Lina took a sharp breath, her legs going numb from squatting. She managed to support herself and stood up, but her vision went black as her blood pressure dropped, nearly causing her to fall to the ground."Lina..."Renee quickly got up to support her but felt dizzy after crouching for a long time.Then, a hand reached out and supported both of them.Lina and Renee looked up and called out with shaky voices, "Madame Krys."Krystal crossed her arms in front of her chest, her expression showing a mix of anger and amusement. She was still wearing the dark-colored fitted dress, with the collar slightly unbuttoned, revealing her fair neck and beautiful collarbone.She glanced at them and snorted. "Come with me."The two girls followed her, matching her steps.Lina's legs felt weak, but her mind was racing. Though it was a short walk, she thought of the worst-case scenario and how to handle it if it happened.But as she was lost in her thoughts, Krystal suddenly stopped in her track
Moreover, Krystal understood that the affairs of the underworld were not something a naive girl like Lina could fully comprehend. She recalled how Nicholas had come to her rescue when her life hung by a thread, saving her from the brink of death.It was a simple act of kindness for Krystal, but for the young and grateful Krystal, Nicholas was a hero who had seemingly descended from the heavens. She had always wanted to find a way to repay him, but instead, she unintentionally ended up aiding the villains 20 years ago. The remorse had haunted her ever since. Finally, now she had the chance...Krystal smirked and looked at Lina, ready to speak, but Krystal continued before she could ask any questions. "By the way, let Nicholas know that Krys feels like she has let him down. Despite everything, I find myself still involved in this shady business instead of walking the righteous path."Lina paused for a moment, collecting her thoughts, and replied softly, "One's actions are often beyond
Just then, Zuko's phone rang. The slight startle caused him to lighten his kick as he saw the name on the screen he had been the most worried about seeing these past few days—Melissa.Taking a deep breath, Zuko walked outside the room to answer the call. He greeted Melissa in a relaxed tone, "Ma'am."Melissa unconsciously called out "Zeke" but quickly corrected herself, becoming cautious and reserved. "Mr... Mr. Hamerton, hello.""Ma'am, no need to be formal with me. Just call me Zeke. Why didn't you inform me when you left Centrolis a few days ago?""Oh…" Melissa forced a smile and said, "We didn't want to bother you. We can still manage... Well... Lina… Is she doing well?"She hesitated before finally asking the question.…In fact, for the past two days, she had been agonizing over this phone call. The moment she learned that Lina was the only daughter of the Thompsons, a true heiress, she knew that she should gracefully step back.However, after raising her for so many year
Meanwhile, Nicholas watched on with cold detachment, his dark eyes filled with a burning hatred.Despite being covered in injuries, Melvin continued to provoke Nicholas with vulgarities, determined to get a reaction."Let me tell you... Your daughter is probably enjoying herself with some man right now! Hahaha... Zuko Hamerton! Congratulations! Even if you find Lina, she's just a worthless slut who's been whored by men! Hahaha...""Enough of your nonsense! Move!"A few prison guards intervened and forcibly dragged Melvin away while the iron door slowly closed, muffling Melvin's wails.Zuko's phone rang once again, interrupting the tense atmosphere."Zeke?" Melissa's panicked voice came through. "W-What just happened? Who was screaming? Does it have anything to do with Lina?"Zuko rubbed his temples, trying to collect his thoughts, and replied softly, "Ma'am, don't worry. It wasn't Lina. I'm outside now, and it was just someone passing by.""Someone passing by and making such st
Toph paused, his curiosity piqued. "Fireflies? What does that mean?"Zuko squinted, deep in thought. The appearance of the location tracking and the signal being sent meant that Lina's current situation couldn't be too dangerous. And the word "fireflies"...A confident smile formed on Zuko's face. "They'll be in Southeast Aciatic!""What?" Toph exclaimed, taken aback. "You're certain about this based on just one word?"Zuko nodded assertively. "There's no mistake. It's Southeast Aciatic, for sure! Even if Melvin doesn't tell us Uncle Nicholas, we'll find them!"Toph's disbelief faded as Zuko reassured him with a pat on the shoulder and a reassuring smile. "If you want to see Renee soon, pack your things and come with me!""Okay..."Zuko calmly organized the arrangements, addressing Uncle Nicholas. "Don't withdraw your men just yet. We'll split into two groups. Your team will continue the search here while Toph and I will leave immediately.""I won't withdraw them," Nicholas rep
At that critical moment, someone embraced Lina from behind, their warm and gentle hands covering her cold and trembling ones, dispelling her anxiety.Looking up, Lina met Zuko's determined gaze. She froze as he held her hand, helping her aim, and spoke in a low, steady voice. "Fire!"Without hesitation, Lina pulled the trigger.The sound of the gunshot reverberated, causing her wrist to go numb from the recoil of the small pistol.The bullet struck Justin's leg, causing him to fall to the deck, leaving a pool of blood. The police swiftly subdued the criminal gang.At that moment, Lina's mind went blank. Her heart pounded in her ears as her body weakened and her hands and feet turned cold. Unable to support herself, she began to fall, but Zuko caught her, holding her gently in his arms and soothing her like a baby."Did... Did I kill someone?" Lina asked fearfully, and her voice choked with sobs. "Did I... That guy...""No," Zuko reassured her softly. "You did well. You truly liv
Zuko smiled softly, affirming, "It will definitely happen.""Alright, enough with the sentimentality, you two," Toph chuckled and pointed, diverting their attention. "Look, who's that over there?"Lina followed Toph's finger, her gaze falling upon two middle-aged individuals making their way toward them, their steps unsteady and cautious. The pier's uneven surface caused them to stumble occasionally, but their determination to see their daughter remained unyielding.Lina's heart tightened, rendering her momentarily motionless. She observed the anxiety etched on their faces and the cautious longing in their eyes. Despite their distinguished attire, which made them stand out in the crowd, their movements appeared unsteady and disheveled.A clenched fist rested tightly by Lina's side, her heart seemingly ready to leap out of her throat.Nicholas and Linda, supporting each other, hastened their pace until they reached a certain distance from Lina. Suddenly, they came to a halt, unsure
The news of Justin's criminal gang's arrest in Southeast Aciatic spread rapidly. Television and the Internet were filled with footage of the police escorting them. Justin, wearing a black hood and shackles on his legs and hands, walked slowly due to a gunshot wound.This time, the police seized drugs and conducted simultaneous raids on Justin's hideouts in several neighboring countries of Southeast Aciatic. Justin was now set to face an international trial, multiple charges, and the possibility of the death penalty.Press media from various countries were excited and competed to report this significant news. In the process of reporting on Justin, they incidentally mentioned another criminal gang that the police had captured.Through the screen, Lina saw Krystal, who appeared exhausted yet calm. Despite the handcuffs and the police presence, Krystal still exuded the formidable presence of a boss who commanded the underworld.Feeling a tinge of sadness, Lina agreed with Zuko's earlie