Ch. 1211..1220

Chapter 1211

Chapter 1211

Gia gasped, her eyes filled with a mixture of hatred and fear as she looked at Linda. The Thompsons' driver approached and stood in front of them.

Linda glanced at Gia with a contemptuous smile playing on her lips.

"Mm! Mmph!"

Suddenly, a strange sound came from behind them. Linda turned around and saw a man with his head securely wrapped, staggering toward them with his large body jiggling. Linda was taken aback but noticed something unnatural about Gia's expression.

The heavily bandaged man managed to create a gap in the bandage covering his mouth and greeted them obsequiously. He bowed and mumbled incoherently, "Mrs. Thompson, I'm Tobias Chambers. It's an honor to meet you here today!"

"What's so honorable about seeing me in the hospital?" Linda asked.

"Well..." Tobias paused.

The driver whispered to Linda, "He's the manager of the film studio project and the main person in charge."

"Oh." Linda nodded. "So, you're Mr. Chambers, the project manager."

"Yes, heh heh... That's me!"

"How did you end up like this?"

Tobias slowly turned his head and glared at Gia. Although it was not explicitly stated, Linda could guess a thing or two from the man's malicious gaze and Gia's expression.

"Mr. Chambers, you shouldn't be standing here if you're injured. Go back to your hospital ward and rest," Linda said.

Tobias nodded and bowed repeatedly, insisting that he was fine and attempting to usher Linda toward the car.

Gia stood silently, and her expression contorted with ugliness.

Linda sneered and turned to face Gia before getting into the car. "Ms. Chapman, if I remember correctly, you're Jacob's girlfriend, right?"

Gia was startled and looked up, noticing Tobias' expression turning even colder.

"As someone else's girlfriend, you should understand the meaning of shame without me teaching you, right?" Linda smirked. "After all, you're a university student and should know more things than I do." Gia bit her lip, trembling all over as her face turned pale.

As Linda's car drove away, Tobias glared at Gia, muttering incoherently, "Bitch..."

Gia immediately became furious. "What did you say!?"

"Did I say something wrong?" Tobias shot back. "You have a boyfriend, yet you still try to gain something from me!"

"Do you think you're any better? If you stress me out, I'll expose your desire to embezzle from the Thompson Group!"

Tobias shook his head, the wound throbbing. He wasn't in the mood to argue with her.

Gia watched Tobias' retreating figure and stomped her foot in frustration.

Her phone vibrated, indicating a message from Jacob.

[The last time we had coffee, yours was $6, and mine was $5. We ordered a cake for $3. But I didn't even have a bite. You ate it all, so you owe me $9.]

A payment link followed the text.

Gia's rage skyrocketed, and she was about to scream when Jacob sent another message.

[I drove both times we went out, but I won't ask for gas money. Next time, don't make me pick you up. Gas prices are quite high now, and I plan to take the subway.] "Ah!" Gia screamed out all her grievances like a mad woman.

She had pursued Jacob, hoping to find a man who would pay for everything. Unexpectedly, not only did she fail to achieve that, but she also encountered problems every day.

Since they started dating, they would split the bill every time they went out. Gia had been dropping hints and making it clear that she expected him to pay, but he stubbornly claimed to be an unromantic man who didn't know how to spend money on girls.

Chapter 1212

Chapter 1212

Gia had assumed that Jacob, being inexperienced in dating, would be clueless and not treat her well. She quickly realized that he applied his shrewdness as a lawyer in their relationship, refusing to even give her a free piece of chocolate.

That's why she ended up with Tobias. It was just...

Gia let out a deep breath. Men were all unreliable. She wondered why Lina had such a dependable man while even Renee, who was considered a disgrace, had someone doting on her. Gia clenched her fists with malice burning in her eyes like a flame.

It was already past 10:00 p.m., and Lina was still engrossed in studying a design sketch in her office. She stretched and noticed Renee smiling at her, gesturing with her eyes from across the room. That's when Lina realized that Zuko had entered without her noticing. She let out a soft gasp and lightly punched him. "How come you walk so quietly!?"

"I knocked." Zuko chuckled. "You were so focused on your work that you didn't hear me. Look, I even brought supper for you."

