Damon nodded with a smile. “Alright. What would you like for lunch? I’ll bring it to you.”


    N was taken aback by Damon’s unexpectedly pleasant demeanor. She hesitated for a moment before replying awkwardly, “No need. I’ve bought groceries and will cook for myself.”


    “Okay. If you’re free tonight, we-* Damon began.


    “I’m not free,” N interrupted, mming the door in his face.


    A trace of helplessness crossed Damon’s expression as he watched the door close. He then turned and left with a smile.


    Once he was gone, N took a moment to calm herself before returning to the living room to study.


    In the aftemoon, Vrie came over.


    “N, why did you suddenly move back here? What if Gabrieles looking for you again?” she asked.


    “He won’te during the day. I need to start looking for a ce of my own anyway. I can’t stay at your ce forever,” N replied.


    Vrie looked slightly displeased. She had intended to offer that N could stay at her house for as long as needed. Knowing how proud N was, though, she said, “If you’re ufortable, you could pay me a bit of rent, just as if you were renting from me.”


    After considering it, N shook her head. “No. I need to prepare for exams, so it’s better if I live alone.”


    Realizing N’s determination, Vrie knew she couldn’t be persuaded and decided not to press the issue further.


    Instead, she suggested, “Then I’ll help you find a ce. It has to have good security. Otherwise, I won’t. feel at ease.”


    N agreed with a nod. “Alright.”


    The two of them went out to search for an apartment and eventually settled <b>on </b>a <b>unit </b>near Vrie’s vi, The security was excellent–ess to both the residential area and the building required key cards, and even the elevators needed a card to operate.


    The apartment faced the sun, and N was satisfied with it, so she decided to take it on the spot.


    Vrie helped N move her belongings.


    N didn’t have much, just a few sets of clothes. Thus, a movingpany wasn’t necessary. The car’s backseat and trunk were sufficient.


    After several trips, they were about to leave–having done a final check to ensure nothing was left behind -when they turned <b>and </b>saw Gabriel standing at the door.


    Vrie instinctively stepped in front of N, her gaze cold as she addressed him. “Gabriel, if you try


    anything. I won’t let you get away with it!”


    Gabriel nced at Vrie and smiled. “Ms. Weir, you’ve misunderstood. I don’t intend to hurt N.” Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Vrie didn’t believe him for a second. She continued to watch him warily, her hand already in her bag. gripping the pepper spray tightly. If he dared toe closer, she’d spray it in his face.


    Gabriel’s gaze shifted to N, his expression softening further. “N, where are you moving to?”


    N looked at him with <b>a </b>neutral expression and remained silent. There was nothing left to say


    them.


    between.


    Gabriel didn’t seem bothered by N’s silence. He continued with a smile. “No matter where you move, remember to visit your dad if you have time. He misses you.”


    N’s face darkened. “Gabriel, don’t try to use my father to threaten me. I’ve cut ties with him<b>.</b>”


    “Even if you want to sever ties, he will always be your father,” Gabriel remarked.


    His smile persisted <b>as </b>he looked at N, his eyes filled with amusement. It was as if her moving away was just a game to him. No matter where the mouse ran, it would eventually be caught by the cat.


    N’s hands, which had been hanging by her sides, clenched involuntarily. Disgust filled her heart.