Married a Secret Billionaire
Chapter 1431

Renee stood there, utterly shocked by Toph's unexpected reaction. She had always viewed him as the wealthy, naive son she could easily manipulate.

In their previous conflicts, no matter how heated they became, Toph would invariably return to her like an obedient puppy whenever she shed a tear and showed vulnerability.

However, something in his eyes had changed this time. Panic briefly gripped her, but she regained her composure and continued crying.

"Toph, what am I to you? I have realized my mistake and genuinely want to be with you. You're an exceptional man, and I should cherish you—"

"That's right, I'm quite exceptional." Toph forced a smile. "I must have seemed like a fool to you, huh?"

"Toph!"

"Do you have any idea what I've been through?" He locked eyes with her. "I felt like I was losing my mind. No matter what I attempted, there was always a voice in my head saying, 'You can't do it...'

"Renee, I started having nightmares. I'd wake up in the middle of the night and couldn't fall back asleep. I was exhausted but couldn't find rest. I isolated myself in my room, avoiding everyone, and I even neglected my comic."

He emphasized the last part. "But during all this time, you didn't even call."

Renee's expression changed. "Toph, I-I was busy."

"Busy? So busy that you couldn't even send me a text?" he asked.

"No!"

"Toph, I'm afraid you're not the one I truly love," he said with a pitiful smile, sadness clouding his eyes. "You see, you love wealth and status, the power to crush those you dislike. But do you know what I want? "All I want is a peaceful life, to be with the people I love, and to pursue my passions."

"Toph!" She hastily grasped his hands. "I understand now! I won't pressure you to read those books or ask you to compete with your brother. Eventually, you'll have half of what the Hamertons possess!" "What?" Toph stared at her in disbelief. Initially, he was at a loss for words, but then he chuckled at himself.

In the end, she couldn't let go of her desire for half of the Hamertons' assets. He bit his lip and forcefully pulled his hands away, causing a mug on the table to crash to the floor. Renee gazed at him in shock.

"It's impossible." He shook his head in anguish. "Let me go, Renee. Our feelings for each other have changed irreparably. We can never go back to how we once were!"

"Toph..." She gritted her teeth. "You heartless, despicable jerk!"

"Renee..."

"I wasted my life because of you, and now you're tossing me aside!"

Her outburst attracted the attention of onlookers, their skeptical gazes piercing Toph like sharp knives. People were accustomed to sympathizing with the vulnerable, but those receiving sympathy were never the weak ones.

Toph's heart pounded in his chest. He took two steps back, his head throbbing as if he had been transported back to a long-forgotten nightmare. It clung to him like a haunting specter, suffocating him.

He couldn't breathe.

He longed to escape, but Renee reached out to grab his hand. The two began a tumultuous struggle in the cafe.

"No, you can't leave!

"Toph! I did so much for you, and this is how you repay me? Are you devoid of all compassion?!"