"Okay, where should we meet?" Damon asked."I'll meet you at your office after work," Nyla replied.After hanging up, Nyla took a deep breath and returned to her room to shower and rest.-The next evening, after finishing her work at the lab, Nyla headed straight to the top floor to find Damon.Spencer had been instructed to expect her, so when he saw her, he immediately approached. "Ms. Kinsey, Mr. Sumner is waiting for you in his office. I'll take you there.""Thank you," Nyla replied.Spencer led her to the office and quickly left.Damon put down the file he was holding and looked up at her. "Have a seat. I'll sign off on this document, and then I'll be with you."Nyla sat down on the sofa.A few minutes later, Damon walked over and sat across from her. "What did you want to discuss?"Pressing her lips together, Nyla said, "I've thought it over carefully. Buddy is at a sensitive age right now, and he needs a complete family. So, I agree with what you proposed before. I'm
Rebecca, losing patience, arranged to meet Sullivan."When are you finally going to take action? If you don't have the guts to do it, I can find someone else!" she demanded.A hint of disdain flickered in Sullivan's eyes as he observed her agitation, though he maintained a gentle smile."Rebecca, don't worry. Setting up an accident takes time. If I rush it and someone finds evidence, forcing me to confess, everything will be ruined," he coaxed.Rebecca's gaze was mocking as she snapped, "Sullivan, don't give me excuses. Just tell me when I can expect news of Nyla's death!""I promise it won't take longer than a month," Sullivan replied."A month? Do you take me for a fool?!" Rebecca cried."Rebecca, a month is really the fastest I can manage. Besides, you also need time to transfer Nathaniel's money, don't you?" Sullivan countered.Rebecca gritted her teeth. "Fine. I'll give you one last month. If Nyla is still alive by then, I'll tell Damon everything you did while at Prospect
Gabriel's name flashed through Nyla's mind again, but she quickly dismissed it. After all, he was married now with a child and seemed to have a happy life.He wouldn't do something like this... or would he?…Half an hour later, Caroline finally called back."Nyla, I couldn't find any information on that number. It must have been deliberately hidden. Why are you investigating it?" she asked.Nyla hadn't expected that even Caroline, who was skilled in computer hacking and had previously tracked down online trolls to their home addresses, couldn't find anything. This only confirmed that the person behind this had malicious intent."It's nothing. Thank you for helping. I'll treat you to dinner when I'm back in Capitarnia," Nyla replied.Realizing that Nyla didn't want to elaborate, Caroline didn't press further. "I couldn't even find the owner's name. I didn't help at all—no need to treat me. By the way, how's everything going in Saintornia? Is the project progressing smoothly?"A
"Nyla, don't feel like it's a bother. It's what I should do, and I'm really glad you called me tonight," Damon replied.At the very least, he sensed that Nyla needed him.A flicker of emotion crossed Nyla's face before she lowered her head and said, "I'm a bit tired, so I'll head to my room now. You should get some rest too.""Alright," Damon answered.Without another glance at him, Nyla pushed open the door to her room. Once it was shut behind her, she exhaled softly, finally feeling a bit relieved.She placed a hand over her chest, feeling her heartbeat quicken, and couldn't help but smile wryly. Then, she grabbed her clothes and went to the bathroom for a shower.As Nyla disappeared behind the door, Damon's expression turned cold. He quickly walked downstairs and headed straight for his study.Spencer acted swiftly, taking less than an hour to identify the mysterious caller."Mr. Sumner, the person is Howard Rowley, 29 years old. He works as a security guard at Ms. Kinsey's
"Yeah, it's a security guard from your apartment complex. But I think there's more to it," Damon replied.A security guard?Nyla frowned, trying to recall any interactions, but she couldn't remember ever talking to the security guards at her complex. Besides, a guard wouldn't say things like "Welcome back" to her.Noticing her frown, Damon said calmly, "Don't worry about it. I'll handle it. For now, I'll have the driver take Buddy to and from school, and you can commute with me. That way, I can ensure your safety."Thinking about the messages from last night, Nyla felt that chill creep up her spine again. She nodded. "Okay, I'll listen to you."After finishing breakfast, the driver took them to the office. On the way, Damon asked if they needed to keep their relationship a secret.Nyla thought for a moment and replied, "No need. It's not something we can hide for long anyway, so let's just go with the flow."A spark lit up in Damon's eyes as he answered, "Alright."When the car
Ruby shook her head, lowering it in guilt. "Nyla, I'm sorry. I didn't sleep well last night... I promise I won't make any mistakes this afternoon."Seeing Ruby's exhaustion and the dark circles under her eyes, Nyla realized she truly hadn't rested well, so she didn't scold her further. "Alright, go get some lunch and take a good rest.""Okay, thank you. I'll finish organizing the documents and then head out," Ruby replied.Nyla didn't say anything more and left the office, heading to the top floor to find Damon.Not long after Nyla left, Ruby's phone started ringing. Seeing the number flashing on the screen, her face went pale, and she didn't pick up.The calls kept coming like an ominous reminder.She grabbed her phone, intending to block the number, but hesitated at the last moment.Very soon, her phone rang again. She took a deep breath and answered, "I sent you all the money I had last night. I don't have any left!""Ruby, your brother has been taken by the debt collectors.
