The next morning, Steven woke up earlier than usual. Not because he had to work, but because he couldn't sleep because Nora's words from the night before kept running through his head.It's up to you.That sentence hit him harder than all the previous accusations.Steven went down to the kitchen. He wanted to make breakfast for Nora as usual, even though last night their feelings had plummeted without brakes. But when he opened the refrigerator, he found something that made him stop.There were two fancy food boxes with a small note that read:"For Nora. From Ryan."Steven closed his eyes for a moment. He felt like a stranger in his own home.Nora appeared a few minutes later. Her hair was still messy, but she was smiling—a smile that wasn't for Steven."Oh, have you seen it?" Nora picked up one of the boxes. “Ryan sent this earlier this morning. He said I probably didn't have time for breakfast.”Steven swallowed hard. "What did you say to him?""That I appreciate it."There was

"I'll let you see who you're really looking down on."The words echoed in the dark living room. There were no witnesses, no listeners, except himself. Steven stood up slowly, straightening the suit he had carelessly thrown down. His eyes were empty, but deep inside there was something new—angry calmness.He went to the kitchen and turned on the kettle. Waiting for the water to boil was like waiting for his own time to come.Five minutes later, the front door opened. Nora entered with quick steps. She looked tired, but not because of Steven. More like someone who was chasing something, and Steven wasn't part of that goal."Who's that tea for?" Nora asked coldly, watching Steven pour hot water."For me," Steven replied briefly."Great. Don't make anything for me."That tone was no longer blunt—it was outright insulting.Steven didn't reply. It was useless.Nora took off her bag and went straight into the room to get some things. The sound of the closet being opened loudly, drawers

That night, the city seemed normal. The building lights were shining calmly, as if the world was not moving towards someone's destruction. But for Steven, everything had changed.He sat in the chair—a small, simple room in a temporary apartment. There was no luxury, no symbols of power. Just Steven, his laptop, some documents he had long neglected, and the calm before the storm.Leon entered without knocking."Sir, everything is ready," he reported as he placed a thick folder on the desk.Steven closed his laptop. "All the evidence?""Yes. Starting from Ryan's illegal transfers to several key employees at Nora's company, the financial reports he manipulated, to the recording of his conversation with one of the illegal investors who wanted to take over the business."Leon continued, "He has set a trap to bring Nora down. If his plan succeeds, he will take over the company within three months."Steven nodded slowly, his expression showing no surprise whatsoever."Nora doesn't know an

After those words left Steven's mouth, he walked steadily out of the cafe. There was no doubt or regret. All the pain he had endured was enough. Now it was Nora's turn to feel it.Leon then followed behind.“Sir, shall we begin gathering evidence for the third phase?”Steven nodded. "Yes. Today, we made Ryan lose his last ally.""Alright."Meanwhile, at Nora's office, the atmosphere was chaotic. Everyone was talking about the same news: Ryan's company was under intense scrutiny. Rumors were circulating that he would soon be arrested.Nora sat pensively in her office. Her eyes were puffy, her face a mess. She tried to read report after report, but every letter seemed to move. Her head felt heavy.There was a knock at the door."Come in," Nora said weakly.Her assistant stepped in. "Mrs. Nora... there's one more thing.""What else?" Nora massaged her temples."Our main investor has canceled the partnership."Nora looked straight at him. "What?!""They said they didn't want to get i

It has been two weeks since the divorce was finalized. It had been two weeks since Steven closed the door without looking back. And in those two weeks... the world seemed to have changed.And finally back to where he belongs.That morning, a private helicopter landed on the roof of the 86-story building owned by Hawthorne Global Holdings, the largest multinational company that Steven had been running behind the scenes.He stepped out of the helicopter, wearing a sharp black suit, a world-class watch on his wrist, and a piercing gaze—as sharp as a man who no longer carries burdens that are not his own.The man Nora once made seem small... is now completely gone.The shareholders, directors, and lawyers waited on the rooftop landing pad, greeting each other formally."Welcome back, Mr. Hawthorne."Steven nodded briefly. "Let's get started right away. Directors, to the meeting room. Now."No small talk, fake smiles, or hesitation.Steven's aura returned to his body as if he had just ret