Melody nced at N, hesitated for a moment, but kept her thoughts to herself. When the attack urred, she had been too slow to react, but N had immediately rushed to Damon’s side, shielding him from the blow.


    Melody had a vague sense that N’s feelings for Damon might be different. However, since they only exchanged greetings at thepany <b>and </b>never showed signs of closeness, she wasn’t sure about their rtionship.


    Lost in thought, Melody was jolted back to the present by N’s serious tone. “There’s a leak in the filter paper. Didn’t you notice?”


    Melody snapped back to reality and looked down, spotting a hole in the bottom of the filter paper. The solution had leaked through and contaminated the previously filtered liquid, meaning they would need to


    start over.


    “I am sorry, N. I didn’t notice,” Melody apologized.


    “There’s no need to apologize. Just be more careful when doing experiments. If you can’t focus, take a break,” N replied calmly.


    The experiment they were conducting was rtively low–risk, so a moment of distraction wasn’t a big deal. However, N knew that in future organic experiments, anyck of focus could lead to dangerous situations, potentially causing explosions with serious consequences.


    Melody nodded quickly. “I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.”


    N didn’t say anything more and continued with her work.


    Soon, the workday came to an end. As N was gathering her things to leave, she received a call from Vrie, inviting her to dinner.


    They met at the restaurant, and Vrie frowned when she saw N. “Has something happened recently? You look so worn out.”


    N didn’t want to worry Vrie, so she shook her head. “No. I’ve just been a bit tired from work.”


    “Well, a big dinner tonight will be a nice treat,” Vrie said, trying to lift her spirits.


    Seeing Vrie’s enthusiasm, N smiled. “Okay.”


    After they were seated and had ordered their food, Vrie asked, “By the way, has Tom or Jacqueline caused you <b>any </b>troubletely?”


    “No, but Gen Pharma and the Rainford Group have teamed up to terminate contracts with the Sumner Group and Prospectus Technology, causing significant losses,” N replied.


    “Gen Pharma and the Rainford Group have probably suffered more. Prospectus Technology and the Sumner Group have started to retaliate, and many partners are terminating contracts with them. Tom and Jacqueline’s situation must be quite tough now,” Vrie added.


    Vrie’s family owned a moderately–sizedpany, so she kept <i>up </i>with business news.


    N’s expression remained neutral. “Even if it’s tough, it’s their fault.”


    Vrie snorted. “They got what they deserved. But I bet Jacqueline wille looking for you soon. Don’t


    go soft on her.”


    If Vrie had been at the party, she would have torn Jacqueline apart.


    <b>“</b>Don’t worry. I won’t,” N replied.


    Jacqueline had set her up at the party, and now Gen Pharma and the Rainford Group were using contract terminations to pressure the Sumners into coercing her to apologize.


    N knew that if she forgave Jacqueline, she’d be a fool.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    After dinner, Vrie dragged N out for some shopping.


    Noticing that Vrie was more focused on picking out clothes for her than for herself, N couldn’t help but smile-“Vrie, are you nning to buy me clothes?


    Vrie picked up a red <b>strapless </b>gown and nodded. “Yes. Don’t you remember? Your birthday ising


    up <b>soon</b>.”


    N was momentarily stunned before recalling that her birthday was indeed approaching. With everything going on, she had forgotten about it.


    Since being with rk, they had always spent their birthdays together as a couple. He probably wouldn’t remember this year.


    “I’ve been too busytely,” N said.


    Vrie frowned. “Has rk forgotten as well?”


    “I’m not sure, but given our current situation, celebrating together doesn’t seem appropriate,” N


    reasoned.


    une sighed but didn’t press further. She knew N’s personality well <b>enough </b>to understand that once <b>she </b>discovered rk’s infidelity, she would never reconcile with him. As for N moving back, she didn’t ask any more questions. Even close friends shouldn’t pry too much.


    “Alright, I’ll celebrate for you. I’ll buy you this dress today, and on your birthday, I’ll have a surprise for you!”


    Vrie enthused.