Mollie's eyes widened, and she was left stunned.Taking advantage of the calm after the chaos, Ian ordered his men to escort her out.The colleagues who had gathered to watch were shocked and quickly dispersed, pretending as if nothing had happened.Lina felt a pang in her heart, realizing that Linda had gone out of her way to protect her. The image of Linda's efforts remained etched in her mind. She fought back tears and mustered a smile when their eyes met.Linda spoke softly, pulling out a draft from her bag. "Lina, Renee, I came here today to give this to the two of you."They opened it and looked inside. It was Mr. Sam's old work, each line meticulously drawn by him."Originally... I planned to quietly give it to you and leave. I didn't expect to encounter those people..." Linda shook her head. "Nic has told me many times not to interfere with your work, but I couldn't restrain myself today..."Both of you will have a different status in the company now," she said, taking t
Lina's beauty was so unconventional that even Abigail, who had been in the entertainment industry for a long time and had seen many beauties, was captivated by her.Intense sadness weighed on Abigail like a giant rock, crushing her spirit.She stood there, lost in her thoughts until her assistant called out to her several times."What's wrong, Ms. Abigail?" the assistant asked.Abigail didn't respond directly. She glanced at Lina and muttered, "If I were a man, I'd choose her without a second thought.""What do you mean?" the assistant inquired."Forget it." Abigail turned to her assistant. "She's really beautiful.""Oh…""He even bought her drinks... It must be sweet. Seeing them together must be sweet too." Abigail felt a mix of sadness and envy.Having a crush was like performing in mime. No matter how passionately she performed on stage, the people in the audience couldn't hear anything.However, she didn't hear what Jacob said to Lina."Zuko made this caramel bubble tea
What Melissa said struck a delicate nerve in Linda's heart.In the past, she would have charged at her, strangled her, and even slapped her. Or maybe she would have asked Ian to do it, just like how he dealt with Mollie. She would have allowed him to be as brutal as possible.But she couldn't do that anymore.She took a few deep breaths and tried to calm herself and stop the trembling. Then she looked at Melissa calmly."Don't say that." Linda's voice was soft. "You've been her mother for 20 years. You have every right to be called her mother."Melissa was shocked, and tears instantly streamed down her face. "But I stole those 20 years..."As soon as she said that, it felt like a heavy rock crushed their hearts simultaneously.Linda could hardly breathe, desperately trying not to cry.Finally, Melissa let go. After 20 years, she could finally face the truth.She asked herself, if she hadn't been sick, if fate hadn't led Lina to her real parents, would she have been able to let
"Thank you for loving my daughter, thank you for… saving her life."Melissa glanced at Linda, her expression filled with slight shock. Before she could utter a word, she suddenly felt a sharp pain coursing through her body. She bent over, her face grew pale, and sweat dripped down her face.-Lina ushered Abigail into her office. Meanwhile, Renee was in the drafting room, collaborating with colleagues on design research.Wanting to ensure the celebrity's privacy, Lina closed the door and swiftly rolled down the blinds. She even went to fetch coffee, ensuring no one would enter or interrupt.Lina's thoughtfulness made Abigail feel a tinge of guilt. Abigail removed her sunglasses, revealing her beautiful eyes, and sincerely smiled."I knew you were extraordinary the moment I saw you downstairs!" Lina exclaimed, sitting across from her and beaming like a fangirl. "We've had celebrities coming in for interviews to become the film studio's ambassador these past few days. I never expec
Abigail took out a pen from her bag gently, lost in thought as she held it.Her assistant had to call her a couple of times to snap her out of it when they arrived at their destination.Jackie rushed out of the recording studio, opening the door himself and greeting Abigail with a bright smile. "This reality show has high ratings. It's the perfect opportunity for your comeback! Let's seize it, darling. Go to makeup and look at the script. We'll follow the director's instructions, okay?"I've talked to the team, asking them not to edit the scenes as they please."Abigail regained her resting bitch face and tossed her sunglasses, which conveniently landed in her assistant's hand."Let's go, darling!" Jackie was willing to go along with whatever Abigail wanted. "Don't worry. I've spoken to them. If they do anything wrong, we can sue them! But there's something...""What?""Can you smile, darling?" He gestured a smile with both hands, exaggerating it. "Despite being known as an inti
Linda returned home feeling heavy-hearted. Meanwhile, peals of laughter and chatter echoed from the living room, catching her attention before she entered.She stood at the door, observing for a moment.The kids were back.Zuko and Toph shuttled plates from the kitchen, causing concern for Aunt Evelyn and the maids, who couldn't stop them.Linda glanced into the kitchen and saw a complete mess. It was evident that an intense battle had taken place there.Lina and Renee appeared unusually cheerful. The table was filled with the brothers' cooking, though it looked rather unappetizing.The brothers insisted on explaining themselves. "Even though they don't look good, they taste amazing, we promise!"Linda burst into laughter while standing at the door. "So, the young heirs didn't dare to ruin the kitchen at home because of your strict mother, and instead, you came here?"The four kids were simultaneously stunned, turning to look at the door.Zuko and Toph smiled sheepishly and qu
