Ch. 1091..1100

Chapter 1091

Chapter 1091

Zuko was interrupted by a sudden ringing of his phone. The screen displayed a string of numbers, causing Lina to be taken aback. However, she noticed the calm smile on Zuko's face. "It's my younger brother," he explained in a low voice. "I remember his number, so I don't save it."

Zuko was about to reject the call, but Lina stopped him. "He must have something important to tell you if he's calling."

"What important matter could he have-"

"Answer it quickly!" Lina smiled gently. "I just finished washing some clothes. I'll go hang them up on the balcony!"

Zuko observed Lina's delicate figure with complex emotions. After a moment of hesitation, he walked out of the room to answer the call.

Before he could speak resentfully and ask, "What do you want?" the other end of the line was filled with Toph's rapid speech.

"Bro, no matter what you're doing right now, you have to let me finish..." Toph's voice came through.

Zuko lowered his voice. "What's the matter?"

"Well..." Toph paused for a moment before cautiously asking, "You're not engaged in any 'serious business' right now, are you?" "Toph, if you say another word, I'll fly over there and beat you up!"

Toph chuckled, wondering how he managed to make his older brother so angry that he did not even use punctuation in his speech.

"Seriously, I have important news to tell you." Toph suppressed his laughter, cleared his throat twice, and continued in a lower voice. "I have news about Pamela's whereabouts!" "What did you say?" asked Zuko.

"It was Renee who told me... but Zuko, you have to keep it a secret. Until the truth is revealed, you must..."

"What nonsense are you saying?" Zuko frowned. "And who's Renee?"

There was a moment of silence on the other end, then Toph whispered, "Renee is the current Pamela. She's Melvin's illegitimate daughter, and she told me that... the real Pamela is very likely in Jangasas, and her name is Gia Chapman!"

"Gia Chapman?" Zuko felt a thunderous roar in his ears.

Toph quickly summarized the recent events. However, Zuko's thoughts were fixated on the possibility of Gia being Pamela. How could that be possible? What connection did Gia have with Nicholas and Linda? Even if Pamela grew up in a harsh environment, Zuko firmly believed that certain traits were innate. Nicholas and Linda were kind-hearted people, and he couldn't imagine Pamela becoming someone who would harm others.

"Yeah, Renee also thinks it's impossible," Toph said in a low voice. "Anyway, there are still many doubts surrounding this matter... Bro, I told you about it now, so you have to keep it a secret! Renee and I discussed it. We won't let Uncle Nicholas and Aunt Linda know for now. We'll only reveal the truth when we find the real Pammy!"

"Alright, I understand."

"By the way..." Toph asked again, "If... Gia is really Pammy, will you still go through with your engagement to her?"

Zuko stood against the wall and forcefully rubbed his temples, feeling exhausted. He couldn't answer that question. He would never be with a woman like Gia, even if he didn't have Lina by his side. "We'll discuss it in the future. I'm hanging up now."

After ending the call, Zuko was engulfed in chaos for a few minutes. However, he quickly regained his composure and organized his thoughts.

If Gia was indeed Pamela, it was evident that she was unaware of her true identity at the moment. Perhaps Melvin had orchestrated a switch between the girls, and Gia remained oblivious to the truth. Once she discovered that she was the Thompsons' daughter, she might resort to even more sinister methods to deal with Lina.

Only by revealing his true identity could Zuko protect Lina completely.

His clenched fists trembled slightly, with the veins on the back of his hand bulging.

Chapter 1092

Chapter 1092

"What's wrong?" The door opened slightly, and Lina peeked her head out. "Why are you hiding outside to make a call?"

Zuko adjusted his smile to appear natural and casually draped his arm around her shoulder, guiding her inside. "Lina, there's something I need to tell you."

Lina froze, meeting his gaze.

While he held her hand, she could feel the warmth of his palm, but the intensity in his eyes left her bewildered. Her heart skipped a beat, and everything around them seemed to fade into silence.

Zuko licked his lips, his voice low and husky, pausing between each word. "My name isn't Zeke Hamerton, and all the strange occurrences that happened to you after coming to Southeast Aciatic are connected to me...

"Lina, I've been protecting you in my way."

His hand gently caressed her face, tracing down to her collarbone, where he retrieved the necklace with a star pendant from her neckline.

"This is the star I gave you," he said, looking at her with warmth and adoration. "In truth, I am the star you can make wishes upon.

"Lina, whatever wish you have, I'll make it come true for you.

"But there's been a recent unexpected development... I no longer want to hide my identity from you. I want to proudly hold your hand, introduce you to my family, and tell the world that Zuko Hamerton's wife is Lina Jenner!"

Lina stared at him, her eyes fixed as if struck by lightning, leaving her mind in a daze.

