Ch. 1031..1040

Chapter 1031

Chapter 1031

His elder brother's management was not good. The Grist Group had actually been in decline for a long time. If it were not for his hard work in supporting it all these years, the Grist Group would not be where it was today.

Just as things were settling down, another issue with a batch of beverage formulas emerged, and now Violet's problem surfaced. Fred did not want to be a pawn for others anymore!

"If he really is Zuko..." he murmured to himself, a faint smile appearing on his face.

Immediately, he picked up the phone and called his assistant, saying, "Book me a table at the same hotel as last time! And find a way to arrange a meeting with Lina Jenner for me... "Forget it." He changed his mind. "I'll go and meet her myself!"

Lina had been cautious of everyone from the Grists because of Violet, so going to meet her in person would show his sincerity.

After hanging up, Fred went to the bathroom and looked at himself in the mirror, tidying his hair and smiling in satisfaction.

In Centrolis...

Toph was leaning on a crutch in the hospital, hobbling along the wall. He held the phone between his ear and shoulder while bitterly complaining to Zuko.

"I can't take it anymore. Our parents show affection for each other every day as if I don't exist! Last time, when mom said she wanted to have an omelet, dad immediately went to make it, making five or six omelets of various degrees of doneness for mom to choose from! But when I said I wanted one, he actually asked Wendy to make it for me!"

Zuko listened, feeling a bit confused. "What's wrong with Wendy making it? Didn't we both eat the meals she made since we were little?"

"How can it be the same?" Toph insisted.

"But... How do our parents showing affection relate to your injury?" asked Zuko.

Toph mumbled for a while before explaining, "It's just that I can't stand them showing affection, and I wanted to play a prank... I bought an inflatable hammer like the ones kids play with and tried to 'break up the lovebirds'. But, bro, that was just a toy, and I didn't even touch them!"

Zuko sighed deeply, palming his forehead.

He finally understood the cause and effect-Toph had played a joke on their parents, bought an inflatable hammer, and tried to sneak up on them from behind, wanting to "break up the lovebirds", only to be wiped out by their father.

Zephyr had strong alertness from years of training in martial arts. He was instantly aware of any movement behind him, and it had become his reflex despite this age. When he heard that there was someone behind them, he swiftly held Cordelia by the shoulders and took her hiding to the side.

Toph was sent flying from the momentum since he went in too hard, rolling down the stairs with the inflatable hammer, which was squashed beneath him, ending its short-lived existence. Toph also twisted his foot and yelled in pain...

"Sigh, so you know how difficult it is for me to be alone at home now, right? Hurry back and control them!" Toph pleaded.

"I can't control them." Zuko chuckled lightly. "Well, forget it. We're both accidents to them. You have to accept the reality!"

Toph mumbled on the other end of the line and suddenly went silent.

"Toph?" Zuko called out, "Hello? Toph!"

"Shh, don't make a sound!" Toph hurriedly whispered, ignoring the pain in his leg, as he hobbled to follow someone. He then hid in a corner and spoke in a lowered voice after a while. "Zuko, guess who I saw?"

"Who?"

"Undetermined real or fake Thompsons' Pammy!"

"What?" Zuko was also surprised. "She's at the hospital?"

Why would Pamela be at the hospital? Moreover, this hospital was the joint hospital their grandfather had invested in when he came to Centrolis. Pamela appearing there was like falling into their domain. "Hehe, bro, this was easier than expected!" Toph said excitedly, "Pammy's fallen into the trap herself. I must take her to do a DNA test!"

Zuko was worried. "Can you handle it? You're injured now, and besides, do you think Pamela went out without any bodyguards? Don't take it lightly!"

"Don't worry!" Toph kept his eyes on Pamela. "She's alone. Forget bodyguards. She doesn't even have a maid... And she seems to be in a hurry, as if..."

Toph's eyes widened. "Eh? It seems like she's heading to the inpatient department?"

Chapter 1032

Chapter 1032

Zuko was doubtful as he listened to Toph.

The inpatient department?

Pamela had just returned to the Thompsons not long ago and was still unfamiliar with everything. Was she coming to the hospital for her own medical appointment or to visit someone else?

If she was visiting someone, who could be so important to her besides her biological parents, Nicholas and Linda?

Zuko's gaze darkened, a hint of coldness flickering in his gaze.

"I'll stop here for now..." Toph's injured leg was already inconvenient, so chasing after someone was even more difficult. "I'll catch up to her soon. You can rest assured that I'll make her get a DNA test this time!"

"Alright, be careful," Zuko replied before quickly hanging up the phone.

