Ch. 1391..1400

Chapter 1391

Chapter 1391

Toph chased Renee to the entrance of the hospital.

Renee walked with the grace of the wind, ignoring him like he didn't exist. He could have easily caught up with her in a few steps, but every time he tried, she pushed him away.

The current Renee treated Toph as a stranger. His heart grew colder bit by bit.

He stopped in his tracks, calling out with a hint of grievance, "Renee! What's gotten into you?"

Renee also stopped but did not turn around.

Toph had seen this back view countless times-petite and delicate-making him feel a strong urge to protect her. Today, this back view was oddly indifferent. There were only a few steps between them, yet it felt like a vast chasm he could not bridge.

"Renee, you-"

Renee turned slightly. "Do you have something else to say?"

Toph circled around to stand before her, his gaze anxious. "Do you have to misunderstand me like this? I... I already sent you messages. I told you I wanted to draw comics and showed Ari my work. Why are you upset again?"

"Heh, Ari? You're on familiar terms with her!" Renee's lips trembled slightly. "Is she the only person in the whole world who draws comics? That you must show her?"

Toph was choked up with frustration. "I don't know any other comic artists aside from her!"

"Toph!" Renee shouted, "Do you know how she teamed up with Lena to make a mockery of me in the sales department? Among so many sales staff, she specifically had to sign the contract with Lena! Wasn't she targeting me with Lena?"

"Renee, you misunderstood this! Arya explained to me. She didn't know it was you in that room..."

"She explained to you?" Renee suddenly raised her voice, giving him a sideways glance. "So, you two frequently communicate privately?"

"No, no, no!" Toph quickly waved his hands. "We don't!"

"Toph..." Renee looked sorrowful. "I thought you'd always stand by my side, no matter what..."

"Of course, I'm on your side!" Toph pulled her by the shoulder and boldly embraced her when he saw she wasn't resisting. "Renee, please don't misinterpret me, and don't be upset. I promised to make you feel safe. You must trust me!"

Renee trembled in his arms, clutching his clothes tightly.

"Also, I'm drawing the comics for you." Toph patted her head. "Didn't you hope that I have my own career? After thinking about it, I realized I'm only interested in drawing and games. Actually, I can be like... some comic artists and adapt my work into a game. It's a win-win situation in terms of fame and fortune!"

He deliberately avoided mentioning Arya's name, afraid that Renee might read too much into it.

The girl in his arms gradually calmed down.

Just when he thought the storm had passed, Renee suddenly pushed him away!

Toph was taken aback.

The seemingly delicate girl had transformed into a devil, baring her fangs, her gaze so dark that it sent shivers down his spine.

"Your career?" Renee coldly huffed. "Shouldn't your career be the Hamerton Group?!"

Toph was stunned. "What are you saying?"

"If you truly took my words to heart, you should have a place in the Hamerton Group's board of directors, just like Zuko. You should also work to gain your grandfather's favor and be bestowed a title from the Southeast Aciatic royal family like him! Not clinging to your pile of worthless comics and having no accomplishments for a lifetime!"

A loud ringing filled Toph's ears, and it felt like all the blood in his body rushed to his head.

After a long pause, he gazed at Renee with astonishment and asked, "Renee, do you really understand what you're saying?"

Chapter 1392

Chapter 1392

Renee looked at Toph and snorted. Of course, she knew exactly what she was saying.

After losing her mother, she did a lot of thinking. The more she thought, the more she realized how foolish she used to be. She had been so foolish, giving away things she could have easily held onto. She had been naive, letting others use her as a stepping stone without even realizing it.

If her mother hadn't insisted that she stop impersonating Pamela, how would the real Pamela have returned to the Thompsons? How could she ever have a chance to reconnect with Zuko? Her mother had been incredibly kind to them, but they had shown no gratitude!

And then there was Melvin. Despite her strong dislike for him, on the day of his execution, she felt like her heart was burdened with a heavy stone.

