Ch. 1161..1170

Chapter 1161

Chapter 1161

Remus struggled to hold back his laughter, his stomach hurting, as he maintained a serious expression while addressing Zuko. "What do you mean, my lord? You and Ms. Lina aren't married yet. How could you stay together? The palace has strict rules, and maintaining distance between men and women is of utmost importance. Surely, you haven't forgotten that, sir?"

Zuko's eyebrows furrowed, his tone serious. "Then... where am I supposed to stay?"

"At the Splendor Pavilion."

"What!?" Zuko's surprise was evident, his reaction almost causing him to jump up.

When one examined the map, the palace appeared as a square, with Pearl Spring in the top-left corner and the Splendor Pavilion in the bottom-right corner. It seemed deliberate, a clear attempt to separate them.

Zuko took a few deep breaths, his gaze fixed on Remus. "Regardless of the strict rules, must you keep us so far apart?"

Remus smiled quietly, observing the rare display of vulnerability from the usually composed Zuko. The young Count he knew was wise beyond his years, mature, and decisive, possessing all the qualities of a future Hamerton successor. It was rare to see him lose control or display such wide-eyed surprise.

Remus couldn't help but give a silent thumbs up, appreciating this unique side of Alexander.

Zuko pressed further, his voice still elevated. "And where are Toph and Renee staying?"

"They are staying at the High Moon Bay, but please calm down, my lord," Remus replied, fighting back a laugh. "The High Moon Bay is a large area, and they have separate rooms. They are not staying together."

Zuko's face darkened, feeling surrounded by the mocking sounds of crickets.

Alexander hid not far away, inwardly amused. He recalled how Zuko had threatened him with his father, vowing to prevent his presence in Southeast Aciatic if he didn't comply with his demands.

'Ha! Dream on if you think you'll be able to stay with your loved one this time! Let's see if you dare to threaten me again!' Alexander smirked, clearing his throat and walking away in a satisfied mood, his arms crossed behind his back.

Their return to Centrolis was smooth after spending two to three days traveling through Southeast Aciatic.

As Lina entered her room, she couldn't help but slow down, taking in her surroundings.

If this were a fairytale, this room would be fit for a princess. And now, she was the princess.

She smiled and ran her fingers over the gilded phoebe vanity from Europah, admiring the expensive antique decor on the cabinet and the layers of silk drapery. All of this belonged to her now, her own royal sanctuary.

On the table, She noticed a photo album filled with pictures of herself before turning three years old. Nicholas and Linda appeared in almost every photo, carrying her, making her smile, and showering her with love. To them, she was the most beautiful princess, a one-of-a-kind treasure.

A pang filled her heart, and tears welled up in her eyes. She wiped them away, slowly beginning to understand Zuko's words.

"Their love for you is no less than the love your adoptive parents have for you."

A soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. She took a deep breath, wiped away her tears, and answered the door. The Thompsons' housekeepers, Aunt Evelyn and Uncle Jay, along with Nicholas' loyal subordinate lan, stood outside.

The maids stood behind them, nodding in respect.

"Welcome home, miss!" Aunt Evelyn greeted her with affection, a gentle smile on her face

"We will take care of you from now on, miss." Aunt Evelyn spoke with love and warmth. "If you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to let me know."

"We are at your service, miss!" lan, who had been by Nicholas' side for years, was visibly emotional after reuniting with Pammy.

Uncle Jay, a kind and elegant middle-aged man, reassured Lina with a smile. "We had a mole among us before, but rest assured, miss. We have taken care of the situation. The three of us will protect you, ensuring that nothing like that happens again."

Chapter 1162

Chapter 1162

Lina nodded, her smile courteous. Many things were hard for her to get used to when she first arrived at this home.

Still, Nicholas and Linda assured her that everything would be adjusted to her liking in the Thompson residence. They even sent the staff who usually served them to attend to her needs.

It brought tears to Lina's eyes. It felt like she had saved the world in her past life, meeting her adoptive parents, who treated her as their own, and her biological parents, who never stopped searching for her. And then there was Zuko, her perfect boyfriend and future husband. Warmth filled Lina as she smiled, her bright future shining in her doe eyes.

"Is there anything you need, miss?" Aunt Evelyn asked.

Lina snapped back to reality and shook her head. "Not at the moment."

"Alright, then we'll leave you be." Aunt Evelyn smiled. "Just let us know if you need anything at all."

"Okay."

