Chapter 164

Daimon leaned back in his seat, his fists clenched in his lap. “The pieces are all falling into place, Ertha. She didn’t just survive that night. She was reborn from it—with pain, with new scars, and with a need to run from everything she used to be. Including me.” Ertha's voice dropped to a quiet, thoughtful murmur as he stared out through the windshield. "Boss... I’m not just talking about how she looks. It’s deeper than that. Her entire aura, the way she speaks, how she carries herself—it’s all different. Elyana used to be gentle, soft around you. She couldn’t even bear to see you frown. Now… she seems indifferent, distant. It's like she’s built a wall so high you can’t even see the top." He paused, hesitant, then added, “Forgive me for saying this… but she doesn’t just ignore your kindness. Sometimes, it feels like she can’t stand being near you. Like she resents you.” Daimon’s jaw tightened, and his eyes lowered, shadowed by frustration and something deeper—regret. "I’ve asked mys