After that fateful day, she had no parents left. She became a true orphan. In this world, she could only rely on others, be pitied by others, and ultimately be considered expendable.

Renee suppressed the tears that welled up, forcing them back.

"Toph, I know what I'm saying, and I know what I want." She gently held his hand. "I want to be with you. I want to have a home of our own!"

Toph frowned. "But I'm already working hard to give you a home, aren't I?"

"Do you think drawing comics will make you successful? The Hamerton Group is so big, do you really think there's no place for you? Your parents won't actually leave everything to Zuko, right?"

"You..."

"The Thompson Group, too!" The complexity in Renee's eyes left Toph baffled. "I'm also a Thompson, and I should also have a share in the Thompson Group! When I said I wanted to manage the company for Lina earlier, why didn't you stand up for me? Instead, you let Lena take the advantage!"

"Renee!" Toph shook her by the shoulders.

If this could work, he really wished he could shake some sense into her!

"Renee, how did you become like this? You used to be..."

"I used to be too naive, not fighting for anything, so I couldn't even protect my own mother!"

Toph stood in a daze, his hands holding her shoulders slowly slipping away.

"Toph, I don't ask for much. I just want what's rightfully mine!" Renee's eyes reddened. "You're the same! I know you won't compete with Zuko, but you should at least claim what's yours! Even if you don't care about yourself, you should consider our future!"

Toph looked at her for a long time and softly called out, "Renee Thompson."

Renee paused. He had never addressed her with her full name like that.

"Toph, you—"

"I feel like something's changed between us." Toph's expression and voice were equally subdued.

His indifference felt foreign to Renee, and even Toph found it quite unbelievable.

"N-No!" Renee managed a weak smile. "I'm still the same as before. It's just that now... Now that we're getting married, I'm thinking more!"

"You're thinking too much. You're assuming things I've never even thought of!"

"Toph!"

"Renee, you've known me for more than just one day!" Toph's tone grew stronger. "You should have known long ago that I don't want to compete with my brother for anything. I can't surpass him either! I've never envied him for getting more than me. I'm his younger brother, and he won't treat me unfairly!

"My parents love me dearly, my grandparents also adore me, and my brother treats me well. I feel like I've already received a lot of love from the Hamertons! I want to share that love with you. But why do you keep forcing me to go against my family?"

Renee turned pale and involuntarily stepped back.

"I really don't have much ambition." Toph sighed wryly. "I just want to draw, play games, and be with the person I love. If you're expecting a life of constant struggle and rivalry, then I'm really not capable of that!"

He let go of her hand after saying that.

Renee widened her eyes. The moment he let go of her, it was as if she had stepped into thin air, falling from a height, her entire being shattered.

This was the first time Zuko visited Chris' place.

Chapter 1393

Chapter 1393

Chris was different from the other Hamerton heirs. He did not live at Hamerton Manor but instead bought a small villa not far from the city center. The place was not huge, but he had kept it neat, clearly a trait gained from military training.

More importantly, this place was very close to Lena's apartment, just a ten-minute walk away.

Zuko chuckled softly.

"Why are you laughing?" Chris brought fruits and ground a cup of coffee for him. "You come in with that weird smile, and it's kind of scary coupled with your stern face!"

Zuko patted his shoulder and gave him a look that said, "As a fellow man, I know what you're thinking."

"I'm just thinking you don't usually stay here, do you?"

"Hmm?"

"Lena's apartment isn't far from here!"

"It's not far," Chris answered honestly. "I do go to her place sometimes for a meal or something, but... I don't feel like going lately."

"Are you two fighting?"

Chris glanced at him and shook his head.

"Then why?"

"Lena's been researching diets for pregnant women recently." Chris sighed helplessly. "She's been cooking and making soup in the kitchen every day. When the food turns out good, she won't let me eat it. She only gives me the dishes she thinks she messed up. I..."

Zuko had to press down on the corners of his mouth so as not to burst out laughing.

