Ch. 1171..1180

Chapter 1171

Chapter 1171

Some colleagues who usually bossed Renee and Lina around stood awkwardly to the side. Lina smiled and generously distributed the afternoon tea to them.

Amelia glanced at Erin and Kendal, and they all shared the same doubt in their eyes.

"Maybe... her family is really wealthy?"

"What are you talking about!?" Amelia felt guilty. "Look at all this food... No matter how expensive it is, it can't be that costly, right? She's just using one month's salary to buy people's favor. Can't you see that?" Kendal licked her lips, her eyes fixed on the conference room.

"I... I really want to try it."

"Then let's go get some!" Amelia suggested. "She bought so much, and it'll be a waste if she can't finish it! Besides, didn't she say she bought it for everyone?"

Erin hesitated, feeling it wasn't right. However, the desire to take advantage easily overcame reason.

When they reached the entrance of the conference room, they saw Lina walking out with her arms crossed in front of her, smiling at them.

Lina stepped aside, allowing them to see the empty conference table. "Sorry, the afternoon tea has all been distributed."

"Hah!" Amelia rolled her eyes. "Why pretend when you don't have the money to buy so much?"

"That's right!" Erin chimed in. "Lina, what kind of boyfriend did you find? He's so stingy even with afternoon tea!"

Lina leaned against the door frame, looking at her phone nonchalantly.

"My boyfriend ordered according to the number of people," she said softly. "But some people here don't count as people at all!"

"You..." The three women widened their eyes, their expressions changing instantly. "What are you saying!?"

"I'm saying that we're exactly three servings short of afternoon tea." Lina smiled. "You should understand what that means, right?"

The three of them became furious and glared at her.

"Even if you don't have the afternoon tea, you should have other things to do with your mouths," Lina sneered. "You can try gossiping and guess what my boyfriend does for a living. Otherwise, your lives would be so boring!"

"Lina Jenner!" Amelia crossed her arms with a fierce expression. "You're just an intern. Is this how you talk to your senior colleagues?"

"What attitude should I have toward seniors who only know how to discriminate against others?" Lina spoke seriously. "The Thompson Group is not a place where seniority matters. If you're incapable and only rely on your seniority to get by, you'll be eliminated sooner or later!"

Amelia and her clique had never seen Lina so tough before. They had always thought she was a clumsy and poor student. Hearing her words now, they couldn't help but feel angry and embarrassed. With a look from Amelia, Erin abruptly raised her hand to hit Lina.

However, a reprimanding voice came from the end of the corridor. "What are you doing!?"

Erin quickly withdrew her hand. The sound of high heels approached, and Mollie had a stern expression, with her eyes glaring at them as if she could kill.

"Hah! Deliveries, afternoon tea, and now even a fight? Do you think the company is a market?"

"Ms. Chapman, it has nothing to do with us!" Amelia rushed to speak. "It's all because of Lina—"

"I'm not blind. I can see!" Mollie glared at her.

Although she did not particularly like Lina and Renee, Amelia and her clique also gave her a headache. She cleared her throat, her face strict, and decided to give them a serious punishment. "All of you go back and write a self-reflection report. Reflect on your behavior and hand it to me tomorrow morning!"

"Ms. Chapman, we—"

"Go back to your seats right now!" Mollie didn't give them a chance to speak. "We'll have a meeting in 15 minutes. I have an important announcement to make!"

Chapter 1172

Chapter 1172

Fifteen minutes later, everyone was seated in the conference room, including Mollie, their usually stern supervisor, who was now beaming with a bright smile.

Whispers spread among the employees.

"Did Meanie Mollie win the lottery?"

"Maybe she found a new love interest!"

"Hahaha..."

Mollie cleared her throat, her eyes flashing with a cold glint as she glanced at those whispering.

The room immediately fell silent.

With another smile, Mollie announced, "I have good news! Our company's boss, Mr. Thompson, highly values the film studio project! He will be visiting our department soon. It's an opportunity for all of you to shine!"

She proceeded to rearrange the seating arrangement.

Those who were skilled at flattery and quick to impress were assigned prominent spots, ensuring they would catch Nicholas' attention as soon as he entered.

The more low-key employees were seated in the middle, giving Nicholas the chance to observe their consistent performance if he walked around.

And as for the interns...

"Lina, Renee!" Mollie called out. "Both of you will move your workstations next to the restroom this afternoon!"

"What?" Lina and Renee were taken aback.

Their colleagues, especially those who had just finished their afternoon tea, quickly voiced their concerns.

"Ms. Chapman, isn't this unfair? They are interns, not restroom attendants!"

"That's right. We shouldn't bully the interns like this, especially considering the reputation of the Thompson Group..."

"Calling it bullying is a bit much," Amelia, Erin, and Kendal interjected, seizing the opportunity. "With Mr. Thompson's visit, it's only fair not to place inexperienced interns in the spotlight, right?"

