Emerging from the interrogation room, Nathan didn’t immediately return to his office.


    He lingered in the corridor, his posture rigid as he leaned against the wall, his gazeposed and contemtive, delving into introspection.


    Frustration etched across his features, evident in the furrow of his brow and the subtle clench of his jaw.


    His hand instinctively sought sce in his pocket, a habitual gesture fueled by a craving for a cigarette.


    His quest for relief was met with disappointment as his searching fingers found only emptiness within his pocket.


    A sudden realization dawned upon him, tracing the timeline of events back to Lucinda’s discovery of him having the S404 Virus.


    Then, she had insisted he abandon smoking, a directive he had dutifully followed.


    As he regained his health, Lucinda’s pregnancy became another deterrent, her aversion to the scent of smoke rendering his habit untenable.


    Subsequently, hismitment to abstain from smoking solidified with the arrival of their twins.


    Reflecting on time, Nathan realized that it had been nearly eighteen months since hest tucked a cigarette pack into his pocket.


    Resolving to relinquish smoking, Nathan dismissed the fleeting urge and instead retrieved his phone from his pocket to call Kern.


    “Mr.


    Payne, what can I do for you?” Kern inquired.


    Nathan’s tone was devoid of warmth, his words cutting through the air with icy precision.


    “Inform Norton that I am willing to absolve Ronan of any repercussions, viewing it as a token of gratitude for his mentorship.


    However, Mylo’s actions from the past cannot go unpunished.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    There will be no negotiation on this matter.


    Advise Norton to cease any further interference.


    ”


    Nathan’s demeanor exuded unwavering determination, a palpable resolve that reverberated through the phone Line, leaving Kern momentarily speechless.


    “Mr.


    Payne, you…” Kern’s astonishment deepened as he observed Nathan’s departure from his usual familial address, no longer referring to Norton with the affectionate title of “Grandpa”.


    Nathan’s reverence for Norton was unwavering, and he valued his counsel deeply.


    However, their rtionship was more than just one of mentorship; it carried the warmth of familial affection, with Nathan always addressing Norton as Grandpa.


    “Mr.


    Payne…”


    Kern’s voice quivered faintly, betraying his genuine apprehension in the face of Nathan’s aloof demeanor.


    Though he feltpelled to intervene on Norton’s behalf, Kern was at a loss for where to begin amidst Nathan’s steely resolve.


    Nathan’s refusal to entertain further discussion was evident in his terse response.


    “My stance is unequivocal.


    If Norton prioritizes Mylo’s family over my father’s, then I.


    ”


    His voice momentarily faltered, a palpable tension hanging in the air as he tightened his grip on the phone, his tone turning frigid.


    “I’d prefer to sever ties with Norton.


    ”


    “Mr.


    Payne!”


    Kern attempted to interject, but Nathan had already terminated the call.


    With a cold detachment, Nathan’s fingertips navigated the phone screen, swiftly consigning Kern’s number to the cklist.


    He harbored no desire to entertain any potential exnations, preferring silence over cunning justifications.


    With his resolve firmly set, Nathan pivoted on his heel and made his way purposefully toward the detention room, his steps echoing with determination down the corridor.


    Nathan’s furrowed brows and icy countenance emanated a chilling aura, causing passing officers to tread cautiously in his presence.


    Even their greetings were offered with a measure of apprehension.


    The heavy door to the cell swung open.


    In the corner of the cell, Mylo lounged with an air of nonchnce, the glow of a cigarette illuminating his features.