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
Toph, known for his carefree personality, felt sentimental today, appreciating a parent's love and effort....Unaware of the noises outside, the people in the room remained focused.After changing into two outfits, Lina stared at Zuko, her heart heavy with a question. Before she could ask, he preemptively handed her his phone.Lina froze, unsure of what to make of the gesture.Zuko ruffled her hair, wearing an indulgent smile. "I know you want to call your parents.""You...""Use my phone." Zuko chuckled. "I didn't want them to worry, so I didn't tell them about your disappearance. When I couldn't keep it a secret any longer, I arranged for them to come to Centrolis, intending to tell them the truth. But unexpectedly, you sent a signal at that very moment."Lina silently gazed at him, her emotions intertwining within her."If you use my phone to call, it will prove that we're together, and they can rest assured.""Okay.""By the way, Melvin was arrested, but he still has so
"Mom, dad, Dave, I'm really sorry for making you worry!" Lina's emotions got the best of her, making her talkative. To avoid scaring them, she decided to keep the part about being abducted onto the ship to herself."Actually, these past few days... um, I've been with Zuko the whole time! We just arrived in Southeast Aciatic today.""Sis, did you go to that palace again?" Dave said with envy. "I saw the photos from your study tour last time. It looked so beautiful there!""I'll take you for a visit there when you get into university!" Zuko took the phone and chuckled softly.Dave cheered excitedly on the other end.Upon hearing Zuko's voice, Jesse and Melissa felt more relieved, knowing that Lina was with him.Melissa said, on the verge of tears and laughter, "Lina, how have you been lately? I've had a bad feeling these days and felt anxious for no reason...""Mom, you should take care of your health." Lina spoke gently. "Don't overwork yourself, whether at home or in the store.