Aunt Evelyn turned and waved, the others going about their own tasks. Uncle Jay and lan headed downstairs while Aunt Evelyn accompanied Lina to the courtyard.

"This is the garden." Aunt Evelyn pointed. "Behind it, you'll find the stable and the golf course. And beyond that is the beach. We have a private beach that's next to the Hamerstons. Just let Uncle Jay know if there's anywhere you'd like to go."

"Okay, got it," Lina replied, turning her head as she heard a maid bringing a woman into the courtyard.

The woman was in her 30s and appeared wise and elegant in her beige suit and pumps.

Lina was curious. "Who is she?"

"That's Ivy Redfield, Madam's therapist," Aunt Evelyn explained.

Lina looked surprised. "Madam has been seeing a therapist all this time?"

Aunt Evelyn was taken aback by the use of the term "madam" for Linda, but she elaborated, "Since you were kidnapped 20 years ago, Madam has been seeing a therapist without a break."

Lina's heart sank.

"Madam has been suffering from severe depression all these years." Aunt Evelyn's voice turned somber. "The illness has never left her. She struggles to sleep or eat, is highly emotional, and relies heavily on medication."

Lina felt a deep sadness and lowered her head. "If it weren't for me, she wouldn't be like this..."

"It's not your fault, dear girl!" Aunt Evelyn held Lina's hands, her heart aching. "It's the fault of those bad people!"

They heard a faint commotion from the room at that moment.

Soon, Ivy walked out, sighing helplessly.

Aunt Evelyn quickly asked, "What's wrong with her?"

"She refuses to take her medication again," Ivy said, sounding exasperated. "There are side effects, but her condition will worsen if she doesn't take it."

Lina grew concerned. "What are the side effects, Dr. Ivy?"

Ivy glanced at Lina and explained, "All antidepressants have side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and sweating."

"She must be feeling awful, then."

"Indeed." Ivy nodded, "But at the moment, there are no medications without any side effects."

Lina bit her lip, pondered for some time, and turned to Aunt Evelyn. "Can you help me with something?"

"Just tell me what you need, miss!"

Lina chuckled. "I need a set of costumes!"

Linda sat on the balcony, her temples throbbing.

Although the sun was shining, she couldn't feel its warmth. She felt cold and couldn't find a comfortable position in the soft, oversized reclining chair. She knew that her illness would never heal if she couldn't le go of things.

Chapter 1163

Chapter 1163

Linda did not spill the bottle intentionally it was a rush of emotions she couldn't control. It wasn't that she didn't want to take the medicine, but the sight of the bottle reminded her of her illness. The feeling of dizziness and burning in her stomach after taking the medicine was unbearable. She preferred not to take it at all.

With her eyes shut and a frown on her face, Linda's pale complexion lacked color. In the midst of this, she heard some commotion at the door. Lifting her head to glance, she lazily flipped over, not bothering to ask who it was.

However, the door swung open, and a sweet singing voice accompanied the entry of a silly bear walking in a wobbly manner. The balcony was filled with singing and sunlight, and the bear's adorable and comical dance brought joy to the scene. As the dance came to an end, the bear raised its arms over its head, forming a heart shape.

Linda couldn't help but burst into laughter. The bear head was then removed, revealing Lina, who was sweating but smiling happily.

Linda laughed and felt tears welling up. At that moment, she was overcome with a whirlwind of emotions, and she reached out to hug her daughter.

"Ah!" The bouncy bear suit almost caused Lina to lose her balance as Linda embraced her. "Be careful!"

"It's alright." Lina smiled brightly, holding on with both hands. "Was my singing good?"

Suppressing her tears, Linda managed a smile. "It was wonderful."

"Do you feel better now?"

Linda was taken aback. "Did you dress up like this and sing and dance just to make me smile?"

Lina pursed her lips and smiled.

Linda gently caressed her face. It was a warm day, and Lina's hair was in disarray from being cramped inside the suit. She had done all of this just to bring a smile to her mother's face.

Linda couldn't hold back her tears. At that moment, she realized whether Lina called her "mom" no longer mattered. Her daughter had gone above and beyond to make her smile, and she would do everything in her power to protect her for the rest of her life. That was the most important thing.

"Oh, yes!" Lina suddenly remembered something. "Wait for me here. Don't go anywhere!"

Holding the bear head, Lina turned and hurriedly ran out in her silly bear suit.

