Investing in My Crippled Wife: Every Return Makes Me Stronger

As soon as he left the private room, Soren activated Pebble Among the Stars to the fullest. With Aura Suppression, it would be almost impossible for anyone to notice his presence unless they were an Emperor or higher-circle Awakened, or had powerful detection abilities.

With Malakor guiding him, he moved through the hallways like a ghost and soon arrived at the big main hall.

’They’re coming out,’ Malakor notified him, and a moment later, three people came out from the other side of the hall.

’...If I freeze up, snap me out of it.’

’Understood.’

A middle-aged man with black hair in a luxurious tuxedo walked on the left. Beside him was a beautiful woman in a red dress, her wavy red hair cascading over her shoulders. And between them, holding both their hands, was a teenage girl with vibrant crimson hair, smiling radiantly.

”!” Soren indeed froze, his eyes widening the moment he saw their faces.

’Master!’ Almost immediately, Malakor’s voice cut sharply through his mind, snapping him back to his senses.

He thanked Malakor and immediately activated Advanced Appraisal on each of them. However, he only read their names to confirm their identities.

’...’

They... They were indeed his parents. And the girl between them...

’Nura...’ He called out her name in his mind, a faint smile touching his lips.

This was the first time he had seen her since she was taken away. Watching her walk around with her usual bright smile, he felt the weight he had carried for so long finally begin to ease. He had long waited for this moment after all, even dreamed of it, and feared it might never come. Yet now that the moment was here, he found himself rooted to the spot, unable to move or speak.

”Father! Mother! Thank you! They were really delicious!”

Nura beamed as she spoke, still holding their hands. The man and the woman smiled back at her, their expressions warm and doting, the picture of a happy family.

Soren’s chest tightened.

He was happy for his little sister. Truly. She was alive, healthy, and happy. But hearing her call those two people ”Father” and ”Mother” with such affection, watching them act like loving parents after everything they had done... it made his blood run cold beneath the surface.

He could and did tolerate it when they mistreated him, but they really crossed the line with Nura. They made her childhood as miserable as his, nearly killed her with their stupid greed, and now here they were, pretending to be the perfect parents as if none of it had ever happened.

’...Hmm.’

Soren let out a sigh and continued to observe the trio as they made their way to the exit.

He followed at a distance, keeping his presence hidden, and listened closely to their every word. Nura talked about the food and that she wanted to eat together again, her words full of energy and enthusiasm. The two responded with warm laughter, playing their roles flawlessly. Anyone watching would think they were a close, loving family.

Soren’s jaw tightened, but he kept his expression blank.

They reached the front gates, where a familiar black car was already waiting. Aldric, the same gray-haired butler who had delivered his disownment notice months ago, stood by the rear door. He bowed slightly and opened it for them.

”Thank you, Grandpa Aldric!” Nura waved at the old man before climbing in.

”My Lady.” Aldric nodded with a small smile.

Sevrin and Melina followed, and soon the doors were closed. The car pulled away smoothly, disappearing down the street.

Soren watched until it was out of sight. Only then did he turn and head back inside.

As he walked back, he assessed their status one by one, starting with his father, Sevrin.

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Name: Sevrin Valmere

Race: Human

Age: 56

Status: Healthy

Rank: 6th Circle (Early Stage)

Current Mana Level: 1,105,009

Mental State: Calculating, Satisfied, Conceited

Abilities: Veil of Deceit

Affinities: Wind (Grade 6 - A Rank)

Hidden Talent / Traits: Exploitative, Prideful

Potential: 6th Circle (Estimated)

Investment Value: Low

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’Hmm...’ He squinted as he scanned the lines. He didn’t expect Sevrin to have broken through to the 6th circle, but considering his greedy nature, there’s no way he hadn’t just asked for Nura’s artifact in that deal. However, given his low mana for a 6th circle, it was obvious he used potions and treasures instead of working hard himself.

’...I should be able to beat him easily once I learn how to fly too.’ Soren speculated.

Unfortunately, cultivators couldn’t fly until they reached the 6th circle. It was one of the major milestones that separated the strong from the truly powerful. But a few individuals, those with secret techniques or rare inheritances, could learn faster. Fortunately, Soren was one of them.

The Glacial Emperor Scripture included a 5-star technique called Frost Wings, which allowed the user to manifest wings of ice and take to the air. He just needed to reach the 5th circle to learn it.

However, if it didn’t involve flying, he was confident in his strength.

At his current level, a 4th circle, he could freely create weapons from his ice affinity with ease. With the Frost Armor technique and constitution, his defense was solid enough to withstand blows from most of the 6th circle opponents. But flight would change everything. It would give him greater mobility, escape options, and another advantage in battle.

In fact, had it not been for the Anti-Mana Zone, he wouldn’t have been able to defeat the Leech, as he could have easily flown out of reach and worn him down from a distance.

’...No point dwelling on that now.’ Soren shook his head and refocused on the status windows in front of him.

He only glanced at mental state for a moment before shifting to learn about Veil of Deceit. He already knew what his father would feel even without the status window. He just wanted to know if his ability was like his father-in-law’s.

’...Huff.’

Fortunately, it wasn’t.

Veil of Deceit was only a mental illusion that made others perceive Sevrin as trustworthy. It didn’t let him control anyone or fully hide his true persona, only deceive them.

Still, Soren could imagine how many people he had fooled over the years with this ability. Business partners, nobles, even family members. Anyone who wasn’t careful would take him at face value and never suspect a thing.

’...He must have used it on Nura and me too.’