Despite his injured leg, Toph was physically strong, and the injury did not hinder him much. Pamela, being a girl, walked slowly with small steps, so he quickly caught up to her.

Pamela appeared somewhat panicked and alert, frequently turning her head to look around. Each time she turned, Toph had to hide behind a wall or hide his face behind another patient.

They continued like this, keeping some distance until they reached the third floor of the inpatient department.

By now, Toph had quietly approached her from behind...

"Ah!" Pamela was suddenly startled, her face pale as she uttered a piercing scream.

Toph was also taken aback, causing him to lose his balance and almost fall to the ground.

Pamela extended her hand to help him, but it froze in mid-air. Her expression turned extremely unpleasant, and a complex emotion flickered in her eyes. Eventually, she stepped aside, pressing her back against the wall, still visibly shaken by the fright.

When she habitually turned her head to see if there was anyone, she caught sight of a figure sneaking up behind her, and that person's hand seemed to be reaching for her hair!

Fortunately, she reacted in time, but it was a close call...

Pamela took deep breaths, her eyes fixed on Toph. "You... Were you following me?"

"Huh?" Toph tightened his grip on the crutch. He had nearly fallen just now, aggravating his twisted ankle, and it was now throbbing in pain.

This girl did not even try to help him!

There must be something fishy going on.

He regained his composure, forced out a smile, and spoke in a naturally calm tone. "Do you think I can still follow anyone in my current state? I injured my foot and came to the hospital today for a check-up... By the way, why are you here? This seems to be the inpatient department..."

Toph approached her, carefully observing her face. "Pammy, are you feeling unwell?"

Pamela avoided his gaze and kept her hands behind her back, picking at the wall.

There was a certain aura emanating from Toph that seemed to have struck a chord deep within her, causing her heart to beat faster.

"No." Pamela's voice was soft. "I... I took the wrong path."

"The wrong path?"

"Yes..." She lowered her eyelids, anxiety and fear evident on her face. "Please move aside, I need to go home! If I don't go back soon, my parents will be worried!"

"It's alright." Toph smiled and took out his phone, handing it to her. "You can use mine to make a call to Uncle Nicholas and Aunt Linda. Let them know that you're with me, and they'll feel at ease!" Pamela looked at the phone but did not reach out to take it.

Toph kept moving forward, and she kept sidestepping. She was trying to avoid any opportunity that could link her to Toph. She was even cautious about using a phone, taking precautions to the extreme. Toph became even more convinced that there was something wrong with this Pammy.

"Ouch!" He looked around and suddenly leaned to one side.

Pamela looked at him and asked softly, "What's wrong with you?"

"I feel a lot of pain in my foot, Pammy. I can't walk... Can you lend me a hand?"

Pamela hesitated but did not extend a hand.

Toph struggled to hold onto his crutch, nonchalantly smiling at her. "Pammy, it seems like you're afraid of contact with others, huh?"

Pamela's expression changed, and her eyes dimmed.

"Is it related to your experiences over the years? Pammy, I'm considered your family too. If you hadn't been taken away back then, we would've grown up together..."

Toph began to appeal to her emotions. "If you have any difficulties that you can't tell Uncle Nicholas and Aunt Linda, you can treat me as someone to confide in!" Pamela tightly bit her lip, looking nervous.

Toph noticed that her eyes occasionally glanced toward a room at the end of the corridor... Perhaps the person inside could unravel this secret.

"Pammy." He lowered his voice, getting closer to her, almost able to hear her heartbeat. "As long as you're willing to speak up, I promise not to tell anyone. This will be our secret... okay?"

Pamela's eyes suddenly turned red, and they were filled with tears as she desperately shook her head.

"Pammy?" Toph was taken aback.

A powerful force suddenly grabbed his arm then!

Toph's heart skipped a beat as he turned to look, only to find that it was Melvin holding onto him!

"What's wrong, Mr. Toph?" Melvin chuckled. "For a foot injury, you should go to the orthopedic department. What are you doing in the inpatient department?"

"Heh, Uncle Melvin." Toph forced a smile. "Why are you asking me? Pammy's also in the inpatient department!"

Melvin's expression darkened, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes. He soon smiled as if nothing was wrong and explained, "Pammy missed some classes. Now that she's back in Centrolis, she wants to apply for a medical university. Coincidentally, there's a doctor I'm familiar with in this hospital, so I brought her here to consult with him."

"Is that so?" Toph smirked. "But as far as I know, you haven't been in Centrolis for long, Uncle Melvin. And this hospital belongs to my grandfather. Well, how come you have acquaintances here?" "Why? Do you not believe me?"

