There were no surveince cameras in that alley. Since they hadn''t seen the


    person''s face, calling the police would be pointless, but it was still better than doing nothing at all.


    Ruby bit her lip, deciding she would rather take a longer route than walk through that alley again.


    Noticing her pale face, Sullivan fell silent momentarily before saying, "But before he left, he said something."


    "What did he say?" Ruby asked.


    "He told me not to meddle, saying that even if I could intervene for a moment, I wouldn''t be able to control things for long," Sullivan replied. "And when he left, I felt like his gaze toward you wasn''t that of a stranger. You two may know each other." Ruby was appalled—she immediately thought of Hansel losing a lot of money gambling. If that person really did know her, her parents may have sent them...


    "I understand, Sullivan. Thank you for today. It''s gettingte, so you should head home. I''ll treat you to a meal another day," she said.


    "No need. It was just a small favor. I noticed you didn''t eat anything tonight. I ordered two dishes earlier. After you finish eating, I''ll send you back," Sullivan replied.


    Ruby instinctively curled her hands into fists, feeling embarrassed.


    After giving all her savings to Margaret, thetter had tricked her out of most of the few hundred dors she had left. Now, she had less than 100 dors on her. If she spent that here, she would be starving for the next couple of weeks.


    "I''ve already paid for the meal. Don''t worry about it," Sullivan offered kindly.


    Ruby was taken aback, her face turning red.


    She quickly said, "Sullivan, that''s unnecessary. I''ll transfer the money to youter."


    Sullivan looked at her, a hint of helplessness in his expression. "There''s no need to be so polite. Everyone goes through tough times, and I''m helping you willingly. I don''t want anything in return, so you don''t need to feel burdened about it."


    "No, Sullivan, I''m very grateful that you saved me today. I can''t let you spend money on me. I insist on paying for the meal," Ruby insisted.


    She took out her wallet and pulled 30 dors from the few notes she had left, handing them to Sullivan.


    Seeing the stubbornness in her gaze, Sullivan sighed and epted the money. "Fine, I''ll take the money, but don''t bring up treating me to a meal again."


    Ruby shook her head. "That''s a different matter."


    Sullivan seemed a bit helpless and couldn''t help but chuckle. "You''re really persistent."


    Ruby pressed her lips together and lowered her head, remaining silent.


    She felt grateful that Sullivan had saved her tonight, but she didn''t want to have too much interaction With him. She needed to find an opportunity to repay this favor.


    The two fell silent, and Ruby opened her phone.


    After hesitating for a moment, she sent a message to N, hoping to borrow some money and promising to pay it back after her sry came in next month.


    ...


    N''s phone lit up in the living room of Damon''s vi, but she didn''t notice. She was making pasta in the kitchen while Damon washed vegetables in the sink.


    As the water ran, the two exchanged a few words about work, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.


    Once the pasta was nearly done, N added the washed vegetables to the pan. The originally light green vegetables turned a vibrant green after just a brief stir.


    Quickly, N transferred the pasta and vegetables to tes with some sauce. She then sprinkled a bit of cheese on top. Two steaming tes of fragrant, delicious pasta were ready.


    "I''ll wash the pan. You go ahead and serve the pasta," N said.


    "I''ll wash the pot. You serve the pasta," Damon countered.


    As he spoke, he took the pan from her hands and turned on the tap to start washing.