Ch. 1081..1090

Chapter 1081

Chapter 1081

Zuko couldn't tell her that he couldn't control himself. He gently held her small hand, caressing the back of it with his thumb, and looked into her eyes with a tender smile.

"I don't want to trouble you." He made up an excuse. "When we came back, we ran into Gia. She might spread rumors about us staying together."

Lina's expression changed, and she nodded solemnly. What he said made sense. Gia's attitude toward her had already shifted, and Lina had to be cautious. If it became known that they were sharing a room without proper registration, it could lead to a big commotion and even involve the police, causing trouble.

However...

Lina looked at him, her worry shifting to his well-being. She was more concerned about him not having a place to stay.

Zuko understood her thoughts. He gently ruffled her hair and whispered, "Don't worry. I was just joking about sleeping on the streets. I have enough money to stay at a hotel."

Lina voiced her concern. "But those small hotels will surely be worse than here."

"I can manage no matter how bad they are," Zuko reassured her, hugging her closely. "As long as I can be with you."

Lina's heart warmed, and she nestled against him. "Sometimes, I can't believe how lucky I am to have met you in this lifetime..."

"I'm the lucky one." Zuko's voice was tender. "I must have saved up all my good luck from my past life to be able to meet you in this one."

Lina smiled up at him.

"Alright, let's eat quickly." He patted her back. "After eating, you should rest early. You have classes tomorrow, and I'll go out to find a place to stay and move my things." Once he moved out, he wouldn't have to endure the torment of seeing her but not being able to fully embrace her every day...

Zuko smiled and planned to visit his grandparents first the next day.

As for where to stay, he could go to the general's residence. It had been a while since he had seen his award-winning actor of an uncle.

If possible, he would also pay a visit to the palace and meet the king. After all, he held an important place in his father's life...

However, the next morning, before Zuko had a chance to leave, a series of urgent knocks on the door echoed through the room.

The sound was loud, as if it could shatter the door, and there was a commotion outside, indicating something significant had happened.

Lina, who had just finished getting dressed, looked at Zuko in confusion. Instinctively, Zuko stood in front of her, his broad shoulders acting as a protective shield. Lina asked with concern, "Zeke... what's going on?"

Before Lina could finish speaking, Heidi's voice could be heard shouting from outside, "Lina Jenner, why aren't you opening the door? Is someone hiding inside?"

Lina's heart raced in her chest.

"Open the door!" Heidi's angry roar could be heard. "If you don't open it, I'll call the police! They'll come and open it for you!"

Lina's petite body trembled slightly.

Zuko calmly held Lina's hand, preparing himself for what was about to happen. It appeared that his warning to Gia the previous night had no effect. Since she seemed determined to dig her own grave, he would grant her wish.

"Don't be afraid, Lina," he reassured her in a soft voice. "I'll go and answer the door."

"Zeke..."

"Don't worry," he said confidently, wearing a reassuring smile. "I have everything under control."

Lost in her thoughts, Lina was searching for a solution while Zuko, already composed, walked toward the door and opened it.

Unsurprisingly, Heidi was standing outside.

The female teacher's black-framed glasses were askew, pushed up repeatedly in her anger.

"Well, well, who do we have here?" she greeted with an unfriendly demeanor. "If I recall correctly, this room is occupied by my student, Lina Jenner!"

"I am Lina's husband," Zuko slyly replied with a smile. "Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Lister."

Heidi scrutinized him from head to toe, rolling her eyes a few times.

Chapter 1082

Chapter 1082

Heidi had long heard that Lina had gotten married, and to make matters worse, she had married a poor truck driver. Now, seeing him in person, he did indeed look quite shabby.

Heidi sneered and immediately assumed an authoritative tone when she saw Lina in the room, raising her voice. "You two are sharing one room but using only one person's passport for registration. This is illegal in Southeast Aciatic!

"Lina Jenner, you've caused me enough trouble on this trip! I won't tolerate you secretly harboring someone in your room this time!"

"Ms. Lister, it's not what you think!" Lina stepped forward, shielding Zuko behind her and gesturing for him to step back.

Zuko was taken aback. He could sense the young woman's worry and slight fear as her shoulders trembled. Yet, he also saw her determination to protect him.

It was a strange feeling, and a smile formed at the corners of his mouth.