Her heart raced, and her breathing grew erratic. She felt as though her soul had departed her body, floating aimlessly, devoid of any sense of direction or perception.

"Lina? Lina!" Zuko grew concerned. "What's the matter? Did I scare you?"

As Zuko attempted to pull her into his embrace again, Lina abruptly pushed him away as if recoiling from a scorching flame. She sprang up from the sofa and took a step back.

"Lina..."

"Don't come near me!" Lina exclaimed. "Let me collect myself for a moment..."

"I'm sorry." Zuko's eyes brimmed with remorse. "I should have told you sooner, but I was afraid of this reaction, so I remained silent."

"Then... why are you telling me now?" she asked.

"Because I fear you'll be hurt."

Zuko took a tentative step forward, wanting to approach Lina, but she continued to retreat until her back pressed against the wall.

Zuko stopped before further explaining, "Lina, unforeseen circumstances have arisen, catching me off guard, and I want to be honest with you. Moreover, I believe that true partners should be sincere with one another. Keeping my identity hidden from you was unfair."

Lina's mind was in disarray. All she could feel was the relentless pounding of her heart.

He claimed to be Zuko Hamerton. Did that mean he was the eldest son of the Hamertons of Centrolis-the Hamerton heir?

He wielded considerable influence in Southeast Aciatic, which explained her smooth access to the palace and the hotel manager's terror upon seeing him.

The presidential suite she currently occupied, was it all thanks to him?

So she was involved with a powerful celebrity?

Lina felt as though she was walking on air, her body no longer under her control. She nearly slid down the wall, gasping for breath.

Lina stammered, "Z-Zeke, don't play a prank on me... I can't believe... I can't believe this is real!"

Zuko paused, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

While others perceived him as a privileged child born with a silver spoon, he simply wanted to be an ordinary husband who could grow old with Lina. Her reaction shattered him.

In front of Lina, he longed for a relationship devoid of servitude and subservience, where she felt comfortable and equal.

Chapter 1093

Chapter 1093

"Lina, I'm not lying to you," Zuko's voice was hoarse as he maintained a certain distance, hesitant to approach her. "If you don't believe me, I'll take you to meet someone."

After a while, Lina calmed down and noticed Zuko preparing to leave. She hurriedly grabbed a jacket and followed him.

Several cabs were waiting outside the hotel, and one pulled up in front of them. Zuko opened the car door, but he sat in the passenger seat instead of sitting next to her in the backseat.

From the back seat, Lina observed Zuko's sharp features, deep and resolute eyes, and broad back through the rearview mirror. She knew he must be sitting in the front with his arms crossed, just as he always did.

Everything seemed familiar yet different at the same time, evoking indescribable emotions within Lina.

Suddenly, she recalled the words Gia had spoken before. Gia had attended university to find a wealthy heir to date and marry, claiming that 80% of life's troubles could be solved with money. Lina had asked what if she didn't like the man, to which Gia had replied that life was never perfect and she would choose material wealth over feelings.

Lina shook her head, reaffirming her choice of prioritizing feelings.

Now... it seemed like she had both?

Zuko chuckled as he looked at the bewildered Lina and reached out to hold her hand.

Lina pulled away like a startled deer and moved closer to the car door, avoiding his gaze.

The car came to a stop in front of the hospital. Zuko got out of the car, and Lina followed him.

As Lina looked around, she was taken aback. Wasn't this the hospital of that kind-hearted middle-aged man?

"Z-" she started to say instinctively but stopped. She wasn't sure whether to call him Zeke or Zuko.

"Zeke" felt familiar and rolled off the tongue easily, while "Zuko" was a completely unfamiliar name.

Zuko paused and turned to her with a gentle smile. "If you're not used to it, just call me Zeke."

Lina lowered her eyes and quietly followed him as they made their way from the hospital entrance to the director's office.

Zuko knocked on the director's office door.

Carter was flipping through some medical records and was slightly surprised to see the two of them. Assuming that his oldest nephew didn't want his identity disclosed, he composed himself and warmly greeted Lina, "Ms. Jenner? What brings you here today? Please have a seat!"

Before Zuko could even greet him as "uncle," Carter completely ignored him. Carter maintained his act, looking at Zuko and asking Lina, "And this is?" "Mr. Irwin?" Lina was surprised. "You don't know him?"

Carter pretended to adjust his glasses. "I don't. What's your name, sir?"

Zuko felt exasperated and helplessly called out, "Uncle!"

"Hey, young man, don't go turning everyone into your uncle!"

"No, Uncle, "

"Who's your uncle?" Carter interrupted, making faces at Zuko. "Have you mistaken me for someone else?"

Speechless, Zuko decided to bring up his father. "Uncle, my dad mentioned that you were bullied in school, and he was the one-"

Carter coughed vigorously with widened eyes.