"Ms. Chapman's decision is appropriate. It's a test for them. Don't all newcomers go through something like this in the workplace?"

"That's right!" Kendal smirked at the two girls. "Besides, it's not so bad next to the restroom. It's cool and all! Isn't it? Hahaha..."

Renee gave her a disdainful look and sneered. "If it's such a great spot, why don't you take it?"

"You..."

Lina discreetly tugged at Renee's sleeve and shook her head.

Lina spoke up fearlessly. "Ms. Chapman, I have reservations about this arrangement, but I'll accept it for the sake of the overall situation. I'm just wondering who will occupy our vacant seats once we move nex to the restroom."

Mollie glanced at her arrogantly. "You don't have to worry about that. I have my own plans!

"That's all for today's meeting. You may all return to your tasks!"

The department members slowly left the conference room.

A few colleagues who were unhappy with the situation but unable to defy Mollie stepped forward to help Lina and Renee move their belongings away from the restroom as far as possible.

In the following days, the seats that Lina and Renee originally occupied remained empty.

The planned visit from Nicholas was delayed due to issues at the company headquarters, leaving Mollie disappointed as she missed the opportunity to impress him.

During a break in the pantry, Renee whispered to Lina, "Hey, what if Meanie Mollie finds out you're Mr. Thompson's daughter? Will she still wear that unpleasant expression all day long?"

Lina nearly choked on her water, looking at Renee in disbelief.

Renee, who used to be introverted, shy, and even a bit melancholic, had started to resemble Toph more and more. Zuko had always mentioned that their family unanimously thought Toph should have been named Helios because he was like a shining sun, always bringing warmth to those around him.

Lina smiled and lightly flicked Renee's cheek. "I just think you and a certain someone make such a perfect couple now!"

"Lina!" Renee blushed and playfully pretended to pinch her.

Chapter 1173

Chapter 1173

After joking around for a while, two colleagues entered the pantry.

Since they usually got along well, they exchanged greetings before one of them asked Lina and Renee, "Do you know why Meanie Mollie cleared out that area where your workstations are?"

Lina paused, wondering what purpose that cleared area could serve besides placing desks, chairs, and stools. "What is it for?"

"Rumor has it that a new intern is coming!"

"Huh?" Lina and Renee furrowed their brows, looking at each other.

Was it really just a new intern, or could it be someone in a managerial position? Did it warrant such a grand gesture?

The other colleague chimed in. "According to some insider information, this intern has quite a background!"

"Do you know who it is?"

"It's... Meanie Mollie's niece. I think her name is Gia Chapman?"

"Yes, that's the name! She's from Jangasas."

Lina froze, unable to recover for a while.

The two colleagues continued discussing. "I'm sure I heard the name right. It sounded unpleasant!"

"Are you feeling jealous? Meanie Mollie bringing her niece in as an intern. Will this girl step on our heads?"

"Would she dare? I'm an expert at dealing with such people. I specialize in taking them down!"

As they passionately discussed, the two colleagues looked at Lina and Renee, frowning.

"What's wrong with you two?"

"Yeah, why are you so distracted?"

Lina snapped out of her daze first, forcing a smile and responding perfunctorily before pulling Renee out of the pantry.

On their way back to their workstations, neither said a word, lost in their thoughts.

Finally, Renee couldn't help but ask quietly, "Cuz... could it really be Gia?"

Lina curled her lips. How many Gias could there be?

It was quite timely. She had been planning to settle the score with Gia, and now she had personally come to her door!

Lina took a deep breath, going through all the old and new grudges in her mind. She closed her eyes and opened them again, imprinting four words in her mind: 'Revenge is a must!' "Lina, should we go home and inform your parents? They'll fight for justice for you!"

"Not now." Lina smiled lightly. "I want to see how Gia will handle me first!"

Cordelia visited the Thompsons and handed over hand-baked cranberry cookies. She brewed a cup of secret-recipe floral milk tea for Linda.

Linda accepted them with a smile and praised, "Cordelia, your baking skills are as good as ever! You haven't lost your touch!"

"Of course." Cordelia raised her eyebrows. "I used to run a cafe, you know!"

"Nicholas used to cause trouble there when you ran the cafe!"

"He was the worst, always picking on Zephyr. Every time he came, it seemed like he was ready to start a fight!"

As they spoke, the two burst into laughter.

On this sunny summer day, gentle breezes blew, and fluffy clouds floated in the sky like cotton candy.

Under the shade of a tree in the yard, the two women sat with colorful flowers blooming on the green grass. Memories enveloped them like a gentle breeze caressing their faces.

"Time passes so quickly." Cordelia sighed softly. "The children have grown so much in the blink of an eye..."

Linda's smile faded as she asked, "Oh, by the way, Cordelia, has Pammy been coming to your house often lately?"

"Yes, she has." Cordelia nodded with a smile, patting Linda's hand. "Don't worry. I've never treated her as a daughter-in-law. I always consider her as my own daughter!"

