Chapter 171
Chapter 171
Nyla nodded and said, “Yes, I know.”
Nathaniel was about to respond when Damon suddenly turned to Nyla, his eyes cold. He asked, “Do you know me that well?”
Nathaniel was taken aback, frowning at Damon. He couldn’t understand why Damon was deliberately making things difficult for Nyla. Did he dislike Clark so much that he extended that hatred to Clark’s wife?
Nyla bit her lip and lowered her gaze. “No, thank you for tonight, Uncle Damon. It’s late, so I’ll be going now. Enjoy your evening.”
Damon sneered. “I helped you, and you think a simple thank you is enough?”
Nyla paused, then turned back to him and asked, “What do you want as thanks, Uncle Damon?”
Damon looked at the woman pouring him a drink and said, “Teach her how to repay a life–saving favor.”
Nathaniel frowned, feeling that Damon was being too harsh by having an escort from a nightclub teach Nyla how to repay a debt of gratitude.
The woman smiled, looking up at Damon with a flattering gaze. “Mr. Sumner, if you saved me, I’d offer myself to you.”
Damon’s expression remained unchanged, revealing nothing about his satisfaction with the answer.
Nathaniel couldn’t hold back any longer. “Damon, this is too much.”
Nyla hadn’t done anything to offend Damon, so why was he humiliating her like this?
Damon coldly looked at him. “What? Are you planning to repay me on her behalf?”
Nathaniel was rendered speechless.
Noticing that Damon’s demeanor was entirely different from his usual calm self, Nyla calmly said, “Uncle Damon, you’re drunk.”
Damon turned to look at her.
In the dim light, her eyes shone like clear water, and her expression was defiant. Something pricked at his heart, and he subconsciously tightened his grip on the glass.
If she had a softer personality, he might have used more forceful means to separate her from Clark. But he knew she wasn’t the type to submit to any man. Pressuring her to divorce Clark and be with him would only push her further away.
Suddenly, the sound of glass shattering filled the room Damon had crushed the glass in his hand.
“Damon!”
“Mr. Sumner!”
Nathaniel and the woman beside Damon exclaimed, their eyes filled with concern as they looked at his bleeding hand.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 171
Bright red blood dripped from Damon’s palm, but he seemed unfazed, his expression icy as he glared at Nyla and barked, “Get out!”
Nyla’s gaze lingered on his bleeding hand for a moment before she turned and left without a word.
Damon watched her go, his aura growing even colder.
Nathaniel immediately called for a first–aid kit, frowning at Damon. “The one who wronged you is Clark, not Nyla. Why are you making things difficult for her? Do you care about your reputation at all?”
Damon sat in silence, staring at the table in front of him, lost in thought.
Nathaniel turned to Caleb for support, but the latter simply said, “This is a Sumner family affair. Why are you so concerned?”
“What kind of family matter is this?” Nathaniel retorted.
Caleb didn’t respond, his gaze thoughtful. If Damon’s feelings for Nyla were what he suspected, the Sumner family wouldn’t have peace for a while.
He glanced at Damon with a look of helplessness.
If Richard and Marie discovered that, despite years of introducing Damon to numerous suitable women, he had shown no interest in any of them and had instead fallen for Nyla, they would be furious.
Of all people, he had to choose a married woman–and not just any woman, but his nephew’s wife. The thought alone was enough to give anyone a headache.
After leaving the bar, Nyla drove back to the villa
As soon as she entered the living room, she saw Clark sitting on the sofa, his expression stormy.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 172
“Why did you come back so late tonight?” Clark asked.
“Had some things to deal with,” Nyla answered.
Clark didn’t press further and simply nodded. “By the way, we’ve found a kidney donor for Dad. If everything goes well, he can have the surgery in a month.”
Nyla paused mid–action while changing her shoes, looking up at him in disbelief. “Really?”
Clark felt his breath catch at the sight of her excited expression and bright eyes, which reminded him of when they first got together.
“Yes,” he replied.
“That’s great! Thank you!” Nyla exclaimed.
Her gratitude was heartfelt. If they hadn’t found a match, her father’s health wouldn’t have held out much longer.
“We’re husband and wife. It’s my responsibility,” Clark said dismissively.
