Ch. 1251..1260

Chapter 1251

Chapter 1251

Lina heard everything they said, and it hit her hard. Their stares felt like knives cutting into her face. Instinctively, she glanced at Desiree, who appeared quite intoxicated, lazily leaning on the couch. Desiree was looking back at her, and they locked eyes.

Lina saw a clear, gloating expression in Desiree's gaze. Now, she understood the intent behind Desiree's actions.

Desiree had defamed her and suppressed her, using Nicholas' unsavory past as a gangster to keep influential people away from Lina. This way, she couldn't interact with those important connections anymore. If things went according to Desiree's plan, Lina would be humiliated and angry.

Lina remained composed, trying not to lose her temper, but the others were crossing the line, especially under the influence of alcohol.

Desiree also joined in, seemingly drunk, but Lina suspected she was fully aware of her actions.

Lina chuckled, looking at Desiree. "It seems we won't be able to proceed with our collaboration. Nevertheless, thanks for sharing the business list."

"Oh, Lina, did I say something wrong?" Desiree quickly stood up and apologized. "I tend to talk nonsense when I'm drunk. Please don't take it personally!"

The others remained silent, unsure of what to say.

Desiree smacked her head in regret, berating herself for her drunken behavior.

"It's alright. What you said is true." Lina smirked. "The Thompsons can't be compared to other prestigious families. I've heard your parents are PH.D. graduates from renowned schools, right? My parents can't compete with that."

"Lina-"

"Our friendship remains even if the business doesn't work out, so don't take it personally," Lina said carelessly, downing her drink in one go.

After a while, Lina said, "I'm sorry, I can't handle alcohol very well. My head is spinning from drinking too fast. Could you come with me to the bathroom to wash my face, Desiree?"

Desiree raised an eyebrow, unable to hide her smugness, thinking she had won. She readily agreed and helped Lina to the bathroom.

However, as soon as they entered, Lina used her foot to slam the door shut. She stood before Desiree, her eyes and expression cold and unreadable.

Desiree trembled. "Lina, you..."

"Come here, Desiree!" Lina approached her with intensity. "I have a gift for you. There were too many people out there, so I couldn't bring it with me. It's in my bag. Can you guess what it is?" Suspicious, Desiree cautiously reached into Lina's bag and felt something cold and hard-a grip of some kind, like that of a gun!

Her eyes widened, and she noticed an unexpected hint of fierceness in Lina's gaze, something far beyond what one would expect from a young girl.

Chapter 1252

Chapter 1252

Desiree instantly came to a realization. Just as she was about to scream, she saw Lina pulling out a gun and pointing it at her temple.

"W-What are you doing?" Desiree stammered.

"This is the gift I got for you. Do you like it?" Lina scoffed. "Even though my dad has been involved in legitimate business for a long time now, it seems like it can't stop someone from being mean to him!" "Lina, you-"

Lina scoffed. "Since you said I'm the daughter of a gangster, I can't let that nickname cause me pain. Don't you think so?"

Desiree widened her eyes, terrified.

Lina smirked, gloating as she loaded the gun. The sound echoed loudly in the empty bathroom.

Desiree screamed in fright. Her legs trembled, and she almost fell down.

"I-It was a misunderstanding!" She explained with a shaking voice. "We were all just drinking too much. Lina, I-I didn't mean to say that. I..."

"Misunderstanding?" Lina moved her wrist to lift Desiree's chin with the gun. "You used my fiance's cup in front of me. Was it because you had too much to drink? You sat with Zuko and leaned close to him. Was it because you had too much to drink!?"

Desiree started sobbing instantly. She wanted to cover her head with her arms as she squatted on the ground, losing the arrogance she had shown before.

Lina looked at her with disdain. She thought Desiree was an overbearing person, but it turned out she was just a poser.

In reality, there was only one bullet in the gun.

It was for her protection, not to cause harm. She thought that single bullet would be enough to scare people if anything happened. Moreover, lan had his men guarding outside. Nothing would happen to her. Even if she accidentally pulled the trigger after loading the gun, the safety was still on, so the bullet would not be fired.

However, once she loaded the gun, it scared the living daylights out of Desiree.

