Ch. 1201..1210

Chapter 1201

Chapter 1201

It was surprising that Gia turned out to be so cheap, and even more surprising was how easily she lured the project manager.

The information Jacob passed to Zuko consisted of voice recordings. After listening to them, Zuko chuckled and deduced, "The film studio project covers a significant area. These two individuals plan to convert a portion of it into a commercial residential area and use a shell company to profit from it!"

"That's correct." Jacob nodded. "However, based solely on these short conversations in the recordings, we can't draw a definite conclusion. We still need to gather more evidence."

"Alright," Zuko said in a deep voice, looking apologetic. "Then I'll have to inconvenience you a little longer..."

"Do we still need to be so formal with each other?" Jacob chuckled. "The one inconvenienced is Lina, having to face her every day."

"There's no need to worry about our Lina!" Zuko said with pride. "She's Uncle Nicholas' daughter and can have her way in the Thompson Group now!"

Goosebumps spread across Jacob as he watched Zuko boast about his girlfriend.

"Let's continue with our separate investigations then." Zuko lightly pursed his lips. "The film studio is a new project, so there are bound to be many opportunists. I suspect the manager is just a pawn, and the mastermind may be connected to the contractor."

"Alright." Jacob raised his wine glass and clinked it with Zuko's. "I'll continue sacrificing myself then!"

"Seriously, Gia hasn't taken advantage of you, has she?" Zuko asked.

"You..." Jacob widened his eyes, feeling the urge to hit him.

The singer on stage switched from melancholic blues to a cheerful song. The audience below was influenced by the joyful atmosphere, swaying along to the rhythm and cheering from time to time. The two men playfully punched each other, behaving like children fooling around.

One week later, Jackie finally secured the endorsement contract. He was so excited that his hands trembled and his eyes sparkled. "Darling!" He burst into the dressing room and nearly embraced Abigail, who was applying lipstick. "I knew you would figure it out!"

Abigail, however, remained calm, focusing on her makeup after a nonchalant glance at him.

Jackie suddenly transformed into a fanboy, spinning around her in circles. "Look at today's trending tags! It's gone viral! Alluring Gail endorsing the Thompson Group's film studio... The hype is unbelievable! "Darling, you've become best friends with Ms. Thompson! How did you manage to win her over?

"Do you know how many female celebrities are secretly cursing you behind your back now... Hahaha!"

Abigail paused while applying her lipstick. Her lips slightly parted as she looked at Jackie, who usually pretended to be serious in front of others as if she were looking at an idiot.

"Is this amusing?"

"Oh, no, no... Not amusing." Jackie straightened up and spoke seriously. "But this is how showbiz works. One's value is reflected through the jealousy of others.

"By the way, Abigail, I heard that Ms. Thompson is hosting a welcoming party for you?"

Abigail smiled, her eyes beaming.

Lina was truly kind. Abigail had mentioned she didn't need a grand celebration, but the heiress insisted on arranging something.

Abigail felt a sense of pride as if they were announcing their friendship to the world.

"The party is tomorrow." Jackie handed her the invitation. "Dress up nicely and make sure to dazzle the crowd!"

"Aren't you being clueless?" Abigail sighed helplessly. "The spotlight will be on Lina. I can't overshadow her!"

Jackie realized Abigail was right. Although the party was specifically organized for Abigail, it was still the Thompsons' domain.

Abigail seemed to be growing wiser lately!

"Alright, go with the flow!" Jackie patted her shoulder. "But don't dress too casually. After all, you're the ambassador representing the Thompson Group! Besides, many social elites will be present tomorrow, like the two Hamerton heirs and... that lawyer friend of Zuko Hamerton. What was his name? Jacob Welsh, and..."

Abigail jolted, her heart pounding.

She had admonished herself many times not to think about that person anymore. However, hearing his name made her blush and her heart race.

Chapter 1202

Chapter 1202

The next evening, the welcoming party at Splendor Hotel, owned by the Hamerton Group, began on time. The midsummer night party's unique design incorporated indoor and outdoor venues. The entire hotel shimmered with brilliant lights, resembling a grand pearl in the night.

The guests in attendance were prominent figures from various fields, known for their wealth or influence. Among them, Abigail stood out as the Thompson Group had shown the significance they placed on her.