Lina saw the delicate meal box in his hand and suddenly realized how hungry she was. She put her work aside and prepared to enjoy the meal first.

Renee tactfully shut down the computer and got up to leave. "I won't disturb you two. I'll leave first!"

"Hey, Renee, why don't you have some too?"

"Toph is waiting for her downstairs." Zuko chuckled softly. "Don't worry. She won't go hungry!"

Zuko wanted to have some alone time with Lina, so he ensured no one else was in the office. He even woke Toph, who rarely slept late, to accompany him and brought supper.

Lina smiled at him and was about to start eating when Zuko moved closer and placed his hand on her waist. She pushed him away, but he held onto her even tighter, pressing her head against his chest and refusing to let go.

"Zuko..."

"It's been days since I last saw you." Zuko's voice was low. "Don't you miss me?"

"I'm focused on my career right now, so I'm not thinking about men."

He narrowed his eyes and leaned closer. "Then how can I capture your attention?"

Lina burst into laughter, and Zuko took the opportunity to kiss her cheek.

Lina playfully dodged, but she froze as if she had been shocked, not daring to move when she felt a sharp pain in her waist.

"What's wrong?" Zuko was taken aback. "Did I hurt you?"

"No, no..." Lina waved her hand, but it took her a while to relax. She rubbed the sore spot on her waist and explained, "This part of my waist has been hurting recently, but it's not serious. The other day when Mr. Sam came to the construction site, and I accompanied him to inspect the progress, a cement board almost hit me..."

"What!?" Zuko turned pale. "Why didn't you tell me about such a major incident!?"

"I didn't want to bother you because I wasn't injured." Lina looked at him with bright, sparkling eyes. "Maybe I twisted my waist when I dodged it, so it started hurting again these past few days." Zuko wanted to lift her clothes and check, but his hand hesitated in the air before slowly retracting. It seemed too rash to do that.

Kissing her was one thing, but immediately checking her injuries... It wouldn't be appropriate.

Nevertheless, Zuko retrieved his phone from his pocket and spoke earnestly. "Send all the ointments for treating bruises and injuries to the Thompson Group's Supremacy Building!

Zuko then turned to her. "Lina, where exactly does it hurt in your waist? Be more precise."

"It's right here." Lina pointed to a specific spot on her waist. "It's where... I had that birthmark removed."

Chapter 1213

Chapter 1213

Zuko furrowed his brow. "The birthmark on you? The crescent-shaped one?"

"Yeah." Lina smiled sheepishly. "I didn't tell you earlier because I was a bit worried... Aren't men usually against girls getting plastic surgery?"

"Not at all." Zuko gently stroked her hair. "Men have a high level of acceptance for the women they love. But why did you remove the birthmark?"

Lina paused for a moment and spoke softly. "It was Gia who convinced me to have it removed. She said that... the mark on my waist wasn't attractive and affected my appearance in certain clothes.

"To be honest, I was quite foolish back then." She chuckled. "I mean, how often will I wear outfits that expose my waist and stomach? Does it really matter if it's aesthetically pleasing!? But I got carried away and listened to her and had the birthmark removed."

Zuko's gaze darkened.

Gia had been in contact with Melvin for a long time, so her actions were definitely part of a scheme-and the scheme was clear. It was to prevent Lina from returning to the Thompsons!

"Why are you lost in thought?" Lina waved her hand in front of him and smiled sweetly. "Are you hungry? Let's eat together!"

"It's okay, I'm not hungry." Zuko felt sad for the naive and innocent girl and gently embraced her.

The security guard downstairs called to inform them that someone from the Hamertons had brought medicine. Lina asked them to come up. However, she was taken aback when she saw the table filled with various types of medicine.

"These..."

"These were all gathered by Mr. Zuko," the butler said with a smile.

Zuko looked down and realized that he had accidentally sent the voice message to a group chat in his haste...

"Mr. Zuko, is there anything else you need?"

"Well... it's sufficient." Zuko pursed his lips.

The latest medicines would be sent from Southeast Aciatic every year. There were also Zennie and Seth... so the Hamertons were never short of medicine.

The old butler respectfully left the room.

Zuko casually picked up a bottle from the table and nearly stumbled upon seeing the label.