Lina smirked and took a deep breath. She would end the game now that Desiree had learned her lesson.

Lina lifted her hand slowly. Before she could put the gun away, someone suddenly opened the door!

Lina was shocked and turned her head to look. "Who is it?"

A janitor came in.

Lina was stunned. She had locked the door when she came in.

However, it made sense that the janitor had the keys.

Lina was spooked. After all, it would be terrible for people to see her with a gun. The moment she was going to put it away, Desiree seized the opportunity to grab her hand and shoved her! Lina did not grip the gun properly, dropping it onto the ground!

It fell before the janitor. She glanced at it, and her facial expression changed.

Desiree screamed and tried to grab it.

At that moment, the janitor kicked Desiree's wrist!

Desiree screamed in pain. Before she could react, the gun was now pointed at her head.

This time, it was the janitor holding the gun.

Lina was dumbstruck. Her heart was pounding.

The janitor looked young and petite, and her sharp chin was visible under the baseball cap. The uniform looked loose on her.

However, her eyes were like a wolf in the snow, exuding chilliness.

Lina did her best to calm down her chaotic mind.

"You..."

Before Lina could speak, the janitor coldly said two words to Desiree. "Get out."

Desiree charged out, screaming as she ran for her life.

Just when Lina was still stunned, the janitor went after Desiree and caught up to her almost immediately. The janitor stretched her leg agilely, causing Desiree to fall hard! "W-What do you want from me?" Desiree cried. "Are you with the Thompsons? I've already apologized, Lina! What else do you want from me?"

Lina ran over, too, standing behind the two of them.

Chapter 1253

Chapter 1253

Desiree was in a mess, retreating with her hands supporting her body on the ground. She was unable to stop shaking and cried at the top of her lungs.

In stark contrast, the janitor remained surprisingly calm, silencing Desiree with a cloth.

"You're annoying," the janitor stated.

"Mmph!" Desiree struggled in panic.

"Don't tell anyone about the gun, get it?" the janitor threatened.

Desiree widened her eyes.

Even Lina was stunned.

The janitor had chased after Desiree to prevent anyone from finding out that Lina had a gun. After all, the Thompsons were now involved in legitimate business, and their reputation could be damaged if this information got out.

However, Lina couldn't recall having any contact with this person, no matter how hard she thought.

Why would she help her?

Fearful and unable to do anything else, Desiree could only nod and cry.

After removing the cloth, the janitor let Desiree go. The latter hastily crawled and ran away.

Lina's heart raced as she stood outside the bathroom's remote corridor. The mysterious janitor, shorter than her, emitted an eerie chill that seemed to engulf the entire space. Even if lan and his men came now it might be too late to stop her if she intended to harm Lina.

Lina bit her lip, her body stiff with fear. She couldn't help but clench her fists.

The janitor still held her gun. As she walked toward Lina, the latter noticed a vase nearby and considered using it to stall her if she tried to harm her.

But to Lina's surprise, the janitor handed her the gun and said, "Here."

The ringing in Lina's ears drowned out her thoughts. "You..."

The janitor pressed down her cap and remained silent.

Just as Lina took the gun from the janitor's hand, the latter paused for a moment, caressing the word "Krys" on the gun handle.

Then, the janitor turned around and disappeared at the end of the corridor.

It took Lina quite some time to snap back to her senses. It felt like she had just woken up from a dream. The janitor came and left, leaving no name behind, as if she were only a fleeting figure in Lina's mind. When Lina left the bar, Zuko and lan were waiting for her with the rest.

"Are you okay, miss?" lan asked.

Lina shook her head mechanically.

Upon seeing her beaten look, Zuko's heart squeezed with concern. He hugged her gently and asked, "Who were the people you met for the investment meeting today?"

"The founders of a few enterprises," Lina replied vaguely. "They were influential women, but we couldn't reach a common ground. So we left after a short time."

Zuko inquired about Desiree, and Lina hesitated. She knew Desiree had fled through the bar's back door, but she couldn't figure out who the janitor was.

Initially, she planned to investigate herself, but upon seeing Zuko, she found herself relying on him. She wanted his opinion on everything.