Lina, dressed in a pale pink haute couture dress with a pearl necklace around her neck, exuded elegance as she effortlessly mingled with the crowd, showing no signs of unease. The guests whispered among themselves, praising how she embodied the best qualities of both Nicholas and Linda.

Abigail stayed by Lina's side, concerned that she might drink too much, and redirected any toasts proposed to her.

"Hey, this party is for you!" Lina whispered to her. "Why are you wearing a gray dress? It doesn't make you stand out at all!"

Abigail smiled. "The cool tone matches my personality! Besides, it's your special day. How could I steal the limelight?"

Lina laughed. Abigail was usually a red carpet femme fatale, stealing the limelight on previous occasions!

But in front of her best friend today, she let her guard down, putting away all defenses, and obediently followed behind Lina like a docile little lamb.

Lina held Abigail's hand and placed it on the crook of her arm.

As the two girls exchanged smiles, the world seemed kinder at that moment.

Not far away, Jacob turned around and froze.

"What's wrong?" Gia handed him a glass of wine. "Did you see someone?"

Jacob didn't even hear what she said. His ears buzzed, his mind went blank, and he pushed her away.

"Ah!" Gia stumbled back from the force, almost knocking over a long table.

"Jacob, what are you doing?"

Jacob took several deep breaths as he turned around and fixed his hair and tie in front of the reflective marble wall.

Gia widened her eyes. "What has gotten into you?"

Jacob still didn't pay her any attention, his gaze fixed on a certain spot with genuine joy in his eyes.

Curious, Gia followed his gaze and saw Lina and Abigail nearby. The two of them resembled sisters, flawless in every aspect.

She bit her lip. Jacob couldn't possibly be interested in Lina, so the person he was looking at... must be Abigail! "Daring!" Gia sidled up to him and forcefully linked her arm with his. "Do you know that you hurt me just now?" Jacob snapped back to reality, but it was too late.

Gia's hand slid into the crook of his arm, and her shrill voice attracted a lot of attention. What was worse, Abigail heard it too...

He stood frozen, meeting Abigail's gaze. Her clear eyes were filled with shock and disappointment.

Abigail approached. "Mr. Welsh, it's been a while."

Jacob awkwardly smiled, about to say something, but Abigail spoke first. "Aren't you going to introduce us?"

"Well..."

"Gia Chapman," Gia introduced herself, raising her eyebrows and deliberately drawing out her words. "I'm Jacob's girlfriend!"

"What?" Abigail looked at Jacob in disbelief.

Gia continued to push her head toward Jacob's shoulder, looking at Abigail provocatively.

Abigail felt like there was a balloon in her chest about to burst. Had this man gone crazy? How dare he openly bring such a shameless mistress to his girlfriend's event!? Abigail suppressed the urge to slap Gia and struggled to say, "Jacob, what does this mean?"

Jacob's throat tightened. He was already nervous, and his tongue became even more tangled under her gaze, unable to utter a word.

"Jacob, how could you do this?!" Abigail gritted her teeth. "How could your girlfriend be her? It's clearly—"

At that moment, applause came from the other side. The two Hamerton heirs had arrived.

Abigail turned around and saw a scene that made her question her reality.

Lina and Zuko walked in together, holding hands intimately, their eyes filled with love for each other. Someone proposed a toast, and Zuko smoothly accepted both glasses. Abigail was dumbfounded.

"What's happening?" she muttered to herself, forgetting about Jacob and quickly running over to Lina.

Lina was startled by Abigail's panicked look.

"Abigail, you..."

"You first tell me what's going on with him!" Abigail pointed at Zuko.

Zuko furrowed his brows and pulled Lina into his arms immediately.

"Don't touch her!" Abigail forcefully separated them and protected Lina behind her. "Mr. Hamerton, it's not right to take away someone else's love!"

Zuko's brows furrowed deeper. "Don't tell me I've taken away your love?"

"Lina has a boyfriend!"

"No, she doesn't," Zuko said in a deep voice. "She only has a fiance, and that's me!"

Abigail felt like she had been struck by lightning. She was utterly bewildered.

She looked at Lina, then at Zuko, and turned to look at Jacob and that annoying Gia... suddenly understanding something in that instant.