"So, are you my uncle or not?" Zuko smirked.

Carter glanced at him, lips twitching. He asked quietly, "Can I speak freely now?"

"A certain someone will think I'm tricking her otherwise," replied Zuko.

Zuko lifted his arm and finally wrapped it around Lina's shoulder. This time, she didn't push him away. However, he could sense her body stiffening and her shoulders trembling slightly.

Lina lowered her head and noticed the bangle. It finally dawned on her that Carter had protected her so fiercely when Violet was brought to the hospital that day because he recognized the bangle. Indeed, what Zuko had said was true. Every bizarre experience she had in Southeast Aciatic was connected to him.

"Are you feeling unwell, child?" Carter asked with concern. "You don't look well. Do you want to have an examination right here?"

Politely declining, Lina replied, "Thank you, there's no need."

"We're family, no need to be so formal." Carter smiled. "If this rascal bullies you in the future, just tell Uncle Carter or your grandparents-in-law! "Oh right, Zuko, have you taken Lina to the manor?"

Zuko glanced at Lina. The girl was so quiet, and it pained his heart. He could only hold her tighter, allowing her to feel his warmth.

Leaving the hospital, the two walked side by side on the road. As the night fell and the lights came on, the liveliness of Southeast Aciatic was just beginning.

However, Lina had no interest in admiring the night view. Her mind was consumed by thoughts of the differences between her and Zuko.

His parents were the owners of the Hamerton Group, while her parents owned a small supermarket.

He had received an elite education since childhood, while she had grown up with fewer restraints.

He was a prominent figure in upper-class society, while her life had been plain and simple.

Being together would surely end in tragedy for two people from such different backgrounds, right?

Upon thinking that, Lina's heart ached, and she felt her nose tingling.

A deep voice came from beside her. "Lina, what are you thinking about?"

She sniffed and whispered, "I'm thinking... a firefly is just a firefly. No matter how high or far it flies, it can never become one of the stars in the sky."

Zuko froze, stopped walking, and turned to look at her. "Have you ever thought that the star doesn't need the firefly to fly? It will come down and be with the firefly."

Lina looked up at him and saw stars in his eyes. Amidst the radiance of those stars, she saw herself.

Chapter 1094

Chapter 1094

Lina anxiously clutched the hem of her clothes, blinking more frequently than usual. Zuko reached out his hand and gently touched her shoulder, causing her to tremble slightly. She timidly glanced at him,

allowing his big hand to rest on her shoulder without moving.

"Lina..." Zuko wanted to say something but struggled to find the right words. He tentatively reached for her small hand. "It's getting late. Let's go back?"

Lina was startled. He had spoken with a rising tone at the end, asking her cautiously instead of ordering her directly.

Her heart instantly melted.

Scenes since she met Zuko flashed through her mind like a movie. He would never speak loudly to her. The cold and icy expression he showed to others would instantly transform into a radiant smile when he saw her. He doted on, spoiled, and cherished her like the apple of his eye. When he heard that Violet and Gia almost hurt her, he hurriedly rushed to Southeast Aciatic.

If this wasn't love, if he had done all this and she still accused him of deceiving her, then she would be letting him down.

Lina stammered, "Zeke... Oh, no, it's..."

Zuko said, "I told you, if you're not used to it, you can still call me by my previous name. It doesn't matter."

"How can I do that?" Lina smiled. "Your name was given to you by your parents. How can I change it casually?" Zuko was taken aback.

"Also..." Her voice gradually lowered. "I have to learn to adapt, so let's start with your name."

"What?" Zuko doubted if his ears were playing tricks on him before he was enveloped in a huge sense of joy.

"Isn't it clear enough?" Lina's voice was soft, but her words were crystal clear. "In the past, it was you who adapted to me, my family, and my living environment, but I never thought about changing anything for you."

She looked up with a hint of determination shining through her sparkling eyes. "Now, it's my turn to adapt to you."

"Lina..."

"The firefly can't always wait for the star to fall. Even if it doesn't fly high, it should try to fly into the sky where the stars are."

Zuko was pleasantly surprised, staring at her in a daze for a while with the corners of his mouth twitching. He wanted to smile but did not dare to make it too exaggerated. In the end, he couldn't contain his excitement and tightly embraced her.

"Hey, loosen your grip a bit..." Lina's eyes were moist, but she also found it funny. She patted his back with her hand. "You're going to suffocate me!"

"Oh, sorry, sorry," Zuko let go of her and apologized repeatedly. He was just too excited.

Originally, he was apprehensive, afraid that Lina would not understand and would not forgive him. Now, he had obtained the most precious treasure in the world.

