"No, thanks. I like playing by myself," Mason replied, recalling how he had always lost to Damon in their previous games.He had no desire to play building blocks with him again.Damon wasn't offended by his son's rejection. Smiling, he raised an eyebrow and asked, "Are you afraid of losing to me?"Mason shot him a glance but didn't respond—his expression clearly said, "Do you really need to ask?""Buddy, as a boy, you should face challenges bravely and keep trying until you finally beat me," Damon coaxed.Mason didn't even look up as he stacked another block. "Daddy, there's a saying about knowing when to back off. I play with building blocks for fun. If I keep losing to you in every game, it just makes me unhappy and defeats the purpose of playing."Damon was momentarily taken aback by Mason's words, feeling uncharacteristically speechless.After a few seconds, he finally spoke up. "Buddy, I want to know what happened at school today. Can you tell me about it?""I already tol
Nyla avoided Damon's gaze, pondering how to respond.After several seconds, Damon's deep voice broke the silence. "Still haven't figured out what to say? Then I might just—""Wait!" Nyla quickly raised her head, placing a hand over his mouth as she met his stare. "No matter what I say, you're just going to say it isn't good enough and keep doing what you were doing, right?"In her clear eyes, Damon saw his own reflection, feeling as if he were the only person in her world.His gaze suddenly turned intense and locked onto hers with a predatory focus, leaving no room for escape.Heat rose in Nyla's cheeks under his piercing stare. She bit her lip and asked, "Why are you looking at me like that?!"Did he realize how intimidating that look was? It felt as if he wanted to devour her whole.Damon remained silent, the tension between them thickening.Nyla felt her hand, which rested against his chest, weaken. Should she just beg for mercy to get him to let her go?Just as she was con
"Nathaniel, what do you want?" Rebecca asked.Seeing the wariness and fear in her eyes, Nathaniel smiled and calmly took a seat across from her."I'm not here to do anything. I just wanted to chat," he replied.Rebecca's hands trembled subconsciously in her lap, convinced that this must be some new way for Nathaniel to torment her. If her response didn't satisfy him, he would definitely resort to violence again.Sadly, she had nowhere else to go.Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to meet his gaze and said, "Don't forget, I'm supposed to go out to sea with Mr. Nuttall the day after tomorrow. If he finds out I'm hurt…"Nathaniel chuckled. "Don't worry. I won't lay a finger on you today."Rebecca's tense back relaxed slightly at his words, but she still looked at him with lingering fear."What do you want to talk about?" she asked.For the past few years, Nathaniel had treated her with disdain, even hatred, blaming her for the fallout between him and Damon. They rarely had
Rebecca's heart settled a bit as she quickly took out her phone to message Sullivan.Back in his study, Nathaniel's expression was as dark as ever. Having spent over five years under the same roof as Rebecca, he was certain she was hiding something from him. Otherwise, she wouldn't have looked so distressed earlier.He immediately contacted his secretary, instructing him to investigate what had happened during Rebecca's time abroad.The secretary hesitated. "Mr. Preston, the company has only 400,000 dollars in available funds. Investigating what happened with Mrs. Preston overseas several years ago could be quite expensive…"Besides, he thought, every penny was crucial for the company right now. Spending it to look into Rebecca felt like a waste.Nathaniel's expression turned icy as he instructed, "Use my personal account for this investigation. We must uncover the truth, no matter what!"He understood Damon's temperament. If he couldn't present useful information next time, Damo
Ruby rested her hand on the window for a moment before slowly pushing it open.The kitten was docile. It jumped in and curled up in the corner of the windowsill. It was curious but remained still, simply looking around.Ruby closed the window and picked up the little creature. She turned to Sullivan and said, "Sullivan, it's getting late. I'll come back to see you tomorrow. What do you want to eat then?"Instead of answering her, Sullivan stared at the cat nestled in her arms with a frown. "Are you planning to keep that cat?"Ruby gently stroked the kitten's head with one hand while cradling it in the other. The kitten seemed to sense her kindness and tilted its head up, enjoying the touch.Sullivan's expression darkened.Despite all his efforts to get Ruby to notice him—his injuries sustained while helping her—she remained distant. Yet here she was, so kind to a creature she had just met."Yes, I feel a connection with this kitten," she replied.Sullivan said, "What about me?
Damon's profile was cold when he answered, "Let's see what Jane wants to discuss before we decide.""Okay," Nyla replied.…Jane had just finished getting ready to leave when a maid from the Wilkie residence hurried over."Ms. Wilkie, Mr. Pedro wants to see you," the maid informed her.Jane frowned. "Did Grandpa say what it was about?"The maid shook her head. "No, he didn't.""Alright, I understand. You can go back now," Jane replied.After the maid left, Jane changed her shoes and turned to Gabriel, who was still having breakfast. "Gabriel, take Wil to school later. Grandpa called me over, and I don't want to delay."Gabriel replied gently, "Sure."Once Jane left, Wilhelm threw down his spoon in indignation. "Daddy, I don't want to go to school. I don't want to see Mason!"Gabriel looked at him and asked, "But you promised Mommy and me last night that you'd be good."After Gabriel returned home the previous night, Jane had told him about her plan to use Wilhelm's injury t
"If we can resolve this matter, I plan to give you a portion of the company's equity. This way, your voice in the company will carry more weight," Pedro said.Jane's eyes lit up with excitement. "Grandpa, really?"Over the past few years, she had made significant contributions to the development of the Wilkie Group. Without shares, however, the company's shareholders often questioned her authority.Having a stake in the Wilkie Group would make it much easier for her to manage tasks. Moreover, owning shares would give her a say in company matters, bringing her one step closer to taking over!"Of course. I've seen your efforts, so don't worry. As long as you continue to work hard for the company, I won't shortchange you," Pedro promised.Jane felt a rush of excitement but tried to maintain a calm demeanor. "Grandpa, it's an honor to contribute to the company's development. I will work even harder to live up to your expectations!"…When Jane arrived at Prospectus Technology, it wa
Jane stared at him coldly. "Are you saying my son is lying?""Perhaps you should take a look at this first," Damon suggested.He pulled up a video he had received that morning and showed it to Jane. At first, she didn't understand, but three minutes later, her face turned ashen.Wasn't the classroom surveillance camera broken? How had Damon gotten it?Her complexion shifted rapidly, turning from pale to flushed in disbelief. She murmured, "No… this can't be happening…"If Wilhelm had truly fallen on his own, she would not only have gained nothing from Damon, but she also would have further angered him.Damon's expression remained indifferent. "If you don't believe me, I can have the video verified. You can also choose to call the police since you mentioned that yesterday."Jane shook her head repeatedly. "No… it can't be… This isn't happening…"Damon no longer looked at her. He stood up and said coldly, "I have work to do, so I won't see you out."…As Jane left Prospectus Te
"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