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
"Only Morpheus and Sephy aren't like that. They respect and understand me. Sephy told me once, 'One's appearance doesn't indicate anything. A clean heart is what truly matters!'"Rebecca chuckled dismissively."You're a psychologist, yet you fail to grasp this," Wynn said coldly. "Actually, I pity you. You could have stepped out, yet you insist on dwelling on the trivialities."Morpheus has psychological barriers, a consequence of returning from the battlefield. No one has cured his PTSD except Sephy... It shows that a true psychologist is never just a title."What truly heals everything is love!"-One particular morning a year later, sunlight streamed through sheer cream curtains onto the floor.Persephone was sound asleep when she suddenly felt something pressing down on her... Then, Morpheus' strong arms wrapped around her slender waist. She drowsily opened her eyes to find him sealing her lips with heated kisses.Over the year, his kissing skills had improved, and Persepho
With Morpheus' involvement, the police didn't slack off and quickly found Rebecca.That day, Rebecca was preparing to escape from a small port. The boat she had found was an illegally operating one.As she was about to board, piercing sirens sounded nearby.The boat owner, enraged upon hearing the sirens, grabbed Rebecca by her hair and pushed her into the water.Rebecca screamed for help, but he roared, "I didn't expect you to be sent by the cops!""I'm not..." Rebecca choked on water. "Sir, let's leave now. Your boat is fast. As long as we reach the open sea, no one will catch you!""Dream on!" The boat owner wanted to strangle her. "Do you not understand? These sirens are from the royal guards! Who did you bitch provoke?"Rebecca was dumbfounded. Being a foreigner, she naturally didn't understand the local affairs in the Southeast Aciatic region.The police and royal guards quickly caught up, armed, and surrounded them.Rebecca turned pale and trembled all over, her gaze gr
"You had no choice on the battlefield."Persephone looked at him with her crystal eyes. There was a magical power in them. Even if a devil was tearing him apart, her eyes would always bring him back to light.She smiled and caressed his cheek. "Though you killed your father, you saved the country.""Do you really… think so?"She nodded. "You're not at fault. He was the one who made a mistake. You were just fulfilling your job as a general to protect the country."But I also understand that he's your father who brought you up, after all. You guys must have had happy days before that happened, right?"Morpheus held his head low in silence."You did well as the protector of the country," she said softly. "But as a son, you can secretly pay homage to him."Persephone held his hand. "Reconcile with your father, Morpheus. You'll also reconcile with yourself by doing that, okay?"He was stunned for a long time and felt a lump in his throat.-Morpheus stayed with Persephone in the
"No way!" Christopher smirked, glancing at Morpheus. "To him, you're his only princess! I just got lucky for the princess carry, thanks to you!""Yeah, at least you're self-aware!" Persephone nodded, rubbing her chin."We've known each other for so long! What kind of person do you think I am?" Christopher laughed. "I can be a bit shameless at times, but..."But upon learning that the one she loved was the unbeatable god of war, he willingly stepped back, offering his blessings with a smile."Okay, okay. You two stop crowding around me!" Christopher waved his hand. "Sephy needs more rest, and I'd like to get some more sleep, too! Once we heal, let's go out and have some fun together!""You're still thinking about fun?" Morpheus' deep voice intervened with a wry smile. "With the factory explosion incident, the royal family is furious and will thoroughly investigate it. Many people will probably be coming to talk to you both in the next few days. After all, you two are the most direc
"Let's get out first!""Hey, wait..." Persephone pointed to the other side.In moments of life and death, it wasn't appropriate to laugh, but Morpheus still chuckled. The young Prince Christopher was sprawled on the floor in a very ridiculous pose, and they almost forgot about him!"Don't worry," Morpheus whispered. "I won't let anything happen to him."He had Persephone cling to his back and then carried Christopher.Christopher was a tall fellow, so it took some effort to carry them both to a safe place.Fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars rushed in. Their sirens pierced the sky, startling a flock of birds.The fire was soon extinguished, and Persephone and Christopher received timely treatment. Luckily, their burns weren't too severe, and even more fortunately, their faces were unharmed.When Christopher woke up, he felt bandages wrapped around his head, and his skin had a burning sensation. His heart sank, and he was almost on the verge of tears."Tell me the truth! A
There was fire everywhere. Flames rushed toward Persephone like menacing dragons. Her consciousness grew increasingly blurred, but the searing pain coursing through her body became clearer. She struggled to get up, the agony almost unbearable.Despite several attempts, it was futile...Something was pinning her feet down, and stones kept falling on her. She couldn't even muster a shout.Many images flashed through her mind in that fleeting moment, each frame featuring Morpheus' face…She remembered the times they had spent together in Flinge, how he had initially distanced himself from her, then later had exerted every effort to protect her. She recalled how he would gently ruffle her hair and call her "silly goose"..."Morpheus, I'm afraid I might have to go first..."The fire grew fiercer, explosions resonated continuously, and she could no longer hold on.Christopher, who was nearby, wasn't any better.Amidst the roaring flames, he couldn't see anything clearly, only pulling
"No need, you can go back first." Morpheus glanced at him. "I'll wait here for her a little longer.""Prince Christopher wouldn't do anything to Ms. Hamerton...""Alfred, what are you thinking?" Morpheus couldn't help but chuckle. "I know exactly what Christopher is like, but I just want to wait here for Sephy. Christopher mentioned that she'd specifically designed these fireworks for me. Hah! I'm the useless one. I don't even dare to go inside and take a look.""Sir, don't say that.""If I wait here, will it count as accompanying her in her efforts?"Alfred nodded.Morpheus smiled and sent Alfred back. He continued waiting under the tree.The air in Southeast Aciatic was hot and humid. The shade of the banyan tree offered some relief, but it couldn't completely dispel the oppressive heat.Morpheus took a deep breath, about to move elsewhere, when he glimpsed a suspicious figure swiftly darting through the factory's side gate.The security at the side gate was lax, making it e
Christopher struggled to swallow the bite of the sandwich in his mouth for what seemed like ages. He gazed at Persephone, his mind wandering back…He didn't just know Morpheus. He had been close since childhood to the children of the two prominent military families in Southeast Aciatic.Compared to the Harrises, he preferred visiting the Ortons, especially when he got to spend time with Morpheus. He considered Morpheus a friend, a brother even, having engaged in countless mischief together, much to their parents' dismay.In his memory, Morpheus was someone who smiled a lot, radiating warmth and brightness like the Southeast Aciatic sun when he did.However, from the moment Kaiden betrayed the country, Morpheus never smiled again, gradually growing distant from Christopher as well.It wasn't until that evening at the gates of the palace that Christopher felt like it had been a lifetime."I... I don't know him." Christopher forced a smile. "Where would I have met your boyfriend!"
Morpheus wasn't just an ordinary person!Christopher wholeheartedly accepted his defeat to Morpheus."Then... I'd like to invite you to come over to my place for a while as a friend. That's fine, right?"-A few days later, Persephone finally ran into Christopher, who had been missing in action for days, in the classroom."Hey, you finally showed up!" She dashed over, plopping down in the seat beside him and handing him breakfast. "You haven't eaten, right? Let's eat together!"Usually, Christopher would readily accept, but he waved his hands now. "No, no, no!""What's wrong?" Persephone widened her eyes. "This breakfast isn't poisoned!"Christopher awkwardly smiled. "You have a boyfriend, so maybe... we should keep some distance."Persephone burst into laughter. Then she remarked, "Strange... Morpheus was right!""Uh, what?""My boyfriend!" She chuckled. "He made this breakfast. I asked if he could also make a portion for you, and he said sure, just worried you wouldn't tak