Stronger Every Time I Die
The news came so suddenly, Arthur couldn’t process it. Benjamin let out a long sigh, but his gaze was full of pride. He said gently, “Arthur, when I was out in the world not long ago, I heard all about you. At your age, to build Cloudia Corporation from nothing—it shocked me. I couldn’t believe you had such a gift for business.” “I’m getting old. And Nina… she’s too innocent. Given everything, I’ve been worried I wouldn’t have someone to pass all this on to. That’s why I left the island—to find you. I had no idea you’d already come knocking at my front door.” “This enormous legacy—I want it to be yours.” Arthur stood in stunned silence, still struggling to catch up. Just a moment ago, he’d been worrying whether he would even pass the Heaven’s Cult entrance test. It wasn’t just about the test. He was afraid that if he failed to enter the Cult, once he left the island, Solivair would retaliate. Solivair might not kill him—but he’d find other ways to make him suffer. Arthur knew full well. if Solivair ever got his hands on Ashley and used her against him, Arthur would cave. Ashley mattered more to him than his own life. The last time Solivair had traced a knife across Ashley’s face, if he’d actually made a move—Arthur would’ve surrendered immediately. But Solivair had someone he cared about too. Lynn. That was his weakness. And it gave Arthur just enough of an edge to turn the tables. Benjamin continued, “Arthur, don’t worry. I’m still healthy. I’ll guide you step by step.” “You’re already attending a great university. Once you graduate, once you get more familiar with Heaven’s Cult… then I’ll hand it over to you. With me here, you don’t have to be afraid.” He gave Arthur’s shoulder a reassuring pat. Arthur’s thoughts were tangled and chaotic. Before he could speak, Nina’s voice rang out from the hallway.That was typical of her—sudden naps followed by bright, chipper awakenings. But lately, her sleep durations were shortening. The doctors said that was a good sign. Arthur couldn’t bring himself to blame Nina for any of this. She was his cousin. And in this twisted story, she was just as much a victim. Even if a lot of it had started because of her, she’d never been an active participant. “Grandpa? Ashley? Arthur? What are you guys talking about?” Nina’s voice was light and cheerful, like that of a carefree child. Before, Arthur and Ashley had simply thought she was naive and innocent. They hadn’t realized her mental condition was the result of years of abuse and isolation by Solivair. No wonder Grandpa loved her so much, yet never sent her to school. He just didn’t want her to get hurt again. Hearing her voice, Benjamin’s face lit up even more. He turned at once, practically beaming, and rushed to the door to greet her. “Nina! You’re awake! I still have some candy I brought for you—remember? You haven’t even touched it yet!” He carefully reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of shiny wrapped sweets. Nina’s eyes lit up like stars the moment she saw them. She snatched them up with glee. “Thank you, Grandpa! You’re the best!” She stood on tiptoe and gave Benjamin a big kiss on the cheek. Her soft little voice made Arthur and Ashley’s hearts itch with envy. They both had the same thought: One day, we’re definitely having a daughter as cute and sweet as Nina. Benjamin, meanwhile, looked like his heart was melting.After all the chaos of the past few days, her little kiss made everything worth it. Arthur clicked his tongue teasingly. “Grandpa, when I was little, you were never this nice to me!” Grandpa had always been kind—but he’d been strict too. He used to say that boys had to grow up to be strong enough to hold up the sky. But with Nina? He smiled like a big softie who couldn’t bear to say no to anything. Benjamin burst into laughter at Arthur’s jealous tone. “Ha! Hahahahaha!” “Arthur, you’re a grown man now—you’ve even got a fiancée! And you’re really gonna be jealous of a little girl? Don’t you feel embarrassed?” His voice was filled with joy. In that moment, Benjamin finally felt what true family warmth was. To have grandchildren around him in his twilight years… it meant more than all the success and power in the world. Nina’s eyes widened. “Wait… Arthur’s really my cousin?” Just moments ago, she’d thought this was all a dream.
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