William's eyes lit up. "You're really willing to stay?"

Arthur nodded. "Yes."

William's hands trembled. "Good, good. This is your home. Now that you're willing to be here, I would die without regrets, even if it were to happen tomorrow!"

Fearing Arthur might change his mind, William immediately took his hand and led him toward the grand old mansion. "You should live in the old house with me. We haven't seen each other for so many years. Let's strengthen our bond."

"I've kept your room exactly as it was when you were young. The layout and furnishings are the same. I've had it cleaned every month, so it's ready for you to move in."

Arthur's eyes darkened. He had left home at six, due to an incident. Before his disappearance, he had lived in the mansion with William, and had been smart and well-loved by William and his parents. He had loved them very much and considered himself to have a perfect family. When he and his younger brother were kidnapped, he was seriously injured protecting his brother. During the rescue, seeing his severe injuries, his grandfather and parents likely deemed saving him futile and only rescued his brother. They disregarded his presence in the kidnappers' hands and ordered a forceful response. He sustained half his injuries from the Rouse family's actions against the kidnappers.

Enraged, the kidnappers took him to sea. Fortuitously, he survived, washing ashore over sixty-two miles away, where he was rescued and received medical attention. Upon regaining consciousness, he heard the police say they had found his family. He immediately pulled out his IV and escaped through the window.

Despite his suffering, he continued to avoid the Rouse family. Even news of his parents' assassination left him unmoved.

Arthur came to his senses, withdrew his hand, and said lightly, "I'm used to living in a modern villa and don't want to stay in the old mansion."

William's expression froze; a trace of pain appeared in his eyes. He didn't dare say anything and simply said, "Then I'll have a room prepared for you in the villa to the left of the mansion. The nearby villas are occupied, but that one has a room available."

Arthur had no objections, as long as he wasn't forced back to his original residence.

William personally led Arthur there and instructed someone to prepare the room. After it was ready, Arthur entered, closed the door, and kept William outside.

William sighed and thought, "Arthur holds a grudge for too long. Even after twenty years, he still bears such resentment."

His assistant, a longtime employee, said softly, "Don't be too upset, Mr. Rouse. He will understand your difficulties eventually. Your decision to give up on him back then was also out of necessity."

William shook his head and went downstairs.

Inside the room, Arthur took out his phone, intending to have Gerald investigate Evangeline. However, he deleted the message and opened Evangeline's chat window.

He texted: "Are you in Lyrendia lately? I'll be staying here for a while, but I'm not familiar with this place. Could you show me around?"

He waited, his heart racing. Evangeline had been cold towards him before, and if she sensed lingering feelings, she would avoid him.

He sent another message: "I don't have any other intentions. I just don't have any friends here and am asking for your help. If it's inconvenient, it's fine. I won't be disappointed. It's just that you're the only person I know here. But if you decline, it's alright. You haven't blocked me, have you?"