Linda didn't understand what Lina was up to but would wait as long as her daughter asked her to. Thus, she sat on the chair like a student waiting for a reward from her teacher.

Soon enough, Lina returned, holding an exquisite building model in her hands.

"Look, isn't it beautiful?" Lina asked, her smile radiant.

Linda was stunned as she looked at the model. Its structure and intricate details were of high quality, comparable to those designed by the renowned architect, Mr. Sam, at the Thompson Group's Sol Entertainment.

Linda's heart raced with surprise and joy. She looked at her daughter, beaming with pride, and exclaimed, "Did you make this?"

"Yes." Lina nodded. "I studied architectural art, after all. I created this model based on a palace in Southeast Aciatic."

Linda felt a surge of pride. She exclaimed from the depths of her heart, "It's absolutely beautiful!"

"Can I give it to you?"

"Really?"

"But there's a condition!" Lina narrowed her eyes mischievously, resembling a playful fox. "You can have it if you manage to meet the condition!"

Linda was taken aback. "What's the condition?"

Chapter 1164

Chapter 1164

Lina smiled and asked, "Can you count the number of pillars in the model?"

Linda was taken aback, but she decided to take the task seriously and started counting. However, the tiny size of the pillars on the model made it difficult to count them accurately.

"55, 56, 57..."

Finally, after some time, Linda showed a relaxed smile and confidently said, "There are 82 pillars, right?"

"Correct! But that's only a part of the palace. The real palace has even more pillars," Lina said, pursing her lips. She then asked, "Now, can you count how many windows there are?" Linda looked troubled, as numbers had always made her nervous. She tried to negotiate with her daughter, saying, "Can we... not count anymore? I'll get a headache if we continue!" Lina smiled and replied, "No can do. But you did a great job just now, so I'll give you the promised reward!"

Linda was stunned when she saw Lina taking out a small cookie and motioning for her to open her mouth. Like a child, Linda obediently opened her mouth and Lina quickly popped the cookie inside. The cookie's sweetness melted in her mouth, and Linda was initially happy. However, she soon realized that there was something else in the cookie...

"Pammy, you..."

Thankfully, Linda quickly fetched a glass of warm water and had Linda take two sips.

Linda felt a lump in her throat, realizing that the pill was hidden inside the cookie and she had unknowingly taken it.

"I know you may feel uncomfortable taking the medicine," Lina said, holding Linda's hands. "But you have to listen to the doctor and take the medicine if you want to get better faster!"

Linda looked at her daughter for a moment, her eyes reflecting a mix of complex emotions, before she nodded firmly.

Usually, the side effects of the medicine were terrible for her. However, this time, she felt nothing even after a long while.

Usually, when she looked at the sky, it seemed gray and dull. But today, she saw the dazzling sun and the colorful flowers dancing in the wind.

Linda looked at her daughter, who was smiling and hesitantly reached out to playfully touch her hair. Seeing that Lina didn't mind, she mustered the courage to pat her head gently.

"Can I have the model?" Linda asked with excitement.

Lina nodded and smiled, saying, "Of course!"

Linda held the model as if it were a precious treasure and placed it prominently on her bedside table. It was the first gift her daughter had given her.

The more she thought about it, the happier she became. It had been a long time since she had smiled like that.

After some time, Lina checked the time and realized it had been half an hour since Linda had taken her medicine. Surprisingly, Linda didn't seem to be experiencing any side effects. Lina asked with concern, "Are you feeling unwell?"

Linda smiled and replied, "No."

She used to find the medicine disgusting, but now she was eager to take it on time so that she could get better soon.

Linda smiled happily and asked, "Where did you learn that trick? You're really good at it!"

Lina almost revealed that Melissa used to make her consume medicine in a similar way when she refused, but she decided to keep it to herself. She simply smiled at Linda, amazed at how smart her mother

was.

Chapter 1165

Chapter 1165

Linda quickly realized that someone must have treated her daughter with such gentle care, and she suspected it was her adoptive mother.

Conflicting emotions welled up within Linda, a mixture of gratitude and a secret hope that the family had been unkind to Lina. Linda wanted her daughter to come back to her without hesitation, to call her "mom" without reservation.

Linda took a deep breath, trembling with fear at her own dark thoughts. She struggled to speak, her voice trembling. "Pammy... You should go now... I need to rest."

Lina froze momentarily, then carefully helped Linda onto the bed, tucking her in and replacing her slippers with comfortable silk ones. She smiled through teary eyes and gently reminded her, "I'll be back when it's time for your medicine! And I'll give you a special reward if you get the window count right!"