Lina held Abigail's hand with a soft smile. "Abigail, did you misunderstand something? My fiancé is really Zuko. We've been engaged since childhood." "But..." Abigail murmured, "Jacob..."

"Jacob, Mr. Welsh?" Lina paused. "Do you care a lot about him?"

Abigail stood there with her mouth open, unable to articulate her current feelings.

Firstly, she was certain that her assistant had made a mistake, which led to her misunderstanding and liking the same person as her crush!

Secondly, she was relieved. It turned out that Jacob had nothing to do with Lina, and she could still continue to like him!

Lastly, a dark cloud hung over her again... There was this woman next to Jacob who dared to show off in front of her just now! She would make her regret it!

"Abigail?" Lina looked at the rapidly changing expressions on Abigail's face, feeling a bit worried. "What's wrong, Abigail?"

"Oh... nothing!" Abigail quickly adjusted to a somewhat normal smile. "I just had a chat with Mr. Welsh and found out that the woman by his side is really not good! "Hey, Lina, who is she? Do you have any detailed information I can see?"

Chapter 1203

Chapter 1203

After the party, Lina immediately had Renee retrieve all of Gia's information and send it to Abigail.

Renee, slightly tipsy and starting to act like Toph, typed on the keyboard while feigning a pitiful expression with wide, watery eyes. "Lina, no way! Are you planning to make Abigail deal with her? "Cuz, you've always been so kind!

"This move is really cruel!"

Lina was taken aback and couldn't help but wince as if she was about to cry.

As soon as Renee finished speaking, she cunningly pressed the Send button, wearing a mischievous smile like a little fox.

"Cuz, how do you think Abigail will handle her?"

Lina burst into laughter and imitated Renee's tone. "Renee, you're becoming mischievous too! It's not 'deal with'. Abigail just needs an assistant!"

The two cousins couldn't contain their laughter any longer and embraced each other, laughing heartily.

The next day, Gia knocked angrily on Lina's office door. "Lina, what is the meaning of this? Why did you transfer me to Abigail?"

Lina was engrossed in looking at design sketches and didn't even lift her eyes.

Sitting across from her, Renee smirked at Gia and asked coldly, "Ms. Chapman, who are you speaking to?"

Gia paused before blurting out, "Lina!"

"Are you mistaken?" Renee stared at her. "My cousin is your superior, and you're just an intern. How dare you address your superior by name?"

Gia pouted but remained silent. She then looked at Lina and weakly called out, "Lina..."

Only then did Lina raise her head, her eyes devoid of any emotion as she regarded Gia as if she were a stranger.

"Lina, your cousin might have some misunderstanding about me."

"I believe my cousin is correct." Lina smiled coldly. "We used to be best friends and classmates, and I acknowledge that. But even if we have a close personal relationship, this is a professional environment. Our conduct should adhere to the company's rules and regulations!"

"You-"

"I am your superior. Even if you struggle to understand my position, you should at least address me as 'Ms. Jenner'!

"When Mollie was here, did you call her Aunt Mollie? Didn't you also address her as Ms. Chapman?

"Hah! You were respectful toward Mollie, but you act as you please when it comes to me?" Lina walked over and lightly patted Gia's shoulder. "Ms. Chapman, this is a major breach of workplace etiquette. Please keep it in mind!"

Gia clenched her fists, her expression ugly. She thought that mentioning her relationship with Jacob would make Lina back off. After all, Jacob was a friend highly regarded by Zuko, and she was Jacob's girlfriend.

To her surprise, it didn't work with Lina!

Gia took a deep breath and forced a smile.

Gia refused to give up and said, "Lina... Jacob asked me to have lunch. He's usually here for me at noon. If I become Abigail's assistant, I won't have as much free time during lunch..."

"Do we have so much free time when we're all working now?" Lina crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Gia, if Mr. Welsh has you in mind, he'll make time to keep you company no matter how busy he is!" "Exactly!" Renee chimed in, smiling as well. "Cuz, is the world already changing? This is the first time I've seen someone pick their job!"

"You..." Gia was at a loss for words and could only accept the arrangement.

"The job with Abigail won't exhaust you." Lina chuckled. "As long as you're attentive, proactive, and can anticipate and handle tasks in advance, you'll be an excellent assistant." "Alright, I understand," Gia replied glumly.

A few days later, Gia joined Abigail's management team.

