Meanwhile, Clark received word that Nyla had left Damon's villa with Mason.He smirked. "Looks like Lady Luck is on my side."He had been worried about how to get into Damon's villa to abduct Mason, but now, with Nyla moving out and Damon away on a business trip, it was the perfect opportunity."When do you want us to make a move?" the person on the line asked."Tonight. We'll exchange the child for the money," Clark replied.After hanging up, Clark got up and poured himself a glass of red wine, smiling to himself. Soon, Damon would be begging to hand over his shares....As evening approached, Nyla finalized a list of potential houses to visit in person the next morning.Finally pulling her gaze from the computer, Nyla saw Mason walk over and hug her arm. "Mommy, I'm hungry."Nyla glanced at the clock and realized it was already past 6:00 p.m."I'm sorry, Buddy! I got so caught up that I lost track of time. I'll have someone bring us dinner right away," she said.She ordere
When Nyla regained consciousness, she found her hands and feet bound. She was lying on a bed, and Mason was nowhere to be seen.From the room's layout and decor, she realized she was in a bedroom. It felt strangely familiar.Frowning in confusion, she barely had time to think before the door swung open, and a man in a suit walked in.Nyla's bewilderment turned to rage as she recognized him."Clark, you kidnapped me and Buddy? Where is he?! If anything happens to him, I swear I won't let you off, and neither will Damon!" she thundered.Clark narrowed his eyes and sat beside the bed, gazing at her with an unsettling affection. "Nyla, after so many years apart, we finally have the chance to talk. Let's not bring up those party poopers.""Where is Buddy?!" Nyla demanded, her eyes blazing with anger and disgust. "I'm asking you, where is he?!""Don't worry. He's safe—for now, at least," Clark replied."Why are you doing this? Are you crazy?" Nyla questioned, her voice sharp.Clark
Clark grabbed her chin, speaking each word deliberately. "I had planned to throw a wedding after we moved abroad, but if you're eager to start the honeymoon activities now, I won't mind."The way Clark's gaze drifted down to her chest made Nyla's stomach churn."Get off me!" Nyla shouted.Clark growled, "Looks like it's time to show you what I'm capable of!"As he reached to unbutton her shirt, his phone rang from his pocket. Seeing the caller ID, he released her and straightened his clothes."I'll be back," he said.Disgusted, Nyla turned her head away, refusing to look at him any longer.Clark didn't get angry. He simply turned and left the room.Once the door was securely closed, Nyla hurriedly freed her wrists and loosened the ropes around her ankles. She stealthily grabbed the lamp from the bedside table, hiding it behind her back.Not long after, Clark returned.Seeing Nyla still sitting on the bed in the same position, he smirked and approached her slowly. "Nyla, let's
Upon hearing this, Nyla's heart lurched, and her face turned pale. Mason had actually jumped out of a third-floor window!Nyla couldn't imagine how desperate he must have felt to do that. The more she thought about it, the more her heart ached, and tears streamed down her face without her even realizing it. The person on the other end of the line noticed the silence and became alert. "Why aren't you talking?! You're not Clark?!"Nyla bit her lip hard, not daring to speak, and hung up. She rushed to the bathroom, filled a basin with water, and splashed it on Clark's head. He woke up soon, realizing he was tied up, and saw Nyla looking down at him.He paused for a moment before breaking into a smile. "Nyla, I didn't expect you to be so much smarter after five years apart."Nyla glared at him. "I don't have time for your nonsense. Where did you lock up Buddy?"Clark sneered. "You want to know? Go find him yourself. Saintornia isn't that big. If you search for ten days or half a
Nyla was frantic as she raised her voice. "I said don't worry about me! Buddy is what matters! Where is he? I'm going there right now!"Damon fell into silence on the other end."Say something!" Nyla urged."It's dangerous. I'll go find Buddy myself. Just stay put until my people arrive and leave with them," Damon instructed.Before Nyla could respond, he hung up.…Seeing Damon put his phone away, Spencer asked with concern, "Mr. Sumner, those people are armed. Shouldn't we involve the police?"Damon's eyes were icy as he replied, "Those people are desperate. If the police get involved, they might lash out and harm Buddy. You stay here and keep me informed if anything happens. I'll head over first."Spencer wanted to argue further but could see that Damon was unyielding. He simply reminded him, "Be careful!"…Clark, who had overheard the entire conversation, smirked.Damon wouldn't tell Nyla where Mason was, probably because he was worried about those armed men.Since Dam
Damon kept a poker face as he said, "I'll give you three seconds. If you don't talk, I'll personally send you abroad to collect your son's corpse."A flash of panic crossed the man's face, and his voice trembled with fear. "I'll tell you... I'll tell you... They all went up the mountain...""You better not be lying to me. Otherwise, you'll regret ever being born," Damon threatened.He left a few people behind to watch the man and led the majority of his team up the mountain.At the back of the flour mill loomed a medium-sized mountain.With deep autumn approaching, the leaves of the shrubs and trees had begun to turn yellow and fall, making the area feel desolate and abandoned.Damon's expression was grim, and he emanated a chilling aura.Meanwhile, Nyla had searched the flour mill for a long time but hadn't found Mason. Instead, she ran into Damon's subordinates."Ms. Kinsey... what are you doing here?" one of the subordinates asked."Where's Damon?" Nyla shot back."We just
Nyla felt pain coursing through every part of her body. It took her several minutes to catch her breath.She leaned against the tree to stand up slowly, her face pale. Her clothes were torn from the thorns, leaving her looking ragged and disheveled.As she looked up at the spot from which she had fallen, she bit her lip. Just as she was about to climb back up, she caught sight of a cave partially obscured by bushes.The cave entrance was on a slope and mostly hidden by vegetation. If she hadn't been in the right position, she would have completely missed it.After hesitating for a moment, she decided to investigate.Her foot had already twisted when she fell, and moving now sent sharp pain shooting through her. But she had no choice—she needed to see.Clutching the bushes, she slowly made her way toward the cave entrance.As she approached, she noticed the bushes rustling.Holding her breath and suppressing her racing heart, Nyla called softly into the cave, "Buddy... are you i
Nyla and Damon had rolled down to a relatively flat area.Nyla quickly grabbed onto a nearby shrub. Thorns dug into her fingers, but she was determined not to let go. Finally, they came to a stop.She let out a sigh of relief and turned to look at Damon, only to find him with his eyes tightly shut. His face was pale, and cold sweat beaded on his foreheadHer heart sank instantly."Damon... wake up. Are you okay?" she asked.She called his name several times, but he didn't respond.However, his hands still gripped her waist tightly.Panic flashed in Nyla's eyes as she began to search him.Thankfully, his phone was still with him. She quickly took it out and dialed Spencer's number.…When Damon finally regained consciousness, it was three days later.Every part of his body ached—even breathing felt immensely difficult.Spencer, who was beside him, noticed that he was awake and hurried over. "Mr. Sumner, you're awake! I'll go get the doctor right away!"Spencer was filled wi
"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