"Of course not."

"That's good." Melvin smiled. "I'm not successful, but I've been working in the business world for these years and have accumulated some connections. It's normal for me to know someone in this hospital. Melvin continued, grabbing Pamela's wrist. "Toph, I'll take Pammy to find that doctor to have a chat! Oh, by the way, when I arrived, I saw your butler looking for you everywhere!"

Melvin did not allow Toph to speak and politely smiled before leaving with Pamela.

Toph looked at their backs... Pamela seemed to be leaving reluctantly. It also seemed like there were many things hidden in her eyes.

Chapter 1033

Chapter 1033

Toph told Zuko about the strange incident he encountered at the hospital.

Upon hearing that, Zuko sneered, "It seems that Pammy's being controlled by Melvin. If she's the real Pammy, it means Melvin's involved in kidnapping her back then!"

"What if she's fake?" Toph added, "Then it means that everything's orchestrated by Melvin!"

"Keep it down for now." Zuko lowered his voice. "Not only because we don't have enough evidence, but also... to consider Uncle Nicholas and Aunt Linda's feelings. They believe they've found their daughter. Until the truth is revealed, we shouldn't dampen their spirits."

"Yeah, I understand... Now that Melvin's surely wary of us, we need to act low-key!"

"Cough, it's you, not me." Zuko laughed. "We can start tracking after your leg heals. If you keep hobbling around on crutches, anyone with eyes and ears will know what you're up to!"

Toph rolled his eyes. "Hey, aren't you planning to come back anytime soon? My foot is injured. Won't you come and visit me?"

"Visit you... for what?"

"Are you really asking that? Isn't there any brotherly affection left? Am I no longer your beloved little brother!?"

Faced with his younger brother's questioning once again, Zuko struggled to hold back his laughter. He then solemnly told him, "You only have a sprained foot, but I almost lost my love!" "Damn it, Zuko!!" Toph was itching to strangle him, feeling goosebumps all over his body.

Lina came down from upstairs.

Zuko disregarded his brother's shouting, hung up the phone, stood up straight, and smiled, waving at Lina.

When Lina saw him, she remembered how he had tried to "reason" with her and got even angrier.

She had not been speaking to him for several days now, and she did not plan to speak to him today either.

Lina treated him like air and walked past him expressionlessly.

"Hey, Lina..." Zuko quickly called out to her.

Lina stopped in her tracks, only tilting her head slightly.

Zuko hesitated. In fact, he had a lot to say to her, but after scratching his head, all the words converged into one sentence. "Um... When can I move back to sleep in the living room?"

Lina felt like something had exploded within her that almost blew off the top of her head!

She turned around and glared at him. Without saying a word, she ran out of the house.

"Lina!" Zuko shouted loudly.

To be honest, he really wanted to give himself a slap... He was supposed to say, "I like you", but why did his tongue disobey him in the end?

"Lina, wait!"

"What?" Lina replied harshly.

"Where are you going dressed like this?" asked Zuko.

"How am I dressed?" Lina was stunned. She was just wearing her usual white T-shirt and jeans, except that there was a decorative brooch on the T-shirt.

"You... Don't you usually wear loungewear at home?" Zuko stammered, "Now you're dressed like this. Doesn't that mean you're going out? Where are you going?"

Lina rolled her eyes and sneered. "Do you have the right to care?"

"I..."

Lina snorted coldly and headed straight for the lane entrance, disappearing without a trace after she flagged down a taxi.

Zuko chased after her, his eyes fixed on the disappearing car, unable to resist kicking a small pebble off the road.

"Bro! Door Guardian!" Dave ran out of the house, giving him an address. "My sister's going here!"

Zuko's eyes lit up.

It turned out that Dave had been doing workbooks at home all morning. When he encountered a difficult problem and wanted to ask Lina for help, he overheard his sister making a phone call in her room, saying she was going to a restaurant.

Chapter 1034

Chapter 1034

Dave had overheard his sister's phone call and became worried that she might be deceived since it did not sound like she was meeting a friend. While his sister was not paying attention, he sneaked into her room and found a note on her desk.

"Bro, my sister's going on a date!" Dave said, already booking a ride on his phone. "Hurry, get in the car quickly and go after her!"

Zuko looked at him gratefully. He thought to himself that he would repay this great favor in the future.

In the car, he tightly held the note in his hand and read it repeatedly. It was the same hotel as last time-Best Level, the revolving rooftop restaurant. He did not need to think twice to know who had invited Lina In fact, during the last time there, Zuko had sensed that the way that person looked at Lina was abnormal. It was understandable, though. Lina was the kind of girl who was hard to resist.

