Chapter 45: Merging

Understanding what Ethan wanted, Lillie immediately felt awkward.

"Uh... I'm home?" It sounded more like a question than a statement. Ethan raised an eyebrow and shot her a soft glare.

Clearing her throat, Lillie corrected herself. "I'm home."

Satisfied, Ethan nodded and walked toward her, gently taking her wrist.

Storm growled. Don't you dare put your contaminated paws on my Mistress, human!

"Nanny Ying has already prepared dinner. Go clean up first—I'll fetch you in five minutes."

Lillie absentmindedly nodded, but a thought lingered in her mind. Lately, Ethan had changed.

She had noticed how he'd been taking care of her—reminding her to eat, ensuring she didn't overwork herself, and nursing her when she was sick.

Why?

What was his agenda? What was the reason behind all these thoughtful gestures?

Then Ethan smiled.

Lillie's ears turned red, and her heart skipped a beat.

What's wrong with me? Why am I getting affected by his charms again?

Back then, she had first noticed Ethan because of his looks, then his cool demeanor. He was the only person she had ever met who acted so much like her. Yet, because Lillie was a master at concealing her emotions, Ethan had never known that the admiration in her gaze was directed at him.

Even if someone beat him to death, he wouldn't have figured it out.

Five minutes later, true to his word, Ethan knocked on her door. When Lillie opened it, she unknowingly gave him a glimpse of her room.

His sharp eyes immediately locked onto a peculiar object on her bed.

A box.

Its keyhole looked uncannily similar to the key Lillie always wore as a necklace.

So it wasn't just an accessory after all…

Relief washed over Ethan—it wasn't some sentimental trinket from a past lover. But then, a worse thought crept into his mind.

If she keeps the key so close… then whatever is inside that box must be truly important.

Lillie, distracted by thoughts of the Underworld, failed to notice the flicker of change in Ethan's expression.

Last night, she had been feeling overwhelmed and had taken the box from beneath her bed to read the letters inside. She had held onto them for years, yet she had never tried to find out who the sender was.

Fear held her back.

Maybe the person had moved on, found someone new. Maybe the letters had been nothing more than the fleeting emotions of youth—a passing crush from a time when love was still naïve and uncertain.

Lillie had always assumed that, in the end, he wouldn't want to see the woman he had admired from afar but never received affection from in return. She might have entertained the idea of meeting him... if only he had made himself known.

She was an open-minded woman—relationships weren't off the table. But no one had ever dared to approach her, let alone pursue her.

Everyone felt inferior.

Unworthy.

No one could stand beside her without being overshadowed by her achievements.

That was why Ethan, who had once felt unworthy even to touch her fingertips, had done everything in his power to be her equal.

And where had that led him?

Heartache.

Later that evening...

"About that property I sent you last week—any thoughts?"

After dinner, Ethan and Lillie (with Storm lying beside them) moved to the living room to discuss business.

Since they were both heirs to their respective family empires and would soon be married, their companies were bound to merge. It only made sense to start integrating now.

With a glass of red wine in hand, Lillie replied, "I was thinking of opening another branch of Bai Château."

White Castle—a luxurious hotel chain under White Phoenix Empire. With numerous branches worldwide, it was the pinnacle of opulence, the most sought-after, most extravagant hotel experience money could buy.

If you never had the chance to stay there, you'd die full of regrets.

Ethan normally wouldn't object, but tonight, he had a different idea.

"You know we're getting married soon, right?"

Lillie's hand froze mid-air, the wine glass hovering just inches from her lips.

"Yes… what of it?"

"How about we collaborate on a new business?"

Lillie raised an eyebrow. "What kind?"

Their companies already had it all—hotels, malls, restaurants, hospitals, IT firms, entertainment agencies, clothing brands, automobile industries, jewelry lines, and more.

So, what else could he possibly want?

"An entertainment industry."

Lillie's expression darkened.

Her grip tightened on the wine glass.

He knew entertainment was her weak spot. And now he had the audacity to suggest they start one together?

Is he mocking her?

Sensing her displeasure, Ethan sighed. "Don't misunderstand—it's not like Sunrise Entertainment."

Lillie didn't look convinced.

He waved a hand in defense. "Seriously, it's different."

Still unconvinced, she narrowed her eyes.

"Look," Ethan started, carefully choosing his words. "Hong Long is strong in the entertainment industry."

Lillie blinked.

"And WPE dominates the gaming world."

Lillie nodded.

"So… why don't we combine the two?"

His words hung in the air.

Then, like a sudden revelation, Lillie's eyes flickered in interest.

"Like eSports?"

Why hadn't she thought of that before?