Ch. 1281..1290
Chapter 1281
Chapter 1281
"Even if we wanted to pay the ransom, you must give us time." Cordelia remained calm. "My mom is old, Mr. Harper. She can't bear this. If something happens to her, you will end up behind bars. You won't
gain anything from it, either. This is serious. Think it through."
Albert looked around, and his grip on Janine's neck initially loosened, but then he tightened it even more. "Trying to trick me? Ha! You're too naive, Mrs. Hamerton!"
"Mr. Harper!"
At that moment, Lina stood up and held Cordelia's arm, urging her to step back.
Cordelia felt her heart squeeze with concern upon hearing Lina's soft voice.
"Mr. Harper, if you don't believe what Mrs. Hamerton said, why don't we make a trade? All you need is a hostage. It doesn't matter who it is. Take me instead in exchange for Grandma Janine!" "Pammy!" Cordelia was shocked and pulled Lina back, getting Zuko to take her away.
Meanwhile, Lina released Cordelia's arm and glanced at Zuko, shaking her head.
Zuko pursed his lips, his deep eyes filled with concern.
However, he noticed the girl in the baseball cap walking quietly among the crowd not far away. She held the gun that Krystal had given Lina.
Lina turned to look at Albert. "Mr. Harper, I know your daughter likes Zuko. It was me who interfered with their relationship.
"Also, I was responsible for what happened at the orphanage. I persuaded the kids to create a commotion with the officers, leading to an investigation of the charity fund."
She spoke slowly, trying to distract Albert and create time and an opportunity for Lena.
Albert turned his body to follow her movements.
"I did all that, Mr. Harper. You should hate me! So, please release Grandma Janine. I'm willing to be your hostage!" Lina said with a determined tone. "If the Hamerton Group can't gather 3,000,000,000 pounds in time, the Thompsons won't give up as long as you have me!
"By then, you might get even more than 3,000,000,000 pounds!"
Slyness shone in Albert's eyes.
At that moment, he sensed Janine struggling harder, which made him furious. He forcefully struck her head with the gun handle, causing blood to spill instantly.
"Albert!" Zephyr roared, "That's enough!"
Albert sneered and swiftly dragged Janine along with Desiree, making a quick escape. He moved faster than Lena had anticipated, and she missed her chance to stop him.
The undercover officers dared not make a move, as police cars had surrounded the hotel at that precise moment. Sirens blared, and red and blue lights flashed.
"Please, don't hurt my mom again, Albert!" Zephyr confronted him, his fingers trembling. "I-I'll give you anything. Just let her go!"
"Excellent!" Albert signaled Desiree by his side. "This hotel isn't bad. Tell Uncle Zephyr to get us a room so the old lady can rest and tend to her wound!"
Cordelia promptly fetched the key card and tossed it over. "It's the room on the fifth floor."
Desiree picked up the card and entered the elevator with Albert and Janine.
Soon, everyone assembled on the fifth floor.
Although Zephyr and Cordelia were concerned, they had to pretend to be calm.
Lina tightly held Cordelia's hand.
It was Lina's idea to choose the room on the fifth floor. She had seen the floor plan before and remembered it offered the best view.
Not only that, the room was spacious and in a strategic location. If any conflict arose, Janine wouldn't suffer too much.
Zephyr had deployed the best family bodyguards all over the hotel, coordinating with the police, ready to take action.
Chapter 1282
Chapter 1282
Time passed slowly. It had only been five minutes since Albert took Janine to the room, but it felt like centuries for Zephyr and Cordelia.
Meanwhile, the authorities arrived and quickly informed the family about the situation.
"The criminal has tied the hostage near the window. He's armed with a gun and a dagger, so we can't charge in recklessly," one officer reported.
Concerned, Cordelia asked, "Doesn't the room have a good view?"
"Yes, but..." The officer hesitated. "He's cunning to have placed Ms. Janine near the window. She can be easily harmed if our snipers open fire from the building across."
Desperate, Cordelia couldn't hold back her tears any longer.
Zephyr tried to remain composed, but his mother's life was at risk, making it impossible to stay completely calm.
In an attempt to take action, he reached for a gun from one of the bodyguards, his rage evident.
"Calm down, Zen!" Cordelia pressed his hand down, her eyes filled with worry for Janine.