Chapter 1204

Chapter 1204

Jackie didn't receive Gia well on her first day. Even the assistant who had made a mistake had the authority to give her orders.

While Abigail waited at the filming location, Gia held an umbrella for her. The midday sun was scorching and uncomfortable. Every time the umbrella tilted even slightly, Jackie would scold, "What are you doing!? If you hold the umbrella like that, Abigail will get sunburned! If my precious baby gets tanned and loses her sunscreen endorsement deal, can you afford to compensate for the millions of dollars in losses!?"

Gia had no choice but to endure it and keep Abigail fully protected under the umbrella while exposing herself to the blazing sun. The last time she experienced such intense sunlight was probably back in Southeast Aciatic when she failed to enter the palace.

Both instances were somehow related to Lina...

Gia bit her lip, her eyes filled with hatred.

Meanwhile, Jacob was spotted not far from the set.

Abigail, who had been casually browsing her phone a moment ago, suddenly straightened up and stared at the tall figure.

Gia smiled, and her voice carried a hint of triumph. "Ms. Fox, my boyfriend is here."

Abigail's face dropped.

Gia became even more smug. "My boyfriend is here to see me!"

Abigail felt a volcano ready to erupt inside her, but she also felt a twinge of sadness.

'Could Jacob really like this woman? It seems highly unlikely.

'How could his taste be so bad...'

In reality, Jacob hesitated for a moment before quickly making his way toward them. A gentle smile adorned his face, and his gaze remained fixed on this side. Abigail thought he was looking at Gia.

However, when Gia waved at him, his response didn't seem too enthusiastic.

A thought suddenly crossed Abigail's mind. 'Could it be that Jacob is looking at me?'

But she quickly dismissed the idea, feeling like she was losing her mind. Instead of feeling miserable about loving someone her crush loved, she felt a small sense of pride.

Lost in her thoughts, Abigail failed to notice that Jacob had already stopped before her. Gia happily rushed over to hug him, but he grabbed her wrist and gently pushed her aside. "Jacob, what... What are you doing?" Gia was taken aback.

Jacob smiled but didn't say anything. He didn't look at Gia-the only figure reflected in his eyes was Abigail.

Abigail lowered her head, pretending to read the script, but she couldn't focus on a single word. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach.

"Um... I..." Jacob scratched his head, wanting to say something but struggling to find the right words. As a lawyer who made a living through his eloquence, he found himself tongue-tied.

"I-I brought something for you," Jacob finally managed to say with a stutter. "Here, try it!"

Abigail was surprised.

Jacob handed her an exquisite container. She gently opened it to find a piece of blueberry cheesecake inside!

"How..." Abigail exclaimed in astonishment, "How did you know I like this?"

Jacob's heart raced. He didn't dare say that he had found out through thorough inquiries and long-term observation, nor did he dare to admit that this piece of blueberry cheesecake was the only successful creation among numerous failures.

Instead, he simply said softly with a faint smile, "I... I stumbled upon it. So, you like it? Ah... What a coincidence!"

Chapter 1205

Chapter 1205

Abigail remained stunned momentarily but eventually smiled and replied, "Hehe, what a coincidence... it's quite a coincidence."

Jacob started to sweat on his nose. He stood while she sat and scooped a small piece of cheesecake into her gently gaping mouth, savoring it slowly.

His heart skipped a beat, and it felt as if he could see the world's fleeting brilliance all at once. He smiled foolishly, completely unaware of Gia's resentful gaze.

"Jacob!"

"Huh?" Jacob snapped out of his thoughts. "Do you... Do you need something?"

Gia paled with anger. She was about to throw a tantrum but then caught Jackie's warning gaze. She shrank back and obediently held the umbrella from behind.

The umbrella was large enough to accommodate both Abigail and Jacob. By holding it for them, Gia seemed to have become their servant!

Jackie chuckled to himself on the side before straightening his posture and clearing his throat with a snort.

Jackie recalled something. "Oh, by the way, Abigail, Ms. Jenner called you just now, but you were busy with a scene, so I answered it... She mentioned an important event the day after tomorrow and hopes you can attend."

"Mm." Abigail nodded. "As the ambassador for the Thompson Group, I should follow her arrangements. Please check my schedule. If there are any conflicting events, prioritize the Thompson Group event." "Don't worry!" Jackie's eyes darted around before he gave Abigail a look. "Uh... Do you need an assistant that day?"

