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?"
Damon raised an eyebrow. "You like cafeteria food?"Nyla nodded. "Yeah, some of the dishes are really good and authentic.""Then we should go together next time," Damon said.Nyla agreed.It was only after she had readily agreed that she suddenly realized what Damon meant. Did he want to go to the cafeteria with her? Did he think she hadn't been popular enough lately?Since they were already commuting to and from work together every day and she visited the CEO's office for lunch daily, going to the cafeteria together didn't seem like a big deal.Besides, with Damon's statement about their relationship sent to the company group chat, no one would dare gossip about them openly.As Nyla pondered this, she realized she had grown accustomed to being with Damon. She didn't know when he had started to quietly seep into her life.Thinking this, she bit her lip and fell silent.Noticing Nyla's silence, Damon frowned, about to speak when the elevator arrived.Once they stepped inside,
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
Andre's voice was cold. "What are you trying to say?""I know you hate me. I don't have much time left, so I'm not afraid of your revenge. But my daughter is innocent. I hope you'll stay away from her and stop deceiving her. You're only with her to get back at me, aren't you?" Emerald asked.Andre let out a mocking laugh. "Even if you're dying, I won't let you off so easily."Compassion had long since abandoned him—the day his family fell and his sister lost her life."Fine. If you want to expose me to the media or whatever else, I won't resist. Just stay away from my daughter," Emerald warned.Andre shook his head. "No, I'll continue seeing Delia. Before you die, I want you to experience the pain I've endured all these years. So just sit back and watch, then leave this world with guilt and regret."With that, he turned and walked away.Emerald took a deep breath, her eyes turning cold.She had planned to leave Andre alone, but since he refused to listen, she saw no reason to s
Damon was concerned that Nyla wasn't as calm as she appeared, and he feared she might regret her decision in the future.It wasn't until she disappeared at the top of the stairs that Damon finally dialed Alexander's number. "She said she doesn't want to see Ms. Kinsey. I'll try to talk to her in the next few days, but if she really doesn't want to, I won't force her.""Alright, thank you," Alexander replied.After hanging up, Alexander put his phone away and walked toward the hospital room.Inside, Delia gripped Emerald's hand tightly, her eyes swollen and red from crying. "Mom, why don't we visit a few more hospitals for another check-up? You've always been healthy. How could you suddenly be sick? This must be a misdiagnosis!"In contrast to her daughter's panic, Emerald remained remarkably calm. "Delia, I've already been to three different hospitals, and the results were all the same. There's no need for more tests.""How am I supposed to believe that you only have six months l
Brandon widened his eyes in disbelief. "Seriously?""Of course. I'll have Spencer book the tickets now," Damon said, pulling out his phone.Before he could make the call, Nyla quickly stopped him. "Damon, there's no need. I don't actually want to go to the movies.""You sure? If you do, I can book the tickets now," Damon reassured.Brandon smirked. "Uncle Damon, you seriously didn't realize Aunt Nyla was just trying to give you an easy way out?"Nyla laughed softly. "I really don't want to go. Plus, I'm a little tired. I'd rather just go home and rest."Just as Brandon was about to respond, he suddenly winced and turned to Valarie. "Why'd you pinch me?"Valarie blinked innocently. "When did I pinch you? Are you imagining things?""You definitely—" Brandon began.Before he could finish, Valarie interrupted, "Alright, alright. Our movie is about to start. Let's go!"She turned to Nyla. "Nyla, we'll head out first. You should go home and rest. You've got a baby to take care of."
"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