"Zuko..." Lina hesitated before deciding to share everything with him. "Can you help me find out about someone?"

Chapter 1254

Chapter 1254

Desiree ran in panic, losing the strength to even drive. After a few attempts, she finally dialed the right number to get her driver to pick her up.

By the time Desiree arrived home, she was drenched in sweat and as pale as a piece of paper, panting heavily. Though the room was just a short distance away, she had to hold onto the wall for support. The house she stayed in was bought by her family years ago in Centrolis. It was a large and quiet suburban property, far from public view. However, Desiree still found it was lacking.

After catching her breath, she frantically closed all the curtains in the house, feeling terrified by the earlier events.

Not only did she feel jealousy for Lina now, but resentment as well.

The maid approached her quietly and said, "Miss, the person you want to meet is already in the guest room."

"What?" Desiree calmed down. "She's here?"

"Yes, she arrived from Jangasas this afternoon. Since you weren't home, I took her to the guest room," the maid replied.

"Got it." Desiree took a deep breath, trying to slow her racing heart. Slowly, she made her way upstairs, took a shower, and changed clothes.

Soon, she headed to the guest room and opened the door.

The young woman in the wheelchair had her back turned to the door, but upon hearing the commotion, she turned around.

Desiree was shocked.

The scar on the young woman's face was more repulsive than she had imagined.

Maintaining her composure, Desiree approached and greeted, "Hello, Ms. Grist."

"Hi." Violet responded softly, her voice almost a mumble.

Violet had been disfigured, and her family had brought her back to Jangasas from Southern Aciatic. Despite countless reconstructive surgeries, she couldn't regain her previous appearance. Instead, her tissues were damaged, and she couldn't even smile anymore.

Before Desiree came to Centrolis, she had discovered that Violet used to be Lina's rival in Jangasas. Moreover, Lina was somehow connected to Violet's disfigurement.

Desiree had invited Violet to Centrolis with the promise of helping her seek revenge against Lina.

"Ms. Grist, I know the Grists started the business by making drinks. I know there was a best-selling drink that was investigated due to Lina's report, which caused the Grists' decline in the market," Desiree said. "Yes!" Violet's voice was a mumbling mess, but her determination was clear. She punched the wheelchair's handle, exclaiming, "That bitch! Bitch!"

Desiree smirked. "The same bitch you're talking about is now the daughter of the Thompsons. Do you have the guts to take her on?"

"I don't care whose daughter she is! She hurt me before, and I'll make sure she suffers for the rest of her life!" Violet declared.

Desiree nodded. "It's good to see such persistence in you."

Desiree helped Violet up from the wheelchair and took her to the courtyard.

The suburbs were quiet, but despite belonging to Centrolis, the area felt underdeveloped, with bushes scattered everywhere. It made it seem desolate at night.

The Harpers were believers in astrology. However, did they not consult it before buying this land and building their house? Didn't they research if this area was suitable for living? Looking around, Desiree felt irritated.

She remembered her family always saying, "Your environment decides who you are." The scenery seemed to reflect that her life was heading downhill.

Desiree shook off the thought and said to Violet, "I heard that something was added to the drink that made it illegal?"

Violet fell into silence.

"Don't worry, Ms. Grist. I'm not asking you to relive the past. But if we want to torture Lina, we can only do it this way!"

"What do you mean?" Violet asked.

"The Thompson Group's film studio project has begun, and it'll be open soon," Desiree said with arrogance. "Half of the entertainment circle will be there! Who do you think is best suited to bear the responsibility when something goes wrong with the celebrities' drinks?"

Violet realized what Desiree meant, but she dared not laugh out loud. Instead, she chuckled like a character in a horror film.

Desiree looked at her with disdain and turned away.

"Don't worry, Ms. Harper!" Violet's speech was slightly muffled. "I will get the Grists' R&D department to hand me the formula right away. Ha! I guarantee that the celebrities will hate the Thompson Group completely on the day of the opening ceremony!"

Lina, Zuko, Toph, and Renee had a group chat called "The Happy Four" for casual chats.

However, the group was not happy today. They looked serious as they met at a cafe.

