Feeling Damon's warm fingers running through her hair, Nyla instinctively clenched her hands on the table and tensed up."Maybe I should just do it myself," she said, starting to turn away.Damon placed his hand on her shoulder."I'll do it." His voice was deep, carrying an irresistible authority.Nyla bit her lip and stopped insisting.The only sound in the bedroom was the hairdryer.After about ten minutes, the noise finally ceased."All done. Take a look," Damon said.Nyla reached up to feel her hair. It felt smooth and dry. She turned to look at Damon. "Thank you."Damon glanced down at her, but his eyes quickly shifted away when they caught a glimpse of the V-neck of her nightgown."Let's head downstairs for dinner," he said."It's too late. I won't be eating tonight," Nyla replied.She wanted to maintain her figure and had a rule about not eating anything after 8:00 p.m."Lydia said you've been too tired lately and made all your favorite dishes. Are you sure you want
Noticing something off in Valarie's tone, Nyla quickly asked, "What's wrong? Did something happen?""Let's talk when we meet. I'll come to your office around noon," Valarie replied."Okay," Nyla said.After confirming the time and place, Valarie quickly hung up."Did something happen? You look tense," Damon asked with concern.Nyla shook her head. "I'm not sure. Valarie wants to meet me at noon."From Valarie's tone, it sounded like something serious was going on.Damon's gaze turned serious as he studied Nyla's expression.Lowering his voice, he asked, "Nyla, if I help the Weirs through this crisis, will you give me a chance for a fresh start? What do you think?"Nyla bit her lip, feeling the urge to scold him for taking advantage of the situation.However, she knew the Weirs' survival wasn't Damon's responsibility. She could leverage his feelings to get him to help, but that wouldn't be fair to him.After spending time together recently, she realized she still had feelings
Back at the office, Nyla was getting ready for her lunch break when she received a call from Caroline."Hey, Nyla, try to schedule your experiment reports during work hours from now on," Caroline requested.Nyla was taken aback. "Why? Isn't everyone busy with experiments during work?""Mr. Sumner said he'll be present for future progress reports, so we need to arrange them during office hours," Caroline explained.Nyla finally understood. Damon must have requested this for her sake. However, changing the reporting time just for her might delay everyone else's experiments.With that thought, she replied, "I'll talk to Mr. Sumner about it and see if we can adjust the schedule.""Don't push yourself too hard. After everything that happened with Mr. Sumner, didn't you say you didn't want too much contact with him?" Caroline asked.Caroline had previously objected when Edgar suggested assigning the experiment project to Nyla. But since she had her own unfinished project, she ultimate
As soon as the call connected, Charlotte's panicked voice came through. "Uncle Damon, Mr. Jayston suddenly fainted and is now in the hospital undergoing emergency treatment. I have an important meeting to attend shortly. Can you come by?""Send me the address," Damon replied.After Charlotte provided the hospital address, Damon hung up.…In less than half an hour, Damon arrived at the hospital.Upon seeing him, Charlotte finally breathed a sigh of relief and hurried over. "Uncle Damon, Mr. Jayston is still in emergency treatment, but I need to leave for my meeting now.""Okay," Damon answered.Charlotte rushed off, and the corridor quickly fell silent.Spencer, who had been standing behind Damon, spoke up. "Mr. Sumner, should we inform Ms. Kinsey about this?"After all, Harrison was Nyla's father. Given the emergency, something could happen…Damon's gaze dimmed as he recalled Nyla's feelings toward Harrison. He replied, "No need. We'll talk about it later.""Understood," Sp
The identity of the man who had attempted to drug and abduct her remained unknown. He could be lurking nearby, ready to strike again at any moment.Ruby knew that if she was taken back, escape would be impossible.The more she dwelled on it, the deeper her fear grew. She absolutely could not be captured again.Suddenly, the office door swung open, and the sound of footsteps startled her. She turned around, and the panic in her expression caught Sullivan off guard."Ruby, what's wrong? Why do you look so pale?" he asked.Meeting his concerned gaze, Ruby lowered her head, grabbed her bag, and headed toward the exit. "It's nothing, Sullivan. I'm going home now. If you need anything work-related, let's talk tomorrow. I'm locking up."Sullivan followed her out, saying, "I came to check on you. You were really shaken the other day, and that guy who tried to drug you still hasn't been caught. I'll drive you to and from work for now."Ruby hesitated, a mix of emotions washing over her.