"Let me handle this, dad," Zuko said, stepping forward. "You and mom should step back. I'll handle it."
Lina swiftly obtained the hotel's floor plan, spreading the thick stack before her. She intently studied the building's structure, sweat forming on her forehead while her heart pounded. Her goal was to find the best strategy amid the complex data and lines.
Zuko joined her, and they marked the paper with a pencil, discussing possible approaches.
"This location... And this one..."
"Zuko, the direction from across the building seems promising!"
"Unfortunately, it's too far away..."
"Brother, Pammy!" Toph rushed downstairs, feeling someone following him. "It doesn't matter how far they are! Look who I brought!"
Everyone turned their heads in the direction of his voice.
They saw Toph's relieved smile as he was accompanied by a person dressed in black, wearing heavy army boots and a bulletproof vest with his name on it.
The Tac-50 sniper gun he held was strikingly eye-catching.
Lifting his cap, the man revealed a handsome face and smirked playfully.
Zephyr was taken aback and called out in surprise, "Chris? Is that you?" "Uncle Zephy, Aunt Cordelia!" Chris greeted them, "I'm back."
Cordelia's lips quivered as she tried to speak, feeling choked with emotions.
Zuko approached and patted Chris' shoulder. "We heard you'd be coming home this time, but we never expected to meet under these circumstances!"
"I arrived in Centrolis yesterday." Chris explained, "I planned to attend the event but overslept. When I woke up, I saw Toph's missed call and learned about what happened!"
He reassured them while holding the gun, "Don't worry. I'll definitely save Grandma Janine!"
With Chris by their side, Zephyr and Cordelia felt a glimmer of comfort.
As the evening sky darkened, the fog began to set in, making it harder to see.
Chapter 1283
Chapter 1283
Under the cover of the night, Chris stealthily climbed to a nearby building and set up his sniper gun. He communicated with his comrades through an earpiece.
The authorities had also dispatched two snipers to assist him.
"Zuko, I have a clear view of Grandma Janine from my position. She's safe for now, with her head wound bandaged. Albert is by her side, armed with a gun and dagger. Desiree is standing nearby." "Can we open fire now?" Zuko inquired.
"Not yet," Chris replied. "Albert is on high alert. We need to distract him. I can take the shot once he's three steps away from Grandma Janine."
Meanwhile, Lina checked the time and realized over an hour had passed. Earlier, she had arranged for the food to be removed from the room as a solution for Janine's safety.
Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door.
"Who is it!?" Albert's voice came from inside.
"Mr. Harper, it's time for Grandma Janine to take her medicine," Lina replied.
"Medicine? This old lady seems perfectly fine. She's staring at me! Why would she need medicine?"
Lina said, "Grandma Janine has certain ailments that are common among elderly people. It's crucial for her to take her medicine on time to avoid any complications."
Lina added, "Also, my dad is working to gather the money. The Thompson Group has plenty of liquid capital. It won't be difficult for him to come up with 750,000,000 in a short period." Chris' voice then came through Zuko's earpiece. "Albert seems to be considering the offer."
Receiving Zuko's signal, Lina continued her approach. "Mr. Harper, I know you must be hungry. Let me arrange for some food to be sent in. You and Grandma Janine should eat."
Albert was suspicious of her intentions. "You're trying to trick me, aren't you? I know the police have surrounded me. If I open the door, I won't survive!"
"Calm down. You've misunderstood." Lina responded calmly. "We are the only ones out there. Will you turn on the computer in the room? It's connected to the surveillance outside. If you're worried, you can watch us retreat from the fifth floor."
Albert remained suspicious, keeping his gun pointed at Janine's head.
He signaled Desiree to turn on the computer at the desk, and she complied with Lina's request. The events outside the room appeared on the screen.
Lina led everyone to back off toward the stairs.
Checking the surveillance, Albert saw that the corridor was empty. The distance from the room to the stairs was considerable. Even if the attendant came to deliver food, they wouldn't reach the door during the brief opening period.
It seemed unlikely that even the police could arrive that quickly.
Albert instructed Desiree to call Zuko.
He said coldly, "Zuko, your fiancee mentioned sending us food, right?"
Zuko replied flatly, "Yes."