No matter how much they investigated, the identity of the janitor remained a mystery. Everyone they questioned said the same thing.

"This person is very mysterious. The bar owner said she doesn't have an ID. They hired her because she didn't ask for a salary. All she wanted was three meals a day and accommodation. The bar owner was smart to have agreed to her request."

"She has no ID, so it's only natural that nobody could investigate her through the usual methods. The people around her know little about her. They only know that she's called "Lena".

"She's very hardworking and cleans the bar thoroughly. However, she's quiet, and her colleagues think she's mute."

"Lena..." Lina repeated the name, but it didn't ring any bells.

"Lena, Lena. Where art thou?" Toph chuckled. "You're Lina, and she's Lena. Your names rhyme! Maybe you'll run into her if you chant her name!"

Zuko spoke in a serious tone. "Lina, can't you think of any other details?"

As Lina tried her best to recall, a thought suddenly struck her. "She seemed very interested in the word 'Krys' when she caressed the gun handle that day! "Could she... have seen the gun before?" she wondered aloud. "Could she be related to Madame Krys?"

Renee also looked serious as she spoke. "Cuz, Madame Krys is involved in human trafficking... Perhaps she was one of her victims?"

Chapter 1255

Chapter 1255

Lina and Renee fell silent at the same time. The name Madame Krys had brought them back to the time on the ship. They had thought they had forgotten about it, but the narrow cabin, the wounded girls, and the ferocious eyes were playing in their heads like a movie. It was a traumatic experience, as well as an unforgettable memory.

"Maybe," Lina said softly. "Maybe she's really related to Madame Krys. Even though she saved our lives, she broke the law. We can't tell whether this Lena is a friend or a foe just yet, so we must be cautious." Renee nodded. "Cuz, if you really want to find out, why don't you go there a couple more times?"

Toph quickly interjected. "It's a dangerous place. Better to stay away!"

Renee looked at him and smiled but said nothing more.

The group parted ways and went home after chatting for a while.

Desiree had been quiet these days. She used to hit Zuko up daily, but she now dared not even text him.

When Toph was playing games, he would notice that her avatar had been offline.

"Ha! I didn't know that Pammy was so fierce!" he exclaimed while playing. "Desiree dares not even go online to play games now that Pammy has shown her her place!

"Watch out, bro. She'll bring a gang to end you if you make her angry!

"Don't drag me in when you guys fight!"

A pillow was tossed at Toph as he spoke. It hit him in the head.

Zuko sneered. "You sure have much to say!"

Zuko was getting ready for work. He was fixing his tie in front of the mirror. It was Lina who had picked out the dark blue suit for him through the video call last night.

He checked himself out. The more he looked, the more he thought something was missing.

"Toph, do you think I'm missing a belt?" he asked.

Toph had just drunk a mouthful of milk and almost spat it out. "Hahaha... You want a $400 belt as well?"

In reality, Zuko had many belts. Cordelia took care of most of his sons' stuff. She was never stingy, and a belt that cost a couple of thousand dollars was the cheapest one. However, Zuko thought something was lacking with those belts.

"Of course!" Toph laughed happily. "That's the difference between your wife and mom! Don't worry, I certainly won't tell mom that you don't like the belts that she bought for you- Mmph!" Before Toph was done speaking, Zuko covered his mouth from the back and strangled his neck lightly.

The siblings fought for a while, and it ended with Toph losing the battle.

Though Toph was unwilling to yield, he was worried about Zuko. "Let's talk business. Nothing else matters now, but if Desiree talks nonsense in front of our grandmother, then Lina..." "So what?" Zuko raised his eyebrows. "She is our grandmother, not hers."

"But the Harpers have been friends with the Bakers for generations," Toph said carefully. "Grandma might have to protect the family's reputation."

"Reputation is for those who deserve it." Zuko smirked. "Though the Goddess of Death is old now, she is still sharp. Don't worry!"

Toph thought about it and smiled. Janine had always been on the side of justice. She did not care who the villain was; she would fight them no matter what.

Meanwhile, she would protect people she liked with all her might.

Therefore, Desiree's nonsense would not shake their grandmother.

Also, Desiree might have found out about their grandmother's character and decided not to say anything at all.