At that moment, Ruby suddenly felt a sense of shared hardship with Sullivan.A dark glint crossed Sullivan's eyes as he took in Ruby's reddened gaze.He sighed and said, "Ruby, I have no ulterior motives. Helping you feels like helping the part of me that once felt completely alone. I just don't want to see you get hurt."Ruby bit her lip, feeling a twinge of emotion.However, she sensed that she and Sullivan were not on the same wavelength. While both of them faced disapproval from their families, she didn't want to become someone slick and manipulative like him.She looked at Sullivan and spoke slowly. "Sullivan, I appreciate your help, but I think I'll handle this on my own."Sullivan's face fell, and he forced a wry smile. "You still don't trust me, do you?"Ruby said nothing, her silence clearly confirming his suspicion.Disappointment flickered in Sullivan's eyes as he lowered his head and said slowly, "Fine. If you don't want my help, I won't bother you again."Watching
For some reason, Sullivan felt uneasy maintaining eye contact with Ruby, so he awkwardly looked away. "It's okay, it doesn't hurt. I'm used to it."Ruby's hand paused, her guilt deepening as she recalled what Sullivan had shared about his past."The ambulance will be here soon. Just hang in there," she comforted.Sullivan nodded and said gently, "Don't feel guilty. I'm just glad I could save you. You were facing the other way when that scooter came. If it had hit you, the consequences would have been severe. Now, it's just a dislocated shoulder. I'll be fine in no time."Hearing him say that only made Ruby feel worse."Sullivan, I'm sorry. I misjudged you before and kept refusing your kindness. I didn't expect you to save me despite everything," she apologized.Sullivan reached out and gently patted her head. "You really don't need to apologize. It's not your fault."His voice was soft, like a breeze soothing Ruby's bruised heart and easing her pain."Thank you, Sullivan," she
After all, just seeing Damon in the hospital didn't prove he'd deceived Nyla. Maybe he had to go there for some reason.If this photo led to a misunderstanding between them, it would be a huge mistake on Ruby's part.After thinking for a moment, Ruby decided not to tell Nyla for now. Instead, she would test the waters when they were back at work the next day. If Nyla truly didn't know anything, then she would inform her.…By the time Damon returned to the villa, it was nearly 9:00 p.m.Nyla was chatting with Lydia.When Lydia saw him, she quickly stood up. "Mr. Sumner, did you have a drink at your social event tonight? Ms. Kinsey made you some hangover soup. It's in the kitchen—I'll go get it for you."Damon paused, tugging at his tie with a slightly somber expression. "No need. I didn't drink tonight.""Eh?" Lydia was taken aback, looking puzzled.Wasn't it customary for Damon to drink at social events?She quickly recovered and said, "Okay, would you like something to eat?
Under Tim's leadership, the Westcott Group maintained its position as one of the top four families in Capitarnia, leaving the other three far behind.After reading the file, Gabriel closed it and asked coldly, "I asked you to arrange a meeting with Mr. Westcott. What's their response?"The secretary hesitated. "Mr. Hackett, Mr. Westcott's secretary hasn't responded. It seems they aren't interested in meeting with you."Gabriel wasn't fazed. The document made it clear that Tim was proud and highly selective in his dealings. Such a person wasn't easily approached.For Damon to even gain the Westcott Group's consideration, he must have put in significant effort.Still, there was an opportunity as long as the contract wasn't signed."No need to wait for a reply. I'll go to the Westcott Group myself tomorrow morning," Gabriel said."Understood, Mr. Hackett," the secretary replied.…At 7:00 a.m. the next day, Gabriel was already standing outside the Westcott Group. The sun hadn't f
Damon nodded. "Got it. Have the PR department continue contacting major media outlets to remove any negative commentary about Prospectus Technology. We can't let this situation escalate further."In the business world, public opinion could be lethal. Most people were naturally inclined to follow the crowd. Without knowing the full picture, they could easily be misled.If the narrative that Prospectus Technology's chips were faulty spread too far, restoring their reputation later would require monumental resources. It was critical to stop this from snowballing now."Understood, Mr. Sumner. By the way, how's the deal in Capitarnia coming along?" someone asked.Upon hearing that, Damon's previously tense expression relaxed slightly. "Progress is decent. Barring any unforeseen issues, we should be able to sign the contract in a couple of days."The group on the call let out a collective sigh of relief.Once the deal was signed, Prospectus Technology would recover some of its losses
"We can sign an agreement if you're still worried. I promise never to challenge your custody of Wilhelm in my lifetime," Jane assured.Seeing her determination, Gabriel remained silent.Noticing his hesitation, Jane gripped the armrests of her wheelchair tightly. "Gabriel, you're already hesitating, even though you haven't remarried yet. How can I believe you'll treat Wilhelm fairly in the future?"Gabriel's gaze turned cold. "No matter what, Wilhelm will be better off with me than with you. When and how much of the shares I give him is my decision, not yours."With that, he turned to leave.As he reached the doorway, Jane's voice echoed behind him. "If you don't transfer half your shares to Wilhelm, I won't leave the country!"Gabriel paused, then glanced back at her mockingly. "Whether you leave or stay means nothing to me. And why would you think your refusal to leave is a threat to me?""Gabriel, you're a bastard!" Jane shouted.Gabriel smirked and left without another word