"Ms. Lister, he is my husband," Lina argued reasonably. "He just arrived in Southeast Aciatic and doesn't have a place to stay. He will leave as soon as he finds accommodation." "You dare to argue after secretly harboring someone in your room?"

Lina looked up with sparkling eyes. "Ms. Lister, even if Southeast Aciatic's laws are strict, they don't expect wives to let their husbands sleep on the streets, do they?"

"You..." Heidi widened her eyes. She knew she couldn't win the argument. Nevertheless, she had to teach her most disliked student a lesson today!

"Well, I don't care about your personal matters, but if any student in the group I'm leading breaks the law, I will handle it!"

With that, Heidi took out her phone and called the front desk.

"Front desk? Please call the police for me! We have someone secretly harboring another person here. It's outrageous!"

More students gathered in the corridor, their attention now on Lina, followed by whispers and discussions.

Soon, security guards and the lobby manager made a grand entrance. Upon reaching the room, the lobby manager froze in his tracks!

If it weren't for Zuko's intimidating gaze, he would have nearly blurted out "Your Lordship" without thinking.

Zuko remained composed, holding onto Lina's shoulder as he smiled at the pale-faced lobby manager. "Are you the manager?"

"Uh, I..." the lobby manager stammered, only managing a nod and a dry chuckle.

"Then please explain to me." Zuko's voice was nonchalant. "What makes this shabby place so remarkable that my wife has to commit a crime for it?"

"Uh, well..." The lobby manager struggled to form a coherent sentence. His legs trembled uncontrollably.

Heidi looked at him, then at Zuko, feeling perplexed.

"What's the matter?" Zuko took a step forward, a smile playing on his lips as he looked at the lobby manager. "The manager can't even answer a simple question?"

The lobby manager forced a professional smile as he pondered a suitable solution. He decided to escalate the matter to a higher-level superior for resolution.

Soon, the hotel's general manager hurriedly approached the scene. The general manager grew restless after learning that the young Count was facing a predicament. However, as he observed the situation and noticed the young Count fiercely protecting the girl, with a chilling coldness in his eyes...

The general manager instantly grasped the situation.

He needed to resolve the issue discreetly without revealing his identity as the young Count of Southeast Aciatic, particularly to the girl he held in his arms.

After a brief moment of thought, the general manager cleared his throat lightly and donned a standard professional smile.

He addressed the young Count with a slight bow, "Sir, while it is true that using one person's passport for registration while accommodating two violates our rules, we also prioritize providing attentive service to all our guests.

"Therefore, sir, please feel free to communicate any requests you may have, and we will do our utmost to accommodate them!"

"What!?" Heidi grew even more bewildered as she listened. "Manager, are you mistaken? I just called you to report them to the police, and now you want... You want to help him resolve the problem!?"

Chapter 1083

Chapter 1083

"Yes, that's correct," the general manager replied impatiently, giving Heidi a brief glance. "Our hotel policy prioritizes customers."

"But the two of them-"

"I heard what this young lady just said," the lobby manager interjected. "They're a married couple!"

"Ah..." The general manager pretended to ponder, nodding earnestly. "In that case, it's an easy solution! Since they are legally married, it's only reasonable for them to stay together."

Heidi stood frozen, completely stunned, while Gia, who stood behind her, wore a grimace.

"General manager, what you're saying isn't entirely accurate." Heidi attempted to salvage the situation. "Doesn't Southeast Aciatic's law stipulate="

The manager glanced at her. "Miss, do you understand Southeast Aciatic's laws better, or do I?"

"Well..."

"Using one person's ID for registration while accommodating two people may be inappropriate, but this situation doesn't apply to married couples. Spouses are considered one entity, so it doesn't matter whose identification is used."

"Hah! I'm not a Southeast Aciatic native!" Heidi retorted sarcastically. "Of course, whatever you say goes!"

"Since you're not a Southeast Aciatic native, then please refrain from meddling in our affairs!" The manager's voice boomed like thunder, emphasizing the words "Southeast Aciatic."

After speaking, he grinned and looked at Zuko. 'Your Lordship, care to give us a five-star rating?'

Zuko nodded casually and turned his head to hold his wife tightly in his arms.

The manager smiled awkwardly, feeling unnecessary at that moment.

