Jane's gaze turned icy. "What's the matter? Feeling sorry for her now?"Gabriel frowned. "Why would I feel sorry?""Don't think I don't know. Nyla used to be your stepsister. You liked her back then, didn't you?" Jane's eyes flashed with anger. If Rebecca hadn't told her, she might have still been in the dark.The thought of Gabriel ever having feelings for Nyla made her despise Nyla even more.As dusk settled, shadows deepened around the rock formation, casting half of Gabriel's face in the darkness and making his expression harder to read."How did you find out?" he asked.Jane scoffed. "How I found out doesn't matter. What matters is whether you're still hung up on her."Gabriel chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I never knew my dear Jane could look so adorable when she's jealous."He reached out to pull her into his arms, but she pushed him back. "Don't touch me! You still haven't answered my question! And if I don't like your answer, you're not getting into my b
Sitting at the center of the living room, Pedro surveyed his family with a hard gaze, his eyes finally settling on Jane.This granddaughter of his was typically flawless, whether in business or personal matters. She was the one he'd entrusted with organizing his birthday celebration."Jane, you were in charge of the party. Since Pauline pushed Ms. Kinsey, I want you to get to the bottom of it and give Mr. Sumner and Ms. Kinsey a satisfactory answer," Pedro announced.Jane took a few steps forward and glanced at Pauline, who was cowering on the floor. She began, "Grandpa, Pauline claims she accidentally bumped into Ms. Kinsey. She denies any outside influence, and there were so many people around today—"She didn't get to finish before Damon cut her off icily. "Are you saying that my girlfriend intentionally staged this scene to frame the Wilkies?"Meeting Damon's gaze, Jane replied calmly, "Mr. Sumner, that's not what I meant. I'm only suggesting that this incident might truly hav
Pedro nearly staggered back in anger."Take him away! Stop letting him spout nonsense here!" he barked.Whether Jane was involved or not, the priority was to downplay the situation. If it hadn't been for Theo's foolishness, things might have already been smoothed over.The more Pedro thought about it, the angrier he became. Once Damon and Nyla left, he was determined to teach Theo a lesson. The young man needed to know when to speak up—and when to stay quiet.Jane trembled slightly, struggling to stay calm. Only she, Pauline, and Gabriel knew about this incident, and none of them would betray her. Thus, Theo had to be bluffing. There was no way he could know!Theo pushed Quincy aside, saying, "Mom, I'm fine."He took out his phone, eyeing Jane with a cold smile. "Jane, everything you said to Gabriel by the rock garden? I recorded it. Let's play it for everyone, shall we?"Without waiting, he pressed play.Instantly, Jane and Gabriel's voices echoed through the room, plunging th
Nyla glanced at Damon, leaning in to whisper something in his ear. His eyebrows furrowed briefly, then relaxed.He turned to Pedro, his tone calm. "If I remember correctly, the villa project the Wilkie Group invested in is due for completion this month. Trading one villa for the Wilkies' reputation seems like a fair exchange, doesn't it?"Hearing this, Pedro breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed Damon was willing to let the matter go. He quickly agreed, "Of course, of course. I'll have someone send over the villa plans so you and Ms. Kinsey can pick a unit."Damon smiled. "Then, we'll take you up on that."Nyla tried to catch Damon's eye, but he ignored her.Pedro replied, "Thank you, Mr. Sumner, for being so magnanimous with Jane.""Since it's settled, Nyla and I will take our leave," Damon said."Mr. Sumner, allow me to see you out," Pedro replied politely.After seeing Damon and Nyla off, Pedro's smile vanished. He turned back inside, his gaze icy as he directed it at Jane.
"Really? Then tell me, what exactly did you do right? If you can't explain, don't bother going to the company!" Pedro threatened.Quincy and Hudson were appalled.Theo, however, remained calm, unaffected by Pedro's words. "Jane sent Pauline to push Nyla today, but Nyla wasn't injured, so there's still room to fix this. Since Jane didn't get what she wanted, she would probably go after Nyla again."If I didn't expose her earlier and she caused something worse later, the Wilkies might not be able to cover it up." Theo continued. "Today, our family's reputation suffered a little in front of Damon and Nyla, and we lost two villas. But next time, it might be far worse."As he finished speaking, silence settled over the living room.After a few moments of reflection, Pedro had to admit that Theo made some valid points.Still, he shot Theo a cold look and asked, "And you're saying there's no self-interest in this for you?""Of course there is. I want to start learning how to manage the
"Oh, stop," Jane replied, blushing deeper as she playfully slapped Gabriel on the arm before they headed upstairs together.As they showered, a thought nagged at Jane. How did Theo know what she and Gabriel had discussed in the garden?"Gabriel, only you and I were near the rockery. How did Theo get a recording of our conversation?" she voiced her doubt.Gabriel gazed down as he tightened his arm around her waist, murmuring, "It was dark. Maybe he was hiding nearby, and we just didn't notice."Although Jane still felt something wasn't quite right, her thoughts were soon interrupted as Gabriel entered.She let out a moan, gradually swept away by the intensity. She wrapped her arms around his neck, surrendering herself to the moment.For some reason, she felt that Gabriel was unusually passionate tonight.…Nyla had been silent the entire ride back, refusing to look at Damon.When they pulled up in front of the villa, she opened the car door to get out, only for Damon to catch h
"Are you saying that if I admit I'm jealous, you'll try to make it up to me?" Damon asked.They were so close that his breath grazed Nyla's ear, tickling it like a feather's touch.She looked up at him and smiled. "That's right.""I'm jealous, then. What are you going to do about it?" Damon said.Without another word, Nyla cupped his face and kissed him lightly. "Don't worry. I only have eyes for you—I wouldn't look twice at anyone else."Her eyes sparkled like a million stars, and Damon could see his reflection in them.When he didn't respond, merely gazing at her, Nyla raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Sumner, are you saying you're not happy with this approach?"Damon slid his hand behind her neck and kissed her deeply.When they finally broke apart, their clothes were a little disheveled.Damon kissed Nyla's collarbone softly, his voice low and raspy. "I'm more than satisfied."It was after midnight when they finally entered the villa.As soon as they walked in, Lydia came over to
Nyla quickly asked Leon which hospital he was in and booked a ride to get there.…When Nyla arrived, Leon was already waiting at the entrance."Nyla, I'll show you the way. Sullivan's at Block 2," Leon said.Nyla nodded, following him to the inpatient wing. As they approached the building, she suddenly stopped dead in her tracks a few steps from the entrance.In front of her, entering the inpatient wing, was Damon, who had told her that morning he was going to the company. There was no mistaking that back.Stunned, Nyla stood there, her mind blank for a moment.Damon had lied to her—again.What on earth was in this hospital that compelled him to lie time and again?Leon noticed that Nyla had fallen behind and turned back. "Nyla, you—"Before he could finish, Nyla began walking quickly toward the inpatient building.He followed her, a bit taken aback. "Nyla, there's no need to rush. I know which room he's in."Nyla looked at him, expressionless, and said, "Leon, I have some
"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