Wilhelm froze for a moment, his eyes welling up with tears as confusion and hurt clouded them."Mommy, do you really not want me anymore?" he asked, his voice trembling.Jane's gaze flickered with a brief trace of pain as she looked at Wilhelm sitting pitifully on the floor. But the softness in her eyes vanished as quickly as it appeared.She stared at him coldly. "That's right. I never wanted you. I hit you to try and get your father to come back."The other day, when I took you out for steak, I deliberately let you eat that hazelnut cake. You started itching later because you're allergic—that was intentional, too. I wanted you hospitalized so I could force your father to see me."Her tone grew harsher. "Now that Gabriel and I are divorced, you're of no use to me. You're just a burden. Taking you with me would only drag me down."And I hate your father. Naturally, I hate you, too. Don't show up in front of me again!"Wilhelm sat frozen, her words cutting into him like shards of
If Wilhelm stopped wanting to see Jane, the bond between them would naturally fade over time."No! I don't want food!" Wilhelm cried, hurling Gabriel's phone onto the car seat.He began pounding on the car door, trying to open it. "I want to see Mommy! I want to live with her, not you!"Gabriel, his patience wearing thin, locked the doors with a sharp click and turned to Wilhelm, his expression darkening."Your mother doesn't want you. Even if you find her, she won't take you. I'm the only one you have now," he said."I hate you! I don't want to be with you! I don't want you as my dad!" Wilhelm screamed.Gabriel's restraint, already fraying after days of tantrums, finally snapped. He stared at his son and said coldly, "It doesn't matter whether you want me or not. No one wants you now except me."Jane didn't want Wilhelm. The Wilkies wouldn't want him either."That's not true!" Wilhelm sobbed uncontrollably. "Mommy wants me. Mommy's just mad. If I'm good, she'll take me back! S
Lydia nodded. "Okay, Ms. Kinsey."Shortly after, Lydia returned with Mason by her side.When Mason saw Gabriel and Wilhelm standing at the door, he frowned and turned to Nyla. "Mommy, why is Wilhelm here?"Nyla patted his head gently. "He's here to apologize to you.""Oh." Mason's response was wary, clearly unconvinced.Gabriel observed Nyla's affectionate interaction with Mason, his eyes flickering with a trace of emotion. He turned to Wilhelm. "What did you promise me before we came?"Wilhelm's reluctance was evident. He had agreed to apologize, but only under the threat of losing his chance to see his mother."Mason, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pushed you yesterday. I hope you can forgive me," Wilhelm said, his voice subdued.Mason didn't respond immediately. Instead, he looked up at Nyla, silently seeking her guidance."Buddy, this is your decision to make," Nyla said softly. "I'll respect whatever you decide."Mason lowered his head, thinking for a moment.Finally, he s
Brandon sighed and placed the items on the desk. "Aunt Nyla, this crisis is unlike anything Prospectus Technology has faced before. If things go wrong, the company can go bankrupt."Uncle Damon prepared these after finding out Buddy is his son, but he hadn't found the right time to give them to you."Keep them for now. If Prospectus Technology collapses, he'll need this to start over."After a moment's silence, Nyla nodded. "Alright, I'll hold onto them. Is this the only reason you came?""Yes, I need to get back to work," Brandon replied."I'll see you out," Nyla offered.After sending Brandon off, she returned to the study and placed the documents and bank card in the safe upstairs.The next morning…As Nyla was getting dressed, Lydia knocked on the door."Ms. Kinsey, there's a man outside who says he's your brother," Lydia informed her.Brother?Thinking it was likely Gabriel, Nyla's expression turned cold. "I don't know him. Tell him to leave.""Understood," Lydia said
Damon put the file down and sat across from Nyla.Noticing two portions of breakfast on the table, he asked, "You haven't eaten either?""No," Nyla replied as she opened the packages and handed one to him. "I came to eat with you. Spencer told me he brought you breakfast this morning, but you didn't touch it.""I was too busy," Damon said."Being busy isn't an excuse to skip meals. I saw your assistants running around like crazy, and I heard they barely got any sleep last night. Is the issue with the company that serious?" Nyla asked."It's significant," Damon admitted. "Our chips might be causing malfunctions in our partner's machines. If that's confirmed, the company will face a massive compensation payout."Nyla frowned, worry flashing in her eyes. "I can't help much with work, but the least I can do is keep things in order at home. By the way, are you coming home tonight?""Probably not," he replied. "There's still a lot to handle.""Alright. Finish your breakfast. I'll hea
Gabriel took the document, skimmed its contents, and his face darkened."What is it?" Tom asked.Gabriel tossed the document onto the table with a cold laugh. "Nothing important. Damon's just trying to catch me off guard."The document contained evidence of Nyce Tech hiring paid posters to smear Prospectus Technology, but Gabriel wasn't worried.Soon enough, those allegations would become the truth.Tom glanced at the papers and grinned. "As long as it's not a big problem. Anyway, I should get going.""Fine, but don't forget your part in this," Gabriel said pointedly.There was a cold glint in Tom's eyes, though his smile remained. "Relax. I won't let you handle Prospectus Technology alone."After Tom left, Gabriel drained his wine in one gulp.As he prepared to head to his study, a maid approached with a concerned expression."Mr. Hackett, Mr. Wilhelm still refuses to eat," the maid informed him.Gabriel had brought Wilhelm straight back to the villa instead of letting him