Damon looked down at her, his eyes filled with disgust. "You can scheme against me, but I can't keep you from seeing Buddy?""If you hadn't taken Buddy away and threatened that he wouldn't come back to me, I wouldn't have to do this!" Nyla cried.Damon let out a cold laugh. "So it's all my fault?"Nyla's expression hardened as she replied firmly, "That's not what I meant, but you're at fault too. Buddy has been with me since he was little, and you had someone take him from our home without saying a word. Don't you think that's excessive?"Upon recalling the fear she felt the night Mason was taken, Nyla's expression turned icy. No matter what happened, she wouldn't let Damon take Mason away from her again."Looks like you don't see any problem with your actions. In that case, forget about seeing Buddy!" Damon declared.He tried to push past her and leave.In a panic, Nyla grabbed his arm. "No! I won't let you hide Buddy away again!"Feeling the softness of her grip, Damon went r
Lydia quickly brought the first-aid kit and said, "Ms. Kinsey, please go sit on the couch. Let me take care of your injury."Nyla shook her head, looking gratefully at Lydia. "No need. I can do it myself.""Let me help. It's not easy for you to do it alone," Lydia advised.Seeing Lydia's insistence, Nyla finally nodded. "Alright, Lydia. I'll trouble you."Nyla gently wiped the tears from Mason's face and said softly, "Buddy, don't cry anymore. Mommy is fine."Mason sniffled, gripping the hem of Nyla's shirt tightly, his eyes filled with fear.Nyla led Mason to the couch and sat down while Lydia quickly and skillfully tended to her wound.As Lydia picked up the first-aid kit to leave, she noticed Damon still standing there with a stern expression.Unable to hold back, she spoke up. "Mr. Sumner, I don't know what conflict you have with Ms. Kinsey, but it's not right to let her get hurt. You shouldn't fight, especially in front of Buddy. He's still young, and your constant arguing
Damon was indifferent as he replied, "Got it. Don't worry about it."No matter how much noise they made, they couldn't take away his shares in the Sumner Group. They were nothing but clowns.In the hospital…Clark's eyes were cold as he read the online comments attacking Damon. He refused to believe that Damon wouldn't clarify the situation.Once he did, Clark would immediately release the video of Richard accusing Damon of being unfilial for not returning the company after taking it.By then, Damon would have no way to defend himself.As the morning wore on and more people joined in condemning Damon, there was still no response from him.Cyrus began to feel uneasy and asked, "Clark, do you really think this plan will work?"Cyrus had been skeptical of Clark's idea when he brought it up the previous night. He knew Damon simply wasn't the type to care about his reputation."Dad, don't worry. Uncle Damon won't be able to resist responding," Clark replied through gritted teeth.
Damon replied icily, "I know. I'll have someone deal with it."After hanging up, he played the video and watched as Richard accused him of trying to monopolize the Sumner Group. His gaze grew colder.If it hadn't been for Richard insisting on handing the company over to him, he wouldn't have taken over the Sumner Group in the first place.Now that Richard wanted a more obedient heir, he had joined forces with Clark to smear Damon. He completely disregarded the backlash Damon would face and the impact it would have on his company.This was Damon's family—his wonderful father and nephew!Damon's heart gradually turned cold.Richard and Clark were the ones who had severed the last remnants of familial affection between them. In that case, there was no need for him to hold back any longer.He dialed Luca's number and coldly said, "I'll send you a video shortly. Organize it and post it on the company's official account."Also, gather evidence of how Clark nearly bankrupted the Sumne
Clark quickly pressed the call button next to Richard's hospital bed.A nurse rushed in to check on Richard's condition and immediately ushered everyone out of the room, placing him on a breathing machine.Outside the hospital room, Clark glared at Victor Owen. "Mr. Owen, you've come to watch the Sumner family's misfortune long enough. My grandfather has fainted because of your provocation. Can you please leave now?!"Seeing Clark's angry glare, Victor chuckled. "I didn't come to witness the Sumner family's joke. I came to remind your grandfather not to dig his own grave while still living. It would ruin his entire life's work."Clark scoffed. "This is the Sumner family's business. It's not your place to meddle!"Victor shrugged, remaining unfazed. He simply shook his head and said, "You're nowhere near as capable as Damon."With that, he left.Clark stared at Victor's retreating figure, anger flashing in his eyes as he clenched his fists at his sides.Everyone said he was infe
"Dad, I have things to do. I'll leave Grandpa with you," Clark said.Cyrus hesitated for a moment before finally speaking. "Clark, if you can't outmaneuver your uncle, just give up. It wouldn't be so bad for the three of us to go back abroad and live on our monthly allowance."Clark looked at him for a long moment before nodding. "Okay, Dad, I understand."After leaving the hospital, Clark made a call instead of negotiating with the shareholders. "I need you to kidnap someone. I'll pay you 1,500,000 dollars."As he hung up, a cruel glint shone in his eyes.Since Damon had blocked all his paths, he would make Damon experience the pain of losing his son right in front of him!…Nyla had seen the comments online as well.Initially, she was worried about Damon, but after witnessing Prospectus Technology's counterattack, she finally felt relieved.Lydia, who had noticed Nyla's anxiety, couldn't help but mention it when she brought tea to Damon."Mr. Sumner, this morning, Ms. Kinse
Spencer looked at Nyl with a hint of guilt as he replied, "Regardless, I still hope you and Mr. Sumner can end up together."Nyla smiled. "For us, staying out of each other's way is the best ending."Spencer fell silent for a moment before ultimately leaving without saying anything.Given Nyla's current wariness of Damon, it was better for him to say less. Speaking too much would only deepen their misunderstandings. If they were truly meant to be, they would find their way back to each other.Not long after Spencer left, Valarie arrived, bringing a bunch of toys for Mason.Seeing Valarie loaded down with packages, Nyla was taken aback. "Did you really need to buy so much? This could keep Buddy entertained for a year!"Valarie set her things down and shot Nyla a glance. "This is nothing. I have plenty more at home. I just couldn't carry everything today. I'll have the butler pack up and send them over tomorrow."I want to make sure Buddy gets all the toys he missed out on these p
"So, for all these five years, it's been Oliver helping you hide your identity?" Valarie asked."Yeah, I really owe you big time. If you hadn't introduced him to me back then, I wouldn't be where I am today," Nyla replied.Valarie felt a mix of nostalgia and lingering fear."I'm just glad I introduced you to him. Otherwise, you would have suffered even more. But still, I won't forgive him for keeping the fact that you're alive a secret for five years! He owes me a big meal to make up for this anger!" Valarie declared.Nyla chuckled. "Sounds good." "But if you're with Oliver, why are you still living with Buddy at Damon's villa? Won't Oliver get jealous?" Valarie asked.Nyla's expression dimmed. She looked down and said, "I owe him… I'll explain this to you another day. But let's talk about you. What's going on with you and Brandon? He seems to care about you. When did you start liking someone so much younger?"Valarie was rendered speechless.She pouted and replied, "Don't bri
"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