Your Uncle’s My Husband Now Back Off, Ex! novel Chapter 17

**Through Unseen Doors We Step Into Untold Worlds Beyond by Sage Hunter Lane**

Over the course of the following days, Lucia took an unexpected sick leave, leaving her absence palpable in the R&D department. Without her usual antics, the atmosphere shifted dramatically; the tension that once hung in the air dissipated, replaced by a newfound sense of ease among the team.

Nyla, on the other hand, found herself diving headfirst into her work. Officially settled into the laboratory, she became engrossed in the intricate world of pharmaceuticals, meticulously documenting experimental data each day. The rhythmic clatter of her keyboard and the soft hum of machinery became a soothing backdrop as she analyzed the reactions of various compounds, losing herself in the complexity of her tasks.

This busywork provided a temporary escape from the turmoil of her personal life, and for a while, Nyla allowed herself to believe that her days would continue in this peaceful manner. She relished the focus that her job demanded, hoping it would shield her from her troubles.

However, as Friday evening descended, Nyla’s brief respite came to an abrupt end. Just as she stepped out of the office, a familiar silhouette caught her eye, waiting for her with an air of authority.

Cindy Summer, Damon’s mother, stood at the entrance of the company, her presence amplified by the luxurious Chanel suit she wore. The moment she spotted Nyla, she strode over with a determined look on her face, her heels clicking sharply against the pavement.

“Nyla, we need to talk,” Cindy declared, her tone serious and unyielding. “There’s a lovely restaurant nearby. Let’s go sit down.”

Nyla hesitated, a knot of reluctance tightening in her stomach. She understood all too well that refusing Cindy could lead to a scene at the company entrance, something that would undoubtedly tarnish her professional reputation. With a resigned sigh, she followed Cindy to the upscale restaurant, each step feeling heavier than the last.

Once seated, Cindy wasted no time, ordering two cups of coffee before launching into the heart of the matter.

“I heard you moved out,” she began, her voice low but filled with an unmistakable edge. “Is it just because Clark has found another woman?”

Nyla met her gaze steadily, choosing silence as her response.

“Nyla, I understand that young women can be sensitive,” Cindy continued, her tone shifting to one of misguided empathy. “But you must realize that this behavior is quite normal for men, especially for someone like Clark, who has wealth and status. There will always be women vying for his attention. As a good wife, you should learn to be patient and tolerant.”

Nyla couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Really? Mrs. Summer seems to have mastered the art of tolerance. I suppose you gained a wealth of experience in your younger days.”

The words struck a nerve, and Nyla watched as Cindy’s face darkened, the painful memories of her own past betrayals flashing behind her eyes.

“What did you just say?!” Cindy erupted, rising from her seat in a fit of anger. “You’re nothing but a worthless girl from a bankrupt family! Your father is only alive because Clark is paying for his medical bills!”

Before Nyla could react, Cindy seized the glass of water in front of her and hurled its contents directly at her face.

The icy water splashed across Nyla, soaking her shirt and leaving her feeling exposed as the fabric clung to her skin, revealing the outline of her undergarments beneath.

“Here, dry off,” a deep voice interjected, startling Nyla as a slender hand extended towards her, offering several tissues.

She looked up, her heart racing, to find Damon Summer standing there, dressed in a dark suit that exuded a mature charm.

“Damon? What are you doing here?” Cindy’s surprise was evident, and a flicker of panic crossed her features.

“I was just finishing a business meeting nearby,” Damon replied, his gaze shifting from the mess on the table to Nyla’s drenched shirt. “Looks like I arrived at the perfect time.”

“This… this is a misunderstanding,” Cindy stammered, desperately attempting to regain control of the situation. “Nyla and I were merely discussing some family matters.”

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