Lena was taken aback. She could not come up with an answer to the question, nor could she respond well."Chris... Renee isn't my enemy.""You're the one who isn't treating her like one!" Chris sighed in exasperation. "But what about her? She despises you to the core. She not only sees you as an enemy but as a nemesis!"Lena's fists clenched tightly at her side."I'm not trying to stir up trouble between you." Chris held her shoulders. "I'm just using my military experience to tell you that mutual sacrifices happen frequently on the battlefield. A bullet won't change its course because you're retreating, and an enemy won't spare you just because you're stepping back!"Your retreat will only make her more overbearing! Just because Pammy is in the middle doesn't mean you should be hesitant!"Lena was stunned. Chris' words struck a chord and made her see the depth of his concern.After a long silence, she smiled, her cheeks blushing like peach petals.Chris was entranced, as if her
Suddenly, Renee remembered what Melvin had said to her before his execution."Such a good opportunity to impersonate Pamela and gain the Thompson Group, but you didn't want it! You're as foolish as your mother! You both wretched women!"Renee's head throbbed abruptly, and she trembled slightly."Renee?" Toph looked at her with concern. "Are you feeling unwell?"His hand had not reached her when she moved away.Toph's hand hung awkwardly in the air, a bit embarrassed. It felt like a needle had pricked him, and a drop of blood seeped."Renee—"Before he could form his sentence, there was a knock on the door. Even before the person entered, their sweet voice could be heard."I hope I'm not late for such a happy occasion?"Arya walked in with a gift, heading straight for Lina as soon as she entered the room.Lina was pleasantly surprised. "Why did you come too?""Zuko told me!" Arya's eyes curved with a smile. "He's so eager to announce to the world with a megaphone that he's go
"Uh, well..." Arya felt sweat forming on her forehead, thinking she had caused trouble. "Why don't all of you visit my studio once Pammy's pregnancy stabilizes?"The awkward atmosphere didn't dissipate. Arya flushed in embarrassment. Besides comics and games, she really did not know much else.Lina sensed her discomfort and smiled. "Arya, I suddenly have a craving for milk tea. Could you help me get a cup?"It felt like amnesty was granted to Arya as she glanced at Lina gratefully, then hurriedly rushed out of the room.Toph lowered his head, his lips pressed into a thin line.Renee knew she was in the wrong but did not say anything and hastily walked out of the room."Renee!" Toph was taken aback. Even when he called her, there was no response. He quickly followed after her.Zuko did not manage to stop him in time.Lina tugged at his hand, both of them helpless."Forget it. Let them handle it themselves." Zuko sighed lightly. "Toph needs to grow up too.""Honey...""I know.
Toph chased Renee to the entrance of the hospital.Renee walked with the grace of the wind, ignoring him like he didn't exist. He could have easily caught up with her in a few steps, but every time he tried, she pushed him away.The current Renee treated Toph as a stranger. His heart grew colder bit by bit.He stopped in his tracks, calling out with a hint of grievance, "Renee! What's gotten into you?"Renee also stopped but did not turn around.Toph had seen this back view countless times—petite and delicate—making him feel a strong urge to protect her. Today, this back view was oddly indifferent. There were only a few steps between them, yet it felt like a vast chasm he could not bridge."Renee, you—"Renee turned slightly. "Do you have something else to say?" Toph circled around to stand before her, his gaze anxious. "Do you have to misunderstand me like this? I... I already sent you messages. I told you I wanted to draw comics and showed Ari my work. Why are you upset agai
Renee looked at Toph and snorted. Of course, she knew exactly what she was saying.After losing her mother, she did a lot of thinking. The more she thought, the more she realized how foolish she used to be. She had been so foolish, giving away things she could have easily held onto. She had been naive, letting others use her as a stepping stone without even realizing it.If her mother hadn't insisted that she stop impersonating Pamela, how would the real Pamela have returned to the Thompsons? How could she ever have a chance to reconnect with Zuko?Her mother had been incredibly kind to them, but they had shown no gratitude!And then there was Melvin. Despite her strong dislike for him, on the day of his execution, she felt like her heart was burdened with a heavy stone.After that fateful day, she had no parents left. She became a true orphan. In this world, she could only rely on others, be pitied by others, and ultimately be considered expendable.Renee suppressed the tears th
Chris was different from the other Hamerton heirs. He did not live at Hamerton Manor but instead bought a small villa not far from the city center. The place was not huge, but he had kept it neat, clearly a trait gained from military training.More importantly, this place was very close to Lena's apartment, just a ten-minute walk away.Zuko chuckled softly."Why are you laughing?" Chris brought fruits and ground a cup of coffee for him. "You come in with that weird smile, and it's kind of scary coupled with your stern face!"Zuko patted his shoulder and gave him a look that said, "As a fellow man, I know what you're thinking.""I'm just thinking you don't usually stay here, do you?""Hmm?""Lena's apartment isn't far from here!""It's not far," Chris answered honestly. "I do go to her place sometimes for a meal or something, but... I don't feel like going lately.""Are you two fighting?"Chris glanced at him and shook his head."Then why?""Lena's been researching diets for
"Zuko, what's gotten into you?" Chris asked.Zuko snapped back to reality and smiled. Whether he was overthinking or not, certain things felt quite odd once they were connected in his mind."Um... nothing," Zuko replied casually. "I'm just a bit hungry. Is there anything to eat at your place?"Chris was also hungry too and absentmindedly answered while scrolling on his phone, "Let's order takeout."Zuko frowned. "I never eat takeout.""Mr. Zuko Hamerton, are you asking me to cook for you?""You know how to cook, right?"Chris glared at him. Not that he would cook for him even if he did!Just then, the doorbell rang suddenly.Lena walked in with a smile, carrying a lunchbox. When she saw Zuko there, she nodded slightly with a hint of restraint.Zuko smiled. "Lena, are you telepathically connected to Chris and know he's hungry? So you came to bring us food?""Mm."Lena set the lunchbox on the table. The two hungry men quickly came over, but their excitement turned to disappoi
"Nothing like that!" Zuko's eyes flickered with a complex glint. "I'm just asking on your behalf. If you really marry Lena in the future, your dad will surely ask about it even if I don't!"Chris paused and put down his cutlery with a frown.Lena's expression also changed slightly. She forced herself to remain composed, ate some soup, and then placed the bowl and spoon in the sink.Zuko left after that, leaving only her and Chris in the room.She cleared the table and was about to wash the dishes when Chris' hands suddenly blocked her way."The water's cold. I'll wash them."Lena paused and saw Chris had already turned on the tap, swiftly washing the pots and dishes.She listened to the soothing flow of water, silently observing him. His sleeves were rolled up, showcasing his strong forearms. The sink was a bit low, making him bend slightly, yet his broad back remained as reassuring as ever like the protective fortress guarding her heart.What about her? Was her background dese