"In that case, do your research properly. Don''t stir up trouble-unless you''re prepared to deal with the fallout," Alexander warned.


    Drake''s eyes searched Alexander''s face for meaning. "What do you mean by that? I''m not sure I understand."


    Alexander closed hisptop and stood. "If you don''t understand, then think it over."


    Without another nce, he walked away.


    Drake stood there, his expression darkening.


    As Alexander''s figure disappeared, Drake''s thoughts churned. The warning was unmistakable.


    Could Alexander know about the things he had done? But how?


    He had only just returned to Saintornia and hadn''t even begun to target Prospectus Technology or meet with N.


    Shaking off the doubts, he resolved: No matter what, he''d see this through. Not even Alexander could stop him.


    After Drake left, Tom tried to stand but found his legs trembling. His fear of Drake hadn''t diminished in the slightest.


    Drake''s warning echoed ominously in Tom''s mind. It was clear Drake knew he had disclosed information to Damon.


    Now Tom was trapped in an agonizing dilemma-continue his cooperation with Damon or remain under Drake''s control as his puppet.


    In truth, if given the choice, he''d choose neither.


    Damon returned home, stepping into the living room to find Mason napping on the sofa. Nearby, N was leaning against it, sound asleep. His gaze softened instantly.


    However, as he recalled Tom''s revtions from earlier, his mood grew heavier.


    He quietly approached N,


    scooping her up into his arms. Just as he was carrying her up the stairs, she stirred, her eyes flopen.


    Seeing his face so close, she


    ace so close, she blinked


    in confusion before fully we linked


    back already?"


    s to en.kikistorio lll ne


    "Just got home. I was going to carry you upstairs, but I woke you," Damon replied.


    N smiled. "Put me down. I''ll head up and wash my face."


    Instead, Damon tightened his hold and continued up the stairs.


    Startled, N looped her arms around his neck. "What are you doing? Put me down!"


    Damon answered simply, "I''m carrying you upstairs."


    "No. What if Lydia sees us? This is so embarrassing!" N protested, her tone rising.


    As if on cue, Lydia''s voice echoed from the living room. "Ms. Kinsey my old eyes must be ying tricks


    on me. I didn''t see anything. Carry on


    N''s face turned bright red, resembling a ripe tomato.


    Damon chuckled, quickening his steps.


    "Damon!" she hissed, her voice a mix of annoyance and mortification.


    "Don''t worry. We''re almost there," Damon soothed.


    N red at him, but he silenced her with a quick peck on the lips.


    "Alright, alright, I won''t tease you again. Forgive me?" he asked as they reached the bedroom.


    She hopped out of his arms and huffed. "Apology not epted!"


    Before she could say more, a dazzling diamond ne appeared before her eyes.