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
Valarie took a lighthearted approach, saying, "Dad, it's not your fault. Besides, Mr. Sumner is already helping our company. I believe we'll get through this."Brandon handed Jonathan a glass of water and added, "She's right, Mr. Weir. Here, drink some water."It was only then that Jonathan remembered Brandon was in the room. He glanced at Brandon and took the glass with a poker face.After seeing Brandon holding Valarie just moments earlier, he found him less likable now, despite having praised him as a young, promising businessman to Phoebe.Brandon then handed Phoebe a glass of water, which she accepted with a smile. "Thank you, Mr. Brandon.""Please, Mrs. Weir, just call me Brandon," he said.Phoebe, surprised by his casual tone, nodded. "Brandon, you and Valarie…""I'm Valarie's boyfriend now," Brandon replied straightforwardly.Jonathan choked on his water and coughed heavily.Brandon quickly took the glass from him, patting him on the back. "Mr. Weir, are you alright?"
Valarie and Brandon had just started dating. Marriage was a long way off, so Phoebe reminded him, "Let's not get ahead of ourselves."Jonathan nodded. "You're right.""But…" Phoebe hesitated, remembering how Valarie would unconsciously smile whenever she received a text from Brandon during meals. She had a feeling they might actually get married."But what?" Jonathan asked, his heart lurching at the word.Phoebe couldn't help but smile at his worried expression. "Nothing. We're on our floor. Let's go."Who could say what the future held?…Just as Brandon returned to the hospital room, a pillow flew toward him. He caught it easily and looked at Valarie, who was glaring at him from the bed.His gaze softened as he asked, "What's bothering my little princess?"Valarie shot him a pointed look. "Why did you say you were the one to confess first? It was me who asked if you'd like to give things a try. Now my parents might think poorly of you."Brandon walked over and placed the pi
"Alright, thank you for your help," Valarie said."No problem," the officer replied.After the police left, Valarie turned to Brandon. "You should go to work. There's really nothing else I need here—I'll just finish packing and get ready for discharge later.""I'm not busy. I'll help you with the discharge papers," Brandon offered.Just as he finished speaking, his phone began to ring.Valarie gave him a knowing smile and teased, "Is this your version of 'not busy'? Your phone has rung at least a dozen times this morning. Just go. My parents are coming soon, so no need to worry about me.""I'll leave when they get here," he replied, determined to stay.Seeing how insistent he was, Valarie had no choice but to let it go.After waiting another half hour, her parents still hadn't arrived, but Nyla showed up.With someone else there to keep Valarie company, Brandon finally relented. He gathered his files and left for work.After arranging the flowers she had brought, Nyla turned
Nyla was taken aback. She hadn't expected Jane's son to be shunned by his classmates, but she didn't feel the slightest sympathy."Ms. Wilkie, before the facts were even clear, you threatened to call the police. And after discovering that it was your son lying to get mine in trouble, you didn't even make him apologize. I'm not sure where you get the audacity to come and question me now," Nyla retorted."I'm not like you. I don't have that kind of sway over the school's vice principal. As for your son being left out, I don't know how it happened, but kids naturally prefer to play with those who are kind and honest. They don't appreciate a liar. Instead of blaming me, maybe you should reflect on your own parenting," Nyla said.Jane's face contorted in fury as she replied, "Nyla, just because Damon's backing you, don't think you can do whatever you—"Nyla didn't let her finish and hung up, unwilling to waste any more time on someone who wouldn't listen.…Jane was so angry she nearl
Gabriel's voice was quiet, and his expression calm, but Wilhelm couldn't help feeling a bit afraid."I... I didn't forget..." he mumbled, lowering his head to avoid Gabriel's gaze."Since you didn't forget, then tell me—did you apologize to Mason when you got to school today?" Gabriel asked."No..." Wilhelm pressed his lips together, his face puffing with frustration. He had no intention of apologizing—he couldn't stand Mason!"Wil, it's only when you recognize and correct your mistakes, and show the courage to apologize, that other kids will enjoy being around you."Remember, you lied and said Mason pushed you when you actually fell on your own, which made the other kids afraid to play with you," Gabriel explained.Wilhelm's eyes filled with confusion and bewilderment."Is that really why?" he asked.What his father was saying didn't match what his mother had told him. She had said that, since their family donated a lot of money to the school, he could do whatever he wanted wi
"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