Ch. 1121..1130

Chapter 1121

Chapter 1121

"We stole her home back then! In fact, we should've reported it to the police to help find Lina's family after the shipwreck..." Jesse patted her shoulder and sighed. "Recently, I've been having nightmares." Melissa choked, her voice trembling. "I dream that Lina hates me, saying that I separated her from her parents..."

"Don't be foolish!" Jesse hastily said. "Dreams are the opposite of reality!"

"But this dream reminds me... Have I been too selfish for the past 20 years? Is this illness retribution?"

"You..."

Jesse had never been good at comforting others, and he was afraid that anything he said would be wrong at this critical moment.

In fact, there was no one more tormented than him currently.

His lifelong companion was terminally ill, and their children were unaware. Every day, he had to put on a brave smile.

If they really found Lina's family, he would have to endure the pain of losing his daughter too.

Jesse fell silent, tears welling up in his eyes.

After a long while, he regained his composure and gently embraced Melissa. With a sniffle, he said softly, "Okay... as long as you're happy, as long as you feel relieved, I'll agree to whatever you say!" Melissa nodded, gripping his hand tightly.

"Then let's go back to the room now and take out Lina's old photos to show our future in-laws."

"Yeah, okay."

"Hey, Jesse? Which way did we come from just now?"

Jesse was stunned as he looked around... Oh no! The manor was too big, and as they had been talking, they had unknowingly lost their way.

"You stubborn old man! The butler said to follow him just now, but you insisted otherwise!"

"You old woman... You were the one who said you wanted to walk alone!"

"You're arguing with me!?"

"D-Do you remember the butler's phone number?"

They rolled their eyes at each other while taking out their phones to find the contact number, occasionally scolding each other.

"It's so embarrassing getting lost in someone else's house!"

"Thanks so much for leading the way!"

"Melissa, you always blame everything on me!"

Zephyr called Zuko to the greenhouse.

When Zuko arrived, he saw his mother arranging a bouquet of roses. The vibrant red roses exuded bold and unrestrained beauty.

"What do you think, son?" Cordelia put down the scissors, satisfied. "After you officially marry Lina, this bouquet will be placed in your room!"

"Huh?" Zuko was taken aback, turning to look at his father.

Zephyr also smiled at him and patted his shoulder.

"Your mother and I really like Lina, and we can see that her whole family is honest and down-to-earth. We're assured of being in-laws with such a family." "Well, dad, mom, actually, Lina-"

"She wouldn't not want to marry you, would she?"

Zuko chuckled. How was that possible?

Seeing his hesitant expression, Cordelia thought he was worried about something and spoke directly. "Son, don't worry about it. Your father and I don't have any snobbish views. You don't need to find someone from a high-society background. We just hope you find someone you genuinely like."

Zuko looked at them. "Actually, Lina's not only someone I genuinely like, but she's also from a matching background!"

Zephyr and Cordelia both froze. "What do you mean?"

Chapter 1122

Chapter 1122

Zuko was about to reveal the truth when a knock on the door interrupted them. The butler entered with Jesse and Melissa, wearing a smile as he explained, "Mr. and Mrs. Jenner got lost in the garden. We guided them to the guest room, but they insisted on seeing you."

Zephyr and Cordelia exchanged polite smiles and gestured for Zuko to leave first.

Cordelia poured floral tea for everyone, noticing the perspiration on their foreheads and realizing they must have something important to discuss.

"Please, speak your mind," she said with a gentle smile. "We're going to be family, no need to be too formal."

"In that case, I won't beat around the bush," Melissa said, taking out a photo. It showed the two of them holding a young Lina, taken on a ship with a dock in the background as they were about to buy snacks for her.

That act had saved them from their biggest disaster.

Cordelia's gaze changed as she saw the face of the little girl, her heart racing.

