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
"Go ahead... hit me!" Melvin spat out a mouthful of blood, his voice mumbled. "Ha... It's futile even if you kill me! If you do... I'll take the two of them with me to hell!"Toph yelled, and the brothers shoved Melvin against the wall. Zuko's pale joints and trembling hands tightened around Melvin's neck. The inability to kill his enemy was tormenting him.Just then, the interrogation room door swung open, allowing light to flood in. Several officers entered, urging them to stop.Someone stood behind them.Slowly, he walked forward, each step landing heavily on the ground. His presence weighed heavily on him.Zuko released his grip on Melvin and turned to face the newcomer."Uncle Nicholas..."Sorrow flickered across Nicholas' exhausted face, his sideburns now peppered with silver hair strands. Zuko remembered how Nicholas' hair had turned white overnight when he received the devastating news about Pammy 20 years ago. Although he gradually recovered, he was no longer the same m
Lina and Renee leaned against each other, their panic evident.Lina reached into her pocket and realized her phone was missing, confirming their suspicions. With a signal in her eyes, she conveyed the message to Renee.Meanwhile, Renee racked her brain, recalling the incident of drinking juice from the maid before arriving."Cuz, it was the juice!" Renee exclaimed, and Lina was taken aback, still feeling the numbness on the tip of her tongue.Renee grabbed Lina's arm, trying to appear calm despite their distress. "Cuz... What should we do now?"Lina took a deep breath, but the air in the confined space was nauseating. She gathered herself, attempting to calm down.Renee pointed toward a small window nearby. Lina crouched down to look and saw the vast ocean covered in mist, making it impossible to determine their direction.They had no means of communication to contact the outside world. Meanwhile, the gazes of the other girls around them turned gradually hostile."Hey, are you
Lina struggled to get up, her body aching. She crawled toward Renee, exerting all her effort. They tightly held each other's hands, seeking comfort and support.The men who entered the room wore stoic expressions, but their eyes burned with intensity. As the sound of heels echoed, they positioned themselves on either side, creating a path through the narrow space."What do you think you're doing? Have you lost your minds!?" A woman's voice pierced the air, resonating like a loud bell. The girls remained motionless as she unleashed her anger.The entire cabin seemed to be engulfed in a suffocating atmosphere, overwhelmed by the weight of the woman's presence.Arms crossed, she demanded in a cold tone, "Who started this? Show yourselves!"No one uttered a word, but all eyes shifted toward the girl who had instigated the commotion."Hah, I knew it, even if no one confesses." The woman walked slowly, assuming a condescending posture before the girl. "You again, Rose?"Rose's earlier
Krystal was taken aback, holding the half-burnt cigarette between her fingers as the smoke rings slowly dissipated. She carefully scrutinized Lina from head to toe, noting the girl's disheveled appearance yet sensing a fearless aura emanating from her being. Like gleaming silver stars, Lina's eyes shone with resolute determination, reminiscent of someone familiar to Krystal.Lost in her thoughts, Krystal failed to realize that her cigarette had burned down, only snapping back to reality when it scorched her hand, causing her to gasp. She quickly regained composure, adjusting her breathing and wearing the same confident smile."Young lady, don't you think you have too many questions?" she asked."Even if it means my death, I want to die with clarity," Lina softly replied."Heh, nobody's asking you to die. You two are precious to me," Krystal replied."Valuable enough to sell?" Renee stepped forward, instinctively positioning herself in front of Lina. "We're well aware of the busine
"Do I need a reason to come to you, Madame Krys?" The man's hoarse voice echoed, each word feeling as blunt as a dull knife. "Heh, I heard you have precious gems here, and I wanted to take a look!"Lina couldn't be certain, but she felt as though Krystal was deliberately blocking the man's view. Was she trying to protect them? It was hard to say for sure.There was something cunning about this woman. If Lina had to say it, it seemed like Krystal was more interested in safeguarding her own interests rather than protecting them.Krystal spoke, crossing one hand over her chest and propping the other up. The cigarette between her fingers burned slowly, exuding a sensual charm. "Justin, we may share this boat, you trafficking drugs and me transporting people, but we should mind our own business. Why bother seeking treasures from me?""It's precisely because we share the same boat and have this chance encounter that whoever gets the gems should share them!" Justin patted her shoulder, a