Lina smiled and said, "I'm meeting Abigail."Toph instinctively looked at Zuko.Zuko frowned and asked Lina, "Why are you looking at me?"Toph grinned and asked, "Why do you have such a big reaction?"Zuko secretly reached his finger and poked Toph's armpit hard.Toph screamed and quickly sat between Lina and Renee.Zuko cleared his throat, walked over to Lina, held her hands, and gently asked, "Why are you meeting her?"Lina replied, "It's a girls' thing. Why are you being so nosy?"Zuko was taken aback and rendered speechless.Lina pursed her lips and said, "I want to talk to her about the ambassadorship.""Ambassadorship?""Yes, the film studio project needs an ambassador," Lina explained.The tip of Zuko's nose became misty with sweat. "Aren't there many celebrities who could talk about it?""But none of them are as good as Abigail," Lina retorted."You like her? It has to be her?"Lina smiled and squeezed Zuko's cheeks, blinking her playful eyes. "It's just girl adm
Lina chuckled.In her eyes, Abigail resembled more of a heroine than a sister.Lina had seen Abigail's movies before they met. She always played the roles of a fierce, powerful woman or a wild heroine.Abigail's marketing team portrayed her as an intimidating and quiet person.However, when they finally met, Lina soon discovered that Abigail was different from her on-screen persona.Abigail loved to talk, smile, eat, and play. She possessed a childlike innocence.Just like their current meeting, Lina thought Abigail enjoyed being among the crowd, willingly donning her armor on a hot day to have fun with the people.Soon, they arrived at the Thompsons' private beach.The atmosphere there was different from the streets—they entered a tranquil world. It felt as if transparent glass separated the beach from the rest of the world.A gentle, cool breeze caressed their ears, and the sand beneath their feet was soft.When they looked up, they were greeted by a sky filled with stars.
"Only Morpheus and Sephy aren't like that. They respect and understand me. Sephy told me once, 'One's appearance doesn't indicate anything. A clean heart is what truly matters!'"Rebecca chuckled dismissively."You're a psychologist, yet you fail to grasp this," Wynn said coldly. "Actually, I pity you. You could have stepped out, yet you insist on dwelling on the trivialities."Morpheus has psychological barriers, a consequence of returning from the battlefield. No one has cured his PTSD except Sephy... It shows that a true psychologist is never just a title."What truly heals everything is love!"-One particular morning a year later, sunlight streamed through sheer cream curtains onto the floor.Persephone was sound asleep when she suddenly felt something pressing down on her... Then, Morpheus' strong arms wrapped around her slender waist. She drowsily opened her eyes to find him sealing her lips with heated kisses.Over the year, his kissing skills had improved, and Persepho
With Morpheus' involvement, the police didn't slack off and quickly found Rebecca.That day, Rebecca was preparing to escape from a small port. The boat she had found was an illegally operating one.As she was about to board, piercing sirens sounded nearby.The boat owner, enraged upon hearing the sirens, grabbed Rebecca by her hair and pushed her into the water.Rebecca screamed for help, but he roared, "I didn't expect you to be sent by the cops!""I'm not..." Rebecca choked on water. "Sir, let's leave now. Your boat is fast. As long as we reach the open sea, no one will catch you!""Dream on!" The boat owner wanted to strangle her. "Do you not understand? These sirens are from the royal guards! Who did you bitch provoke?"Rebecca was dumbfounded. Being a foreigner, she naturally didn't understand the local affairs in the Southeast Aciatic region.The police and royal guards quickly caught up, armed, and surrounded them.Rebecca turned pale and trembled all over, her gaze gr
"You had no choice on the battlefield."Persephone looked at him with her crystal eyes. There was a magical power in them. Even if a devil was tearing him apart, her eyes would always bring him back to light.She smiled and caressed his cheek. "Though you killed your father, you saved the country.""Do you really… think so?"She nodded. "You're not at fault. He was the one who made a mistake. You were just fulfilling your job as a general to protect the country."But I also understand that he's your father who brought you up, after all. You guys must have had happy days before that happened, right?"Morpheus held his head low in silence."You did well as the protector of the country," she said softly. "But as a son, you can secretly pay homage to him."Persephone held his hand. "Reconcile with your father, Morpheus. You'll also reconcile with yourself by doing that, okay?"He was stunned for a long time and felt a lump in his throat.-Morpheus stayed with Persephone in the