"What kind of attitude is this?" Heidi exclaimed. "I am also a guest at the hotel. Is this how you treat me? I am following Southeast Aciatic's laws by reporting my own student. This is showing you respect! Good intentions are always misunderstood!"

"Miss!" The manager straightened his posture and spoke seriously. "Southeast Aciatic's laws do indeed stipulate this way. We do not allow single rooms to accommodate two people to prevent illegal activities. However, this gentleman and this young lady are legally married."

Upon hearing the words "legally married," Lina felt a pang of guilt. She couldn't help but clutch Zuko's clothes and steal a glance at him.

Zuko's heart almost melted as their eyes met.

He silently vowed to quickly replace the fake marriage certificate with a real one so that the next time they visited Southeast Aciatic, they could openly hold hands wherever they went and indulge in all the intimate things they desired...

The manager sneered, continuing. "Miss, if you still don't believe it, I can find a lawyer to educate you on Southeast Aciatic's laws. Or... perhaps you'd prefer to visit the police station and learn firsthand?" "Well..." Heidi's face turned pale, and her legs weakened as she took two involuntary steps back.

Gia stepped forward to support her.

Heidi turned her head and glared at her. Why did she involve her in this unreliable situation?

The onlooking students and guests whispered among themselves.

Despite it all, the general manager wore a smile and bowed to Zuko and Lina. "I apologize for the disturbance... As a gesture of apology, I will upgrade both of you to our hotel's most luxurious presidential suite!"

"What!?" Lina was deeply astonished.

Chapter 1084

Chapter 1084

Zuko gently squeezed her shoulder, signaling to her with a smile to remain silent. He then turned his gaze to the manager, maintaining a calm expression, and inquired, "I'm not quite clear on what you mean by 'a gesture of apology"?"

"Well..." the manager glanced at Heidi and raised his voice, "As one of the highest-rated hotels in Southeast Aciatic, we failed to properly vet our guests' backgrounds, allowing certain troublemakers to stay here. It's truly a neglect of our duty!"

"What did you say!?" Heidi immediately shouted, her voice rising, "Who are you referring to? Who!?"

The manager crossed his arms in front of his chest and gave her an impatient look. The bodyguards swiftly reacted and grabbed hold of Heidi's arms, preparing to escort her out.

The students widened their eyes, murmuring in surprise.

"I apologize, Ms. Lister," the manager interjected, crossing his hands and consulting the information on his iPad. A trace of contempt flickered in his eyes. "Upon investigation, it has come to light that your total assets amount to less than $1,000,000, rendering you temporarily ineligible to stay at our hotel.

"According to Southeast Aciatic law, hotels possess the right to evict guests who do not meet the check-in criteria!"

"So..." The manager sneered, emphasizing each word. "Please leave!"

Heidi's eyes widened, her mind going blank as a ringing sound buzzed in her ears. What kind of absurd law was this? No one had informed her about this before she arrived in Southeast Aciatic!

"What? What are you talking about!?" Heidi screamed with the ferocity of a shrew, pointing at the students who were watching. "What about them? Did you investigate them? Do they all have $1,000,000? And what about Lina? I know this student! Her family runs a small supermarket, and she never even gives me gifts! She's very stingy! How could she have the money?"

"Hey, Ms. Lister, we've tolerated you for far too long!" A student stood up to refute her. "You yourself don't meet the check-in criteria, yet you want to drag us down with you?"

"That's right! Hah! Ms. Lister, you gladly accepted numerous gifts from us in the past. Don't you know the backgrounds we come from? Can't even come up with $1,000,000? What a joke!"

"Ms. Lister, that's not how you set a good example! Your actions are setting a poor precedent for your students!"

"You... All of you..." Heidi gasped for breath, but the students, seemingly coordinated, rolled their eyes at her and walked away.

Only Gia remained, standing still and staring blankly at the unfolding scene. Her eyes revealed a hint of fear, and when they met Zuko's gaze, she panicked and looked down.

The hotel manager wasted no more words and instructed the bodyguards to escort Heidi out.

Heidi struggled hysterically, but in the end, she and her luggage were forcefully thrown onto the street.

Zuko placed his hand on Lina's shoulder and looked at the bewildered girl, a light smile gracing his face.