The two of them smiled at each other and walked along the path, holding hands. The moonlight elongated their figures, and the moist air of Southeast Aciatic carried a unique floral fragrance.

As they walked, Zuko took the opportunity to rest her head on his shoulder.

"Hey!" Lina's body tilted, and she protested, "How can I walk like this?"

He raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Can't walk like this?"

"My head is tilted. Let me see you walk like that!"

"Alright, I can do that."

As soon as Zuko finished speaking, he straightened up and leaned his big head against her shoulder!

"Hey..."

"See? I can walk like this!"

"You better get up!"

The man became even more shameless, refusing to budge, and pressed his over six feet tall figure against her slender body. He wouldn't leave no matter what she said.

"Kiss me."

"Huh?" Lina was startled.

Zuko grinned at her. "If you kiss me, I'll stand up straight."

Lina was both exasperated and amused, rolling her eyes at him several times.

Chapter 1095

Chapter 1095

Zuko's spirits lifted with just a bit of sunshine, and he let go of his inhibitions, acting childishly. But before Lina could object, Zuko impatiently wrapped his arms around her slender waist and kissed her passionately as if he were a wild beast.

Lina melted in his embrace, succumbing to his deep kiss.

When he felt that her resistance was waning, he reluctantly released her, gently tidying her disheveled hair. He caught a hint of surprise and sweet affection in her eyes.

Feeling a bit weak, Lina allowed Zuko to carry her like a princess as they continued their walk in the moonlight.

"Zuko."

"Yes?"

"Can I ask you something?"

Zuko lowered his head, gazing at her, and replied softly, "Ask me anything."

"Why did you suddenly reveal your true identity to me?"

Zuko paused, his expression becoming complex. He didn't respond immediately.

They arrived at a small, secluded park and sat on a stone bench. He looked at her and spoke softly. "Would you like to hear my parents' story?"

Lina smiled curiously and leaned against his shoulder, eager to hear the tale.

"My father also concealed his identity from my mother in the past.

"They met by chance, with my father assuming someone else's identity. Initially, he believed their relationship wouldn't last, but he became deeply involved later on.

"However, he had his reservations and only revealed his true identity to my mother when she was in grave danger."

Lina's eyes widened, her breath held in anticipation.

"My mother was hurt in that incident, but thankfully, they reconciled, and my father continues to dote on her to this day."

Zuko turned to her, his gaze serious. "Lina, I shared this with you because I don't want to follow in my father's footsteps. When two people are determined to be together, they should be open and honest. I don' want you to be hurt in any way."

"Zuko..."

Zuko locked eyes with her. "I will do everything in my power to protect you."

"Me too." Lina smiled. "I will also protect you."

"You silly girl!"

"I'm serious! Who says only men can protect women?"

"Well... alright." Zuko's gaze softened. "If you truly want to protect me, then when your mother scolds me in the future, you must defend me!"

Lina was taken aback but couldn't help bursting into laughter.

Under the twinkling fireflies surrounding them like shimmering stars, the two embraced in the Southeast Aciatic night. Their eyes were illuminated, and their hearts warmed.

Zuko suddenly said, "Lina, for now, please don't tell your parents about my true identity, okay?"

"Why?" she asked.

"Your mother has always believed I'm the son-in-law who married into the family." He chuckled softly. "Let me continue to be that for a little while longer! I will reveal the truth to her once she approves and we successfully obtain our marriage certificate."

"But..." Lina hesitated. Wouldn't this be unfair to him?

However, her parents weren't the type to cling to social status. Their main criterion for a son-in-law was someone who could become part of the family. If they were to discover Zuko's true identity, would they change their minds and refuse to let her marry him?

Lina sighed. It was indeed a dilemma.

Perhaps, as he suggested, she should follow his plan and wait until everything was settled. That way, they wouldn't have any regrets.

"Okay." She obediently nestled in his arms. "I'll trust you."

Zuko's heart skipped a beat, and he held her even tighter.

In truth, there was one thing he hadn't been honest with her about the existence of Pammy and Gia's identities...

But those things no longer mattered. What mattered most was that the person in his arms had no misunderstandings, anger, or lack of understanding toward him.

That was the strength that would propel him forward.

Chapter 1096

Chapter 1096

"Zuko, what are you thinking?" asked Lina.

"Hmm?" Zuko regained his focus and rubbed her hair. "Nothing."

"Did you hear what I just said?" she asked.

Bewildered, Zuko's expression showed that he hadn't heard a thing.

Lina smiled helplessly and repeated herself, "I said, don't let my classmates know about your identity either, okay?"

"Oh..."

"I'm concerned that it might bring unnecessary trouble for you..."

Lina turned her face away, trying to appear nonchalant, but her voice was soft and barely audible.

But what did she mean by "unnecessary trouble"?

