As a child, Drake had come from hardship. He had been bullied by many—so many that he couldn’t even remember all their faces. And even though decades had passed… the shame never left him. He remembered clearly: back then, his one and only goal in becoming stronger… was revenge. And now, all these years later, he had indeed tracked them down. Every last one. Every single person who had ever tormented him—he had destroyed them. But even then… his heart had never truly known happiness. He felt hollow. Even in victory. Except when he saw her. Drake kept muttering Arthur’s words to himself, over and over. “To protect the ones I love… and the ones who love me.” And then—something clicked. He suddenly looked up, clarity flashing in his eyes. He realized… all these years, he’d been wrong. Ever since childhood, he’d lived under the shadow of pain and abuse. He had never escaped that darkness. He had been trapped by it. But today, hearing Arthur’s words, he realized—this wasn’t the life he wanted. That darkness had devoured his life. That obsession with revenge had cost him everything beautiful he once held dear. If only… if only he had woken up sooner, like Arthur. If he had embraced the beauty of the present, just maybe… things would have turned out differently. But because he had clung so tightly to hate, it had become his chain. So when the final score was settled—nothing was left in his heart but emptiness. And so many priceless things had slipped through his fingers.Drake suddenly stood. He looked down at his calloused, battle-worn hands. Old memories rushed in like a flood. He remembered the woman he had once admired—the one he had given up on, all for the sake of revenge. He had a chance with her. He knew it. But he had been so consumed with hatred… that he let that chance slip away. He had told himself: Once I’ve avenged everything, I’ll go back to her. But when the last grudge was settled… she was gone. Vanished. Not a trace of her to be found. By then, Drake was already a man of immense power. He had resources, reach, influence—he could move mountains. And yet… he still couldn’t find her. She had disappeared like mist. Vanished from his world. He had searched for her for years. Decades. But no matter how hard he tried, he never found even a single clue. Not even a photograph. Her face… he was starting to forget it. He had never married. He had been waiting for her. But even now… he didn’t know if he’d ever see her again. And if he did—would she forgive the man he had become? Drake didn’t know. Arthur and Ashley watched him, stunned by his sudden shift in mood. They exchanged a glance, unsure what had stirred him so deeply. Arthur could only guess—maybe Drake had his own regrets. Ones that time had never healed.Drake stood by the window, looking far into the distance. It was as if he hoped that, through the landscape, he might glimpse the one person still lodged in his heart. Arthur sensed it was time to stay silent. He said nothing, letting Drake drift through his memories. Time passed. Outside, the banquet was beginning to wind down. Finally, Drake spoke again. “Arthur,” he said. “If you truly wish to grow stronger… then take the entrance trial. If you pass and become a member of Heaven’s Cult—your business will flourish. And there will be people willing to help you.” Arthur pressed his lips together, thinking. Drake, seeing his hesitation, added, “Don’t worry. Heaven’s Cult isn’t some shady cult. We might not be saints, but we don’t do anything that violates conscience.” His tone was firm. In his eyes shone something rare—conviction. She had once told him that what mattered most in a person… was character. Drake couldn’t claim to be a good man. But he had never done something that kept him up at night. After a long pause, Arthur gave a firm nod. “Then I thank you, sir.” Drake nodded in return. Then, still facing the window, he waved his hand. “Go on. Get ready.” With that, the bodyguard waiting by the door stepped forward and gestured politely. “This way, please.” Arthur didn’t linger. “Excuse us,” he said. Then he and Ashley followed the man out. The bodyguard did his job well—he escorted them all the way to their quarters. Before leaving, he handed Arthur a file.“This,” he said, “is from Mr. Drake. For you, specifically.” Arthur accepted it with a nod and a thank-you. Then the man left. This time, they had been given an upgraded residence—luxurious and spacious. Arthur didn’t care much about the luxury. What mattered most… was that he and Ashley were finally allowed to stay together.