"Alright, it's all a misunderstanding," he whispered. "Didn't the manager just say they'll upgrade us to the presidential suite? Let's pack up quickly."

"Zeke," Lina said, feeling a strange sensation in her heart. She turned to look at him, her gaze gradually becoming puzzled.

His sharply defined face was clear before her, yet she couldn't see him clearly. She couldn't grasp his true essence or understand what kind of person he truly was. Zuko gently caressed her face and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing..." She lowered her eyes. "It's just that everything feels so unbelievable."

"I feel the same way." Zuko chuckled softly. "Perhaps that's the uniqueness of Southeast Aciatic. But since we have a nice room to stay in, let's not waste it, shall we?" Lina nodded and entered the room to pack her belongings.

Zuko made an excuse to go out and smoke. He closed the door and strolled slowly to the end of the corridor.

Gia leaned against the wall, facing him directly.

Zuko smirked coldly. "Ms. Chapman, I wonder if you're satisfied with how the game has reached this point?"

Chapter 1085

Chapter 1085

Gia held her breath, feeling an icy chill as Zuko's gaze bore into her.

Zuko's smile vanished, replaced by a glint of ruthlessness in his eyes. "I've warned you," he said. "If anyone dares to harm my woman, I assure you they will suffer a fate far worse than death. Ms. Chapman, did you think I was joking?"

Gia stammered, attempting to defend herself as the situation escalated. "M-Mr. Hamerton... I never had any ill intentions toward you or Lina. I have no idea how information about you staying in her room got leaked-"

Zuko interrupted her, his voice turning cold. "Heh! Perhaps a certain b*tch couldn't keep its mouth shut and let out a few barks."

Gia's eyes widened in shock.

Zuko continued, his tone filled with menace. "Gia Chapman, Violet has been disfigured, and Heidi has been driven away. With a mere nod from me, this deceitful teacher might become one of the missing persons in Southeast Aciatic by tomorrow... By the way, what do you think these two have in common?"

Gia's lips trembled, and her palms grew clammy with cold sweat.

The similarity between them was that they both bullied Lina!

Zuko let out a chilling laugh. "And who do you think might be next?"

Gia's face turned pale, and her legs nearly gave way beneath her.

Zuko shot her a cold glance and strode toward the elevator, making his way to the courtyard. He wasn't in a hurry to deal with Gia personally. She was a minor character in his grand scheme. He intended to use her to uncover the mastermind behind her actions.

Pulling out his phone, he scrolled through his contacts and found Fred's name. He knew Fred was currently in Southeast Aciatic.

With the incident involving Violet, the Grists had seized the opportunity to pressure Fred, insisting that, as her uncle, he had a duty to visit his niece. They forced him to come to Southeast Aciatic.

Fred was well aware of their schemes but was powerless since he was outnumbered. In the end, he had no choice but to comply and make a trip to Southeast Aciatic.

Zuko smiled faintly and sent him the location of a cafe, along with a text.

[See you at 4:00 p.m., don't be late.]

"Oh, Your Lordship, you're here!" The general manager and two lobby managers rushed over with smiles on their faces, greeting Zuko.

Zuko furrowed his brows and instinctively glanced around. Sensing his concern, the manager attempted to please him, assuring him, "Your Lordship, rest assured. Your wife is upstairs! She has already packed up and is moving into the suite!"

Zuko's tense face relaxed slightly at the news.

"Your Lordship, are you satisfied with today's arrangements?" asked one of the managers eagerly.

"I am," Zuko replied.

"That's great! Hahaha..." The manager started to laugh but was quickly interrupted by Zuko.

"Just stay quiet, and I'll be even more satisfied."

The manager immediately stopped laughing, realizing his mistake.

Zuko glanced at him and spoke in a low voice, patting his shoulder. "Thanks for your help today."

"It's my honor!" The manager was pleasantly surprised. "As long as you're happy, Your Lordship!"

"If my wife has any doubts when she sees you, do you know what to say?" Zuko asked, looking directly into the manager's eyes.

The manager blinked, adopting a cunning expression. "Your Lordship, rest assured. No matter what doubts she may have, we'll attribute everything to the hotel's actions and keep it unrelated to you!" Only then did Zuko show a pleased smile and confidently walked away, heading outside to smoke.