After Pamela disappeared, Linda would cry every day. She would even go out alone, dazed, holding Pamela's photo, asking anyone she came across if they had seen the girl. The photos Linda had of Pamela were only up until she was four years old. The appearance of Pamela at four years old matched the girl in the photo they were holding.

"Mr. and Mrs. Jenner, as residents of Centrolis, you must be aware of the shipwreck that happened 20 years ago, right?"

Cordelia glanced at Zephyr subconsciously, and he too had a deep gaze, his brows furrowing even more.

"This ship was called the Latitude... We met Lina on that ship. She was being carried by a man who seemed quite terrified and didn't appear to know how to care for a child. So, we took care of her all the way. "Perhaps it was because of this child's blessings that we survived the sinking of the Latitude and brought Lina back home."

Cordelia could hardly believe her ears. The Latitude, the shipwreck, a man carrying a child-everything matched, and every clue pointed to the impending answer!

Cordelia took a deep breath, composed herself, and said, "So, Lina... She..."

"She is not our biological daughter," Melissa admitted with an unusual calmness. She had feared and detested this sentence for many years, but now she could say it calmly.

Cordelia took the photo, gently running her fingers over the young and innocent face, feeling a sudden pang in her chest. The girl in the photo had her hair cut and was wearing plain clothes. Her cheeks were reddened from crying, and tear stains were still visible. Perhaps only in this disguise could she remain unnoticed.

If Nicholas and Linda saw their beloved baby in such a state, how heartbroken would they be?

Zephyr placed his hand on Cordelia's shoulder and gently squeezed twice, hinting at something. Cordelia snapped back to reality and silently listened as Melissa continued.

Melissa stood up and respectfully bowed. "Mr. and Mrs. Hamerton, we find solace in coming to Centrolis and seeing that Lina is able to marry into a family like yours...

"But I have one more request, which is for you to help her find her biological family. It would... also be a way for me to atone for my past actions!"

Cordelia accepted the photo, her mind in chaos even as she returned to the room.

Zephyr remained calm. As soon as he entered the room, he began searching for the few photos they had of Pammy.

Chapter 1123

Chapter 1123

When Pammy was young, Nicholas appeared stern on the surface, but he actually doted on her tremendously. Every time he hovered over her to take her photos, he would promptly send a copy to Zephyr, forcing the latter to appreciate them together. However, his photography skills were questionable and not really appreciable.

This habit continued until it was abruptly interrupted after Pammy's first birthday due to an unexpected incident.

Zephyr had carefully kept those photos, and now as he took them out, a mix of emotions washed over him. Especially the photo of Pamela at one year old, dressed in a princess dress made of organza and wearing a small crown, she looked exquisite, lovely, and adorable.

He took the photo from Cordelia's hand, examining it several times and confirming that the one Melissa was holding was indeed Pammy!

"It's like finding something you've searched for everywhere..." Cordelia murmured, turning to him. "Pammy has actually returned like this..."

"Yeah, I'm shocked too." Zephyr's voice was low, his brows deeply furrowed, and he sighed heavily. "The Jenners said they want to make amends, but what wrongdoing have they committed?" "Darling, Melvin must have a hidden agenda by having someone impersonate Pamela," Cordelia said. "Hurry, inform Nicholas and Linda so they can keep an eye out!

"And Pammy..."

"Calm down, let's take it step by step," Zephyr said in a deep voice. "Actually, I've already warned Nicholas about Melvin, but they're all Thompsons. We're outsiders, so it's not easy for us to intervene.

"As for Pammy, that's our immediate priority. But darling, you need to think carefully about how to phrase it and make Linda accept this reality. She has always believed that her daughter is the one currently at home!"

Cordelia bit her lip, her expression anxious.

She then said softly, "And, Zuko and Toph have been investigating this matter, haven't they? These two boys might have known for a long time! No, we need to ask them!"

Zephyr nodded and thought about how Zuko might be with Lina now, deciding to let him be for the time being. He then reached for his phone to call Toph.

Before he could dial the number, however, Toph showed up on his own!

"Dad, mom!"

