Ruby bit her lip, staying silent as she handed her phone to Nyla.On the screen was a photo of Damon's back, with a payment counter in the background, clearly taken in a hospital.Nyla's eyes widened, and her face turned pale.Yesterday evening, he had told her he would be out to socialize, yet here he was in the hospital. The last time he had used the same excuse, he had ended up visiting Charlotte.What was he hiding from her?Seeing Nyla's ashen complexion, Ruby regretted bringing it up. She consoled her, "Nyla, maybe Mr. Sumner had a reason for being in the hospital. Don't worry too much just yet."Nyla bit her lip and nodded. "Yeah, I believe he wouldn't do anything to betray me. Thank you for telling me this, Ruby."She returned to her desk, turned on her computer, and stared blankly at the screen, her thoughts in disarray.Why did Damon feel the need to lie to her?Noticing Nyla lost in thought, Ruby opened her mouth to offer some comfort but ultimately held back. Witho
Early the next morning, Nyla woke up naturally.As she sat up and prepared to get out of bed, she noticed something unusual on her bedside table—a black card.Damon must have left it the night before.Nyla washed up and went downstairs with the card in hand. She had planned to return it to Damon, but he had already left for the office, so she set it aside for now.After breakfast, Nyla called Valarie and invited her to go shopping. Valarie mentioned she had something important to discuss, and they agreed to meet at the mall.Nyla arrived first and browsed for a while before Valarie showed up."Valarie, you said you had something to tell me?" she asked.Valarie nodded and linked her arm with Nyla's as they walked into a store. "Yes, I'm getting engaged to Zayn at the end of the month. Remember to come to our engagement party."Nyla was caught off guard and frowned slightly. "Why so suddenly? Is it because of the Weir Group?""It's partly due to that, but also because I'm at tha
Nyla smiled and spun around in the dress. The fishtail hem swayed elegantly with her movement, the sequins glimmering under the light."Really? I love it too," she replied.The sales associate adjusted the dress' hem from behind and chimed in. "Absolutely, Ms. Kinsey! You're actually the first person who's been able to fit into this dress perfectly!"Her admiring gaze drifted to Nyla's slim waist, and she wished she could have a figure like that. Meanwhile, Gigi's jealousy flashed briefly in her eyes as she looked at Nyla, who practically glowed in the dress.Still, she remembered that Damon was Brandon's uncle. If things progressed between her and Brandon, she might one day need to call Nyla "Aunt Nyla".Deciding to hold back any bitterness, Gigi praised, "You look stunning—absolutely like a goddess!"Valarie turned to Gigi with a scoff. "Didn't think you could actually say something nice for once."Gigi's face darkened with irritation. "Valarie, don't push it!""Didn't you
Nyla looked at Damon in surprise and asked, "You went to an auction last week?""A client of mine has a thing for antique auctions. There happened to be one in the city, so I attended with them to show goodwill. I saw a necklace I liked and thought I'd save it for your birthday," Damon explained."Then why are you giving it to me in advance?" she asked."I'm going to give it to you anyway. Giving it to you now is the same," he replied.Nyla felt a wave of warmth, and her smile widened, revealing her dimples. "Thank you, Damon."Damon raised an eyebrow, wrapping an arm around her waist. His tone was teasing. "Just a verbal thank you?"Nyla's face flushed as she asked, "How else would you want me to thank you?"Damon's gaze shifted to her lips, his voice dropping suggestively. "By mouth works.""Huh?" She looked up, only to find Damon's face suddenly closer. Before she knew it, his lips were on hers.Nyla's eyes widened, her hands gripping his jacket. She felt a jolt of electric
Damon tightened his grip around Nyla's waist before releasing her, gently smoothing her slightly tousled hair as he said in a low voice, "Let's go."They got out of the car, and Nyla slipped her arm through Damon's as they walked in together.At the entrance, Gabriel and Jane welcomed guests, catching sight of Damon and Nyla approaching from a distance.Nyla wore a blue gradient strapless gown, her long hair cascading like a waterfall down her back. She resembled a mermaid gliding through the deep sea—a sight so stunning that it was hard to look away.Next to her, Damon stood tall and sharp-featured in a charcoal-gray suit, though his face was devoid of warmth. He radiated an unapproachable air.The two walked together like a perfect match, making everything around them feel like a mere backdrop.Unaware of Nyla and Gabriel's history, Jane greeted Damon and Nyla warmly, "Mr. Sumner, Ms. Kinsey, welcome to my grandfather's birthday celebration."Damon's driver stepped forward to
Despite the murmurs, no one dared approach Damon or Nyla directly to ask about them, choosing instead to discuss and steal admiring glances from afar. After all, Damon had not been close to any woman in the past five years.The fiancee he had had was essentially a one-sided affair, and their engagement had been called off not long ago.Nyla's calm and graceful demeanor, despite the glances and attention directed her way, only enhanced her appeal.Damon guided her toward Pedro to offer their birthday wishes. Afterward, as they turned to leave, they ran into Nathaniel and Rebecca.When Nyla saw Nathaniel, she paused, surprised by how much he had changed in five years—he looked like a completely different person, his formerly vibrant energy now nowhere to be found.As they passed, a chilling aura surrounded him, causing Nyla to shiver involuntarily.Neither Nathaniel nor Rebecca acknowledged them, and Damon seemed equally indifferent, treating them as if they weren't there.Nyla gl
Valarie glanced over with a blank expression, then quickly looked away.Nyla turned to Valarie, unable to suppress her concern. "Valarie, maybe you should think over this engagement a bit more."Spending a lifetime with someone she didn't love would be painful—like reliving the same unfulfilling day over and over.Valarie managed a faint smile. "Nyla, you don't have to worry about me. I know what I'm doing."Seeing her stubborn expression, Nyla bit her lip. She wanted to tell Valarie about Damon's plan to help the Weirs but hesitated, fearing that Damon might change his mind and leave Valarie disappointed.With a quiet sigh, she decided to find a moment to ask Damon about it that evening."Nyla, I'd like to be alone for a while, so I'll leave you here," Valarie said, excusing herself."Alright, but don't wander off too far. The event will be starting soon," Nyla reminded her.Valarie nodded and quickly walked away.As she left, Nyla felt suddenly at a loss.After marrying Cla
The maid, Pauline Gundy, went pale and dropped to her knees abruptly. "Mr. Hackett, I have elderly parents and a daughter in university. My husband passed away in a car accident a few years ago. Without this job, my family will have no income. Please, have mercy on me!"Tears streamed down her face as her whole body shook with fear.Gabriel's expression remained cold and silent.Pauline's eyes darted toward Nyla, and she pleaded tearfully, "Ms. Kinsey, please, have mercy on me. I can't afford to lose this job. I beg you!"Before Nyla could respond, nearby guests began murmuring."She seems so pitiful. Maybe they should let it slide this time.""It's difficult for a woman to be the sole breadwinner for her entire family. Everyone makes mistakes. We should be forgiving.""It wasn't intentional. If they keep pressing the issue, it just makes them seem petty."Nyla's face turned frosty. It was easy for the crowd to act self-righteous—they weren't the ones who had nearly fallen onto
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