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
Ruby shook her head and replied, "I'm fine, Nyla. Just didn't sleep well. What did you want to discuss?"There was no way a lack of sleep could cause such swelling, but Nyla didn't push. She understood that everyone had things they preferred to keep to themselves."I'm planning to change the catalyst for the experiment. Can you see if we can try these options this afternoon?" Nyla proposed, handing Ruby a piece of paper with the catalysts she had in mind.Ruby glanced over it and picked out two options. "I think these two are worth trying. I've tested the others before, and they didn't work well—the reaction time was too long."Nyla nodded. "Alright, let's go with your suggestions."After finalizing the plans, Nyla was about to return to her desk when she added quietly, "If you're facing any difficulties, you can talk to me. Don't let it affect your work."Ruby blinked, clenching her hands. "I understand."Whether because of Nyla's words or not, Ruby seemed more focused that aft
Margaret's tone was matter-of-fact, as if Ruby were an object to be discarded at will. She didn't even consider whether Ruby would agree.As far as she was concerned, as long as Hansel could be saved, Ruby's life was expendable. After all, Hansel was the lifeline of the Jenners. If they lost their son, she and her husband wouldn't be able to go on.Ruby let out a short, bitter laugh, which soon escalated into a loud, almost hysterical one."What are you laughing at? Are you crazy?" Margaret's voice was sharp, filled with anger.When Ruby finally stopped laughing, she spoke in a low, steady voice. "Do you know why I took your call?""Why?" Margaret asked."Because I wanted to see just how disgusting the things you'd say could be. You didn't disappoint me," Ruby replied.Her voice, rough and hoarse from laughing so hard, was unsettlingly calm. It gave Margaret a sinking feeling."Ruby, what are you planning to do?" Margaret asked, unease creeping into her tone.Ruby smiled and s
Sullivan raised an eyebrow. "I'm not escorting you. This just happens to be my way home too. I can't just avoid this road because you're on it, right?"Ruby frowned but couldn't argue with his logic. After a few moments of silence, she turned and walked off quickly.Sullivan stayed about four to five meters behind.This annoyed Ruby, so she quickened her pace, hoping to shake him off. No matter how fast she walked, he kept his distance until she entered her apartment building. Only then did he stop following.Back in her apartment, she slipped off her shoes and walked to the couch, feeling exhausted.Her phone buzzed. It was a Messenger message from Nyla.Nyla: [Hey, I noticed you didn't seem well today. If there's anything troubling you, don't hesitate to talk to me. I'll help you figure things out. Stay strong!]Ruby stared at the message for a moment before simply replying: [Okay.]At a popular seafood restaurant in Saintornia…Nyla looked at Ruby's brief response and felt
Nyla had known Valarie for many years, so she could easily tell that Valarie had no feelings for Zayn.Whenever they stood together, Valarie would deliberately keep a two-fist distance between them—drawing a clear line in the sand.If someone genuinely liked another person, they would naturally get closer."The Weir Group is facing difficulties, and Brandon is six years younger than Valarie," Damon said.Brandon was currently just the CEO of the Sumner Group. He couldn't make major decisions nor use the company's resources to save the Weirs—unless he sold his shares in the Sumner Group.However, that would mean losing his chance to become the head of the company.He had to understand the importance of the Sumner Group over Valarie.Nyla nodded. "So Valarie and Zayn are in a marriage of convenience?""Zayn may not necessarily marry Valarie," Damon replied.He had interacted with Zayn a few times and knew that, although Zayn appeared gentle, he was cunning inside and only acted
There was a long silence before Brandon's hoarse voice came through the line. "Uncle Damon, I can't make a choice. Valarie and the Sumner Group are both important to me."He wanted to help the Weirs but couldn't bring himself to give up the Sumner Group.In the past, Clark had the support of Cyrus and Cindy, so Brandon never stood a chance against him. Now, what he had always dreamed of was within reach. If he kept working hard, he could become the head of the company in a few years.How could he give up now? But he also couldn't bear to let Valarie go."There are many situations in life where you can't have it both ways. In the future, you'll face more difficult choices like this one. If your decisions affect many people, will you continue to hesitate?" Damon asked.Brandon let out a bitter laugh. "I don't know... Uncle Damon, what should I do?""Ask yourself," Damon replied.He could help Brandon this time but couldn't shield him forever. Brandon had to learn to make decisions
At that moment, Valarie felt as if she had fallen into an ice pit. But on reflection, there wasn't much to be upset about. After all, she had gotten together with Zayn because of the Updike Group. Since her intentions hadn't been pure, she had no right to expect genuine affection from him.Nyla frowned and firmly placed the card in Valarie's hand, saying, "Valarie, just take the money for now. If you really don't need it later, you can return it to me."As for Zayn, I know you don't have many options, so I won't try to persuade you. Just make sure you've thought it through and won't regret it."Tears welled up in Valarie's eyes, and she stopped resisting. "Thank you, Nyla! No matter what happens with the Weir Group, I'll pay you back!"It was easy to celebrate someone's wins, but helping them through hardship was different. Over this period, Valarie had learned who her true friends were and who kicked her when she was down."There's no need to thank me. Don't cry now, or your masc