"You've come at the right time!" Cordelia anxiously asked, "How's the investigation going for both of you? Come on, tell us the truth!"

Toph widened his eyes, swallowed nervously, and slowly uttered, "Dad, mom, help... Renee's mother is in the hospital. Hurry, she's in critical condition!"

"Renee?"

"Well... there's no time to explain everything!" In his urgency, Toph jumped between his parents, holding his father with one hand and his mother with the other, forcibly dragging them toward the exit. "Let's hurry to the hospital first. Saving a life is of the utmost importance!"

Renee stood outside the hospital room, her face pale as she watched the doctors inside conducting emergency treatment. She clenched her hands tightly, her heart aching like a knife sliced through it. She tried hard not to cry, but the tears disobeyed her and streamed down her cheeks.

Then, footsteps echoed in the corridor.

"Toph, inform the hospital director and the department heads to organize a consultation... Oh, right, also call your aunt and uncle. They have expertise in this area!"

"Yes, okay!"

Renee froze, looking up abruptly and meeting the affectionate gazes of Cordelia and Zephyr.

"Renee, don't worry. Your mom is safe here. We won't let anything happen to her."

Chapter 1124

Chapter 1124

Renee stood there, staring blankly at the two people who appeared before her as if they were heavenly beings. A mix of emotions overwhelmed her, and tears streamed down her face once again. Renee tried to speak. "Mr. and Mrs. Hamerton, I actually-"

"Don't say anything now. It's more urgent to save her," Cordelia interrupted, stepping forward and taking Renee's hand.

Renee's small hand felt cold, and she couldn't help but tremble as she suddenly felt a comforting warmth.

After all the necessary arrangements were made, Toph stood by Renee's side outside the operating room, silently waiting.

Zephyr had already sent the best experts, and Renee's mother would soon be out of danger.

Then, Cordelia coughed heavily and shot Toph a meaningful look while Zephyr approached. "Toph, call your brother and tell him to come to the hospital immediately!"

"Uh, well..."

"Listen carefully. It's your brother!" Cordelia emphasized. "Tell him to come alone!"

Toph looked at his parents' troubled faces and knew that a storm was inevitable. He obediently made the call.

"Hey, Zuko." Toph retreated to a corner against the wall. "You... You're not busy at the moment, right?"

Zuko's voice came through with a roar. "Just say what you want!"

Toph quickly straightened up and spoke rapidly. "Conveying our mother's orders... Hurry to the hospital, alone!"

While waiting for Zuko, the emergency surgery had been successfully completed, and the doctors emerged from the operating room with relieved smiles.

Renee rushed over, but her emotions overwhelmed her, leaving her unable to utter a word.

Finally, Cordelia spoke up. "Is everything okay?"

"Don't worry, Madam." The doctor smiled. "The patient is out of danger. After the observation period, she can be transferred back to the ward. Professor Hamerton and Professor Stafford are currently inside discussing the next course of treatment."

Cordelia nodded and smiled gently at Renee.

A heavy burden was lifted from Renee's heart, but her tears continued to flow uncontrollably.

"Cordelia!" Zennie's voice rang out.

Wearing a white coat, she emerged from the operating room. Time had given her a mature temperament, but it couldn't change her sweet way of addressing Cordelia.

No matter when, Cordelia felt more like a sister to her, while her own brother instantly became her brother-in-law.

"Zennie!" Cordelia joyfully held her hand. "Where's Seth?"

"This surgery was quite routine, and Seth didn't want to miss this opportunity. He called a few of his best students to observe it. Now that we've finished discussing the treatment plan, he wants to go over some key points with them."

"Well... how's the patient's condition?"

"There are symptoms of renal failure," Zennie confidently answered. "But it hasn't reached the point where a kidney transplant is necessary."

"What!?" Renee was shocked, her eyes widening, and she was speechless for a while.

A kidney transplant wasn't necessary?

Melvin had constantly used the possibility of kidney donation as leverage against her!