Abigail didn't catch on at first. However, she knew Jackie well. Although he had a lot to say, he wasn't one to nag about trivial matters like bringing along an assistant.

Abigail paused for a moment and noticed Jackie's mischievous smile. She instantly understood... She vaguely recalled Lina mentioning it before-Sam, the chief designer for the film studio project, had arrived in Centrolis a few days ago. The event in two days was for Sam to visit the construction site.

With that in mind, Abigail smiled and turned to Gia. "Come with me!"

Gia froze.

"I just remembered." Abigail explained, "Jackie has a meeting regarding a contract of mine that day, and my other assistant has other matters to attend to. It's best if you come with me!"

Gia had never imagined such a high-profile opportunity would come her way. Since joining Abigail's team, she had constantly been bullied by Jackie and the other assistant, with Abigail occasionally making her life difficult. She was truly frustrated.

Whenever she complained to Jacob, he would respond dismissively with "work is never easy" and couldn't be bothered to offer any comforting words. She even began to doubt if this was the same Adonis she had worked so hard to win over in the past.

Gia's eyes lit up as she realized she had to seize this opportunity and connect with more members of the upper-class society in Centrolis. If she could meet someone even better, she wouldn't have to constantly grovel to Jacob!

Abigail raised her voice. "Ms. Chapman, did you hear what I said?"

Gia snapped back to attention and smiled brightly. "Yes, I heard, I heard you!"

"Mm, the Thompson Group event is quite important, so don't be late!" Abigail warned.

"What?" Gia was surprised. "Ms. Fox... Do you need me to pick you up?"

"I'll send you the address. Just go on your own," Abigail said with an understanding smile. "Mr. Sam will also be attending, so you can imagine the importance of this event."

"Yes, of course!"

Chapter 1206

Chapter 1206

"You need to wear suitable attire, understood?" Abigail emphasized the word 'suitable'.

Gia chuckled cheerfully, imagining herself toasting and socializing at the event, with men swooning over her while she wore a stunning dress.

Little did she know that her interpretation of 'suitable' was completely different from what Abigail meant.

Two days later.

Gia rushed to the event venue wearing a strapless fishtail gown and glamorous makeup. She pulled out a mirror in the taxi and admired her appearance, growing more satisfied the longer she looked at herself The dress was a limited edition from a top international brand and had nearly drained her savings. However, she felt it was worth it. She would be content if she could capture everyone's attention at the event, especially surpassing Lina.

"Miss, we've arrived." The driver's indifferent voice came from the front.

Gia was still engrossed in her own beauty. It wasn't until the driver called her multiple times that she snapped out of it.

"Oh, thank you."

As she prepared to exit the car, the driver suddenly turned around and gave her a strange look. Gia's heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively clutched her chest.

The driver's expression darkened, and he furrowed his brows. He shouted, "Pay up!"

Gia quickly scanned the QR code and paid the fare. As she stepped out of the car, the driver muttered to himself while glancing at his phone, "Damn it, picked up a crazy person... Thinks she's a flight attendant? Clearly more of a disaster!"

Gia stood in confusion for quite some time under the scorching sun, looking at the navigation on her phone. This was undoubtedly the address Abigail had sent her, but it was clearly a construction site! Where was the banquet hall?

Just as Gia contemplated the situation, she heard faint laughter from the other end.

"Mr. Sam, you're too generous! Once we receive your design, we'll ensure the construction meets your expectations!"

Gia widened her eyes and saw a group of people surrounding an elderly foreign man. Lina and Abigail stood on his left and right, all dressed in T-shirts, work pants, comfortable sneakers, and safety helmets. Sam was dressed similarly.

Gia felt as if her head was buzzing loudly as she looked down at her nearly 10-centimeter-high heels... currently stuck in the muddy path of the construction site, making it challenging to pull them out. "Oh, Gia?" Abigail noticed her and waved, gesturing for her to come over. "Hurry up!"

Gia wanted to move but couldn't. She stood there, awkwardly smiling in place.

Lina noticed the situation and smirked, saying, "Abigail, why is your assistant dressed like this for a visit to the construction site? Didn't you inform her about our plans for today?"