But she was his wife!

Even though the marriage certificate was fake, his desire to be with her was genuine!

Zuko clenched the note tightly in his hand.

The car soon arrived at the entrance of Best Level.

Zuko had informed the manager in advance, so no one dared to stop him even with Fred present.

Not only did they not stop him, but the manager also came out anxiously to greet him, asking if they should remove Fred as well.

Zuko shook his head coldly. "I'll go up myself. None of you should follow."

The manager complied and arranged for everyone to stay downstairs and not disturb them.

Zuko took the elevator and arrived at the revolving restaurant. He quietly walked behind a decorative wall and observed the situation over there.

He saw Fred and Lina sitting face to face. Fred poured a glass of wine, but Lina politely refused.

"Mr. Grist, please speak directly if you have something to say." Lina's voice was soft. "My husband doesn't like people beating around the bush, and I'm the same. I don't like it either." Upon hearing these words, Zuko was suddenly stunned. The words "my husband" scratched at his heart like little cat paws, making it itch.

Fred fell silent for a moment.

This time, he had invited Lina out to probe. If Zeke was really Zuko, he would naturally have to find a way to get the Hamertons' help to eliminate Violet.

"Heh, it's nothing," Fred replied naturally. "It's just that there are some things we didn't finish discussing last time, so let's continue this time."

"What is it?" asked Lina.

Fred looked at her. "Ms. Jenner, you've been married to Mr. Hamerton for some time now, right? I heard he is from Cnetrolis, so has he taken you there?" Lina's eyes flickered, and countless question marks flashed through her mind.

'He heard? Who did he hear it from?

'Is there another purpose behind this specific question?

'Is Fred's ultimate goal me or Zeke?'

Lina let out a light breath as she thought for a moment and smiled as she looked at him. "My husband's born and raised in Jangasas. Why would he take me to Centrolis? Mr. Grist, it seems you've gotten it wrong."

This answer caught Fred off guard.

"Wrong? Heh, I don't think so!" He smiled and continued. "Mr. Hamerton's worked as a truck driver at the Grist Group before. I checked his employment record, and it clearly stated that he's from Centrolis!" "Oh, I see." Lina locked her gaze on him. There seemed to be something unusual in those dark eyes.

"Mr. Grist holds a high position, yet you bothered to personally check the employment record of a truck driver? It seems you're quite interested in my husband! Why's that, Mr. Grist?" Fred was stunned, unable to come up with an immediate response.

'This girl...' She had unexpectedly turned the tables on him and thrown the question back at him!

'Heh! Luckily, Violet does not have this kind of wit. Otherwise, it would be hard to say who would emerge victorious in the battle for control of the Grist Group.'

Fred forced a smile. "Um, Ms. Jenner, it seems like we've gone off-topic..."

"No, we haven't," Lina calmly replied. "Mr. Grist, you asked me if my husband's taken me to Centrolis. My answer is that he isn't from there, so naturally, he hasn't taken me there."

"Well..."

"The information written on employment records may not always be accurate," Lina said nonchalantly. "But I heard that there are many interesting places in Centrolis. If we have the money and time in the future, we could go there for a honeymoon. Right, Mr. Grist?"

Chapter 1035

Chapter 1035

Fred felt choked and struggled to find the right words, so he awkwardly laughed and pretended to take a sip of wine, trying to conceal his unease. It became apparent that Lina was fiercely protective of her husband, making it challenging to obtain any useful information from her at the moment.

Putting down his wine glass, Fred felt the heat in the restaurant. The temperature was unexpectedly high, and it made him sweat after just a few sips of wine.

Moreover, not even a single dish had been served so far. There was only a bottle of wine on the table and nothing else!

Fred furrowed his brows. This was supposed to be Best Level, which was renowned for its quality of service and cuisine!

He pressed the call button, but it seemed like the server had vanished into thin air. None of them had come, even after a long wait. Fred felt extremely embarrassed. He had invited someone to a meal and ended up being left alone. He had never felt so humiliated in his life!

Zuko, hiding behind the decorative wall, had a slight smile on his lips.

"Well, maybe it's crowded today, and the place's understaffed!" Fred could only come up with such an excuse to save face.

Lina showed no mercy and said, "Crowded? Mr. Grist, you cleared the whole place, and it's just the two of us in the restaurant today!"

"Well..."

Fred's face instantly turned red with a burst of anger inside him.

He changed the topic again. "Oh, by the way, Ms. Jenner, you're in the same class as my niece, studying architectural design, right?" Lina nodded. "Yes, that's correct."

