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
"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