N''s eyes were cold,cking any warmth.


    Alexander sighed softly. "N, I truly hope we can have a proper conversation. Aren''t you curious at all about how your mother has been living abroad all these years?"


    "There''s nothing for me to be curious about," N replied. "Mr. Kinsey, I have things to do, so I''ll be leaving now."


    As she made to leave, Alexander stepped in front of her. "Your mother may be returning to the country next week. She wants to see you. When are you avable?"


    "I''m not," N said, sidestepping him. She got into her car and drove off.


    As she drove, her mind wandered. Why was Emeralding back now?


    Years ago, she had left so decisively. Why return now, to disrupt the peace N had finally found?


    After arriving home, N sat down on the couch, lost in thought.


    She hesitated briefly before calling Vrie.


    When Vrie heard about Emerald''s potential return, she immediately suggested, "If she wants to see you, you should meet her. And I think you should try to get to know Alexander a little better."


    N frowned. "I don''t want to have anything to do with them, nor do I want to force myself to meet people I dislike."


    Vrie sighed. "I understand. I''d feel the same way. But there''s wisdom in the saying, ''Know your enemy as well as yourself.'' Alexander clearly has a reason for seeking you out. Your priority should be figuring out what his motives are."


    She added, "Honestly, while Damon''spany is powerful in Saintornia, it''s no match for the Nixons. If you don''t uncover their ns, you''ll be at a disadvantage."


    N tightened her grip on her phone.


    Vrie was right. She needed to understand Alexander''s true intentions, or she would remain vulnerable.


    "I understand. Thank you, Vrie," she said.


    "No need to thank me. We''re friends!


    Besides, the Weir and Sumner


    Groups need Prospectus Technology''s support. Your


    rtionship with Damon affects me and Brandon too," Vrie


    Suplied.


    "Alright. I''ll let you go for now. We''ll talkter." N ended the call.


    She set her phone down, now contemting how to discuss the situation with Damon that evening.


    Theo sat across from Damon''s desk in the CEO''s office at Prospectus Technology.


    With a smile, he said, "Mr. Sumner, I''ve brought the penalty fee for terminating the contract. When can we sign the papers?"


    Damon''s gaze turned cold as he lightly tapped his fingers on the desk. "Where did you get the money for the penalty?"


    From what he knew, the Wilkie Group had barely survived a bankruptcy crisis and couldn''t possibly have enough liquidity for such arge sum.


    Theo raised an eyebrow, feigning indifference. "You don''t need to worry about that. The Wilkie Group has been in Saintornia for years. Raising this amount isn''t an issue."


    IMS


    Although Theo appeared calm, he was just as baffled as Damon about where Pedro had gotten the funds.


    When he had asked earlier, Pedro simply instructed him to finalize the termination as soon as possible,


    hinting that Prospectus Technology might soon face its downfal


    MS


    Damon nodded. "Alright. But let me give you some advice-don''t act rashly and


    push the Wilkie Group into a deeper abyss.


    "The next time yourpany is on the brink of copse, I doubt anyone will have the nerve to pull you out."