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.
After a moment of silence, Abigail held Lina's hands with sincerity and spoke each word deliberately. "Please love each other... Please be happy forever!"Lina was taken aback. She felt a strange atmosphere surrounding them.But that was what good friends wished for each other.She looked down and smiled, nodding earnestly. "Thank you."Abigail seemed relieved, her smile becoming more relaxed."Enough about me!" Lina's playful doe eyes sparkled. "What about you? You're really amazing, so I'm sure there are many men who are interested in you. Is there anyone you like?""I..." Abigail paused before speaking honestly. "I do have someone I like."Lina's eyes lit up.But then she heard Abigail continue. "But he doesn't know, and I haven't told him.""Why not?" Lina asked."Because... I'm afraid of rejection."The waves overshadowed Abigail's soft voice.A subtle veil of sadness covered her beautiful face.-Meanwhile, Zuko met Jacob at a bar.It was a small, quiet place. A si
Zuko found himself momentarily speechless, so he refilled Jacob's glass of tequila. Offering comfort to others was not his strong suit, and he struggled to understand the feeling of unrequited love. Perhaps because his relationship with Lina had been so smooth, he believed in following Toph's advice to take the initiative and kiss the person he liked.Having done so himself, with Lina reciprocating, Zuko thought that was how love should be pursued.Zuko patted Jacob's shoulder with a serious expression. "Why don't you try... kissing her first?"Jacob had just taken a sip of tequila and choked on it, tears streaming down his face from the sting. He stared at Zuko as if he were looking at a monster. Could this usually composed and reserved heir really say something so offensive?"Did I say something wrong?" Zuko argued seriously. "If you like her, you have to kiss her! Otherwise, how will she know your feelings?"Jacob narrowed his eyes. "Don't tell me you won Lina over like that?"