How the Ice King Became my Doting Billionaire Husband

After dropping Morwenna off at school, Stuart returned to Hetfield Homestead, only to find Norbert, weakly reclined, receiving a blood transfusion. Stuart's face darkened.

Norbert managed a wry smile. "Age hasn't been kind to my acting skills, huh? Couldn't fool you."

"I'm taking you to the hospital."

"Cough, no need, lad. My body's seen better days, and at my age, I've come to terms with life and death. Besides, you've never really cared much for the Hetfields. Just promise me you'll look after Wenna." Stuart's lips tightened, and after a long silence, he said, "I might not care, but Wenna does."

Mentioning Morwenna softened Norbert's expression.

"Wenna's got a big heart. My only worry is leaving her behind. You must stick by her side, make sure nothing happens to her."

"You don't need to worry about that," Stuart replied firmly.

"Stuart, whatever your reasons for warming up to Wenna, just remember, she's pure of heart. You know right from wrong. Whatever your intentions were at the start, they must end with love. Do you understand?"

Norbert, perhaps the one person who truly understood Stuart, knew too well how guarded Stuart was, how difficult it was for him to trust, let alone love someone.

Initially, Stuart's interest in Wenna might have been out of utility or disguise.

Norbert didn't wish to probe. With his time running short, his only desire was for someone to be there for Wenna, to ensure she wouldn't be alone. She feared loneliness, yet grew up in it.

Someone needed to be there for her.

Stuart nodded. "I understand."

Fletcher had already warned him: the past was best forgotten, never to let Wenna find out.

Tired, Norbert waved him off, "Alright, it's late. I need to sleep. You should go too."

Without another word, Stuart left the room and didn't stay at the homestead. He headed straight back to Windcharm Villas.

Rose watched Stuart leave and spat disdainfully, muttering, "Heartless monster. Grandpa's dying, and he just walks away. And to think Grandpa wants him to take over Hetfield Group. What a folly." Ryan overheard and felt a shiver down his spine. This family felt less like a home and more like a battleground of schemes. Frightened, he ran to his room and covered himself with his blanket, as if hiding from ghosts.

Back at Windcharm Villas, Stuart logged onto his private computer and accessed a special account on an underground forum. He posted a bounty:

*Seeking: Edmund Thompson, 52, a renowned Western herbalist. Information leading to his whereabouts: reward of $500,000. Exact location: $5 million. Finding him: $500 million plus a personal favor from me.*

The post exploded like a bomb on the forum, stirring up a frenzy. This was no small offer; the mention of a favor from Stuart, known in the underground as "The Reaper," was invaluable. His jobs were rare but notoriously difficult, yet his success rate was impeccable.

There's a saying on the forum: "When The Reaper calls your time, no one can delay your demise."

Earning a favor from The Reaper could be worth more than $500 million to those in the know.