Seeing N''s frustrated expression, Damon chuckled. "Alright, alright, I won''t tease you anymore. Let''s get up."


    After they got ready, they headed downstairs for breakfast and were surprised to find Mason already eating at the table.


    N sat beside him. "Buddy, it''s Saturday. Why are you up so early?"


    Mason took a sip of milk and replied, "I''m going to a ssmate''s birthday party today. I still need to buy a gift, so I have to leave early, or I''ll run out of time."


    "Which ssmate? You never mentioned this before," N asked.


    "The kid who sits in front of me. Her name''s Candice Taft. Yesterday, her family''s butler came to ss and handed out invitations to everyone, inviting us to her house today," Mason answered.


    N frowned slightly. "Candice Taft?"


    She wasn''t familiar with the names of the kids in Mason''s ss.


    "Yeah! Some of my ssmates have been to her house before. They said it''s huge and really pretty. I''m bringing my camera to take pictures and show you and Daddyter!" Mason cheered.


    N chuckled. "Alright."


    Sitting across from them, Damon discreetly sent a message to Spencer, asking him to look into Candice''s background.


    Mason was a smart kid, but still young. It was easy for kids to be deceived. Damon didn''t feelfortable letting him go to a stranger''s house without checking first.


    A few minutester, Spencer replied.


    Spencer: [Mr. Sumner, I looked into it. The youngest daughter of the Taft Group''s CEO is in Mr. Mason''s ss. Based on my findings, today really is her birthday.] Seeing this, Damon rxed.


    He turned to Mason. "Buddy, what kind of gift are you nning to get for your ssmate?"


    Mason shook his head. "I don''t know yet. A few of us are meeting at the store to pick something out together."


    "Alright. I''ll have the driver take you there," Damon said.


    "Thanks, Daddy!" Mason chirped.


    He eagerly headed out after breakfast.


    Watching his excited figure disappear into the car, N smiled. "Looks like he''s getting along well with his ssmates."


    Back when they lived in Capitarnia, Mason mostly stayed home alone and rarely talked about friends Hed always been mature for his age, which made her heart ache


    "Yeah," Damon said. "Don''t worry. He''ll only get better at making friends."


    Once Mason was gone, Damon and N went back inside.


    Although it was the weekend, Damon still had work to do. N apanied him to his study White he worked, she readen the couch asionally dozing off when she got tired.


    The day passed quickly.


    That evening, as they were called for dinner, Mason returned home.


    Unlike in the morning, he looked downcast, his energypletely drained.


    N and Damon exchanged a nce before she knelt before him. "Buddy, what''s wrong? Weren''t you excited about the birthday party?"


    Mason avoided her gaze, shaking his head. "I''m fine, Mommy. Just a little tired. I''m gonna go rest now."


    Before N could say anything else, he walked past her and headed upstairs.


    Watching his small figure disappear, N felt a pang of heartache. Just


    as she was about to call after him, Darmon shot her a look, signaling her to wait.


    She turned to him. "Why didn''t you let me say anything?"