Zuko coughed twice and said through gritted teeth, "You talk too much."Toph smiled and asked, "Zuko, are you worried that Pammy won't be able to accept this reality? After all, her new family is treating her well."Zuko paused for a moment and reluctantly admitted, "I do have that concern."I'm also worried that if Lina doesn't want to return to the Thompsons, it'll be a significant blow to Uncle Nicholas and Aunt Linda.""Yeah, that's true." Toph nodded. "So we need to take this slow."…Meanwhile, Melvin paced back and forth in the villa. He noticed a trinket on the windowsill that displeased him and angrily threw it against the wall."That b*tch!"The housekeepers and servants stood still, afraid to approach him, unsure of whom he was referring to.Melvin panted heavily.He couldn't blame anyone else for this matter. He had underestimated his own daughter!He didn't expect Renee to be just like her mother—appearing harmless on the surface but more scheming than anyone el
Lina froze as she recognized the license plate—it belonged to Gia's car. She bit her lips, ready to confront her, but the car quickly drove away, turning a corner and disappearing.Zuko heard the noise and rushed outside. When he saw Lina drenched, he felt both distressed and guilty. "I should have picked you up from the hospital!""It's alright." Lina chuckled lightly. "Who would have expected a car to appear out of nowhere in broad daylight?""Did you see the license plate?"Lina's gaze dimmed, and she whispered, "It was Gia's car."Zuko was startled, finding it strange. Was Gia trying to target Lina? Was splashing water on her worth making such a fuss about? There must be another reason behind it!"Zuko, I really don't understand... Why would she treat me like this?" Although Lina was not as heartbroken as before, this incident still cast a shadow on her and left her unable to let go. She had treated Gia sincerely as a friend, but it all seemed to be wasted."Don't think too
Toph took Renee back to Centrolis and escorted her all the way home. He only bid her farewell at the entrance of the Thompson residence. He would have liked to stay a bit longer at the Thompsons if he had not needed to attend a dinner with his parents.Toph instructed her before leaving, "Renee, don't disclose anything about Pammy to Uncle Nicholas and Aunt Linda yet. My brother said we need to handle this matter carefully.""Okay, I understand." Renee lightly bit her lip. She knew this feeling. When Melvin suddenly appeared and claimed to be her father, it felt like lightning struck her from above. If just the appearance of a biological father was so shocking, she could only imagine how painful it would be for Pammy to find out that her home for the past 20 years was not truly her own."Alright, hurry back!" Toph smiled, his gaze filled with reluctance. Renee waved to him several times before slowly entering through the mansion gates.However, as soon as she stepped into the court
The wretched girl knew her place—this word was the best leverage."Dad!" Renee pleaded desperately. "Dad, I'll do anything you say... Please, save my mom!""Will you truly do anything I say?""Yes...""Then help me get what I want!"Melvin dropped these words coldly and kicked her away before striding out of the room.Enduring the pain in her knees, Renee struggled to stand up. She wiped away her tears, calming herself, and slowly made her way to the living room.Linda had already set a table full of dishes to welcome her. "Pamela!"Renee paused, forcing herself to put on a natural smile.Approaching warmly, Linda reached out, but Renee lowered her head, avoiding her reluctantly.It felt like a bucket of cold water poured over Linda's head. Her arms froze mid-air, and a trace of sadness flashed across her face. "Pamela..."Renee took the initiative to speak first. "Auntie, I brought you a gift from Jangasas."Linda's heart clenched tightly as joy and pain rushed in simultan
"Yeah." Linda smiled. "We don't want to shortchange our daughter, but she...""Pamela, you're mistaken!" Melvin squinted. "You should accept what your parents give you. It's a matter of respect as a child!"Renee clenched her fists tightly, then slowly relaxed them. She remained silent for a moment before gently accepting the document.Linda's eyes brightened, and she flashed a joyful smile."Well, I'll sign it," Renee said softly. "But can I take a closer look at it first?""Of course!" Linda quickly agreed. "You can go back to your room and examine it carefully after dinner. Take as much time as you need. If you need the help of a lawyer, I have suitable contacts here!""Linda, I know a few good lawyers who can—""No need!" Renee suddenly raised her head.Melvin was taken aback. Although she still looked timid, he clearly saw a wash of determination in her eyes during that moment of eye contact.He was somewhat surprised and silently observed her."I don't need your recomme
Toph asked in a low voice, "Are you really sure that Lina is Pammy?""Yes," Zuko replied with confidence.Toph knew his brother always spoke with absolute certainty."Previously, when Lina went to Southeast Aciatic, there was a medical report at Uncle Carter's place," said Zuko."What?" Toph exclaimed in surprise."It's quite a coincidence. A few days ago, Uncle Nicholas underwent a medical examination at the joint hospital due to work pressure and burnout. I secretly arranged for a sample of his test to be kept, and..."Toph listened in astonishment from the other end of the line. "So, they're biological father and daughter?""99.99%," Zuko calmly stated. "Do you think any pair of non-biological father and daughter would yield such a result?"Toph remained stunned for a while. After regaining his senses, he marveled at the unpredictability of fate, the wonders of destiny, and the arrangements of life.After hanging up, Zuko contemplated telling Lina first or talking to Jesse