"I see..." Linda's expression dimmed. "Is she going to see Zuko?"

Cordelia was taken aback. "Who else would she visit if not Zuko?"

"Is she going to see Zuko or... that couple?"

Chapter 1174

Chapter 1174

Linda's face lacked a smile, instead revealing a flicker of pain and resentment in her eyes.

Cordelia's heart sank as she hurriedly took Linda's hand, sensing a slight tremor and icy coldness. "Linda"

"I-I want to report it to the police so badly!" Linda's eyes turned red as she harshly bit her lip. "I've been thinking these days, if those two people hadn't taken Pammy away, I wouldn't have lost my daughter for 20 years!"

"But... But try to see the positive side!" Cordelia tried to console her. "If it weren't for them rescuing Pammy, she would have died in that shipwreck! And over all these years, that couple has treated her as their own daughter, loving her just like their own..."

"But they're still to blame completely at fault!" Linda snarled.

Her depression sometimes made it difficult for her to control her emotions. The slightest thing would consume her thoughts and amplify her negative feelings. What others saw as a minor issue became a mountainous burden for her, suffocating her.

After Lina's advice last time, she obediently took her medication on time. However, the side effects were particularly pronounced in her case.

Dizziness, cold sweats, and tremors plagued her. And now, she couldn't control her thoughts and emotions. It felt as if a raging monster resided within her, destroying all rationality and trapping her in a swamp of negativity.

"Even if they treated my daughter well... they're no different from human traffickers, are they? If they had already saved Pammy back then, why didn't they hand her over to the police? Why did they secretly raise her themselves?

"They hid my daughter... they're so cruel!"

Linda hugged her head, painfully pulling at her own hair, tears streaming down.

Cordelia held her tightly, gently stroking her back.

"Cordelia... do they still live in your place?" Linda asked.

Cordelia hesitated, suddenly feeling guilty. Treating Jesse and Melissa properly made it feel like she had betrayed her friendship with Linda. But they were people Zuko respected, the ones who had been raising Lina for 20 years...

Taking a deep breath, Cordelia softly said, "Linda, I need to explain this to you.

"Lina often visits Zuko, and she can also see the couple at my house... but she hasn't forgotten you and Nicholas!

"I heard from Zuko that she works hard at the company and even wants to expose those who are causing harm to her parents... Linda, the parents she mentioned are you two!"

"What?" Linda was surprised, her tear-filled eyes fixed on Cordelia. "She... she calls us her parents?"

"Yes, Zuko and Toph heard it too," Cordelia replied.

Linda bit her lip, tears streaming down even more fiercely.

"Linda, I understand your feelings," Cordelia consoled. "But it's not that simple. For Lina, they were her parents for the first 20 years of her life.

"And now, she's exhausted and busy with work every day. I heard that the person who used to bully her in Jangasas will be working with her..." "What?" Linda looked up abruptly.

"It's true." Cordelia nodded earnestly. "Renee told me everything. That person joined the project team as an intern, and she's the supervisor's niece... Isn't it against Nicholas' principles for the supervisor to use personal connections to get her niece into the company?"

"Absolutely!" Linda raised her voice. "Nicholas values talent and despises these kinds of nepotistic relationships!"

"And the person who got in has also bullied your daughter!"

"It's absolutely outrageous!" Linda slammed the table fiercely, her eyes filled with ruthlessness and her aura imposing, reminiscent of the formidable Mrs. Thompson. "I'll go and deal with them right away!" "Hey, Linda!" Cordelia hurriedly stood up to stop her, a chuckle escaping her lips despite her efforts.

Linda was still the spirited Linda from years ago, the indomitable Mrs. Thompson.

"Linda, don't rush into it." Cordelia spoke softly. "Lina's plan is to wait and see how the other party intends to deal with her, and then she'll respond accordingly."

"Oh..."

"I think that's a good idea too. Let the children handle it themselves. We'll support them from the background!"

"Mm." Linda pondered for a moment and couldn't help but smirk with pride. "Both Nicholas and I are impulsive. When we encounter such situations, we can't help but reach for a knife and attack immediately! "It's only in recent years that our rough edges have gradually smoothed out, and we've become more measured in our actions. I didn't expect my daughter to have such thoughts at such a young age. It truly surprises me!"

"Perhaps... it's because that couple raised her well." Cordelia glanced at Linda and spoke softly. "I heard they scrimped and saved to send Lina to the best local private university. They may not know much about raising children, but they spare no expense when it comes to education."

Linda's expression shifted slightly, and she fell silent.

"Alright, let's set them aside for now!" Cordelia quickly changed the topic. "The most important thing now is to support our Pammy and ensure that no one bullies our daughter!" "Yes, you're right!" Linda's gaze became resolute.

"So..." Cordelia shifted her gaze and offered Linda a small cookie. "To protect our daughter well, we need to eat and drink enough to have the strength, right?"

