Ryderâs complexion drained of color.
He mustered a weak smile and said, âNever mind.
Iâm not in the best health, and that cane could kill me.
I choose to join the National Security Bureau.
â
Mekhi casually picked at his food and adopted a friendlier tone.
âYou have time to ponder.
Iâm not forcing you.
â
Ryder quickly responded, âNo need to ponder.
Iâm certain that I can better myself at the National Security Bureau.
I wonât falter in my duties.
Iâll strive to establish myself there as quickly as possible!â
He appeared resolute and spoke with a deliberate, serious tone.
Mekhiâs lips curled into a gentle smile, and a warmth filled his eyes.
âAlright, letâs finish our food first.
â
Ryderâs hand, gripping his fork, trembled involuntarily.
He gazed at the tempting spread of food on the table, but thoughts of the challenging times ahead killed his appetite.
But before Mekhi, he forced himself to continue picking at his food, taking a few hesitant bites.
His nerves made it difficult for him to steady his hands, causing him to struggle to pick up a meatball from the plate.
Noticing Mekhiâs side eye on him, he apologized cowardly, âIâm sorry, Mekhiâ¦â
Without a word, Mekhi picked up a meatball and placed it in Ryderâs bowl.
âThank you, Mekhi.
â
Mekhi responded casually and resumed eating.
After that, silence enveloped the dining room.
Each of them was lost in their own thoughts.
Throughout the meal, both Sally and Ryder were weighed down by a heavy sense of gloom that nearly suffocated them.
Conversely, Mekhi seemed to be in better spirits.
He leisurely returned to his study to attend to his business.
Immediately he settled into his chair, the butler knocked on the door.
âMr.
Shaw, the captain of the National Security Bureau personally sent you a message that Nathan wishes to see you.
Please change into your military uniform within thirty minutes and arrive punctually at the National Security Bureau.
Any delay will result in penalties and a reprimand.
â
Within thirty minutes?
What could possibly be so urgent?
What on earth was Nathan up to?