"The Thompson Group's film studio will open two days later." Toph asked, "Everything good on Pammy's side?"

Chapter 1256

Chapter 1256

Zuko said, "I've looked over the proposal for her, and everything is good to go. I've also got people to handle the details." "Renee has been working hard, too," Toph complained. "I'm going to take her on a vacation when the opening is over!" Zuko pouted. He faked a chuckle and left.

Renee had been working hard, but Lina had been covering everything, and she had had to do everything herself. It was hard for her to show perfectly the capability and quality that the successor of the company should have.

Therefore, Zuko would also take her on a vacation after the opening ended. He wanted to bring her somewhere further than Toph was bringing Renee!

He smiled as he thought about it. His mood was even better than the weather today. He didn't even bother with the driver, and he drove himself.

A week later, the opening of the Thompson Group's film studio took over the trending topic for the entire week.

With the influence of Sol Entertainment and the Hamerton Group's Imperial Media, celebrities gathered in fanfare on the day of the opening. It was crowded. The national and international media had been waiting outside for a long time, worried about missing it. The reporters were discussing among themselves.

"I heard that not only celebrities are coming. Even the people from the four major families of Centrolis are here, as well as the Baker Group!"

"The families have an arranged marriage. How could they not come? Ha! The Thompsons are powerful. Seems like that Nic, who has converted from his underworld identity, is really good in business!" "That's the first grandson of the Hamerons, right? I heard he's a Count in Southern Aciatic..."

"That's the Thompsons' daughter next to him. She's beautiful! They're even more good-looking than celebrities when they walk together!"

"I think the second grandson is more good-looking. He's always smiling. He's my cup of tea!"

"Okay, okay, quit talking so much!" one of the older reporters said with a smile. "There's a press gallery at the banquet. Go eat after you guys take pictures! Director Thompson promised to serve everyone properly!"

The people cheered.

"Mr. Nicholas is so generous. No wonder his business flourished!"

"I'm talking about Ms. Lina, not Nicholas!" The older reporter laughed. "From the film studio to the planning of the opening, it was Mr. Nicholas' daughter, Ms. Thompson, who did it!"

The reporters were stunned. They couldn't believe that the seemingly weak princess was so capable in her work.

The first part of the banquet was ending.

After the long speeches and a series of performances for the opening, Lina could finally take a breather beneath the stage.

However, a warm, big hand appeared before she could rest for long.

"I wonder if I can have the honor to have this dance, Mini Director Thompson?" Zuko asked.

Lina smiled as she looked at him. Zuko sat beside her, and she coquettishly leaned her head on his shoulder. She replied lazily, "You're calling me like how the people in the office are calling me?" "You are, after all." Zuko caressed her head.

Although she had changed her name to Pamela, while Linda would call her Pammy at home, she was more used to the name Lina.

Moreover, she kept the name Lina to thank Jesse and Melissa for adopting her.

"Tired?" Zuko's voice was deep. He took a pretty pair of flats out of nowhere. "Change your shoes."

While Lina was still in a daze, Zuko squatted halfway and placed her foot on his knee.

"No..." Lina blushed and looked around.

People were looking over, and envy filled their eyes.

"You've heard of the story of Cinderella, right?" Zuko smiled gently. "I finally understand the feeling of the prince putting on the crystal shoe for the love of his life himself."

"What does it feel like?" Lina asked.

"Hmm..." He tried his best to describe it. "It's precious, and it makes me feel proud."

Lina was puzzled. "Proud?"

"That's right." Zuko leaned over to kiss her forehead after changing her shoes and standing up. "Because... I'm proud of you!"

Chapter 1257

Chapter 1257

The venue went silent for a second before loud applause erupted.

The celebrities had seen it all, having been in all sorts of movies and dramas. But they had never seen anything so sweet as what Zuko had just done for Lina.

They applauded, whether out of genuine appreciation or simply to go along with the crowd. But no one wanted to miss the opportunity to offer their sincere congratulations. Zuko and Lina began to dance. After taking off her heels, Lina felt lighter on her feet. Although she wasn't much of a dancer, Zuko's presence helped to calm her nerves. They made a handsome couple, and their graceful movements drew countless admiring glances.