Linda accepted it, a smile returning to her face.

Cordelia let out a sigh of relief. The conflict had been deflected, and she felt rather pleased with her own ingenuity.

'By the way, what was the name of Lina's archenemy again? Gia, was it?

'Thank you, Miss Chapman.' Cordelia chuckled inwardly. 'You're in for a tough time from now on!'

Chapter 1175

Chapter 1175

After Mollie's grand introduction of Gia, Lina noticed a hidden panic in Gia's eyes when their gazes met. Lina maintained a calm smile, knowing that Gia must be feeling uneasy about being assigned to the Thompson Group for her internship.

"Alright, everyone, take the time to get acquainted with your new colleague today. Let's work together and contribute to the company's success!" Mollie gave Gia a suggestive look, indicating the well-prepared excellent spot for her.

Gia approached hesitantly, feeling an unsettling gaze that made her uncomfortable.

During lunch break...

Gia quickly entered Mollie's office, closed the blinds, and shut the door tightly.

"What's the matter?" Mollie thought Gia came to bring her a gift, crossing her arms and smiling. "We're family, no need to be formal! Even though I'm your distant aunt, we're both Chapmans. It's natural for me to help you! By the way, what did you bring me as a gift?"

Gia stood there empty-handed, taken aback.

Mollie's expression shifted. Her smile vanished as she pushed her glasses and looked at Gia with a cold tone. "No gift?"

"Well..." Gia disregarded the gift and asked anxiously, "Aunt Mollie, is this... the Thompson Group?"

"Yes, what's the matter?"

"You didn't tell me earlier that it's an internship at the Thompson Group!?"

Mollie looked at Gia as if she were a monster. So what if she didn't mention it? Wasn't Gia just looking for a job? What difference did it make where she ended up?

Moreover, getting an internship opportunity at the Thompson Group wasn't easy. Many interns fought for it but couldn't secure it. And now this girl was dissatisfied?

Mollie coughed lightly, feeling annoyed as she scrutinized Gia.

"Gia, this internship opportunity is rare. You need to seize it!" Her tone carried a hint of mockery. "You know how your parents are doing. Would you have ended up here if they could help you find an internship? I'm the only Chapman who could get you in!"

"Well... You're right, but..."

But Lina was the company's heiress!

Suddenly, Gia realized that her aunt might have no idea about Lina's true identity.

That's right. When Gia saw Lina and Renee earlier, their seats were close to the restroom.

Knowing Mollie's habit of flattery toward superiors, if she knew that Lina was Nicholas' beloved daughter, she would surely be ingratiating herself to them, wouldn't she?

Gia paused and looked at her aunt.

Her distant aunt also looked at her arrogantly as if finding her this job was a great favor.

Gia inwardly sneered.

To be cautious, she decided to confirm it. "Aunt Mollie, I'm new here and don't know these people. I need some time to get familiar. By the way, I saw two girls around my age sitting near the restroom earlier..." "You mean them?" Mollie sneered lightly. "They're just poor students interning here. If you have any tasks, you can assign them to them!"

"Huh?" Gia pretended not to know. "Isn't that inappropriate? We're all interns. I don't have the right to assign work to them."

"Are you daft!?" Mollie glared at Gia with a disdainful smirk on her face. "They're just two poor students with no connections or support. What's wrong with assigning them some work? You're my niece, your status and position are naturally different from theirs!"

Gia nodded, understanding the situation. She realized that Mollie never truly valued her and that what Mollie did was even worse than stirring up trouble.

Gia had to set clear boundaries with her aunt to protect herself.

"Oh, by the way, you're interning here because of your boyfriend, right?" Mollie asked.

Gia was taken aback and stuttered in response.

Chapter 1176

Chapter 1176

Mollie's chuckle resonated lightly as she spoke. "So, I've heard your boyfriend comes from a wealthy family? Well, if he isn't rich, you might as well break up with him! The Thompsons are newcomers to this city, but our big boss, Mr. Thompson, has strong connections with the four major families of Centrolis! Especially the Hamertons...

"If you can win over one of the Hamerton heirs, you'll live a life of luxury forever!"

Gia couldn't help but recall Zuko's intimidating face and his seemingly dangerous fists. She took a deep breath, forcing a smile, and replied, "I have a great relationship with my boyfriend, really..."

Mollie scoffed, glancing at her. She didn't think Gia-a naive girl from a small town who had never seen the world-could handle it.

"Alright, get back to work! We'll discuss work-related matters and interpersonal relationships in the future."

"Okay," Gia winced. "Thank you in advance, Aunt Mollie!"

She quickly left, her heart pounding with annoyance and speechlessness toward Mollie's snobbishness. She didn't want to be dragged down by this idiotic aunt of hers! Offending Lina would only bring endless trouble!

But how could she mend her relationship with Lina right now...

Gia pursed her lips, pacing back and forth in the fire escape corridor.

