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
Wilhelm looked up and saw Jane glaring at him fiercely.Startled, he stammered, "Mom... Mommy, why are you—"Before he could finish, Jane yanked him up and delivered two hard smacks to his backside.She scolded, "Why did you lie?! Do you have any idea how serious the consequences of your lie are?!"The more she thought about it, the angrier she became, and the harder she hit Wilhelm.Having been spoiled while growing up, Wilhelm had never been hit like this before. He immediately burst into tears, his sobs echoing throughout the villa. "Wah... Mommy, please stop! I know I was wrong! I'll never lie again..."Jane smacked him a few more times, still fuming. "Shut up!"Frightened by her terrifying demeanor, Wilhelm was stunned before bursting into a high-pitched, panicked cry that filled the entire villa.A maid rushed over. "Ms. Wilkie, you can't hit a child like this, and Mr. Wilhelm is frightened…"Jane shot the maid a cold glance, causing her to fall silent. The maid shrank b
"First, let's go downstairs for dinner. After we eat, I'll tell you," Gabriel said.Jane scowled. "Gabriel, I'm not in the mood for jokes!"Gabriel looked at her with a gentle gaze. "Jane, how could I joke about something like this? Come on, let's eat. You can't neglect your health, no matter what."Upon meeting his tender gaze, Jane's anger subsided a little, but she still maintained a stern expression. "You have to promise you're not lying to me.""Okay, I promise. Can we go eat now? Wil knows you're upset and hasn't had dinner yet. He's been waiting for you," Gabriel replied.Jane bit her lip. Upon recalling how she had hit Wilhelm earlier, a flicker of guilt crossed her eyes. In the heat of the moment, she had lost her temper, but now that she was calmer, she regretted it.Gabriel felt her forehead. "Your temperature is normal, but why do you look so pale?"Jane shook her head, avoiding his gaze. "I'm fine. Let's go down."They descended the stairs one after the other and s
Gabriel's expressionless face softened into a smile as Jane held his hand and led him to the dining room.After dinner, she eagerly asked him about the solution he had in mind. He gestured for her to follow him to the study.Once inside, Jane was about to press Gabriel further when he pulled a document from the drawer and handed it to her."Take a look at this first," he said.Jane took the document with a confused expression, frowning as she read the title: Golden Waters Resort Project Proposal.The Golden Waters Resort was Starlite Enterprise's largest project of the year.Starlite Enterprise, a subsidiary of Nyce Tech, had emerged in the Saintornia market about five years ago and quickly became one of Prospectus Technology's main competitors in tech manufacturing and innovation.Currently, the two companies were essentially equals.Although Starlite Enterprise had been founded just last year, it had already launched several hotel chains in major cities, achieved profitabilit
Gabriel gave her a helpless look. "Because my friend wasn't dating the Starlite Enterprise general manager's secretary before now."Jane froze for a moment before understanding. She set the document on the desk, walked around to face Gabriel, and wrapped her arms around his neck. She leaned up and kissed him.Gabriel held her at the waist and returned the kiss, the sound of their passion filling the study.When they broke apart, Jane rested her head against Gabriel's chest and spoke softly. "That's your reward."Gabriel's gaze darkened as he twirled a strand of her hair around his finger with a smile. "Thank you, honey."He was handsome, and the smile on his face now made Jane recall their first meeting.Back then…It was a rainy day, and Pedro was in the hospital. She rushed there and accidentally bumped into Gabriel as she entered, her umbrella splashing rainwater onto his clothes.Her mood had been low due to Pedro's illness, but she was caught off guard by the gentleness in
"Just this call is proof!" Theo snapped.Gabriel's smile deepened. He murmured something low, causing Theo to fall silent immediately."I don't appreciate dealing with fools. But since you're Jane's cousin, I'll let it go this time. If there's a next time..." Gabriel warned.He didn't finish before Theo quickly replied, "Gabriel, don't worry. That recording was all my doing—nothing to do with you. I just lost my head for a moment, so don't take it personally."He added, "If that's all, Gabriel, I'll be hanging up now. I've got a few things I need to do."Without waiting for Gabriel's response, Theo hastily ended the call.Gabriel set his phone down and looked out the window into the dark night, his eyes soft with thought. Soon, he'd finally be able to be with Nyla.At Damon's villa…Nyla was playing with Mason in the living room when she sneezed.Damon and Mason both turned to her, their faces full of concern."Mommy, are you okay?" Mason asked."Are you coming down with som
Seeing the bright sparkle in Mason's eyes, Nyla's heart softened, and she nodded. "Alright.""Thanks, Mommy!" Mason cheered and clapped his hands with joy, his face lighting up.After playing a bit longer, Lydia arrived to take Mason for his bath and bed.Nyla stood to leave, but Damon reached over and pulled her back into his arms."Nyla, now that Buddy's off to bed, don't you think we should have a little time to ourselves?" His voice was a deep, husky murmur, laced with temptation.Nyla nudged him away, frowning. "This is the living room. People could walk in at any time—be mindful."As soon as the words left her mouth, Damon lifted her into his arms and carried her to the study."What are you doing?! You scared me!" Nyla gasped, giving him a light punch in the chest."You said the living room wasn't a good spot. So, let's go to the study," Damon replied matter-of-factly.One hour later…They emerged from the study.Nyla walked ahead, her face flushed, her expression ting
The reason the Updikes had called the police was that Valarie had seriously injured Zayn, and he was now in the emergency room, fighting for his life.Hearing this, Nyla felt a surge of anger. Someone like Zayn deserved it. She glanced at Brandon, who was lost in thought, and said softly, "Got it.""Thank you, Aunt Nyla," Brandon replied.Nyla walked to the hospital room door and knocked gently. "Valarie, it's me. May I come in?"There was no response. Just as she was about to ask again, a faint voice replied, "Come in."With a sigh of relief, Nyla pushed open the door.Inside the room, all the lights were on.Valarie sat huddled on the hospital bed. Her small, frail figure was bathed in the harsh light, making her look even more lonely and lifeless.Nyla's heart clenched as she slowly approached the bed and took a seat.Valarie was hugging her knees, staring blankly into a corner of the room, lost in thought.Gently, Nyla reached out and patted her on the back. "Valarie, it'
"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