"Send a portion of the cash first to show me your sincerity!" Albert gnashed his teeth. "Have someone leave it at the door and then leave this floor immediately! If you try anything deceitful, I'll kill this old lady!" After ending the call, Zuko contacted Chris and briefed him quickly.
Chris adjusted himself and his gun, preparing to take action.
Chapter 1284
Chapter 1284
The Hamertons sent a box of cash in pounds.
Lina had an idea to pretend to be an attendant, deliver food, and confront Albert, but Zuko rejected it.
Suddenly, a deep voice interrupted them. "You don't have to do it. I will."
"Lena? You-"
"I was too slow to save Madam Baker in the banquet hall." Lena looked at Lina and lowered her cap. "Don't worry. I'll be smarter this time."
"No!" Lina grabbed her. "I can't let you take the risk. I brought you to the event. I must ensure you're safe!"
However, Lena pushed her into Zuko's embrace and left, saying, "Take care of her."
"Lena!"
Lena went downstairs without looking back. Lina panicked, but Zuko calmed her down. "Perhaps Lena has her own plan."
"That's not acceptable!" Lina retorted.
"Lina, she can handle herself well. Also, Albert hasn't met her, making her the best candidate to be the attendant in disguise," Zuko explained.
"But-"
Zuko reassured her. "Don't worry. She's smart. She knows what to do and what not to do. If she thinks it's too risky, she won't proceed."
Soon, Lena appeared in the attendant's uniform, concealing a pistol in her sleeve. Zuko provided her with an earpiece to communicate with Chris.
Hearing a stranger's voice, Chris was surprised. "May I know—"
"You don't need to know who I am. Our priority is to save Madam Baker," Lena's voice was cold. "I'll knock to send something into the room. Albert might not open the door. He might send Desiree instead. "But there's a big case of cash. They might open it to inspect it after receiving it.
"Listen carefully. It's the perfect opportunity when they open the case. Understand?"
As a retired special forces soldier, Chris was taken aback. He had spent years in his unit, and it was the first time an outsider discussed strategies with him.
"Got it," Chris replied.
Lena took a deep breath and struggled to carry the massive case to the fifth floor.
The case was enormous, nearly half her height.
Zephyr and Cordelia were aware that Albert would be suspicious and inspect the case. To preempt any issues, they used their bank connections to withdraw pounds in cash to fill the case. When Lena knocked on the door, Desiree's voice came from inside. "Just put it on the floor."
Lena hesitated. "Miss, the case is quite heavy. You should take a look to ensure we haven't missed anything. Otherwise, we might not be able to compensate you."
After some reluctance, Desiree opened the door a bit wider.
Lena held the case but then pretended to lose her grip, causing it to fall to the ground. "Oh, I'm so sorry! Let me help you pick it up!"
Even with Lena's assistance, Desiree struggled to lift the case.
Realizing that the corridor was empty, she called out, "Dad, come and help!"
Chapter 1285
Chapter 1285
Albert's impatient voice echoed from the room. "You can't even pick up a cereal bowl, you damned girl! Get in now!"
"The case is heavy, dad!" Desiree complained.
Desiree struggled to hold onto the case, but it relentlessly pressed on her arms.
Meanwhile, Lena chuckled. Her petite figure remained hidden behind the case, and she wore a cap obscuring half of her face.
Clad in the hotel's uniform, Desiree wouldn't have recognized her, especially in her panicked state.
Lena firmly pressed down on the case.
Overwhelmed by the weight of both the case and the person, Desiree couldn't bear the load. "Come here, dad! I—"
Before Desiree could finish her sentence, Lena heard Albert's hurried footsteps approaching. She realized that her opportunity had come.
She exerted force and pushed the case forcefully, catching Desiree off guard. Desiree stumbled and was pushed right into Albert, who was approaching.
"Ahh!"
Albert leaped back, reacting quickly to the unexpected collision.
Taking advantage of the chaos, Lena used the case as a platform to launch herself into the room. She and Albert pointed their guns at each other in just a few strides. However, he was too slow. Lena shielded Janine, showing no fear on her young face.
Albert dared not make any sudden moves. At that tense moment, he noticed a mocking smirk on Lena's face.
"You..."
Lena raised her pistol high, aiming at his head, "Mr. Harper, care to make a bet with me?"
