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Toph rarely dined out with Renee. The hotel owned by the Hamerton Group offered every imaginable amenity, and
Toph had instructed the kitchen to prepare Renee's favorite dishes.
They sat across from each other, undisturbed by others, while a gentle violin melody drifted in from outside.
Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, creating colorful patterns on the luxurious carpet.
Everything felt serene as if time itself had slowed.
Toph smiled at Renee, who sat quietly with a strand of hair falling near her ear. She brushed it aside gracefully, her
fingers long and fair, just as they had always been.
Toph's heart skipped a beat.
Renee suddenly asked, "Toph, did you read the books I recommended?"
It was as if the tranquility had shattered, replaced by the jarring crash of broken glass.
He met her gaze again, only to realize that Renee had changed. There were many things in her eyes that he
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtcouldn't comprehend, much like those complex strategy theories that were gradually dampening his enthusiasm.
"Toph?" Renee's voice grew firmer. "I'm talking to you. What's wrong?"
"Oh..." Toph lowered his head, fidgeting with the food on his plate. "I-I read them..."
"Did you understand them?"
"Yeah."
"And the management theories? Those were all real examples of company management. Did you read those, too?"
Toph did not dare to lift his head, carefully trying to change the subject. "Renee, these shrimp ravioli are your
favorite. You—"
"Toph!" Renee's expression was serious. "Can you take this seriously?"
Toph fell silent.
"Tell me the truth, did you not read any of those books at all?"
Toph bit his lip, his heart pounding fiercely. He was like a cheating student before Renee. If he were not careful, she
would discover his deceit.
"Yes, I didn't read them..." Toph frowned. "Renee, why do you insist on making me do things I don't like?"
"Don't like?" Renee coldly chuckled. The sound of her cutlery hitting the plate was crisp. "Toph, you haven't even
stepped into the Hamerton Group. What right do you have to talk about likes and dislikes?"
"You..."
"You're your parents' youngest son. Haven't people always said that parents tend to favor their youngest? Why is it
the opposite for you?"
"Renee!"
Toph stared at her, panting heavily.
He had a lot to say. His parents had never favored one son over the other but always respected their individual
choices. They nurtured their talents and encouraged them since they were young. His first 20 years were sunny,
and he felt lucky to grow up in such a family. Even when he faced setbacks later on, he found comfort in his
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmchildhood memories.
He had no desire to take over the company. His life's goals were not about inheriting a throne.
Why could Renee not understand? Why did she find this wonderful family unbearable? Did people really have to vie
for something, or even engage in sibling rivalry, to appear successful?
Toph's clenched fists tightened, then slowly relaxed after a few deep breaths. "I-I need to use the restroom," he
muttered.
"Toph!"
Before Renee could finish, he had already rushed off. She sat there in anger, the delicious spread before her like
mocking eyes.
Her face turned ashen. She glanced at Toph's empty seat, noticing his phone left behind on the table.
Her heart raced, and she anxiously scanned the surroundings before swiftly taking his phone and discreetly hiding it
under the table.
Toph's phone had no password as he used facial recognition. Back when their love was strong, Toph had already
added her face to his phone's recognition system.
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