<b>Chapter </b>172


    “Why did youe back sote tonight?” rk asked.


    “Had some things to deal with,” N answered.


    rk 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.”


    N paused mid–action while changing her shoes, looking up at him in disbelief. “Really?”


    rk 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!” N eximed.


    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,” rk said dismissively.


    N 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,” N reiterated.


    Noticing the distance in her gaze, rk 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’ste, 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.


    rk paused, a cold glint shing in his eyes. “Got it. Proceed as we discussed.”


    “Understood,” Michael replied.


    rk ended the call with a cold smirk.


    Since that unpleasant encounter at the bar, N hadn’t seen Damon for several days.


    Friday night marked the end of the first phase of the experiment, so N and Melody stayed in theb until after 11:00 p.m.


    As they walked to the elevator, chatting, Melody sighed. “I used to asionally run into Mr. Sumner when I got off work, but I haven’t seen him at alltely. These experiments are tedious. I need some eye candy to relieve my fatigue.”


    N chuckled, about to respond, when the elevator doors opened. She froze upon seeing the man inside,


    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!


    N and Melody stepped into the elevator and greeted Damon.


    Melody tugged on N’s sleeve, her eyes sparkling with excitement.


    N 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 N and Melody following close


    behind.


    Suddenly, Damon spoke in a low voice. “You shouldn’t stay sote 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 workte–what a rare find!


    Melody nodded. “Mr. Sumner, tonight was just an exception. We usually leave on time.”Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    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.


    N’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.