Sullivan lowered his gaze and remained silent, his expression growing colder.


    “Oh, I see,” Demi replied, her voice soft. "Sorry, I misunderstood."


    Her gaze lingered on Sullivan''s icy face, and she bit her lip, her eyes flickering with an unidentifiable emotion.


    It was clear that Sullivan''s feelings for Ruby went beyond those of a mere colleague or acquaintance.


    For the rest of the meal, silence fell between them. They ate quietly, starkly out of ce amidst the lively chatter


    of others around the table.


    Once Ruby finished her meal, she set down her utensils. Noticing that Sullivan had yet to finish, she refrained from rushing him, instead pulling out her phone to watch some videos.


    Sullivan''s gaze kept drifting toward her. When he saw that she wasn''t even sparing him a nce, he pressed his lips together, his expression darkening.


    What he failed to notice, however, was that someone else was watching him closely as well.


    Half an hourter, they finished their meal.


    Demi took the elevator back up with them, chatting with Sullivan and deliberately ignoring Ruby.


    Ruby didn''t mind. She kept her head down, engrossed in her phone.


    As they exited the elevator, Ruby looked up at Sullivan. "If you don''t have anything else, I''m heading back to the office."


    Sullivan, unable to speak freely with Demi around, struggled to find the right words.


    "Alright," was all he could manage.


    Ruby nodded. "If necessary, I can send you home after work."


    "Okay," Sullivan said.


    She gave Demi a nod and then turned, walking in the opposite direction.


    Demi watched her leave, then casually asked, "Sullivan, when did you get so close


    to Ruby? I remember you didn''t like N or her team much, right?"


    As soon as she spoke, she met Sullivan''s half-smile.


    "When did I say I didn''t like N?" he asked, his tone a little sharper.


    Demi suddenly felt a chill run down her spine under his gaze. She awkwardly chuckled. "I was just guessing."


    Anyone could tell that Sullivan didn''t like N, but Demi hadn''t expected his response to turn so cold so quickly. His demeanor, so unlike his usual easy-going self, made her feel a little afraid.


    Sullivan smirked. “You guessed wrong. Don''t make random assumptions. Besides, N and Mr. Sumner are together now. If Mr. Sumner hears what you said, the consequences will be unimaginable."


    Demi''s face drained of color. "G-Got it."


    Sullivan said nothing more and turned to leave.


    +25 Bonus


    As he walked away, Demi hesitated but then gathered the courage to follow him, walking side by side back to the


    office.


    On the top floor...


    N was taking a nap in Damon''s office after having lunch with him.


    Damon still had some work to finish, so he turned his attention to reviewing documents.


    Once hepleted the paperwork he needed for the afternoon, he set down his pen and rubbed his tired forehead. As he nced at the couch, his eyes softened.


    Although the blinds were drawn, a few rays of sunlight filtered through the gaps, casting a gentle glow on N''s face.


    This moment was something Damon had dreamed of, though he had never imagined it would actuallye to


    pass.


    Just then, his phone vibrated. He picked up the call, and Spencer''s voice came through, low and cautious. “Mr. Sumner, Tom went to Mr. Mason''s kindergarten this morning."


    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.