Lina gave him a gentle nudge. "I know.""I really love you."Her grin grew even brighter. "I know!""Honey, I..." Zuko wanted to say something even more affectionate, but Lena knocked on the door."Lina!"Zuko took a deep breath with a helpless expression.Lina smiled and let Lena in, but she noticed a few people accompanying Lena."Mr. Chriss?"Elijah nodded, and Kasey also greeted them warmly.Nala hopped around Lina's bedside. "Where's the little baby?""Hey, Nala!" Elijah hurriedly stopped her."It's okay." Lina smiled and patiently explained to Nala, "The baby is in the baby room next door. But she's asleep right now. How about you play with her when she wakes up?"Nala clapped her hands excitedly and ran over to Lena.Elijah looked somewhat helpless and frowned, chiding Kasey in a hushed tone, "I told you not to bring her along. Look, she's just causing trouble!""What's the harm in that?" Zuko said warmly, "It's in a child's nature! Mr. Chriss, I have a daughter no
Lena giggled.It seemed to possess some kind of magic as it instantly quieted Elijah down.Elijah watched her in silence. There seemed to be a resemblance to someone in the way her eyes looked, like a familiar acquaintance. The strange feeling he had for her increased a little more.Elijah said in a low voice, "Lena, I've resigned."Lena nodded. "I just heard in the room. Are you really not planning to continue at the Thompson Group?""I have my own things to do.""Alright." Lena shrugged."You seem... not to care whether I stay at the Thompson Group?""Why should I care?" Lena looked at him sideways. "As long as you don't go against Lina, you can be anywhere. But if you dare to pick on the Thompsons, I'll bring you back from the ends of the earth."Elijah was at a loss for words.Originally, he wanted to ask Lena if she would be willing to go to his family's company and work with him. After all, he needed help now. Instead of looking for someone else outside, it would be bet
Lena stiffened momentarily, her mind in a daze. This was not the first time Chris had suggested going home to meet his parents and discuss marriage. Previously, when he had brought it up, she had found excuses to avoid the conversation. But this time, she did not know what excuse she could use.Chris' gaze dimmed slightly. "Lenny, don't you want to come home with me?"Lena bit her lip, her heart pounding. The more these moments came up, the less she could find the right words to say.Chris was getting anxious. "Don't you want to marry me?"Of course, Lena wanted to! She just was unable to say it.Sometimes, she really disliked her personality—introverted, keeping everything inside, as if she were deliberately resisting communication with the outside world.Chris took a deep breath and slowly let go of his hand around her waist. He turned away from her. When he turned back, he met her sparkling eyes. In those eyes, he glimpsed a moment of timidity, a side of Lena he had never seen
Lena lowered her head and remained silent, a faint blush creeping onto her face.Persephone had fallen asleep, so Zephyr and Cordelia invited Nicholas and Linda to hang out elsewhere.Zuko stretched, preparing to go to his study to deal with some work.Chris patted his shoulder and gave him a signal with his eyes."What's up?" "I need a favor." Chris grinned. "Let's talk in your study.""But..." Zuko's gaze turned to Lena.Lena chuckled. "I'll go chat with Pamym for a bit.""Something's… not quite right with you two." Zuko immediately noticed the issue. "Chris, is what you're going to talk to me about the same as what Lena will discuss with my wife?""Get over here!" Chris grabbed and dragged him into the study.Lena knocked on the door.Lina had just woken up and greeted her with exceptional joy."Sis, don't move!" Lena hurriedly pressed her down. "You have a surgical wound!""It's healed already!" Lina smiled wryly. "It's been a month. Can't I move a bit?""I've had wo
In the study, on the other side.Chris was also pouring his heart out to Zuko. "Lenny… She...""She's perfectly fine." Zuko chuckled. "Apart from her background, what doesn't match up with you? Besides, do we really need to consider family backgrounds when two people are together? You've always been unconventional! You even dared to change the name our great-grandfather gave you.""I don't care about it, but Lenny is too levelheaded!" Chris smiled wryly. "While others lose their wits when they're in love, I feel like Lenny's IQ keeps increasing the more she's in love!""Don't be ungrateful!""I'm quite content," Chris said, looking at him. "But just this meeting-the-parents thing, you have to help me!"Zuko looked at him disdainfully."Zuko, I don't care!" Chris started to act like a child. "If you don't agree today, I'll...""You'll what?""I'll come to cuddle your daughter every day!" Chris smirked. "I'll hold her to sleep and let her know how comfortable it is to be cuddled
Before going to meet Chris' parents, Lena had already heard Lina's introduction. Chris' father was Marco Hamerton—not particularly outstanding among the Hamerton descendants, but far from mediocre.Marco was knowledgeable and gentlemanly. He had little interest in business and had dedicated his life to archaeological research. He was also an honorary professor in the Ancient Literature Department at the University of Centrolis.His wife, Fleur Warnock, also had quite a background. The Warnocks were a prominent military family, with ancestors stationed on the border that continued to this day. Many members of the Warnocks held important positions in the military, especially in border areas. Fleur's family played a significant role in maintaining peace on the border.On their way to the meeting, Chris said, "Lenny, my mom's been pampered since childhood. Besides, my grandfather has several sons, but she's his only daughter. As such, she's been doted on. Her temper is a bit... Well, it
Fleur pursed her lips, adjusted her shawl, and shot him a proud look.The dinner that followed was something Lena found amusing but could not laugh.The dishes were plentiful, and the hotel's service was attentive. Marco was not that difficult to get along with, but Fleur..."Let me be clear!" Fleur put down her cutlery, fiddled with her massive Kashmir sapphire ring, and glanced around before fixing her gaze on Lena. "Ms. Harding, the Warnocks are not just any ordinary household. It's not a place for just anyone, and..."Marco coughed and weakly reminded her, "Dear, it's the Hamertons. The Hamertons...""Oh?" Fleur immediately raised her voice. "You old man, bad! When you were young, you pursued me and talked about marrying into my family! Into my family, understand?"Marco coughed even harder.Chris covered his face and shot an exasperated look at Lena through his fingers.-After their meal, Chris walked Lena back to the apartment and headed over to the Hamerton residence.
Chris encountered Marco entering with tea just as he was leaving the living room. He swiftly departed, vanishing before his father could utter a word.Marco sighed and topped up Fleur's tea. He approached her with a smile. "Why the serious face, my dear? I thought you'd already—""Already what?" She glared at him."Nothing, nothing," he stammered. "I mean, isn't it better to give him what he wants? He's like a block of wood. When have you seen him interested in a girl? It's a rare occurrence that he's finally opening up, so let's not argue with him!""What do you know?!" She punched him. "I have my own plan. Stop being nosy!""Hehe!" He chuckled. "Aren't you just worried she'll steal your spotlight once they're married? Don't fret, my dear. You'll always be the queen at home!""Go away!"She remained stubborn but had a smile in her eyes. Marco settled onto the couch, and she casually put her legs on him, coaxing him to give her a massage. He smiled, his eyes filled with allure