Albert scoffed. "Hah! Do you think you can leave here unharmed, you dumb blonde?"
Lena muttered to herself, "I'll bet your life!"
Although Albert didn't take her seriously, her words angered him.
He roared, the sound of him loading the gun echoing in the tense atmosphere. Lena stood her ground, knowing a bullet might be coming her way.
Suddenly, a loud crash of glass shattered the moment.
Albert's eyes widened in fear, frozen like he had seen a ghost. The room filled with the smell of gunfire.
With a thud, he collapsed to the ground.
Desiree screamed at the top of her lungs.
Lena shot her a cold glance, then advanced and kicked her in the chest. "Shut up!"
Just then, the police arrived. They untied Janine and rushed her to the hospital.
"Grandma!"
"Mom!"
Zephyr and Cordelia sprinted over, followed by Zuko and Toph, all in a state of chaos.
Lina rushed to Lena, pale from fright, trying to maintain composure. She thoroughly checked Lena before suddenly breaking down in tears.
"W-What's wrong?" Lena felt uneasy. "Am I okay?"
Lina choked, unable to find the words to respond.
In truth, everyone felt the same as she did. They had been on edge during the ordeal, suppressing their fear and trying to stay calm. They released all their pent-up terror and unease only now that it was over. Lina smiled and hugged Lena, patting her back. "Don't worry. I've got you."
Zuko approached but struggled to find the right words to thank her.
"Thanks, Lena..."
"Are you two done?" Lena stopped smiling. "Okay, go do what you should. Just leave me alone!"
He nodded.
As Zuko turned around, holding onto Lina, he suddenly noticed something peculiar about Lena-she always wore a serious expression when around others. She was quite an odd character. Despite this realization, he couldn't help but smile.
Lena was his grandmother's lifesaver. Chris wouldn't have had the chance to shoot Albert if she hadn't volunteered.
Zuko felt indebted to her and wanted to repay the favor. But how?
"Zuko!" A sudden voice interrupted his train of thought.
Chris approached them with confident strides, his sniper gun resting on his back. He didn't seem like someone who had just been through a dangerous situation.
After nodding at Zuko and Lina, Chris noticed that he and Lena were wearing identical black caps.
"It was... you?" he questioned Lena, who remained expressionless and cold.
"Yes, she was the one who worked with you." Zuko chimed in with a smile. "Surprised, huh?"
"I must admit, I am," Chris replied, unable to tear his gaze away from Lena. "I had expected to partner with an experienced police officer at the very least. I didn't think it would be... someone who looks like a high schooler!"
Lena glared at him and walked away without a word.
Confused, Chris turned to Zuko. "Did I say something wrong?"
"Not at all," Zuko reassured him with a pat on the shoulder. "She's a bit unusual, but she's kind. You'll see once you get to know her."
After some casual conversation, they rushed to the hospital to visit Janine and give their statements to the police.
Thankfully, Janine's injury wasn't severe just a minor wound on her head.
But considering her age, she needed time to heal from the shock and injury.
Albert was also admitted to the hospital.
Chris, an outstanding sniper, had deliberately aimed one centimeter away from Albert's heart, sparing his life to secure his confession for the authorities. Once healed, Albert would face the consequences of the law.
Desiree, his accomplice, was sent to a detention center, awaiting legal punishment.
After the storm subsided, Toph organized a gathering, attended by Jacob and Abigail, besides their usual group, The Happy Four.
However, the VIPS of the event were Chris and Lena.
Preferring the countryside to five-star hotels and formalities, Toph chose a beautiful suburban location with a blue sky, fluffy clouds, and a clear stream, allowing the young attendees to fully embrace their youth.
They brought camping gear, picnic baskets, and barbecue supplies.
Toph took charge of grilling meat, chicken wings, and mushrooms effortlessly, impressing Lina with his culinary skills.
"Toph is amazing!" Lina exclaimed after tasting the food. "The meat is perfectly cooked! Crispy on the outside and tender inside. The second Hamerton heir has quite the talent!"
Chapter 1286
Chapter 1286
Lina gave Toph a thumbs up.
Zuko smiled and spoke. "This man was prepping in the kitchen the whole day yesterday. He marinated for three to four hours alone, scaring our chefs!" "Why?" Lina asked.
