Chapter 714: Does he really not remember the past?’

Days later...

"Slater, from now on, you’re going to work yourself to the bone!" James announced as he ate dinner with Slater, pointing his finger at him. "You’re not only going to promote your album, but you’ll also sign all these brand deals and cameos—and you’re doing a commercial shoot!"

Slater blinked, watching James’s face turn red.

"Do you understand?" James huffed. "You’ll do all this work without a break! I’ll make sure you’re so tired that, even if you want to do other things, you’ll be too exhausted!"

Slater let out a laugh, staring at James before shaking his head. "How did I become friends with you again? You always make things difficult for me back then."

"What?!"

Slater glanced at him meaningfully. "Never mind. Penny must have really set you straight when we were kids."

"Oy, Slater! Did you think I’d just let you slander me like that? I heard that—how dare you say I ruined everything for you?!" James grumbled on, not pleased after all he’d done for Slater. "Penny—that sister of yours used to bully me! If someone asked if I was bullied, I’d drop her name right away!"

Slater chuckled, listening to James "badmouth" Penny in a childish way. "Fine," he said, "I’ll tell Penny to apologize for bullying you."

"What?" James’s face stiffened, horror spreading across it. "Hey Slater, why would you tell her that? Please don’t. I just want her off my back, but I’m afraid she’ll never leave me alone."

"Haha! You’re so fickle."

"Slater, promise me!"

"I’ll think about it."

"Don’t think about it! Hey, we’re friends, aren’t we? How can you do this to me?!"

Slater only laughed while James pestered him to keep Penny out of it. But that night marked the beginning of a new journey for Slater. The break had helped clear his mind and come to terms with his circumstances.

He couldn’t say he was completely fine, but knowing he had a new purpose, Slater had to keep going. He needed to be better than before, not just in his career but as someone who could protect his family.

It wasn’t as though he was deceiving his family. His behavior toward them was genuine, not an act to conceal what he knew. For Slater to live with a sound mind, he had to remain the Slater he was in this life, not who he’d become in the past.

Even so, that didn’t mean he ignored everything he’d learned in his previous life. Those skills might come in handy.

For the next few years, nothing major happened.

Slater resumed his activities as usual, and just as James promised, he was working himself to the bone. But even with his busy schedule, he still found time for his "extracurricular" activity and showered Penny with love.

She was obviously not thrilled about it, but he did it anyway. Rain or shine, morning and night, he made sure Penny knew she was loved. Even if she got annoyed or didn’t respond, he didn’t mind. He wasn’t expecting anything in return.

Penny had already given all she had in their previous life and this one. How could he ask for more from her when she had already given them her forgiveness—even when they didn’t deserve it?

At some point, Slater thought nothing would happen.

With Penny thriving and avoiding past tragedies, Slater grew a little complacent. He thought his only role in this life might be ensuring Penny knew she was loved. He didn’t mind doing that for the rest of his life.

Until one day, she announced she was going on a date, and that man showed up in their driveway. The family was shocked when they saw Zoren, but no one could know the shock in Slater’s heart.

Standing among his family, Slater’s eyes widened the moment he saw Zoren approaching and handing flowers to Allison.

’What... is this guy doing here?’ he wondered, holding his breath and swallowing nervously. ’Don’t tell me he’s with Penny because he remembers?’

Slater stayed silent, clearing his throat as he tried to tamp down the anger rising within him. ’Whatever his reason is, I won’t let him hurt Penny.’

At that moment, Slater vowed he wouldn’t let Zoren harm her. Even though it felt strange—considering what Zoren had done for her in the past and that he wasn’t a complete enemy—he had reason to believe Zoren might be a threat.

But the more he listened to Penny talk about her date and saw her happiness, all he could do was express his disapproval. Not that she would listen, but it was better if someone in the family didn’t approve of Zoren.

Then, some time later...

When Slater came home and overheard the servants talking, he went to his father’s study to find out what was going on. Barely opening the door, he overheard his father’s conversation with Zoren.

’Telling an outsider about this is one thing,’ Slater thought, his grip on the doorknob tightening, ’But letting Penny live with him? Are they insane?’

He clenched his teeth, knowing he had to do something to prevent this. Even if it meant coming off as an unreasonable madman, Slater burst into the room, throwing a massive tantrum that eventually caught Allison’s attention.

But in the end, despite his suspicions and disapproval, Penny still moved in with Zoren. Everything went against Slater’s wishes, and he had no choice but to go along with it.

***

During the fishing trip, Slater glanced at Zoren, having handed him his bait. He then shifted his gaze to another part of the deck, where Charles and Haines were, and then to where Hugo stood.

The scene was peaceful, aside from the fiery reaction Hugo had after being teased by Charles.

"Third Brother, would you like to catch a fish too?" asked Zoren with a subtle smile, drawing Slater’s attention.

"No." Slater looked away. "Just try to get us something. I’m still hungry."

"I’ll give it my best shot." Zoren focused on the water, wondering if he should’ve asked someone to dive in and hook some fish for them. ’It would’ve been easier, but I guess that would ruin the thrill of fishing.’

Just then, Zoren sensed Slater’s gaze on him. Looking back, he smiled. Slater raised an eyebrow and clicked his tongue, sighing.

"Third Brother," Zoren said, turning his gaze back to the water. "Thank you."

"Huh?" Slater frowned. "You don’t have to thank me. I just gave you the bait because my fishing pole fell."

"Not for that." A soft chuckle escaped Zoren. "I’m talking about my grandma. I heard you’ve been visiting her. Thank you."

Slater’s brows rose, and he pressed his lips together. "Don’t thank me for that. I’m not doing it for you."

"Still, I appreciate it." Zoren looked at him with a warm smile. "Thank you."

"Goodness. Don’t get too chummy with me. Just catch something!" Slater hissed as Zoren chuckled and refocused on the water. Still, Slater kept his gaze on him, brows furrowed. ’Does he really not remember the past?’

Slater pressed his lips into a thin line, studying Zoren’s profile. ’Then what happened? Why is his mother dead in this lifetime when I remember her being perfectly alive in the past?’