After the dance, they retired to the VIP room to discuss the future of the film studio. But their conversation was interrupted by Renee, who burst into the room in a panic.

"Cuz!" she cried.

Lina was startled. "What's wrong?"

Renee was so flustered that she could barely speak.

Toph followed close behind, his expression grave. "There's been an accident," he said urgently. "A number of celebrities have fallen ill, with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. Even some of the reporters have been affected."

Lina's face lost color.

"What?" she asked. "But how is that possible?"

"I don't know," Toph said. "But someone called for an ambulance, and one of the celebrities' agents called the police. They're probably on their way here."

Lina felt a knot of tension in her stomach.

No matter how much trouble this might cause, she knew she had to handle it calmly and effectively. But with so many public figures involved, the best course of action was to minimize the damage and prevent the news from spreading.

She said, "Renee, please take my parents home. Tell them I'll be there soon and that they shouldn't worry."

"Yes," Renee said. "I'll also send the elders and the senior staff home."

Zuko nodded. "I'll take care of that."

He then made a call to Jacob, instructing his legal team to be on standby. He also contacted the Hamertons' joint hospital, asking the medical team to keep any celebrity patients' identities confidential. Lina quickly contacted the company's PR team to compile a list of the celebrities who had been affected. The list was long, and the agents were demanding answers. But for now, Lina could only deny that anything was wrong.

Just then, Jackie arrived.

"Lina, Abigail..." he said breathlessly.

"How is she?" Lina asked.

"She's fine," Jackie said.

Zuko frowned, his eyes flashing with anger. "Then why are you so flustered?"

Jackie forced a smile. "Well, Abigail asked me to tell you that she's fine. I-I should probably go now."

"Wait," Lina said. "You said Abigail is fine?"

"Yes," Jackie said.

Lina's eyes narrowed. "What did she eat tonight?" she asked. "Who did she talk to? Why is she the only one who's not sick?"

Jackie thought for a moment. "She's the film studio's ambassador, so she definitely had a few drinks," he said. "But she has a way of avoiding drinking too much. She'll just clink her glass at the very edge, and then she'll find a way to get out of drinking it altogether."

"What about other beverages?" Lina asked.

"She doesn't consume sugar, so she definitely didn't drink any of the soft drinks," Jackie said. "And as for food, she just ate some vegetables because they're low-carb."

Lina's eyes widened. "I think I know what happened," she said.

According to the feedback she had received from the PR team and the hospitals, the celebrities had all fallen ill after eating. But if Abigail was fine, then it couldn't have been the food.

It had to be the alcohol and beverages.

Chapter 1258

Chapter 1258

Lina frowned and looked at Zuko. He was looking at her too, and they locked eyes, seemingly understanding what the other was thinking.

At that moment, the police arrived.

"Are you Ms. Pamela Thompson?" a police officer asked.

Lina was stunned. "I am..."

The police officer said, "After our preliminary investigation, we suspect someone spiked the beverages at the banquet."

"Who did it? Did you find out?" Lina asked.

The officer looked at her with a complicated expression. "Ms. Thompson, we received an anonymous tip during our investigation that you prepared the beverages for the banquet." "What? Don't tell me you suspect me?" Lina was stunned, her mind blank.

"We can't rule anyone out who is connected to the case until we have solid evidence," the officer said respectfully, but his eyes were cold. "Ms. Thompson, please come with us to assist with the investigation."

Zuko waited at the police station. He couldn't go in, so he had no idea what was happening. Even though he looked calm, each second was terribly torturous to him.

Jacob had been waiting there with his legal team. Seeing him like that, he walked over and patted his shoulder. "They can only release her if they don't have sufficient evidence. Don't worry, she's fine. The police won't make things difficult for her."

Zuko trusted that. With the Thompsons and Hamertons' power and the accusations being baseless, the police wouldn't dare make things difficult for her.

Still, Zuko would be worried as long as he didn't see Lina.

Jacob checked the time. It had been exactly an hour.

At that moment, a police officer called him over.

After completing the necessary procedures, Lina emerged from behind a door.