Jesse walked out of the doctor's office, his steps feeling as if he were walking on cotton. As soon as he opened the door, he saw Melissa standing outside, causing his eyes to widen. Without much thought, he quickly put on a smile and said, "Honey, why are you here? Your test results are normal, you..."Melissa's eyes were red, and her voice trembled as she asked the doctor, "How much time do I have left?"The doctor adjusted his glasses and truthfully replied, "Breast cancer is a complicated condition, and your cancer cells have already spread. You can extend your life by about five years with surgery and subsequent chemotherapy.""Five years?" Melissa stood frozen in place.Concerned that she couldn't handle it, Jesse hurriedly stepped forward and held her, saying, "Honey, it's okay... It's just a small surgery. We can remove the cancer cells from your body, and everything will be okay, right?"Melissa then asked, "How much will it cost?""Why are you asking about this!?" Jesse
"Well...""For whatever it's worth, he shouldn't know! Let's keep it a secret until he officially marries Lina!" Jesse always listened to his wife, and this matter was no exception. He would keep it to himself if she didn't allow him to tell others. He would even hold her down on the operating table if she refused treatment to stop the doctors from performing surgery. All he could do now was take care of her and be there for her on this final journey, ensuring she lived a happy and fulfilled life.Jesse's heart ached, and he tightly clenched his fists.Soon, Zuko and Lina arrived. As Lina entered, she sweetly called out, "Mom!"Melissa welcomed her with a smile as if nothing was wrong."I told you there was no need to come and pick me up from the hospital. I've already packed up," Melissa said."It's Zeke who insisted on coming for you!" Lina whispered in Melissa's ear. "How about it? Isn't your son-in-law filial?""Of course!" Melissa patted her face. "You're all good and fil
"Only Morpheus and Sephy aren't like that. They respect and understand me. Sephy told me once, 'One's appearance doesn't indicate anything. A clean heart is what truly matters!'"Rebecca chuckled dismissively."You're a psychologist, yet you fail to grasp this," Wynn said coldly. "Actually, I pity you. You could have stepped out, yet you insist on dwelling on the trivialities."Morpheus has psychological barriers, a consequence of returning from the battlefield. No one has cured his PTSD except Sephy... It shows that a true psychologist is never just a title."What truly heals everything is love!"-One particular morning a year later, sunlight streamed through sheer cream curtains onto the floor.Persephone was sound asleep when she suddenly felt something pressing down on her... Then, Morpheus' strong arms wrapped around her slender waist. She drowsily opened her eyes to find him sealing her lips with heated kisses.Over the year, his kissing skills had improved, and Persepho
With Morpheus' involvement, the police didn't slack off and quickly found Rebecca.That day, Rebecca was preparing to escape from a small port. The boat she had found was an illegally operating one.As she was about to board, piercing sirens sounded nearby.The boat owner, enraged upon hearing the sirens, grabbed Rebecca by her hair and pushed her into the water.Rebecca screamed for help, but he roared, "I didn't expect you to be sent by the cops!""I'm not..." Rebecca choked on water. "Sir, let's leave now. Your boat is fast. As long as we reach the open sea, no one will catch you!""Dream on!" The boat owner wanted to strangle her. "Do you not understand? These sirens are from the royal guards! Who did you bitch provoke?"Rebecca was dumbfounded. Being a foreigner, she naturally didn't understand the local affairs in the Southeast Aciatic region.The police and royal guards quickly caught up, armed, and surrounded them.Rebecca turned pale and trembled all over, her gaze gr
"You had no choice on the battlefield."Persephone looked at him with her crystal eyes. There was a magical power in them. Even if a devil was tearing him apart, her eyes would always bring him back to light.She smiled and caressed his cheek. "Though you killed your father, you saved the country.""Do you really… think so?"She nodded. "You're not at fault. He was the one who made a mistake. You were just fulfilling your job as a general to protect the country."But I also understand that he's your father who brought you up, after all. You guys must have had happy days before that happened, right?"Morpheus held his head low in silence."You did well as the protector of the country," she said softly. "But as a son, you can secretly pay homage to him."Persephone held his hand. "Reconcile with your father, Morpheus. You'll also reconcile with yourself by doing that, okay?"He was stunned for a long time and felt a lump in his throat.-Morpheus stayed with Persephone in the