"I'm warning you! I'll definitely hit you if you dare to laugh!" Chris glared at him. "All because of your wife, I'm being sacrificed. If you still have a conscience, go laugh where I can't see you!"

Zuko's face turned red from suppressing his laughter, and he could not speak for quite a while.

"So, Chris..." He quickly changed the topic. "What have you been busy with lately?"

"Let me show you!"

Chris' expression finally brightened a bit. He ran inside and returned holding something in his hand after a while.

"What's this?"

"I'm giving Lenny a shot!"

"Pfft!" Zuko was scalded by his coffee.

Chris was quite excited. "Look, I did well with this pistol, didn't I?"

Zuko palmed his forehead and took a while to look up at what was in Chris' hand.

It was a small wooden pistol that was meticulously crafted. It was even more delicate than the rifle he had made for Lena last time, evident that he had put a lot of thought into it. "You're planning to give her... a shot with this?"

"Yes! I'll ask her to choose between this pistol and the rifle. Then we're going to play real-life special operations in the woods."

Zuko's surprised gaze turned into one of pity, and he patted him before smiling. "Well, have fun!

"Oh..." Zuko noticed the inscription on the grip. "There's writing here?"

"Yeah, it says Harding."

"Does everyone in your special operations unit have words on their guns?"

"No!" Chris smiled. "Lenny has a small pistol, right? It was Pammy's. Hers also has an inscription on the grip that reads Krys." Zuko remembered that when Lina and Renee were abducted, Madame Krys had given them a pistol and saved their lives. Madame Krys' name was Krystal Harding...

Zuko squinted at the inscription on the gun's grip and had a sudden realization.

Chapter 1394

Chapter 1394

"Zuko, what's gotten into you?" Chris asked.

Zuko snapped back to reality and smiled. Whether he was overthinking or not, certain things felt quite odd once they were connected in his mind.

"Um... nothing," Zuko replied casually. "I'm just a bit hungry. Is there anything to eat at your place?"

Chris was also hungry too and absentmindedly answered while scrolling on his phone, "Let's order takeout."

Zuko frowned. "I never eat takeout."

"Mr. Zuko Hamerton, are you asking me to cook for you?"

"You know how to cook, right?"

Chris glared at him. Not that he would cook for him even if he did!

Just then, the doorbell rang suddenly.

Lena walked in with a smile, carrying a lunchbox. When she saw Zuko there, she nodded slightly with a hint of restraint.

Zuko smiled. "Lena, are you telepathically connected to Chris and know he's hungry? So you came to bring us food?"

"Mm."

Lena set the lunchbox on the table. The two hungry men quickly came over, but their excitement turned to disappointment when they saw what was inside.

It was supposed to be a pot of chicken soup, but it now looked quite unappetizing. Instead of the expected hearty soup, all they found were fragments of meat, chicken bones, and a few scattered vegetable leaves in a pool of oil droplets.

"Lenny..." Chris chuckled wryly. "Is this another one of your experimental failures?"

Lena looked at him. He had gotten it right.

This time, she had not gotten the timing and temperature right. The chicken she had stewed had turned as hard as a rock. Later, she thoughtlessly put the chicken in a pressure cooker... and now look! The chicken had fallen apart! It ended up looking like that.

Lena did not want to waste it, so she brought it to Chris.

Chris knew she had not eaten any. Every time, he would eat most of the "failed product" before she touched what he left...

Thinking about this, he affectionately patted her head and smiled.

"To be honest, I've had successes too!" It felt more like Lena was explaining to Zuko. "There aren't many, but... what I made actually tasted quite good! Lina is in the early stages of pregnancy, and I've researched a lot. Pregnant women have strong reactions during this period and can't eat much. So, I thought of trying various ways to make soup for her, so she..."

"Thank you, Lena." Zuko smiled sincerely. "You must have gone through a lot of trouble."

Lena felt a bit embarrassed and shook her head.

Chris took a few bowls and scooped out the soup while teasing, "Those who know, know that it's Pammy who's pregnant. Otherwise, they'd think you're the one who's pregnant!"