"What's wrong?" Lina approached curiously.

Zuko quickly hid the bottle behind him, but she still noticed it.

"Ult-Alpha?" Lina was puzzled. "What is this?"

Zuko forced a smile, unsure of how to respond.

Why did Toph find the pills their grandfather gave their father?

"Oh, this... This..." Zuko quickly snatched it away, stuttering and unable to come up with a reasonable explanation. "This is a type of pill... from Southeast Aciatic that can cure various ailments!" "Really?" Lina suddenly remembered Jesse. "My dad used to feel pain in his waist, and you treated him with acupuncture. Can he take this?"

Zuko looked horrified in an instant.

His phone buzzed. It was a text from Toph.

[Bro, the pills aren't expired yet. Feel free to use them!]

There was even an emoji with its tongue sticking out at the end.

Zuko's head started buzzing along with his phone, and his blood pressure shot up. He struggled to type a response.

Chapter 1214

Chapter 1214

[Thank you very much!]

Toph replied: [Hey, no need to be so polite between brothers! Wishing you a wonderful night~]

If Zuko wasn't in the office, he would definitely have taken Toph to the courtyard for some sparring.

Two days later, when Lina went downstairs to buy coffee, she suddenly spotted a familiar figure.

"Lina, long time no see."

Lina was taken aback. Gia didn't look too good, no longer as vibrant as before in her attire and style. She seemed much more worn out.

However, one thing remained unchanged-the scheming glint in the corner of her eyes.

Lina smiled faintly and said, "It hasn't been that long. It's only been a week since you were fired."

"But I've had a terrible week," Gia said, lowering her gaze. Her pale expression made her look pitiful.

Yet Lina was no longer moved by such an appearance.

"Gia, I wasn't trying to make things difficult for you," Lina said, looking at her coldly. "Those who do wrong are bound to face the consequences. I hope you understand this principle." "I haven't done anything wrong," Gia argued unreasonably. "I was only thinking of myself... Is that also wrong?"

"It's not wrong to think of yourself, but it shouldn't come at the expense of hurting others."

"Hah! I'm different from you." Gia sneered. "You're the Thompsons' princess. Even if you've spent 20 years as an ordinary person, the Jenners still treat you like a precious gem! "But what about me? I have nothing! Apart from stepping on others to climb up, I have no other options!"

Lina realized she couldn't reason with Gia at all and waved her hand, saying, "Sometimes, a person's choices have nothing to do with their environment. It has more to do with their heart! Renee faced a harsher environment than you, but her choices are completely different from yours!"

"She's your cousin! Of course you'll defend her!"

"When she made those choices, she didn't even know I was her cousin!"

Lina's authority was strong, and Gia was stunned. She blinked and sighed bitterly, "Having a family is really nice... both the ones who gave birth to you and the ones who raised you. They all love you. But Lina, their love for you doesn't come without a price!

"Mrs. Thompson searched for you for 20 years and even developed severe depression. Aunt Melissa isn't doing well either... Oh, I heard that emotional factors are linked to breast cancer. I wonder if her constant fear and worry about your family finding you caused her to develop this disease?"

"What did you say!?" Lina's ears buzzed, and her mind went blank.

She stood there for a moment before grabbing Gia by the collar with a fierce expression that sent shivers down others' spines.

"What nonsense are you spewing?" Lina gritted her teeth. "If your foul mouth can't say anything worthwhile, I can help sew it shut!"

"Lina, don't be so aggressive!" Gia still pretended to look pitiful, but she couldn't hide the trace of triumph in her eyes.

She smirked and continued to provoke Lina. "What? Don't you know Aunt Melissa is sick? Oh, it's breast cancer. I saw it with my own eyes at the hospital last time!

"By the way, your biological mother, Mrs. Thompson, was also there at the hospital!

"Lina, it's strange. Mrs. Thompson knows how important Aunt Melissa is to you, yet she kept her illness a secret from you. What is she trying to do?"

Lina's hand gripping Gia's collar trembled slightly, and a hint of fierceness flashed in her cold gaze.