Nyla pursed her lips and remained silent. To her, they had long ceased to be husband and wife. They were just two strangers bound by a piece of paper.
“Regardless, I really appreciate it,” Nyla reiterated.
Noticing the distance in her gaze, Clark felt a wave of helplessness. No matter what he did, he couldn’t seem to bridge the gap between them.
Just as he was about to say something, his phone rang. Seeing it was Michael, he said, “I need to handle some work. It’s late, and you should rest. Goodnight.”
With that, he took the call and walked toward the study
“Mr. Sumner, Samuel has arrived in Saintornia,” Michael reported.
Clark paused, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. “Got it. Proceed as we discussed.”
“Understood,” Michael replied.
Clark ended the call with a cold smirk.
Since that unpleasant encounter at the bar, Nyla hadn’t seen Damon for several days.
Friday night marked the end of the first phase of the experiment, so Nyla and Melody stayed in the lab until after 11:00 p.m.
As they walked to the elevator, chatting, Melody sighed. “I used to occasionally run into Mr. Sumner when I got off work, but I haven’t seen him at all lately. These experiments are tedious. I need some eye candy to relieve my fatigue.”
Nyla chuckled, about to respond, when the elevator doors opened. She froze upon seeing the man inside,
1/2
+25 BONUS
Chapter 172
dressed in a suit.
Did Melody’s words have some sort of magic? Speak of the devil, and he appeared.
Melody’s eyes widened in surprise, then lit up with admiration when she saw Damon.
The universe really granted her wish quickly. If only she had wished to win the lottery!
Nyla and Melody stepped into the elevator and greeted Damon.
Melody tugged on Nyla’s sleeve, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Nyla smiled slightly but remained silent, looking down.
Damon must have been very busy these past few days. She noticed the dark circles under his eyes and the exhaustion on his face.
The elevator was silent except for the hum of its descent.
Soon, they reached the basement level. Damon stepped out first, with Nyla and Melody following close
behind.
Suddenly, Damon spoke in a low voice. “You shouldn’t stay so late at work. It’s not safe for two women.”
Hearing this, Melody gazed at him with increased admiration. He was a handsome employer who encouraged employees not to work late–what a rare find!
Melody nodded. “Mr. Sumner, tonight was just an exception. We usually leave on time.”
Damon didn’t respond and walked toward his car parked nearby.
At that moment, a man wearing a hat and mask suddenly appeared, rushing toward Damon.
Nyla’s face turned pale as she saw the gleam of a knife in the man’s hand. Reacting instinctively, she rushed forward to push Damon out of the way.
“Watch out!” she shouted before a sharp pain pierced her abdomen and darkness overtook her.
Chapter 173
Chapter 173
When Nyla woke up, she blinked at the white ceiling above her and took a moment to recall what had happened.
“You’re awake! Do you feel any discomfort?”
Nyla turned her head to see Damon, who looked worn out, standing by her bedside. She shook her head.” Aside from some pain in my abdomen, I’m fine. How long was I out?”
“A full day,” Damon replied.
Nyla frowned. “That long?”
“Yes, the stab wound damaged your spleen,” Damon explained.
The doctor had said that if the wound had been a centimeter deeper, Nyla could have bled out and might not have survived.
The more than ten hours Damon had spent waiting outside the operating room had been the most agonizing of his life, each second stretching into eternity.
Pale and weak, Nyla slowly sat up. “Did they catch the attacker?”
Damon nodded, his voice icy. “Yes. He was the son of the owner of a rival company to Prospectus Technology. After their bankruptcy, he was pursued by creditors and chose to take revenge on me.”
He lowered his gaze, concealing the fierceness in his eyes. Samuel would never see the light of day again.
Nyla was about to speak when the door suddenly slammed open.
Clark stormed in and glared at Damon with a murderous intensity.
“Damon! Not only did you get Nyla hurt, but you also blocked the news, making me investigate for a whole day. Do you really think you can do whatever you want in Saintornia?”
Nyla looked at Damon in shock. She had already found it strange that Clark, given his aversion to Damon, had allowed him to stay by her bedside. She hadn’t expected Damon to have blocked the news.
Damon looked at Clark indifferently. “This is a hospital room. She just woke up and needs a quiet environment-”
Before he could finish, Clark interrupted coldly, “What right do you have to say that? If it weren’t for you, she wouldn’t be hurt!”
