LOGINJust as Lenny escorted Nick and Khloe to the dedicated security checkpoint, Khloe called out to stop him."Let's part here, Lenny."She glanced at the other assistants and staff accompanying them. The luggage Lenny had been carrying was immediately taken from his hands.But Lenny was completely confused. "Madam… what do you mean?""It means you're staying. You won't be coming with us to Swinterland," Nick spoke calmly as he stepped closer, studying Lenny for a moment before lifting his hand to pat him lightly on the shoulder.Lenny's suit was as impeccably pressed as ever.Thinking about it, Nick realized he had never seen him dressed any other way. From the very first day Lenny joined the Hunt Group and began working at his side, he had strictly followed Nick's habits and standards in every detail."Sir… did I do something wrong?"Lenny was stunned. All these years, no matter where Nick went, he had followed like a shadow."No. I just have something I need you to handle this
After settling everything at the Morrison Group, Khloe could finally leave with peace of mind.When she stepped out of the office building, the car was already waiting at the entrance.Nick had been sitting inside for quite some time, yet he hadn't made a single call to rush her. He had always been endlessly patient with Khloe—no matter how long he waited, it never felt like too much.After watching Khloe's car drive away, Charlotte suddenly felt as though someone was watching her from behind.She turned around—and across the street, beneath a tree, she caught sight of a familiar figure.The man looked just as he had before. Tall and broad-shouldered, his presence drew attention wherever he stood. He wore a simple hooded sweatshirt, with a black fitted tank underneath.He stood facing forward—directly toward her.Noah!Charlotte's heart began to race.Before she could think, her body moved on instinct.A road separated them, traffic surging back and forth. Before she could re
Khloe nestled against Nick's chest, finally drifting into sleep. Nick closed his eyes as well, his hands firmly wrapped around her shoulders, as if holding her could anchor his own peace.Lenny sat alone nearby. The night was deep, yet sleep eluded him entirely.…The next day, at noon, on the top floor of the Morrison Group building, a shareholder meeting wrapped up in the executive conference hall.The doors swung open, and shareholders and executives filed out. Shortly after, an appointment notice was sent via email to all employees.Due to CEO Khloe's indefinite leave, the Vice President, Ethan, would temporarily assume the role of CEO. Michael, as acting director, would oversee the project and R&D departments. Charlotte was promoted to Chief Secretary to assist Ethan.At the same time, the CEO's office gathered its staff. Charlotte and Khloe's original team were present. Ethan, having just completed the reinstatement formalities, limped in.Michael, however, was absent. He
"You…"Nick had always respected other people's privacy, but this time, he felt a flicker of annoyance toward Lenny.Khloe quickly cut in. "Don't worry about it. If he doesn't want to say, that's fine—it's not a big deal. Lenny, could you pour me a glass of orange juice?""Yes, ma'am." Lenny knew she had just saved him from an awkward moment and immediately went to do as asked.The moment he left, Nick pulled his hand back from Khloe's firm grip with a sigh. "I know him. He must have been… bullied.""By Michelle?" Khloe asked softly.Nick's voice turned cold. "Who else?"Earlier that day, Nick had called Michelle. Michelle, already back in Goldmont City, had rushed to ask after Lenny's condition when she heard he'd taken sick leave. Only then did Nick learn that Lenny had almost drunk himself into alcohol poisoning the night before.But Michelle hadn't wanted to talk. She'd found an excuse to hang up quickly, leaving a faint trace of guilt behind."Lenny's personality is cheer
Nick had been right—everyone must pay the price for their choices, and everyone has their own struggles shaped by their limitations.It felt as though years of knots in Khloe's heart had finally begun to unravel.She and Barney talked for a long time, until a knock on the door from the bodyguard reminded her that it was time to leave."Khloe," Barney called after her again.She glanced back. He pressed his lips together, the faintest smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Take care of yourself… you're pregnant, so be careful in everything you do.""I will," she said.Before leaving, she straightened the corner of his blanket. "You too."Barney hesitated, reluctant to let her go. "If you can… once you're there, let me know you arrived safely.""Okay."Seeing her nod, a flicker of joy crossed his face. He smiled. "Go on, then. Don't keep Nick waiting."Khloe nodded and glanced at him once more. Words of farewell lingered on her lips, yet still felt awkward. But the air bet
In the end, Khloe couldn't bring herself to be truly ruthless.Nick had been right—if she couldn't let go, there was no reason to force herself.She couldn't forgive her mother for abandoning her. She couldn't accept that Barney, as her brother, had colluded with Angela against her. Yet, at the same time, she couldn't simply watch a family member die.Before coming to the hospital, Khloe had wrestled with herself. Maybe walking away silently would spare her and Barney the awkwardness of facing each other again. But Nick had seen through her thoughts.He knew what Khloe wanted wasn't decisiveness; she just couldn't untangle the knot in her heart, couldn't persuade herself to confront it."Everyone has their faults and struggles," Nick had said. "You don't have to forgive anyone, and you mustn't be hard on yourself."Her mother's abandonment wasn't forgivable, but it had already doomed her to a life of pain she could not redeem herself from—she had already faced her own reckoning.
Nick's steps were steady and assured, and Khloe felt perfectly safe in his arms. She rested her head lightly against his chest, a soft drowsiness creeping in.By the time they arrived at her apartment, the night was deep and quiet. Nick carried her into the car, up the stairs, through the door, and
"Lenny said you haven't been eating properly these past few days. If your throat hurts, start with something light—it'll feel better.""…Thank you."Looking at the spoonful of porridge brought to his lips, Nick felt a surge of embarrassment. His Adam's apple bobbed awkwardly, but in the end, he le
But before Trey could step forward for a closer look, someone grabbed him from behind."Mr. Fox, I knew you'd had too much to drink. The restroom's over there—I'll take you," a business associate who had just come out of the VIP room said. Seeing Trey barely able to stand, he quickly pulled him asi
Trey's assistant knew the full story. After Angela found an excuse to get him out of the way, she, wanting to let Pete vent his frustration, gave him a metal rod and sent him to scratch Khloe's car.Angela had carefully scouted the garage and noticed there were no surveillance cameras. Pete was