Chapter 1215

Chapter 1215

"Lina..." Gia smirked, noticing the anger in Lina's eyes. She assumed that anger was directed at Linda. "Lina, I understand you're upset, but this is a serious matter. You should find Mrs. Thompson and ask her for clarification!

"Lina, do you think Mrs. Thompson planned this? She deliberately kept you in the dark, allowing Aunt Melissa to suffer. And when she eventually passes away, Mrs. Thompson will be your only mother..." "Have you said enough!?" Lina snarled.

The coffee she had just bought slipped from Lina's grasp, falling to the ground and splashing the scalding liquid onto the back of Gia's feet.

Gia exclaimed, hopping around like a clown. "Lina, you..."

"I made myself clear earlier." Lina released her grip on Gia's collar, causing Gia to stumble backward. "I'll help shut your foul mouth if it can't say something useful!"

Gia widened her eyes with a mixture of astonishment and fear on her face.

She believed that every word she had uttered struck a nerve in Lina. She knew about Lina's feelings for Melissa, her struggles in adapting to the Thompson family, and her distant relationship with Nicholas and Linda.

She had assumed she could manipulate Lina or at least influence her based on her emotions. When emotions took control, people tended to act irrationally.

However, she didn't expect Lina to redirect her anger toward her. There was still a hint of mockery and fierceness in Lina's eyes.

Gia felt a tinge of fear but couldn't show her weakness. She steeled herself and met Lina's gaze. "Lina, don't you believe what I said? Your mother does have cancer. I saw it in her medical records! They all know but keep it from you!"

"That's your chance to come and sow discord-to drive a wedge between us?" Lina sneered. "Gia, your plan has failed!"

Gia was taken aback, nervously watching Lina.

"I know better than you the kind of people my two mothers are!" Lina clenched her fists, her small hands trembling slightly. "My adoptive mother is sick, and she probably didn't tell me to avoid burdening me. As for my birth mother, she may be strong-willed, but she is kind and upright. If she goes to the hospital, it's to take care of my mother, not to harm her!

"Gia, I don't believe a word you say!"

Gia stumbled back, her high heels crushing the fallen disposable coffee cup, nearly causing her to slip.

Lina sternly uttered each word, "Now, disappear from my sight immediately!"

She resembled a young wolf, separated from its parents, freely hunting in the forest. She bared her terrifying teeth and aimed for her prey's vital parts, ready to strike a fatal blow.

Gia realized she couldn't stay there any longer. Her lips moved, but no words came out. She turned around and fled.

Lina stood under the scorching sun for a while. Despite the heat, she felt a chilling coldness, as if she had entered an icy cave.

Once she calmed down and her body stopped trembling, she called Jesse.

"Dad..." Lina struggled to control her voice, making it sound less shaky. "How have you and mom been lately?"

There was a noticeable pause on the other end of the line, followed by Jesse's familiar laughter.

"Hahaha, we're doing great! Really, really well! The place the Hamertons arranged for us is beautiful. We have mountains right outside our door, and the seaside just steps away. It's so comfortable..." "Are both of you at home? Don't wander around. I'll be back within half an hour."

"Hey, Lina!" Jesse called out anxiously before chuckling lightly. "Y-You always prioritize work! Got it?

"Your mother and I are having a blast playing chess and cards at home every day! Dave went back to Jangasas for an exam, but he'll return in a few days! Oh, by the way, the food we're getting is amazing. The chef from the Hamertons is incredible..."

Chapter 1216

Chapter 1216

Then Lina clearly heard a voice on the other end say, "Bed 35, Melissa Jones, it's time for your medication!"

Jesse hastily hung up.

Lina held her phone, staring at the dark screen. An overwhelming urge to cry surged up, and tears streamed uncontrollably down her face.

Abigail twisted her foot on the set but endured the pain until the last scene to avoid disrupting the filming progress. When the director called "Cut," her foot had already swollen to double its size, and she dared not take another step.

Feeling bad for Abigail, Jackie argued with the crew, claiming they hadn't cared for his precious artist.

Abigail weakly tugged at him. "My foot is already in so much pain, and you want to give me a headache?"

Jackie quickly went over to support her and helped her walk out of the set, step by difficult step.

Unfortunately, the car was scheduled for maintenance today.