Damon’s gaze dimmed.
It was true that this incident was his fault. However, Nyla’s act of pushing him out of the way had confirmed something for him–she cared about him.
Knowing that was enough. He would handle the rest. He would clear every obstacle between them, leaving her to simply wait for him.
Just as he was about to speak, his phone rang. Seeing it was Spencer, he walked to the balcony to answer
- it.
1/3
+25 BONUS
Chapter 173
“What is it?” Damon asked.
Spencer’s voice was grave. “Mr. Sumner, I’ve found out what you asked me to investigate. Ms. Jayston has been looking into the Harris Pharmaceuticals accident from six years ago. It seems your older brother is involved.”
Damon’s grip on the phone tightened, his face darkening.
He had been puzzled about why Nyla had returned to Clark. Spencer’s words provided the answer. She was investigating the Harris Pharmaceuticals accident. No wonder…
If that accident was connected to Cyrus, then the Sumners were responsible for the Jaystons‘ bankruptcy. How could she be with him as if nothing had happened?
Spencer asked after a moment of silence, “Mr. Sumner, should we stop Ms. Jayston from investigating?”
One was the woman Damon cared about and who had just saved him, while the other was a Sumner. Just the thought of it gave Spencer a headache.
Damon spoke in a low voice. “Find out everything about this incident. I want the full story in a week!” Ending the call, Damon pocketed his phone and returned to the room with an icy demeanor.
Clark glared at him. “Uncle Damon, I’m Nyla’s husband. I’ll take care of her. You can pay for the medical expenses and leave.”
“I won’t leave until she’s discharged,” Damon stated.
Clark’s eyes flashed with sarcasm as he asked, “Staying here will only make things difficult for Nyla. Are you sure you want to force her?”
“Is that a threat?” Damon questioned, his eyes narrowing dangerously as he regarded Clark.
“You bet. If you don’t want everyone to know about your feelings for Nyla, you should leave,” Clark pressed.
Damon raised an eyebrow. “It seems the Sumner Group doesn’t want to cooperate with Prospectus Technology anymore.”
Clark smirked, his gaze filled with confidence. “Uncle Damon, if you end the partnership with the Sumner Group, everyone in Saintornia will know about your feelings for my wife by tomorrow.”
Just as he finished speaking, he felt a massive pressure overwhelm him.
“Do you think the media will choose to offend you or me?” Damon asked.
Clark’s smile froze before he answered, “They wouldn’t dare offend you, but if Grandpa and Grandma found out, they’d be furious.”
Damon leered at him, his chilly aura almost tangible. “Clark, you’re the first to dare threaten me like this.” Clark remained unfazed. “Uncle Damon, you’re also the first to dare covet my wife.”
Tension crackled between them, making Nyla frown in frustration.
“Enough, both of you. I don’t need either of you to take care of me,” she said.
2/3
Chapter 173
+25 BONUS
Clark looked at Nyla, his face darkening. “Nyla, don’t be stubborn. You’re weak right now, and I need to take care of you.”
Most importantly, he wanted to be the one looking after her, not giving Damon any opportunity. After all, he was her legitimate husband, While Damon’s presence was inappropriate.
Nyla’s expression was cold. “I’ll hire a nurse.”
“Nyla…” Clark began.
Nyla ignored him and looked down, acting as if she hadn’t heard.
After a moment of silence, she looked up at Damon. “Uncle Damon, you saved me at the bar, and I took a knife for you this time. We’re even now. Don’t come here anymore.”
Damon’s face grew grim. “You did it just to even the score?”
The bitterness in Nyla’s heart surged at his questioning tone, but she remained composed as she replied, ” Yes. What other reason could there be?”
Chapter 174
Damon’s expression was grim, and his voice was icy. “I suppose I was just being delusional.”
With that, he turned and left.
Clark glanced at Nyla, his eyes burning with anger. “What was that about the bar? Why wasn’t I aware?”
“Was there a need to tell you? Could you have gone back in time to protect me?” Nyla retorted.
Clark gritted his teeth. “Nyla, you know I don’t want you getting involved with my uncle!”
Just the thought of Nyla getting hurt because of Damon, and potentially ruining his own plans, made Clark’s anger boil over.
