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
Before Nyla could finish, Spencer stepped in front of her."Ms. Kinsey, Mr. Sumner just woke up. He mentioned that he doesn't want to see anyone right now and prefers to rest. Perhaps you could come back this evening or tomorrow?" Spencer suggested.Nyla halted and looked at Spencer. "How is he right now?""The doctor has checked on him and said he's passed the critical phase. He just needs to rest," Spencer answered.Hearing this, Nyla finally relaxed. "Alright, I'll come back with Buddy tonight."In the ward, Damon heard Nyla's voice as soon as she reached the door. His gaze instinctively turned toward the entrance, where her slender silhouette was faintly visible through the frosted glass. The emotions in his eyes grew increasingly complex.While tumbling down the mountain with Nyla, he had hit his head against a rock. At that moment, memories had started flooding back. Five years ago, he had wronged her, and five years later, he had wronged her even more.Damon managed a
"Thank you, Daddy!" Mason exclaimed.Damon's gaze shifted from Mason to Nyla, and a complex emotion flickered in his eyes before settling back into calmness."Ms. Kinsey, how's your recovery going?" he asked.Caught off guard by Damon's cool stare, Nyla hesitated.For a brief moment, she felt as though he might have regained his memory, but she quickly pushed that thought aside."Mr. Sumner, I'm doing much better now. I've already arranged for my discharge. I truly appreciate what you did for me that day. If it weren't for you, I might not be here anymore," she said gratefully.She had never expected Damon to risk his own life to protect her, and the memory of him throwing himself toward her still stirred her heart.Damon lowered his gaze and replied indifferently, "You are the most important person in Buddy's life. I just didn't want him to be sad."Nyla paused but nodded. "Regardless, I'm very grateful. If you don't mind, I'd like to come and take care of you until you're dis
Damon looked up at Cindy, his eyes frosty. "If you want to call the police, go ahead. But I can guarantee that your son will soon be busy working behind bars."Cindy froze, then sneered. "What nonsense are you talking about? You're the one who should be locked up!"Behind her, Cyrus' expression changed. He knew Damon's character—if he didn't have solid proof, he wouldn't make such definitive statements.Something must have happened during Clark's disappearance. Otherwise, Damon wouldn't have randomly locked him up.Cyrus quickly pulled Cindy behind him and whispered, "Be quiet for now!"Indignant, Cindy still kept her mouth shut at Cyrus' urging."Damon, you're Clark's elder. If he did something wrong, you can punish him however you like to teach him a lesson. But keeping him locked up indefinitely doesn't seem right, does it?" Cyrus probed.Damon's icy gaze shifted to Cyrus' fawning face.He spoke slowly. "Clark kidnapped Nyla and my son, Buddy. He then used Buddy to demand 15
Under Tim's leadership, the Westcott Group maintained its position as one of the top four families in Capitarnia, leaving the other three far behind.After reading the file, Gabriel closed it and asked coldly, "I asked you to arrange a meeting with Mr. Westcott. What's their response?"The secretary hesitated. "Mr. Hackett, Mr. Westcott's secretary hasn't responded. It seems they aren't interested in meeting with you."Gabriel wasn't fazed. The document made it clear that Tim was proud and highly selective in his dealings. Such a person wasn't easily approached.For Damon to even gain the Westcott Group's consideration, he must have put in significant effort.Still, there was an opportunity as long as the contract wasn't signed."No need to wait for a reply. I'll go to the Westcott Group myself tomorrow morning," Gabriel said."Understood, Mr. Hackett," the secretary replied.…At 7:00 a.m. the next day, Gabriel was already standing outside the Westcott Group. The sun hadn't f
Damon nodded. "Got it. Have the PR department continue contacting major media outlets to remove any negative commentary about Prospectus Technology. We can't let this situation escalate further."In the business world, public opinion could be lethal. Most people were naturally inclined to follow the crowd. Without knowing the full picture, they could easily be misled.If the narrative that Prospectus Technology's chips were faulty spread too far, restoring their reputation later would require monumental resources. It was critical to stop this from snowballing now."Understood, Mr. Sumner. By the way, how's the deal in Capitarnia coming along?" someone asked.Upon hearing that, Damon's previously tense expression relaxed slightly. "Progress is decent. Barring any unforeseen issues, we should be able to sign the contract in a couple of days."The group on the call let out a collective sigh of relief.Once the deal was signed, Prospectus Technology would recover some of its losses
"We can sign an agreement if you're still worried. I promise never to challenge your custody of Wilhelm in my lifetime," Jane assured.Seeing her determination, Gabriel remained silent.Noticing his hesitation, Jane gripped the armrests of her wheelchair tightly. "Gabriel, you're already hesitating, even though you haven't remarried yet. How can I believe you'll treat Wilhelm fairly in the future?"Gabriel's gaze turned cold. "No matter what, Wilhelm will be better off with me than with you. When and how much of the shares I give him is my decision, not yours."With that, he turned to leave.As he reached the doorway, Jane's voice echoed behind him. "If you don't transfer half your shares to Wilhelm, I won't leave the country!"Gabriel paused, then glanced back at her mockingly. "Whether you leave or stay means nothing to me. And why would you think your refusal to leave is a threat to me?""Gabriel, you're a bastard!" Jane shouted.Gabriel smirked and left without another word
