Two Reborn, One Throne novel Chapter 128

Arthur flinched violently. "Amber..."

"Dad, if Grace can't even pass a simple seven-day test, do you really think waiting for her has any meaning?"

Arthur fell deep into thought.

Amber knew forcing her father's hand like this was harsh, but he was too soft. If she didn't push him, he would never make a tough call. Plus, Amber felt it was finally time for her father to see Lucian's mother for exactly what she was.

"Dad, it's just seven days. If Grace truly cares about you the way you care about her, this won't be an issue at all. Don't you want to know how real her feelings actually are?"

Arthur clenched his fists. It would be a lie to say he didn't want to know.

He might be poor and easily pushed around, but he was still a man.

He wanted his dignity.

"Alright, Amber. It's a deal."

Seven days. Just seven days. If Grace actually signed the papers, they would live their lives together. If not... Arthur bit his lip—even if he was just a laborer, he was going to be a respected one.

Amber smiled. "It's a promise, Dad. Go to bed, it's getting late."

Arthur could finally sleep.

Whatever the outcome, the heavy burden on his chest had lifted.

Amber went to bed as well. Before falling asleep, she pulled out the smartphone she had essentially extorted from Sharif today.

She wondered if he was off work yet.

She thought about sending him a quick text, but it felt unnecessary; the PI was definitely reporting her every move to him.

It wasn't exactly freeloading, right? He was the one who said he had her back!

Never mind, she wouldn't text him. It was better to keep her distance from him in this life.

Yet, Sharif's image kept flashing through her mind—rushing in with a baseball bat to save her, missing his flight in the process.

She hated owing favors. She had owed him too much in her past life. In this one, she’d pay him back by making him a ton of money.

Amber stared at the screen, opened her messaging app, and typed in Sharif’s number. She had his contact info memorized. But after typing it in, she deleted it.

That old fox probably thinks I'm totally heartless, doesn't he?

Whatever. Being heartless was fine. In this life, she’d just embrace it.

Meanwhile, Sharif wasn't off work. To be precise, he was still sitting in the airport lounge.

His business in Country A was wrapped up, but things in Riverport were still pending.

Losing a few hours today meant he’d have to squeeze his schedule tightly tomorrow.

Julian had finished the check-in process and returned to the lounge, only to find Sharif staring at his phone instead of reviewing documents.

For a moment, Julian felt like he had discovered a new continent. "Sir, did the associates here send over the new quotes?"

If Julian could read Sharif's mind and see these highly uncharacteristic, almost human thoughts, his jaw would have hit the floor. Unfortunately, he was just a pragmatic assistant who couldn't read minds, completely unaware that Sharif was staring at his phone expecting a text from a certain fox who owed her savior an apology or a thank you. Even if she didn't have his number, she definitely had Julian's!

That night, Amber dreamt of Sharif calling her heartless. The dream even featured some of the harsh, humiliating things he had said behind her back after she resigned in her past life.

Amber: "..."

The next morning, Amber washed up and got ready for school as usual. Just as she was about to leave, there was a knock on the door.

Xanthe had prepared breakfast again—savory breakfast pastries—and brought them over.

"Xanthe, what time did you get up?" Amber asked, surprised.

Arthur had already left for work. He had left before Amber woke up. Because he hadn't worked in a while, he went in extra early today and didn't have time to make breakfast, leaving some cash on the coffee table instead.

Amber had just woken up and hadn't even washed her face before Xanthe arrived.

"I got up early. But Amber, Arthur didn't get to eat. Right as I finished the prep, he opened the door and left."

"Amber, I'm so sorry. I didn't want to wake you, so I didn't dare yell out to stop him."

Xanthe looked deeply apologetic. She had planned to repay Amber and Arthur for their kindness just like the previous days, but misjudging Arthur's schedule meant she had missed him.

Amber smiled. "Xanthe, why are you apologizing? It's not your fault. Dad's schedule is just like that. You'll get used to it. If you really feel bad, pack an extra pastry and take it to him for lunch. He'd love that."

Xanthe knew Amber was teasing, but she agreed anyway. "Alright, Amber. I'll just tell him it was your idea."

Amber laughed.