Chapter 24: Storm’s Happiest Day

At the Fujikawa mansion, the two main subjects of discussion remained blissfully unaware of the commotion they had stirred. Seated in the backyard, they enjoyed the crisp summer air, sipping iced tea and indulging in freshly sliced watermelon.

Since it was currently summer in Hokkaido, Haruka had enthusiastically suggested a swim in the pool, only to be met with two flat refusals.

Ethan, however, was secretly disappointed. A missed opportunity to see his wife in a bikini? Tragic.

Just the thought of it sent his imagination spiraling—her flawless, porcelain skin shimmering under the water, those long, slender legs, her curves accentuated by the fabric—

No, no! Bad Ethan.

"Lillie-chan~ are you sure you don't want to swim?" Haruka whined, pouting. "The water is so nice and refreshing! Come on, join me."

Yes, yes, wife. Listen to your friend.

"These snacks are enough to cool me down. Stop pestering me," Lillie said flatly, not even glancing up from her watermelon.

Haruka gasped, clutching her chest as if she had been struck. "Wuwu... Lillie-chan is so cruel..."

Wife, you're so cruel. Even Ethan wanted to cry.

Lillie, completely unfazed, continued munching on her fruit, savoring the refreshing sweetness. Being in Japan almost felt like a vacation, a rare reprieve from her otherwise relentless work schedule. Perhaps coming here wasn't such a bad idea after all.

Ethan, too, had similar thoughts. For the first time, he wasn't dealing with Lillie as a business rival or as the Bai heiress—just Lillie, as she was, enjoying a peaceful moment. He made a mental note to bring back a souvenir and, more importantly, sneak a stolen picture of her. One to frame, preferably larger than the infamous breakfast photo.

As the horizon melted into hues of amber and gold, the sun dipped beneath the skyline, making way for the luminous silver moon.

After dinner, the three went their separate ways for the night.

Lillie locked her bedroom door and headed straight for the desk, turning on her laptop. Meanwhile, Storm had already made himself at home, sprawled lazily across the carpet, rolling around to cool himself down.

He missed his master's bedroom back at the Bai Ancestral Estate—cool in the summer, warm in the winter. Then again, perhaps it wasn't the room itself but rather her presence that made it feel like home.

Being sent away had devastated him. Lillie had been with him since he was just a pup, found abandoned in the dead of winter. In her absence, he had withdrawn from everyone, even Haruka, refusing to interact, spending his days sitting by the estate's massive gates, waiting for the day his master would return for him.

Now, at last, she was here. He couldn't contain his joy—wagging his tail, bounding after her, offering his rare, toothy grins.

Lillie glanced over at Storm, amused by his sprawled-out position. A small chuckle escaped her lips as she walked over, kneeling beside him, fingers sinking into his thick, black fur.

"Haruka has taken good care of you," she murmured.

Storm huffed in response but begrudgingly agreed. Yes, that human had gone to great lengths—enduring his tantrums, ensuring he ate well, even suffering through his protests during bath time.

"I'm sorry I had to send you away. Were you lonely without me?"

Storm let out a soft whine, rubbing his head against her.

Lillie sighed, a rare warmth filling her chest. "I'll take that as a yes."

Shutting her laptop, she abandoned her work for the night, giving her loyal companion her full attention. Allowing him onto the bed, she let him curl up beside her, his large frame pressed close.

Storm buried his snout against her neck, inhaling deeply. Her scent—it was home.

"Don't worry," she whispered, stroking his fur. "After this, you'll come back with me."

Storm perked up instantly, leaping up to lick her face.

"That eager, huh?" Lillie chuckled, wiping her cheek. "Haruka will be sad to see you go. She's taken care of you for two years, after all."

Storm froze. True, that human had a place in his heart. She had been kind, patient, and never once abandoned him, even when he refused to acknowledge her at first.

Still, no matter how much he had grown to care for her, his loyalty was unwavering. His master was his priority. He had to return to her side.

Because the threats against her weren't over.

Those bastards may have been dealt with—but they weren't the only ones after his master's life.