"No way!" Christopher smirked, glancing at Morpheus. "To him, you're his only princess! I just got lucky for the princess carry, thanks to you!""Yeah, at least you're self-aware!" Persephone nodded, rubbing her chin."We've known each other for so long! What kind of person do you think I am?" Christopher laughed. "I can be a bit shameless at times, but..."But upon learning that the one she loved was the unbeatable god of war, he willingly stepped back, offering his blessings with a smile."Okay, okay. You two stop crowding around me!" Christopher waved his hand. "Sephy needs more rest, and I'd like to get some more sleep, too! Once we heal, let's go out and have some fun together!""You're still thinking about fun?" Morpheus' deep voice intervened with a wry smile. "With the factory explosion incident, the royal family is furious and will thoroughly investigate it. Many people will probably be coming to talk to you both in the next few days. After all, you two are the most direc
"Let's get out first!""Hey, wait..." Persephone pointed to the other side.In moments of life and death, it wasn't appropriate to laugh, but Morpheus still chuckled. The young Prince Christopher was sprawled on the floor in a very ridiculous pose, and they almost forgot about him!"Don't worry," Morpheus whispered. "I won't let anything happen to him."He had Persephone cling to his back and then carried Christopher.Christopher was a tall fellow, so it took some effort to carry them both to a safe place.Fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars rushed in. Their sirens pierced the sky, startling a flock of birds.The fire was soon extinguished, and Persephone and Christopher received timely treatment. Luckily, their burns weren't too severe, and even more fortunately, their faces were unharmed.When Christopher woke up, he felt bandages wrapped around his head, and his skin had a burning sensation. His heart sank, and he was almost on the verge of tears."Tell me the truth! A
There was fire everywhere. Flames rushed toward Persephone like menacing dragons. Her consciousness grew increasingly blurred, but the searing pain coursing through her body became clearer. She struggled to get up, the agony almost unbearable.Despite several attempts, it was futile...Something was pinning her feet down, and stones kept falling on her. She couldn't even muster a shout.Many images flashed through her mind in that fleeting moment, each frame featuring Morpheus' face…She remembered the times they had spent together in Flinge, how he had initially distanced himself from her, then later had exerted every effort to protect her. She recalled how he would gently ruffle her hair and call her "silly goose"..."Morpheus, I'm afraid I might have to go first..."The fire grew fiercer, explosions resonated continuously, and she could no longer hold on.Christopher, who was nearby, wasn't any better.Amidst the roaring flames, he couldn't see anything clearly, only pulling
"No need, you can go back first." Morpheus glanced at him. "I'll wait here for her a little longer.""Prince Christopher wouldn't do anything to Ms. Hamerton...""Alfred, what are you thinking?" Morpheus couldn't help but chuckle. "I know exactly what Christopher is like, but I just want to wait here for Sephy. Christopher mentioned that she'd specifically designed these fireworks for me. Hah! I'm the useless one. I don't even dare to go inside and take a look.""Sir, don't say that.""If I wait here, will it count as accompanying her in her efforts?"Alfred nodded.Morpheus smiled and sent Alfred back. He continued waiting under the tree.The air in Southeast Aciatic was hot and humid. The shade of the banyan tree offered some relief, but it couldn't completely dispel the oppressive heat.Morpheus took a deep breath, about to move elsewhere, when he glimpsed a suspicious figure swiftly darting through the factory's side gate.The security at the side gate was lax, making it e
Christopher struggled to swallow the bite of the sandwich in his mouth for what seemed like ages. He gazed at Persephone, his mind wandering back…He didn't just know Morpheus. He had been close since childhood to the children of the two prominent military families in Southeast Aciatic.Compared to the Harrises, he preferred visiting the Ortons, especially when he got to spend time with Morpheus. He considered Morpheus a friend, a brother even, having engaged in countless mischief together, much to their parents' dismay.In his memory, Morpheus was someone who smiled a lot, radiating warmth and brightness like the Southeast Aciatic sun when he did.However, from the moment Kaiden betrayed the country, Morpheus never smiled again, gradually growing distant from Christopher as well.It wasn't until that evening at the gates of the palace that Christopher felt like it had been a lifetime."I... I don't know him." Christopher forced a smile. "Where would I have met your boyfriend!"
Morpheus wasn't just an ordinary person!Christopher wholeheartedly accepted his defeat to Morpheus."Then... I'd like to invite you to come over to my place for a while as a friend. That's fine, right?"-A few days later, Persephone finally ran into Christopher, who had been missing in action for days, in the classroom."Hey, you finally showed up!" She dashed over, plopping down in the seat beside him and handing him breakfast. "You haven't eaten, right? Let's eat together!"Usually, Christopher would readily accept, but he waved his hands now. "No, no, no!""What's wrong?" Persephone widened her eyes. "This breakfast isn't poisoned!"Christopher awkwardly smiled. "You have a boyfriend, so maybe... we should keep some distance."Persephone burst into laughter. Then she remarked, "Strange... Morpheus was right!""Uh, what?""My boyfriend!" She chuckled. "He made this breakfast. I asked if he could also make a portion for you, and he said sure, just worried you wouldn't tak