Through the glass door, she spotted Lina and Renee walking toward the data room, deeply engaged in a discussion and holding architectural drafts in their hands.

Gia quietly followed them, hiding to the side, unnoticed by the two.

They searched the data room, seemingly unable to find what they were looking for. When they turned around, they ran into someone they didn't want to see. Mollie's cough echoed throughout the entire floor.

"What are you two doing here instead of being at your workstations during work hours!?"

Renee rolled his eyes, chuckling to herself. "Ms. Chapman has extraordinary surveillance skills... Cuz, do you think she was a surveillance camera in her previous life?" "No, she must have been a stalker... Only a stalker could have such a talent!" Lina's lips moved slightly.

"Hahaha..."

"What are you two doing? What are you talking about!?" Mollie suddenly raised her voice. "Chattering away... you two..."

"Ms. Chapman, we're not slacking off during work hours," Lina calmly replied. "We came to the information room to find Mr. Sam's previous design works and learn from them."

"Heh! Learn?" Mollie's disdainful look was evident. "You two don't need to! Mr. Sam's works are not meant for everyone to understand."

"It's precisely because we don't understand that we want to learn." Lina smiled lightly. "According to you, Ms. Chapman, you understand his designs?"

"Lina, of course, Ms. Chapman can understand them!" Renee innocently chimed in. "How can a big company like the Thompson Group have a project department manager who doesn't understand the field?" "Exactly, you make a valid point!" Lina nodded hurriedly. "So, Ms. Chapman, you must be able to explain these design sketches to us!"

Mollie couldn't hold back her fury. It was clear they were mocking her!

Design sketches were like hieroglyphics to her. Her expertise lay not in technical aspects but in flattery and reaping benefits.

Just a moment ago, she nearly choked in anger from listening to their duet.

"Not doing your work during work hours..." Mollie struggled to catch her breath. "Salary deduction! No bonuses this month. All will be deducted!" Lina and Renee snorted coldly, ready to argue with her.

But just then, a voice from the entrance interrupted them. "Ms. Chapman, please don't do this!"

Lina and Renee looked up, the former pausing with clenched fists at her side.

Chapter 1177

Chapter 1177

"Ms. Chapman, I overheard a rough summary of the situation at the entrance just now," Gia said innocently, flashing a harmless smile.

However, a dark shadow cast over Lina's eyes.

Mollie gave Gia a strange look, pushing her glasses and shooting her a sharp glance that seemed to say, "What's going on? Are you siding with an outsider?"

Gia pretended not to understand and continued to plead for the two interns. "They just wanted to find Mr. Sam's design sketches to study and learn from. This thirst for knowledge is something we should all admire! Ms. Chapman, you shouldn't scold them indiscriminately and deduct their bonuses!"

Her words dumbfounded Mollie.

It was the first time she encountered someone taking the side of an outsider!

After a moment of thought, Mollie realized that Gia was new and needed to win people's favor. These two struggling students became her primary targets.

Although Mollie didn't particularly like them, she reluctantly held back for the sake of her niece. "Alright, alright, go back to your own work!"

As Mollie walked away, Gia looked at Lina and asked softly, "Lina, can we talk privately?"

Lina and Gia walked side by side in the alley behind the company building.

Out of caution, Lina kept her distance from Gia. As they walked, Gia stopped and quietly gazed at Lina.

"If you have something to say, just say it. You heard it just now, Ms. Chapman doesn't like personal conversations during work hours," Lina said.

"Lina, I..." Gia bit her lip and pleaded with her eyes.

Then, she turned to face Lina and suddenly bowed 90 degrees, clearly saying, "I'm sorry!"

Lina sneered, feeling somewhat helpless.

The phrase "I'm sorry" sounded ironic to her.

"Lina, I'm really sorry!" Gia appeared sincere, her acting skills on point. She stepped forward, tears welling up in her eyes, and held Lina's hand. "Not only for my aunt but also for the things I did to you in the past."

"You know what you did to me in the past too?" Lina abruptly flung her hand off. "Don't touch me. I don't want to have anything to do with you!"

"Lina "

"I treated you as my best friend in the past!" Lina angrily exclaimed. "But I never expected you were scheming and using me all this time, even wanting to harm me!"

"I didn't want to harm you!"

"Violet's face is the best evidence!" Lina gritted her teeth. "Gia, stop lying so blatantly. Your actions only disgust me!"

"Lina!"

As Lina turned around, Gia suddenly grabbed her wrist.

Lina stiffened.

Behind her, Gia cried out and almost knelt before her.

"Lina, you're the Thompson heiress now, capable of influencing others... My aunt unknowingly offended you, but one word from you, and she won't be able to stay in the Thompson Group anymore!

"You have so much, but all I have is this internship opportunity, Lina! Have pity on me and let me stay here! Once I obtain the internship certification, I'll study abroad. I promise... I'll never appear in front of you again!"

