"You don't need to worry about me. You should start worrying about yourself," Gabriel countered.Initially, he had planned to keep playing along with Jane for a while longer. But since she was going to treat him like this, he didn't mind tearing off the mask right now.Without a moment's hesitation, he turned to leave."Gabriel, stop right there! If you dare leave now, we're getting a divorce!" Jane threatened.His steps faltered, and he turned back to look at her.Jane jutted her chin out, as if thinking she had him cornered. "If you apologize to me now, I'll forgive you.""Fine. Let's get divorced," Gabriel replied.Jane's eyes widened in disbelief. She gritted her teeth. "What did you say? Say that again!""I said, let's get divorced," Gabriel repeated, his tone calm.He had been waiting for this moment for a long time.Had Nyla not come back alive, he might have stayed in the marriage for the sake of their child.But now? He wasn't going to waste any more of his time."
Pedro's furious tone left Jane trembling. Her voice quavered as she tried to explain, "Grandpa... I didn't mean to. I was only trying to secure the bid for the company.""For the company?" Pedro spat."That's how you help the company? How did I raise such a failure?! Even Theo is better than you!"Pack your things and get out of the company! From now on, you have no right to interfere in the company's affairs!" he shouted.He hung up before Jane could respond.The phone slipped from Jane's hand as she stood frozen, her mind blank.The double blow of losing both her position and her marriage hit her like a freight train. Her legs buckled, and she collapsed to the floor, sobbing into her hands.How had everything spiraled so out of control?Not long ago, she had been the general manager of the Wilkie Group—a position that others envied.Now? Her husband wanted a divorce, and her role at the company had been stripped away.The more she thought about it, the more devastated she b
Jane had been waiting for two days at the police station before the Wilkie Group's lawyer finally arrived."Why are you just getting here? Do you have any idea I've been locked up for two whole days?" Jane demanded, looking haggard, frustration evident on her face."Ms. Wilkie, your actions have caused significant damage to the company's reputation. Over the past two days, the shareholders have been scrambling to manage the PR fallout, which delayed my visit."Once I finish filing the bail paperwork, you'll be released. However, the shareholders have unanimously decided that you must issue a public apology to Prospectus Technology and resign as general manager of the company," the lawyer explained.Jane's eyes widened in disbelief. She had endured two agonizing days in custody, only to hear this?"I won't resign! I want to speak with my grandfather!" she cried."I'm here on your grandfather's behalf. He has agreed that you must step down," the lawyer replied.Jane froze for a mo
At least stupidity was better than scheming.Theo stammered through his thoughts on the documents, but Pedro's frown deepened with every word."Did I say something wrong, Grandpa?" Theo asked nervously, sensing his disappointment.If he didn't seize this opportunity, he knew he'd have no future with the Wilkie Group.Pedro sighed heavily. "Compared to Jane, you're far behind."The words stung, and Theo's face reddened with shame.Growing up, he had always been overshadowed by Jane, despite being the eldest grandson. Even now, after her major mistakes, their grandfather still found him lacking.Swallowing his pride, Theo lowered his head. "I'm sorry, Grandpa. I'll work harder."Pedro waved him off impatiently. "Go study more. If your performance doesn't improve next time, you won't need to bother with the company."With Theo's current capabilities, he would ruin their family's businesses within two years."Alright," Theo muttered before leaving the room.Once he was gone, Ped
Jane turned to glare at Theo, who stood off to the side, clearly enjoying the scene. Her eyes were filled with disdain."Theo, don't think for a second that you've won. You know exactly how incompetent you are. There's no way the Wilkie Group will ever fall into your hands!" she hissed.Theo's expression darkened briefly, then he chuckled. "Oh, you're capable, all right. So capable that partnering with Starlite nearly bankrupted the company, and those cheap tricks with Prospectus Technology landed you in jail. Not many people can boast that kind of talent."Jane struggled to her feet, her face icy. "Once the Starlite project is completed, all those losses will be nothing. When that happens, the position of general manager will still be mine!"Theo snorted. "Still dreaming, I see. The shareholders have made it crystal clear—they don't want you anywhere near the company. By the time the Starlite project wraps up, you'll have been completely sidelined."My advice? Take the monthly al
Gabriel's gaze at Jane was calm and emotionless.Jane's heart clenched, and in a burst of anger, she hurled the remote control at him."Gabriel, I told you, I won't agree to a divorce! Forget it!" she shouted, her voice rising.Dodging the remote with ease, Gabriel smirked and spoke slowly, enunciating each word. "Jane, whether we get divorced or not was never up to you."He had tolerated her behavior for the sake of their child in the past, but recently, she had become increasingly irritable and aggressive due to the company. He was no longer willing to pretend."You think you have the final say?" Jane sneered, her face twisted with fury. "Gabriel, you have no power or influence. Without my approval, you're dreaming if you think you can leave."Gabriel raised an eyebrow and replied, "Don't worry. Within a week, you'll be the one agreeing to the divorce. And if you don't want Wilhelm, I'll take him with me."With that, he turned and walked toward the door."Gabriel! Stop right
Jane's eyes flickered with indifference as she said, "If he didn't constantly cause trouble and make me angry, I wouldn't need to hit him. And since you care so much about him, why haven't you come home these past few days?"Gabriel's face clouded with displeasure."I stayed away because I didn't want to see you," he replied coldly. "And I've told you before—if you don't want him, I'll take him.""I'll never let you take him!" Jane hissed.Her face twisted with rage, her eyes burning with hatred as she leered at Gabriel. She resented him.If it weren't for him, she wouldn't be so isolated, with no one to rely on. She had chosen him out of love, yet instead of gratitude, he had the audacity to demand a divorce when she needed him most.If he wouldn't let her have peace, she wouldn't let him have it either.Gabriel looked at Jane, now consumed by hysteria, and felt only disgust. "Jane, I will take Wilhelm. I won't leave him here to suffer your abuse."Gabriel didn't hold much a
Jane's expression changed as she angrily asked, "Do you really think I'd stoop that low?""You've already beaten our son to the point of bruises just to get me back here. What wouldn't you do?" Gabriel retorted."You!" Jane gritted her teeth and scoffed. "Fine. If that's what you think, then believe it. But I won't agree to the divorce. Get over it."Gabriel repeated, "I told you, you'll agree soon enough."With that, he turned and walked out."Stop right there!" Jane rushed forward to block him, but her phone suddenly rang.She glanced at the screen and saw it was Pedro. Her expression changed.After a moment of hesitation, she answered. "Grandpa, what— What?! I'll come right away!"Hanging up, she turned pale, her hand trembling as it gripped the phone.Jane took a deep breath to steady herself and hurried upstairs to change before rushing to the Wilkie residence.The moment Jane entered Pedro's study, a slap landed across her face.The impact left her stunned. She only re
"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