Theodore sighed. "Rest and recuperate well. I'll send someone to find your ex-boyfriend. When I do, I'll use my network to make sure he sits in jail for a few years. I'm sure he's committed multiple crimes.""Thank you. If you really manage to find him, putting him behind bars is enough. But what should I do before you find him? He could come to me anytime. He said he'll never set me free and will kill me. He looked like he had gone mad.""I'll send someone to protect you. Don't worry.""Theo, can I…""What?" Theodore could sense that Aurora had something to say. "Just speak your mind. Don't beat around the bush.""Theo, I'm really scared. Can I stay with you before you find him? Don't worry, if you don't want me disturbing you, I won't. I'm just so scared to be by myself… I have nightmares when I sleep."Afraid that he might misunderstand, Aurora hurriedly added, "Don't worry, once he's found and put behind bars, I'll move out immediately. I'm just so scared right now. Please, I
The two of them sat around the dining table, eating dinner as they chatted.Theodore looked disinterested as he chatted with Aurora. She could sense that as well, so she went silent and didn't bother him much.After dinner, he told her to do whatever she pleased before returning to his room. He never came out and Aurora wondered what he was doing inside.Aurora hovered outside Theodore's room, pacing back and forth many times. She wanted to knock on the door and talk to him, but she stopped herself many times for fear that he might be annoyed with her.Yerick said that he could make her get pregnant with Theodore's child.Although she managed to move to Theodore's place, he wasn't passionate with her at all, unlike in the past. He would never touch her.Aurora put her hand gently on the door as she whispered, "Theo, I'll do anything for you. I really love you."In the deep of the night, Theodore tossed and turned on the bed, unable to fall asleep.He pulled out a drawer and ret
Theodore spoke fiercely, and Aurora seemed to be frightened by it. She sat up on the bed and wrapped the sheets around her body, shivering."I suddenly remembered the places that my ex-boyfriend might be hiding and wanted to tell you about it, but the moment I stepped into your room, you pushed me onto the bed," Aurora said, biting her lip and lowering her head as tears trickled down her cheeks.Theodore tried hard to recall what happened last night based on Aurora's claims, but he felt as though he lost a part of his memories last night. He couldn't imagine himself doing what Aurora claimed."You mean that I forced myself upon you?""I…I didn't mean that," Aurora said, gripping the sheets tightly. "Theo, you wanted me and I was certainly willing to give myself to you. You didn't force me to do anything. I thought you wanted me last night. I didn't expect you to question me the moment you woke up. What happened? Did I do something wrong?"Theodore recalled that he seemed to have l
Theodore took his original pills to a pharmaceutical quality testing laboratory. He knew someone from there who did a composition analysis on the pills.The results showed that it was a legitimate psychoactive drug prescribed by the hospital and there were no issues with it.Theodore wanted to test the pills because he suspected that someone switched out the pills, but based on the test results, the pills were exactly what the doctor had previously prescribed.Perhaps he was overthinking.He had been exceeding the dosage during this period. The doctor had reminded him about the strong side effects of the pill and warned him to strictly follow his instructions, but he didn't heed the doctor's orders. He deserved whatever happened to him.For a long time, he had been relying on medication to maintain his mental state, which was hanging by a thread. Otherwise, the thought of death was always haunting him. Theodore drove back home.Upon hearing his car, Aurora immediately ran out.