Abigail approached swiftly and scolded Gia in front of everyone. "What's wrong with you? Mr. Sam is visiting the site today, and you're dressed as if you're going to a club to drink with someone!?"

"You..." Gia's face fell instantly. "Ms. Fox, you were the one who informed me about the event today, with Mr. Sam's attendance, and also..."

"And I mentioned wearing suitable attire, right?" Abigail crossed her arms and sneered. "Is this your idea of 'suitable'?"

Chapter 1207

Chapter 1207

Gia was at a loss for words. It was true that Abigail hadn't specified the type of event with Sam in attendance, and Gia had assumed it was a banquet. She had even spent all her savings on her dress! Abigail sarcastically mocked, "Ha! Ms. Chapman, it's not your understanding that's the problem, but rather..."

She pointed at Gia's chest. "It's your mindset! Did you really think you could outshine everyone dressing like this when I invited you to an event today?"

Gia's face turned pale, and she trembled as she clenched the hem of her skirt.

Meanwhile, Sam, who was nearby, witnessed the scene and shook his head with a frown.

"Ms. Jenner, can you please explain what's happening here?" He communicated with Lina in limited English. "Does your company, the Thompson Group, have such an unprofessional employee who comes to a construction site without wearing a safety helmet!?"

"I'm sorry." Lina smiled, enunciating her words clearly. "She's not a member of the Thompson Group."

"What?" Gia was shocked and hurriedly ran over, lifting her dress.

The hem of her expensive dress was stained with dirty mud, losing its appearance as a top international brand.

"Lina!" Gia called out, then she remembered Renee's warning and struggled to choose her words carefully. "Ms... Ms. Jenner."

"What's the matter?" Lina's smile was mysterious.

"I am with the Thompson Group!" Gia grew anxious. "I have been working as an assistant for Abigail recently... Didn't you say it yourself? I am still considered an employee of the Thompson Group!" "Oh." Lina's beautiful eyes sparkled. "You're with the Thompson Group? Well, what position do you hold in Thompson Group?"

"I... I am an intern at the Thompson Group!"

"Have you read the company's rules and regulations?"

Gia stood frozen, unable to speak.

"According to the company's regulations, if an intern fails to meet the employment requirements, the company has the right to terminate the intern's contract at any time."

"Lina-"

"Apologies." Lina chuckled lightly. "You still have a long way to go to meet the company's requirements. I hope you can improve in the future and find a better place for your internship. When you return, go to the finance department to collect your payment and clean up your workspace. Do you understand?"

Gia felt a lump in her throat. Despite her anger, she put on a pitiful expression, hoping to appeal to Lina's sentimental side.

Lina appeared indifferent on the surface, maintaining her expression, but her heart was in turmoil. How many times had Gia plotted against her? How many times had she been bullied and made a fool of? The instances were too numerous to count. Every time Lina thought about it, anger surged within her.

"Lina..." Gia's voice sounded tearful, and she tugged at Lina's sleeve. "Lina, didn't you say I could intern here and leave once I obtained the internship certification... Are you going back on your word now?" "Going back on my word? That's a stretch." Lina coldly looked at Gia. "I am simply following the rules!"

"You..."

Chapter 1208

Chapter 1208

Lina continued. "Without rules, there's no order. Whether it's a country or a company, everyone should understand this principle!

"You coming to the construction site dressed like this has left a bad impression on Mr. Sam and seriously damaged the company's image! It's only right and reasonable for you to be fired!"

"Ms. Jenner has spoken, so what are you waiting for?" Abigail added fuel to the fire, turning to the bodyguards. "Get this person out of here! Hey, this is a film studio construction site. There might be commercial secrets here! How can we let outsiders discover them?"

Several bodyguards stepped forward and immediately dragged Gia out of the construction site while she screamed hysterically, even mentioning Jacob.

Not mentioning Jacob would have been fine, but as soon as his name came up, it struck a nerve with Abigail!

"Do you really think Jacob is oblivious!?" She pointed at the now distant figure of Gia and stomped her foot in anger. "Sooner or later, he'll see through your true colors! Bitch!"

"Alright, let's be mindful of our image!" Lina stepped forward and softly reminded her, "There are other people here too!"

Abigail took a few deep breaths, temporarily suppressing her anger.

