Mason took Sadie Roth to a seaside diner known for its fresh seafood.


    Mason guided Sadie Roth into a private booth he had reserved in advance, ordering all of her favorite dishes.


    Once the server left, they walked down memoryne, reminiscing about their college days. They were both beaming with joy-after all, those simple, pure, youthful memories were nothing but happy. After a while, Mason inquired about Sadie''s present situation.


    Her smile vanished instantly, and her expression turned solemn. She looked down, sipping her tea silently.


    "I heard from Arianna that you and Mr. Clemens of VIC Group... have a good rtionship?" Mason asked tentatively.


    "He''s my boss," Sadie replied, keeping her tone light.


    "Sadie," Mason cautioned earnestly, "stay away from the Clemens family!"


    She looked at him, puzzled, "Why do you say that?"


    Mason thought for a moment before simplifying his exnation, "There''s a saying in the business world that the North and South families are the titans of the corporate arena, but they''re also intricate webs of power. It''s tooplex for someone as genuine as you."


    "Oh..." Sadie nodded, a bit disappointed, "I thought you knew something specific."


    "What?" Mason was clearly baffled.


    "Never mind," Sadie smiled, changing the subject, "Let''s drink our tea."


    Mason was nothing like Ronan Potter, Micah Clemens, or any of the ruthless tycoons...


    He had an affinity for the arts since childhood, loathed the cutthroat business world, and favored a life untouched by corporate scheming. He was in apletely different realm from those master strategists.


    Nor was he cunning and street-smart like those who thrive on social games.


    Unrted to the machinations of power, Mason''s approach to rtionships was untainted and pure he was like an ethereal being, simple and untouched by worldly concerns...


    Sadie Roth didn''t want him to get dragged into herplicated world!


    Soon, their seafood meal was served, and they chatted amiably as they savored the vors.


    Mason was as considerate as ever, caring for Sadie in the gentle ways she had grown ustomed to.


    As they ate, Sadie''s phone rang. Brenda on the other end said that Mia hade down with a fever again and had been rushed to the hospital...


    Concerned, Sadie immediately asked about the details.


    Brenda soothed her, saying it was just amon cold and fever, not a big issue, and that there was no need to worry. The child was just missing her mom, constantly calling out for "Mommy."


    Sadie Roth was dying to rush to her kids, but with the situation unresolved, she didn''t dare head to the countryside to bring them back. She could only implore Brenda to keep a watchful eye on them. "As soon as I clear this mess, I''ll be there," she promised.


    After hanging up the call, Sadie was heading back to her private dining area when she noticed the door of the booth across from her slightly ajar. Peering through the small opening, she caught sight of two familiar figures... It was Ronan Potter and Arianna!


    Ronan, apparently deep in his cups, looked dejected as he drank and poured out his sorrows.


    Arianna, clearly moved, couldn''t resist wrapping him in an embrace...


    He didn''t push her away; instead, he tenderly lifted her face and sealed her lips with a kiss...