With a teary smile, Linda asked, her voice choked with emotion, "Will I really get better?"

"Dr. Ivy said you will, without a doubt."

"Pammy..." Linda reached out and grasped her daughter's hands tightly.

Lina's heart tightened at the sight of Linda's frail and cold hands. "Don't worry," she said softly, her smile comforting. "You will get better, I promise."

Linda soon fell asleep, but her rest was troubled by nightmares and cold sweats. Worried, Lina asked Aunt Evelyn to keep an eye on her while she went to the kitchen to bake.

The ingredients were ready, and Lina used the most advanced equipment available. Although she had never helped in the kitchen before, she found a tutorial online and followed the steps diligently. Making even the simplest cake required great effort, but Lina managed to bake a small one according to the recipe. With a sigh of relief, she put the cakes in the oven and wiped the sweat from her forehead, feeling a sense of accomplishment.

The aroma of butter soon filled the kitchen. Lina made two cakes, one for Linda and the other for Melissa. Just as she was about to call Melissa, she noticed someone standing at the kitchen door. Startled, she turned her head and found Nicholas looking at her with gentle eyes.

"Um..." He hesitated for a moment before addressing her as Lina. "I'm sorry... Did I startle you by standing here?"

Lina smiled and shook her head.

Nicholas held the model she had made in his hands, overcome with emotion and struggling to find the right words. All he managed was a silly smile.

"Did you give this to your mother?" he asked.

Lina nodded. "Mm-hmm."

"And the cake too?"

Lina surprised him by handing him a piece of cake with a smile. "Try it!"

His eyes widened, and he straightened up, nervously wiping his hands on his clothes before accepting the cake with utmost seriousness.

"Mmph, delicious... So delicious!" he exclaimed, choking up a little.

He couldn't believe that a piece of cake could bring tears to his eyes.

Lina bit her lip, feeling a surge of warmth spreading within her.

"Oh, right! Look at me. I got carried away with eating and forgot why I came!" He chuckled. "I saw the model you made in the room. It's amazing! Your school transfer process was completed two days ago. I also saw your achievement in Jangasas. You're ranked at the top.

"Lina, the Thompson Group has a project to construct a new film studio. I think you would be perfect for it... Would you be willing to take it on?"

Chapter 1166

Chapter 1166

At dusk, Zuko and Lina strolled hand in hand along the beach, immersed in the golden afterglow of the sunset. Seagulls soared above, and a gentle breeze swept through, creating a humid yet cool

atmosphere.

Their footsteps left two rows of imprints on the sandy beach.

Zuko occasionally turned his head with a smile on his face. It reminded him of the times when he held Pammy's hand as they played on the beach during their youth. Pammy's footprints were unsteady back then, as she had just learned to walk.

"I often came to this beach when you were missing," he said, his voice deep with a hint of melancholy. "They said you died in the sea accident, but I didn't believe it. I thought... you turned into a mermaid princess."

Lina was taken aback, turning to look at him. Although he smiled, a trace of sadness lingered in his eyes. Every time he embraced her, he held on tightly as if afraid she would slip away again.

"They said Uncle Nicholas wants you to join the film studio project?" Zuko asked.

A smile graced his face as they stood still, and Lina's head rested on his chest.

"Yes." She nodded, looking up at him. "I think it's a great opportunity for me to apply what I've learned."

Zuko frowned. "What position did he assign you?"

"Intern." Lina chuckled. "To be precise, an intern assistant. After all, I haven't graduated yet. I'm participating in this project to gain experience."

Zuko understood Nicholas' intentions. Since Lina's return, her true identity had not been announced. By having her participate as an intern, Nicholas hoped to avoid attracting unwanted attention, like what had happened with Melvin. He also wanted to assess Lina's capabilities.

The name Lina Jenner was safe, but as Pamela Thompson, there was no guarantee that she wouldn't face dangerous schemes again.

Nicholas and Linda remained cautious. For their daughter's safety, they preferred to keep her true identity hidden. They didn't want the world to know they had found their daughter.

Zuko gently caressed her face, smiling. "It's good to learn more. But be prepared for some torture, as I heard the main designer, Mr. Sam, is quite strict!"

"I'm not afraid of hard work," Lina said, raising her chin. "I'm more afraid of underperforming and embarrassing the Thompsons."