Abigail was about to lose her temper. Jackie's mind was usually sharper than a computer, so how could he forget they had sent the car for maintenance today without arranging another one? "Don't worry, darling. I won't let you wander the streets!"

Abigail glared at him. "If I end up on the streets, you better carry me back!"

"I can't carry you!" Jackie smiled mysteriously. "But there's someone who can!"

Abigail followed the direction of his finger and suddenly saw a black G-wagon. Jacob stood beside the car, waving at her.

Jackie's excited expression was as if he had just married off his daughter. He had just called her "darling" a moment ago, but he seemed to care less about her injured foot now as he dragged her toward Jacob.

Abigail felt like her ankle was no longer under her control...

Just when she winced in pain, Jacob suddenly ducked his head and greeted her with a smile, saying, "Hi!"

Abigail forced a smile and awkwardly responded. "Hi!"

Both their heart rates effortlessly exceeded 120 beats per minute.

"How... How come you're here?"

"You... You got injured?"

Both of them asked these two questions at the same time, their faces turning red simultaneously.

Jacob cleared his throat, trying to sound composed as he explained, "I happened to be passing by here." "Oh..."

"How's your foot?"

"Huh?"

Seeing Abigail's silly expression, Jacob felt anxious. Without further ado, he princess-carried her directly into the car.

Abigail wanted to scream, but her throat didn't cooperate.

As Jacob lifted her, she could only open her mouth wide and widen her eyes, giving herself a perfect dumbfounded expression.

'Jacob... actually carried me into the passenger seat? Isn't the passenger seat reserved for the official girlfriend?

'That bitch must have sat here...'

Just thinking about it, Abigail squirmed like she was on hot tin as she sulked.

Chapter 1217

Chapter 1217

"What's wrong?" Jacob noticed that something was off with Abigail. Just as he was about to start the car, he paused and nervously looked at her.

'Is the seat uncomfortable? Is there not enough space? Maybe my car isn't up to her standards...'

Abigail always had plenty of admirers, especially wealthy heirs who would spare no expense for her.

Jacob's confidence wavered as a sense of inferiority resurfaced.

Then, at that moment, he noticed that Abigail hadn't fastened her seatbelt. A lightbulb went off in his head. Could that be the issue?

He quickly leaned over and reached out to fasten her seatbelt.

Abigail was startled, and butterflies fluttered in her stomach. In that split second, as Jacob leaned over, she caught a whiff of his fresh lavender scent and noticed a faint reddish hue on his white shirt under the evening sun.

When he looked up and smiled after securing her seatbelt, she felt it would still be worth it even if she broke her foot today!

"A-All set." Jacob hurriedly composed himself, unable to meet her eyes and stumbling over his words. "This car of mine... it's not very high-end, so the seatbelt doesn't fasten automatically..." "Huh?" Abigail was taken aback.

To this day, she had never heard of a high-end car with an automatic seatbelt function.

Jacob realized his mistake and quickly started the engine. Abigail blushed and smiled, her eyes lowered.

As they drove, she took a closer look at the car's interior.

It had an elegant black color with sleek lines that exuded grace and sophistication.

On the passenger side, there were no feminine belongings... She discreetly opened the glove compartment, peeked into the center console, and quietly pulled down the sun visor... But there were no cosmetics or perfumes, as she had imagined.

In Abigail's mind, once a girl had a boyfriend, she would claim the passenger seat as her own.

'Has his girlfriend... never sat here?'

"Are you looking for something?" Jacob asked softly.

Abigail's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly waved her hand. "I'm not looking for lipstick!"

"What?"

Abigail bit her lip, regretting her words.

"Um, you..." Jacob smiled. "How did you know I have lipstick here?"

"Huh?"

Jacob parked the car by the road and took out a tube of lipstick from his suit pocket. It was a limited edition from a popular international brand.

He placed it gently in Abigail's hand and turned away, pretending to be serious. "You can use this for now."

Abigail was stunned. "Why do you have something like this?"

"Ah... Yeah! Haha..." Jacob forced an awkward laugh. "Actually, this isn't mine! The distributor of this brand in Centrolis recently had a lawsuit, and I helped him win the case. As a token of gratitude, he gave me their latest product! This... This is a-a gift!"