"They thought the Hamertons no longer needed chefs, that we were firing them," Zuko replied.
Lina laughed out loud.
Renee played the role of the waiter, serving drinks and condiments to everyone. She was happy to keep busy.
"Cuz, this is Toph's secret recipe! We must try it!" Renee exclaimed.
"Yes, you must!" Zuko said. "This dude stayed in the kitchen yesterday, forbidding me from looking!"
"Why would I let you steal it?" Toph, wearing a loose T-shirt, said while fanning himself. "I came up with this secret recipe after many rounds of tests and trials. You'd need to pay to learn!" Zuko raised his eyebrows. "How much?"
Toph showed seven fingers. "Since we're brothers, I'll charge you 70 dollars!"
"Isn't that dad's allowance?"
"Hahaha!"
"You're lucky that dad isn't here! Otherwise, he'd remove his 400-dollar antique belt to whip you!" Zuko joked.
Toph almost fell from laughing.
Jacob went to hold him and took over the skewers he was holding. "Okay, okay. Take a break. I'll do it!"
The happy peals of laughter continued under the sun. Even the birds watched them from the branches in envy.
Suddenly, Jacob realized that everyone seemed to have forgotten about the two most important people sitting aside, being remarkably quiet. Both were dressed in black with black baseball caps on their heads Their calm expressions looked the same, and their eyes seemed to see through everything in the world.
Jacob was stunned, and he cleared his throat. "Um... Don't you guys think you forgot something important?" he asked.
Toph, the sunshine boy, laughed happily.
The rest followed Jacob's gaze and only then remembered that today was a thank-you gathering and a welcome-home party for Chris!
Toph slapped his head, stood up, and rushed over to pull Chris up. He tried to grab Lena, but she deftly dodged.
Toph smiled awkwardly, and Lena went over to pat her on the shoulder, helping her and Chris blend in with the rest.
Reluctantly, Lena went with Lina in the end.
"Ahem, let me give you all a grand introduction to this heroic, handsome, ripped special forces soldier with eight-packs beneath his neck-Mr. Chris Hamerton!" Toph announced, applauding. Chris laughed at Toph's words, displaying his perfect teeth.
"It's been so long, Toph, and you're still the sunshine boy?" Zuko remarked.
"He's always been like that. He'll never change," Chris replied, taking a step forward as a gentleman. "Let me introduce myself. I'm considered these brothers' cousin. My father is Marco, and he's been living abroad. So, I haven't been in Centrolis much since I was young, but... Our relationship is tougher than gold! Haha!"
As Chris spoke, he playfully punched Zuko and Toph.
"Also, Toph made a mistake. I'm not in the special forces. I'm retired. Even though I'm no longer with my unit, I must show up whenever the country needs me!"
Surprisingly, there was no applause this time. All the men present were covering their ladies' star-crossed eyes.
Zuko acted as if nothing happened, but he held Lina's hand secretly and gave her an alluring smile.
Curious, Lina asked, "I thought all the kids in your family have heroic names? Why is Mr. Special Force named 'Chris'?"
Chapter 1287
Chapter 1287
"Let me explain." Chris chuckled. "My real name is Crius. I realized it sounded too feminine when I joined my unit, so I changed it to Chris!"
"That's right. He's the only one in the family who dared to change his name," Zuko said, chuckling. "Our great-grandfather named us, and Chris just went ahead and changed it!" Chris shrugged. "A name is just an insignia. As long as people remember it, it should be fine. Am I right, Ms. Harding?"
He looked at Lena, who had been quiet all this while.
Meanwhile, Lena's mind seemed to be elsewhere. After a moment, she glanced at him blankly and asked, "Did you call me?"
Chris faked a chuckle. "Who else would it be? You're the only one with the last name Harding here."
"Oh," she replied flatly. "I'm not used to people calling me that."
"Well..."
"Didn't you say that a name is just an insignia?" Lena's expression remained unchanged. "Lena is my insignia."
She lifted her head to look at him, revealing her beautiful face under the cap.
She appeared to be a proper lady with her lovely features, fair skin, and quiet demeanor.
However, he couldn't forget her fearless heroism when they fought Albert together in uniform the other day.
A strange feeling gripped Chris's heart-a feeling he had never experienced before.