Disgusted, Lina forcefully shook off her hand without even turning her head.

"Lina!" Gia cried out. "I'm begging you! Please, have mercy on me for the sake of our past friendship!

"I know I was wrong, and those actions weren't my true intentions! Melvin... He used my family to threaten me. If I didn't do what he asked, he'd harm my family!"

"Is that so?" Lina turned around, her gaze coldly piercing Gia's eyes. "He told you to do something, and you just did it. If he told you to die, would you die too?"

"You-"

"Gia, you've used this act of pretending to be weak and pitiful to deceive me!" Lina said sternly. "Do you think I'm still the brainless Lina from before?" Gia's heart pounded.

It was true. Lina had changed after becoming Pamela Thompson. Her mere presence instilled fear in people.

Gia couldn't help but take two steps back, her mind going blank.

After a while, she spoke softly. "Lina, it's not me you should be wary of! Don't forget, Renee is Melvin's daughter. She has Melvin's blood running in her veins! She's inherited his ruthlessness and wickedness

"Shut up!" Lina's expression turned fierce. "You've harmed me enough, and now you want to slander my cousin?"

Gia lowered her head slightly, her eyes darting around, afraid to meet Lina's gaze.

Lina said coldly, "Gia, I won't believe a single word you say anymore! Let's pretend we've never met today. I won't stop you from interning at the Thompson Group, but if you dare to cause trouble, I have numerous ways to make you disappear from Centrolis!"

Gia turned pale and hastily retreated.

Lina had truly changed. As a member of the Thompson family, her dominant genes were fully activated, making people think twice before acting recklessly in her presence.

"Lina, don't worry... All I seek is peace and... an internship certification. Then I'll go abroad..."

"Hah!" Lina sneered. "Go abroad? Where will you get the money to go abroad? Was it the dirty money Melvin gave you when he ordered you to harm me?"

"No, it's my boyfriend's money."

Gia's voice was soft as a luxury car stopped on the road behind them. A handsome young man stepped out of the car and waved at them.

Gia responded enthusiastically.

However, when Lina saw the person clearly, she couldn't help but be shocked!

"Why... is it him?"

She looked at Gia.

Although Gia maintained a humble and respectful posture, a trace of imperceptible triumph flickered in her eyes.

"Yes, it's Jacob." Gia chuckled lightly, emphasizing each word. "Lina, Jacob and I truly love each other!"

Chapter 1178

Chapter 1178

Lina was taken aback when she saw the tall and poised lawyer approaching her with a sunny smile. Her heart sank at the sight.

Gia leaned against Jacob's shoulder, exuding both sweetness and a hint of arrogance.

Taking a deep breath, Lina needed a moment to adjust to this sudden change.

"Hello," Jacob greeted her. "I'm Jacob Welsh. We've met before in Jangasas, and..."

He paused, smiling gently. "Someone must have mentioned me to you, right?"

Lina hesitated, forcing a smile. "Yes, I remember."

"Any misunderstandings we had before are cleared up, right?"

"Huh?" Lina was once again taken aback, realizing that when she didn't know Zuko's identity, she had assumed Jacob, the handsome lawyer looking for him, was involved in some special profession. She had even assumed Jacob wanted to recruit Zuko.

Lina couldn't help but giggle.

"Now that the masks are off, we can get to know each other again," Jacob said, standing tall and radiant.

However, his "getting to know each other again" surprised her.

"I'm a lawyer, and my family has some influence," Jacob said modestly. "I'm also someone's close friend!"

"And he's my boyfriend!" Gia interjected, hooking her arm around Jacob's neck.

Jacob discreetly removed her arm, and Lina felt a sense of unease. She didn't want to be a third wheel and quickly found an excuse to slip away.

As Lina walked away, she heard Gia calling out to her, "Lina!"

"What is it?" Lina gritted her teeth, barely turning her head. "I don't want to take up too much work time, and it seems like you're very happy!" "You don't seem happy." Gia crossed her arms, chuckling. "Jacob wants to treat you to lunch and have a good chat. Shall we go together?"

"No need." Lina's voice turned cold. "I promised Renee to have lunch with her."

Before she could walk away, Gia's voice echoed again, this time with arrogance and satisfaction.

"Lina, you know about Jacob's relationship with Mr. Zuko Hamerton, right? They studied together abroad and have a close friendship like brothers!"

"So?"

"It means we'll be seeing each other often in the future."

"Not necessarily." Lina scoffed. "You said you'll leave the country once you have your internship certification, so you won't be hanging around me!" "Lina..." Gia paused. "Jacob has never been in love before. I'm his first love! Do you think he'll let me leave the country easily?"

"What are you trying to say?" Lina asked.

Gia approached her, her perfume triggering memories of when Lina considered her a good friend while Gia used Melvin's money to harm her.

Lina clenched her fists and turned around, staring coldly at Gia.