Lena shoved him, and they exchanged a smile.

Zuko looked at them, and the question that had been circling in his mind just now came back to him.

He asked casually, "Lena, Pammy has given you a pistol?"

Lena's hand with the spoon froze, and she looked up at him.

"I don't mean anything by it." Zuko chuckled lightly. "Chris made a small pistol for you and engraved Harding on the grip. I just remembered that there was also a word in the same spot on Pammy's pistol." Lena kept her lips pressed together, appearing calm on the outside, but a whirlwind of emotions churned in her heart.

Zuko persisted, "Lena, we've been friends for a while, but I don't actually know where you're from."

"Oh, why?" Chris interrupted. "Are you interrogating her now?"

Chapter 1395

Chapter 1395

"Nothing like that!" Zuko's eyes flickered with a complex glint. "I'm just asking on your behalf. If you really marry Lena in the future, your dad will surely ask about it even if I don't!" Chris paused and put down his cutlery with a frown.

Lena's expression also changed slightly. She forced herself to remain composed, ate some soup, and then placed the bowl and spoon in the sink.

Zuko left after that, leaving only her and Chris in the room.

She cleared the table and was about to wash the dishes when Chris' hands suddenly blocked her way.

"The water's cold. I'll wash them."

Lena paused and saw Chris had already turned on the tap, swiftly washing the pots and dishes.

She listened to the soothing flow of water, silently observing him. His sleeves were rolled up, showcasing his strong forearms. The sink was a bit low, making him bend slightly, yet his broad back remained as reassuring as ever like the protective fortress guarding her heart.

What about her? Was her background deserving of someone as outstanding as him?

Zuko had spoken somewhat casually, but she took his words to heart. If they were to have a future together, she'd need to meet Chris' parents.

Would Marco and his wife be as relaxed and unconcerned with social status as Cordelia and Zephyr?

Additionally, she had already decided to keep her birth secret buried deep within. If they asked about it, how could she explain?

Her thoughts were as tangled as a jumble of threads.

Before Chris came into her life, these thoughts had never crossed her mind, and she hadn't cared about them. But now, after meeting him, she truly desired a future with him. "Lenny, what's wrong?"

"Huh?" Lena snapped back to reality.

"You don't look good. Are you feeling unwell somewhere?"

Lena shook her head.

"Uh... Let me do the washing." She tried to mask her anxiety. "The weather isn't cold, so washing a few dishes won't be a problem!"

"No way." Chris chuckled. "I'll handle these things! I'm tough, so it's nothing to worry about!"

Lena also smiled at him.

"I know." Chris said gently, "You were affected by what Zuko said just now, weren't you?"

He wiped his hands dry and pulled her into his embrace. "Don't mind him! Our marriage is a matter between the two of us. As long as you're willing to marry me, that's all that matters."

Lena's heart raced. She hesitated, then embraced his waist. She wanted to hold him tightly, just like grasping onto a rare beam of light in her life.

Someone with a heart as tough as hers would not fall in love easily. However, once she was certain about someone, she would be devoted to them for a lifetime.

Perhaps Chris did not know Lena loved him even more than he imagined.

"Aren't you curious, Chris?" she asked softly.

Chris was taken aback. "About what?"

"You've never asked where I'm from, if I have any family, or what kind of environment I grew up in. Now that I think about it, you really don't know much about me. Aren't you worried... that I might be a fraud?" Chris smiled, cradling her face and gazing deeply into her eyes.

With those clear and pure eyes, he would willingly be deceived anyway.

He took a deep breath and replied solemnly, "I'm not worried, nor am I curious," he said in a low voice. "What I want is you as a person, not your background or upbringing. If you want to tell me about these things, I'll listen with all my attention. But if you don't want to talk about it, I won't ask."

He smiled indulgently. "Lenny, I'm not interested in your past. I only care about your present and future."

Chapter 1396

Chapter 1396

Lena's nose tingled, wanting to cry, but she held back tears. Even in front of her beloved, she aimed to keep her strength.

