It had been raining heavily since the night before, soaking the entire city and creating a monotonous echo on the windows of skyscrapers. But nothing was as loud as Nora's heartbeat as she stood in front of Steven's penthouse door—soaking wet, cold, and desperate.Steven knew she was there. He heard the knocking and the little voice calling his name.But he remained seated on his sofa, sipping whiskey without turning his head, allowing the woman he once loved to feel a small fraction of the pain he had endured for years.-About Valerie and Steven-Earlier, Valerie had asked Steven, her voice hesitant."If you didn't like how Nora treated you back then... why are you doing the same thing to her now?"Steven looked at her without emotion. "Because you're paid to play a role. Don't mix work with feelings. So don’t ask more. I know you want a lot of money.”Valerie was silent. She realized that she was not Steven's girlfriend, not his potential partner, not anything at all, even though

6:00 a.m.The city was still dark, most people were just waking up, but Steven was already standing in front of his penthouse window. A cup of hot coffee in his hand, his face calm, as if it weren't going to be a chaotic day.But in fact, it was quite the opposite.Leon arriveqs carrying a tablet containing a report. "Sir, the media schedule for eight o'clock is ready. Would you like to proceed?" Steven nods briefly. "Execute." No expression, no emotion. Steven works like an executioner accustomed to beheading without a tremor of the hand. 8:00 a.m.All the news portals exploded again:"New Evidence! Ryan Thomas Suspected of Stealing Money from Nora's Company!""Nora Covering Up Ryan's Fraud? Here are the Transaction Screenshots!""Employee Testifies: 'Director Nora is No Longer Stable.'""New Photos of Steven and Model Celia Gibson, Relationship Growing Closer."The media arranged it like a series of blows.Deliberate and deadly.Ryan immediately became a national trendi

That night, after Nora left with a broken face, Steven didn't do anything right away.He just stood there for a long time in front of the glass window, gazing at the twinkling lights of the city, like the discordant notes of a chaotic orchestra of life.Leon stood at the end of the room, anxious but silent. He knew that expression—not angry, not smiling, not sad.That was the expression of a leader who had discovered his enemy's weak point."Leon," Steven finally spoke softly. "Close the comments section on all posts related to Ryan for the next 48 hours."Leon frowned, not understanding what Steven meant."To protect his image, Sir?"There was no response for several seconds.Then Steven smiled faintly."No. To delay its destruction."Leon was silent and nodded.Steven didn't want Ryan to get discouraged quickly. He wanted the public to first be curious, then wonder, then start digging, before finally destroying Ryan without him even touching him.***Two days after Nora and Steven'

His eyes stared at Nora intently. They no longer looked at her with love. Even if Steven still loved her, he would not show it. He then slowly put down his spoon, as if testing Nora's courage.Then he leaned forward slightly."Say again," he said softly.Nora flinched slightly."S-Steven, I... I want to—""No," he cut her off coldly. "Not that. Repeat what you just said, without trembling."Nora bit her lip.Her eyes were watering, but Steven's gaze forced her to remain sitting upright."If I want to satisfy you, will you let me sleep here, Steven?"Steven smiled faintly.It wasn't a sweet smile—but the smile of a man who had just made sure someone was kneeling in the right place."Finally," he said softly. "You're starting to speak honestly."Nora looked down, holding back the tears and shame that burned her throat.She had lowered her pride as much as possible in order to be with Steven again.Unfortunately, Steven was not easily moved. He wanted to teach Nora a lesson for what sh

Nora's grip faltered. Her breath caught in her throat.Meanwhile, Steven... A small smile appeared, faint—but very cruel."Let him in."Ryan then appeared with the door open in a hurry. His face was haggard, his hair messy, his breathing labored, his eyes red. He clearly hadn't slept well since the scandal broke.As soon as he saw Nora, he was shocked, then looked at Steven with a mixture of fear and anger.“Steven… we need to talk.”Steven just cut his steak calmly. "I'm having dinner with my ex-wife, the one you manipulated on.""You ruined my life!" Ryan's voice trembled with panic, ignoring Steven's words. "That photo—the comments—everyone is attacking me! You have to stop!""I have to?" Steven raised his eyebrows slowly. The tone of voice was like the most subtle yet most piercing mockery.Ryan approached, almost like a drowning man reaching for a lifeline."Please," he said softly. "I... I don't have a job anymore. The brand terminated my contract... my family's reputation i