Nyla’s expression remained indifferent. “I don’t want you getting involved with Jordyn either, but you still sneak off to see her, don’t you?”
Clark’s face darkened, but he couldn’t refute her.
Seeing his face turn red, Nyla let out a small laugh. “Enough. Just go. I really don’t want to see you right now.”
Clark stared at her in silence for a long time, his eyes cold. “Don’t forget, with just one word from me, your father’s kidney transplant might not happen.”
Fury flashed in Nyla’s eyes. “Clark, is threatening me with my dad all you know how to do?”
Clark stepped forward and gripped her chin. “If it works, that’s all that matters. If you don’t behave, your father’s kidney will go to someone else next month.”
Nyla bit her lip hard, tasting blood but refusing to let go. She stared at Clark, his once–familiar features now seeming foreign.
Was this really the man who had promised to love her forever and never let her be sad?
She had believed in his promises, but now she realized how naive she had been. Maybe he had meant those promises, but people’s hearts changed.
“What do you want me to do? Apologize? Beg you?” she asked.
Clark sneered, his tone mocking. “Nyla, don’t act like I’ve wronged you. Can you honestly say you took that knife for my uncle without any personal feelings involved?”
From the way Nyla had looked at Damon earlier, Clark could tell she wasn’t as indifferent to him as she claimed. But she was his wife, meant to love only him. How could she love another man?
“Yes!” Nyla exclaimed.
Clark smiled dangerously and leaned in, speaking softly. “Nyla, I know you too well. When you lie, your right pinky finger twitches slightly. You probably don’t even realize it.”
Nyla’s eyes widened slightly, and she gritted her teeth as she glared at him. “What do you want?”
“It’s not about what I want. It’s about you not listening. need to show you the consequences of defying me,” Clark said.
1/2
Chapter 174
+25 BONUS
With that, he released her and turned to leave. He had just reached the door when he heard hurried footsteps behind him.
The next moment, Nyla grabbed the hem of his suit jacket. “Clark, please don’t give my dad’s kidney to someone else. I’m begging you.”
Her voice, tinged with a sob, softened Clark’s heart a bit. Since she had discovered his affair, this was the first time she had spoken to him like this.
He turned to look at her, seeing the pleading in her eyes, and his breath caught slightly.
After a long moment, he finally spoke in a low voice. “This is your last chance. I hope you make the most of it.”
Chapter 175
+25 BONUS
Leaving the hospital room, Clark saw Damon standing not far away. He approached with a stern expression. “Uncle Damon, did you wait here just to say something to me?”
Damon’s eyes were cold. “I’m the one who has feelings for her. If I find out you’re making things difficult for her, I’ll ensure you lose everything you have.”
Clark sneered. “You’re quite the romantic, Uncle Damon. If you loved someone other than my wife, I might even be touched.”
The thought of Damon coveting Nyla made Clark wish Damon would disappear from this world. If Nyla hadn’t intervened, the one in the hospital bed would have been Damon!
“You two will get divorced eventually,” Damon stated flatly.
Clark glared at Damon. “Even if I die, I won’t divorce her. If you have the courage, go ahead and kill me.”
“Do you think I wouldn’t dare?” Damon scoffed.
Damon’s oppressive aura felt like an impenetrable wall, closing in on Clark. His hands clenched tightly at his sides, as fear began to creep in despite his outward composure.
“I know you would dare. But if you kill me, Grandpa and Grandma will never allow Nyla to be with you. Her family might suffer because of your love. Can you protect them forever? Uncle Damon, watch your own actions,” Clark said through gritted teeth.
After leaving the hospital, Clark called Michael. “What’s the situation with Samuel?”
“He’s taken all the blame and hasn’t mentioned being instructed by anyone,” Michael answered.
Clark wasn’t surprised. He had given Samuel an offer he couldn’t refuse. He told Michael, “Keep an eye on it. Let me know if anything changes.”
Hanging up, Clark smirked. Damon was lucky this time, but next time, he might not be so fortunate. After all, he had plenty of enemies.
Back in his office, Damon found Spencer rushing in with a file. “Mr. Sumner, I found something about the Harris Pharmaceuticals incident from six years ago. You should take a look.”
