CHAPTER 433

Chapter 433

Melody couldn’t meet Nyla’s gaze. She looked away and let out a wry chuckle. “My mom was under his control at the time. If I didn’t do what he said, she might have

died.”

“Why didn’t you call the police?” Nyla asked.

“I was too scared… Nyla, no matter what, I’m really sorry. I’ve already transferred the 30,000 dollars back to you. I don’t expect you to forgive me, but I hope you don’t hate me,” Melody pleaded.

Seeing Melody’s guilt and her red eyes, Nyla pressed her lips together. “I don’t hate you, and I understand. If I were in your situation, I’d probably make the same choice. You don’t need to feel guilty, but we can’t be friends anymore.”

Melody stared in disbelief. She had prepared herself for harsh words but hadn’t expected understanding instead.

Tears welled up as she covered her face, choking out, “Thank you…”

Nyla handed her a couple of tissues and, without another word, stood up and left.

As she stepped out of the cafe, the shadow of betrayal that had been clouding her heart seemed to lift. At least she knew that, at one point, Melody had genuinely considered her a friend. Having shared a sincere bond, even if it ended badly, was enough for her.

Nyla went to Prospectus Technology to pack up her things.

After a final glance at the place where she had spent the last few months, she took a deep breath and turned to leave.

That evening, Nyla arrived at the restaurant early. As she waited by the window for Damon, a familiar figure came into view.

Her frown deepened in disgust as she silently watched Gabriel approach.

He sat down across from her, his gaze unsettlingly soft, like a snake slithering over her skin.

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+25 BONUS

Chapter 433

Unable to hold back, Nyla finally spoke, “I don’t recall inviting you to sit.

“Nyla, I made a mistake before. After everything that’s happened, I’ve learned my lesson. I’ll pursue you differently from now on,” Gabriel said.

“No matter how you pursue me, I will never like you,” Nyla retorted.

She now saw Gabriel for what he truly was–manipulative–and she had no desire to maintain any contact with him.

For a moment, Gabriel’s smile faltered, but he quickly regained his composure. That’s fine. We’ll have plenty of time in the future.”

He stood and left.

As Damon entered, he crossed paths with the departing Gabriel, and his expression instantly hardened.

Gabriel narrowed his eyes, openly displaying his hostility.

“Mr. Sumner, what a coincidence seeing you here,” Gabriel remarked.

Damon met his gaze coolly, his eyes devoid of warmth. “Are we acquainted?”

Gabriel raised an eyebrow. “We will be soon enough.”

The tension in the air was palpable as their eyes locked, a charged hostility simmering between them.

It wasn’t until someone next to Gabriel reminded him of something that he broke his stare, offering a smile before walking away.

Damon immediately called Spencer, instructing him to have someone follow Gabriel. This way, they could monitor Gabriel’s movements and ensure he stayed away from

Nyla.

Approaching the table, Damon sat across from Nyla, who was gazing out the window. He tapped lightly on the table.

Nyla snapped back to reality and smiled faintly. “Mr. Sumner, you’re here. Let’s order.”

Damon flipped through the menu and selected several dishes–each one a favorite of Nyla’s.

Nyla took a sip from her glass, trying to suppress the sadness welling up inside.