Brandon paused before replying, "They've already been used. Why?"Damon replied, "Find a way to get the workers to leak the news that the materials are substandard. Make sure it reaches Tom's ears."Brandon met Damon's cold gaze, remaining silent for a moment before nodding. "Got it."Damon stood up and instructed, "Get someone trustworthy to handle this. Once the news spreads, Tom will likely find an opportunity to target the Sumner Group."If Tom hadn't gone quiet all of a sudden, Brandon wouldn't have been asked to release this information.Brandon nodded in acknowledgment.After their discussion, Damon left.…Back at Prospectus Technology, Spencer knocked on the door before entering the office."Mr. Sumner, Sullivan has confessed to embezzling over 450,000 dollars in research funds for drug development. However, he's already spent all of it, so it's unlikely we'll be able to recover the money."Although 450,000 dollars wasn't much for Prospectus Technology, the incident
Ruby nodded in understanding. "Alright, I understand. Thank you."Paul stood up after she spoke. "I still have some work to finish. I'll take my leave now."Once Paul left, Ruby gazed at the box in her hands, feeling puzzled.She pondered over it for a moment before trying her birthday as the password, but it didn't work. She tried several other possible passwords related to Sullivan, but each attempt resulted in an error.Eventually, after too many incorrect tries, the lock disabled itself for two hours.Unable to think of any other possibilities, she decided to set the box aside for now and left the café.…News of the Sumner Group's alleged use of substandard construction materials had begun to spread quietly within the company.Huxley was in the middle of a meeting with his team to discuss next month's work plans when his assistant suddenly rushed over."Mr. Lightner, y-you need to see this!" the assistant exclaimed, handing him a phone.Huxley's face darkened as he read
The other end of the call was silent for a few seconds before Tom's icy voice echoed. "Mr. Lightner, you've already taken my money. Isn't it a bit late to back out now?""I'll return every penny! And I won't say a word about your plans to anyone," Huxley promised.Tom let out a cold laugh. "From the moment you accepted my money, there was no turning back. And don't forget—while Brandon finding out about my involvement won't hinder my plans, if he learns you betrayed him, neither he nor your uncle will let you off the hook."Huxley's face turned pale as he hissed, "Tom, are you threatening me?""Mr. Lightner, don't misunderstand. We're in the same boat now. I wouldn't do anything to harm you. But if you jump ship, don't blame me when you drown," Tom said before ending the call.He was confident Huxley would think things through.Huxley stared at the disconnected line, then slammed his phone onto the desk with a curse.Tom was a shameless bastard!Blinded by greed, Huxley had cli
"Mr. Genge, since the letter has been delivered, I'll take my leave," said the Sumner Group's legal representative as he walked out.Before he was even out of the office, the sound of ripping paper echoed through the room.Once the Sumner Group's legal representative disappeared through the doorway, Pierre cautiously glanced at Tom and asked, "Mr. Genge, what should we do now?"Tom's expression was icy. "I merely reported what I heard—that the Sumner Group was using substandard construction materials. How is that slander? Tell the legal team to prepare for the case."Pierre's eyes lit up. "Understood. I'll let them know right away."When the office fell silent again, Tom picked up his phone and dialed Karter."Mr. Basham, teaming up with the Sumner Group to target me—how clever. I won't let this slide. In less than an hour, all the information about your mistress will be delivered straight to your wife," he threatened, his voice trembling with barely restrained anger.On the oth
"Understood," Spencer said, leaving the office.Damon thought the matter over. He suspected that the troubles of the Wilkie Group were somehow connected to Starlite.Starlite Enterprise, a subsidiary of Nyce Tech, specialized in resorts and theme parks.In recent years, it had launched several high-profile projects, including a water park in the northern part of the city and a dinosaur theme park in the city center. Their reputation for quality had earned them numerous lucrative deals.Prospectus Technology rarely collaborated with Starlite Enterprise, so Damon hadn't paid much attention to the company before.If Starlite was involved in the Wilkie Group's downfall, however, it would warrant a deeper investigation.…That evening, as Damon was leaving a meeting, Spencer approached with news. "Mr. Sumner, Mr. Wilkie is here to see you. He's waiting in the reception room."Damon paused for a moment, unsurprised by the visit."I see. Bring in two cups of coffee," he replied."Ye
Initially, Pedro believed that offering such a significant equity share would tempt Damon. To his surprise, Damon rejected the offer without hesitation."Mr. Wilkie, you should look for someone else. With the terms you're offering, I'm sure plenty of people would jump at the chance," Damon said, his tone firm.Pedro was stunned, his brows knitting together in confusion. Why would Damon refuse such an advantageous offer?He tried again. "Mr. Sumner, you're the only person I trust in Saintornia.""But I don't have the energy to take on another company, and I won't risk putting Prospectus Technology in the same position as the Wilkie Group right now," Damon explained, his voice calm but resolute.Pedro gritted his teeth, clearly wrestling with his decision.Finally, he countered, "Alright then, how about this? If you're willing to help the Wilkie Group, I'll transfer 60% of my shares to you. That would make you the largest shareholder. What do you say?"To Pedro's dismay, Damon ref
Jane's words reminded Pedro of something he had almost forgotten.Years ago, he had assigned Gabriel to the gaming company, not expecting it to thrive. He had done so simply to keep Gabriel away from the Wilkie Group's core operations. Yet somehow, Gabriel had managed to turn it around.Pedro glanced at his butler and said, "Go and call Gabriel."Half an hour later…Pedro sat behind his desk in the study, while Gabriel stood in the center of the room.Jane remained kneeling on the floor."Gabriel," Pedro began, his tone firm. "I hear your gaming company has been doing well these past couple of years. You're aware of the Wilkie Group's crisis. I've decided to sell the company to save the group. Start preparing the necessary documents for the handover."Gabriel didn't seem surprised by this decision. He nodded calmly. "Alright. But selling in a rush might mean we won't get the best price.""I know. How much do you think it's worth right now?" Pedro asked.After a moment of thoug
Gabriel looked at Jane and said, "That's not what I mean. I'm just planning ahead. If the Wilkie Group does go bankrupt, at least we'll have a fallback plan."Jane scoffed. "The Wilkie Group will never go bankrupt!""Maybe not," Gabriel said evenly. "But it's always good to have a contingency plan. After all, you and I can endure it, but I don't want Wil to suffer."Upon hearing this, Jane's expression softened slightly. No mother would want her child to endure hardship."Fine, let's go. Let's try to get all the documents organized today," she said, briskly heading toward the company's entrance.She didn't notice the sudden coldness that flashed in Gabriel's eyes.…By the time they finished organizing the critical documents, it was nearing midnight.As they stepped out of the company, Jane glanced at the still-lit Wilkie Group building in the distance. Her lips pressed into a thin line, her expression complicated, as if lost in thought.Gabriel put an arm around her shoulders
"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