?


    After breakfast, N drove Mason to school while Damon headed directly to the office.


    On the way, Mason asked, "Mommy, is Daddy upset about something these past couple of days?"


    N nced at him. She and Damon hadn''t told Mason about Prospectus Technology''s bankruptcy, fearing it would upset him.


    At five years old, he likely wouldn''t fully grasp its implications. Still, they had underestimated his perceptiveness. Even at his age, Mason could easily pick up on the emotions of the adults around him.


    Over the weekend, Damon had spent most of his time in the study, barely interacting with Mason. Naturally, Mason had noticed something was amiss.


    Reaching out, N gently tousled his hair. "Yes, Daddy has been a little upsettely, but don''t worry-he''ll feel better soon."


    Mason nodded, though he didn''tpletely understand. "Okay."


    Before long, the car pulled up in front of Mason''s kindergarten.


    After walking him inside, N paused to speak with his teacher, Ms. Ferrier, at the entrance.


    "Ms. Ferrier, I''ll be picking Buddy up half an hour early every day for the time being. Please keep an extra eye on him during the day, and don''t hesitate to contact me if anythinges up," N informed.


    "Of course. Rest assured,st Friday''s incident won''t happen again," Ms. Ferrier reassured her.


    This kindergarten primarily epted children from influential families in the city. Security was paramount-frequentpses, such as children being picked up by unauthorized individuals, could severely damage the school''s reputation and enrollment.


    "Thank you," N said before turning to leave.


    Just as she reached the curb, Gabriel''s car pulled up in front of her.


    "N, we need to talk," he said.


    Her expression turned cold. "Gabriel, why do you insist on being so clingy and disgusting?"


    She had made herself abundantly


    et


    clear-she could never love or be with him. Yet, he acted as though he couldn''t understand, persisting in his attempts to win her over.  S


    Gabriel''s face stiffened, and his tone dropped to a somber note. "N, I came here today because I have something to ask you about Buddy."


    Over the weekend, Nyce Tech''s tech department had been working overtime to repair their system. Only this morning had they managed to restore it. Upon investigation, they discovered the issue originated from within the system itself.


    While Gabriel didn''t believe a


    five-year-old could sabotage a


    company''s technology


    1


    vel.n


    infrastructure, it seemed too coincidental that the problem arose right after Mason''s visit.


    N''s gaze hardened as Mason''s name was mentioned. "I''m warning you if you dare do anything to Buddy again, I won''t let it slide."


    She was still shaken by the memory of Gabriel taking Mason out of school without permission the previous Friday. The thought alone reignited her anger.


    Gabriel pursed his lips, his tone


    growing serious. "N, listen to me. I


    promise I won''t force you into


    need to give me a fair chance to


    anything anymore. But in return, you


    pursue you."


    "Absolutely not!" she snapped, rejecting him without hesitation as she turned to leave.


    He stepped forward, blocking her path. "Fine. Let''s set us aside for now. I need to ask you something-has Buddy ever been exposed toputers before?"