Two weeks passed by in a flash.Life was a living hell for Theodore without his medication. The sleeping pills did help him sleep, but they couldn't soothe his nerves.He went to the doctor again, who told him this was a withdrawal symptom and he tried to counsel Theodore about it.Without the support of medication, Theodore found himself spiraling.Back at home, he was tortured by insomnia. Even the pills failed to help him sleep. In the day, he couldn't concentrate at work no matter how hard he tried. He became even more hot-tempered, irritated by anyone who crossed his path.In the CEO's office…Theodore flew into a rage, throwing documents on the floor and scolding some of the senior executives of his team."What in the world are you doing?! Useless bums! You can't even do something so minor!"They were all frightened by Theodore's outburst. He was seldom so bad-tempered and always behaved very respectably. Even if his subordinates did something wrong, he wouldn't flare u
At their last encounter, every word Rosalie said to Theodore was piercing. Now that she was calm after not seeing him for a while, she realized Theodore's state seemed to be deteriorating.She bore a grudge against him, but seeing him like this instinctively made her sentimental about their past.Theodore heard Rosalie's words and looked at her, stunned. After a long silence, he murmured, "Live for myself?"He suddenly chuckled. "I am living for myself. I'm doing well, don't worry."He spoke with a tinge of panic, betraying his true mental state.He looked as though he was trying to hide something, and Rosalie knew that she wouldn't be able to pry it from his lips. She nodded instead. "I certainly hope so.""Rose, you and Justin…"Theodore paused for a moment, his breathing suddenly erratic as he felt a twinge of pain in his heart."Theo," Rosalie said, "my life is my own and your life is yours. It's good enough that we lead our own lives peacefully. Don't bother yourself w
Theodore was about to stand up to stop Rosalie when someone knocked on the door.His secretary walked in. "Mr. Spencer, two policemen are here, asking to see you."Right after she said that, two policemen walked in. "Mr. Spencer."Theodore approached them, asking, "What's the matter?""Do you know Aurora Payne?""I do. What's wrong?""She's suspected to be involved in a murder case. According to our investigations, she was with you for a while previously. We want to know more.""Involved in a murder case?" Theodore asked. "Who died?""Her ex-boyfriend, Calvin Zabel. His corpse was fished out of the river, and he's been dead for around two weeks. According to our investigations thus far, Aurora Payne was the last person he saw before his death. However, she claims to be with you around two weeks ago."Theodore instinctively turned to glance at Rosalie.Rosalie had nothing to say about Aurora and Theodore being together. She had no reason to be jealous since she and Theodore we
Meanwhile, Theodore testified as Aurora's alibi and bailed her out. By the time they left the police station, the sky had turned dark.The night air felt chilly, and Aurora shivered in the cold. Theodore took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders."The police said that he died two weeks ago," Theodore said. "You were the last person he saw before he died."Aurora's eyes were still red, her face etched with fatigue. "I have no idea. He did look for me then, and even beat me up. You know that, too. He offended way too many people, and all of them want him dead. He asked me for money the day he looked for me because he truly was at his wits' end." Theodore was silent. Seeing that, Aurora exclaimed in shock, "Theo, do you really think I killed him? I did not! How could I possibly do it? I…""There's no need to explain," Theodore said, cutting her off. "I didn't say that you killed him, or I wouldn't have testified for you.""Theo, I have no idea how or why he died. No wo
Dinner was pleasant and harmonious.After the meal, the three of them sat in the living room and chatted. The atmosphere was especially warm and relaxed.Most of the conversation between Rosalie and Theodore revolved around the book she was about to write.Rosalie asked Theodore many questions, and he answered each one carefully, offering his advice. In this field, he was indeed more knowledgeable than Rosalie as he had years of experience. His insights were sharp, whether viewed from a macro or micro perspective.As their discussion grew more complex, it reached a level where others could no longer understand.Justin sat silently on the couch, watching them. Even though he didn't understand their conversation, he wasn't annoyed. His gaze remained fixed on Rosalie.It was as if he couldn't find a place in their discussion, nor did he want to interrupt. So, he simply watched them quietly.Unknowingly, time slipped away, and it was already 9.30 PM. Justin glanced at the clock.His gaze l
"It's great to hear you say that! Once I've got a draft, you'll be the first to read it. If there are any mistakes or areas that need improvement, you have to point them out," Rosalie said.Theodore nodded and replied gently, "I can't wait to read it."Sitting quietly to the side, Justin watched their interaction. For a moment, he felt that the two of them were truly a perfect match. After everything they had been through, they could still share a meal and discuss these matters. They shared the same interests and values.And what about himself? Did he and Rosalie have anything in common? He knew nothing about finance. He was just a cold-blooded assassin. Only when he was with Rosalie did he feel like an ordinary person, but in reality, his true identity was one he could never reveal to anyone.Theodore was different. He was born into a prestigious family, had a high status in society, and had remarkable knowledge.Rosalie should be with Theodore. Only he could give her the life she de
