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
Seeing Ruby's eagerness to avoid Sullivan, Nyla couldn't help but smile. "Okay, I understand."The experiment finally ended around 7:00 p.m.After cleaning up the equipment and workspace, Nyla was preparing to leave when Sullivan approached her with a bag of food."Nyla, you all worked hard on the experiment, so I brought some food," he said.Surprised, Nyla raised an eyebrow. "Sullivan, that's very thoughtful of you."Tina, who knew Sullivan well, joined them. "Sullivan, you're as considerate as always."In the past, when they worked late on experiments, he would bring them food. She hadn't expected him to continue even after the teams were split up.With a friendly smile, Sullivan said, "Of course. You've all been working hard. As the project leader, it's my duty to handle the logistics."Since eating wasn't allowed in the lab, he set the food up in the nearby office.Although Nyla didn't particularly like Sullivan, she maintained a professional demeanor.After washing her
Ruby was the hardest worker in the lab, and Nyla didn't want to see her efforts go to waste because of Sullivan.Just as Nyla was about to leave, her phone suddenly rang. Seeing it was Damon, she swiped to answer with a flicker of excitement in her eyes."Have the experiments wrapped up yet?" Damon asked."Just finished. Aren't you back yet?" Nyla replied."Hm, I'll come down for you so we can go back together," Damon answered.His voice was low and soothing, almost as if he were whispering in Nyla's ear, and she could feel his breath brushing past her.A gentle breeze rustled the still air, causing her heart to skip a beat.She lowered her gaze and replied softly, "Okay."After hanging up, she walked into the office, where Leon and Tina were still eating."I'm heading out first. Clean up after you finish eating and make sure to lock the office door," she instructed.Leon asked, "Aren't you going to eat?""Not this time. I'll see you tomorrow," Nyla replied.After giving th
Margaret glared at Ruby, resentment burning in her eyes. How could Ruby, working at such a good company, possibly be broke? She must have been planning to abandon Hansel!Across from her sat Alex Douglas, a man in his 40s with one eye blind, a scarred face, and a menacing demeanor."Are you sure if I bring her back, you'll pay me 3,000 dollars?" Alex asked.Margaret clenched her teeth. "Of course. Duncan agreed to give 40,000 dollars as a dowry. As soon as I get the money, I'll give you 3,000 dollars."Alex sneered. "Giving me just 3,000 dollars out of 40,000 dollars? Seems a bit unfair, don't you think?"Margaret was surprised by his sudden change of tone, and her expression darkened. "Alex, don't try to raise the price. You know that money is for saving my son's life. Trying to take advantage of me now? That's just cruel!"Alex looked at her mockingly. "You're willing to throw your daughter into the fire just to save your son. Who's more inhumane here?"Margaret fumed. "Are yo