Sullivan smiled. "I've been here for a little while. You were on the phone, so I didn't want to interrupt.""Oh," Ruby replied, her expression clouding.If Sullivan had been there for a while, he must have overheard her call.Any positive impression she had of him faded immediately—someone who eavesdropped on others' conversations couldn't be trusted.Noticing her displeasure, Sullivan quickly added, "I apologize. I really didn't mean to listen in. That's why I stayed outside the door. But your voice was loud enough that people in the next lab could probably hear you too."Ruby frowned. "Did you need something? If not, I'll be heading to lunch.""I was just dropping off some documents for Nyla. Since she's not here, could you please hold onto them and give them to her this afternoon?" Sullivan asked."Sure," Ruby answered.After placing the documents in her drawer, she was about to head to the cafeteria. When she reached the door, though, she noticed Sullivan was still there, s
After Damon recovered his memories, he replayed everything about Nyla in his mind countless times, remembering it all clearly.The two ate in silence, the only sound in the office being the clinking of cutlery and dishes.While eating, Nyla stole glances at Damon.His movements were graceful, and she found herself drawn to him without realizing it. He was also undeniably handsome, which explained why so many women chased after him.Noticing Nyla's gaze, Damon looked up at her.Their eyes met, and Nyla felt a pang of embarrassment, like she'd been caught red-handed.She quickly averted her gaze and said awkwardly, "Heh… these shrimp are pretty good…""If you like them, I'll have Spencer order them again tomorrow. Is there anything else you'd like?" Damon asked.Nyla glanced at him, but when she met his deep, dark eyes, she quickly looked away again. "No, just the shrimp is fine. You don't have to order only what I like. Get some things you like, too," she replied.Damon looke
"Valarie, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have given you the silent treatment for so long. I wasn't even angry anymore. I just… couldn't bring myself to reach out first," Brandon said.Valarie frowned slightly, her eyes filled with disbelief. "Then why is it that every time I texted you or came to see you, you acted so cold? And now, as I'm leaving, you suddenly run over and hug me like you don't want me to go. Don't you think you're being unreasonable?"Brandon lowered his gaze. "Because I felt like if I let you walk away, we might really break up."Valarie pressed her lips together and remained silent.To be honest, when she turned to leave just now, breaking up had definitely crossed her mind.How could a relationship where communication didn't work, and every conflict led to silence, last?After a moment of silence, Brandon looked up at her again. "Valarie, I know ignoring you all this time hurt you. I'm sorry. I was just trying to figure out how we could be together in a way that fel
Phoebe scowled. "Not planning yet? You're over 30 now. Nyla is already on her second child, and you still don't know when you're getting married?"Valarie stayed silent.Phoebe's frustration deepened. "You're already this old, and your father and I still have to worry about your marriage. When will you finally settle down?""Even if I wanted to get married, it's not something I can decide on my own! Why do you always put the blame on me?" Valarie grumbled.With how things were going between her and Brandon, marriage wasn't even on the table—breaking up seemed more likely.Phoebe narrowed her eyes. "So it's Brandon who doesn't want to get married? I told you not to date someone younger, but you wouldn't listen. Now look, you don't even know if or when he'll propose!"Valarie had had enough. "Marriage, marriage, marriage! That's all you talk about! If you keep pushing me, I'll move out tomorrow.""You—" Phoebe choked on her anger.Not giving her mother a chance to argue, Valarie
Valarie opened the box and found a red V-neck gown inside."This is gorgeous!" she exclaimed."Try it on," Nyla urged."Okay!" Valarie took the dress into the dressing room.Less than two minutes later, she stepped out. "Nyla, it fits perfectly."Nyla looked up, her eyes lighting up with admiration.Dressed in the red gown, Valarie exuded confidence and elegance, like a queen. It was impossible not to be drawn to her."I knew my taste wouldn't fail me! This dress was made for you—every curve is accentuated just right. You look absolutely stunning! If I weren't a woman, I'd probably fall for you right now!" Nyla gushed.Valarie laughed, covering her mouth. "You're exaggerating. But I really do love this dress. Thank you, Nyla!""There's no need to thank me. We don't do that between us! Oh, by the way, why don't you go downstairs and let Brandon see it too?" Nyla suggested.Valarie's smile faded slightly. "Forget it. He probably wouldn't care anyway.""You two still haven't ma