"So, you accept that you are one of the Thompsons now?" Zuko teased.

Lina was taken aback, momentarily speechless.

Zuko's voice was deep as he said, "Lina, certain things are ingrained in your DNA: character, courage, determination, and wisdom. These are traits passed down by your parents. "Do you remember Aunt Mary from Jangasas?" he asked.

Lina burst into laughter.

How could she forget? Her mother and Mary had been at odds for half their lives. There was even that incident where Melissa was pushed into the pond and hit her head!

"She always insisted that your biological parents weren't hillbillies." Zuko smiled. "She couldn't believe your adoptive parents could raise such an exceptional daughter like you. It's a terrible thing to say, but there's some truth to it."

"Don't you dare speak ill of my parents!" Lina playfully punched him. "Regardless of where I came from, they will always be my parents!"

"Yes, I know," he reassured her, holding her hands. "It was Mary who said it, not me!"

Lina fell into a brief silence before speaking again. "You know, Zuko, sometimes I feel like I have too much luck in my life."

Zuko wasn't sure whether to laugh or be concerned. "What do you mean by that?"

"Well, if someone has too much luck in one aspect, it seems like fate compensates by taking it away from other areas."

Zuko couldn't help but chuckle. "That's just nonsense, my dear. You're thinking too much."

Chapter 1167

Chapter 1167

"Don't worry. You have just the right amount of luck," Zuko reassured Lina as he held her. "Not only do you have two sets of parents who love you, but you'll also have one more set that will."

"Huh?" Lina was confused.

Zuko lowered his head, and his soft lips lightly touched the tip of her nose. "My parents would love you just the same!"

A few days later, Lina and Renee showed up at the film studio project as assistant interns.

Nicholas and Linda, who treated Lina as their own, had arranged for her to stay at the Thompson residence and accompany her to work.

They arrived together at the Supremacy Building, which housed the temporary office for the project. While it wasn't a landmark building, it held a prominent position in Centrolis' central business district.

The people there exuded arrogance, looking down on Lina and Renee as mere student interns. They underestimated them, assuming they were simple and hardworking.

Consequently, they were assigned all the menial tasks-serving beverages, cleaning, collecting parcels, and endless other miscellaneous jobs.

One day, while in the bathroom, Lina and Renee overheard their colleagues' conversation.

"Who are the new interns?"

"Why do you even care about them?"

"Come on. What's so interesting about them? They look like poor students without any connections. They dress so plainly, like fools..."

"Do you think they have boyfriends?"

As soon as the question was asked, the bathroom fell into momentary silence, followed by bursts of laughter.

Lina and Renee were silently listening from the stalls, recognizing the voices of their colleagues.

Among them were Amelia Rich, who was always engrossed in her phone and enjoyed bossing them around, Erin Lok, who pretended to work when their bosses were around, and Kendal West, known for being mean and playing tricks on people. They were a group of bullies, notorious for mistreating their subordinates and showing disrespect to their superiors.

Lina clenched her fists as she listened to their conversation.

"Who would be so blind to be interested in them?"

"They're actually quite pretty. It's just their lackluster dressing that's unflattering!"

"That's their weakness! What man doesn't like a woman who dresses fancy?"

"Absolutely! You're the best!" The other two teased. "Your red lipstick is so bold. Are you planning to flirt with a wealthy second-generation heir at a bar tomorrow night? Hahaha!"

Lina and Renee finally left the stalls as the peals of laughter and heels clicking faded. They exchanged a helpless smile.

Renee gritted her teeth. "I can tolerate everything else, but how dare they say I don't have a boyfriend!?"

Lina smiled mischievously and showed her phone to Renee.

"Hmm?"

"Everything they said is recorded here." Lina smirked. "We have a grudge, and we'll make them pay in the future!"

Chapter 1168

Chapter 1168

Renee flashed Lina a thumbs-up before they returned to the office. However, as soon as they arrived, they were greeted with a pile of documents on their desks.

Their supervisor, Mollie Chapman, pushed her glasses up and approached them slowly. She was a strict and rigid middle-aged woman who only showed that side to her subordinates.

Lina couldn't help but notice how Mollie's usual stern expression transformed into a bright smile when the project manager arrived for a department inspection. It seemed like she was trying to impress him, smiling so hard that a few extra wrinkles appeared on her face.

"Where were you two?" Mollie glared at them. "Even as interns, you are expected to follow company rules!"