"I'm saying that..." Gia smirked, leaning closer to her ear. "You and Mr. Zuko Hamerton wouldn't want me to hurt Jacob, right?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Jacob is deeply in love with me. I can feel it." Gia flicked her hair. "If I were to break up with him, it would devastate him.

"Lina, I just want a peaceful internship. I won't go against you, but you should also give me a way out. If I'm pushed into a corner and lose control, resorting to hurtful actions... none of us will have an easy time!"

Lina looked at her in disbelief, shocked by Gia's shamelessness and how low she was willing to stoop.

Gia gave her a cryptic smile and got into Jacob's car.

Restless throughout the afternoon, Lina finally found solace when Zuko came to pick her up after work. As they had dinner together and walked hand in hand by the seaside, she shared her encounter with Jacob.

Chapter 1179

Chapter 1179

"Jacob came for Gia today.

"He's actually Gia's boyfriend!

"Is he being deceived? Gia must have ulterior motives for dating him!

"You need to persuade him tactfully, don't let him fall deeper and lose himself. He'll be hurt badly!

"Zuko?"

Zuko snapped out of his daze and looked at Lina with a hint of complaint in his eyes.

Lina waved her hand in front of him. "What's wrong?"

He grabbed her hand and held it in his palm, caressing it, while he spoke with a hoarse and aggrieved voice. "You've been talking about Jacob all night long..." Lina was taken aback. "Huh?"

"Can we stop mentioning him now?"

"Zuko, you—"

"I can't believe you're still worried about him getting hurt. By constantly talking about another man in front of me, I'm the one who's hurt the most!"

Lina widened her eyes in exasperation.

"Zuko!" She lightly punched him. "If he weren't your best friend, I wouldn't bother!"

Zuko smiled and gently embraced her, his large hand mischievously trailing along her slender waist and reaching her shoulder blades.

"Don't worry. Jacob is at least a prominent lawyer. He won't be easily deceived."

"But people in love have a negative IQ value."

"Hmm..." Zuko pondered for a moment. "It's hard for outsiders to judge matters of the heart. Let him go with the flow!"

"Zuko." Lina stopped in her tracks, surprised by his calm reaction. "You..."

"What about me?" The man smirked.

"Nothing." She shook her head. "You have a positive mindset!"

"That's for outsiders." Zuko leaned closer and breathed in the sweet fragrance on her, his voice deep. "When it comes to you... I have no mindset and no rationality. I can't think!" Lina smiled and nestled in his arms.

Zuko leaned down and kissed her lips, with the starlight and ocean waves creating a dreamlike backdrop.

Lina became lost in his kiss, surrendering to his masculinity and turning into a soft little rabbit in his embrace, allowing him to freely ignite her with desire.

It was already close to midnight when Zuko sent Lina back to the Thompson's residence.

However, he felt that time had passed too quickly. As they walked along the private road leading to the Thompson mansion, his steps gradually slowed down, and he held Lina's hand tighter. Under the starlight, his sculpted profile remained strong and resolute.

Yet, Lina could see a trace of reluctance in his eyes.

"Alright, I've arrived home."

"So soon?" Zuko raised his voice, looking at the entrance of the Thompson mansion and scratching his head. "Oh... well, then..."

Lina suppressed her laughter and asked, "Is there anything else you want to say?"

Naturally, Zuko wanted to suggest not going back tonight. However, he did not want her to think that he was a person whose mind was filled with lascivious thoughts. Still, he also wanted to spend a little more time with her.

If staying a little longer together was not an option, then hugging for a bit longer would also suffice.

Zuko raised his eyebrows, and a mischievous idea suddenly popped into his mind. This area near the entrance of the Thompson mansion was not well-lit, and shrubs were creating vague shadows.

He smirked, and suddenly his expression changed dramatically. With a serious tone, he exclaimed, "What's that over there!?"

"Ah!" Lina was startled and instinctively threw herself into his arms.

Zuko caught her in time. He did not just hold her warm and soft figure in his embrace-her slender and delicate legs wrapped around him with her hands tightly wrung around his neck. Despite his glee, he smiled triumphantly, comforting her in a serious and affectionate voice, "It's okay... With me here, there's nothing to fear!"

"What did you see?"

"Who cares what it is... As long as I'm here, I'll protect you!" Zuko lightly caressed her back, speaking softly.

However, a coughing sound actually came from the shadows at that moment!

Zuko was startled, his heart pounding heavily for a few moments, but he quickly regained his composure, his gaze fixed in that direction...

Chapter 1180

Chapter 1180

Someone slowly emerged from the shadows.

Zuko was dumbfounded and stammered after a long time, "Ah... Uncle Nicholas?"

Nicholas had his hands behind his back as he walked up to them, his eyes fixed on Zuko. Lina was still in the position of having her legs wrapped around Zuko's waist, her arms around his neck, and hanging onto him.

Zuko could clearly sense... a killing intent from his Uncle Nicholas' gaze! He jolted and quickly put Lina down, flashing a wince at the older man.