"Well, I admire your achievements, Ms. Jenner. With your grades, any big company would prioritize nurturing you as a talent." "Thank you for the compliment."

"Ms. Jenner, I really hope you can work as my assistant." Fred chuckled, gently swirling the tall glass in his hand.

Since he could not get any information out of her at the dinner table, he would take it slowly. This was his second time asking her to work at the Grist Group. After all, Lina was a student, and an internship opportunity at the Grist Group was like a pie in the sky for her.

Although she did not accept it the last time, the opportunity had come again this time. She had no reason to refuse.

Fred smirked, waiting quietly for her answer.

However, Lina remained calm for a moment and asked, "Mr. Grist, if I were to work for you, would it be because of the incident of Violet plagiarizing my work? Are you using this job to silence me?" "Uh..." Fred had not intended it that way. He wanted to use this job to find out Zuko's true identity!

Since it had come to this point, though, he could not expose himself and could only say, "I heard from your husband last time that he still had more information about Violet, so I..."

"I see." Lina smiled. "Mr. Grist, my husband also said last time that as long as the Grist Group doesn't cause troubles for us, we can peacefully coexist. So please rest assured. My husband keeps his word. He's an upright man and won't secretly expose Violet.

"As for you..." Lina stood up, looking into his eyes. "Let's pretend I didn't come today, and we've never met.

"I won't accept your job offer as the material against Violet is my self-defense weapon. I hope you can understand and won't take it away from me. Let's consider ourselves even!"

After saying that, Lina gracefully turned around, leaving him with a carefree figure.

Fred sat in his seat, feeling dazed. Lina was just a young student, the same age as his niece... Why had Violet never exuded this kind of calm, confident aura and impeccable presence? Her replies had been flawless, yet they carried an oppressive force that forced people to submit.

Fred took a deep breath. They were really a couple... Speaking to them felt the same exhausting!

He felt both tired and fearful.

Restless, Fred did not get what he wanted to know and to top it off, this damn restaurant did not even serve the dishes!

"Hey!" He pressed the button forcefully and shouted, "Where's everyone? Have you all been poisoned by the gas from the kitchen!?"

Zuko followed Lina to the lobby.

Lina felt someone behind her and became alert. She was about to call for help when she turned around and met a pair of clear eyes.

Chapter 1036

Chapter 1036

Lina's heart quivered, and she stared at him for a while before asking softly, "You... How did you come here?"

Zuko looked at her, smiling all the while. He had listened to every word she said just now, which made his heart bloom with joy, especially when he heard the frequent mention of "my husband".

However, Lina was startled by his expression. She looked left and right, stood on her tiptoes, and reached out to touch his forehead.

"What are you doing?" Zuko chuckled. "I'm not running a fever!"

"Oh." Lina paused. "I just thought... for someone who usually wears a poker face to suddenly smile like this, they must be up to no good!"

"You..." Zuko glared at her.

Lina could not help but laugh but did not want him to see it. She quickly covered her mouth with her small hand, only to have it grasped by the quick-witted man, who pulled her along as they ran outside the restaurant.

The bustling commercial street of the city was just another street away.

Under the scorching summer sun, the wind in Jangasas was still pleasantly cool, even in the midst of the summer heat. As they ran, the breeze lifted Lina's hair and her bangs, and she laughed as sweetly as a peach.

She held Zuko's hand tightly and looked at his broad shoulders, her face blushing quietly.

The two arrived at the street, and Zuko saw a stall selling cotton candy by the roadside. He bought one and handed it to Lina. Just as Lina was about to take it, he suddenly raised the cotton candy high.

"Hey, you..."

"Do you want it?" Zuko smiled and said, "If you can reach it, then it's yours to eat!"

Lina tiptoed to reach it.

Zuko held the cotton candy up with one hand and pressed down on her small head with the other. "Lina, if your mouth can touch it, then the cotton candy is yours!" "With my mouth?" asked Lina.

"Of course!" Zuko said seriously, "I have cleanliness issues. If you touch it with your mouth, then I won't eat this cotton candy!"

Lina glared at him like a cat unwilling to admit defeat. She took aim and leaped with all her might!

Just as she jumped, Zuko moved the cotton candy away and suddenly leaned down...

Lina missed the cotton candy, and her lips accidentally touched a pair of warm ones.

"Mmh!" Her mind went blank as she was suddenly embraced tightly by the man, her feet off the ground!

Zuko was strong and held her like one would hold a child single-handedly, with Lina's body pressed against his and her eyes wide open looking at him.

