After listening to every detail of the story, Taylor spoke with a cutting calmness " It seems they've formed an alliance to protect the students as long as they remain on this island."
Nyssa, sitting beside him, asked "Sir, what is the next step?"
Taylor averted his eyes from her and stared at the horizon beyond the window "I suppose buying the entire island is necessary."
Nyssa showed no surprise at his comment, as if the idea were far from new to her. Yet a hint of doubt crept into her voice "Sir, I'm certain that if the higher-ups of the Nine Continents have united to establish the academy and all its facilities, a simple sum of money won't be enough to buy the island nor everything it contains."
Taylor spoke with an indifferent tone "They'll have some conditions before handing the island over, but it will only be a nuisance that I'll have my subordinates handle."
They said no more. The journey to the villa passed in silence, and when they arrived, they found Rebecca waiting at the entrance.
As he approached the villa, Taylor gave her a quick glance "What's going on?"
"Young master, we've received a visit from the academy's director."
Taylor showed no interest "Did you kill her?"
"I didn't think it was necessary," Rebecca replied, unfazed. "But I did infuse a bit of my Essence into her mind when she tried to force her way in. I can implant any instructions you want."
"Then make sure she brings us the information about the island."
Rebecca nodded. And, as if anticipating his next question, added "Miss Jessica is out with Miss Sofia."
Taylor didn't respond. He simply turned and continued toward his study, with Rebecca and Nyssa following.
Then Taylor began reviewing the reports sent by his subordinates and, sighing, said "Looks like this will take me some time, considering I've been absent for almost a month."
Nyssa and Rebecca hurried to assist him as best they could.
As the sun began to set, Jessica and Sofia returned, accompanied by several maids, all carrying packages.
Sofia, with a faint look of disapproval, said "Seriously, my brother still hasn't made a special card for the future matriarch, and you instead of making me pay for you, you're using the savings from the missions you did for my mother?"
Jessica laughed awkwardly "I don't think that's necessary."
Sofia sighed and headed toward Taylor's study.
She flung the door open and said "You're really irresponsible when it comes to my sister."
Taylor didn't lift his eyes from the reports he was reviewing "You should've knocked."
Ignoring his comment, Sofia continued "How can you be so careless about your woman's needs?"
Jessica arrived at that moment, wearing a calm smile "Sorry for disturbing you, I'll take her away."
Sofia wanted to complain further, but Taylor finally lifted his gaze toward Jessica "I hope you don't feel uncomfortable now that you've become my girlfriend and the future matriarch of the Flame household."
Jessica, smiling, said "Don't worry, I'm fine."
Taylor took a necklace from his desk and, approaching her, placed it around her neck "It's yours, if it doesn't feel too soon" he said calmly.
Jessica blushed slightly at the gesture, but before the scene could turn romantic, Sofia took her hand and said "I see you've woken up a bit." Then she closed the door behind them.
Sofia led her to her room. After sitting on the bed, she explained the meaning of the necklace "This is a necklace. Only members who have absolute authority over the entire Flame household can wear it."
Jessica was shocked "So it's a necklace with such a high symbolic meaning"
Sofia said proudly "Absolutely. Now that you have it, even if you wanted to buy the entire square we were in, you'd only need to show the necklace."
Jessica stayed silent. Seeing her like that, Sofia asked "Why aren't you saying anything?"
Jessica sighed "It's just I've received so much from Taylor, and I don't know what I could give him in return."
Sofia turned to her and said seriously "You could support him in everything, in every situation. I'm sure that would help him more than any material gift."
Jessica, moved by her seriousness and sincerity, hugged her and said "Don't worry, even if your brother decided to destroy the entire planet, I would be on his side."
The two of them started playing cards.
When it was time for dinner, Taylor didn't show up, and Sofia tried to comfort Jessica with a few words, but they seemed useless.
Jessica, sitting in her room reading a book about topics they would cover in class, realized it was late and that Taylor still hadn't returned. She was about to get up when the door opened, the person she had been missing walked in.
She closed the book and watched Taylor climb onto the bed, hugging her immediately. he said "Finally, I can recharge my Jess-energy"
With a serene smile, Jessica said "I missed you."
Taylor, looking into her eyes, kissed her. Pulling back, he asked "Can we sleep cuddled?"
Jessica replied with a smile "Of course."
And so, they slept cuddled together.