At a villa in the south of Jangasas...

Renee woke up startled, once again screaming in her sleep. She sat up, her back covered in cold sweat.

In the short span of two days, it was already the third time she had a nightmare. In her dreams, there was always a girl's face whom she couldn't see clearly, but she could hear her faint voice saying, "Give my parents back to me!

"I'm Pamela Thompson!

"You're a liar!"

"Argh!" Renee hugged herself, feeling a throbbing pain in her head.

Her cries attracted Toph, who came over holding a bowl of instant noodles, two sausages, and a bottle of Cola.

Chapter 1086

Chapter 1086

"Toph, there's no need to go through all this trouble again." Renee spoke, her voice filled with sincerity. She looked into Toph's eyes and confessed, "I am not Pamela." Toph's hands trembled, almost causing the instant noodles to spill. Despite mentally preparing himself, hearing the admission directly from Renee still came as a shock. Renee extended her hand and continued. "Let's get to know each other again. My name is Renee Thompson. Thompson..."

She paused, biting her lip before continuing, "As in Melvin Thompson's Thompson."

A moment of silence hung in the air before Toph murmured, "So you're indeed Melvin's daughter."

Renee questioned, "Indeed?"

Toph looked up, explaining, "We always felt that you resemble him, so we made an educated guess, and it turned out to be correct."

Renee lowered her head, a soft smile gracing her lips. "I hope I never resemble him."

Taking a deep breath, Toph asked, his voice tinged with concern, "Why did you both conspire to deceive Uncle Nicholas and Aunt Linda? Do you know how desperate Aunt Linda was to see her daughter? Can you bear to deceive them?"

Renee kept her expression neutral, avoiding eye contact with him as if it could keep them apart. Deep down, she knew they could never truly bridge the gap between their worlds-they were clearly from two different worlds.

After a while, Renee's soft voice broke the silence. "Toph, if... and I'm just saying 'if' here, if your mother had an incurable disease, would you do anything for her?"

"Of course!"

"Then you should understand why I lied to them."

"Renee!" Toph called out her name, surprising himself with how effortless it felt. "That's not a reason for you to deceive others, especially people like Uncle Nicholas and Aunt Linda. You... You deceived and hurt them. Aren't you afraid of the consequences?"

Renee smiled bitterly. "Toph, you said you'd do anything for your mother. Can't you understand that I'd do anything for my mother too?"

Toph froze, listening as she recounted the whole story.

Fred arrived at the cafe 15 minutes before the agreed-upon time. He was pleasantly surprised that Zuko had taken the initiative to invite him this time. Fred had prepared coffee and pastries in advance, specifically instructing the staff not to make them too sweet, as he had noticed that Zuko didn't have a sweet tooth.

Sitting up straight, he tidied his hair and adjusted his tie, practicing a smile at the empty air as he eagerly anticipated Zuko's arrival.

"Ah, Mr. Hamerton, you're here? No, that doesn't sound right. Mr. Hamerton, would you honor me with your presence tonight and join me for dinner?

"Mr. Hamerton, if there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask. I'll be at your service!"

"Cough, cough!"

Suddenly, Zuko appeared behind him and couldn't help bursting into laughter, observing his comical performance.

"I won't pretend with you." Zuko waved his hand. "Mr. Grist, it seems like your situation within the Grists isn't very pleasant, is it?"

Fred felt awkward and could only lower his head, burying his embarrassment.

Zuko narrowed his eyes. "Mr. Grist, if I had a way to let you take control of the Grist Group, would you... be willing to make a deal with me?"

Chapter 1087

Chapter 1087

"What?" Fred's eyes sparkled with excitement as he expressed his surprise.

Zuko leaned forward, a faint smile curling at the corner of his lips. "I said I'll help you rise to power! But there is one condition you must agree to."

Fred furrowed his brows slightly, intrigued by Zuko's proposition.

Despite the age difference, the young man standing before Fred exuded a certain aura that surpassed his own.

Fred was well aware of Zuko's background as a Hamerton, and since arriving in Southeast Aciatic, he had learned about the intricate connections between the Hamertons and the royal family in the region. Zuko had been bestowed with a noble title from a young age.

As a pragmatic person, Fred realized he had no other viable options but to cooperate with the young Count. He took a deep breath and nodded. "I will follow your lead, Mr. Hamerton!"

