Reborn From Oblivion

"Got something you want to tell me?" Nathalie asked.

Morris gazed at her tired face, wanting to say he was leaving, but the words just wouldn't come out. Instead, he found himself asking, "Is work wearing you out? Do you skip meals because you're too busy?"noveldrama

Nathalie saw the apology in his eyes and knew that Morris had pushed her up the corporate ladder because he had no other choice. If he were healthy, he'd probably want to be the one protecting her from the top.

"I'm exhausted," Nathalie admitted.

"Being at the top is lonely," she continued. "I've done some pretty regrettable things to get here."

Morris was taken aback.

Nathalie continued, mostly to herself, "I brought down that once-mighty heir, left him with nothing. Kicked my uncle's family out of Stewart Enterprise, and now they look at us like we're the enemy. And your dad—I've snatched projects from him over the years, kept him just scraping by. They hate me, calling me a she- devil behind my back."

Morris chuckled, trying to reassure her. "That's not on you. Their own greed was their undoing."

Nathalie locked eyes with him. "Are you happy now?"

Morris coughed awkwardly, "What...?"

Nathalie wouldn't let him dodge, gently turning his face to hers. "Isn't this what you wanted, putting me in such a high position?"

Morris gave a nervous laugh.

"Why?" Nathalie asked.

Morris pretended not to understand, "Why what?"

He couldn't tell her he was dying and couldn't protect her anymore, so he had to teach her the harsh truths of survival.

Nathalie pouted, frustrated, "These are things you could've handled easily, so why make me do them?"

Morris made an excuse, "Well, I'm not exactly in shape to lead anymore."

Nathalie's eyes widened, refusing to let him give up, "Don't forget, I'm missing a kidney..."

Morris drew a sharp breath, feeling a chill run through him.

"If being CEO isn't for you, maybe you should step down?" he suggested.

Nathalie's eyes glistened with emotion, "Morris. Don't dodge my question."

Morris looked at her anger... completely at a loss.

He just couldn't bring himself to tell her.

Luckily, Nathalie's phone rang, breaking the tense silence.

Morris picked it up from the bedside table and handed it to her.

Nathalie answered, hearing

sheepish

voice, "Vivian, you and

Suo coln's

come down for a late-night

snack."

Nathalie replied hoarsely, "Okay."

Morris couldn't help but laugh.

Was Lincoln really that worried he'd take advantage of Nathalie?

Did he really see him as a threat? Ridiculous.

In this world, no one wanted to see Nathalie safe more than Morris did.

He'd never let himself hurt her.

Nathalie, worn out, sat up, and Morris quietly helped her. Once she was out of bed, he moved his

sair forward.

He soon noticed it felt lighter.

Turns out Nathalie was expertly pushing him along.

Morris smiled knowingly.

Downstairs.

Lincoln watched as Nathalie and Morris

se down together,

nervously rubbing his handmet

checking her exovele

When he was sure Morris hadn't complained, he let out a small sigh of relief.