"We..." Lina began to explain, but Mollie slammed her hand on the table before she could finish. "You need to sort out these proposals by today! Don't even think about leaving until they're done!"

Just as Mollie finished scolding them, she noticed the general manager making his rounds. With a quick change of demeanor, she hurriedly approached him with a fawning smile.

Lina and Renee exchanged glances, and the latter whispered softly, "I don't understand how someone who bullies her subordinates and kisses up to the bosses can reach such a position."

Lina smiled and adjusted the kitten decoration on her desk. To Renee's surprise, she noticed that the kitten's eyes were actually tiny cameras.

"Cuz?"

"Shh..." Lina gestured to her, looking around with her doe eyes. She whispered, "I've been recording everything that Ms. Mollie does every day!"

"You're amazing, cuz!" Renee exclaimed sincerely. "Have you had secret agent training or something?"

Lina pursed her lips and smiled, indicating with her eyes that Meanie Mollie was approaching.

Renee quickly sat down to start working.

In truth, Lina didn't exactly know why she had set up a camera on her desk. Was she really planning to expose Mollie's behavior to the world in the future? She just wanted to have some evidence, a backup plan.

Before she started working, Nicholas had taught her that a backup plan was always important. But he also reminded her, "It's okay if you don't have a backup. Remember, Lina, you have the Thompsons' support!"

She smiled quietly. No one could bully the daughter of the Thompsons.

It was nearly 10:00 p.m. by the time they finished sorting through all the proposals and left the building. They were exhausted, but their fatigue was soon replaced by surprise when they saw a luxury car and two handsome men waiting outside.

"Hey, beautiful, do you have a boyfriend?" one of the men called out.

"What? You don't? That's a coincidence, my brother and I are single too!" The other chimed in.

"Why don't we-" Toph tried to strike a cool pose, but Zuko smacked the back of his head before he could finish.

"Ouch!"

"Why are you speaking so much?" Zuko gave him a flat glance before taking Lina's hand directly.

Toph stuck his tongue out behind Zuko's back and then turned his attention to Renee, hugging her with a smile.

Little did he expect that Zuko would get into the car first and take a seat in the back with Lina. He tossed the car keys to Toph. "Drive!"

"I..." Toph's eyes widened, his nostrils flared, but he reluctantly made his way to the driver's seat.

Renee smiled and settled into the passenger seat.

Toph helped her with her safety belt carefully. When he got closer to her, he subtly caressed her face. Soon, the four of them had supper at a quiet shop.

Chapter 1169

Chapter 1169

The two girls looked exhausted, while the brothers were full of spirit. Toph, in particular, ordered a table full of skewers.

Zuko carefully picked out the fish bones and placed the grilled fish on Lina's plate.

"Are you feeling unwell?" he asked with concern, noticing her tired appearance.

"I have a slight headache," she replied.

His brow furrowed. "You've been working overtime recently. Is there too much work?"

"Let me tell you, Zuko!" Renee interjected, taking a sip of her beer. "The people in the office bully us interns. They make us do all the heavy lifting! And that Meanie Mollie... she's so cruel to us!" Toph listened intently, growing increasingly angry.

Although he didn't know who Meanie Mollie was, anyone who bullied Renee became his enemy.

Renee shared everything that had happened that day. "They even said that we don't have boyfriends and nobody likes us!"

"God damn it!" Toph was getting pissed as he listened and slammed his hand on the table. "Tomorrow, I'll stand outside the building! Let's see who dares say that, then!"

Zuko interjected flatly, raising an eyebrow, "Toph, why would you want to stand there? Are you planning to be the door guardian?"

"Oh, brother?" Toph's eyes lit up. "I think you'd be better at that!"

Zuko playfully picked up a bamboo stick from the skewer, pretending to poke him.

"Alright, let's focus," he said, setting down his glass and turning serious. He looked at Lina and Renee, saying, "In big projects like this, there are many stakeholders, and it can get complicated with so many people involved. As interns, it's normal for others not to pay much attention to you."

Lina nodded in agreement. "That's what I thought too. The most important thing right now is to gain experience. Also..."

"What else?" Zuko asked, intrigued.

After a moment of thought, Lina continued. "I also think that in a project with many stakeholders, there are likely people who oppose my parents. Besides gaining experience, I want to find out who these people are, one by one!"

Her statement left the others momentarily stunned.

Their surprise wasn't due to her heroic determination, but...

