Chapter 163

Daimon didn’t respond right away. He paused briefly before stepping into the car, settling into the back seat without a word. His mind was in chaos, thoughts of Elyana crowding his head. Frustrated and restless, he pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and drew in a sharp breath, the smoke curling around him in the dim car light. Ertha slid into the driver’s seat and glanced at the rearview mirror. Seeing Daimon chain-smoking again made his heart clench. With careful words, he said, “Boss… if I said too much earlier, you can deduct my salary or give me a warning—I’ll accept it. But please, don’t take it out on your health. You know the doctor said your lungs can’t handle this anymore.” Daimon took one last drag from the cigarette before stubbing it out in the ashtray beside him. The city lights outside the window blurred into streaks as the car moved through the bustling streets. After a long silence, he finally spoke in a quiet, reflective tone. “Ertha… I know you’ve been with me through th