"I know it's hard to accept, but I'll be by your side no matter what," Zuko reassured Lina."No... No!" Lina kept backing away, her mind blank, with only one thought emerging: 'My... Where are my parents? I want to find them!'"Lina!" Zuko hurriedly followed her as she ran out of the room. He chased after her without hesitation, catching up to her as she approached the guest room where Jesse and Melissa were staying.However, when Lina knocked on the door, gasping for breath, she was greeted by the sight of the maid cleaning inside. She stood at the door with wide eyes, looking at the empty room, her heart sinking.Several servants recognized her as the future young mistress and hurriedly gathered around, bowing respectfully.In a daze, Lina stood there momentarily before dialing Melissa's phone. However, no matter how many times she called, all she heard was the cold machine voice message saying, "The user cannot be reached..."Lina slowly fell to her knees, unable to shed tears
Toph paused briefly but then smiled and said, "I'll listen to you!"Not only did he let her choose the breakfast location, but also what to eat.Renee ordered croissants and coffee, specifically requesting smoked salmon. She remembered the time when Toph had five portions of smoked salmon for breakfast at the Thompsons, and she had secretly kept that in mind.Toph was somewhat surprised but smiled happily. When the smoked salmon was served, he enjoyed it greatly."This... definitely doesn't taste as good as the one at home," Renee said softly.With his mouth full, Toph mumbled, "Mm, it's delicious!"Renee looked at him, unsure where to place her hands. Despite knowing each other for a long time and gradually clarifying their relationship, a girl would always feel uneasy and afraid of embarrassing herself in front of someone she liked.Toph also placed some salmon on her plate and split the croissant. "Don't just look at me. You should eat too!"Renee pursed her lips and smiled
Toph turned his head and forced a smile at Renee."It's not serious, well... In order to investigate Melvin, my dad conveniently looked into the companies under his name! I've obtained the data now, and I must analyze it immediately," Toph explained.Renee leaned closer, curiosity evident on her face.While the companies were under Melvin's name, they were just a distraction."The real company..." Renee bit her lip and whispered, "Toph, you won't find much by checking these. Melvin is actually cunning. He has a company called Mel Construction, which is how he makes money.""Mel Construction?" Toph repeated, processing the new information."Mm-hmm! Since Melvin used me as a replacement for Pammy, I had to be around him often. I started observing his actions closely and discovered the existence of Mel Construction, a shell corporation!"Renee continued, her voice calm. "It's actually a fraudulent company. I overheard him making calls and instructing his men to lure more people int
Cordelia was taken aback, looking at Linda silently. "Hmm... Is there something unusual about her?"Linda pondered for a moment. "She's not close to me, or rather, she's overly polite toward me and Nic. Initially, I thought she was just having difficulty adjusting to our home. But later, I saw her chatting and laughing with Toph when she arrived home, and she instantly became guarded when she saw us... I don't understand this child."Linda let out a sigh. Lately, she had been troubled by this situation. "Cordelia, I've tried many approaches, even humbling myself to please her... But why does she keep her distance? She's my daughter! I didn't abandon her willingly. If I could turn back time, I would trade my life for her safety...""Calm down, Linda." Cordelia quickly grasped her hands.Linda's hands were cold and trembling. She couldn't control her emotions when discussing this.Cordelia recalled the moment Linda collapsed when Pammy went missing.As a mother, she understood the
"I'm worried about you handling it." Zephyr shook his head.When it came to strategy and strength, his second son couldn't compare to his first son in maintaining calmness during unexpected events.However, Toph had his own strengths—he was bright, friendly, and kind, and his laughter would always precede his arrival.Moreover, not only could he eat and sleep soundly, but he also took good care of his family, ensuring they could do the same.His positive attributes were not suitable for frontline operations, but he was perfect for logistical support."Melvin's criminal evidence is undeniable now," Zephyr said in his deep voice. "Zuko, sort these out by tonight. Tomorrow, come with me to report to the authorities.""Okay, got it.""Toph, stay at home like a good boy. Take care of your mother and Renee... Oh, and also look after Nic and Linda.""Sure, I got it!" Toph signaled his understanding with an "okay" gesture.However, a loud thud suddenly resounded from the study's door!
Linda found herself walking on an endless road, surrounded by darkness on both sides. As she searched for the only source of light, she heard the sound of ocean waves and faint calls of "Mommy, mommy..."Her heart raced as she caught sight of a little girl running toward her with open arms, resembling a bird in flight. "Pammy!" she cried out, rushing forward. But as she reached out, she stepped into emptiness and let out a scream.Linda abruptly woke up, realizing she was in her own bed at home. Their family doctors and a teary-eyed Nicholas surrounded her, holding her hands tightly.Struggling to speak, she managed to call out to him, "Nic...""I know." He choked. "Zen told me everything."Linda's eyes filled with sadness and resentment. "We won't... forgive him!""I know." He nodded. "Don't worry. I'll handle it.""Where's our daughter?"Before Nicholas could respond, there was a soft knock on the door, and Renee entered the room.Their expressions changed upon seeing her, b
Zuko smiled as he held Lina's hands, knowing she would face this day alone. He couldn't replace her, but he could be there for her."This is your home, Lina," he said, playing with her hair. "Your parents will be home soon. It's a new beginning for you." Lina said, her voice filled with worry, "But I—""I know," Zuko interrupted gently, looking into her eyes. "Don't worry. I'll bring your parents from Jangasas when I'm done here."Lina's eyes filled with gratitude. He was the only one who would go to such lengths for her.Still worried, she lowered her head and hesitated. "But what if they won't come?""You're their daughter, no matter what," Zuko reassured her, his gaze gentle. "Lina, I promised that you won't be separated from your family."Nodding slowly, Lina let go of his hand.Zuko then turned his attention to Renee and smiled. "I have something to do tonight. Please take care of Lina for me.""Sure, I got it!" Renee replied, her voice filled with determination.Zuko w
Two days later, the authorities apprehended Melvin immediately after receiving the report. Unfortunately, the past two days had been filled with misery for everyone involved.The police discovered the Thompsons' nearly wrecked car near the beach, and the driver was gravely injured, ultimately succumbing to his injuries on the way to the hospital.Nicholas had diligently checked the surveillance footage in various locations but could not locate Lina and Renee. Even the person responsible for taking them had vanished, leaving all fingers pointing at Melvin.Through their connections, Zuko and Toph managed to gain access to the interrogation room where Melvin was held.Upon seeing them, Melvin displayed a cunning grin, and a wicked gleam shone in his triangular eyes.Toph couldn't contain his anger and clenched his fist, ready to strike. However, Melvin remained motionless, coldly observing them before bursting into hysterical laughter.Toph's punch abruptly halted just as it was