Seeing Spencer’s grave expression, Damon frowned and took the file. After reading just two pages, his face turned grim.
“Mr. Sumner, this evidence…” Spencer began.
“Destroy it immediately. We can’t let Pete find out,” Damon ordered.
Damon’s face was grim, his knuckles turning white as he gripped the file. He hadn’t realized that the funds Cyrus had used to sabotage Harris Pharmaceuticals had been borrowed from him.
Cyrus had claimed he would acquire a small company, and Damon had taken him at his word, transferring the money without question.
If Nyla found out, she would never forgive him. This secret had to remain concealed.
1/2
Chapter 175
+25 BONUS
“And what about your brother’s scheme against Harris Pharmaceuticals? Should we cover that up as well?
Spencer asked.
“1
“No. We can leak some clues to Pete at the appropriate time,” Damon replied.
If Nyla got hold of the evidence, she would leave Clark.
Spencer was surprised but wisely refrained from asking further questions, nodding before leaving the
office.
Once alone, Damon’s gaze grew colder. He hadn’t intended to target Clark, but the latter’s threats earlier that day made it clear–it was time to teach him a lesson.
Chapter 176
As soon as Clark returned to the company, several angered shareholders stormed into his office.
“Mr. Sumner, what’s going on with Prospectus Technology? I just spoke with their manager, and he said they won’t be continuing their partnership with the Sumner Group. You brokered this deal, so you need to take full responsibility!”
If the Sumner Group lost the Prospectus Technology contract, it would cost them at least 100 million dollars. Coupled with the previous contract losses with Gen Pharma and the Rainford Group because of Nyla, the shareholders‘ dissatisfaction with Clark had reached its peak.
Clark looked up at them, noting their angry faces. He spoke calmly. “Please don’t worry. I will find out what happened and give you an explanation. For now, return to your work.”
“No way. You need to call Damon in front of us, or we can’t trust you!”
Clark’s gaze turned cold as he looked at Jason Dinsmore, a shareholder who held 3% of the company.
Although Jason’s shares were not significant, his grandfather had contributed greatly during the company’s early days. As such, Jason considered himself a veteran, often speaking with a sense of entitlement.
On a regular day, Clark might have tolerated this. But today, given his bad mood, Jason’s timing couldn’t have been worse. He was asking for trouble.
Clark sneered. “Mr. Dinsmore, if you’re in such a hurry, why don’t you make the call? You can even take my position as CEO if you’d like.”
Jason’s face darkened with dissatisfaction. “Mr. Sumner, I don’t have the capability to be the CEO. But if this issue isn’t resolved, are you going to need Mr. Richard to step in and clean up your mess again?”
Clark’s expression grew colder, his eyes narrowing as he stared at Jason with a dangerous glint.
Oblivious, Jason continued sarcastically. “You’re almost 30. When I was your age, I was already building this company with Mr. Richard. Yet, you still need him to bail you out. It’s embarrassing!”
Jason grew more agitated, not noticing the other shareholders signaling him to stop. When he finished, he realized the room had fallen eerily silent.
Jason faced Clark’s icy gaze and involuntarily took a step back, feeling a twinge of guilt. He raised his voice, trying to mask his unease. “Mr. Sumner, why are you looking at me like that? Am I wrong?”
Clark smirked. “No, Mr. Dinsmore. You’re absolutely right.”
“Then call Damon right now,” Jason pressed.
The other shareholders exchanged uneasy glances, hoping to avoid becoming collateral damage.
“Urn, Mr. Sumner… I have some documents to review. I’ll head back now…”
“Yeah, I need to meet a client soon. If I don’t leave now, I’ll be late…”
As the other shareholders hurried out, Jason scoffed at their cowardice.
Clark’s eyes remained fixed on Jason. “Mr. Dinsmore, if I recall correctly, your grandson works at the
1/2
Chapter 176
Sumner Group as well?”
Jason’s expression faltered. “Yes… Why?”
+25 BONUS
Clark smiled. “Oh, nothing much. I just remembered he made a mistake at work recently.”
by
His tone was casual as if discussing the weather, but the implication made Jason tremble, his eyes betraying his guilt.
“He’s young. Mistakes happen… You were new once too, Mr. Sumner…” Jason tried to reason.