She looked okay, but her expression was downcast. Every step she took seemed precarious, like walking on a knife's edge, extremely difficult.

"Lina!" Zuko rushed over, ignoring everything else. He hugged her.

Lina felt the familiar warmth from his body, and the comforting embrace almost made her cry. At that moment, tears uncontrollably streamed down her face. "It's okay." Zuko patted her back. "Everything will come to light."

She nodded. She believed in justice. No matter how convincing the anonymous tip was, she hadn't done it. The law would prove her innocence.

The case involved many celebrities, and although the Thompson Group's PR team had tried their best to minimize the impact, rumors were rampant outside.

Some overzealous fans criticized the Thompson Group on Facebook. Even some fans with wild imaginations latched onto the fact that Abigail was unaffected, creating a conspiracy theory that Abigail and the Thompson Group were involved. It went viral.

In the days following, Lina dared not look at her phone, computer, television, or even answer calls. She practically locked herself in her room, repeatedly sorting out the doubts surrounding the incident from beginning to end.

However, the people out there were worried that she might be affected mentally.

Nicholas and Linda would take turns waiting outside her room. Nicholas even thought of selling the Thompson Group right away, just because "This shitty company gave my darling daughter so many troubles, so I don't want it anymore!"

"Don't be impulsive, Uncle Nicholas!" a deep voice came.

Linda quickly grabbed Zuko's hands as if she had seen her life savior. "I'm so happy that you're here, Zuko! Go talk to Pammy. She only listens to you..." Nicholas cleared his throat to show his unwillingness. The only thing that remained the same on his old face was his stubbornness since he was young.

Linda rolled her eyes. "Can you grow up? Our son-in-law is here. You're no longer needed! Go now!"

Nicholas pouted but could only allow his wife to drag him away. He narrowed his eyes and glared at Zuko before leaving. "If you manage to convince her... I'll consider letting your dad win at our next fishing trip!"

Chapter 1259

Chapter 1259

Zuko smiled. "Thanks, Uncle Nicholas."

Nicholas tidied his tie, looking proud. Linda then dragged him away, holding his ear.

Zuko knocked on the door, but there was no response at first. He became worried and was about to ask the maid for a spare key when the door opened.

Lina stood in front of him with her eyes downcast. She looked thinner, with dark circles under her eyes, but she didn't seem dispirited.

"Lina..." Zuko felt a pang of heartache and gently caressed her soft cheek, asking, "Is there anything else I can do for you?"

Lina smiled and leaned into his embrace.

During this time, Zuko had already done a lot for her. While Lina had been cooperating with the police investigation, he had been outside waiting for her. When Lina locked herself in her room, he had been analyzing the doubts and finding evidence.

If Lina asked what else he could do for her...

Lina said, "I'd like to take a walk. Would you go with me?"

"Of course!" Zuko was eager to do that. "Where would you like to go?"

She thought for a while but could not think of anywhere at all. In reality, she had been feeling down. Even if she had good psychological coping skills, it was impossible to act as if nothing had happened in a situation like this.

"I-I just want to go all out and have fun," she whispered. "As long as I can forget about this annoying matter."

"That's all?" Zuko chuckled, took her hand, and led her out. He said clearly, "I'm on it!"

After making a few phone calls, Zuko drove Lina to a hilltop. She didn't recognize this place but followed him through the bushes and discovered a hidden paradise in an open space. There was actually a helicopter stationed there!

The silver-gray helicopter glistened in the sunlight.

Zuko smiled as he explained, "This is my helipad. It's a gift from my mother when I graduated from university."

At that moment, several people walked over, wearing professional uniforms and nodding slightly in front of Zuko.

"They're my flight instructors," Zuko said, looking at Lina. "Didn't you say you wanted to go all out? Let's do that!"

Lina got into the helicopter excitedly, with a little bit of anxiety. It slowly ascended to a certain altitude. Lina looked down from the window, and the entire city seemed to have turned into Lego toys. She had never seen the city from this angle before and felt exhilarated.

At this point, the instructor helped her put on a parachute.

Lina was taken aback and looked up at Zuko.

"Zuko, I..."

"Don't be afraid," he said gently. "I'm here."

"When did you learn to skydive?"

