Lydia froze for a moment, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Mrs. Sumner, where are you going?"


    "I''m going abroad, and I''ll be gone for a long time. Please take care of Damon and Buddy for me," N said.


    It took Lydia a moment to process what she had just heard.


    When she finally did, she hurriedly reassured her, "Don''t worry. I''ll take good care of them."


    N smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Lydia."


    After their conversation, N turned and walked toward the door, where Damon and Mason were waiting to take her to the airport.


    ...


    The drive was silent.


    Over an hourter, the car pulled up to the airport entrance.


    N took a deep breath and turned to Damon. "Damon, while I''m gone, please take good care of Buddy and yourself. Your health is the most important thing."


    Damon nodded. "I will. Once you arrive in Meristate, the people I''ve arranged to protect you will contact you. If you''re ever in danger, reach out to them. They''ll make sure you''re safe."


    "Okay," N replied, then looked down at Mason and pulled him into a hug. "Buddy, be good and listen to Daddy. Eat well, okay?"


    "Mm," Mason hummed.


    Damon wrapped an arm around N, holding her close.


    The three of them stayed locked in a tight embrace until the driver reminded them that it was almost time for her flight.


    N wiped her red-rimmed eyes and stepped out of the car.


    Damon and Mason followed her. As Damon retrieved her luggage from the trunk, he said, "Call me when yound, if you can."


    "I will. Goodbye," N said.


    "Mm," Damon hummed.


    N took onest look at Mason before picking up her suitcase and heading into the airport.


    Mason suddenly lunged forward, wanting to chase after her, but Damon caught him and firmly- ced him back in the car before getting in himself and locking the doors.


    "Mommy! Mommy!" Mason sobbed, pounding on the car window.


    ét


    N was already inside the airport, unable to hear his cries. He only watch helplessly as her disappeared from view.


    only from viewe


    Damon turned his gaze away and instructed the driver, "Take us home."


    Mason cried uncontrobly, his tear-filled eyes ring at Damon. "I hate you! I hate you! Give Mommy back to me!"


    Damon remained silent, his expression unreadable, though his entire body was tense.


    "I want Mommy..." Mason''s sobs grew softer, but the pain in his voice was unmistakable.


    Damon looked at him and, after a pause, said softly, "Buddy, don''t cry. We''ll see Mommy again soon."


    "You''re a liar! I don''t believe you..." Mason wiped at his tear-streaked face, his small body still shaking.


    Damon handed him a few tissues before turning to stare out the window, a determined glint in his eyes.


    He was sure that day wouldn''t be too far away.


    N entered the airport and soon spotted Emerald and Alexander waiting for her.


    Emerald stood tall in a long ck trench coat, oversized sunsses covering her face. Her chin was slightly lifted, and her expression was cold and unapproachable.


    When Alexander saw N, he waved.


    N approached them, her voice devoid of emotion. "It''s about time. Let''s go through security."


    Emerald frowned, displeased. "Why do you look so reluctant? Once you get to Meristate, you''ll see how foolish it is to resist."


    N met her gaze calmly. "You can tell me that after we arrive."