Nyla paused, frowning. What could it be that she shouldn't know about for now?Just as she was about to lean in closer to listen, she heard footsteps coming from the office and quickly stepped back.The office door opened, and Spencer walked out.When he saw Nyla, a flicker of guilt crossed his eyes. "Ms. Kinsey, when did you get here?""I just arrived. Why?" Nyla answered, maintaining a calm expression, but her hands subconsciously tightened into fists.What exactly was Damon hiding from her?"Mr. Sumner is waiting for you inside. I'll be getting back to work," Spencer said as he hurriedly left, noticeably quickening his pace as he passed her.Suppressing her growing suspicions, Nyla entered the office."You're here! I had someone make your favorite pulled pork dish. Let me wash my hands, and then we can eat," Damon said."Sounds good," Nyla replied.While Damon washed his hands, Nyla set the table.It wasn't until he sat down across from her that she casually asked, "I not
Nyla recognized the woman as the one she had seen outside the restaurant last night, and her face fell.Why had Damon told her he was going out to socialize when he was meeting his niece?As Nyla pondered this, they walked toward the villa."Miss, is that woman the mistress you're trying to catch?" the driver asked.Nyla shook her head. "No, she's his niece."The taxi driver's expression turned sympathetic as if he saw Nyla as a foolish woman defending her husband.Once Nyla composed herself, she calmly asked the driver to take her back to Damon's villa.Confirming she didn't want to go inside to catch him cheating, the driver started the car and left.Meanwhile, Damon followed Charlotte inside the villa to a bedroom on the first floor.Charlotte opened the door, saying, "Uncle Damon, Mr. Jayston is inside.""Okay," Damon replied.Charlotte had initially planned to accompany him, but as soon as he entered, Damon closed the door behind him.The room had been transformed into
"Of course not… but how can I trust your words?" Harrison asked.He looked coldly at Damon, his eyes filled with anticipation and doubt. After all, when Nyla had fallen into the sea, the chances of survival were slim. He hadn't held out hope for her being alive over the past five years.Damon took out his phone, navigated to the album, and held the screen out for Harrison to see.Harrison's eyes widened in disbelief as he exclaimed, "Nyla… It really is Nyla! She's alive! Where is she now?""You don't need to worry about that. She's doing well, but I haven't mentioned you to her yet. Once you're feeling better and can stand, I'll bring her to see you," Damon said."Really?" Harrison asked, his gaze hopeful. But it quickly turned to guilt and regret. "She probably… doesn't want to see me again…"The last time he and Nyla had met had not been pleasant. She had completely cut ties with him and stopped visiting him since then.He had regretted it long ago and had wanted to call her t
Seeing Mason's doubtful look, Damon coughed lightly to cover his unease."What nonsense are you talking? I'm just a bit tired from work today. It's getting late. Let's tidy up the toys, go upstairs, take a shower, and get some sleep," he replied."Okay," Mason agreed readily.After they finished cleaning up the toys, Damon asked Lydia to take Mason upstairs for a bath while he went to his study.Once seated, he picked up a document to read. However, thoughts of Nyla's words from that evening kept flashing through his mind, making him feel restless. He suspected she might know he was lying to her but wasn't sure.After considering it further, Damon realized he couldn't hide the truth forever. It might be better to probe Nyla's feelings toward Harrison the next morning.If Nyla wanted to see Harrison, he would tell her the truth. If she was still resistant to the idea of meeting him, then he'd wait until Harrison was feeling better before gradually bringing it up.Upstairs…After
As Valarie and Zayn arrived at her house, they saw Brandon waiting at the gate.Brandon thought about how he had treated Zayn like a brother, only to have Zayn go after Valarie—stealing his girl. The urge to punch Zayn in the face surged within him."She's my girlfriend. Anything that pertains to her involves me too," Zayn told Brandon.Brandon's fists clenched at his sides, his body tense and his face cold enough to freeze.Taking a deep breath to calm his anger, he asked Valarie, "What did your call earlier mean?"Before Valarie could answer, Zayn chimed in with a smile, "You came all the way here to ask about that call? We were just playing Truth or Dare at the club. Valarie lost and chose Dare. It was to call you and confess her feelings. I didn't think you'd rush here just over a phone call."The color drained from Brandon's face, turning pale in an instant. He stared at Valarie as he asked, "Is what Zayn said true?"Valarie bit her lip, unable to meet his gaze. "Yes…""Gr
The dining room fell silent.After a long pause, Nyla finally asked, "Where is he now?""Do you want to see him?" Damon responded, his gaze fixed on Nyla's face, determined not to miss any hint of emotion.Nyla looked away, her tone cold. "No. If he's in the hospital, I can help pay his medical bills or find him a caretaker. If he's living alone, I can hire a caregiver.""His biggest wish is probably just to see you again," Damon suggested.Nyla set down the bread and knife, pushed her chair back, and stood up. "I'm going outside to wait for you."As she turned to leave, her eyes were reddened.By the time Damon stepped out of the villa, Nyla had managed to calm herself, her expression returning to normal. Seeing him, she opened the car door and got in.On the way to the office, Damon tried to start a conversation with Nyla several times but held back in response to her indifference.It wasn't until the car stopped in the underground parking and Nyla reached for the door to ge
Brandon shook his head. "No, the Weir Group is at the end of its rope. Instead of selling off my shares in the Sumner Group and losing everything, I'd rather work hard to lead the Sumner Group and help rebuild the company."Damon replied, "As long as you're sure.""Uncle Damon, I came here today to ask you for a favor," Brandon said."What is it?" Damon asked."I remember that Prospectus Technology has been negotiating a few big deals with the Updike Group lately. I hope you won't work with them," Brandon stated.He looked at Damon with a pleading gaze, but Damon showed no signs of being swayed. Instead, he questioned, "You want me to compromise my business for personal reasons?"The intimidation from Damon made Brandon lower his head in fear, unable to meet his gaze. Still, he willed himself to say, "It's not just about my own interests.""Oh?" Damon inquired with a smirk, though there was no warmth in his eyes. "Then tell me, what else is there besides wanting to take personal
The two of them were pressed closely together, and Damon's suit was already half-drenched. Meanwhile, Nyla was completely naked.Just thinking about the scene made Nyla feel a mix of embarrassment and frustration.If she had known it was Damon outside, she definitely wouldn't have asked him to bring her pajamas.Biting her lip, she instinctively tried to push him away.Just as her hands pressed against his chest, however, his low voice rumbled from above, "Do you want to fall again?"Nyla froze for a moment, then lowered her eyes and said, "Y-You can let go of me now. I've steadied myself…"Damon looked down at her. She had her head slightly bowed, her face flushed, and her long hair was still dripping water.They were so close that the rising and falling of their chests stirred some unbidden thoughts. She had no idea just how tempting she looked in that moment.Damon's breath quickened, and he struggled to control himself, trying not to act on his desires. Despite that, his bo
"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