Simply put, if her female classmates found out about Zuko's identity, they would undoubtedly pursue him. Even Mrs. Nash's daughter had her eyes on him, didn't she?

It was better for him to maintain the image of an ordinary guy!

Lina pouted, and Zuko saw through her little plan. He gently hugged her and pulled her back into his arms. "Don't worry. None of those things you're worried about will happen." "What are you saying..."

Zuko pressed his forehead against hers, giving her a faint smile, and whispered, "I'll follow your lead."

The next day, Lina received a message in the school group chat.

Heidi had been privately accepting gifts from students, causing significant damage to the school's reputation. As a result, she was expelled from her teaching position and could no longer work in the field. In the group chat, the wealthy heirs and heiresses who had been bullied by her but had never dared to resist sent a series of celebratory emojis.

With the absence of the teacher leading the group, the study tour had to end prematurely.

Upon returning to Jangasas, Melissa was overjoyed to see Zuko. She almost set off a string of firecrackers to welcome him.

"Ah, Zeke, you're finally back!" She pulled him toward the supermarket, saying, "You have no idea. The shelves have been in disarray these past two days while you were gone! And your father-in-law couldn't handle the deliveries when they arrived. Dave was still in class, so he struggled to move those boxes alone... Now, his back is hurting again! By the way, your treatment worked well on him last time, so you should treat him again this time!

"Zeke, after you finish at the supermarket, come back quickly. I haven't taught you how to make caramelized drumsticks yet!

"Oh, Zeke, while you tidy up the shelves, clean the place too. It's covered in dust...

"Zeke "

"Mom, will you ever stop?" Lina stomped her foot anxiously. "He just came back. Can't you let him rest?"

"And why should he rest?" Melissa stared at her. "He's a grown man. Will this little bit of work tire him out?"

"Mom!"

Never mind when Lina didn't know about Zuko's identity before. Now that she knew he was the esteemed Hamerton heir, she had to exercise more restraint.

But Melissa remained oblivious. She still treated Zeke the same as before-as the son-in-law she wanted to groom.

"Lina, it's fine," Zuko said happily with a gentle smile. "I'll go to the store now. I'll probably be done by noon, and the delivery truck won't arrive until the afternoon, so it won't disrupt business." Upon hearing this, Melissa's eyes lit up, and she patted Zuko's shoulder, looking at Lina. "See? I still have to rely on my son-in-law in crucial moments!"

Zuko pursed his lips and walked out of the alley.

Lina watched his broad back, feeling warmth in her heart. She smiled with her head lowered before turning to glare at her mother.

"Don't boss him around anymore in the future!" said Lina.

"What's gotten into you, girl?" Melissa rolled her eyes. "I'm just teaching him!

"Men... You have to push them constantly, especially someone like Zeke... He'll be our son-in-law in the future, so we can't be too nice to him now. We need to establish some rules!" Despite talking about setting rules, Melissa put on her apron and hurried into the kitchen to cook for Zuko.

Lina smiled helplessly. Since she didn't have many classes in the afternoon, she took advantage of her mother's distraction and secretly sneaked out of the house to go to the small supermarket. Zuko had already organized most of the shelves when he saw someone bounding in with a bobbing head and two cups of milk tea in her hands.

He frowned. "Why are you drinking this artificially sweetened stuff again?"

After saying that, he willingly took a cup of mango yogurt from her and began to gulp it down.

They said women never meant what they said, but when men acted similarly, the level of surprise could be just as high.

Lina sat by the side, propping her cheek with her hand and sipping her milk tea as she watched him work. She saw his sweat-soaked T-shirt clinging to his body and the lines of his biceps when he raised his

arms.

Every move he made exuded a strong masculine charm.

Lina blushed and quickly suppressed those suggestive thoughts in her mind.

Zuko turned around and looked at her. "Oh, by the way, Lina, my young brother is also in Jangasas. I'll bring him to meet you one day."

"Your young brother?" asked Lina.

"Well, more precisely, he's here with his girlfriend too!"

Lina chuckled. "Then I need to do some skincare before I meet them! Can't embarrass you."

Zuko approached her and leaned down, resting his hand on the back of the chair. "I think you look fine. You don't need to dress up."

"I've always had sensitive skin, my body too... Since my surgery, I've always found that part uncomfortable!"

"Surgery?" Zuko paused. "What surgery? Were you sick before?"

"Not sick!"

"Then what was it?"

Lina suddenly stopped, unsure whether to reveal that she had undergone surgery in the past to remove the birthmark on her waist. How would he react if she told him? And if she said more and accidentally revealed that the mole on her face was artificial, what would he think of her?

Those surgeries were all cosmetic procedures. It was said that men disliked women who had undergone plastic surgeries the most.