“Mr. Dinsmore, I’ve never made the mistake of embezzling company funds. If the other shareholders find out, your grandson could lose his job–or worse, end up in prison. Don’t you agree?”
Chapter 177
+25 BONUS
Although Clark was smiling, Jason felt a chill run down his spine, leaving him uneasy.
After several moments of silence, he finally managed to say, “Mr. Sumner… my grandson didn’t mean it. If you let him off this time, I promise he won’t make such a foolish mistake again…”
Seeing the fear in Jason’s eyes, Clark felt no sympathy. “It seems your grandson isn’t that impressive. He’s in his 20s and still needs you to beg on his behalf.”
Realizing Clark was throwing his previous words back at him, Jason felt a surge of anger.
Still, he swallowed his frustration and said through gritted teeth, “Mr. Sumner, it was my fault for not teaching my grandson properly.”
“If you can’t even discipline your own grandson, you shouldn’t be pointing fingers at me,” Clark replied.
Jason felt utterly humiliated but forced a smile. “Of course… Regarding my grandson’s actions…”
“As long as you know what to say and what not to say in the future, your grandson will be fine,” Clark
warned.
Jason quickly said, “I understand, Mr. Sumner.”
After Jason left the office, his face darkened with rage. Clark was so arrogant that Jason swore to teach
him a lesson.
In his office, Clark called Damon. “Uncle Damon, what is this about? Are you targeting me because of what happened at the hospital?”
Damon’s cold voice replied, “The decision to terminate the contract with the Sumner Group was made by
the board of directors.”
Clark snorted. “Don’t give me that nonsense. Do you think I don’t know that you’re the one calling the shots at Prospectus Technology?
“If you disagreed, no one would dare to cancel the contract with the Sumner Group.”
“I’ve helped the Sumner Group a lot these past few years. Continuing the partnership would only result in losses, so terminating it is a rational decision,” Damon answered.
Clark ground his teeth and said angrily, “The controversy with Gen Pharma and the Rainford Group just passed, and now you’re ending the contract with the Sumner Group. You’re obviously targeting me.”
“You’re overthinking it. I don’t mix personal matters with business. I have a meeting to attend. That’s all,” Damon said before hanging up.
Clark was livid. As he prepared to call back, Jordyn suddenly called.
Annoyed, he rejected the call, but she persistently called again and again, preventing him from reaching Damon.
Furious, he finally picked up. “Are you insane? I’m at work!”
Jordyn seemed startled by his outburst.
1/2
Chapter 177
+25 BONUS
After a moment, she cautiously said, “Clark… I didn’t want to bother you at work, but I think someone was following me when I came back from grocery shopping… I’m scared…”
Her voice trembled, laced with tears.
Clark took a deep breath, pinching the bridge of his nose as he processed the situation.
Suddenly, he realized something. He had always been careful when meeting Jordyn. It was unlikely anyone would be tracking her. The most likely culprits were Nyla or Damon.
At that thought, his expression darkened.
“Don’t worry about it,” he told Jordyn. “I’ll send a couple of people to protect you and find out who’s been following you.”
After hanging up, Clark called Michael into his office. “Send two people to protect Jordyn and investigate if someone is actually following her.”
“Yes, Mr. Sumner,” Michael answered.
That evening, Nyla was sitting in her hospital bed, eating soup, when the door suddenly slammed open. Clark stormed in, his expression cold.
She frowned. “Clark, do you have to ruin my appetite during dinner?”
Chapter 178
+25 BONUS
Clark stared at her coldly and asked, “Why are you having someone watch Jordyn?”
Nyla paused before replying calmly, “If I don’t monitor her, how will I know when you meet up with her and lie to me again?”
Clark frowned but then suddenly relaxed. “Nyla, you still care about me, don’t you?”
Otherwise, she wouldn’t have someone monitoring Jordyn to see when they met.
Nyla looked up at him, seeing the joy in his eyes. She thought he was truly confident, so much so that he believed she still liked him.
Nevertheless, his misunderstanding was useful, saving her a lot of trouble.
“I just don’t want to be constantly cheated on, nor do I want to live in your lies,” she replied.
Her cold demeanor only convinced Clark further. He believed her recent actions were meant to get his attention and win him back from Jordyn.