Zennie browsed through the hospital records, her brows furrowing slightly.

According to the records, several patients in the department were waiting for kidney transplants, but Renee's mother wasn't one of them. Renee's heart tightened...

In other words, Melvin had been lying to her.

There was no need for a kidney transplant. Her mother's condition wasn't as severe as they had been led to believe.

Melvin had been deceiving them all this time simply because neither she nor her mother understood medicine.

Renee clenched her fists tightly, her lips almost bleeding from biting them.

Chapter 1125

Chapter 1125

Cordelia continued, noticing Renee's expression. "Zennie, if she doesn't need a kidney transplant, does that mean she'll recover from her condition soon?"

"Not so quickly," Zennie replied calmly. "Kidney dysfunction is a chronic and long-term condition that can be quite challenging. Considering the patient's weak physical constitution, we can only manage it through conservative treatments."

"Do you have a solution?"

"Yes." Zennie nodded with a smile. "There's a highly effective drug that has recently been released in Eropah. It has undergone clinical trials and targets this specific condition... However, it comes with a high cost, and the patient's family needs to carefully consider it."

Renee moved her lips, appearing troubled.

On the side, Cordelia chimed in with a smile. "No worries. If there's an effective drug, we'll find a way to afford it at our joint hospital!"

"Aunt Cordelia..."

Renee's voice choked, looking at Cordelia with a complex expression, unable to find the right words.

"I've already told you, as long as we're here, your mother will be safe." Cordelia turned to the girl and gently held her hand, giving her a reassuring smile.

Renee's mind went blank, her heart pounding. She felt like she was in a dream, but this dream felt so real.

Almost instinctively, she held onto Cordelia's hand, afraid of waking up from this dream.

"Aunt Cordelia, I..." Renee's eyes turned red. "I'm sorry, I've been lying to you all this time. I..."

"Don't say a thing." Cordelia gently patted her hand. "Go take care of your mother first. As for the drug, I promise she'll receive it in time!"

Renee looked at her in tears, and finally, accompanied by a nurse, she slowly walked into the hospital room.

Cordelia felt a sense of guilt as well.

Just then, a large hand gently pressed on her shoulder. The familiar presence of that person instantly eased her tense nerves.

She habitually leaned against the man's embrace with a slight smile on her lips.

"Now that I'm older, I really can't bear to see the younger generation in distress."

Zephyr hugged her and chuckled softly. "You often say I spoil the kids, but I think you spoil them even more than I do!"

"It's different!" Cordelia looked up at him. "You can't spoil those two little rascals at home, but cute and lovely girls like Lina and Renee, they need to be cherished! By the way... where are those two troublemakers?"

Zephyr smiled helplessly. "They're in the director's office, waiting for their punishment!"

Cordelia immediately perked up and briskly walked toward the mentioned location.

Zuko sneaked into the director's office, hoping to gather information from Toph. However, as soon as he entered, he saw his "favorite little brother" standing gloomily against the wall, resembling a punished elementary school student.

He thought about leaving, but it was already too late.

Zephyr cleared his throat loudly, and Zuko forced a smile as he turned around to join Toph in line.

He had intended to rely on their mother to resolve this situation, but little did he know that their mother's gaze was even sharper.

"Speak up!" Cordelia exerted her motherly authority. "Tell me everything, from the beginning to the end, without leaving out a single word! If I find out that either of you has been hiding something, don't bother coming home for dinner anymore!"

Zuko's mind went blank. "What should I say?"

Toph, being a quick-witted little devil, took advantage of his older brother's daze and swiftly explained everything, from how he discovered that Fake Pammy was actually Renee, to how he uncovered the relationship between Renee and Melvin, and even the revelation that Lina was the real Pammy...

He laid out the entire story!

Even after he finished narrating the whole saga like a stand-up comedian, his older brother remained in shock, unable to utter a word.