"Hmm... a long time ago." He grinned. "Don't you think I'm full of surprises, that there are many things that you don't know about me?"

She punched him softly, and he took the opportunity to hold her hand and lead her to the door.

The instructors were veterans who had been doing this for over ten years. There were even retired paratroopers among them, so their safety was guaranteed.

Lina was terribly nervous. Her legs could not stop shaking. However, the world changed when she jumped and the parachute opened.

Zuko held her hands tightly as they were high in the sky. The parachutes were like two flowers opened in the blue sky.

Lina felt the wind rushing past her ears, and the significant sense of falling brought a different kind of excitement. She could not help but scream.

All the sadness and grievances vanished into the sky, along with her shouts.

"Lina!" Zuko called out her name loudly.

With all the noise and excitement, Lina couldn't hear what Zuko was shouting.

"What did you say?" she asked.

"I love you!" he shouted.

"What?"

Chapter 1260

Chapter 1260

Zuko looked at Lina with a particularly cheerful smile. "I said, I love you!"

Lina froze as tears welled up in her eyes. Zuko held her hand, and his presence gave her an infinite sense of security. Despite the high altitude, she did not need to worry at all because he was the parachute that would never be absent in her life.

After a safe landing, Lina was still immersed in the excitement and could not get enough of it. However, it was almost noon, and Zuko suggested that they have lunch first.

Lina looked around. They had landed in the suburbs, with a long road behind them and the vast sea in front. There were few people there, and it seemed that there would be even fewer restaurants. "Follow me." Zuko held her hand and said. "I know a place where you'll definitely get delicious food!"

Lina chuckled. "Zuko, can I ask you a question?"

"Hmm?"

Lina narrowed her eyes, beaming. "What were you doing before you found me? How come nothing seems to be able to stump you?"

Zuko glanced at her, feigning mystery. "I am not telling you!"

"Zuko!"

"If I tell you everything, I won't be mysterious anymore," Zuko said. "And if I'm not mysterious, you might not want me anymore."

Lina widened her eyes in disbelief. "You're being childish."

Zuko looked aggrieved. "Lina, will you not want me anymore?"

Lina teased him, "Yes!"

"That won't do!" Zuko hugged her frantically. "Lina, I'm yours for life or death. You said you would never leave me. You can't go back on your word."

Lina giggled as she pushed Zuko away, but he kept coming back to her. Finally, he held her tightly and refused to let go.

"What would the people from Hamerton Group think if they saw you like this?" Lina asked, blinking her big eyes.

"They'd think I'm undoubtedly my father's biological son," Zuko replied.

Lina was confused. "What do you mean?"

Zuko smirked and spoke next to her ear. "You can ask my mom about it after we get married!"

The two of them talked and laughed all the way to a farmhouse restaurant. Lina found it intriguing. She would often go to small restaurants in Jangasas, but they were all in the city. This was her first time coming to a farmhouse restaurant in the suburbs.

This place used to be a small fishing village, surrounded by mountains and facing the sea. The scenery was beautiful. The restaurant owner seized the business opportunity of farmhouse dining and made a lot of money.

Other villagers followed suit, and the coastal area became a hotspot for farmhouse dining. However, this first restaurant was still the most authentic and genuine one.

The owner greeted Zuko warmly, patting his shoulder and shaking his hand as if they were old friends.

"This is a place I accidentally discovered when I was skydiving with Toph," Zuko told Lina with a smile. "We used to come here often after that. The grilled fish and shrimps here are exceptional. You have to try them!"

The owner seated them at an open table under a straw roof, so it was not scorching hot.

Lina sat down and was immediately captivated by the scenery. The boundless ocean, the freely flying seagulls, the vast land, and the breezy weather all made her feel like time had stopped.

Unexpectedly, the owner pulled Zuko to the side and mysteriously offered him a plate of grilled oysters.

"What's this?" Zuko was taken aback.

"Grilled oysters!" the owner grinned mischievously.

"New dish?"

"It's especially for you!" The owner patted his shoulder, beaming. "Bro, you'll need the nourishment!"

Zuko nearly choked on the grilled fish.

Did he look like he needed nourishment!?