although he was young, he understood a lot of adult issues.Lately, Gabriel hadn't been around. With Jane's constant hints, Wilhelm had started to believe that Gabriel had left because of a bad woman, choosing her over their family."Mommy, when I grow up, I'll protect you. I won't let any bad woman bully you!" Wilhelm vowed.Tears welled in Jane's eyes at his words, her heart filled with a mix of emotions. Yet, her moment of hesitation lasted only a second before her resolve hardened.The only way to give Wilhelm a comp
Besides, Nyla didn't even like Gabriel. It had always been him chasing her.What was Jane supposed to do—crack open his head and make him stop liking Nyla?Wren frowned, clearly irritated. "Alright, I'm not in the mood to talk about this. Go home," she said, waving Jane off.Jane protested, "Mom, we haven't even discussed how to bring Gabriel back to me and Wilhelm. I need your help.""What do you want me to do?" Wren asked."Later, call Gabriel and tell him Wilhelm has a fever and wants to see him. Get him to come home," Jane requested.Wren hesitated. Gabriel's attitude toward her had grown increasingly cold. If he found out she was conspiring with Jane to deceive him, it could further damage their relationship.Seeing her reluctance, Jane sighed. "Mom, do you really want to watch him chase after Nyla? With the way things are between you two now, do you think Nyla will treat you kindly if they end up together?""That's impossible! Nyla doesn't like him. They won't end up to