"Lena?" he said softly. "How do I spell that?"
"Lena."
"Lenny?"
"What did you say?" She raised her eyebrows, her eyes showing repulsion.
"Oh, sorry," Chris quickly corrected himself. "I just thought it would be a nice endearment... Can I call you that from now on?"
"No," she rejected coldly, not even bothering to look at him.
Nobody apart from Lina could call her that.
Chris' expression changed as he was surprised by the rejection.
Feeling awkward, he laughed at himself and turned around to get a chilled drink.
"Hey... Don't just stand there!" Jacob came to the rescue. "We barbecued so much food. Why aren't you guys eating? It's getting cold!" "Oh yes, let's eat!"
"Get me a steak, Jacob!"
Everyone resumed talking, and Toph approached Chris, grabbing his shoulders as he whispered, "Just admit it, bro!"
"What?"
"Her!" Toph signaled with his eyes. "Apart from Pammy, nobody could get to Lena!"
Chris was stunned and pondered over it. It seemed to be true.
He noticed that she would dodge when Toph tried to grab her while sitting aside. However, she was comfortable with Lina's touch.
And now...
She remained alert to everything happening around her but seemed relaxed only when she was with Lina.
He was confused. "Why is Pammy so special?"
However, their conversation was interrupted by a cold voice from behind.
"She's special. Do you have something to say about that?"
Both men jumped in surprise!
They turned their faces and noticed Lena standing behind them in the stream. She was pulling up her pants, wearing a subtle smile on her face.
Chapter 1288
Chapter 1288
Chris was taken aback, standing blankly with two chicken wings on skewers in front of the barbecue grill. His attention, however, was fixated on Lena's face.
Coming from a prestigious family, he lived like a prince, possessing an outstanding physique and intelligence. He earned numerous merits in the special forces, gaining fame along the way.
He couldn't believe that a girl had rendered him speechless. Yet, there was something indescribably intriguing about this feeling. Secretly, he hoped Lena would respond again.
Suddenly, Toph's hard slap on his back brought him back to reality.
"Bro, bro! Fire! Fire!" Toph shouted.
Chris was startled as he saw the burnt chicken wings and sizzling sparks.
"Man, special forces soldiers like you go through tough training in the wilderness, and now you feel close to burnt stuff?" Toph teased.
Chris was at a loss for words, looking at Lena's expressionless face as she walked away.
He asked Toph cautiously, "Who exactly is she?"
"I don't know much, but she protected Pammy before," Toph replied.
"Is she always this cold?" Chris inquired.
"Yes," Toph said, devouring the skewer. "She said she was born with this resting bitch face. She doesn't like to smile!"
Chris was stunned but couldn't help but smile. He was certain she would be even more beautiful than the albizia flower by the stream when she smiled.
Zuko and Lina had set their wedding date, while Toph and Renee celebrated their engagement with a party.
During this time, Lina's main focus was getting enough rest, eating well, working out, and taking care of her skin. She also found time to pick her gown and gifts for the guests, ensuring she would be a glowing bride on her wedding day. Meanwhile, Zuko was busy preparing for the wedding and getting accustomed to taking over the Hamerton Group. Zephyr brought him to the office more frequently, involving him in various board meetings.
In the latest meetings, Zuko sat directly at the main seat while Zephyr watched from the side. Pride swelled within Zephyr as he watched his son confidently handle the meetings, manage company affairs from small to big, and become familiar with important matters.
The people in the company knew that the young boss wasn't as tough as Mr. Z, but he was just as decisive. Besides, he had a touch of grace and majesty that Mr. Z lacked. He could be tough when needed but also showed a softer, more considerate side, much like Cordelia.
"So, the young boss is the perfect combination of Mr. Z and the madam..." the office staff discussed. "Let's work harder from now on!"
Initially, Zephyr thought of bringing Toph into the company as well, but Toph was not suited for it.
Unlike the business world, Toph preferred a free and imaginative life. He enjoyed studying science, exploring art, and finding joy in the little things.
Zephyr believed that letting him pursue a career as a scientist, artist, or professional esports player would be much better than confining him within the concrete walls of the company.
Furthermore, Zephyr worried that with Toph's easy-going and kind nature, he might be taken advantage of in the cutthroat business industry.
