"Why don't you give everyone some time?" Raphael suggested. "Things might improve after dinner. Once everyone has the chance to know Van better, perhaps our parents will see him differently." "Really?" Janet's eyes immediately brightened. "Yes. Tonight isn't about forcing you to break up with him. It's about allowing everyone to understand each other." Janet smiled. "I knew you would understand me." Raphael returned her smile, though his heart felt heavy. Janet was still so innocent. She genuinely believed Van loved her. With a determined expression, she added, "Besides, I won't give up on my love. Just like you did." "Like I did?" Raphael's heart sank. "Yes." She looked at him admiringly. "You fought against everyone for Dorothy. You even left the family because you loved her. If our parents pressure me too much, I'll do the same thing. If they still refuse to accept Van, I'll elope with him." The words struck Raphael like a slap. For a moment, he could not speak.

Janet smiled. Those words meant more to her than Raphael realized. For years, she had watched her older brother become increasingly distant from the family because of Dorothy. Whenever their parents criticized Dorothy, Raphael defended her, and whenever the family tried to reason with him, he became angry. Now, however, Raphael seemed to have finally come back to his senses. Janet was genuinely happy. "Then you should deal with Dorothy as soon as possible. You can't keep dragging the matter out. If you really don't want to be with her anymore, then divorce her." "I will. This afternoon." "This afternoon?" Janet studied his face for a moment. Then she remembered something. “You and Dorothy have been married for several years. So I was just thinking, if you divorce Dorothy, what about the children you have with her?” The question caught him off guard. Janet spoke earnestly. “I mean, if you divorce her now, you’ll have to start all over again. I think maybe you shou

Raphael remained outwardly calm after hearing Janet’s words.He did not let the anger inside him show on his face.But deep down, he was furious.He already knew this was how Van had begun manipulating Janet in his previous life.Van was not the kind of villain who revealed his true nature immediately. He was far more dangerous than that.He knew how to pretend.He could act like a devoted lover, say all the right things, apologize whenever he crossed a boundary, and make Janet believe that his mistakes were merely the result of loving her too much.Little by little, he would test her boundaries and gradually lower her defenses.That was how he would eventually gain control over her.Raphael's fingers curled slightly.He remembered the end of Janet's life in his previous existence, and her desperate expression when Van and his mistress had kidnapped her.He remembered watching his sister being pushed toward a horde of zombies while she screamed for help.Raphael took a slow breath. He

Raphael waited until Janet had taken a few steps toward her wardrobe before calling her back."Janet."She turned around."Yes?"Raphael leaned against the doorway, his expression relaxed."There is one more thing I want you to do tonight."Janet looked curious."What?""When you and Van are talking during dinner, bring up the job."Janet immediately understood."You mean the position at Foster Group?"Raphael nodded."Yes."He paused before continuing."Don't just mention it casually. Talk to him about it seriously. Let him understand that this is an opportunity for him to prove himself."Janet nodded slowly."Okay.""And don't let him give up the moment he encounters difficulties."Raphael's tone became more serious."If Van truly loves you, then he should be willing to go all out for that love."Janet stared at him.Raphael continued."Love isn't just about saying beautiful things. If someone truly wants to build a future with you, they should be willing to make an effort. They sho

The moment Ben heard that Raphael intended to arrange a job for Van at Foster Group, his expression darkened."What did you just say?"Janet, who was still standing beside Raphael, immediately sensed the change in her father's mood."Dad, Raphael only wants to give Van an opportunity.""An opportunity?"Ben's voice rose."You want to bring that young man into Foster Group?"He stared at Raphael as though his son had just suggested handing over half the family business."Do you know what you're doing?"Raphael remained calm."Yes.""Then you have lost your mind again!"Ben slammed his hand against the armrest."First, you destroyed your relationship with the family because of Dorothy. Now you're trying to bring a tattooed street thug into Foster Group because Janet happens to be infatuated with him."Janet immediately frowned. "Dad!"Ben waved her off. "I'm talking to your brother."Raphael didn't argue.Instead, he walked closer to his father and lowered his voice."Dad, calm down.""