Marcus Shaw grabbed another glass of water as he walked toward the study, pulling out his constantly vibrating phone from his pocket. [Oliver Scott]: Are you there? [Oliver Scott]: I’m taking a break from being anti-social, hoping to chat. [Oliver Scott]: [Harassment]×100 [Oliver Scott]: [Harassment]×100 The screen was flooded. Marcus Shaw had enough. [Marcus Shaw]: What’s gotten into you? [Oliver Scott]: There’s something I’m hesitating to tell you. [Marcus Shaw]: Spit it out. [Oliver Scott]: I’m still hesitating. [Marcus Shaw]: Then shut up. Oliver really fell silent, not replying instantly. Marcus Shaw tossed his phone on the desk, planning to continue studying the book Nora Scott had given him. Not even five minutes later, the phone started vibrating again. [Oliver Scott]: Last week, my dad brought a daughter home. [Oliver Scott]: Had her with another woman. [Oliver Scott]: I’d met her before and had a good impression, but suddenly she’s my sister, and it’s made things awkward at home. I’m struggling to accept it. [Oliver Scott]: Any advice? [Oliver Scott]: You suddenly got a sister too, how did you accept her? The initially irritated Marcus Shaw paused as he saw Oliver Scott’s message, and instinctively glanced toward the main bedroom. An unexpected sister... The situations were completely different, yet somewhat similar. He looked at his phone again, not understanding why Oliver was sharing such a personal issue with him. ——Are they that close? Three weeks ago, they were at each other’s throats. [Marcus Shaw]: I didn’t accept it. Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on novel⸺fire.net He faced her trolling daily; talking to her was just asking for trouble. When did he ever accept her? [Oliver Scott]: Nonsense. [Oliver Scott]: You’re just being stubborn. [Oliver Scott]: You clearly accepted her. [Marcus Shaw]: Shut up. [Oliver Scott]: Don’t deny it. [Oliver Scott]: I can’t even mention her without you defending her like she’s your kin. In just two seconds, Marcus Shaw blocked him. To hell with defending her! The phone finally quieted down, ears at peace, Marcus Shaw tossed the phone in the drawer and focused back on the book. However, something Oliver Scott said must have hit a nerve; after ten minutes of reading, not a single word had sunk in, except for— Nora Scott’s calligraphy was truly beautiful. Graceful, sophisticated. Unlike Evelyn Easton’s elegant and gentle style, it had its own free and unrestrained flavor. As if possessed, Marcus Shaw’s mind once again recalled Oliver Scott’s question— "How did you accept her?" From a stranger he’d met, to initial annoyance at their first encounter, to calmness after being trolled today... The change, if not for Oliver’s reminder, hadn’t even dawned on Marcus himself. "Our family might not always be successful, but they’ll never stray from the right path." He probably first warmed up to her the day in the office, when she confidently spoke to Anastasia. she repeatedly trolled him; watching her never back down, infuriating people just with her words; always acting unpredictably, never playing by the rules, following her heart... She had many flaws, but equally as many strengths. The most amazing thing about her was that any one of her strengths was enough to forgive all her shortcomings. As his mind wandered, the phone in the drawer began buzzing once more. Sighing, Marcus Shaw put down the pen, opened the drawer, retrieved the phone, and the screen showed an unfamiliar number. As soon as he answered, it was Oliver Scott’s chatty voice. Marcus felt his head throb, his voice growing cold, "Where’d you get this number from?" Oliver replied bluntly, "I’m the class leader, I have everyone’s numbers." Oliver continued, "Add me back, and I’ll tell you a shocking secret." "I don’t want to know." Marcus Shaw was cold and merciless. After a few seconds of disappointment, Oliver asked suspiciously, "You really don’t want to know?" "Go enjoy being anti-social." Every word from Marcus Shaw dripped with disinterest. Provoked, Oliver was speechless, paused for a moment, then articulated one word at a time, "You’re my brother." As soon as he finished speaking, he held his breath. Waiting for Marcus Shaw’s reaction. Marcus Shaw replied calmly, "Calling me brother won’t work." The casual tone clearly didn’t take Oliver’s words seriously. In the end, Oliver snapped, let out a howl, and announced dramatically, "Oh no, Marcus Shaw, your IQ is beyond saving!" Marcus frowned and threatened, "You wanna die?" "You dumb little thing! You’re beyond saving!" Right after he said that, Oliver hung up, not giving Marcus Shaw a chance to retaliate. He figured that the genius really was itching for trouble. During a low-pressure weekend at home, Marcus Shaw didn’t let Nora Scott drive him. After breakfast, he rushed out to catch the subway. Nora, of course, didn’t force him. With nothing much to do these days, she managed to finish the second episode of "Base No. 9," staying up late, and now felt physically drained. As soon as Marcus Shaw left, she freshened up and went back to bed, catching some more sleep. She slept from dawn till dusk. She was woken by a call from Antonio Easton. Answering the call, Nora walked barefoot to the window, pulling open the blackout curtains. Night had fallen outside. The buildings were lit with sporadic lights, framed in neat squares, faint and indistinct. Antonio Easton asked, "When is Pedro coming over?" Nora opened the French windows, letting the cool breeze from outside fill the room. "Is he busy, or did you forget?" Antonio hit the nail on the head. Nora was speechless, lifting a hand to rub her temples. Since Pedro Langley had someone relay the message "don’t contact during the cold war," if it weren’t for the tasks assigned by Antonio, she would’ve blocked Pedro’s number. Exhaling, Nora calmed her emotions and promised, "Once you’re discharged, I’ll definitely bring him over." Antonio reminded, "Discharge is tomorrow." Nora: "...Fine, you win." After dealing with Antonio Easton, Nora was extremely irritated. She paced the balcony a couple of times before retreating to her bedroom, slamming the French windows shut. She opened WeChat to send a message to Pedro Langley. [Nora Scott]: Still alive?