Cordelia would sometimes exclaim, "I wonder who Toph takes after..."
One day, while going through the art pieces left behind by the elderly at home, Zephyr stumbled upon several works created by his father, Henry. This discovery finally put an end to Zephyr's long contemplation.
Chapter 1289
Chapter 1289
Zephyr was stunned by the powerful and unique calligraphy skill on display. The style was elegant and defined, with calming colors used effectively.
Henry had also designed and made several porcelain bottles himself, showcasing his artistic talents further.
As Zephyr observed the various carved artworks, he came to a realization. "So, Toph takes after his grandfather! Besides handling cunning business ethics, he can do everything!"
Cordelia was also surprised, recalling a funny image of Henry caught between his two wives at a banquet.
"Um... He's better than his grandfather." She chuckled. "At least he won't marry two scary wives."
They both laughed at the passage of time. "The kids have grown up so fast, and now we're old," Cordelia remarked.
A warm and familiar hand rested on her shoulders, and she leaned into the comforting embrace, feeling as though a lifetime had passed.
"Do you remember what we said before?" Zephyr asked, his eyes filled with allure.
Cordelia recalled their past conversations, and he gently tucked her hair behind her ear as he spoke. "We said we'd be together forever and ever, in this life, the next, and all the lives to come. So we're not old, considering that forever is still ahead of us."
Cordelia laughed and nestled closer to him. "And in the next life, you'll be a meatball, and I'll be a vegetable ball. Even if we're cooked, we'll still end up on the same plate!"
Zephyr chuckled affectionately and kissed her forehead. She knew he was the only one she wanted to spend the rest of her life with, no matter what.
While Lina waited to become a bride, Lena was fully engrossed in helping her. She handled various tasks, from scouting hotel venues, finalizing the menu, arranging drinks, and communicating with the wedding planner. No detail was too big or small for her to handle.
To outsiders, it seemed as if Lena was the one getting married.
Over the past two days, Lena devoted herself to accompanying Lina during wedding gown fittings, tirelessly supporting her from morning till night.
Linda and Nicholas were immensely grateful for Lena's assistance, and they asked her to stay even after the designer left.
Caught off guard, Lena felt a rush of panic. She gazed at Nicholas, completely stunned, unable to utter a word.
"Lena?" Lina grabbed her hands and said with a smile. "What's wrong? I haven't introduced you guys! They're my parents.
"Dad, mom, this is Lena. She was the heroine who saved Grandma Janine!"
"We've heard so much about you." Linda grabbed Lena's hand while smiling. "I've been wanting to invite you to our home. If you don't mind, have dinner with us tonight!" "I..."
Lena could not get used to a stranger's touch. She instinctively wanted to retract her hands.
However, she suddenly felt like crying when she looked into Linda's kind eyes.
"That's right, stay for dinner!"
She then looked at Nicholas.
Although this loud and rough man was no longer young, he was still majestic.
No ordinary man could compare with the overbearingness on his face.
She secretly pursed her lips, trying hard to suppress her racing heart.
Chapter 1290
Chapter 1290
"Lenny, why don't you stay tonight?" Lina gently held Lena's hand and suggested, "Tomorrow, I'll introduce you to my parents in Jangasas. They are wonderful people. My younger brother is studying at the University of Centrolis, and he's quite a handsome young man."
Lina added, "Lenny, let's head upstairs first. You can choose which room you like." She was talkative in her happy state.
Lena followed behind, not fully absorbing her words.
As they ascended the stairs, Lena stole a glance at Nicholas and offered a soft smile. She couldn't help but envy her sister's family. Lina had loving biological parents, caring adoptive parents who raised her for 20 years, and a fiance who cherished her dearly.
Such blessings were rare, and Lena appreciated them deeply.
Despite this, Lena felt no trace of jealousy.
On the contrary, she was determined to protect this happiness at all costs. Having endured many hardships herself, she cherished all the beauty life had to offer. She couldn't bear to see anyone destroy it, and she certainly didn't want to be the cause of its ruin.
As the quiet night hours passed, sleep eluded Lena. This was her first time staying over at the Thompsons' house. Sleep seemed impossible to attain with her father just a few rooms away.
In the midst of this restlessness, she took out Krystal's diary and penned her thoughts, expressing her feelings for her mother.
