If they couldn''t find N by 6:00 p.m., the banquet would have to be canceled, and Emerald would be aughingstock.


    At another estate on the west side of the city...


    N was having lunch in the garden with an elderly man who appeared to be around 70, his graying hair neatlybed.


    "Ms. Kinsey, try this truffle omelet. It''s the chef''s specialty," the old man said.


    N smiled and nodded. "Thank you."


    After breakfast, they took a walk through the garden.


    "Ms. Kinsey, how does my estatepare to your mother''s?" the old man asked.


    N nced around, then smiled. "Each has its own charm. Both are beautiful."


    "And which one do you prefer?" he pressed.


    N thought for a moment before meeting his gaze. "Do you want the truth or a polite answer?"


    "The truth, of course," he replied.


    She answered honestly, "I prefer Ms. Kinsey''s estate because it has my favorite Damask roses."


    "Just because of that?" he asked, amused.


    "Yes," N said simply.


    The old man chuckled. "Alright. When I take over the Nixons, I''ll give you that estate as a token of gratitude for helping me."


    N smiled. "You''re not lying to me, are you?"


    "Of course not. I always keep my word," he assured her.


    "Well then, I wish you sess in advance," she said.


    "As long as you help me, I will definitely take the Nixons," he dered confidently.


    After a short stroll, the old man retired to rest while N, under his secretary''s arrangements, began preparing for what was toe.


    ...


    Emerald paced anxiously in the living room, her expression icy.


    Brian and Delia sat on the sofa, not daring to make a sound.


    Delia had secretly messaged Alexander, hoping he woulde over.


    Whenever Emerald was frustrated over something she couldn''t resolve, Delia would


    turn to Alexander-he always had a solution.


    This time, though, Alexander didn''t reply.


    Delia gripped her phone, waiting anxiously.


    Suddenly, the butler hurried in and whispered a few words to Emerald. Her expression instantly darkened. "What did you just say? That''s impossible!"


    Prospectus Technology was on the verge of bankruptcy liquidation. How could someone suddenly step into help? And why couldn''t they trace who this person was?


    "Madam, the people in Saintornia ryed this information. They''re asking what


    you''d like to do next," the butler reported.


    Emerald took a deep breath, her mind racing.


    N had mysteriously disappeared after leaving the estatest night, and none of her people had been able to track her down.


    She suspected that the person backing Prospectus Technology was the same one who had taken N.


    Several names shed through her mind, but she couldn''t be certain.


    She exhaled slowly, her voice sharp. "Continue pressing Prospectus Technology,


    but focus on finding out who''s behind them."


    "Understood, Madam. I''ll notify them immediately," the butler said.


    "Wait. Any news on N?" Emerald asked.


    The butler hesitated. "Still nothing..."


    "Got it. Call Alexander over," she instructed.


    Once the butler left, the atmosphere in the living room grew even heavier.


    Delia remained silent, too afraid to move. She frantically texted Alexander. If Emerald weren''t in the room, she would have already sent a voice message or called him


    directly.