After being taken to the police station, Ruby knew she couldn't keep hiding the truth, so she confessed everything. She had already anticipated this outcome when making her choices.

It seemed her luck had never been good.

Born into a family that valued sons over daughters, she had worked hard to get into university and join a lab.

Her family, desperate to repay her brother's gambling debts, tried to force her into marrying an old widower from her village.

If it hadn't been for Sullivan saving her on several occasions, she might have already ended up living that life.

Selling the apartment Sullivan left her was supposed to be her way out a chance to start fresh in a place where no one knew her.

But life, as always, had other plans.

Ruby knew she had been selfish and greedy. Still, if her family hadn't pushed her to the brink, she might never have gone down this path. After finishing her confession, she told the officer, "I'd like to see someone."

...

When Nyla was informed that Ruby had been arrested and wanted to see her, she remained silent for a long time.

In the end, she decided against it.

"There's no need for me to go," she said. "Please tell her this: I hope she never makes the same mistake again."

The officer replied, "Ms. Kinsey, she also asked us to pass along a message if you refused to meet her. She wanted to say she's sorry." "Thank you," Nyla said softly before hanging up.noveldrama

Taking a deep breath, she pushed the matter aside and focused on documenting her experiment.

If Ruby had sought her help earlier, perhaps things wouldn't have come to this. In the end, it all came down to her own lack of resolve and her decision to take a shortcut.

But shortcuts, as often as not, were riddled with thorns.

That evening, Damon noticed Nyla's low spirits on the way home. He set down the document he had been reviewing and asked, "Still upset about Ruby?"

Nyla shook her head. "It's just... I feel a little emotional. Back in Capitarnia, she was the hardest-working person in the lab. Whenever I went there, she was always present.

"Sometimes, she'd even stay in the lab for a month straight, waiting for results. If only she hadn't made that mistake, she could have had the life she wanted."

Damon pulled her into his arms,

replying, "Everyone has different life experiences. When faced with the same situation, people make different choices. She just couldn't resist temptation. Don't dwelton it too much." S

"Mm," Nyla hummed.

When they arrived home, Nyla stepped into the living room and

was surprised to see Valarie on the floor, playing with Mason, while

Brandon sat on the sofa, looking dotingly at them.

Why were they there together?

Seeing Nyla and Damon enter, Brandon rose to greet them. "Uncle Damon, Aunt Nyla."

Damon nodded. "Let's talk in the study."

"Okay," Brandon replied.

The two men disappeared down the hallway, leaving Nyla to join Valarie and Mason. She crouched beside them and asked Valarie, "You and Brandon have made up?"

"Mm, he apologized-and he was sincere about it. So, I forgave him," Valarie answered.

"Weren't you the one calling me late at night, vowing never to forgive him this time?" Nyla teased.

Valarie blushed, rolling her eyes. "Look who's talking. Don't you do the same with Damon when you two fight?"

Nyla laughed. "Fair point. I'll let it go. By the way, has Tom stopped pestering you?"

At the mention of Tom, Valarie

scowled. Don't even bring him up. It's so annoying! He's been sending flowers and expensive gifts to my office every day lately. He's never been this generous before.