"Mm, Toph did well." Cordelia nodded, her sharp gaze shifting to her eldest son. "Zuko! Hadn't I asked, were you planning to keep this hidden from us for the rest of your life!?"

"Mom... This..." Zuko was dumbfounded. He was going to tell them!

Back when they were at home, he had intended to disclose that Lina was Pamela!

It just so happened that Jesse and Melissa walked in at that moment! Could he be blamed for that?

Chapter 1126

Chapter 1126

"Still want to argue?" Zuko didn't even get a chance to speak before his father's stern shout interrupted him.

Toph, wearing a smile on his face, straightened up, no longer resembling a punished elementary school student. He looked like someone who had redeemed himself.

Then the real show began, with their parents taking turns harshly criticizing Zuko.

Cordelia scolded, "You should have spoken up about this long ago!"

Zephyr added, "Yes, why didn't you say anything!?"

Cordelia continued. "This is such a big matter, and you didn't come back to discuss it with us? We could have come up with a plan!"

Zephyr agreed. "Exactly! You caught us off guard!"

Cordelia hissed. "You've become so arrogant, hiding everything!"

Zephyr chimed in. "That's right! Since your wings are so strong, we'll break them for you!"

Zuko remained silent.

Toph had been suppressing his laughter, his face turning red. However, he quickly met his older brother's murderous gaze when he turned his face.

"Y-You! Don't mess around!" Toph immediately hid behind Cordelia, seeking protection. "Why are you so slow with words? And... Zuko Hamerton, don't forget that I'm your favorite little brother!"

Zuko responded with a cracking sound made by his wrist and finger joints, implying, 'I may be slow with words, but my fists are fast!

'As for my favorite little brother... Sorry, you won't be for much longer!'

"Alright, you two, stop messing around!" Zephyr shot them a sharp glance. "Listen to your mother!"

The two sons immediately quieted down and obediently stood to the side.

Cordelia pursed her lips and smiled helplessly, giving each of them a swat.

"Now that we understand the whole story, let me tell you about my plan going forward."

The sons looked up at her, attentively listening.

Cordelia made timely arrangements. "Toph, your task is to protect Renee and her mother. Don't let Melvin get close to them again."

"Yes, mom, don't worry!" Toph showed a sunny smile. "I've already arranged for someone to secretly protect them. When I went to Jangasas with Renee, I already assigned people at the hospital, so Melvin never had a chance!"

"Well done, Toph!" Cordelia laughed. "You're becoming more reliable. You can think ahead of me without me having to say anything!"

Zuko was exasperated and speechless.

"As for Zuko!" Cordelia suddenly called out, bringing her eldest son's wandering thoughts back. "Your most important task is to tell Lina her true identity. Make sure she accepts this fact." "Oh, I understand," Zuko replied calmly. "And what about Uncle Nicholas and Aunt Linda?"

"We'll handle that," Zephyr said in a deep voice. "We can't ignore their feelings. We must find a way for them to accept that their current daughter is fake and that their real daughter has returned. "As for Melvin..." His eyes narrowed slightly, and a cold smile curved his lips. "You don't need to worry about him. I'll deal with him!"

Cordelia walked to his side with a smile and interlocked her fingers with his.

Even in their 50s, he still exuded the same suaveness as before he was still the man she admired.

"Alright, that's the plan," Cordelia said, looking at them. "Let's each get to our tasks now!"

Toph's task seemed relatively simple for now. It appeared that all he needed to do was to accompany Renee well in the hospital.

On the other hand, Zuko was facing a much more challenging situation.

What troubled him was not simply saying those words but the love that Jesse and Melissa had shown to their non-biological daughter over the past 20 years,s well as the unconditional trust and protection toward his sister from Dave. It was the fact that this family had become irreplaceable in Lina's life.

Sometimes, Zuko thought that he wouldn't be as troubled as he was now if only they had done something that made Lina unhappy, something that made her want to escape from the family.

