"Don't worry," Emma said with a soft smile. "Once I earn enough star coins, I'll replace this cheap nutrient for you. I won't let you suffer for long." Damian fell silent. This female knows how to make her words sweet or sharp, playing both sides well. When Emma noticed he was still clutching the bottle without speaking, she continued gently, "If you feel wronged staying with me like this, you don't have to. You can just request a dissolution through the system. I'll be sad, but if it means you'll have a better life, I'll let you go." Her face radiated sincerity, each word seeming genuine. Damian drew a deep breath, reminding himself to endure. The ore is gone, and I still lack the star coins I want. Leaving now means total loss. "Don't say things like that." He forced a smile, saying, "Why would I leave you over a vial of nutrient fluid?" To prove his point, he twisted the cap open and downed the liquid in front of her. Ugh! This tastes awful. I feel like throwing up! Suppressing the urge to gag, he put on a smile. "Ms. Tibarn, I'll just step into the washroom for a moment. I'll be right back." Understanding as ever, Emma said, "If you're not feeling well, you should rest. You don't have to stay with me all the time." Impossible. I haven't yet achieved my goals. "I'm fine. Just wait for me," Damian said quickly, hurrying off. Werk! Watching his flustered retreating figure, Emma bit back a laugh and cheerfully headed for the kitchen. What on earth is he plotting, pushing himself through something so revolting? Hopefully, he won't end up ruining himself in the process. If Damian is honest—if he simply admits he's broke and wants to dissolve the match—I wouldn't make things difficult for him. I'd agree without hesitation. Instead, he twists himself up in schemes, making everything far more complicated than it needs to be. … By the time dinner was ready, Emma had prepared a steaming pot of dumplings, along with two side dishes. The fragrance filled the house, rich and mouthwatering. Drawn by the scent, Drake arrived almost immediately. Delicious. This female truly has a talent for cooking. … Meanwhile, in the bathroom, Damian managed to vomit out all that low-grade nutrient fluid. After rinsing his mouth, he drew a vial of high-tier herb nutrient fluid from his band and drank it down. The tart-sweet taste was refreshing—exactly what a fox like him loved. Now this is what an Etherian should be drinking. Then, suddenly, a new aroma teased his nose—warm, savory, and utterly unfamiliar. He sniffed at the empty vial in his hand. Not that. He opened the bathroom door, following the trail of scent until it led him straight to the dining room. There sat Emma and Drake, already eating. Plump dumplings floated in broth, topped with verdant herbs. Damian had never seen such food, but the aroma was irresistible. And then there were two plates of beast meat in front of Emma—the aroma, bold and overpowering, spoke of her skill in preparation. "Ms. Tibarn," Damian said, his eyes narrowing in accusation as he stepped forward. "What are you two doing?" The two of them are feasting in secret, not even bothering to call me over. So, Drake gets to eat, but not me? Biased. Completely biased. "Eating, of course." Emma's tone was calm, almost innocent, as if she had nothing to hide."Then, why didn't you call me?" he asked, his voice tinged with wounded grievance. How could they eat something that smells this amazing and not share it with me? "I thought you preferred nutrient fluids," Emma replied, tilting her head in feigned puzzlement. Only a fool would like those disgusting things. Dragging a chair out, Damian sat down firmly. "I don't like them. I want real food too." His eyes looked as if he accused her of blatant bias. Emma ignored him until she finished her last dumpling. Then, calmly, she said, "But I didn't make your share tonight." His gaze darted to the untouched bowl beside Drake, and he nearly drooled. "Then, I'll have that one." "No." Emma quickly caught his hand before he could reach for it. "That's Drake's." "Why is it only him who can eat? Ms. Tibarn, you're playing favorites. Is it because I came later? Do you like him more than me?" We're all matches—who's supposed to be nobler than the other? Emma met his glare, calmly explaining, "The reason Drake gets to eat is simple—he paid me in starcoins. 300 million a month for my cooking." She leaned forward, her expression serious. "Since you've seen it, I'll explain the rules here. Until there's an official bond, everything must be fair between matched partners. If you want something, you pay for it in star coins. Once we're bound, then we'll share everything as a family." Family? Who on earth wants to be family with her? Damian almost choked on his own fury. So Drake hands over 300 million, and she gives me nutrient fluid worth 20 star coins a vial? She's toying with me on purpose.