Zuko was the first to recover from the shock, asking carefully, "What did you say, Lina?"

"Hmm?"

"Who else is involved in this project with many stakeholders?"

"People who oppose my parents!"

As soon as Lina said those words, she realized something and was surprised by her own statement.

Renee grinned and exclaimed, "Cuz, if Aunt Lina and Uncle Nic were here, they'd be so happy they might faint!"

Lina pursed her lips and smiled, feeling both uneasy and embarrassed.

Zuko placed a hand on her shoulder, understanding her conflicting emotions. He gently patted her and fed her a skewer.

"It's alright, take your time," he whispered into her ear with a smile. "It's a good starting point."

"Zuko, I..."

"I know," he replied, his eyes filled with tenderness and determination as he looked at her. "There's no rush, Lina. You don't have to feel guilty toward your adoptive parents. They're your parents, just like Uncle Nicholas and Aunt Linda."

Lina nodded, holding onto his arm.

Now she understood what Zuko meant. Some things were ingrained in her DNA. She was their daughter, and her bloodline couldn't be changed.

"Oh, oh!" Toph teased, laughing. "My parents are waiting for you to call them 'mom and dad' too, am I right, brother?"

"They're not just waiting for Lina." Zuko smiled. "They're waiting for Renee too!"

Renee blushed and bit her lip, her cheeks turning rosy.

Chapter 1170

Chapter 1170

The next day, delivery guys arrived one after another, flooding the entire office building floor with packages addressed to Renee Thompson.

Each delivery person would shout loudly in the hallway, "Ms. Renee Thompson, you have a package. Please sign for it!"

Renee's legs had no rest that day. She barely had time to sit down before standing up again to receive another package.

The packages piled up on her desk, filled with top-tier luxury brand clothes, shoes, bags, and cosmetics, causing her female colleagues to envy her.

Being reserved and low-key, Renee felt uncomfortable with all the sudden attention.

Quietly, she ran to Lina and pointed at the packages on her desk. "Look at all this..."

Lina chuckled, already guessing that they were all gifts from Toph.

After learning about their encounter the previous night, Toph was eager to seek revenge for them, especially after the remark about Renee not having a boyfriend!

Toph could not tolerate it any longer. How dare someone mock Renee for not having a boyfriend? Did they think he, the second heir of the Hamertons, was just for show?

That was how today's scene came to be. He wanted the world to know that his girlfriend, Renee, would carry the most expensive bags, use the most luxurious cosmetics, and wear not only the finest clothes and shoes but also limited editions of the current season that money could not necessarily buy!

Now, let's see how those gossiping women would react!

Renee bit her lip and smiled helplessly. Lina was about to help her move the packages into the small conference room when they heard sarcastic comments from Amelia and her clique.

"I wonder if these are genuine brands or knock-offs. There are so many counterfeit products online. Can a young girl even tell the difference?"

"Even knock-offs are not cheap, you know? I doubt an intern's salary could afford knock-offs!"

"Oh, come on, stop it!" Another colleague sneered. "Haven't you heard? Her boyfriend sent these!"

Amelia and her clique scoffed.

"Can't you guys have a better attitude?" another colleague retorted. "Can't an intern have a boyfriend? Can't an intern afford to buy designer brands? What if the intern comes from a wealthy family? You'll be surprised then!"

"The two of them?" Amelia sneered. "If they come from a wealthy family, I'll go work in a coal mine!"

Renee took deep breaths, but the frustration was hard to swallow.

Lina pulled her aside, flashing a smile and gesturing to quickly move the packages.

With the help of enthusiastic coworkers, they managed to move everything in just one trip.

Lina checked the time and asked everyone to gather in the large conference room.

As the colleagues entered, they were amazed to see the conference table filled with afternoon tea from a five-star hotel!

"Wow!" Someone exclaimed, looking at the packaging, "The Hamertons own this hotel. It's Chaiseland-style afternoon tea, known for its excellent taste and high price..."

"Yes, I've seen it online. You need to make a reservation half a month in advance to have afternoon tea there!"

"Lina, what's going on?"

Lina smiled softly.

Toph liked to make a grand gesture, but Zuko not only made a show but also acted practically. By treating their colleagues to this afternoon tea, they would not only gain favor but also win people's hearts. It was a win-win situation!

Lina cleared her throat. "Everyone, this is a treat from my boyfriend. Please help yourselves to one portion each!"

A few seconds of silence filled the conference room before excited cheers erupted.