I'm not the kind-hearted girl you used to know. If she hasn't realized her mistakes yet, I don't care if she stays in prison forever.”

Detecting a sliver of hope from her words, Hayden immediately assured her, “Portia knows her faults now. She will surely change for the better. Trust me. Please, just accept her apology. Deb, thank you!"

“Don't thank me yet." She didn't want to make a rash decision. Hayden wasn't such an important person to her. She didn't want to easily change her mind just because of one phone call from him.

After a moment of silence, Hayden said affectionately, "Deb, I love you. I have to say goodbye to you now. But please do remember, I wilt love you forever. Even if I have to marry another woman, you will still be the most important person in my life.”

“Mr. Gomez, that's not something a decent man would say. Don't you feel bad for your future wife? Be a good and responsible man, please!"

Debbie chided sternly.

Hayden flashed a bitter smile.

"Deb, my love, goodbye."

Debbie got goosebumps all over her body. She quickly hung up.

There was silence all around her. Debbie grabbed a bottle of red wine from the wine cabinet and opened it. She gulped down a few glasses.

After mustering enough courage, she called Carlos.

It was evening in Alorith. Carlos had come back to the company even though his wound hadn't completely healed yet. He was in a meeting with the senior managers when his phone started vibrating on the table.

A dash of happiness flashed through his eyes when he saw the caller ID on his phone screen. ‘You finally called me, ' he thought gleefully.

He grabbed his phone and stood up.

“We will discuss this tomorrow.

You're dismissed now." With those words, Carlos left the meeting room.

The managers let out a sigh of relief. They could finally relax.

Emmett Left the meeting room and caught up with Carlos.

"Carlos, you look pale. You shouldn't work anymore. I will drive you home."

He knew that Carlos hadn't recovered completely yet, but he had forced himself to come to the office.

Carlos turned around and shushed him with a finger on his lips. He tapped the answer key and said in a soft voice, "Honey."

Hearing Carlos address the person on the phone, Emmett instantly understood who it was and shut his mouth. He quickly stepped backwards to give them some privacy.

Debbie was a little tipsy after gulping down all that wine. Taking full advantage of her drunken state, she said bravely, “Carlos, I heard that you are gonna charge a case against your father and Lewis. Don't do that! I've told you many times. Don't fight against your family for my sake. If you do that, they will just think that I am making you do it."

Carlos sensed that something was wrong about her. Frowning, he asked,

“Are you drunk?"