"I said you're an ugly freak!" Valarie shot back, her face flushed, her eyes unfocused.Tom's expression darkened. He knew he shouldn't argue with a drunk person, but hearing her call him ugly still stung.Brandon couldn't help but laugh mockingly. "Did you hear that? My girlfriend doesn't want ugly freaks touching her. Next time, stay out of her business."Tom glared at him coldly. "Brandon, you and she aren't right for each other. I suggest you let go of her before you get hurt."Brandon retorted, "I don't need you to tell me what to do. Mind your own business."Without another word, he took Valarie and left.As they walked away, Tom's eyes narrowed. It seemed like it was time to give the Sumner Group something to deal with.Outside the bar, the cold wind hit, and Valarie shivered, sobering up slightly. She turned to see Brandon still holding onto her, and her expression shifted. She immediately tried to pull away."I don't need your help," she said.Although more aware, the
Damon's warm breath brushed against Nyla's earlobe, sending a tingling sensation through her.She pushed him away. "I can sleep just fine. I'm tired now, so stay away from me.""Really?" Damon asked."Of course. Don't come any closer, it's hot," Nyla complained.Damon chuckled. "Weren't you complaining about the cold last night? And now you're saying it's hot? Looks like you're just done once you're done with me."Nyla was speechless. The reason she felt cold last night was that they had forgotten to close the window.As she remained silent, Damon leaned in closer. "Nyla, it's been a few days since we—""Not interested tonight," she cut him off.Damon fell silent."Alright, go to sleep," Nyla urged.Damon sighed and lay back down quietly.…As soon as Damon arrived at the office the next morning, Spencer knocked and entered with a file."Mr. Sumner, here's the report for the two samples you asked for earlier," Spencer said.Damon took the report and opened it. It confirme
After all, Brandon was his nephew—wasn't he being a bit too obvious about trying to set someone up with his nephew's girlfriend?Damon nodded confidently. "I'm sure.""I can tell that Valarie likes Brandon a lot. Otherwise, she wouldn't have gone drinking just because of him. But fine, you can pass him on to me. If Brandon doesn't treat her well, I'll introduce her to someone else," Nyla said."No." Damon flatly refused."Why not?" Nyla asked."If I could, I'd delete all the male contacts in your phone, so there's no way I'd be introducing you to anyone new," Damon stated.Nyla was rendered speechless. She shot him a look and then turned her attention back to her meal, ignoring him.After lunch, Damon had to attend a meeting, and Nyla went downstairs.Later that afternoon…While Nyla was working in the lab, she suddenly received a call from the hospital."Ms. Kinsey, your father fell down the stairs. You need to come to the hospital immediately," the hospital staff urged.…
Upon hearing this, Nyla frowned. "She actually went to harass you after everything that happened?"Earlier, when she had arrived, she hadn't seen Wren at all. If not for Wren, Harrison wouldn't have fallen down the stairs. Yet, Wren hadn't even bothered to check on him!Harrison remained silent for a moment before softly replying, "This is still my fault. She can't be blamed."Nyla couldn't suppress her anger at his words. "How can you not blame her? If she hadn't gone to find you, you wouldn't have fallen down the stairs. You're already so old, and now you have to suffer like this! I'm not letting this go."Without hesitation, she pulled out her phone to call the police.Harrison tried to stop her, but the effects of the anesthesia hadn't worn off, and he lacked the strength to stop her."Nyla, don't call the police..." he murmured.Upon seeing Harrison's trembling hand, Nyla's gaze grew colder. "She made you fall down the stairs, and when you were undergoing surgery, she wasn'
"I never said you didn't contribute, but your mother kept bothering my dad after the divorce and caused him to fall down the stairs. We need to settle this once and for all." Nyla's voice was icy as she glared at Gabriel.If it hadn't been for Wren stirring things up back then, Nyla wouldn't have had such a strained relationship with her father.Now, even though they were divorced, Wren still greedily wanted the demolition compensation. Wasn't that shameless?Gabriel clenched his fists. His eyes filled with sorrow as he met her gaze. "This incident was indeed my mom's fault. I'll apologize on her behalf, and she will go to the hospital to apologize to your father. As for his medical and nutritional expenses, I will take full responsibility."Nyla's expression remained stern. "That's what you should do, and I won't let her off easily. I've handed the footage to the police. If my dad was pushed by her, I'll definitely press charges!"Her tone was resolute, offering no room for negot
"Are you sure you didn't push Harrison?" Gabriel asked.Meeting his questioning gaze, Wren frowned. "No, I told you already, didn't I? You don't believe me?"During their struggle, Harrison had simply fallen by accident. She had already been questioned multiple times by the police. Now, after finally leaving the station, she had to deal with her son's doubts.Not seeing any signs of dishonesty, Gabriel started the car and coldly said, "I'll take you home."…Gabriel dropped Wren off at the entrance. Before she could step out of the car, his icy voice came again. "Apart from apologizing, don't ever go to Harrison again. If you need money, I'll give it to you."Wren paused with her hand on the door, her expression shifting.After a long silence, she replied, "This is my business. You don't need to worry about it."Her words completely ignited Gabriel's anger, and the temperature in the car dropped significantly."Every time you go shopping, you spend more than what the demolitio
The moment Nyla's lips touched Damon's face, his usually calm eyes flickered. It was like a stone was dropped into a calm lake, creating ripples that wouldn't settle for a long time."Alright, don't be upset. Ruby also needs to stay late, and you're always staying up late with documents too, right?" Nyla coaxed.Just as she was pulling away, her waist was suddenly gripped, and she was pulled back into Damon's embrace.Then... things escalated quickly.As Nyla got kissed, every sense seemed to vanish, leaving only the overwhelming sensation of their lips pressed together. She felt like a small boat in the middle of a storm, clutching Damon's shirt to keep from being swept away.It felt like forever before Damon released her lips.Her once pale lips were now slightly swollen, glistening with moisture. They looked almost like cherries in bloom, as if they still carried the scent of sweetness.Seeing Damon staring at her lips with dark, intense eyes, Nyla hastily pushed him away and
Although Mason was usually quite independent, he was still a child. He'd probably get scared when his parents weren't home."Mm, I know," Damon replied.While they were talking, the elevator reached Nyla's floor."I'm heading to the lab," Nyla said."Okay, message me when you're almost done," Damon reminded her."Sure." Nyla nodded, quickly stepped out of the elevator, and disappeared around the corner.By the time she arrived at the lab, Ruby had already set up the experiment.Nyla glanced at her notebook, jotting down a few potential issues that could complicate the experiment, and then began the process again with Ruby.The two of them were so focused that several hours passed before they realized it was close to midnight.Fortunately, the experiment was successful this time, and the data came out as expected, leaving them both relieved. If the experiment had failed, they would probably have had to stay up all night in the lab.After finishing, Nyla and Ruby tidied up the
"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