"Um... Good evening, Uncle Nicholas. You're still awake? I've brought Lina back... Heh..."

Nicholas looked stern, and his displeased gaze pierced through Zuko like needles.

Although it was known that his daughter and this young man had been promised to each other since childhood-destined to be together sooner or later-and that it was good that they were close to each other knowing his daughter was in a romantic relationship and actually seeing it with his own eyes were two completely different matters for a father.

Nicholas pursed his lips, usually treating the two Hamerton young men like his own sons, but today, he felt that Zuko was nothing more than a toad trying to snatch his precious little princess!

This brat had the audacity to send her back so late at night and then linger at the doorstep. He even scared Lina like that! He was truly... asking for trouble!

Nicholas cleared his throat a couple of times, and Lina's face turned slightly red. She hurriedly ran over and stood behind her father.

Zuko smiled politely and started to back up. "Um, Uncle Nicholas, it's getting late, so I'll..."

"Well, go home early," Nicholas said with a serious expression. "And don't be out so late next time!"

Zuko nodded his head vigorously.

The Thompsons' gate opened and closed, and the father and daughter soon disappeared into the night's darkness.

There was still a distance after entering the courtyard gate. Lina cautiously followed behind Nicholas, looking at his slightly aged figure and realizing that he had stayed up so late and waited outside the gate fo her.

She suddenly felt a pang in her heart. She thought of Jesse, who used to dote on her like this. He would pick her up from school and protect her, so no boy would dare to harass her.

Lina's eyes went red, her nose tingling, but her heart was filled with happiness.

Nicholas paused his steps and turned around to ask her softly, "Lina, what's wrong?"

Lina asked, "You... Have you been waiting here for me?"

"Oh." Nicholas smiled. "It's nothing, really. Since I'm old, I don't sleep well anyway. I thought I might as well take a walk!

"What's wrong? You don't like it?" He suddenly realized and hurriedly explained, "Lina, I... I'm not worried about you and Zuko. I just... Well, forget it. If you don't like it, I won't wait at the doorstep anymore, okay?

"Lina, please... don't be angry with me! Dad's wrong this time, but I promise to make it right next time. Don't be mad, okay?"

The influential and powerful Nicholas Thompson was just a humble father in front of his daughter.

"I'm not angry with you." Lina's tears welled up in her eyes. She gently went up to him and held onto his arm with her small hand. "I'm just worried that staying up so late isn't good for your health." Nicholas stood there, stunned, his ears buzzing, thinking he must have misheard it.

"Y-You're worried about me?"

"Mm." Lina looked into his eyes. "Not only you but also mom."

"Your mother couldn't sleep at first either, but she said she must listen to you, so she took her medicine quickly... Heh, she fell asleep shortly after taking the medicine and-" Nicholas suddenly stopped talking!

"Hold on." The shock was evident on his face as he asked her with a trembling voice, "W-What... What did you just call her?"

"Mom."

Lina's voice was very soft and incredibly clear on this serene night.

"Dad." Tears rolled down her cheeks. "I'm sorry I kept you waiting for so long."

Nicholas held his breath, his heart thumping.

Time seemed to have stood still at that moment. He felt as if he had been trapped in a vacuum as if he could hear the sound of his own blood flowing through his body.

It was as if Pammy had never left him but had just grown up in an instant...

Nicholas' lips trembled, unable to say a word. Tears streamed down his face, and he laughed as he wiped them away. He laughed while explaining, "I... I don't want to cry! What's wrong with these tears...

"Linda! Linda!

"lan! Evelyn! Gary!

"All of you, come out! Hahaha..."

Nicholas laughed like a madman and shouted like a lunatic. In no time, the entire Thompson estate was brightly lit.

The housekeepers and service staff, who had been sleeping, rubbed their sleepy eyes and rushed to the courtyard to see what was going on.

Linda, wearing pajamas and slippers, her hair disheveled, stormed out.

"Nicholas Thompson! What the hell are you doing going crazy in the middle of the night!? I finally managed to get a good night's sleep, and you—"

Before she finished speaking, she caught sight of Lina standing in the courtyard.

Linda regretted not maintaining her composure in front of her daughter.

In the blink of an eye, she changed her demeanor, returning to her usual elegant and graceful appearance in front of Lina. She smiled gently, and her tone softened. "Nicholas, what's going on? Pammy, did he drink? Don't be afraid... Heh, uh, that's just his way. When he drinks a little, he goes crazy. I'll teach him a lesson later!

"Evelyn, help Lina back to her room first!"

Just as Linda was about to go forward and grab Nicholas' ear, Nicholas excitedly grabbed her hand with a beaming face. "Linda, listen!" Nicholas looked at Lina. "Listen to what she called us."

Linda looked puzzled.

Meanwhile, Lina walked between them, one hand on her father's arm and another embracing her mother, smiling sweetly at them.