Theodore asked, "Then how do we know whether this so-called financial critic is telling the truth or not? After all, not everything is just a rumor.""Exactly! That's a great question," Rosalie replied with a smile. "This brings us to credibility and information verification. I want to clearly address this in my book and discuss how to determine the credibility of financial information, much like verifying sources on the internet. I can share methods for cross-checking company reports, financial data, and news sources."If a company is indeed facing an issue, we need to analyze the specifics—what kind of issue it is, whether it can be resolved, or if it is just a normal part of a business cycle. Sometimes, we can't just focus on a single point; we have to take a macro perspective. "It's like a person with a mole on their face—if someone isolates that mole and uses it to argue that the person is not human, that wouldn't make sense. The mole is merely a part of the person, but it doesn
Rosalie eventually agreed to Theodore's suggestion to fetch her home on a helicopter.Instead of going to the car park to get her car, Rosalie went to the top floor and waited there. Very soon, a helicopter arrived and she hopped on. She managed to reach home in less than forty minutes.Rosalie remarked to herself that it was indeed good to be rich.When she walked into the living room, she saw Justin and Theodore playing with Steve.They blindfolded Steve and randomly exchanged positions, and made him guess where his father was. Steve sometimes burrowed in Theodore's embrace, and then in Justin's arms at other times. He was completely fooled by them.The two men were playing like children and having a blast.Warmth spread across Rosalie's heart at the scene before her.When they realized that Rosalie was back, Justin exclaimed, "Rose, you're back!"The two men looked at her and immediately tugged the blindfold off Steve's face for fear that she might scold them.Rosalie ignor
"You're praising me?" Theodore exclaimed, as if he heard something unbelievable. "It's completely reasonable for you to punch me."Justin patted Theodore's shoulder. "I'm standing right here, alive and well and able to see Rose, precisely because you defeated the evil within you. The one standing before me is the good Theodore. If I were to punch you, who'd be willing to save another?""If I were you, I'd punch me," Theodore said.Justin shook his head. "Not so. You might think this way because you haven't actually experienced it for yourself. Once you do, you'll realize that many things aren't what you thought they were, and that would change the decisions you make."Theodore had a newfound respect for Justin. If the world had more people like him in it, it would probably be a more beautiful place, without conflicts and struggles and endless criticisms and personal attacks.Theodore was starting to understand why Rosalie liked Justin. He was a man worthy of her fancy.Their rela
Justin reached Theodore and Rosalie's place at around 5.20 pm.He didn't come early, because Rosalie told him that she could only reach home at 5.30 pm earliest. He wouldn't be able to see her by coming early, anyway.Theodore was at home and came out to welcome him."You're here."Both men weren't antagonistic against each other, but there was a tinge of awkwardness in the air."You've recovered well," Theodore said politely, but it was what he genuinely thought.Justin was previously shot in the head and had half his head shaved. Some hair had grown out since then."I have recovered pretty well. Oh yes, I haven't thanked you for what happened previously," Justin said. "What for?" Theodore asked."After I got shot, everyone thought I was dead, but you noticed my finger moving. Had you not said anything, I might really have died."Theodore didn't immediately accept Justin's expression of gratitude. In fact, he felt rather guilty. His first reaction at that time was not to
Rosalie returned to her room and pondered hard before finally calling Justin back.He answered the call quickly and his voice came through the phone. "Hey, Rose. What's up?""Justin, come to my place tomorrow. You, me, and Theo, we'll have dinner together.""Tomorrow?""Yes, are you free?"Justin pondered for a moment before saying, "I am, but does Theo know about this?""He does. He agreed to it.""Alright, then. I'll head over tomorrow.""Where will you be tomorrow? I'll go pick you up after work.""It's fine, I can head over myself. Just give me your address.""I'll do that. You must come.""I will. I always do whatever I promise you.""Okay, I'll take you at your word. I'll text you my address. I knock off at five in the evening and take around half an hour to drive home. You can arrive here earlier than that."The two of them hung up soon after.Rosalie immediately drafted a text to Justin to inform him of her address. She was so worried she might get it wrong that s
Theodore fell silent for a few seconds before saying, "I know. I know deep in my heart that's what you feel."Rosalie suddenly felt cold, not because of the wind but because her heart had turned cold. "Theo, let's go home. I miss Stevie."Theodore nodded. "Alright, let's head home."These were stolen moments, and the time they shared right now was due to end.Rosalie turned around and suddenly stepped on something which caused her to lose her balance and almost fall.Theodore wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his embrace. "Be careful."Rosalie was still recovering from the slight shock when she turned her head and realized how close they were to each other.Suddenly, Theodore cupped her cheeks in his hands and kissed her lips.Rosalie was stunned as memories flooded her mind. She felt tears welling up in her eyes and in that moment, she forgot about pushing him away. It was only when a thought suddenly came to mind that she shoved him away.In the past, she might
Rosalie recalled the rose Theodore gave her this afternoon, which he claimed he bought from the streets.A cold wind blew past, and she shivered slightly—it felt chilly. Theodore very chivalrously removed his jacket and draped it over her shoulders."Theo, I'm fine. I'm not cold. You wear it." She was worried he might catch a cold instead."I'm fine." When Theodore draped the jacket back on her shoulders, he put his arm around her shoulders and left it there. The two of them looked very intimate.Just then, Rosalie's phone rang. It broke the awkward moment that was brewing.Rosalie gently nudged Theodore's arm away and picked up her phone. "Hello."It was Justin calling. "Rose, it's me.""Hey, Justin. What's up?""Nothing, I just wanted to call to ask if you're asleep.""Not yet, I'm still out.""Oh? Are you out alone?""No, I'm with Theo," Rosalie said frankly."Right," Justin said, not pursuing the matter. "I won't bother you two, then. I just wanted to check in on you, n