?


    Despite the murmurs, no one dared approach Damon or N directly to ask about them, choosing instead to discuss and steal admiring nces from afar. After all, Damon had not been close to any woman in the past five years,


    The fiancee he had had was essentially a one-sided affair, and their engagement had been called off not long ago.


    N''s calm and graceful demeanor, despite the nces and attention directed her way, only enhanced her appeal.


    Damon guided her toward Pedro to offer their birthday wishes. Afterward, as they turned to leave, they ran into Nathaniel and Reba.


    When N saw Nathaniel, she paused, surprised by how much he had changed in five years -he looked like apletely different person, his formerly vibrant energy now nowhere to be found.


    As they passed, a chilling aura surrounded him, causing N to shiver involuntarily.


    Neither Nathaniel nor Reba acknowledged them, and Damon seemed equally indifferent, treating them as if they weren''t there.


    N nced up at Damon, noting his tense expression and clenched jaw. She tightened her hold on his arm.


    "Damon, you and Nathaniel..." she probed gently.


    "We''re no longer friends," he replied, his voice icy.


    N hesitated, biting her lip, but eventually sighed and said nothing more.


    Soon after, Vrie entered with Zayn. Noticing N, she whispered something to Zayn before lifting her dress to approach her.


    N let go of Damon''s arm, saying, "Vrie''sing over. You should go handle your business."


    For a businessman like Damon, this birthday celebration was more than just a party-it was also an opportunity for business. In fact, many guests had already approached him with proposals, but he had turned them down, likely because N was by his side.


    He raised an eyebrow. "Now that Vrie''s here, you''re abandoning me?"


    N feigned a haughty look and replied, "I don''t want to interrupt your business talks."


    Damon''s smile deepened. "Then should I thank you for being so considerate?"


    "Not necessary," she said, fully aware of what he meant.


    "Well, if you need anything, juste find me, Damon reminded her.


    "Sure," N answered.


    Just as he left, Vrie reached N''s side and noticed the ne she was wearing.


    "N, this ne is beautiful! When did you change it?" she asked, recalling that N had worn a different one thest time they had met.


    N instinctively touched the ne, a warm smile spreading across her face and her cheeks slightly flushed. She answered, "Damon gave it to me. He thought it suited the dress better.


    Vrie couldn''t help but admire it. "It does. Damon has quite an eye for detail."


    The ne highlighted N''s already fairplexion and looked exquisite against her slender neck. They were both captivating.


    As N and Vrie chatted, there was a sudden stir at the entrance. They turned to see Gigi entering arm-in-arm with Brandon.


    Gigi wore a pink, voluminous gown, her makeup wless, while Brandon looked dashing in a white suit. The two appeared perfectly matched. Today''s Bonus Offer