Besides, the surgery had been performed on her waist, a private area. She couldn't just blurt it out like that!

Lina swallowed the words that were on the tip of her tongue.

"It's nothing. It's all in the past. There's no need to ask," she said.

Zuko frowned. "Lina!"

"I'm fine now, right?" Lina glanced at him and said, "Alright, let's not discuss this anymore! When are we meeting your brother?"

Chapter 1097

Chapter 1097

When Toph first laid eyes on Lina, he couldn't help but stare at her for a while. He not only stared, but he also approached her directly, wanting to get a closer look. However, just as he was getting closer, a big hand suddenly grabbed him by the back of his neck! A stern and icy voice followed. "What do you think you're doing?" Toph sat back in his seat, wearing an embarrassed smile as he scratched his head. "No, no... Zuko, let go!"

Lina joined in with a smile and coughed lightly to ease the awkwardness.

Zuko glanced at his brother and pulled Lina's chair closer to him.

Toph had never seen his older brother act so possessive before. He chuckled and stood up, taking the initiative to introduce himself, "I'm Toph, his favorite younger brother!"

Zuko scowled. "Not anymore."

"Bro, do me a favor!"

Zuko looked at Toph, and their eyes met, causing them both to burst into laughter.

"This is Renee Thompson." Toph placed a hand on Renee's shoulder. "Renee, this is the sister-in-law I was telling you about, Lina Jenner!"

The two girls nodded slightly and exchanged smiles across the table.

From Zuko's perspective, their smiles seemed somewhat similar...

"Lina, I apologize for earlier," Toph said, "Normally, I don't stare at people like that, but..."

"But what?"

"You're incredibly beautiful and also look familiar!" Toph joked, "But my brother is different. He inherited the temperament of our grandmother and father, so he can appear poker-faced like the grim reaper. I'm truly surprised that he found someone like you- Ouch!"

Before Toph could finish his sentence, he received a swat from his brother. Renee pursed her lips and smiled, gently tugging Toph under the table to make him stop talking.

Lina laughed heartily.

Zuko placed his arm around her shoulder. His icy eyes held a hint of warmth as he looked at her.

Soon, the dishes were served, all of them specialties of Jangasas. They sat on the top terrace of Best Level, overlooking the bustling area of Jangasas. In the distance, the sea glistened under the sunlight, creating a beautiful and sparkling sight. The four of them chatted and laughed, creating a moment that felt like a painting filled with the colors of youth.

After dinner, they took a stroll down the commercial street. The two girls walked arm in arm, unable to resist stopping whenever they spotted something cute. The two men followed behind, their eyes fixed on the ones they admired, wearing gentle smiles.

"Hey, bro," Toph nudged his elbow against Zuko. "These two are really something. It's their first meeting, but it feels like they've known each other for ages."

Zuko's eyes darkened. "Why were you staring at Lina earlier?"

"I..." Toph whispered, "Honestly, when I first saw my sister-in-law, I had this strange feeling that she looked familiar, but I couldn't remember where I had seen her before... And then it hit me! Zuko, don't you think she resembles Renee from certain angles?"

Toph made a frame with his hands, framing Lina within it. "I also noticed that she has some similarities with Aunt Linda!"

Zuko's heart skipped a beat. While both brothers had been learning art since childhood, Zuko specialized in still life, while Toph excelled in portraits and enjoyed studying features and bone structures. After Toph pointed it out, Zuko couldn't help but see the resemblance.

"In this big world, there truly are all sorts of wonders!" Toph rubbed his chin and smiled. "Actually, with such a large population, it's not surprising to find two people who resemble each other. But what's strange is how well they get along... Look at them. They're like sisters!"

Zuko froze for a few seconds, his heartbeat suddenly out of sync. He remembered the words of a certain middle-aged woman-"Zeke, Lina was actually taken from that couple! Look, they don't bear a resemblance, do they?"

Chapter 1098

Chapter 1098

A thought crossed Zuko's mind. 'Perhaps the two of them are not "like sisters," but...'

"Zuko, what's wrong with you?" Toph reached out and waved his hand in front of Zuko. "Why are you spacing out? Come on. They went to get ice cream!" "Oh." Zuko snapped back to reality and looked at his brother. "What's wrong with getting ice cream? Lina likes it."

"But Renee can't have it now!"

"Can't?"

Toph froze, his face turning red. He quickly grabbed Zuko's arm and hurriedly followed.

The enjoyable day came to an end swiftly. Zuko and Lina returned home just in time for dinner. The table was filled with Melissa's specialties. "Zeke, Lina! Come and have dinner!" Melissa happily served them.

As a mother, she always worried that her children did not eat enough. The large bowl Zuko used could easily be placed on top of Lina's head like a hat. Zuko smiled helplessly and rubbed his stomach, concerned that his well-maintained abs had turned into a soft little belly under Melissa's constant feeding.

