"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
Three days later, Jesse and Melissa were chauffeured to the airport in luxury cars and guided onto a gleaming private plane by professional and enthusiastic flight attendants. It felt like a dream to them.Little did they know, this was just the beginning of their fantasy.As they entered Hamerton Manor, their words fell short in describing the grandeur before their eyes. The well-dressed butler courteously led the way, and they followed in awe."Honey...""Sweetheart?""Quick, pinch me!""I'm pinching you...""Then why don't I feel any pain?"Jesse was momentarily perplexed before he suddenly felt a burning sensation on the back of his hand! He realized he had been pinching his right hand with his left hand, and he almost let out a yelp!"Dad, mom!" Dave, who followed behind, felt like he was walking on clouds with every step. "Is Lina... marrying into a wealthy family?""I heard my brother-in-law's name isn't Zeke but Zuko Hamerton!"I heard he's a Count in Southeast Aciat
Lina blinked and nodded, her smile light. "Of course.""So, you're okay with having an extra set of parents who dote on you?" Zuko asked."What do you mean?" Lina blushed, grasping his arm and speaking softly. "I know your parents are kind, but I never expected them to love me like their own daughter.""Lina, that's not what I meant..." Zuko paused."I understand! Don't worry," she said mischievously. "I'll respect and honor them as if they were my own parents, no matter what!"Zuko felt a bit helpless, realizing his hints had no effect.Just then, the butler approached respectfully and invited them to the main building.The atmosphere during dinner was relaxed. Initially unsure where to sit, Jesse and Melissa were nervous and struggled to handle their cutlery.But as Cordelia and Zephyr's easy-going nature influenced them, they began to relax, speaking more freely, and their tense expressions eased into smiles.However, there was a mix of flattery and reverence in those smile
"We stole her home back then! In fact, we should've reported it to the police to help find Lina's family after the shipwreck..." Jesse patted her shoulder and sighed."Recently, I've been having nightmares." Melissa choked, her voice trembling. "I dream that Lina hates me, saying that I separated her from her parents...""Don't be foolish!" Jesse hastily said. "Dreams are the opposite of reality!""But this dream reminds me... Have I been too selfish for the past 20 years? Is this illness retribution?""You..."Jesse had never been good at comforting others, and he was afraid that anything he said would be wrong at this critical moment.In fact, there was no one more tormented than him currently.His lifelong companion was terminally ill, and their children were unaware. Every day, he had to put on a brave smile.If they really found Lina's family, he would have to endure the pain of losing his daughter too.Jesse fell silent, tears welling up in his eyes.After a long while,
Zuko was about to reveal the truth when a knock on the door interrupted them. The butler entered with Jesse and Melissa, wearing a smile as he explained, "Mr. and Mrs. Jenner got lost in the garden. We guided them to the guest room, but they insisted on seeing you."Zephyr and Cordelia exchanged polite smiles and gestured for Zuko to leave first.Cordelia poured floral tea for everyone, noticing the perspiration on their foreheads and realizing they must have something important to discuss."Please, speak your mind," she said with a gentle smile. "We're going to be family, no need to be too formal.""In that case, I won't beat around the bush," Melissa said, taking out a photo. It showed the two of them holding a young Lina, taken on a ship with a dock in the background as they were about to buy snacks for her.That act had saved them from their biggest disaster.Cordelia's gaze changed as she saw the face of the little girl, her heart racing.After Pamela disappeared, Linda wou