2025-09-23 16:59:44
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10
Morning sunlight pierced through the sheer curtains of Catherine’s bedroom, painting the room with a golden glow.The air was still chilly, but what jolted Kai awake wasn’t the cold—it was the alien heaviness in his body, the pounding ache in his skull, as if a hammer had struck him repeatedly.With effort, he forced his eyes open.And froze.He was lying on a wide bed draped in crisp white sheets, his upper body bare, the covers tangled loosely around his waist. Every muscle in him stiffened when he realized someone was beside him—Catherine, wrapped in a silk nightgown, her hair cascading down her shoulders, smiling faintly as she clutched the blanket.Kai shot upright, his breathing ragged. “What… what the hell happened last night?!”Catherine languidly brushed her hair back with her fingers, her gaze lingering on him with dangerous amusement. “You don’t remember? You were so… passionate, Kai. You begged me not to resist you. And so…” Her lips curved into a sly smile. “We finally le
9
The night grew deeper at the Leonard family’s mourning house. White candles on the main altar flickered weakly, as if grieving alongside those left behind.The scent of incense clung to the air, mingling with the fragrance of lilies carefully arranged beside the large portrait of Mr. Leonard. His warm smile, now frozen in the frame, had become nothing but a memory; his breath was truly gone from this world.Kai sat in the chair closest to the altar. His face was pale, his eyes swollen red from holding back tears for too long. Since afternoon, mourners had come and gone, offering their last respects. Now, the mansion had grown quiet. Distant relatives had already left, leaving only a few servants lingering at a respectful distance.Kai stared at his father’s portrait for what felt like hours. His trembling hand reached out, clutching at empty air.Father… I never even got to say I’m sorry one last time. How am I supposed to face all of this alone?The front door creaked open softly. Th
8
Tables lay overturned, glass shattered across the floor, and every gaze was locked on the two young men facing each other.Kai, chest heaving, glared at Zac who staggered on unsteady legs. A thin stream of blood trickled from Zac’s forehead where it had slammed against the corner of the bar table. Catherine crouched beside him, panic flashing in her eyes, though her glare toward Kai burned with hatred.“You… you dare fight me?!” Zac roared, trying to rise, though his knees buckled beneath him.Kai clenched his fists, holding himself back. “I told you. Don’t touch me again. Don’t lay a filthy hand on anyone else either.”A few patrons jeered, while others had already pulled out their phones to record. The noise only made Zac’s face turn a deeper shade of red.“Who the hell do you think you are, nerd?!” Zac spat blood and saliva onto the floor. “You’re nothing but a spoiled brat who happened to be born rich. Without your family’s name, you’re no one!”The words hit, but this time Kai di
7
The night air bit into his skin as Kai stepped out of the hospital. Neon lights flickered along the busy street, reflecting off car windows, but everything blurred before his eyes. Richard’s words, Dean’s sly smile, Zac’s cutting tone—they all still echoed in his head.Kai pressed his temples. It felt like his skull was stuffed with voices, each one fighting to be louder.“A puppet.”“A laughingstock.”“You can’t even control yourself.”His heart pounded hard, cold sweat coating his palms.“I need air…” he muttered, barely audible.He wandered aimlessly until a small neon sign caught his eye: Bar & Grill. The place didn’t look too crowded, soft music spilling from inside. Kai pushed the door open, hoping at least one drink might quiet the storm in his mind.The bar was dim, filled with the smell of alcohol and a faint haze of smoke. Kai slipped into a corner seat and ordered a soda with lemon—not because he didn’t want something stronger, but because his body already felt too unsteady
6
The cold hospital corridor turned into a battlefield the moment the emergency boardroom door opened. A long table was covered with files, laptops glowing, and stern faces surrounding it. Every pair of eyes shifted toward Kai as he walked in, stiff and tense.“He’s here.” One of the directors spoke flatly.Kai squared his shoulders, forcing himself not to show hesitation.Richard rose to his feet, a crooked smile on his face. “At last. The hidden heir shows up in the middle of the storm.”Kai stared straight ahead, silent.“Sit down.” Dean’s voice cut in, warm and soothing, as if to calm the room. “We’re all here for the company.”Kai pulled out a chair and sat, his heartbeat pounding in his ears.A bespectacled man—one of the senior directors—cleared his throat. “Mr. Leonard’s condition remains critical. The company needs certainty. If he cannot return, we must decide who will lead.”“That’s obvious.” Richard leaned back in his chair. “I’m the most experienced one here. I’ve been mana
5
The harsh hospital lights stung his eyes. The white floor gleamed, and the sharp smell of antiseptic filled the air. Kai walked quickly, almost running, chasing the gurney that carried his father’s body. The squeak of wheels mixed with the frantic shouts of nurses.“Dad!” Kai cried, his voice breaking. His hand managed to grasp Leonard’s arm for a fleeting moment before the emergency room doors slammed shut.“Please wait outside.” The doctor’s voice was firm, and then the doors closed completely.Kai froze, his breath ragged, his hands trembling. The world felt as if it had collapsed. Just minutes ago, his father had been standing tall on stage, speaking with a commanding voice. Now…Kai dug his fingers into his hair. Was this my fault? If I had fought harder against that announcement… would he still have collapsed like this?“Oh my God, Kai?”The voice snapped him back. He turned. Catherine stood at the end of the hallway, her dark blue gown striking against the stark white walls. Be
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