He knew her well. If she didn’t love him anymore, she wouldn’t have returned. Getting close to Damon was just another way to make him jealous.
“Nyla, I promise you, I have no feelings for Jordyn. The person I love is you. So you don’t need to monitor her anymore. Once she has the baby, I’ll send her away immediately,” he promised.
How disgusting. How could he say that with a straight face?
Nyla looked at him with a trace of sarcasm in her eyes. “And what about her child?”
Clark hesitated before answering seriously, “We’ve been married for years and haven’t had a child. If you’re willing, we can raise the child as our own.”
Hearing the implication that she couldn’t have children, Nyla let out a cold laugh. “I have no interest in raising someone else’s child. And do you think I could accept raising the child of my husband and his mistress?”
She wanted to knock some sense into Clark. Did he think that just because she moved back, she could tolerate everything he did?
Clark’s face fell as he said, “If you don’t want to raise the child, I won’t force you. I won’t let the child appear in front of you.”
Nyla looked down, saying nothing. She couldn’t completely cut ties with Clark yet.
As for Jordyn and her child, she didn’t care. If she didn’t care about Clark, why would she care about irrelevant people?
“Do as you wish. I’ve said it before. Once you deal with this matter, we can address our issues,” Nyla said.
Seeing the stubbornness in Nyla’s eyes, Clark sighed. He wished she were gentler like Jordyn and not so headstrong.
In their social circle, men of his status often had affairs. Why could other wives accept it, but not her? Hadn’t he treated her well over the years?
1/2
+25 BONUS
Chapter 178
Just because he had cheated, she had to make things so difficult…
Even though Clark knew she cared about him, he felt exhausted. His busy workdays were already overwhelming, and coming home to Nyla’s cold attitude only added to his stress.
“Take care of yourself. I have work to do, so I’ll leave now. I’ve hired a nurse for you. If you need anything, just tell the nurse,” Clark said, then left.
After leaving the hospital, he drove straight to Jordyn’s house.
When Jordyn opened the door and saw him, here it up with joy. “Clarko, why are you here? Have you
had dinner? I was just about to eat. Want to join me?”
Jordyn’s wholehearted affection immediately soothed Clark’s frustration from dealing with Nyla. He smiled.
Chapter 179
“I haven’t eaten yet,” Clark said.
“Then go wash your hands. I’ll get the food ready,” Jordyn replied warmly.
All evening, Jordyn chatted about her day, and Clark felt his heart gradually leaning toward her.
Despite the strength of his previous feelings for Nyla, her constant coldness was causing them to wane.
Meanwhile, Nyla was about to go for a walk after finishing her dinner when she received a call from Pete.
“Ms. Jayston, your husband’s men found me. They warned me to stay away from Jordyn or they’d call the police,” Pete said.
Since Pete began investigating the Harris Pharmaceuticals accident, he had an assistant keeping an eye on Jordyn. Unfortunately, the assistant was inexperienced and had been caught quickly.
“It’s fine. You don’t need to monitor her anymore. I’ll transfer your payment shortly,” Nyla said.
She had been monitoring Jordyn to gather evidence of Clark’s affair, but it no longer seemed necessary. Once she had the evidence needed to send Cyrus to prison, Clark would likely be furious and agree to the divorce.
After hanging up, Nyla transferred the money and recalled the time she had overheard Cyrus borrowing money from Damon in his study. She decided to contact Pete to check on the investigation’s progress. Although Pete didn’t respond immediately, she wasn’t concerned, knowing how busy he could be. Suddenly, the door to her hospital room opened, and Damon walked in carrying a food container. He looked composed in a white shirt with a few buttons undone, revealing his tanned skin and collarbone. His tailored trousers accentuated his long legs, giving him an almost fairytale–like appearance. Nyla was momentarily stunned until he reached her, causing her to awkwardly avert her gaze. “Uncle Damon, you didn’t have to visit. The doctor said I could be discharged in a few days,” Nyla said. As Damon approached, his subtle cologne enveloped her, making her breath feel a little lighter.
He sat down beside her, opened the container, and handed her a bowl of chicken soup as he replied, ” You’re my lifesaver. If I didn’t visit, wouldn’t that be ungrateful?”