Brad's expression darkened. "Michelle, Stefan is your brother. And for the record, when your mother left the company to me, it was just a small business. I was the one who built it into a publicly traded corporation. You threw away your own future for a man. That's your own fault.""No! I won't let you give the Snowden Group to Stefan! If you dare, my mother's ghost will haunt you forever!" Michelle screamed.Her threats didn't faze Brad in the slightest.He rose to his feet, looking down at her. "You've lost your mind. I'll get you a lawyer, but you'll have to face the consequences of what you did."With that, he turned and walked away.Michelle's eyes burned with fury and hatred."Dad! Don't go! You can't do this to me! Dad! I know I was wrong! Come back!" she screamed after him.No matter how much she yelled, Brad never looked back.Despair crept into her expression as her screams faded.…For the next half-month, Brandon and Valarie didn't contact each other.It was a st
Waiting for someone who would never reciprocate was exhausting. Jayden was done humbling himself.Brad froze, staring at Jayden in disbelief. "Jayden, what do you mean? Didn't you say you'd do whatever it takes to get Michelle out?""Mr. Snowden, the evidence against her is solid. She instigated Stefan to kidnap Valarie. The only way out of this is if Brandon and Valarie agree to sign a letter of leniency."If they refuse, there's nothing I can do. You can't expect me to go up against both the Sumner and Weir Groups just for Michelle."If Michelle had ever loved him, maybe he would have done it.But now? He wouldn't waste his time and energy on someone who didn't deserve it."Then… what about Michelle?" Brad asked."Michelle may not get out, but Stefan turned himself in. That counts as voluntary surrender, so he'll likely get a lighter sentence."From what I know, Stefan is studying economics in university. Honestly, does it really matter who inherits the Snowden Group as long
Brandon nodded. "Let them in. Bring them straight to my study.""Yes, sir," the butler replied.Five minutes later, Brad and Jayden entered.Brandon glanced up from his desk. "Take a seat. I have a document to finish."Brad nodded quickly. "Of course, Mr. Sumner. Take your time."Only after completing his work did Brandon close the file and walk over. "Mr. Snowden, Mr. Gilmour, what brings you here?"Brad leaned forward anxiously. "Mr. Sumner, I'm here for my daughter. You and Michelle are friends. I'm begging you—please let this go just this once."I swear, she'll never appear in front of you or Ms. Weir again!"Brandon smiled. "Mr. Snowden, your daughter conspired with Stefan to kidnap Valarie. That's a crime. Whether or not we're friends is irrelevant. Do you expect me to go against the justice system?""Mr. Sumner, if you could just convince Ms. Weir to issue a letter of leniency, the court would consider it when sentencing. Just for old times' sake—"Brandon cut him off,
Valarie froze, staring in disbelief. "You think I don't see us as equals? If that were true, I wouldn't have come here to apologize. I'd be waiting for you to apologize to me instead!"She had rushed over right after work to make things right, only to be met with suspicion. The injustice of it stung."If you really understood you were wrong, you'd accept that my feelings don't just vanish the moment you say 'sorry.' I'm human, not a machine. Your apology doesn't erase everything," Brandon retorted."When I met Michelle before—without you knowing, but with others around—you wanted to break up. Now you've secretly met Stefan and even went to see him after knowing he kidnapped you. What do you take me for? How important is he to you?"Valarie stepped back at the anger in his voice. "So what now? You won't accept my apology, and you want to break up?"Brandon took a deep breath, his gaze lowering. "Let's take a few days to cool off. No contact for now."Valarie nodded. "Fine. Whateve
Valarie sighed. "Fine. I'll think of something...""Good. I have to be up early tomorrow, so I'll talk to you later. Goodnight," Nyla said.After hanging up, Valarie stared at her phone for a while before opening her chat with Brandon. She started typing but couldn't bring herself to send anything.Forget it. He was still mad. She'd deal with it tomorrow.Setting her phone down, she got up to take a shower.…When Valarie woke up the next morning, the first thing she did was check her phone.Nothing. Not a single message.Brandon would always text her "good morning" first thing every day.But today? Silence.He was probably still mad.Pushing aside her disappointment, she got up, showered, dressed, and headed to work.She had meant to apologize last night, but for some reason, it felt even harder today.The entire day, she found herself distracted. Every time her phone buzzed, she snatched it up, hoping it was Brandon—only to feel disappointed when it wasn't.By the end o
"If you really didn't want any misunderstandings between us, you wouldn't have met him today, especially behind my back," Brandon said coldly.Seeing the anger in his eyes, Valarie nodded. "I admit I should've told you. But he invited me to dinner to thank me for covering his mother's medical bills. He even suggested I bring you along, but you were out of town for work, so I didn't mention it."Brandon let out a sharp laugh. "Was it because I was away, or did you never plan to tell me in the first place?"Valarie frowned. "Do you have to twist my words like that? You were on a business trip. If I told you, you'd just overthink it. That's why I kept quiet.""So I should be grateful you were looking out for me, is that it?" Brandon shot back."If you're going to keep talking to me like this, there's no point in continuing this conversation. Ron, stop at the next intersection. I'll take a cab home," Valarie said.Ron Gibson, the driver, hesitated and glanced at Brandon. "Mr. Sumner…