Abigail looked at him, noticing the sweat forming on the tip of his nose.

Did he really not realize that this was a poorly constructed lie?

Which distributor would be so tactless as to only gift a tube of lipstick after winning a lawsuit?

And the shade was... 143.

It was a limited edition shade that many female celebrities coveted.

Abigail lowered her head, stealing a secret glance at his handsome profile. She smiled and tucked the lipstick into her pocket.

"By the way, let me take you to the hospital for your injured foot!" Jacob suggested.

"I'm fine, it doesn't hurt!" Abigail interjected.

However, a sharp pain shot through her ankle even with a slight movement. Despite her mastery of facial expressions, she couldn't hide the grimace of pain.

Chapter 1218

Chapter 1218

Jacob smiled, finding Abigail's grimace exceptionally adorable, oblivious to its unflattering nature.

"We shouldn't take this sprain lightly. We need to go to the hospital now," he said gently but with an air of unquestionable authority. "Listen to me. I'll accompany you!"

Abigail nodded, smiling sweetly as she leaned back in her seat. It felt as though she was submerged in a pot of sweet honey.

Later in the evening, Linda returned home and immediately noticed Evelyn's troubled expression.

"What happened?" Linda's heart sank. "Is it Pammy?"

Evelyn looked at her and reluctantly nodded. "She somehow learned that Mrs. Jenner has cancer, and she..."

Alarmed, Linda was about to rush upstairs, but Evelyn stopped her. "Madam, is it true?"

Linda remained silent for a moment before softly answering, "Yes."

"I think this... is a bit complicated." Evelyn frowned. "After she returned, she locked herself in her room without crying or causing a scene. She didn't even come out for dinner! Madam, does she... blame you?" Linda's heart ached as if an invisible hand had hollowed her out completely.

She brought dinner to Lina's door and hesitated for a few minutes before lightly knocking.

To her surprise, Lina swiftly opened the door and appeared unusually calm.

Linda's ominous feeling grew stronger. She pessimistically thought that this calmness was likely the calm before the storm.

She took a deep breath, preparing to say something but heard her daughter's soft and gentle voice calling her, "Mom, I was about to come downstairs to eat something. Why did you bring it up here?"

Linda froze.

Lina smiled at her and took the tray from her hand, naturally linking arms with her as they entered the room.

Linda's heart raced. Although Lina tried to appear composed, Linda could sense that her daughter was not in a good mood. Tears still lingered on her face.

Linda gingerly held her daughter's hand and attempted to apologize, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault-"

"Mom, please don't say that!" Lina looked at her. "It's my fault. I've been too focused on work lately and neglected my family.

"I neglected both of my mothers." Lina gently caressed Linda's face. "I know that both of you must want me by your side, right?"

"Pammy..." Linda's voice choked, her eyes instantly welling up.

"Gia told me about it," Lina said honestly. "I was really anxious and angry when I heard her earlier... I was anxious about my mother's condition and angry that both of you didn't tell me anything. "But I quickly understood..." Tears welled up in Lina's eyes. "Both of you did it for me to prevent me from worrying."

Lina placed her hand on the back of Linda's hand. "Mom, can I take some time... to take care of my mother? Don't worry. I'll come back every day.

"Because I... I want to be with both of you. Because you are the most important people in my life!"

Linda's tears streamed down as she tightly embraced her daughter.

Before entering the room, countless scenes had played in Linda's mind of Lina blaming her. She had even thought that Lina might have been influenced and would resent her because of this situation. Linda was pleasantly surprised and even more heartbroken with her daughter by her daughter's understanding.

All the grievances and bitterness accumulated over 20 years completely vanished at that moment. The faint resentment she harbored toward Jesse and Melissa also dissipated.

With a daughter like this, all the suffering was worth it...

Lina hugged her back, gently caressing her back. It seemed as though their roles had switched at that moment-Lina became the gentle mother, while Linda transformed into a crying child. A low voice suddenly came from the doorway. "Um... C-Can I come in?"

Chapter 1219

Chapter 1219

Linda and Lina were momentarily stunned, their attention drawn to the door in unison.