Chapter 1127

Chapter 1127

On this rainy day, a rare moment of coolness, Zuko and Lina found themselves huddled in their room, engaging in various activities like painting, reading, and playing chess, thoroughly enjoying each other's company.

"Zuko, my parents mentioned that they're planning to go back soon," Lina shared.

"What?" Zuko exclaimed, taken aback. "Why so suddenly?"

"It's not sudden!" Lina smiled mischievously, making a strategic move with a black chess piece. "Looks like I'm going to win!"

Zuko chuckled and surrendered, playing along.

"What I mean is, why can't they stay a few more days? There are still so many places in Centrolis they haven't visited yet."

"Well... maybe they feel they've already stayed long enough, and they still have the supermarket to take care of," Zuko replied, his gaze dimming slightly. His expression became somewhat complex. He set the chessboard aside and led Lina to the bookshelf, retrieving a photo album.

Curiosity sparked within Lina.

In a gentle voice, Zuko said, "Since we've come this far in our relationship... I shouldn't have any secrets from you."

"So, are you going to show me your childhood photos?" Lina asked playfully.

Zuko gestured for her to open the album.

She delicately flipped through the pages as if stepping into a magical time machine that transported her back to Zuko's early years.

She saw his one-month-old photo-a tiny, naked baby peacefully asleep, adorned only with a diaper.

His three-month celebration photo-dressed in a vibrant red shirt, chubby hands and feet, a golden charm dangling around his neck.

His one-year-old photo-sporting a shirt with a bowtie, gazing innocently at the camera like a round, plump dumpling.

There were also his three and five-year-old photos-once he could run and jump, he fearlessly engaged in play and exploration.

"This is Toph, right?" Lina pointed to a baby in one of the photos.

"Yes, that's him when he was just born."

"Then... who's this?" Lina noticed another baby, slightly puzzled. "She's wearing pink clothes, so she can't be Toph, right? But I've never heard you mention having a sister or anything..." Zuko's brow twitched as he calmly looked at her. "That's a little girl. She was born when I was already in elementary school."

"Is she your cousin?" Lina inquired.

"No."

"Then who is she?"

Zuko moistened his lips and spoke slowly. "She... is the person I've been engaged to since birth."

Lina's expression changed, and she stared at him blankly.

Zuko's voice quivered slightly. "Lina, keep flipping through the album."

"I don't want to see any more," Lina snapped, closing the album abruptly.

Although her face didn't reveal much, every pore of her being emitted a clear message to him-"I'm not happy!"

Panicked, Zuko retrieved the album and started flipping through the pages himself.

Simultaneously, he heard Lina's voice filled with grievances. "You're already engaged... Why did you come and pursue me?"

"Lina-"

"This girl must come from a wealthy family, right? You're a perfect match, aren't you? And you still keep her newborn photos all this time, you—"

"Lina Jenner!"

Zuko suddenly pulled her into a tight embrace.

Lina struggled vigorously but found herself spinning helplessly within his grasp.

"That's correct! She's from the Thompsons, a wealthy heiress, and we were deemed a compatible match!

"And the reason I still keep her photos is that..."

Zuko held Lina's shoulders firmly, gazing directly into her eyes. "She's standing right in front of me now, and I want her to see what she looked like as a child!"

Chapter 1128

Chapter 1128

Lina's ears buzzed, doubting if she had misheard. Her gaze was fixed on Zuko, lips moving but unable to utter a sound. "Lina..." Zuko felt helpless witnessing her distressed reaction. He didn't know how to comfort her, hold her, or explain everything.

"You... you're joking, right?" Lina's lips twitched. "Zuko, don't make things up..."

"It's true." Zuko locked eyes with her. "You're not Lina Jenner. You're Pamela Thompson."

"How is that possible!?"

"If you don't believe me, look further back."

Zuko turned the album to later pages.

The deeper they delved, the clearer the image of the little girl became.

At her one-month celebration, innocence adorned her like a newborn.

