Married a Secret Billionaire novel Chapter 1415

Toph rarely dined out with Renee. The hotel owned by the Hamerton Group offered every imaginable amenity, and Toph had instructed the kitchen to prepare Renee's favorite dishes.

They sat across from each other, undisturbed by others, while a gentle violin melody drifted in from outside. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, creating colorful patterns on the luxurious carpet.

Everything felt serene as if time itself had slowed.

Toph smiled at Renee, who sat quietly with a strand of hair falling near her ear. She brushed it aside gracefully, her fingers long and fair, just as they had always been.

Toph's heart skipped a beat.

Renee suddenly asked, "Toph, did you read the books I recommended?"

It was as if the tranquility had shattered, replaced by the jarring crash of broken glass.

He met her gaze again, only to realize that Renee had changed. There were many things in her eyes that he couldn't comprehend, much like those complex strategy theories that were gradually dampening his enthusiasm.

"Toph?" Renee's voice grew firmer. "I'm talking to you. What's wrong?"

"Oh..." Toph lowered his head, fidgeting with the food on his plate. "I-I read them..."

"Did you understand them?"

"Yeah."

"And the management theories? Those were all real examples of company management. Did you read those, too?"

Toph did not dare to lift his head, carefully trying to change the subject. "Renee, these shrimp ravioli are your favorite. You—"

"Toph!" Renee's expression was serious. "Can you take this seriously?"

Toph fell silent.

He had no desire to take over the company. His life's goals were not about inheriting a throne.

Why could Renee not understand? Why did she find this wonderful family unbearable? Did people really have to vie for something, or even engage in sibling rivalry, to appear successful?

Toph's clenched fists tightened, then slowly relaxed after a few deep breaths. "I-I need to use the restroom," he muttered.

"Toph!"

Before Renee could finish, he had already rushed off. She sat there in anger, the delicious spread before her like mocking eyes.

Her face turned ashen. She glanced at Toph's empty seat, noticing his phone left behind on the table.

Her heart raced, and she anxiously scanned the surroundings before swiftly taking his phone and discreetly hiding it under the table.

Toph's phone had no password as he used facial recognition. Back when their love was strong, Toph had already added her face to his phone's recognition system.