Gabriel hung up without hesitation.Tom glared at the phone. If he didn't still need Gabriel, he wouldn't tolerate this kind of attitude from anyone!Suppressing his frustration with a deep breath, he immediately instructed his assistant to arrange a meeting with the Sumner Group's largest supplier.Over the past two weeks, all his attempts to schedule a meeting had been flatly rejected. His patience was wearing thin.As expected, it didn't take long for his assistant to call back with an update. "Mr. Genge, Mr. Basham still refuses to meet with you."Tom smirked. "Since he's so determined to ignore my generosity, it seems he'd rather swallow the bitter pill. Send him those photos—him and his mistress, all wrapped up nicely."The assistant hesitated. "Mr. Genge, if we take this route, it will completely ruin your relationship with Mr. Basham.""I gave him a chance, and he chose to throw it away. If he wants war, we'll give him war," Tom replied."Understood, I'll take care of i
Karter glowered, not expecting Tom to have discovered that. He took a deep breath before asking coldly, "What's your problem with the Sumner Group?"Tom simply replied, "Because I'm tired of always being in someone else's shadow."Karter remained silent, scowling.Tom smiled. "You wouldn't want your wife to keep controlling you, would you? Help me, and I can help you seize control."Although Karter was the CEO of the Basham Group, his wife held the shares. That was why he had gotten rid of his mistresses and begged her for forgiveness all these years after she found out about his affairs.Now that his current mistress was pregnant and he intended for her to keep the child, it was clear that he was planning to seize the shares.Tom watched Karter as if weighing his options, showing no rush for a response.Karter was silent for a long moment.Finally, he said, "Fine. I'll do it. But if you cross me, I'll make sure you regret it.""Pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Basham," T
It was Jayden's birthday tonight, and Brandon had only planned to drop off a gift and leave.However, as soon as he had entered the private room, Jayden had pulled Michelle along to apologize to him.After much persuasion, Brandon had reluctantly agreed to stay for the celebration. The group had drunk quite a bit, and someone had suggested they play a game.After losing a round, Brandon had chosen "Dare". The group had urged him to kiss Michelle through a tissue. He had been about to refuse when Valarie stormed in, her face dark with displeasure.…Valarie's gaze was cold and filled with disappointment. "Brandon, I told you before that I wouldn't interfere with your friendships, but clearly, you've completely betrayed my trust."If Brandon truly cared about her, he wouldn't keep hanging around Michelle with such unclear boundaries. His so-called friends wouldn't dare make such bold jokes at her expense."Valarie, it's just a game. I've already explained it to you. Do you really
When Damon received the call earlier, it had woken Nyla as well.She shook her head gently. "It's fine. Did you handle Brandon's situation?""Mm," Damon hummed in response."Good. Then get changed and rest," she urged."Alright," he replied.…Early the next morning, Brandon was woken by a call from Charlie."Mr. Sumner, the video of your fight with Mr. Genge is all over the Internet. People are talking about it nonstop. It's damaging the company's image," Charlie reported.Brandon massaged his throbbing temples and replied, "Do whatever it takes to suppress it. I'm on my way to the office."Half an hour later, he arrived to find several shareholders waiting outside his office, their expressions stormy.The lead shareholder sneered as he approached. "Mr. Sumner, do you have any idea how much damage last night's incident has caused the company?""Do you know what people are saying online? They're questioning your ability to manage the company when you can't even control your
After Brandon's post went live, the Sumner Group's PR team quickly sprang into action, hiring a wave of paid commenters to fuel the conversation.Shortly after, rumors resurfaced about Tom's infidelity during his past relationship with Valarie.[I used to think Tom was a decent guy. Turns out he's just a scumbag! He cheated on Valarie before and now can't stand seeing her happy with someone else? Pathetic.][An ex should stay in the past like they're dead. Tom is the definition of "can't let go". If I were Valarie, I'd be disgusted beyond words.][Funny how this morning most comments were roasting Brandon. Tom, you buying some bots yourself?]…The heated debate in the comments section quickly reached Tom, who merely snickered upon hearing about it.He wasn't surprised. After all, he never expected this incident to deliver a decisive blow to the Sumner Group. It was merely the opening move.Valarie had also seen the video of the fight while at work, but she reacted indifferentl
Brandon stiffened, awkwardly replying, "That was different.""How exactly?" Valarie asked."Tom is your ex, and you were crazy about him back then," Brandon explained.Valarie's disappointment deepened. "So, in your eyes, I'm the kind of person who would still be tangled up with an ex while dating someone new?""Valarie, don't twist my words. I trust you—I just don't trust Tom," Brandon shot back."Well, at least I never did anything with Tom that could be misinterpreted. I'm done discussing this. Let's take some time apart," Valarie insisted.Seeing the exhaustion in her expression, Brandon didn't press further. "Fine. If you need time, take it. I'll also deal with Michelle properly."Valarie nodded, said nothing, and drove off.Once her car was out of sight, Brandon pulled out his phone and called Jayden. "Where are you? Free to meet? Bring Michelle. No one else."An hour later, at a high-end restaurant in Saintornia…Brandon sat across from Jayden and Michelle. His express
Michelle glanced at Jayden, her expression tinged with guilt. "Jayden, I'm sorry. If it weren't for me, you and Brandon wouldn't be fighting like this."Jayden turned to her, noticing the tears welling in her eyes. His frustration eased slightly."This isn't your fault. This whole thing is on Brandon," he reassured her.Michelle nodded, though reluctantly. "But I don't want to be the reason you two are arguing."After a brief pause, Jayden's tone grew more serious. "Don't worry about it anymore. Leave it to me."Seeing his tense expression, Michelle didn't press further. She stood up. "I'll head back now. Next time, I'll try to apologize to Brandon and Valarie. Maybe I can help smooth things over."Jayden rose to his feet as well. "I'll walk you out."…Valarie had dinner with Nyla, spending most of the time venting about Brandon."I just don't get what's going through his head! Michelle is so obviously a manipulative bitch. How can he not see it?"And don't even get me start
"Anyway, intimacy is important for women. A lack of a good sex life can mess with your hormones," Valarie warned.Nyla mulled over her words. There might be some truth to it, though she wasn't entirely convinced."But he's so busy... I don't want to add to his stress," she replied."Stress? Please. It's not stress, it's bonding. It's the most direct way for you two to connect," Valarie said matter-of-factly."Fine…" Nyla relented.Valarie raised an eyebrow, refusing to back down despite Nyla's lack of enthusiasm. "Let's eat quickly, and then we'll go shopping. We're getting some clothes."…Before long, Valarie had dragged Nyla into a boutique specializing in lingerie—and not the ordinary kind.Valarie selected a set and held it up against Nyla, grinning. "This one is perfect for you."Nyla glanced at the sheer fabric in Valarie's hands. The material was practically transparent, covering only the bare essentials. Her face flushed bright red.She walked over and whispered, "Va
"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