Lee left to buy some food for Eugene, leaving only Mnie and Eugene in the house.


    Eugene’s voice sounded abruptly. “Matthew came to Jepton for business. He’ll be back to Oskon City tomorrow morning. It’s impossible for him to be in Jepton for Christmas. He had toe only because of the Qaisas‘ old patriarch.”


    Leaning back on the couch<b>, </b>Eugene tilted his head. The uneasy feeling made him furrow his eyebrows slightly. His voice sounded deeper than usual.


    Mnie nced at him. She had heard many people talk about Matthew’s rtionship with the Qaisa family, but she never quite understood what was going on.


    However, recalling the unpleasant meeting with Matthew, she had little interest in asking further.


    She was originally nning to take a bath and rest after Eugene left. However, Mnie was surprised when Lee, who had been out for a while, called back to say that no restaurants were open.


    It was expected since the northern part of the city mostly consisted of small, individually owned restaurants—unlike the bustling southern area.


    During Christmas<b>, </b>most eateries were closed.


    As soon as Lee hung up the phone, Eugene’s dark pupils slowly turned to Mnie. Mnie’s expression darkened. “Ask him to take you home when he returns.”


    Eugene nodded and stood up. He asked Mnie, “Do you mind if I use your kitchen?”


    Mnie did not have a chance to reject as he had already entered the kitchen.


    Familiar with theyout, Eugene effortlessly took out the spaghetti sauce from the refrigerator.


    However, he was inexperienced in such matters. Holding the sauce, Eugene stood in the kitchen as he tried to figure out how to proceed.


    Unable to bear the thought of him wasting food, Mnie went in and took the sauce from him. She then boiled some water.


    Eugene did not leave the kitchen. Leaning against the doorway, he quietly watched Mnie.


    The kitchen was quiet, with only steam diffusing in the air. Mnie could feel the gaze behind her but chose to ignore it, not wanting to talk to him.


    After cooking the spaghetti, she served it on a te and left the kitchen.


    Her phone was on the coffee table. Yvonne had sent several photos to the group chat<b>, </b>all of them showcasing the scenery on the ind.


    Reny<b>, </b>envious<b>, </b>urged her to video call. As soon as Yvonne called, Mnie grabbed her phone and headed to the bedroom. Passing by Eugene, she hesitated for a moment but said nothing.


    M


    217


    Yvonne was reluctant before going to the ind, but now, it seemed she really liked it there, she led them around excitedly. Halfway through, she suddenly asked Mnie, “If you’re alone at home, why don’t youe here too? Let’s spend Christmas together<i>,</i><i>” </i>


    Mnie rejected. “It’s okay. I’m fine in Jepton.”


    “Are you really alright? You’re alone…”


    “If you want me toe and witness the love–hate rtionship between you and Carlisle, I’ll be there immediately,” Mnie teased, diverting the topic and making Yvonnein about Carlisle.


    Mnie chatted with them in the room for a long time. When she heard the sound of the main door opening, she stopped, hung up the call, and went out.


    She saw Lee standing at the door, looking at her hesitantly.


    Following his gaze, Mnie saw Eugene on the couch with his head tilted. His eyes were closed, and he appeared to be sleeping.


    The medicine box that had been opened was on the coffee table, indicating he had taken the pills. Drowsiness was a possible side effect of them.


    Looking at Mnie, Lee gestured for her toe over. “Sorry, I just received a call from a client. I went to deliver something to him beforeing here. Eugene knows about it.”


    Mnie nodded. “Well, take him with you. <b>I </b>need to rest.”


    However, Lee still hesitated. He looked at Mnie, wanting to say something, but he ultimately held


    back.


    Anticipating his words, Mnie rejected him before he could ask. “I won’t let him stay overnight


    here.”