"Mom, I met my father today. I wanted to call him 'dad', but I held back. Still, I feel content just having had the chance to meet him up close.
Lina's getting married, and her fiance is very caring. I'm truly happy for her! But I can't help worrying about the future. I remember reading in your diary that men can be unreliable. If her husband ever mistreats her, I'll stand up for her and protect her from any trouble!
By the way, mom, there's a sniper by her husband's side. His gun is much more powerful than your little pistol... What will I do if I can't handle both of them when it comes to protecting her?
But enough of that. Let's not dwell on imaginary scenarios. I trust that Zuko is reliable and Lina will be happy.
As long as she's happy, my father and Aunt Linda will be happy, too.
So, I will be happy too, right?
Alright, I should go to bed early. Lina will try on wedding dresses tomorrow, and I must accompany her!"
After closing the diary, Lena sat at the spacious desk facing the window. As she looked up, she admired the moon shining brightly. She took a deep breath and savored the fragrant scent of dew and earth in the late-night air, feeling peaceful and content.
The following morning, for the first time in her life, Lena overslept and realized it was already 10:00 a.m.
Lena hurriedly got out of bed and went downstairs, where the maid informed her that Lina was trying on the final two outfits with the designer's assistance.
Lena rushed to the dressing room without having breakfast. The room was bustling with people, including the styling team, Nicholas, and Linda, all seated on the couch.
Lina's measurements had already been taken, and now it was time to work on the bridesmaid's styling. When Lina spotted Lena, she happily beckoned her over.
Lina smiled and linked arms with Lena, understanding her social anxiety and trying to ease her unease.
During their conversation about bridesmaids, Linda pointed out that Renee and Toph were getting ready for their own wedding, making Renee unavailable. They also felt that having Abigail, a celebrity, as a bridesmaid might overshadow the bride.
Then, Nicholas turned to Lena and proposed, "How about you be Pammy's bridesmaid?"
Lena's eyes widened, and she nervously clutched the hem of her clothes. She wanted to look at Nicholas but felt too anxious. Sweat beaded on her nose as her heart raced.
Concerned, Linda quickly approached and asked, "Lenny, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
Lena shook her head. Besides Lina, no one else was allowed to call her Lenny, but she was willing to accept it from Linda.
Nicholas approached her as well. "Was my request too sudden?"
"It sure was!" Linda scolded him. "Can you please change that loud voice of yours? Were you seeking opinions? I've told you before, pay attention to your tone and the way you speak!" Nicholas seemed a bit dazed by his wife's scolding, lowering his head and fiddling with his fingers.
Lena chuckled softly and reached out to hold Linda's hand.
"I'm fine with being Lina's bridesmaid," she said with certainty. "I'll do whatever she needs me to do."
Nicholas slapped his thigh and burst into laughter, saying, "Hahaha! That's great! You're quite loyal, even though you're not that old yet. You're cut out for the gang life!"
Linda promptly stared him down, and Lina and Lena giggled.
Chris, who had just emerged from the fitting room, was stunned by the scene before him. Lena was smiling and looked remarkably different and graceful, like a mimosa flower swaying in the sunlight beside a
stream.
"Hey, Chris is here!" Nicholas turned around and excitedly informed Lena, "You've seen him, right? Chris Hamerton! He'll be the best man for Zuko and Pammy's wedding, while you'll be the bridesmaid!" Chris stood still, feeling overwhelmed. Similarly, Lena looked astonished.
"What do you think, Lenny? Isn't Chris quite handsome?" Nicholas grinned. "Hmm, the suit looks good! But I think the shoulder area could use some adjustments..."
Linda tugged at him and said, "Young people nowadays dress like this! It's not the same as back in your time."
"Sweetheart, can you stop ruining my moment?"
Linda laughed, rolling her eyes at him before turning to Lena. "Hmm... Lenny's complexion would suit light purple or pale pink. That off-shoulder dress has a great cut. You should try it on and stand beside Chris."
"Huh?"
Lina agreed. "Yeah, try it on!"
Caught between a rock and a hard place, Lena froze.
Seeing her awkward state, Chris couldn't help but laugh.
"It's just a piece of clothing," he whispered. "You can handle a gun, but you're afraid of changing clothes?"