The familiar scent of pine momentarily caught Nyla off guard. It wasn't until the crowd cleared that Damon let go of her."Are you okay?" His cool, deep voice came from above her.Nyla pressed her lips together and replied softly, "I'm fine.""Good to hear," Damon said."Daddy, can you and Mommy ride the carousel with me?" Mason looked up at Damon, completely unbothered by what had just happened and unaware that Nyla had zoned out.Damon thought the carousel was childish, something only kids and women would enjoy. Just as he was about to decline, Mason grabbed his leg, looking up at him with eager eyes.Caught in Mason's hopeful gaze, Damon found himself relenting. "Alright, let's do it."They lined up at the carousel. Just as they were about to get on, Nyla's phone suddenly rang.When she saw it was Oliver, she looked up at Damon. "I need to take this call. If we get to the front of the line, just take Buddy on the ride."Damon, towering over Nyla, caught a glimpse of the nam
Damon glanced at Nyla, noticed her with her head down, lost in thought, and frowned involuntarily. Ever since she had taken that call from Oliver at noon, she had been acting this way. Did Oliver really hold such significance for her?"Daddy…" Mason called out.Damon snapped back to reality and looked down at Mason, scooping him up in his arms. "Sure. If you like it, we can come here every week.""Yay!" Mason clapped his hands excitedly, his cheeks flushed with joy.Since they had played late into the day, they decided to find a nearby restaurant for dinner.After placing their orders, Nyla headed to the restroom.The restaurant featured wooden partitions between each table, adorned with lush green leaves. It was both beautiful and provided a degree of privacy.As Nyla walked past the partitions toward the restroom, a surprised voice suddenly called out to her, "Nyla?"She froze at the sound of the voice. Turning her head stiffly, she saw it was indeed Oliver. An involuntary wa
Mason hadn't seen Oliver in a while, so his face lit up with excitement. "Okay!"As soon as Mason spoke, he sensed Damon's gaze on him. It seemed his father wasn't too keen on having Oliver join them for dinner.However, he had already agreed, and he didn't want to chase Oliver away, especially since he really liked him and wanted to eat together.Oliver sat down next to Nyla and turned to Damon. "Sorry to intrude."Damon's expression was indifferent. "If you knew it was an intrusion, Mr. Raynor, you shouldn't have followed Ms. Kinsey here in the first place, should you?"Catching the sarcasm in Damon's tone, Oliver remained unfazed and smiled. "I've always had meals with Nyla and Buddy before, and I thought you wouldn't mind since you know my relationship with Nyla."Damon remained silent, his face stoic. Admitting he minded would make him seem petty while claiming he didn't mind felt uncomfortable. Ultimately, he chose to ignore Oliver, treating him like he was invisible.Howe
"I already know most of what happened between us. I've done you and Buddy wrong, and I'll do my best to make it up to you both," Damon said.Nyla looked up in disbelief, clearly surprised that Damon would say something like that.Under her intense gaze, Damon awkwardly turned his eyes away and coldly added, "Don't get the wrong idea. I'm just feeling guilty.""Don't worry. I won't misunderstand. Whatever happened before is in the past. I won't get carried away or use Buddy to entangle you," Nyla replied firmly.Damon felt a wave of irritation wash over him, and his voice turned even colder. "That's for the best!"With that, he turned and left the bedroom.As the bedroom door closed, the room fell silent, save for Mason's soft breathing.Nyla pressed her hand against her restless heart, trying to calm her chaotic thoughts. She went to the wardrobe, grabbed her pajamas, and prepared to take a shower.…When Nyla and Mason got up the next morning, Damon had already left for a bus
Nyla looked at Clark calmly as she asked, "Is that so?"Clark was momentarily stunned, not expecting her response. He quickly replied, "Of course! We were so in love before. Have you forgotten?""Of course I haven't forgotten," Nyla said, raising an eyebrow. "And I have something to tell you too.""What is it?" Clark asked.Nyla beckoned. "Come a little closer." Confused, Clark stepped toward her.Just as he was a few steps away, she suddenly slapped him.The sharp sound echoed in the living room, leaving a clear handprint on Clark's face. His expression twisted in anger."Nyla!" His voice was filled with fury, and his gaze turned dark and cold.Nyla smiled, shaking her aching hand. "Your skin is really thick. My hand hurts now. This slap is for what I didn't get the chance to do five years ago. Consider it payback."Clark gritted his teeth, forcing himself to suppress his anger. "Nyla, you've slapped me and vented your anger. Does that mean I can pursue you again now?"Nyl
"Whoever is scheming against Prospectus Technology behind our backs must have a lot of nerve!"Damon cast a cold look at the agitated shareholders, and they immediately fell silent.He then announced, "I've already sent people to investigate. I will inform everyone as soon as we have results. For now, focus on the tasks at hand. Prospectus Technology has weathered many storms over the years and emerged unscathed. This minor issue won't bring us down."Damon's words reassured everyone, and their expressions visibly relaxed.They were reminded that even if they lacked faith in themselves, they should trust Damon. As long as he was around, the company would not falter.The meeting lasted over three hours before everyone finally dispersed.Upon returning to his office, Damon called Luca in and asked, "What's the situation with Prestige Corp.?""Mr. Sumner, I was just about to report to you. Prestige Corp. has been losing money since last year and is essentially an empty shell now,"
Clark's expression turned sour as he demanded, "Dad, didn't you hear Grandpa's warning just now? Or is a brother who abandoned you more important than your own son?"Cyrus sighed. "I just want to talk to the doctor about the likelihood of Damon successfully recovering his memory. And no matter what, he's still your uncle.""Uncle? He's not even a part of the Sumners!" an angry voice said from the doorway.Cyrus and Clark turned their heads.Cyrus glared at Cindy as she approached. He scolded, "What nonsense are you spouting? Isn't the family chaotic enough already?"Cindy scoffed and sat across from them. "Clark, do you remember when I told you that your uncle doesn't have the right to compete with you for the Sumner Group?"Clark nodded. "Yes. What do you mean by saying he isn't part of the Sumners?"Cyrus was angry. "Don't listen to your mother's nonsense. I think she's been idle for too long and lost her mind. How could I not know whether Damon is my brother?"Cindy smirked,
It took several minutes before Cyrus finally spoke in a low voice. "Mom is already gone, and Damon will soon hand the company over to Clark. Just pretend you don't know about this. Bringing it up won't do any good."Cindy sneered at him. "I'm not interested, but if you keep being soft-hearted toward Damon, then don't bother calling Clark your son! Let's see if Damon even cares about your compassion!"Cyrus fell silent. After a long pause, he sighed deeply. "Fine, I understand."…At 8:00 p.m., Damon arrived at the Sumner residence right on time.As soon as he walked in, the atmosphere in the living room became tense. In addition to Cyrus' family and Richard, Brandon was also present.Richard looked at Damon expressionlessly. "Take a seat. On the table is the share transfer agreement for the company. As long as you sign it, I'll let you see Dr. Herbert immediately."Damon walked over to the table, picked up the document, and calmly read through it.He didn't rush to sign. Instea
"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