"Very well." Zuko poured coffee into a cup with a relaxed and elegant demeanor. He savored the taste and chuckled softly. "The flavor is quite good as well.

"Now, let's discuss the trade I mentioned..."

Zuko locked eyes with Fred, acknowledging his capabilities. "You are a capable individual. However, the Grists have been suppressing you due to your status as an illegitimate child, which is undeniably unfair.' Fred pursed his lips, his eyes reflecting a complex mix of emotions.

Years of frustration had twisted his psychological state, but when presented with the right opportunity, he was willing to redirect his energy toward a more promising path.

Speaking softly, Zuko continued. "With Violet facing trouble and the Grist Group in chaos, they have sent you here to diminish your influence. But fear not. I will mobilize the Hamertons' influence in Jangasas to help you regain control of the situation.

"Since they want to lure the tiger out of its mountain, we will employ their own strategy against them." Zuko smirked. "In the end, there will be only one winner-and that will be you."

Fred's joy and hope surged, leaving him staring at Zuko in a dazed state.

"I'm not sure what you mean by using their own strategy against them," Fred admitted, seeking clarification.

"Isn't it easy for the Hamertons to acquire a company?" Zuko prompted, indicating a potential avenue to pursue.

After a moment of contemplation, Fred grasped the implications. If the Grist Group were to be acquired, it would completely restructure its upper management, allowing those deemed necessary to remain and those deemed unnecessary to depart. This meant that Fred would fall completely under Zuko's control, which, in his opinion, was a far better outcome than being suppressed by his cold-hearted relatives in the Grists.

Straightening his posture, Fred adopted a solemn and serious expression as he spoke. "Mr. Hamerton, I am wholeheartedly dedicated to serving you."

"

Zuko winced, finding Fred's statement to be overly dramatic. However, Fred firmly believed that his words did justice to the gratitude he felt toward Zuko for recognizing his talents.

With a serious expression, Fred reached out and picked up the small cup of coffee on the table, resembling an ancient warrior taking a blood oath. He locked eyes with Zuko, raised the cup, and solemnly drank its contents in one gulp.

"Hey..." Zuko couldn't stop him in time.

"Cough, cough, cough..."

A horribly bitter taste overwhelmed Fred's tongue as the coffee went down, nearly driving him to madness.

Zuko covered his face, unable to bear witness to the scene.

Unbeknownst to Fred, the coffee he had consumed was an espresso. Although he was unfamiliar with different coffee types, Zuko enjoyed the bitter taste and had ordered a double shot for himself. However, Fred unknowingly downed it in one go.

"Water, water!"

"Ugh..."

Fred hopped around in discomfort.

Zuko sat on the sofa, holding his head in his hands, his face filled with embarrassment. Fortunately, knowing the owner, he had made a prior reservation at the coffee shop. Otherwise...

Once Fred finished bouncing around, he returned to his seat with a smile on his face, gazing at Zuko. Zuko glanced at him helplessly. "I haven't even mentioned my conditions yet. Why are you so thrilled?" "Oh, right, right..." Fred's tongue felt heavy after consuming the bitter coffee. "What are your conditions?"

Chapter 1088

Chapter 1088

"First, let's resolve the issue with Grist Group's problematic beverage," Zuko stated.

The suggestion took aback Fred.

"The 'Rose Dew' beverage, your renowned product. You repackaged it and relaunched it, and you think there won't be any problems?" Zuko questioned.

"Ah, no, no." Fred smiled wryly. "To be honest, I didn't agree with this beverage being sold in the market in the first place. But I couldn't do anything about it. My men on the board of directors didn't have the majority, so I had to let them have their way."

"You know what you should do next, right?" Zuko inquired.

Fred nodded seriously, understanding the course of action he needed to take.

He would hand over the formula of the problematic beverage, publicly admit the mistake, and willingly accept the penalty from the relevant bureau. Furthermore, he would ensure that all the responsible individuals faced the consequences.

While Fred knew that Zuko's motivation was likely driven by seeking justice for Lina, he also recognized the broader benefits to the market environment. His involvement in rectifying the situation could be seen as an honorable act.

Fred said with a smile. "Mr. Hamerton, is there a second condition?"

