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'
Valarie froze, nervously fiddling with her hair. She lowered her gaze and replied, "I don't want to see him just yet. Please tell him to go home.""Alright," Nyla answered.When she stepped outside, Brandon immediately walked over. "Aunt Nyla, how is Valarie?"Seeing the concern on his face, Nyla replied calmly, "She's doing better now, but she's still not ready to see anyone. Head home for now and come back tomorrow."Brandon let out a breath of relief and nodded. "Alright. But it's late now, so I'll stay here tonight. I'll be right outside her room.""Fine. I'll head back then. If anything happens, call me," Nyla reminded him.Before leaving, she returned to the room and told Valarie that Brandon insisted on staying nearby.Valarie bit her lip before exclaiming with a frown, "Is he crazy? It's freezing out there. He's going to catch a cold sleeping in the hallway all night!"Suppressing a laugh, Nyla replied, "If you're that worried, why not invite him in? There's a couch whe
Brandon's gaze deepened as he stepped into the hospital room, shutting the door behind him and settling onto the couch.Valarie adjusted her blanket, then looked up, only to catch him staring intently at her. The gaze made her bite her lip unconsciously."There's no extra blanket," she murmured. "If you're really tired, maybe you should just go home. I'm fine on my own now."After Nyla's visit, she did feel much calmer."It's alright. You go to sleep. I'll stay here," Brandon replied.Valarie glanced at him for a moment before quickly looking away. "Alright. I'll try to sleep then...""Okay," Brandon answered.Valarie pulled the blanket up, hiding beneath it, yet sleep wouldn't come.The room was quiet, but she couldn't stop thinking about Brandon sitting just across from her on the couch. Her heart pounded, and her hands clenched the blanket, as a faint sheen of sweat dampened her palms."Can't sleep?" Brandon's gentle voice broke the silence from the couch.Valarie hesitate
Brandon's eyes widened, filled with disbelief and shock.Valarie had her eyes shut, her eyelashes trembling.Brandon's gaze darkened as he wrapped his arms around her, taking the lead.By the time the kiss ended, Valarie was breathless, resting against Brandon, too exhausted to move. If she had known it would take this much out of her, she wouldn't have been so impulsive.Brandon held her waist, his expression darkening. "Valarie, you started this. I won't give you the chance to back out."He laced his fingers with hers, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. It was gentle like a breeze brushing past.Valarie looked down, feeling a bittersweet pang in her heart. She had convinced herself that love was out of reach, but Brandon made her feel cherished. Wrapping her arms around him, she leaned into his chest without saying a word.Even if this didn't work out, she knew she wouldn't regret it.Suddenly, the door burst open!Valarie's parents rushed into the room, only to stop, s
"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
Damon's expression was icy as he spoke. "I've already sent the head of R&D with a team to investigate. Let's wait for their findings before jumping to conclusions."He added, "The Agihop 6th Gen isn't out yet. If the issue does lie in the Agihop 5th Gen, we should prepare for the worst—compensation payouts and the possibility of... bankruptcy.""What?!" A collective gasp echoed through the room, disbelief etched on everyone's faces."All this over a single batch of faulty machines from the Longbow Company? Isn't that a bit extreme?""Exactly. If the problem is with the Agihop 5th Gen chips, wouldn't paying compensation suffice?""Mr. Sumner, aren't you exaggerating?"The notion that Prospectus Technology could face bankruptcy over a single chip seemed absurd.Meeting their skepticism with a calm demeanor, Damon elaborated, "The news about Longbow Company's machines breaking down after using our chips has already spread.They're attributing the issue to Prospectus Technology's p
Damon's expression remained unmoved. "As I said, we'll investigate thoroughly. Asking us to accept responsibility before the investigation is complete seems unreasonable, doesn't it?"Jeffrey let out a cold laugh. "Fine, Mr. Sumner. But I hope you act quickly. Every day of delay costs us millions. The longer this drags on, the more Prospectus Technology will have to pay."With that, Jeffrey turned and stormed out of the room.Damon, his expression as icy as ever, summoned the head of the R&D department to his office."Take two of your team members to the Longbow Company and investigate the root cause of the machine failures. Determine whether it's our chips," Damon instructed."Mr. Sumner, it can't be our chips! We've invested so much in their development, and they've been on the market for over three years without a single issue. The problem must be elsewhere," the department head replied.Damon's tone sharpened. "I want accurate results based on the investigation—not assumption