"No way!" Christopher smirked, glancing at Morpheus. "To him, you're his only princess! I just got lucky for the princess carry, thanks to you!""Yeah, at least you're self-aware!" Persephone nodded, rubbing her chin."We've known each other for so long! What kind of person do you think I am?" Christopher laughed. "I can be a bit shameless at times, but..."But upon learning that the one she loved was the unbeatable god of war, he willingly stepped back, offering his blessings with a smile."Okay, okay. You two stop crowding around me!" Christopher waved his hand. "Sephy needs more rest, and I'd like to get some more sleep, too! Once we heal, let's go out and have some fun together!""You're still thinking about fun?" Morpheus' deep voice intervened with a wry smile. "With the factory explosion incident, the royal family is furious and will thoroughly investigate it. Many people will probably be coming to talk to you both in the next few days. After all, you two are the most direc
"Let's get out first!""Hey, wait..." Persephone pointed to the other side.In moments of life and death, it wasn't appropriate to laugh, but Morpheus still chuckled. The young Prince Christopher was sprawled on the floor in a very ridiculous pose, and they almost forgot about him!"Don't worry," Morpheus whispered. "I won't let anything happen to him."He had Persephone cling to his back and then carried Christopher.Christopher was a tall fellow, so it took some effort to carry them both to a safe place.Fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars rushed in. Their sirens pierced the sky, startling a flock of birds.The fire was soon extinguished, and Persephone and Christopher received timely treatment. Luckily, their burns weren't too severe, and even more fortunately, their faces were unharmed.When Christopher woke up, he felt bandages wrapped around his head, and his skin had a burning sensation. His heart sank, and he was almost on the verge of tears."Tell me the truth! A
There was fire everywhere. Flames rushed toward Persephone like menacing dragons. Her consciousness grew increasingly blurred, but the searing pain coursing through her body became clearer. She struggled to get up, the agony almost unbearable.Despite several attempts, it was futile...Something was pinning her feet down, and stones kept falling on her. She couldn't even muster a shout.Many images flashed through her mind in that fleeting moment, each frame featuring Morpheus' face…She remembered the times they had spent together in Flinge, how he had initially distanced himself from her, then later had exerted every effort to protect her. She recalled how he would gently ruffle her hair and call her "silly goose"..."Morpheus, I'm afraid I might have to go first..."The fire grew fiercer, explosions resonated continuously, and she could no longer hold on.Christopher, who was nearby, wasn't any better.Amidst the roaring flames, he couldn't see anything clearly, only pulling
"No need, you can go back first." Morpheus glanced at him. "I'll wait here for her a little longer.""Prince Christopher wouldn't do anything to Ms. Hamerton...""Alfred, what are you thinking?" Morpheus couldn't help but chuckle. "I know exactly what Christopher is like, but I just want to wait here for Sephy. Christopher mentioned that she'd specifically designed these fireworks for me. Hah! I'm the useless one. I don't even dare to go inside and take a look.""Sir, don't say that.""If I wait here, will it count as accompanying her in her efforts?"Alfred nodded.Morpheus smiled and sent Alfred back. He continued waiting under the tree.The air in Southeast Aciatic was hot and humid. The shade of the banyan tree offered some relief, but it couldn't completely dispel the oppressive heat.Morpheus took a deep breath, about to move elsewhere, when he glimpsed a suspicious figure swiftly darting through the factory's side gate.The security at the side gate was lax, making it e
Christopher struggled to swallow the bite of the sandwich in his mouth for what seemed like ages. He gazed at Persephone, his mind wandering back…He didn't just know Morpheus. He had been close since childhood to the children of the two prominent military families in Southeast Aciatic.Compared to the Harrises, he preferred visiting the Ortons, especially when he got to spend time with Morpheus. He considered Morpheus a friend, a brother even, having engaged in countless mischief together, much to their parents' dismay.In his memory, Morpheus was someone who smiled a lot, radiating warmth and brightness like the Southeast Aciatic sun when he did.However, from the moment Kaiden betrayed the country, Morpheus never smiled again, gradually growing distant from Christopher as well.It wasn't until that evening at the gates of the palace that Christopher felt like it had been a lifetime."I... I don't know him." Christopher forced a smile. "Where would I have met your boyfriend!"
Morpheus wasn't just an ordinary person!Christopher wholeheartedly accepted his defeat to Morpheus."Then... I'd like to invite you to come over to my place for a while as a friend. That's fine, right?"-A few days later, Persephone finally ran into Christopher, who had been missing in action for days, in the classroom."Hey, you finally showed up!" She dashed over, plopping down in the seat beside him and handing him breakfast. "You haven't eaten, right? Let's eat together!"Usually, Christopher would readily accept, but he waved his hands now. "No, no, no!""What's wrong?" Persephone widened her eyes. "This breakfast isn't poisoned!"Christopher awkwardly smiled. "You have a boyfriend, so maybe... we should keep some distance."Persephone burst into laughter. Then she remarked, "Strange... Morpheus was right!""Uh, what?""My boyfriend!" She chuckled. "He made this breakfast. I asked if he could also make a portion for you, and he said sure, just worried you wouldn't tak