Zac stared at Solivair's caller ID, a dark glint flashing in his eyes. He stepped into a secluded spot and answered the call. "Master." The title "Master" was Solivair's demand; all his subordinates had to address him this way. Zac was no exception. Given Zac's current standing, he wasn't important enough for Solivair to treat him differently. The call was short. Solivair only gave a few orders before hanging up. But after the call ended, Zac's expression turned evil. A closer look revealed fine beads of cold sweat on his forehead. "Arthur…" Zac murmured the name, his emotions complex. Hatred, anger, and other indescribable feelings were felt by him. From the moment John brought him into the Gray family, his fate had been fixed. He and Arthur were destined to be mortal enemies. Zac turned and left the corner. Meanwhile, Arthur and Ashley had just returned to their dorm. The two finally relaxed, sprawling onto the bed with a long exhale. Arthur sighed contentedly. "The dorm is so much more comfortable!" The hospital had been unbearable… There were bad food, restless sleep, and constant disruptions from nurses checking in at night. Ashley chuckled. "Only you few get such special treatment–your own private villa and such a quiet, independent space! Who else gets perks like this while studying?" Arthur rolled onto his side with a smile. "Since it's so nice here, why don't you just move in permanently?" Back when Ashley was at Skyward Academy and he at Governance University, the long separation had been torture. If not for his reluctance to make Ashley give up her own path, Arthur would have tied her to his side just to see her every day. Ashley froze at his words. She'd missed him terribly during their time apart too. But as a Skyward Academy student, she could only temporarily study here. She couldn't stay away from her own school indefinitely. She hadn't attended Devon's classes in days. Seeing her seriously considering it, Arthur burst out laughing. He reached out and ruffled her smooth hair, enjoying the silky texture."Ashley, I was joking. Right now, our priority is to finish our studies and graduate early. Then we can stay together forever." He rested his head against hers and rambled on. "I do want you by my side all the time–eating together, walking together, sleeping together, studying together. But I'd never want you to lose yourself just to be with me. You're your own person, not my appendage. I don't want you to abandon your dreams and goals for my sake. Over time, that would make life feel meaningless." His words were sincere. Ashley listened quietly. Arthur's magnetic voice had a calming effect on her. His earnestness made her feel secure. His words touched her deeply, warmth flooding her heart. She turned to meet his gaze. "Arthur, thank you," she said with equal sincerity. Thank you for understanding. In her world, even her parents', the norm was for men to lead and women to follow. Her mother had given up her career to be a homemaker, only returning to manage the family business after her father's political downfall. This wasn't unique to her family. Many around her shared this mindset that women were meant to rely on men, especially after marriage. Their highest calling was to be wives and mothers, with no need for personal achievements. In elite circles, some men even forbade their wives from excelling beyond them, fearing it would hurt their egos.