"But speaking of it... I'm quite curious." Lina smiled. "You used to mistake me for Jacob's girlfriend and treated me well. Why is Gia a bitch in your eyes?"

"Ah, I..." Abigail was taken aback. How should she answer that question?

Lina grinned, placing a hand on Abigail's shoulder. "Don't worry. I also believe that Jacob won't be fooled for long! You still have a chance."

"W-What are you saying!?" Abigail blushed, embarrassed. "I don't have any feelings for him. Don't make up nonsense!"

Lina shook her head helplessly, pulling Abigail back, and continued to inspect the construction site with Sam.

Gia hid at home for several days, feeling dejected and extremely distressed. Tobias Chambers kept calling her and even showed up at her doorstep with the sole intention of taking advantage of her. Each time, Gia forced herself to act obediently in front of his repulsive figure, despite her discomfort. But after each encounter, Tobias would pull up his pants and leave without saying anything about her return to the Thompson Group.

"It's fine if I don't get to go back to the Thompson Group!" Gia became anxious, this time standing in front of the door to stop him from leaving. "But you have to fulfill your promise, at least!" "What promise?" Tobias furrowed his brows, his small eyes gleaming slyly. "What promise?"

"Don't try to deny it!" Gia was infuriated. "I provided you with the information you needed before, and you said you'd give me a house once the commercial residential area on that piece of land is built!" "Oh, I seem to have said that..." Tobias, a cunning old fox, spoke nonchalantly. "But now that you've been kicked out, you can no longer provide me with information!"

"You"

"Oh, speaking of that, I have to be cautious around you!" Tobias widened his eyes. "Since you're no longer with the Thompson Group, hand over all the information you had before!" Gia was furious, cursing him for breaking his promise.

Little did she know, Tobias had his twisted logic. "Me? Break my promise? Hah! I've only broken a tiny one! It's worthless to exploit. Did you really expect me to give you a house? Dream on!" "Tobias Chambers!" Gia grabbed a vase in frustration. "You're not a man!"

Tobias, however, was smug and pointed directly at his own head. "Go ahead, smash it here!"

"Ah!"

He didn't expect Gia to actually follow through with it!

The vase shattered on the ground with a loud bang, leaving a gash on his head with blood gushing out..

Chapter 1209

Chapter 1209

When Gia saw the blood on Tobias, fear gripped her, causing her to slump against the floor and slide down to the ground. "Are you... Are you seriously injured!?"

Tobias shouted, covering his head, "Quickly call an ambulance to take me to the hospital!"

Gia was momentarily stunned. As Tobias stumbled toward the exit, she suddenly rushed over and stood in the doorway.

"What are you doing!?" Tobias' heart raced, and he struggled to speak. "G-Gia..."

"I can take you to the hospital, but you must promise me... Promise me you won't involve the police!"

Tobias was taken aback. The blood on his head continued to flow, and if it didn't stop soon, he might not make it through the day!

But Gia's suggestion to avoid the police seemed insane at that moment.

"Fine, fine, I won't involve the police!" Tobias grumbled with resentment. "Just get me to the hospital! Damn it..."

Tobias, who had been complaining the whole way, finally fell silent in the emergency room. Not because he wanted to but because he couldn't. His head was tightly wrapped, leaving only his eyes and nostrils visible.

He wondered if the nurse had done it intentionally. There was definitely a hint of disgust in her expression as she walked out with a tray of medicine.

Gia didn't want to face him, so she waited outside. She had calmed down slightly, clenching her fist and biting her lip, her expression serious.

It had come so close. She had almost killed someone today...

She had lost her job now, and Tobias didn't seem like someone she could rely on. Despite her efforts with Jacob, it seemed his heart wasn't with her even after successfully pursuing him.

She never expected to end up in this situation after all her calculations!

Her temples throbbed, and her mind was in turmoil.

Lost in thought, she walked aimlessly, unaware of which floor she had reached. When she looked up, she realized she was in the inpatient department. She pursed her lips and was about to leave when she heard a familiar voice.

"Sorry for dragging you here again today!"

Gia froze and followed the voice. To her surprise, it was... Melissa!?

Gia furrowed her brow and discreetly took a few steps forward, trying to get a clear view of the person standing at the ward's entrance. It was indeed Melissa! There was another woman with her.

Just by seeing the woman's back, Gia could sense the air of authority and wealth surrounding her.

