Whitney's expression shifted.As she pondered, there was indeed something within the interlayer! She retrieved it and found a folded note revealing a bank name and a series of numbers when unfolded."What's this now?" She was perplexed.Cumulus Bank, a local bank, had its headquarters adjacent to the Quimby Group. Due to the Quimby Group's ownership, it was often referred to as the Quimbys' treasure.But what did the series of numbers signify?She fell into a momentary silence before carefully stowing away the note. Returning to her room, she decided to discuss it with Toby.-The Newhouses' banquet unfolded as scheduled.The Newhouses' hotel was abuzz with activity, hosting the elites of Cumulus City.Wilfred skillfully played the role of the perfect host.Besides him, Maisie was the center of attention.All eyes were on the young author who had already produced a best-selling book. The film funded by Wilfred was an adaptation of her work, and he had appointed her as the sc
Whitney adjusted her shawl and stood tall, exuding authority in the presence of those women."Tell me!" She raised her voice, projecting majesty. "I think I heard you say that my nephew is a... cuckold? I'd like to know how you came to that conclusion."The women knew Whitney was not to be offended and smiled as they attempted to leave. Unexpectedly, Whitney didn't let them go, her voice escalating.The onlookers turned their attention, and an awkward tension filled the atmosphere."Why aren't you saying anything?" Whitney scoffed, glancing at Maisie behind her. "This is my nephew's wife. Don't you know her?""We do, we do..." the women said softly."Then why did you criticize her?""You misunderstood us, Ms. Kinglake!" Danielle explained with a smile. "We were just chatting. We—""Chatting? You were crossing the line. How dare you stir trouble here?!"The onlookers observed in silence. Despite the rumors of Whitney disliking Maisie, she was standing up for her at this critica
Daniel gently wrapped his arm around Maisie's shoulder, embracing her. "Did my aunt make things difficult for you?""No!" Maisie hurriedly replied, "Someone was saying bad things about me, and Ms. Kinglake helped me out.""Oh?""I feel... I wasn't imagining things." Maisie smiled sheepishly. "I think Ms. Kinglake actually likes me...""Of course!"Daniel and Maisie exchanged smiles. The weight on their hearts dissipated like clouds gradually fading, soon to see the light.The Hamerton heirs also attended the banquet, except Lina, who was absent due to being in her later pregnancy stage.Zuko held Persephone's hand throughout, displaying his unconditional love for his daughter in front of everyone.Toph remained sociable, getting along with everyone. Wherever he was, laughter and joy rang out from time to time.However, today was a bit different. He had a new company by his side… Harvey followed him silently. Whenever he noticed charming or sweet women approaching Toph, he imme
Harvey glared at him and then turned to run away.Toph stood frozen, but Harvey had already run far ahead by the time he reacted. He spent a while in the banquet hall but found it uninteresting. He wanted to find Harvey but was clueless about the convoluted layout of the Newhouses' hotel. All he could do was wander around like a headless fly, searching here and there.At the same time, Jodie and Cindy were arguing in the lounge."Stop!" Jodie's tone was agitated. "You keep asking me for money repeatedly. Do you see me as an ATM? What kind of mother are you?!""Jojo!" Cindy almost knelt down, pleading, "Your brother's situation is terrible now... He's suffering so much in that rehab center! The Newhouses have connections. Can't you spend some money to get him out? He also has Type 2 diabetes and can't bear it anymore!""And how's that my concern?" Jodie's gaze was full of anger and despair.She even felt some empathy for Maisie. Over so many years, Cindy hadn't asked her for money
Jodie and Cindy froze in place, unable to utter a word."I used to just suspect, but I heard it firsthand today!" Harvey rushed to them, glaring at Cindy. "You, old witch! You've torn our family apart, yet you and your rotten daughter want to take over our family? Dream on! I'm going to tell my father now! I'll make sure you both have no place to hide!"Cindy panicked and grabbed him. Although Harvey was pale and thin, Cindy was a woman well past 50, so she was no match for a young man.Harvey shook off Cindy and ran outside but heard Jodie's sharp voice behind him."Someone! Get some help!"Harvey froze in place as if struck by lightning."Harvey's having an attack!" Jodie flashed a malicious smile. The moment Harvey turned back, she pointed her phone at him. "Harvey is really ill this time. Inform the doctor!"Harvey turned to look at her, his lips quivering.Over the years, he had been tormented by Jodie like this. Whatever the doctors injected into him during his "fits" alw
Jodie's face turned pale in sheer terror.Cindy was in tears, falling to her knees before Toph and clutching his trousers. "Please... Sir, I beg you! Don't drive my daughter out of the Newhouses... All of this was Delilah's idea. Jojo is innocent!""Get away!" Toph lifted his foot and flung Cindy far away. "You and your daughter are cut from the same cloth, thinking only of yourselves! Have you ever thought about the years of suffering Maisie endured, torn apart from her family?"And you... You treat Harvey like this, too!" Toph trembled with rage. "I won't let you off! You're not even human!""Mr. Hamerton!"Just as Toph was turning with Harvey, Jodie desperately blocked his path, also kneeling on the floor. She kept begging. The dull sound of her forehead hitting the floor sounded ironic."I beg you... Please don't reveal this! Otherwise, my whole life will be ruined!""When you were doing these despicable things, did you ever think about how Maisie's life was ruined by you?"
Wilfred furrowed his brow. "Ms. Kinglake, you..." Because of Anya, Whitney's relationship with him had plummeted to an icy point, almost reaching an irreconcilable state.Therefore, Whitney never participated in events where the Newhouses were present. Her attendance at this banquet today was akin to the sun rising from the west for Wilfred.Despite that, her words now were a bit too much.Wilfred spoke sternly. "I only hold admiration for Ms. Squire.""Whether you admire her or not, that's something only you know!" Whitney glanced at him disdainfully, her expression serious. "Wilfred, I must remind you—Maisie belongs to Daniel. They'll be getting married soon. Although I'm not entirely pleased with this prospective niece-in-law, I can accept her as long as my nephew likes her."But... certain old toads should stop dreaming of enjoying the luxuries of life! These toads should take a good look at their own character by the waterside!"Wilfred was infuriated but unable to retort
Wilfred sneered. He didn't even bother to look at her and turned to leave."Wilfred!" Delilah suppressed her emotions and approached him, speaking in a low voice. "Even if you don't care for Harvey, think about yourself... I heard that Harvey has been with Toph Hamerton, but now both of them are missing.""What did you say?" Wilfred was taken aback, his brow furrowing. "The second Hamerton heir?""Yes." Delilah looked at him. "Perhaps, as you said, Harvey and Toph might be off somewhere, but I tried calling Harvey's phone just now, and there was no answer. Wilfred, leaving Harvey aside, the Hamertons aren't someone to mess with! If something happens involving the Hamertons at our event, then it could—""Go and find them immediately!" Wilfred changed his stance immediately. "Inform security and search every possible place in the hotel. Ensure Toph's safety!"Delilah watched him leave hurriedly, her gaze as cold as ice. Her heart felt like a stone sinking deeper into the sea, hopele
"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