At her one-year-old celebration, she laughed joyously, captivated by someone's antics.

At two years old, she sat up, clapping her tiny hands, gazing in a particular direction.

At three years old...

Lina's heart pounded violently!

Zuko slowly opened a drawer, retrieved the photo Melissa had given Cordelia, and placed it in the middle of the album for comparison.

"Lina, look." His voice turned hoarse. "Don't these two little girls look identical?"

Lina stood motionless like a statue.

One girl wore a beautiful fluffy dress, sporting a princess hairstyle and a delicate crown.

The other girl was held by Melissa, being coaxed to face the camera, her face scrunched up with tear-stained cheeks.

"You were kidnapped then," Zuko whispered. "The kidnapper cut your hair, changed your clothes, and intended to take you away from Centrolis on a boat... but that's when you encountered your current parents."

Lina felt trapped in an unreal dream.

Her soul seemed to drift away, observing herself being gently embraced by Zuko from mid-air. His voice sounded distant, ethereal.

"They searched for you for a long time. I searched for you for a long time... Pammy."

Lina's heart took a heavy blow, causing her pain but rendering her voiceless.

Zuko's eyes reddened, his large hand tenderly tousling her hair.

"I'll take you home, alright?" His voice strained. "Pammy, will you let me take you home?"

Lina stood dazed for a while before regaining her senses. She inhaled deeply, then suddenly pushed him away!

"No... I'm not!"

Zuko was taken aback.

Lina clutched her ears tightly and shouted, "I'm not Pammy, don't lie to me! I'm my parents' daughter. I'm Lina Jenner!"

Zuko clenched his hands and pulled out a document from the deepest part of the drawer.

"In secret, I conducted a DNA test between you and your biological father back in Jangasas!" He stared at her. "Lina... you truly are the Thompsons' daughter. You're the little Pammy who always followed me and called me Zuko!"

Lina leaned against the table, feeling her strength wane. Tears streamed uncontrollably down her face.

"You were lost for 20 years, and the Thompsons have been searching for you for 20 years!" Zuko's voice quivered. "Uncle Nicholas and Aunt Linda never stopped looking because you're their only precious daughter... Their love for you is as strong as that of your current parents!"

"Stop! Stop talking!"

Chapter 1129

Chapter 1129

"I know it's hard to accept, but I'll be by your side no matter what," Zuko reassured Lina.

"No... No!" Lina kept backing away, her mind blank, with only one thought emerging: 'My... Where are my parents? I want to find them!'

"Lina!" Zuko hurriedly followed her as she ran out of the room. He chased after her without hesitation, catching up to her as she approached the guest room where Jesse and Melissa were staying. However, when Lina knocked on the door, gasping for breath, she was greeted by the sight of the maid cleaning inside. She stood at the door with wide eyes, looking at the empty room, her heart sinking. Several servants recognized her as the future young mistress and hurriedly gathered around, bowing respectfully.

In a daze, Lina stood there momentarily before dialing Melissa's phone. However, no matter how many times she called, all she heard was the cold machine voice message saying, "The user cannot be reached..."

Lina slowly fell to her knees, unable to shed tears amidst her immense emotional turmoil.

"Lina." Zuko quickly pulled her into a warm embrace, her small face pressed against his chest, listening to the comforting sound of his thumping heartbeat.

"Don't worry, I'm here," Zuko assured her, lifting her up and lightly kissing her forehead. "No matter what happens, I'll always be with you."

Renee's mother's condition had stabilized. Toph had been dutifully staying by Renee's side in the hospital, even more devoted than a bodyguard. Feeling guilty, Renee quickly reached out to support Toph as he leaned against the wall, dozing off and nearly falling.

Toph was startled awake, rubbing his eyes and wiping the drool from the corner of his mouth.

"Ah, Renee!" He grinned. "What time is it now? Are you hungry? Did you miss dinner?"

Renee looked apologetically at him. "Toph, it's morning now."

"Oh..."