Her heart raced. When the woman turned around, Gia was so frightened that she hid behind the door.

"L-Linda Thompson?" she murmured in confusion. "Why is she here?"

Gia held her breath and waited for Linda to move farther away before cautiously stepping out from behind the door. She carefully checked the sign outside the ward, confirming it was Melissa's room. Approaching the nurse station, she asked, "What is the patient's condition in this room?"

The nurse looked at her strangely and inquired, "Who are you to her?"

"I'm her daughter."

Chapter 1210

Chapter 1210

"That's not right," the nurse said, scanning Gia up and down. "I haven't heard of this patient having a daughter, and she herself said she doesn't have any children."

"I"

"Please don't disturb our work here," the nurse interrupted, walking past Gia. "I need to change the medicine for other patients."

Feeling something was amiss, Gia stood in front of the nurse station. She seized the opportunity of the vacant area and discreetly flipped through the patient records. She only managed to glimpse "breast cancer" before she heard approaching footsteps.

Swiftly, she darted to the other side and rushed downstairs to find Linda standing at the hospital entrance, seemingly waiting for a driver.

Gia trailed behind her and respectfully greeted her, adjusting her expression to a somewhat natural smile. "Hello, Mrs. Thompson."

Linda seemed taken aback, sensing familiarity in Gia's face but unable to recall where they had met.

"I... I'm Gia Chapman."

"Oh." Linda nodded with a hint of sarcasm in her smile. "You're that 'excellent' intern, aren't you?"

"Please don't say that, Mrs. Thompson," Gia said softly. "I am no longer associated with the Thompson Group."

Linda straightened up, her gaze indifferent. "Do you need something from me?"

"The person you just visited... is Aunt Melissa, right?"

"That's none of your concern."

"Hah, really?" Gia's smile turned sinister as she leaned closer and lowered her voice. "Even though you are Lina's biological mother, it was Aunt Melissa who raised her for the past 20 years. Now that she's sick with cancer..."

Linda's anger flickered slightly. "What are you trying to say?"

"Mrs. Thompson, I think you're too kind-hearted." Gia glanced around. "I happen to know a lot about Lina as her friend. She is not a Jenner by blood. If Jesse and Melissa hadn't secretly kept Lina with them all these years, you wouldn't have been separated from your daughter for so long!

"Mrs. Thompson, Melissa's illness is her retribution!"

Linda narrowed her eyes, her calm face showing no emotional fluctuation.

Taking advantage of the situation, Gia pressed on. "Based on my understanding of Lina, if she finds out her mother is sick, she will do anything to be by Aunt Melissa's side again! Mrs. Thompson, do you want to lose your daughter once more after finally reuniting as a family?"

"Oh?" Linda raised an eyebrow with a chuckle. "Well, sooner or later, Lina will learn about this. What's your solution? Speak up, and I won't mistreat you."

Gia's eyes sparkled, thinking she had succeeded in her plan.

"Mrs. Thompson, why don't you report it to the police?"

"Report it to the police?"

"Yes!" Gia nodded eagerly. "The Jenners kidnapped your daughter 20 years ago. That's the truth! Even though it's been 20 years, with the Thompsons' background and status, reopening the case wouldn't be difficult!"

Linda stared expressionlessly at Gia, then suddenly raised her hand and delivered a hard slap!

"Ah!" Gia was shocked, her face stinging with pain as she stared at Linda in disbelief.

"Heh, I'm sorry." Linda nonchalantly took out a wet wipe to clean her hands, discarding it in the trash can. "A pesky bug was flying around, so I gave it a little smack."

"Mrs. Thompson, you-"

"Your solution is no good at all!" Linda's presence was intimidating as she locked eyes with Gia and spoke deliberately. "What's between me and the Jenners is a family affair, not for an outsider to meddle with!"

"What?" Gia's eyes widened.

"They raised my daughter, making them my daughter's family. Naturally, they are my family too." Linda smirked with disdain.

"I, Linda Quimby, may be petty and hot-tempered at times, but I'm not foolish enough to distort right and wrong, nor will I support an outsider and upset my daughter!

Linda's tone turned icy. "Ms. Chapman, you may be clever, but you've used it in the wrong place. Be careful not to let it backfire. It won't end well for you!"