Melissa had already seen through her daughter's thoughts. As someone who had gone through similar experiences, how could she not understand what the little girl was thinking at this time? But until everything settled and before Zeke was successfully trained, she could not let her daughter get too deeply involved."Alright, alright. Go and call your father and Dave for breakfast!" Melissa said, and Lina obeyed, looking a bit listless. Melissa smiled and whispered, "Since you're missing him so much, take some time to give him a call and ask when he'll be back! Asking him yourself is much more effective than us asking a hundred times.""Mom!" Lina felt a little embarrassed. "What are you saying? I don't miss him!""Alright, if you say so," Melissa said affectionately. "Anyway, I've taught you a way. Whether you do it or not is up to you!"Lina blushed and lowered her head, chuckling softly. Although she denied it verbally, her spirits noticeably lifted. She skipped away to call her fa
It was a clear and sunny weekend, but Zuko was not around, so time felt particularly slow for Lina.She sat at the entryway, feeling bored and absentmindedly nibbling on watermelon. The sound of a car horn broke the silence of the empty alley, its loud honk resonating crisply in the air.Lina was taken aback and quickly ran out to see.A striking red convertible sports car caught Lina's attention at the alley's entrance. Its sleek and dynamic body glistened under the sunlight, emanating a unique radiance.As the car came to a stop, the driver, a person with wavy hair resembling a celebrity, removed her sunglasses and greeted Lina with a beaming smile. "Ready to have some fun today? Hop in!"Lina's surprise and delight were evident as she exclaimed, almost screaming, "Gia? Is that really you?!"This version of Gia was completely different from the one she knew. Until last week, Gia had been a very low-key student, dressing modestly and carrying herself in a reserved manner. Then
"Lina, this bag matches you too!"You should try everything on. I'll wait for you here!"Upon saying that, Gia sat on the sofa in the center of the boutique, and immediately someone served her exquisite-looking pastries.Lina felt like she was dreaming. Several shop assistants followed behind her, each with their hands full and a smile on their faces that only appeared when they saw potential customers.Seeing Lina hesitate to enter the fitting room, Gia walked over and took her hand with a light smile. "Okay, I'll tell you the truth. My parents did come into some money!""What?""It's a few stocks they bought in their early years." Gia's gaze was evasive. "Somehow, they skyrocketed recently to the point where they both start questioning reality! Heh, it's like a windfall, isn't it?"Lina was half skeptical. She occasionally paid attention to the stock market news too. Although she did not understand it well, she could still read charts and trends. In her impression, the stock m
Gia hung up, her palms sweating. She collected herself and turned back to the store, where Lina had not come out yet. Gia pretended as if nothing had happened and softly asked, "Lina, are you done trying the clothes on?""This one's a bit big. I need a smaller size..."Gia immediately asked the store staff to find the right size."Lina, um... Why don't you go ahead and try it on? I... I need to use the restroom!"Lina agreed, and Gia quickly rushed out of the store, heading toward the cafe on the basement floor.The man was already seated in the far corner. Gia's legs trembled slightly as she forced herself to appear calm and sat down in front of him. The man handed her a card. With most of his face covered by a baseball cap, the slight curve of his lips sent shivers down her spine."The boss says you've done a good job. This is your reward.""Thank you...""Your next task is to keep Lina here and ensure she doesn't appear in Centrolis."Gia's heart skipped a beat. "But... I p
"This must be the eldest son of the Hamertons, right?"Melvin suddenly turned his gaze toward Zuko at the dining table.Zuko paused and looked back at him.It was worth mentioning that Melvin also belonged to the category who aged well. Despite reaching middle age, he did not show any sign of that. On the contrary, he looked even more energetic than a young man.He also looked good. He bore a striking resemblance to Nicholas, and anyone could tell at first glance that they were cousins from the same lineage.Zuko frowned and glanced at the nearby Pamela, feeling something was off."Zuko, Uncle Melvin's talking to you!" Cordelia reminded him in a low voice. "Since you call Nicholas' Uncle Nicholas', just call him Uncle Melvin."Zuko nodded slightly, politely acknowledging it.Melvin smiled and praised him. "The children of the Hamertons are all outstanding, truly exceptional!""Mr. Melvin, you're too kind." Cordelia chuckled. "My eldest son is great in every way, except he does
Nicholas put a hand on Melvin's shoulder and gave it a firm pat. "You have to be there by then! You hear?"Melvin quickly nodded and raised his glass, celebrating their supposedly deep family bond.Zuko glanced at Pammy beside him. It seemed like she had not spoken a word since sitting at the dining table. She kept her head down, poking at the food on her plate with her fork, her large eyes seemingly holding countless thoughts.…On the way back, Zuko remained silent. Cordelia and Zephyr also looked grim.The situation was too bizarre.The person who had kidnapped Pammy years ago was a distant relative of Nicholas, someone almost completely unrelated to him. He had just risked it to get some money. Now, the person who had brought Pammy back was Nicholas' cousin.Before Nicholas acquired his current wealth, none of his relatives had been willing to associate with him."Honey, I'm a little worried." Zephyr spoke softly. "That relative of Nicholas kidnapped Pammy for money back th
The phone rang for a while without anyone answering, making Zuko even more anxious. His face turned pale, and tiny beads of sweat formed on his nose.By then, the car had already entered Hamerton Manor.As expected, Cordelia had fallen asleep in the car. Zephyr made a gesture for everyone to stay quiet and carefully carried her out of the car.Toph, wearing headphones and whistling, watched his father's back and almost had "envious" written on his forehead."Ah, I wonder when I'll meet someone I like. Just like dad doting on mom, I want to dote on her forever! Right, bro?"Zuko did not react.Toph then noticed that his brother's face had turned pale with a look of tension."What's wrong?" asked Toph.Zuko glanced at him indifferently, telling him to go back and rest, then he walked briskly to a secluded corner of the courtyard. He dialed the number repeatedly, but no one answered. With each passing minute, his heart grew more troubled.Countless possibilities filled his mind.
Zuko looked at Toph and replied in a low voice, "What nonsense are you on when nothing has been confirmed?"Toph smirked suggestively. "Zuko, when you say 'nothing's confirmed', are you referring to your engagement with Pammy or your girlfriend from Jangasas?""You...""Don't hit me!" Toph protested preemptively.Zuko clenched his fist but gave him a stern glare.Toph had always been mischievous and seemed to be able to guess what was on his mind. Sometimes he made him feel so caught that he wanted to tie him up and give him a good beating."Hey, bro, let me sort things out for you!" Toph grinned, extending his arm to put it around Zuko's neck. Then, he suddenly thought of something and looked at him with a strange expression. "How are you thanking me once I sort things out?""Should I give you a punch or two?" suggested Zuko."No." Toph became serious. "Bro, if you think I've sorted it out correctly, how about showing me a photo of your girlfriend?"As soon as he finished spe