“Uncle Damon, I’ve already told you that taking that knife was my way of repaying you for saving me at the bar,” Nyla replied.
Damon looked at her calmly. “Drink the soup first.”
He knew that if she truly had no feelings for him and was only repaying a debt, she wouldn’t have instinctively protected him. After all, self–preservation was human nature.
Nyla frowned, feeling that he hadn’t listened to her. She told him, “I already had some soup.”
Without pushing, Damon placed the soup back. “Then have it later.”
1/2
+25 BONUS
Chapter 179
The room fell silent.
When Damon showed no intention of leaving, Nyla couldn’t hold back anymore. “Uncle Damon, I want to rest. It’s inconvenient with you here.”
Damon nodded, stood up, and said, “I’ll sit on the sofa then. You can sleep and call me if you need anything.”
Nyla was rendered speechless. That wasn’t what she meant.
Clenching her teeth, she said, “Uncle Damon, your presence here makes me uncomfortable. I hope you can leave.”
Damon paused and looked at her, raising an eyebrow. “Can I take that to mean you care about me, is why you’re uncomfortable with me here?”
Chapter 180
Chapter 180
Nyla frowned. “Uncle Damon, I’ve explained this many times. If you insist on thinking that way, I can’t stop you.”
Damon smiled, his cold demeanor momentarily softening. It made it difficult to look away. “Nyla, is it really so hard to admit that you like me?”
Under the intensity of his dark eyes, Nyla’s heart rate quickened. She clutched the hem of her hospital gown, feeling as if something was slipping out of her control.
After a long pause, she pressed her lips together and spoke. “Uncle Damon, I’m your niece–in–law. If word got out about what you’re saying, do you know what the consequences would be?”
“I can protect you,” Damon claimed.
Nyla laughed lightly. “Clark said similar things before, but that didn’t stop him from cheating after we got
married.‘
When a man wanted to win over a woman, he’d say anything. Whether he could follow through was another matter.
Damon’s face darkened. “I’m not like him.”
Nyla shook her head, looking at him seriously. “What’s the difference? You want me to admit I like you, and then what? Sneak around with you? How would I be any different from Clark?”
Damon had helped her immensely, especially during her lowest moments. It would be a lie to say she wasn’t moved. But that didn’t mean she would abandon her principles and become someone she despised.
“I can help you divorce Clark,” Damon offered.
Nyla looked at him, realizing he didn’t understand her at all.
It made sense–someone as privileged as he wouldn’t understand her position.
“Uncle Damon, you’re just infatuated with me. You’ve never considered me an equal. If you did, you wouldn’t say such things so easily,” she countered.
Damon’s expression grew grim, and the room seemed to grow colder. “Do you think everything I’ve done is just a whim?”
Outside the hospital room, Cindy stood frozen in shock and anger.
Damon had feelings for Nyla? How could he? She was his nephew’s wife!
And Nyla, that wretch–she couldn’t even have children, Marrying into the Sumners had been a blessing, yet she wasn’t satisfied and dared to seduce her husband’s uncle. She should never have been allowed into the Sumners in the first place!
Cindy felt an intense urge to burst in and confront them, but her hand froze on the doorknob. Considering the potential consequences of confronting Damon, she shivered. If she fell out with him, he might orchestrate Clark’s downfall.
Chapter 180
+25 BONUS
Even Damon’s parents couldn’t control him.
Sighing deeply, Cindy quickly left.
Inside, Nyla maintained a calm demeanor as she looked at Damon.
“If it’s not just a whim, let me ask you–if I divorce Clark, will you marry me?” she inquired.
Damon frowned and remained silent. Marriage was something he had never seriously considered.
Seeing his silence, Nyla smiled faintly. “Uncle Damon, I’m almost 30. I don’t have the luxury of time like an 18–year–old. If I divorce Clark, my next relationship will be with the intention of marriage.”
She wouldn’t spend another eight years helping a man grow.
With Damon’s status and pride, he would never marry a divorced woman. Besides, she had to deal with Cyrus. There was no future for her and Damon.
After Damon left, Nyla no longer felt like going for a walk. She played on her phone for a while before going to sleep.
Meanwhile, Cindy called Clark and asked him to come home after much consideration.
“Mom, what did you want to talk about?” Clark asked, sitting across from her with a puzzled look.
