Toph hadn't heard from Renee in days. Slowly, he realized their relationship could never return to what it once was.During this time, he came to understand a few things. Since their relationship had taken its course, it was best to let things unfold naturally. Not pushing too hard might show respect for their relationship and preserve their last shreds of dignity.Furthermore, he found something he enjoyed.He could chat about comics with Arya daily and discuss plots. When he got stuck, Arya would draw the characters with him. His comic had started serialization again, and with Arya's help, he had made some changes that led to a steady increase in viewership. While it hadn't reached the previous 100,000-plus mark, watching the data steadily rise gave Toph a great sense of accomplishment.Most importantly, he could be himself around Arya.She didn't pressure him with complicated theories or push him to compete for control of the Hamerton Group. In Arya's eyes, family and happiness
They agreed to meet at the coffee shop near the Thompson Group the next day.Renee wore a white outfit and appeared tired. She arrived before Toph and patiently waited for him by the window.This coffee shop used to be their regular spot, and this seat was their usual place. However, everything had changed, even though the setting remained the same.When Toph entered the coffee shop and saw Renee by the window, it felt like he had been transported back in time for a moment. She held her cup carefully, her gaze hesitant as she looked at him, not daring to speak.A pang shot through Toph's heart, like needles pricking him.He walked over slowly and sat across from her. When Renee saw him, she froze for a moment and then smiled, pushing a vanilla latte toward him."This is your favorite," she said.Toph glanced at it and smiled wryly.It was not his favorite.He loved the rich and sweet macchiato. He had only said he liked it when he brought her here for the first time. After tha
Renee stood there, utterly shocked by Toph's unexpected reaction. She had always viewed him as the wealthy, naive son she could easily manipulate.In their previous conflicts, no matter how heated they became, Toph would invariably return to her like an obedient puppy whenever she shed a tear and showed vulnerability.However, something in his eyes had changed this time. Panic briefly gripped her, but she regained her composure and continued crying."Toph, what am I to you? I have realized my mistake and genuinely want to be with you. You're an exceptional man, and I should cherish you—""That's right, I'm quite exceptional." Toph forced a smile. "I must have seemed like a fool to you, huh?""Toph!""Do you have any idea what I've been through?" He locked eyes with her. "I felt like I was losing my mind. No matter what I attempted, there was always a voice in my head saying, 'You can't do it...'""Renee, I started having nightmares. I'd wake up in the middle of the night and cou
Renee even told everyone about her attempted suicide."I swallowed sleeping pills because of this man, and I almost lost my life! But now he's leaving me just like that. I really don't know what I did wrong..."Renee sobbed uncontrollably, leaving Toph standing there, utterly bewildered and unsure of what to do.Suddenly, someone forcefully dragged Toph away. He was stunned when he realized the person who had pulled him out was Lena."Stop this nonsense, Renee!" Lena glared at her. "Do you only find happiness in destroying him?"Renee was taken aback, her eyes turning sinister.Lena stepped forward to stand in front of Toph. She had coincidentally passed the cafe close to the Thompson Group on her way to buy coffee. She had never expected to stumble upon this confrontation."Renee, tell us how he treated you," Lena said earnestly. "Speak honestly with your conscience. You were ready to betray the Thompson Group for your own selfish desires, and now you're threatening him. I used
Before Nicholas lost his temper, Lena became agitated. She took a step forward, raised her arm, and delivered a resounding slap to Renee.The world fell silent after the slap.Renee looked up, stupefied. Her cheek stung, but she found herself staring into a pair of clear, bright eyes."H-How could you hit me?" she stammered."I struck a rabid dog," Lena replied, her expression unchanged. "I cherish peace and can't stand incessant barking."Renee seethed with anger, ready to fight Lena with her life. However, Nicholas intervened, forcefully pushing her away with one hand.She stumbled and fell to the ground with a thud. Before she could retaliate, Toph pulled her up."Don't touch me!" she screamed at the top of her lungs.Toph felt embarrassed as he disregarded her struggles and yanked her away.He used to tolerate her, even showing gentleness when they held hands. Renee hadn't expected him to be so strong."That's enough, Renee," he insisted, dragging her away.Despite the o
The people in the office discussed among themselves. The incident had become gossip. Not only that, but the more it spread, the more ridiculous and horrible it became.-Zuko called people from the IT department over."Mr. Hamerton, the email was blasted to many. Not only that, it was sent through the company's intranet, but the IP address has been erased. Although we can't find out who did it for now, we're sure this person is familiar with the company's IT system."Zuko squinted. In reality, he knew Renee was the mastermind without even checking. What surprised him was that someone was helping her.It seemed Melvin's men were still dominating the Thompson Group."Erase all trails of the email," he ordered. "We must minimize the impact!""Got it, Mr. Hamerton."Zuko turned his head to look at them. "Also, how long do you guys need to find the culprit?"They looked at each other, not daring to delay on this mission."Two days!""Sure." Zuko nodded, "Bring that person to me t
Lena sat there, unsure of what to do. Lina could sense her unease and intentionally asked, "Why do you look like that?" She chuckled.Lena looked up after a moment of hesitation and said, "Lina, did you..."She wanted to ask, "Did you not receive that email? Don't you feel uncomfortable after seeing those pictures?"Ultimately, she asked, "Don't you have any questions for me?"Lina gently placed the bowl she was holding down and took Lena's hands."Zuko is investigating. We'll soon find out who sent the email," Lina assured her."Lina, those pictures... They're real." Lena bit her lip. "I saw Renee fighting with Toph at the cafe the other day. I went up to stop her, and she threw a glass at me. I didn't know your father was behind me when I dodged the glass.""You don't have to explain." Lina smiled warmly. "I believe you."Lena teared up. Hearing those words meant the world to her.She looked at Lina with emotions welling up, uncertain how to express herself."Sis..." She
As Chris reached for his third slice of pizza, Zuko intervened. "Are you trying to eat yourself to death?"Chris was taken aback, but he quickly regained his composure and rolled his eyes. "Let go! I skipped breakfast.""So, you're compensating at lunch?" Zuko sat beside him. "I'll also have a pizza with extra pepperoni, please!"Julius looked at Zuko in puzzlement, wondering why Zuko was back again.Soon, their pizzas arrived, and Zuko joined the eating session. He glanced at Chris and asked, "Did you hear about the email that got leaked at the Thomson Group?"Chris responded glumly."I've uncovered the truth," Zuko revealed. "Renee is the mastermind, and Melvin's team assisted her on the technical side.""Melvin?""That's right."Chris scoffed. "He's like an annoying ghost!""Renee reached out to them. She bribed people at the café to obtain surveillance footage from that day and sent screenshots of the more incriminating angles."Chris slammed his hand on the table. "Wher