He ate while quietly observing the family of four at the dining table. Since joining this family, he had never observed them so carefully. The more he observed, the more he realized that Mary's remark of "How can two country bumpkins give birth to such a girl" was accurate...

Zuko frowned slightly, placing his cutlery down and casually saying with a smile, "I think I saw Mrs. Nash dancing in the park when we came back just now."

"Mary?" Melissa snorted. "It's probably her daughter who came back again, bringing her some good stuff, and she wanted to show off!"

"That's possible!" Zuko warmly replied. "There was a girl with her, but it was too dark to see her clearly... Heh, but the last time she came for treatment, she did look exactly like Mrs. Nash."

"Exactly!" Dave laughed. "They both have the same round faces! Door Guardian, genetics can't be resisted. When I go out with my dad, everyone says I'm Jesse Jr."

"Eat your food!" Melissa knocked Dave's head with her spoon, her expression somewhat unnatural.

In this family, they could talk about anything except for appearance-because she felt guilty and was deceiving herself. She thought that as long as they did not talk about it at home, the matter did not exist. Despite that, the neighbors all knew that a duck and a swan were two different species, and a country bumpkin could not give birth to a graceful swan.

Zuko smiled. "Auntie, actually, I think Mrs. Nash must be jealous of you. She's jealous that your daughter is prettier and better than hers, so she spreads rumors about you everywhere." "W-What did she say?" Melissa became nervous. "What did she say about me!?"

Zuko lowered his voice. "She just said that you adopted Lina. That she's not your biological daughter."

"She's crazy!" Melissa reacted strongly, nearly dropping her bowl. She shouted, "You can't expect anything nice to come out of Mary Nash's mouth! Lina is clearly my daughter! She is!"

"Mom..." Lina quickly grabbed her and shot Zuko a look. She had grown immune to such rumors since she was young but also found it strange. Were these people so idle that they had to create such rumors just because she looked a little better?

"Alright, that's enough!" She nudged Zuko and then walked over to Melissa, affectionately hugging her from behind.

"Of course, I'm my mom's daughter. Who else dotes on me like this besides my mom? Right?"

Upon hearing these words, Melissa finally forced a smile, patting Lina's hand, and softly uttered, "Good girl."

Despite it all, the depth of darkness in Zuko's eyes grew deeper.

Chapter 1099

Chapter 1099

"Zeke, if you... If you don't believe it, I'll prove it to you!" Jesse tugged at Melissa's sleeve, urging her to sit down and eat, but she ignored it and insisted on going into the room to rummage through the cabinets Soon, she held a thin birth certificate in her hand and placed it in front of Zuko.

"Look, this is Lina's birth certificate!" Melissa's voice trembled as she pointed at the name on it. "Father: Jesse Jenner, Mother: Melissa Jones. What's wrong with that!? The hospital issued this!"

Zuko quickly stood up. "Auntie, please calm down. I never doubted—"

"Stop listening to Mary's nonsense!" Melissa trembled as she angrily scolded and returned the birth certificate to her room, refusing to finish dinner.

After dinner, Zuko made a call to Toph at the entrance of the alley.

"I have a question for you," he said in a low voice. "How would you react if you had a son, but everyone said he wasn't your son?"

"What do you mean, bro?" Toph's tone rose at the end. "You're not hoping I'll be c*ckolded, are you?"

Zuko scoffed. "I'm being serious!"

Toph thought for a moment and chuckled. "I might get angry at first and explain to everyone, but I wouldn't care as much over time. The truth will reveal itself. Besides, my son is mine, and blood ties cannot be changed. Why should I panic?"

"But if your son... doesn't resemble you?"

"Uh, bro, must you put it like that?"

"I'm just saying 'what if'!"

Toph shrugged, wondering why Zuko did not ask himself that question.

"That's impossible. Fathers and sons will always have some resemblance! Besides, even though I don't resemble our father, I look like our grandfather!"

"Like our grandfather... all puffed up and prickly?" remarked Zuko.

"Bro, our grandfather was handsome when he was young!" Toph smirked. "Anyway, what I mean is children don't have to resemble one specific person. Some traits can skip a generation, so there's no need to care too much about what others think."

Yes, that sounded more like a normal person's mindset. Others could say whatever they wanted, which might be infuriating in the beginning, but the rumors would eventually debunk themselves as long as one stayed calm.

However, Melissa's reaction was so intense that it seemed like guilty behavior.

'Guilty?'

Zuko narrowed his eyes. He turned around and stared at the small house not far away. The living room was lit with a warm yellow glow, and the TV was probably still on, playing their favorite show currently. Lina saw that Melissa had not eaten much for dinner and brought a bowl of porridge into the room, somehow managing to quickly calm the woman.