However, he closed his eyes. His kiss was wanton between her lips and teeth, with a force as if he wanted to devour her in one gulp.

Lina was delirious and unable to resist, letting him take advantage of her.

She did not know how long it lasted, but she felt as if the whole world had disappeared, leaving only the two of them. When his lips finally left hers, he slowly opened his eyes, his deep gaze carrying a hint of fondness and indulgence.

Lina's breathing became rapid as she looked at him, feeling lost.

"Mmm..." Zuko smiled and whispered in her ear, his voice low and pleasant, "It's different..."

"Huh?" Lina was stunned. "What's... different?"

"Different from what I read in the novels."

Lina blushed like a bleeding cherry.

Zuko analyzed it seriously. "I've read a few romance novels. The kisses between the male and female leads are supposed to be sweet."

"You..." Lina was both shy and embarrassed, punching him with a clenched fist.

"You mean I'm not as sweet as those female leads? Zeke Hamerton, you took advantage of me, and you say something like this. Y-You're too much!" "I didn't say that."

The more she pouted, the more cheerful Zuko became.

He bent down, his lips gently brushing against her ear, as he hoarsely uttered a few words, "Lina, you are much sweeter than what's written in books!"

Chapter 1037

Chapter 1037

Lina looked at him, her heart skipping several beats, and the warmth of his lips seemed to linger on hers.

Zuko's hand lightly brushed against her ear, tucking away the stray hair behind it. He liked looking at her face like this-clean and refreshing with delicate features. The small mole at the corner of her eye was like an embellishment unlike any other in the world.

His thumb caressed her cheek gently, tender and affectionate.

"Z-Zeke, you..." Lina's mind went blank.

Was he confessing his feelings to her? Did he also like her?

A confession like this was too direct...

She had never been in a relationship before, and she did not know what other people's confessions were like. She only knew that her whole body was bubbling in pink, and her heart was filled with sweetness. However, her rationale told her that she should be reserved and not giggle too exaggeratedly as a girl.

Hence, she gave a shallow smile with a lowered head, casting her eyes downward. Her long eyelashes cast shadows on her fair skin, making her look like a beautiful painting.

Zuko's blood boiled. He did not understand if this was what they called the feeling of love, but if possible, he wanted to freeze this moment in eternity.

"Lina..." He said hoarsely, "By doing this, can you understand my feelings?"

The young woman blushed and smiled, intentionally shaking her head.

"You don't?" Zuko was taken aback. "I've done all this, and you still don't understand what I mean?"

"Go away..." She gently pushed him.

Zuko was dumbfounded.

Fortunately, he had done countless research on high-quality Q&A websites before this and had learned a bit about romantic relationships. They seemed to say that when a girl said "no", it meant "yes", and when a girl said "go away", it meant "hold me tight"...

He curled his lips slightly and suddenly embraced her slender waist, pulling her into his arms once again.

Lina was completely captivated at this point. Her small face turned crimson, and she could not look at him, but she secretly hoped he would do something more...

Zuko's deep gaze lingered on her face, his low voice carrying a hint of amusement. "Lina, I have a question for you."

"Um... Go ahead."

"When I kissed you just now, why did you keep your eyes open?"

"Huh!?" Lina's mind went blank. She looked at his half-smiling eyes and wished she could find a hole to hide in.

"Zeke! What kind of question is that?"

"Shouldn't girls close their eyes when they're being kissed?"

"That's enough. Stop talking!" she said, lightly pushing him.

"I have one more thing to say..." Zuko smiled and leaned closer, his warm breath brushing against her face. "Our actions weren't right just now. Let's start over!"

Lina bit her lip, unable to move as her petite figure was held tightly in his embrace.

Zuko was still not satisfied and wanted to do it again...

Lina suddenly asked, "Why?"

"Hmm?" He paused momentarily, quickly realizing that such back-and-forth kisses seemed to go nowhere. He should not have listened to Toph and kissed her first. She was a girl, and things should be done in proper order!

It was just that...

Zuko's heartbeat also became somewhat erratic.

The confession was only a few words, but they weighed heavily on his tongue, and he could not say them. He found an excuse. "Because-because we're husband and wife!"

"That's fake," said Lina.

"Then because..."

Lina looked up at him.

It was like there were countless stars in her eyes, and Zuko's heart melted into tenderness. He disregarded everything and said those few words.

Chapter 1038

Chapter 1038

"Because I like you.

"Lina, I don't know how to start a relationship, but I read online that it usually begins with a confession.

"Maybe my confession was out of order... but I really like you.

"Would you like to try liking me back?

"If possible... like what your mother said, let's change our marriage certificate into a real one after a year or so... is that okay?"

