They did not seem like a married couple, more like partners who had signed an agreement. Nevertheless, Lena could tell that Kasey had feelings for Elijah. Her family benefited from this marriage alliance, yet she had become the sacrifice."What's wrong? Do you think I'm irresponsible in marriage?" Elijah maintained his nonchalant tone. "It's genetic! My old man wasn't responsible either."Lena remained silent, uninterested in his family matters.Elijah murmured, "He had a wife but still messed around outside. I'm much better than him. At least I didn't father any illegitimate..."He paused and looked at Lena. "I didn't father any illegitimate children."But I seem to have a half-brother. My old man saw that child once before he died and entrusted me to find him. Why should I look for him? To compete for the family inheritance? Let him fend for himself outside!"Annoyed by what she was hearing, Lena glanced at him and turned to leave."Hey, where are you going?"Lena did not res
Toph rarely dined out with Renee. The hotel owned by the Hamerton Group offered every imaginable amenity, and Toph had instructed the kitchen to prepare Renee's favorite dishes.They sat across from each other, undisturbed by others, while a gentle violin melody drifted in from outside. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, creating colorful patterns on the luxurious carpet.Everything felt serene as if time itself had slowed.Toph smiled at Renee, who sat quietly with a strand of hair falling near her ear. She brushed it aside gracefully, her fingers long and fair, just as they had always been.Toph's heart skipped a beat.Renee suddenly asked, "Toph, did you read the books I recommended?"It was as if the tranquility had shattered, replaced by the jarring crash of broken glass.He met her gaze again, only to realize that Renee had changed. There were many things in her eyes that he couldn't comprehend, much like those complex strategy theories that were gradually dampeni
Back then, he had promised, as a responsible boyfriend, to provide her with a sense of security, allowing her to check his phone anytime, anywhere. At that time, she was naive and never took advantage of this offer.Now...Renee shifted her gaze, her face aligned with the screen as she gently swiped her finger.-Toph had spent a considerable amount of time in the restroom. He splashed cold water on his face, attempting to temporarily clear his cluttered mind.To be honest, his feelings for Renee had become quite complex. Guilt had overtaken love, and fear had surpassed pity. It seemed impossible to revert to their previous relationship.He even felt apprehensive about encountering her, fearful of receiving her messages, and terrified of hearing her calls.However, he couldn't completely remove her from his life. His greatest fear was Renee attempting suicide again because of him. He dreaded carrying the weight of that heavy burden on his conscience for the rest of his life.To
Chris went to Zuko's house to inform him about the investigation results regarding the sleeping pills. "Even though there wasn't a label on the bottle, some medicine dealers in this field have been around for years and can recognize this type of medicine by the bottle itself.""You're quite resourceful." Zuko chuckled. "Even the drug dealers recognize you!"Chris raised an eyebrow.This was the difference between him and other members of the Hamertons—he was familiar with people from all walks of life."This type of medicine was withdrawn from the market a few years ago," Chris explained. "Because many people were using it as a suicide potion.""What?" Zuko listened in surprise."Those who purchased this medicine didn't plan to use it for suicide," Chris remarked casually. "I've heard from the dealers that many buyers at that time were girls caught up in tricky relationships. They faked suicide attempts to try and win back their partners."By using a specific amount of this medi
Lina pursed her lips and did not say anything, leaning gently against Zuko's shoulder. Images of the past when she was with Renee would always flash through her mind. It now seemed like those were events from a past life.Perhaps due to her pregnancy, Lina had been quite sentimental lately. Her eyes were slightly moist at the moment."I know she's akin to your sister, and you can't bear to be harsh," Zuko said. "But Toph is my brother, and I've been protecting him since childhood. This time won't be any different!"His words were resolute, not wavering even a bit despite Lina's sadness.Lina looked at him with a gentle smile.In reality, he was also protecting her. With such a man by her side, she could stay a child without worry for her entire life."It's not that I can't bear it. I just feel a bit regretful," she gently said as she took his hand. "I understand that Renee was genuinely kind to me before, but the changes now are also real.""It's best if you can think like that.
Jacquelin had some devious thoughts and took out her phone, aiming it at the two of them.Unexpectedly, someone suddenly slapped her shoulder!"Hey, what are you doing?"Jacquelin felt like she had lost half her soul and nearly screamed in shock. She quivered while turning around and was greeted by Kasey's smile, which resembled more of a smirk!"You...""What are you photographing?" Kasey asked with a grin, her gaze fixed on Jacquelin's phone. In the frame was Lena, engaged in conversation with a well-dressed man who appeared to be Zuko Hamerton, the current overseer of the Thompson Group.Kasey squinted, observing Zuko's authoritative demeanor and Lena's calm expression. They seemed to be discussing work-related matters. 'What kind of malicious intent does Jacquelin have again?' Kasey wondered. Despicable people saw everything as tainted.Recalling Lena's previous assistance, Kasey couldn't allow this spiteful woman to tarnish Lena's reputation.Kasey mocked, "What's wron
"Mr. Chriss..." Jacquelin was in a sorry state, her tearful eyes fixed on Elijah.However, Elijah frowned, devoid of any sympathy."Mr. Chriss, your wife—""What about my wife?" he cut in."Well..." Jacquelin was at a loss.Wasn't it clear? She was covered in frappe, and she was trembling all over!Elijah said coldly, "Ms. Dillon, haven't you always thought of yourself as my mistress? If these were feudal times, you'd be a 'concubine'."Kasey froze, staring at Elijah."Since you're a concubine…" Elijah approached Kasey and stood beside her. "Then, if the legitimate wife scolds you or slaps you, it's only right. Don't be upset about it, okay? What's 'showering' you with a frappe? Even if she were to throw dirty sink water at you out of anger, you'd still have to bear it! Understand?""What?!" Jacquelin's face paled.Kasey was utterly shocked. In her memory, this seemed to be the first time Elijah stood on her side.She could not believe it. "Elijah, do you know what you're sa
Kasey glanced downward. She didn't appear extraordinary to Elijah. Instead, she harbored only grievances and discontent.Unknown to Jacquelin, Zuko had noticed her taking photos and discreetly signaled his bodyguards to remove her. But before any of this could unfold, Kasey made a "heroic" move of her own.Zuko smiled at the couple and turned to leave. Lena followed him.When they reached a secluded place, Zuko stopped in his tracks and asked, "Have you engraved everything I told you?"Lena nodded earnestly."Under no circumstances should you let Renee get close to her.""I understand." Lena's gaze darkened. "Taking these precautions in advance is the right move. Renee isn't thinking clearly, so who knows what she might do. And now that Lina is pregnant, we have to be even more careful!"Zuko looked at her and said cryptically, "It seems like you genuinely care about Lina."Lena did not say anything."Why?""Because..." Lena lowered her head, her voice soft. "Because Lina has