Nicholas stood there, wearing a harmless smile. He had been pacing outside his daughter's room for a while, even before Linda brought the tray upstairs. He was concerned that his daughter hadn't eaten and was in a bad mood. The fear of losing the daughter they had worked so hard to find haunted him.

However, he didn't know how to approach her. He was a father, a man, and there were certain things that girls might not want to discuss with a man.

While he had been hesitating, he saw Linda going upstairs, so he quickly hid to the side. After Linda knocked on the door and entered, he sneaked half of his body out and peeked inside, straining his ears to listen.

But the more he listened, the more something seemed off. Why were these two crying so much?

Anxious, Nicholas knocked on the door and walked over, pretending to be passing by.

"Oh... I was about to go to the study." He smiled. "I just happened to pass by here and heard you two crying... Hey, Linda, are you bullying my precious daughter?"

Nicholas kept exchanging glances with Linda as he spoke, hoping she would play along. However, his attempt at humor fell flat and only made his wife burst into laughter.

"It's not funny at all," Linda said, her lips curling up as she looked at Lina. "Don't mind your father. He's naturally lacking in humor. When he was young, he used to cause trouble at Uncle Zephyr and Aunt Cordelia's cafe, scaring away customers with his grin!"

"Are you remembering it wrong?" Nicholas widened his eyes and retorted, "Zephyr is clearly the one with a poker face!"

"Then what kind of face do you have?" Linda laughed. "A kidney bean face?"

Nicholas admitted defeat, and the three of them burst into laughter.

Lina held onto her father with one hand and her mother with the other, just as she used to hold hands with Jesse and Melissa when she was little. She treasured moments of happiness like this. "Good girl, there's no need to be troubled," Nicholas said, patting Lina's head. "I know about your adoptive mother... To be honest, your mother and I blame those two. We blame them for not sending you back after saving you, causing us to suffer for 20 years. But...

"But I've always told your mother, and I've been consoling myself. The past cannot be undone. The only thing we can do is cherish the present.

"Now that you're back, we won't hold it against them anymore... Besides, they've also sacrificed a lot for you in these 20 years. They raised you, and you should repay their kindness."

"Dad..."

"Your adoptive mother needs you now," Nicholas said, his eyes brimming with tender love as he held her hand. "You need to take care of her, but not at that hospital."

"What?"

"What's with the confusion?" Nicholas became haughty. "Isn't it time for that brat Zuko to show up? His family has a joint hospital established by his grandfather. Didn't he tell you!? "If that brat doesn't help with this favor, he can forget about marrying my daughter!"

"You're getting senile, aren't you? Saying such things!" Linda scolded him with a hard pinch. "Go to bed. Don't disturb our daughter's rest!" "Hey, sweetheart, I'm serious!"

Nicholas was pushed out by his wife, assuming the stance of an authoritative father-in-law.

"I need to test that brat properly! If he can't pass my test, he can forget about marrying my precious daughter!"

"Now you call him a brat? You treated him like your own son before!"

"Well... that was before!" Nicholas refused to accept it. "Besides, Zephyr kicked me in the back! I have to seek revenge on his son for that!"

"Nicholas! Don't forget that you kicked him too!" Linda pulled out her secret weapon. She twisted Nicholas' ear, causing him to yelp in pain. "You old man, go to bed! Don't make me bring out the washboard!" "Alright, alright... Sweetheart, be gentle!"

Lina watched the loving, bickering backs of her parents and couldn't help but laugh. She returned to her room and lay down on the bed, feeling relaxed.

As expected, Zuko called to bid her goodnight.

The first words that came out of his deep and husky voice were: "Miss me?"

Lina simply smiled and didn't answer.

Zuko didn't tease her either and spoke seriously. "I've already arranged for your mother's hospital transfer."

"So fast?"

"If I'm not fast, Uncle Nicholas might never let me marry you, right?"

Lina was taken aback. She really suspected that Zuko had planted a bug in her house.

"Don't be surprised." Zuko chuckled. "Actually, I could tell from the way Uncle Nicholas looked at me last time when I dropped you home... My dad said that all fathers-in-law in the world have the same look in their eyes when they see their sons-in-law. My grandfather didn't like him at all back then!"

