Chapter 411

Rain lashed against the windows like bullets, the heavy drops cracking against the glass. I curled into the corner of the sofa, fingers twisting the edge of the blanket absently.

My phone screen lit up. A message from Liam: "I'm downstairs."

I bolted upright, the blanket slipping to the floor. Through the downpour, I could barely make out his silhouette beneath a black umbrella, standing under the streetlamp as water cascaded from its edges.

"What are you doing here?" I stood in the doorway, rain soaking the cuffs of my pants.

He closed the umbrella, droplets sliding from his hair. "I heard you quit."

I turned away, nails digging into my palms. "Just company layoffs."

"Really?" He stepped closer, the chill of rain clinging to him. "Then why did HR say you resigned voluntarily?"

I bit my lip, throat tight. Raindrops fell from the eaves, forming a curtain between us.

"Come back with me." He held out his hand, palm up. "The board reversed their decision."

I stared at his slender fingers, still glistening with rain. "You know I won't."

"Why?" His voice sharpened. "Because I didn't tell you about the acquisition?"

The downpour drowned out my sigh. I turned to leave, but he grabbed my wrist.

"Let go!" I struggled, rainwater soaking my sleeve.

He didn't budge, his gaze cutting like steel. "You think quitting solves anything?"

I yanked free, stumbling back against the doorframe. "At least I won't have to see you every day!"

Lightning split the sky, illuminating his suddenly pale face. Beneath the thunder, I heard him murmur, "So that's how you feel."

Water trailed down his jaw—rain or something else. He turned and walked into the storm, leaving the black umbrella by the door.

I stared at it, the fabric already saturated. In the distance, an engine roared to life, taillights blurring in the rain.

My phone lit again. An unknown number: "Bring your designs to headquarters tomorrow. 9 AM."

I clenched the phone, droplets from my hair splashing the screen. Outside, the storm raged on.

"Those bald monks from Westminster Abbey wouldn't miss a chance to cozy up to Lady Margaret."

The black-clad man's eyes gleamed. "You mean..."

Gongsun Zan clutched his bleeding wound, teeth gritted. "Exactly!"

"Once I recover, we'll join forces with Westminster Abbey and turn this region's underworld into a river of blood!"

"That brat emperor secretly trained such elite royal guards—no wonder he ruined our plans!"

He staggered to his feet, face contorted with pain as his wound tore open.

"Move out!"

A carrier pigeon soared northwest with a sealed message.

Gongsun Zan fled toward the Appalachian Mountains, seething with hatred.

The next dawn.

Imperial Consort Evelyn's chambers were warm with fragrant incense.

Emperor Nathan buried his face in the snow-white curve of her neck when hurried footsteps echoed outside.

"Your Majesty!"

Royal guard Luna knelt on one knee. "Elder Feng reports—Westminster Abbey has sent envoys!"

Nathan's head snapped up. "The abbot himself?"

"Only Abbot Juexiu from the outer temple, with two junior monks."

Nathan rose with a cold laugh. "Their noses are sharp indeed."

"Evelyn, help me dress!"

The imperial study wafted with sandalwood incense.

"Amitabha. This humble monk greets Your Majesty."

Abbot Juexiu bowed respectfully with his disciples.

Nathan's gaze was razor-sharp from the throne. "Abbot, did you just wish me 'ten thousand years' of life?"

"If I don't live that long... wouldn't that be treason?"

Juexiu's expression flickered. He clasped his hands. "Your Majesty's achievements will endure through eternity."

"Hah!"

Nathan slammed the table, sending teacup shards flying. "What silver-tongued monks!"

Juexiu frowned. "What does Your Majesty imply?"

"Imply?" Nathan's eyes narrowed. "Your oily complexion suggests generous temple donations fund your feasts."

Juexiu's voice hardened. "The pure need no defense."

"Pure?" Nathan's roar shook the room. "Your disciple wore black brocade from Xingnan Cloth Shop—the same shop massacred to the last soul!"

Monk Jiexin paled.

A shadow crossed Juexiu's eyes before his benign mask returned. "Your Majesty, the foolish novice stole temple funds—"

"Bullshit!"

Nathan shattered another teacup. "Do I look like a child to you?!"