Zuko said all of this in one breath, feeling a sense of relief as if the dust had settled, but what followed was nervousness and unease. He looked silently at Lina, observing the ever-changing depths of her gaze. In his first 20-something years of life, he made most of the decisions himself. Never before had there been a moment like that, where he had to wait for someone else to decide his fate.

"L-Lina... can you give me an answer?" he asked.

Lina was quiet for a moment before she suddenly burst into laughter. She looked at the white and soft cotton candy in Zuko's hand as if he had plucked it from the sky. She tiptoed, her hands hooked around his neck, and lightly pecked his lips....

This time, it was Zuko's turn to widen his eyes.

Lina chuckled. "Didn't you say one shouldn't open the eyes when kissing?"

"B-But you..."

'Woman, you asked for this!'

Zuko smirked, experiencing this feeling for the first time, and eagerly embraced her.

"Hey, Lina, you're like this cotton candy."

"What?"

His hands wandered. "You're soft and tender everywhere..."

"Zeke! Stop it!"

He looked at her seriously. "Lina, I'll treat you right."

Lina was taken aback, nodding gently, her two dimples brimming with happiness.

At the outskirts of Centrolis, Melvin sat in a cable car with Pamela. The luxurious cable car hung in the air like a small cabin, slowly moving through the lush green trees. Pamela leaned against the window.

Outside the window, the sun was shining, the sky was blue with no clouds in sight, and birds flew by the cable car, singing joyful tunes.

All of this was extremely discordant with the fear and melancholy on her face.

Melvin turned to look at her, a cunning smile playing on his face. "Centrolis is better, right?"

The girl was startled, frozen in place, nodding as if she were a puppet on a string.

Melvin chuckled. "Renee, why do you always have this expression every time you see me? I'm not going to eat you!"

The girl lifted her eyes, her pupils slightly dilated from fear.

After being Pamela for such a long time, she never expected Melvin to call her by that name again. In fact, from the first day she entered the Thompsons, Melvin had sternly warned her, "Forget about Renee. From now on, you're Pamela Thompson, the daughter of Nicholas Thompson!"

It was just that the name Renee Thompson had accompanied her for 20 years. How could she forget just like that?

"You haven't answered my question." Melvin coldly stared at her. "Is Centrolis much better than rural Jangasas?"

Renee softly said, "Yes."

"What makes it better?"

"It's... it's beautiful here, advanced. It's a big city." Renee whispered, "And my mother can receive the best treatment for her illness."

It seemed like Melvin had been waiting for this response. "Heh! Good that you know!

"Renee, as long as you do your job well, I won't treat you or your mother unfairly. Understand?"

Chapter 1039

Chapter 1039

Renee silently nodded.

Just then, the cable car passed through a junction and shook for a moment. Renee grasped the railing tightly to steady herself.

Melvin glanced at her expressionlessly.

In the past 20 years, he had never acknowledged this daughter of his, nor had he ever cared about her. She was a stain in his life.

He had never loved Renee's mother. It was just a moment of indulgence after getting drunk. Besides, her mother was not exactly clean either. Which respectable girl would go to a bar to dance and flirt in the middle of the night?

Melvin had no intention of taking responsibility. Once he pulled up his pants, he would not acknowledge anyone. He never expected that a year later, that woman would show up with a baby, claiming that she had fallen in love with him at first sight, and that was why she had given birth to their child.

Melvin secretly had a DNA paternity test done on the child, and it turned out to be his own! Coincidentally, Pamela was also born around the same time, so he had the idea of swapping them.

However, the woman did not agree. She insisted on keeping the child with her and said she could not harm someone else's child.

Out of rage, Melvin sent the mother and daughter to the countryside, letting them fend for themselves.

The plan to kidnap Pamela had gone smoothly, but that distant relative had unexpectedly increased their demands, wanting to gain more benefits. It had gone beyond his control. Coincidentally, there had been a shipwreck at that time.

Melvin had taken advantage of the opportunity to get rid of that relative and pretended to follow the clues to find Pamela. In reality, he had been waiting for Renee to grow up so he could pass her off as Pamela and bring her into the Thompsons.

Things, however, had not gone as planned. He had not expected the clue from the distant relative to be true. Following that clue, he found Jesse and Melissa-the real Pamela was also in Jangasas.

He then bribed Gia to help remove Pamela's birthmark and added all the distinctive features that Pamela had onto Renee...

Melvin took a deep breath and looked at Renee with a hint of impatience in his eyes.

The stupid girl was clumsy and obedient-nothing like his daughter!