Zuko gazed at him intently before replying, "The second condition. The Grist Group's tracking devices are quite intrusive."

Fred felt a wave of anxiety wash over him. Was this Zuko's way of settling old scores with him?

"When you assume control of the Grist Group, refrain from using these devices on your employees any longer. Everyone deserves a certain level of privacy," said Zuko.

"Yes, understood!" Fred agreed, realizing the importance of respecting privacy.

"But I need you to use this system to investigate someone for me," Zuko added.

Fred looked up, confused, as Zuko uttered the name clearly from his lips, "Gia Chapman!"

After listening to Renee's account, Toph noticed her trembling shoulders due to fear and hesitation. He instinctively wanted to reach out and offer comfort, but he hesitated, fearing it might be too sudden or inappropriate.

Instead, his hand hovered in the air for a moment before gently patting her shoulder twice, withdrawing it swiftly.

"If that's the case, why don't you tell Uncle Nicholas and Aunt Linda the truth?" he suggested, concerned for her well-being.

"I dare not..." Renee's voice choked. "I'm afraid of my father. If this matter gets out of hand, he'll really harm my mother!"

"Then why did you tell me?" asked Toph.

"Because..." Renee looked up with glistening eyes.

She bit her lip, her small face involuntarily blushing and her heart pounding. She did not dare say it. She could not tell him that it was because she trusted him.

It was an inexplicable trust, an entanglement of fate.

From the moment she first saw him, it felt like she already knew he was someone worthy of lifelong trust.

However, with her background, could she be deserving of the youngest Hamerton heir who dazzled in the crowd? She could only fantasize about it, and once she woke up, life would have to go on.

"Because... it's suffocating if I keep it in me," Renee said softly. "Toph, I beg you not to tell others about this. Don't worry. I won't covet the Thompsons' assets. Those belong to Pamela. I won't touch them!

"I only ask that you keep it a secret... My mother has already found a suitable kidney. As long as my father agrees, she can undergo the surgery.

"After the surgery, I won't have any worries. Everything can come to light then, and Mr. and Mrs. Thompson can punish me as they wish!"

"Renee..." Toph felt uneasy hearing this but quickly realized that Renee must have her reasons for bringing him to Jangasas.

Could it be related to the real Pamela?

"Renee!" Toph looked at her. "Do you know... the whereabouts of Pamela?"

"Mm!" Renee nodded firmly. "I do have a lead. It's someone named Gia Chapman, and she's in Jangasas!"

Chapter 1089

Chapter 1089

"Gia Chapman?" Toph was taken aback.

"Yes." Renee revealed what she knew. "I overheard my father mentioning this name multiple times on the phone, saying that he wanted to eliminate her. Before I came to Centrolis, my father gave me some money, and I secretly used it to bribe someone in the hospital for DNA testing. Gia provided the sample my father sent for testing."

Toph widened his eyes in delightful surprise, clearly not focused on the name Gia. He looked at Renee and grinned openly. "I didn't expect this!"

Renee was stunned. "What didn't you expect?"

"I didn't expect that you'd be capable of bribing someone when you look so naive and delicate," said Toph.

"I..." Renee was at a loss for words. She blushed and hurriedly lowered her gaze.

Toph leaned closer, observing the fluttering eyelashes and cute freckles on her fair face. He couldn't help but smile, feeling as if the world's sunlight was shining on her, casting a unique halo. "Toph..." Renee placed a finger on his chest, lightly pressing. "Y-You're getting too close..."

"Oh." Toph snapped back to reality, feeling as if his heartbeat had skipped a beat. He quickly sat back properly and coughed a couple of times to disguise his embarrassment. "So, you brought me to Jangasas to find Gia?"

"Yes." Renee nodded. "But we have to act quickly. I'm afraid it'll arouse my father's suspicion. Also, my mother is still in Centrolis, and I'm afraid he'll harm her!"

"I understand," Toph said seriously. "You don't have to worry about her. The hospital there has investments from the Hamertons, and I'll arrange for our own people to take care of her."

"As for this Gia..." He frowned. "Do you have any other leads besides this name? Jangasas is so big. We can't search blindly, right?"

"I do." Renee remained calm. "After bribing that person in the hospital, I obtained some information about Gia..."

