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
There were no surveillance cameras in that alley. Since they hadn't seen the person's face, calling the police would be pointless, but it was still better than doing nothing at all.Ruby bit her lip, deciding she would rather take a longer route than walk through that alley again.Noticing her pale face, Sullivan fell silent momentarily before saying, "But before he left, he said something.""What did he say?" Ruby asked."He told me not to meddle, saying that even if I could intervene for a moment, I wouldn't be able to control things for long," Sullivan replied. "And when he left, I felt like his gaze toward you wasn't that of a stranger. You two may know each other."Ruby was appalled—she immediately thought of Hansel losing a lot of money gambling. If that person really did know her, her parents may have sent them…"I understand, Sullivan. Thank you for today. It's getting late, so you should head home. I'll treat you to a meal another day," she said."No need. It was just a
Nyla watched Damon's broad back, feeling warmth in the places where he had touched her. It was as if those spots were burning, sending heat through her body straight to her heart.A few seconds later, she snapped out of it and carried the pasta outside.When Damon emerged after washing the pan, he saw Nyla sitting at the dining table, staring down, seemingly lost in thought. He walked over and sat down across from her."Why aren't you eating?" he asked.Nyla looked up. The moment their eyes met, she quickly looked away. "I'm waiting for you. Let's eat together."With that, she picked up her cutlery and shoved some pasta into her mouth."Be careful, it's hot!" Damon reminded her, but it was too late.The moment the scalding pasta touched Nyla's tongue, she frowned in pain.Feeling a sharp sting, she quickly spat the pasta out.In the next instant, a cool hand grasped her chin.Damon said, "Open your mouth."Nyla instinctively complied, a refreshing pine scent enveloping her,
Lydia quickly nodded. "Okay, I'll go get it now."By the time she returned with the oral gel, Nyla was coming out of the kitchen."Ms. Kinsey, Mr. Sumner said you burned your tongue while eating. You should apply this oral gel, and it should be better by morning," Lydia advised.Nyla took the oral gel and replied, "Thank you, Lydia. It's getting late, so you should go rest."Lydia glanced toward the kitchen. "Ms. Kinsey, are you planning to cook something? Do you want me to help?""No need. I'm just making some soup. I can handle it. You should go get some rest," Nyla answered.Lydia nodded. "Alright, but if you need anything, just call me.""Will do," Nyla replied.Once Lydia left, the living room fell into a sudden quiet, with only Nyla and Damon present.After what had just happened, she felt a bit awkward facing him.Damon put down his cutlery and looked at her. "Come here."Under the lights, he appeared calm, but an undeniable tension filled the air."What's wrong?" Ny
"Okay, I understand," Nyla replied.She lowered her eyes, suddenly recalling that the soup was cooking in the kitchen. When she looked up to ask Damon if she could have some now, she found herself lost in his tender gaze instead.The living room fell silent.She could almost hear her heart racing. After a few seconds of staring, she finally snapped back to reality and quickly averted her gaze.Right away, Damon's deep voice broke the silence. "What is it?"Nyla bit her lip and spoke softly. "I just wanted to ask if I can still have soup tonight?""You can, but try to avoid the areas that got burned," Damon answered."Got it. I'm fine now," Nyla said."Alright, I'll check again in the morning. If there's still swelling, we'll apply the oral gel again," Damon replied.As soon as he finished speaking, Nyla recalled the earlier moment when he applied the oral gel for her, and her cheeks flushed.She really didn't want to go through that again, so she said, "Just give me the oral
Over the past few years, the company had produced several well-received games that revitalized its reputation. It had become one of the more profitable subsidiaries of the Wilkie Group.Damon said coldly, "Prepare a gift. I'll go over in person."After hanging up, he set his phone down, his gaze growing colder.If Gabriel dared to do anything to Nyla again, he wouldn't let it slide, even with the Wilkies backing Gabriel!After all, their little family of three had finally found a bit of peace, and he wouldn't allow anyone to disrupt that.…The next morning, as Nyla got up to wash up, she noticed that the blister from the burn on her tongue was already fading. It was only a bit red and swollen now, and in a couple of days, it should be completely healed.Once she finished washing up, she went downstairs to find Damon having breakfast. As he heard her coming, he looked up just in time to meet her gaze.Nyla smiled awkwardly. "Good morning.""Morning. How's your tongue feeling?"
"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…