He had asked her to pretend to be Pamela, but she almost messed things up several times. In the end, he had to clean up after her.

Melvin's expression grew darker. Renee stood there silently, nervously twisting her clothes.

"Come here!" Melvin's voice was cold and stern. Renee was startled, hesitating to approach.

"You stupid girl!" Melvin suddenly stood up. The more he looked at her, the angrier he became. He fiercely slapped her across the face!

Renee covered half of her face, suppressing her tears and tasting the faint taste of blood in her mouth.

"I'm your father! Don't you have anything to say to me?" Melvin glared angrily. "I brought you out today to hear about your progress, not to have you play dumb in front of me!

"Are you f*cking deaf? Speak!"

Renee's heart quivered, and tears fell in large drops. Even in fear and distress, she cried silently without making any sound.

Just like the first 20 years of her life, no matter how grievous the injustice, she silently endured it.

Melvin felt helpless against her actions and could only use her mother to threaten her. "Listen to me carefully... Find a way to have Nicholas transfer a portion of the shares of Sol Entertainment to your name this month. Otherwise, I can't guarantee your mother's kidney source! Prepare to collect that woman's corpse!"

"No... Please..." Renee trembled all over, almost kneeling before him. She could lose everything, but she could not lose her mother.

Chapter 1040

Chapter 1040

For many years, Renee and her mother, relied on each other for survival, living a poor but simple and happy life. Their world was actually very small-so small that it only consisted of the two of them. "If you don't want your mother to die, then listen to me!" Melvin viciously grabbed her chin. "Heh, help me gain control of the Thompsons, and your mother will be saved, understand?" Renee nodded incessantly.

Despite feeling guilty about deceiving Nicholas and his wife, Melvin insisted that she continue acting. Therefore, she had to steel herself and continue with the charade.

"By the way, you've been getting close to Toph lately, right?"

"No..." Renee's voice choked. "I... I haven't given him a chance to touch me... Last time at the hospital, it was just a coincidence..."

"I don't think you dare reveal anything!" Melvin stared coldly at her, contemplating. "The Hamertons are not to be underestimated. They definitely have suspicions about you!" "What should I do?"

"Toph might've already discovered something..." Melvin murmured, "In that case, you don't need to avoid him anymore. If he wants to contact you, let him. Leave the rest to me!" Renee timidly nodded, leaning against the cable car window. Even her breathing was cautious.

It had been several days, but Jesse's back was still uncomfortable.

At first, Melissa thought he was just being lazy, wanting her to serve him all the time, so she resorted to her "disciplinary measures". Halfway through it and seeing Jesse completely defenseless and crying out in misery, she realized that the old man's back was truly unwell! Melissa panicked, afraid of making it worse, and hurriedly wanted to take him to the hospital. It was at this moment that Zuko stepped forward. He tried acupuncture and massage on Jesse a few times and went to the pharmacy to get some medicine.

Three days later, Jesse miraculously recovered, and his back seemed even more flexible. He could even go to the square and do pull-ups!

Lina looked at Zuko with surprise and admiration in her eyes. "How come I never knew you had this skill?"

Zuko calmly put away the box of silver needles and smiled. "Good to be a jack of all trades. I learned it on my own."

Melissa proudly said, "I told you, Zeke's a talented person! Look, my judgment is absolutely correct, right?"

Lina smiled and turned to the kitchen to cut some fruits.

Zuko followed her in, taking the fruit knife, afraid she would cut her hand.

In the following days, the entire lane knew that Melissa's son-in-law was a self-taught magic doctor and a skilled individual.

Melissa's original intention was to show off a bit, but she did not expect the middle-aged men and women to come one after another every day to seek treatment from Zuko...

Zuko did not refuse, but Lina felt sorry for him. She was worried that it would be too tiring for him and feared that they would expose some problems, leading to accusations of practicing medicine without a license.

"Don't worry." Zuko rubbed her head. "They don't have any serious illnesses. I'm only giving some advice for daily maintenance. Nothing will go wrong."

"Mmm..." Lina nodded. Her expression suddenly became serious, her beautiful big eyes staring at him. "Mrs. Nash came several times too. I heard she's bringing her daughter tomorrow?" Zuko was stunned for a moment.

"N-No!" He hurriedly explained, "Don't worry. If she comes tomorrow, I'll hide. You can say I'm not home!"

"No need for that," Lina said nonchalantly, a faint smile curling up at the corner of her lips. "Let her come tomorrow. I want to see what that mother and daughter are up to!"

"Lina, you..." Zuko smiled, wondering if she was planning to fight someone for his sake.