Renee retrieved her phone, where the information was stored. Though not very comprehensive, there was some useful information, such as a home address, which made things easier. Toph smiled tenderly, realizing that Renee was a clever and resourceful young girl.

"Alright, we'll go find her tomorrow!"

Renee suddenly tugged at him and hesitated momentarily before voicing her doubts, "Toph, actually, I'm not sure if Gia is the real Pamela."

"What?"

"Because given my father's personality, he'd wipe out any potential threats." As Renee spoke, a ripple flashed in her eyes. "But my father has kept Gia until now. I don't understand why..."

Toph frowned. "But since your father repeatedly mentioned her, it proves that she must play a significant role. Regardless, we should find her first!"

"Mm."

Toph looked into her eyes, "Also, even though I really want to tell Uncle Nicholas and Aunt Linda the truth, I know it's not the right time now. Firstly, it's because of your mother, and secondly, if the truth is revealed, Melvin won't gain anything. He'll likely resort to drastic measures and harm the real Pamela."

"That's right, that's right!" Renee abruptly grabbed his arm, her emotions running high.

Their thoughts coincided. What was more important was that after keeping the truth inside her for so long, someone understood, empathized, and supported her when she finally spoke about it today! Renee smiled gratefully. She realized her hand was resting on his arm and quickly withdrew it, feeling embarrassed.

"Um, we've been talking for so long. You haven't eaten yet!"

Chapter 1090

Chapter 1090

Renee's hand had barely retreated when Toph swiftly caught hold of it and calmly placed it back on his arm.

"Toph-"

"I know there are plenty of great restaurants in Jangasas. Come on, let me treat you to a lavish meal!" Toph interrupted, pulling her along.

Renee was momentarily stunned before a smile spread across her face as if she had just won the world.

"Renee, did you know that my parents met in Jangasas?" Toph continued to chat as they walked. "The hotel where they had their first date was called Regalia Hotel, and they had lobster risotto..."

When Zuko returned to the presidential suite, Lina had been unpacking and hadn't spoken to him since the afternoon.

The atmosphere felt peculiar.

He could sense a clear sense of detachment emanating from Lina. There were several instances when their eyes met, and Lina looked at him with suspicion.

Zuko approached her, intending to say something, but the words eluded him. He could only manage a somewhat forced smile.

His awkward smile took Lina aback. "What are you doing?"

"Oh, nothing." Zuko casually placed his hands in his pockets as he glanced around and engaged in small talk. "This room is quite nice!"

Lina replied absentmindedly, "Of course, it's the presidential suite. How could it be anything less?"

"If I had known we could switch rooms, I would have come earlier to keep you company!" said Zuko.

Lina was startled and looked up at Zuko. She couldn't help but soften a little when she saw him grinning foolishly and making an effort to please her. Although doubts and uncertainties lingered in her heart, his gentle gaze and smile were hard to resist.

Lina walked up to him, lips slightly pursed, and buttoned the two crooked buttons on his polo shirt.

"Lina..." Zuko gently held her small hand. "What if we find another place to stay?"

"Why?"

A complex expression flickered in Zuko's eyes.

If they stayed there any longer, more would be exposed. Given Lina's intelligence, she would easily piece it together-perhaps she already had.

Zuko had heard stories about his parents' dating history. His father's personal experience taught him that if two people were in love, they shouldn't keep secrets from each other. She must not find out about this from someone else.

He took a deep breath, swiftly organized his thoughts, and pondered how he could reveal the truth without causing too much emotional turmoil. "Well... Lina, will you come with me if I want to stay somewhere else?"

"What do you mean?" Lina furrowed her brow. "Isn't it nice here? Besides, the hotel manager just switched us to this spacious suite."

"Um, I think the energy here isn't quite right." Zuko conjured up a serious explanation. "Ever since you came to this room, you've been ignoring me."

Lina was momentarily taken aback, then burst into laughter.

She had also been contemplating how she could inquire without appearing too deliberate and still get him to reveal the truth. After all, it was just her suspicion. What if he didn't have any special identity? Bluntly asking him like this might hurt his self-esteem. "Okay." She gently caressed his face, speaking softly. "Then tell me where you want to stay."

Zuko's heart started racing irregularly. The words "Irwin Manor" lingered on the tip of his tongue.