"You should go back. We have so many bodyguards here. We'll be fine."

"That won't do!" Toph straightened his posture. "Melvin's a cunning old fox! If he does something, even the bodyguards might be unable to handle him!" "Um..." Toph suddenly felt that something was amiss. "Renee... I'm sorry. After all, he's your father. I shouldn't have said that about him." Renee smiled and shook her head. To her, Melvin was merely her father by biology, nothing more.

"It's okay, Toph. Actually... I've never seen him as my father."

"Renee..."

"It's already morning. Let me treat you to breakfast!" Renee's smile brightened.

Rare genuine smiles graced her fair and delicate face. As she stood by the window, the first rays of sunlight cast a golden glow on her as if gilding her. Toph could even see the tiny strands of hair on her face clearly.

"I'm a gentleman. How can I let you treat me!?" Toph waved his hand. "Come on. I'll take you to a breakfast shop."

"No need. Let's have something simple." Renee tugged at his sleeve, her big eyes seemingly full of unspoken words.

"Toph, I have something to tell you. There's a breakfast shop not far from here, and there shouldn't be too many people at this hour. Shall we go there?"

Chapter 1130

Chapter 1130

Toph paused briefly but then smiled and said, "I'll listen to you!"

Not only did he let her choose the breakfast location, but also what to eat.

Renee ordered croissants and coffee, specifically requesting smoked salmon. She remembered the time when Toph had five portions of smoked salmon for breakfast at the Thompsons, and she had secretly kept that in mind.

Toph was somewhat surprised but smiled happily. When the smoked salmon was served, he enjoyed it greatly.

"This... definitely doesn't taste as good as the one at home," Renee said softly.

With his mouth full, Toph mumbled, "Mm, it's delicious!"

Renee looked at him, unsure where to place her hands. Despite knowing each other for a long time and gradually clarifying their relationship, a girl would always feel uneasy and afraid of embarrassing herself in front of someone she liked.

Toph also placed some salmon on her plate and split the croissant. "Don't just look at me. You should eat too!"

Renee pursed her lips and smiled softly. After a while, she spoke in a gentle voice. "Toph, have you... never doubted me?"

"Doubted you?" Her question took aback Toph.

"Yes." Renee's expression became serious. "Because I... I'm Melvin's daughter, after all.

"Mr. and Mrs. Hamerton are so smart. Wouldn't they think that I'm acting in front of them and secretly colluding with Melvin?"

Toph set down his cutlery and looked at her silently. The girl's melancholy and sensitivity tugged at his heartstrings like an invisible hand.

"Renee, why do you think that?" he asked softly. "Is it just because you and Melvin are father and daughter?"

Renee nodded vigorously.

"But you said that you never saw him as your father."

"Toph..."

"Don't worry." Toph smiled gently. "My parents have been through countless ups and downs in their lives. Do you think they couldn't tell if someone was acting, even in front of them? Don't overthink it. The mos important thing now is to cure your mother's illness, and then..."

Toph took her small hand and held it in his palm. "And then leave everything else to me. I'll protect you for the rest of your life!"

Renee's nose tingled, and her eyes instantly turned red.

"Hey, young lady, you can't cry while eating!" Toph gently wiped her tears with a tissue. "That's one of the rules at the Hamertons' dining table. Remember it!" "Okay..."

"And also, my parents like girls who are dignified and gentle. Well, in that case, you fit the criteria perfectly!"

Renee went from tears to laughter and took a sip of coffee.

Toph received a message from his father, which simply said: [Analyze the data.]

A long list of charts followed it.

Toph almost spat out the croissant he had just bitten into and slumped onto the table, lamenting, "Dad, am I still your biological son? Zuko's been in a bad mood these past few days because of Pammy, and you can't bear to order him around, so you're tormenting me!?

"Oh God..."

This series of actions stunned Renee. Although Toph was usually silly, he was at least somewhat normal, but today...

"Toph, what's wrong? Is it something serious?"