Wilhelm froze for a moment, his eyes welling up with tears as confusion and hurt clouded them."Mommy, do you really not want me anymore?" he asked, his voice trembling.Jane's gaze flickered with a brief trace of pain as she looked at Wilhelm sitting pitifully on the floor. But the softness in her eyes vanished as quickly as it appeared.She stared at him coldly. "That's right. I never wanted you. I hit you to try and get your father to come back."The other day, when I took you out for steak, I deliberately let you eat that hazelnut cake. You started itching later because you're allergic—that was intentional, too. I wanted you hospitalized so I could force your father to see me."Her tone grew harsher. "Now that Gabriel and I are divorced, you're of no use to me. You're just a burden. Taking you with me would only drag me down."And I hate your father. Naturally, I hate you, too. Don't show up in front of me again!"Wilhelm sat frozen, her words cutting into him like shards of
If Wilhelm stopped wanting to see Jane, the bond between them would naturally fade over time."No! I don't want food!" Wilhelm cried, hurling Gabriel's phone onto the car seat.He began pounding on the car door, trying to open it. "I want to see Mommy! I want to live with her, not you!"Gabriel, his patience wearing thin, locked the doors with a sharp click and turned to Wilhelm, his expression darkening."Your mother doesn't want you. Even if you find her, she won't take you. I'm the only one you have now," he said."I hate you! I don't want to be with you! I don't want you as my dad!" Wilhelm screamed.Gabriel's restraint, already fraying after days of tantrums, finally snapped. He stared at his son and said coldly, "It doesn't matter whether you want me or not. No one wants you now except me."Jane didn't want Wilhelm. The Wilkies wouldn't want him either."That's not true!" Wilhelm sobbed uncontrollably. "Mommy wants me. Mommy's just mad. If I'm good, she'll take me back! S
Lydia nodded. "Okay, Ms. Kinsey."Shortly after, Lydia returned with Mason by her side.When Mason saw Gabriel and Wilhelm standing at the door, he frowned and turned to Nyla. "Mommy, why is Wilhelm here?"Nyla patted his head gently. "He's here to apologize to you.""Oh." Mason's response was wary, clearly unconvinced.Gabriel observed Nyla's affectionate interaction with Mason, his eyes flickering with a trace of emotion. He turned to Wilhelm. "What did you promise me before we came?"Wilhelm's reluctance was evident. He had agreed to apologize, but only under the threat of losing his chance to see his mother."Mason, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pushed you yesterday. I hope you can forgive me," Wilhelm said, his voice subdued.Mason didn't respond immediately. Instead, he looked up at Nyla, silently seeking her guidance."Buddy, this is your decision to make," Nyla said softly. "I'll respect whatever you decide."Mason lowered his head, thinking for a moment.Finally, he s
Brandon sighed and placed the items on the desk. "Aunt Nyla, this crisis is unlike anything Prospectus Technology has faced before. If things go wrong, the company can go bankrupt."Uncle Damon prepared these after finding out Buddy is his son, but he hadn't found the right time to give them to you."Keep them for now. If Prospectus Technology collapses, he'll need this to start over."After a moment's silence, Nyla nodded. "Alright, I'll hold onto them. Is this the only reason you came?""Yes, I need to get back to work," Brandon replied."I'll see you out," Nyla offered.After sending Brandon off, she returned to the study and placed the documents and bank card in the safe upstairs.The next morning…As Nyla was getting dressed, Lydia knocked on the door."Ms. Kinsey, there's a man outside who says he's your brother," Lydia informed her.Brother?Thinking it was likely Gabriel, Nyla's expression turned cold. "I don't know him. Tell him to leave.""Understood," Lydia said
Damon put the file down and sat across from Nyla.Noticing two portions of breakfast on the table, he asked, "You haven't eaten either?""No," Nyla replied as she opened the packages and handed one to him. "I came to eat with you. Spencer told me he brought you breakfast this morning, but you didn't touch it.""I was too busy," Damon said."Being busy isn't an excuse to skip meals. I saw your assistants running around like crazy, and I heard they barely got any sleep last night. Is the issue with the company that serious?" Nyla asked."It's significant," Damon admitted. "Our chips might be causing malfunctions in our partner's machines. If that's confirmed, the company will face a massive compensation payout."Nyla frowned, worry flashing in her eyes. "I can't help much with work, but the least I can do is keep things in order at home. By the way, are you coming home tonight?""Probably not," he replied. "There's still a lot to handle.""Alright. Finish your breakfast. I'll hea
Gabriel took the document, skimmed its contents, and his face darkened."What is it?" Tom asked.Gabriel tossed the document onto the table with a cold laugh. "Nothing important. Damon's just trying to catch me off guard."The document contained evidence of Nyce Tech hiring paid posters to smear Prospectus Technology, but Gabriel wasn't worried.Soon enough, those allegations would become the truth.Tom glanced at the papers and grinned. "As long as it's not a big problem. Anyway, I should get going.""Fine, but don't forget your part in this," Gabriel said pointedly.There was a cold glint in Tom's eyes, though his smile remained. "Relax. I won't let you handle Prospectus Technology alone."After Tom left, Gabriel drained his wine in one gulp.As he prepared to head to his study, a maid approached with a concerned expression."Mr. Hackett, Mr. Wilhelm still refuses to eat," the maid informed him.Gabriel had brought Wilhelm straight back to the villa instead of letting him