It took several minutes before Damon finally released N.


    He looked down at her and said, "You''ve lost weight. Andre told me you were sick, but I couldn''t see you. Was it really tough on you?"


    N shook her head. "It was a bit hard at first, but I''m almost better now."


    Looking at her lightly made-up face, Damon could tell she was saying that to avoid worrying him.


    When they used to meet, she never wore makeup-just her natural face. Makeup was either for looking pretty or just to enhance one''s appearance.


    A wave of tenderness washed over him as he softly said, "N, I''m sorry. I wasn''t strong enough, and that''s why you had to suffer. Just hang in there a little longer. I''ll take you back home."


    N nodded, her gaze filled with trust. "I believe you. By the way, how did Andre agree to help us cover our tracks?"


    When Andre had firste to the estate to teach her, he hadn''t been in contact with Damon. If he had been, he would have told her about it during their first lesson.


    Damon led her to the sofa and spoke quietly. "Andre was originally someone under Emerald''s wing, but there''s something you don''t know.


    "His family used to be as powerful as the Nixons, but after some issues, they began to decline. I told him that Emerald was behind his family''s downfall."


    N frowned. "Is that really enough for Andre to agree to help you?"


    "Of course not." Damon continued. "He had a younger sister he grew up with. When his family fell apart, she tragically died. He wants to avenge her, so he agreed to work with me."


    "I see," N replied.


    Damon gazed at her, his voice soft. "We''ve worked so hard to finally meet. Let''s not


    talk about others. I''ve prepared a meal for you. Let''s eat first."


    N had nned to tell him that she


    E


    was going along with Emerald''s ns for now. However, upon seeing the dark circles under his eyes and the exhaustion he couldn''t hide her chest tightened with pain- and guilt. If it weren''t for her, he wouldn''t be going through this struggle.


    "Okay," was all she said.


    They sat at the table, and N''s eyes reddened as she gazed at the dishes she loved. "Thank you, Damon."


    Noticing her tears, Damon teased her. "It''s just a meal. Are you really that moved? You''re easy to please."


    "It''s not just the meal," N said. "You must have had a hard time back home, right?"


    She had assumed that once she went abroad, Emerald would provide Prospectus Technology with resources to ensure its smooth development.


    However, Emerald had broken her promise and instead targeted thepany. If not for the alliance with Emerald''s rivalter on, Prospectus Technology might have gone bankrupt.


    "It wasn''t hard. It''s all in the past now. Try the fish I made. See if you like it Damon ced a piece of t on her te and looked at expectantly.


    N wiped away her tears and forced a smile before trying the fish.


    Damon asked, "How is it?"


    "It''s good!" she eximed.


    "Try the others, too," Damon urged.


    She tried the ribs and smiled at his hopeful gaze. "It''s really good! How are you such


    a great cook?"


    "I asked a chef how to make these dishes before I came. I was worried they wouldn''t taste good, but your reaction proves they''re not bad," he exined.


    "Well, you have to cook for me every day when we reunite as a family!" she said.