Melissa came out to cut fruits for the family and peeked her head out toward the entrance of the alley. "Zeke, come in and have some fruits after your call!"

Zuko responded and was going to walk over, but his feet felt heavy as if weighed down by a thousand pounds.

The family was harmonious, and the scene was too beautiful to disturb. Would his suspicions... be a ticking time bomb?

He took a deep breath, adjusted his expression to a more natural one, and walked in quickly. He met Melissa's loving gaze.

"Zeke, I heard your young brother's here?"

Zuko froze for a moment before he gently nodded. "Um... yes."

"Then invite him over for a meal! I'll treat him well!" Melissa couldn't stop smiling. "By the way, Zeke, what does your brother like? Write a list tomorrow, and I'll buy it for him! Also, if he's staying outside, wouldn't it be inconvenient? He can also stay here and share a room with Dave!"

"Auntie, no need for the trouble..."

"It's not a bother. We're family! It's my duty to take care of you all!" Melissa's smile was genuine, and Zuko was willing to believe that she was too.

During the time they spent together, Melissa had genuinely been nice to him, not to mention how caring she was toward Lina. Although she nagged and grumbled like all common housewives, her feelings toward her children were pure, without any impurities, like a crystal

Chapter 1100

Chapter 1100

Zuko glanced at Lina, who was immersed in the joy of being with her family, her genuine smile touching his heart. If he were to disrupt this peace rashly, would he still witness such pure beauty in her smile? Besides, everything had yet to reach a final conclusion. What if it was all just a misunderstanding?

A long sigh escaped Zuko's lips as he felt a heavy weight in his heart.

In the stillness of the night, Jesse and Melissa's bedroom door was tightly shut, allowing a faint light to seep through the window.

Jesse looked at his wife with a heavy heart. After much hesitation, he finally spoke with a stiff tone. "Next time... don't show Lina's birth certificate again."

Melissa, who was flipping through old photos of Lina as a child, froze suddenly, her finger hovering over a particular picture of them holding Lina at the pier.

"That birth certificate is fake." Jesse glanced around and whispered, "You shouldn't have shown it to Zeke. He's been jailed for forging documents before. He's a professional! I'm sure he spotted it instantly." Realization of the danger of her actions struck Melissa, and she turned pale. How could she have forgotten?

"No, no..." She remained silent for a while, trying to appear calm. "I only showed it to him briefly. He couldn't see it clearly!"

Jesse cast a glance at her, impatiently smacking his lips together. "Just don't argue with Mary anymore. Let her say whatever she wants! Your outburst only made Zeke think we are guilty..." Melissa bit her lip, feeling guilty indeed. Lately, she had been unable to sleep well, plagued by nightmares that transported her back to the time when they were on the boat.

In the dream...

She could hear the cries of a little girl and turned around to find young Lina standing alone on the deck.

When she hurriedly ran over to pick her up, Lina suddenly grew up before her eyes. Her gaze turned icy and resentful as if she was staring at an enemy. "Why won't you let me go home? Why!?" Melissa burst into tears, unable to utter a word.

"You won't let me go home, and you won't let me find my parents! I hate you! I hate you!"

Melissa woke up abruptly, her pillow soaked with tears.

Even now, recalling that dream made her shudder, sending chills down her spine.

Jesse's timing to speak was uncanny. "Honey, after the shipwreck, we should've handed Lina over to the police, let them help her find her family—"

"Shut up!" Melissa glared at him, her heart pounding.

Jesse leaned in, embracing her shoulder and gently patting her as if comforting a child.

After years of marriage, he understood her feelings better than anyone else. Although Lina was a child they had found, his wife pampered and cherished her for these 20 years, fearing that the girl would experience even the slightest injustice. She loved her even more than their biological son.

Perhaps, this was the special bond between people.

Jesse sighed, his eyes slightly red as he whispered, "Let's forget about it. Don't dwell too much. Let things take their course."

"No, I can't abandon my daughter!" Melissa's tears fell. "Why did we let Zeke stay in our house? Wasn't it to win over this potential son-in-law and keep Lina by our side?"

"Well..."

"We have to keep this secret. No matter what others say, we must insist that Lina is our daughter!"

"Yeah, haven't we done so all these years?" Jesse looked troubled. "But, honey, secrets can't be kept forever."

"They can!" Melissa insisted, speaking in a low tone after pondering for a while. "I guess Zeke said that to test us... Maybe he thought he wouldn't gain anything if Lina wasn't our daughter!" Jesse's eyes lit up, finding her reasoning sound. He couldn't believe this prospective son-in-law had no ulterior motives!

"So what should we do, honey?" he asked.