The early autumn night was a bit chilly, so she had a shawl over her dress. Gently and quietly, she walked back into Raphael's world.

In the dimly-lit lobby, Raphael glanced up at the woman before him.

It was his wife, six months pregnant.

Elissa held an umbrella, folding it shut, and water droplets cascaded to the ground. Only then did he realize it was raining outside. As he Looked up, the faint tear at the corner of his eye became barely visible.

In a hoarse tone, he asked, "Why are you here? It's raining outside. How did you get here? Did the driver bring you?"

Elissa folded the umbrella with deliberation.

Meeting his gaze, she stared at him.

Raphael's gaze, dark yet faintly tranquil, lingered. After a moment, Elissa approached him, taking a seat beside him. Her voice remained composed as she spoke. "This morning, I settled the house driver's final wages. The maids, cooks, and gardeners have all left."

Raphael felt a tightness in his throat upon hearing this.

Elissa pressed on, “In a matter of days, the company has plummeted. Did you not attempt to salvage it, Raphael? Are you seeking redemption for your mistakes? Do you think this wealth caused you to make mistakes and led to a girl's death, and now you want it all gone? Is that it?"

Raphael turned to her, his eyes fixed silently on her.

In a soft tone, Elissa divulged, "My father called this afternoon, urging me to return to the Palmer family. Raphael, I came here to ask your input."

Raphael's Adam's apple bobbed as he reached out, tenderly caressing her swollen belly.

"It's been over six months," he stated.

After a prolonged silence, his voice slightly hoarse, he began, “The company accountant projected that filing for bankruptcy would cover the remaining employees' wages. Additionally, I've set aside funds for you and the baby. You can live comfortably, even without me. You deserve a good life."

Elissa's voice trembled as she inquired, "So, you want me to go?"

Raphael held her arm, gazing out into the night. After a long pause, he asked, “Elissa, will you wait for me? It might take three, five years, or even longer for me to set things right for you and the baby."

As the founder of Pryor Technology, he brought about its downfall single-handedly.

He hoped to rebuild their future together.

However, he wasn't sure if the woman beside him, who had endured so much pain, would be willing to stay and wait for him to create a future that truly belonged to them both.

There was a prolonged silence from the person beside him.

Raphael sensed her reluctance.

After a moment of contemplation, he spoke softly. “Tomorrow, I'll arrange for you to go abroad."

Raphael knew Elissa loved their child and didn't want to go back to the Palmers. So, he asked her if she wanted to stay with him.