Before N could respond, Damon interjected coldly, "Mr. Hackett, she probably doesn''t have the time."


    As he spoke, he stepped in front of N, blocking Gabriel''s view.


    Gabriel looked directly at him, unperturbed. "Mr. Sumner, N hasn''t answered yet, and you''re speaking for her. Isn''t that a bit domineering?"


    The two men held their ground, both roughly the same height, as the atmosphere grew tense between them.


    Damon exuded an icy aura, as if he could freeze anyone in ce.


    Meanwhile, Gabriel maintained a slight smile, seemingly unaffected by the tension. The living room fell into a heavy silence, each breath audibly punctuating the quiet. N frowned and spoke coolly. "Gabriel, I heard your mother has remarried. We have nothing to do with each other anymore, and I don''t want to have dinner with you."


    Gabriel''s smile faltered, a flicker of disappointment appearing in his eyes.


    He lowered his gaze and said softly, "N, I know you still hold a grudge for what happened before. I just want to be like a brother to you now, to make up for the harm I caused."


    "There''s no need," she replied sharply. "If you truly want to make amends, let''s pretend we don''t know each other when we meet in the future. It''s better for both of us."


    Her tone remained cold, cutting off any remaining hope Gabriel had. He thought she must truly hate him to such an extent that she wanted nothing more to do with him.


    He forced a bitter smile. "Alright, I understand."


    Gabriel took Wilhelm''s hand, turned, and left, looking lonely and deste.


    Once they disappeared through the door, Damon turned back to N, warning, "From now on, stay away from Jane and Gabriel.


    "Although I couldn''t find concrete evidence linking Gabriel to the roses delivered to your door and those harassing texts, I have a strong feeling he''s involved."


    Upon hearing that, N''s expression cooled further, and she nodded. "Okay, I understand."


    "Also, don''t worry. I''ll protect you and Buddy," Damon assured her.


    He was serious, emotions swirling in his eyes. He would never let what had happened five years ago happen. again.


    Seeing his earnest expression, N couldn''t help but smile. “Okay, I trust you.”


    Her gentle almond-shaped eyes sparkled like a gxy of stars, drawing him in. Damon''s gaze softened as he replied, "Alright, let''s get ready for dinner."


    +25 Bonus


    Gabriel and Wilhelm got into the car, both looking grim and tense. The temperature inside the car seemed to drop to near freezing.


    Several minutes passed before Gabriel started the engine.


    As he nced in the rearview mirror, he noticed Wilhelm unusually quiet. Surprised,


    he turned to ask, "Wil, what''s wrong? Are you still upset about apologizing to Mason earlier?"


    Wilhelm looked up and shook his head. "Daddy, it''s not that. I just think Mason''s mom treats him really well."


    He wished that Gabriel and Jane would y with him too when they came home from work.


    Gabriel was always busy at the office, and while Jane usually came home early, she often dismissed him impatiently when he brought her toys, asking him not to disturb her rest. After a few attempts, he had stopped asking.


    "Why do you think that?" Gabriel asked.


    "His mom ys blocks with him, but you and Mommy are always busy and don''t have time to y with me," Wilhelm replied.


    The car fell silent.


    After a long pause, Gabriel finally spoke.


    Cede is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a ir for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cede''s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.