"He didn't like him?" Lina chuckled mischievously. "Then why does he keep sending him Ult-Alpha?"

"You..."

Realization hit Zuko. She knew everything and deliberately wanted to see him flustered that night! Her laughter over the phone was like a kitten's pawing at his heart, making him restless. While Lina laughed, she turned over and suddenly felt a sharp pain in her waist. She couldn't help but let out a soft gasp.

Zuko was alarmed. "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing." Lina rubbed her waist. "Zuko, the ointments you got last time don't seem to work well. They don't have much effect on the pain in my waist."

Zuko's expression fell as a thought crossed his mind.

Those medications from Southeast Aciatic were meant for external injuries, providing relief to surface symptoms but not addressing the root cause. Perhaps her real injury was internal.

Zuko spoke seriously. "Lina, while Aunt Melissa is transferring hospitals, get yourself checked at the joint hospital too!"

Lina paused and asked softly after a while, "Do you think it's serious? But the pain only comes and goes. It's not usually painful."

"That's precisely why it's concerning." Zuko sighed softly. "Let's get it checked, so I can be at ease."

"Okay," Lina replied softly with a smile. "I'll listen to you!"

Chapter 1220

Chapter 1220

On the other side...

When Abigail arrived at the hospital, she learned that Jackie had already arranged for a private doctor who had been waiting for her.

Jacob carried her discreetly through a passage to reach the consultation room.

Abigail's ankle wasn't seriously injured and only required a few days of rest and medication. However, her immediate concern was her shooting schedule. The nurse replied, "Ms. Fox, scenes that require you to stand cannot be filmed, but those where you can sit or lie down and deliver lines are fine."

The doctor frowned and advised, "With your foot injured like this, you shouldn't even consider filming. You need to focus on recovering first."

"But I can't keep the entire crew waiting for me!" Abigail worriedly took out her phone and called Jackie. To her surprise, her usually attentive agent started to stutter, "Um... Abigail, the van's maintenance isn't completed yet... Oh, no, it needs major repairs and will take at least a week!"

"What?" Abigail widened her eyes. "Then, can you come and pick me up and drop me off?"

"Baby, please understand! I have other work to attend to... Uh, you'll have to figure out your own way to the set!"

"Hello?"

After saying that, Jackie abruptly ended the call, leaving Abigail fuming and tempted to throw her phone.

"What a jerk! How dare he speak to me like that now?! Can you believe..."

"Don't worry," Jacob said gently. "Why don't I take you to the set during this period and then bring you back home?"

Abigail's heart skipped a beat as she thought she might have misheard him. When she looked up, she met Jacob's sincere gaze and froze.

Only then did she realize she was sitting on the bed with one leg bent and her arm resting on it while her other leg swung back and forth... like a female Tarzan. She had also shouted loudly...

It was over! Everything was over!

In a moment of despair, she had exposed her true self-and in front of Jacob!

She closed her eyes in agony, feeling hopeless and wishing she could dig a hole to bury herself.

"What's wrong?" Jacob grew concerned. "Is your foot still hurting?"

"No..." Abigail weakly shook her head and pointed to her chest. "It hurts here, in my heart..."

"Huh?" Jacob was taken aback. "Did you hurt yourself here while filming?"

Abigail looked at him, struggling to force a smile that resembled more of a wince.

Jacob couldn't decipher the meaning behind her smile and remained on edge, fearing any further mishap. "Maybe... let's not stay here any longer. I'll take you back!"

Before Abigail could respond, Jacob picked up the sunglasses and hat next to him and placed them on her. Then, like a prince carrying a princess, he held her in his arms and swiftly walked out of the room. From the emergency room to the parking lot, he was thrilled, completely unaware of the weary girl in his arms.

As they drove up from the basement, Jacob was entirely absorbed in planning how to transport Abigail to and from the set in the coming week.

However, someone suddenly rushed in front of his car!

Jacob was startled and hit the brakes, extending his hand to shield Abigail from falling forward due to the sudden stop. The first thing he asked after stopping the car was, "Are you alright?"

Abigail felt a warm sensation in her heart. How could she be in any danger? He had fastened her seatbelt in the underground parking lot just moments ago, and he had shielded her with his hand now.