"Get up," Kael Renforth said softly.
Dr. Chou, humbled yet unwavering in his pursuit of medical excellence, rose to his feet.
Kael reached into his coat and withdrew a book, handing it to Dr. Chou.
This…
The weight of the book in Dr. Chou's hands made his legs tremble.
"Today, I am blessed to receive your wisdom, Mr. Renforth. I will never forget this kindness!"
Kael Renforth gave a slight nod. He could see the genuine passion for medicine burning in Dr. Chou's eyes. As long as that compassionate heart remained, passing down knowledge was a worthy endeavor.
"Mr. Renforth, may I make one humble request?"
Kael arched a brow.
"Go ahead."
"There's a charity auction happening the day after tomorrow. I would like to invite you to attend."
A charity auction?
Kael had no interest in such power plays or social games. But on second thought, it would be a valuable opportunity for Lyria to expand her network and build connections beneficial to Denvair Enterprises.
"Very well," Kael said with a nod. "I will attend—with my wife."
Before Dr. Chou could say more, Kael's tall figure disappeared into the night, leaving him standing there, as though in a dream.
Kael Renforth might have refused to accept him as a disciple, but in Dr. Chou's heart, Kael would forever be his master. That truth was indelibly etched into his soul.
When Lyria and her family returned home, it was well past midnight.
As soon as they walked through the door, Kael greeted them warmly.
"Mother, Lyria, I am back."
Lyria nodded.
"You've all had a long day. I prepared some late-night snacks—please have a bite."
Celine immediately plopped herself down at the table, shouting without a care, "I'm starving! Hurry up and bring it over!"
Kael said nothing, heading into the kitchen without complaint.
But then, Denvair's mother snapped sharply, "What are you doing?! Have some manners! Can't you serve yourself?"
Celine jumped, startled by her mother's uncharacteristic tone.
Her shock deepened as she realized this wasn't the norm. The entire family had grown used to bossing Kael around as though it were his role to serve them. But now?
What had changed?
Had her mother finally seen Kael in a different light?
Celine sat frozen, confused and a little shaken.
For years, Denvair's mother had looked down on Kael. To her, he was a lazy, unambitious man coasting on her daughter's success—a freeloader with no future.
But recently, her perception had shifted.
This son-in-law of hers—no ordinary man, she now realized. Kael Renforth was an enigma, someone far greater than they had imagined.
How blind I've been! she thought. All this time, pushing away such a treasure? Unforgivable!
Regret twisted in her heart. She would do anything to make amends.
When Kael emerged from the kitchen carrying bowls of food, Denvair's mother rushed to take them from his hands.
"Kael, let me handle this. You've done enough today!"
Her voice was unusually gentle, almost fawning, catching everyone off guard.
"Go on upstairs and check on Lyria," she added, giving him a meaningful look.
Kael nodded, setting down the tray. "Thank you, Mom."
Celine stared in disbelief, her mouth slightly agape.
Was this the same woman who had once encouraged Lyria to divorce Kael and marry someone else?
Kael returned to the bedroom, only to feel the atmosphere drop by several degrees.
Lyria sat at her vanity, silently removing her makeup.
Kael studied her carefully, but her expression revealed nothing.
The silence was suffocating, and an invisible weight pressed on Kael's chest.
He had faced countless dangers, stared death in the eye, and stood unflinching before armies. Yet now, in the face of his wife's unspoken displeasure, he felt utterly powerless.
"How is Grandma?" he ventured, attempting to break the ice.