Chris smiled, his finger brushing her cheek, and gently kissed her forehead.

Lena whispered, "If you learned about my past someday... would you see me differently?"

"Why? Was your past that of a fairy reborn?" Chris teased.

Lena gave him a playful punch.

Chris nuzzled her forehead. "Even if you were a monster, I'd let you devour me."

"Why do you trust me so much?"

"Because you're Lena," he said without pause. "Because... I trust my judgment."

Renee walked into the Thompson Group's cafe once more. Sitting across from her, Jacquelin appeared submissive, offering frequent apologies.

Renee's expression remained chilly, her eyes tinged with a touch of scorn, accompanied by a subtle smirk.

"Ms. Renee, I'm really sorry!" Jacquelin might have knelt to Renee if they were not in a public place. "I... I just really wanted to secure the deal with Ms. Bayer last time. I went right over when she came in, but I didn't mean to ignore you. Ms. Renee. I'm just a salesperson. Please understand my difficulties!"

Renee sipped her coffee and snorted. She knew exactly what kind of person Jacquelin was always changing, trying to please whoever was in charge. These words barely scratched the surface.

Renee also knew Jacquelin wasn't sincere with her. Jacquelin wouldn't bother with her if she didn't own shares in the Thompson Group or wasn't Nicholas' niece.

Jacquelin only wanted to use her because her backer wasn't reliable. He had a family to go back to. His interactions with her were just for fun, with no real feelings involved.

Still, Renee believed there were areas where Jacquelin could be helpful.

"I understand all of this and am fine with it."

"Ms. Renee..."

"I just hope that you won't repeat this mistake in the future." Renee looked at her coldly. "You want to achieve sales, and I can help you with that."

Jacquelin did not expect it to be this easy. Overjoyed, she hastily showed her loyalty. "Ms. Renee, you truly are magnanimous! I didn't misjudge you! As long as you command, I'll get it done for you, even if it means going through hell!"

"It's not that serious." Renee chuckled. "Jacquelin, you're a smart person. You should also realize that I really dislike Lena, right?"

Jacquelin looked around before she nodded firmly.

"It's quite a pity that I couldn't drive her away last time, so..."

"So, I'll be your eyes and ears!" Jacquelin smiled. "And find Lena's faults!"

Renee glanced at her and stayed quiet for a while. Finally, she spoke softly. "You should not only focus on finding her flaws but also observe her closely."

"What?" Jacquelin was puzzled. "Ms. Renee, do you suspect something about her?"

"I don't know either." Renee frowned and mumbled, "I just feel that there's something strange about her. She's not related to the Thompsons, yet..."

Jacquelin stared at her. She did not catch all of Renee's words but could read Renee's expression clearly.

The look on her face clearly meant to crush Lena and erase her completely! How much did these two women hate each other to cause this reaction?

But Jacquelin couldn't think about that now. She would do whatever Renee told her to do, and she would do it right away.

"Sure. Ms. Renee, you can count on me. I'll watch her closely."

Lena came to deliver chicken soup to Lina again. She took advantage of her lunch break and discreetly slipped in, using the service elevator at the side to avoid anyone's attention.

Chapter 1397

Chapter 1397

Lina wanted to keep their relationship a secret, so Lena hid it from everyone. Lina also craved Lena's homemade chicken soup, so the latter practiced making it daily until she perfected the recipe. Once she mastered it, she eagerly sent some to Lina.

The moment Lena walked into the office, Lina, who had seemed disinterested just moments before, suddenly lit up. She hurried over to Lena, resembling a cheerful sparrow.

"It's this taste!"

Lina could not wait as she opened the container. If Lena had not stopped her, she might have lifted the container and drunk the soup directly.

Lena smiled and carefully served her a bowl, placing it on the table. "Take it slowly. It's still a bit hot."

"Okay!" Lina licked her lips.

She had the full experience of the hardships of being pregnant during this period. Her morning sickness was quite severe, almost reaching the point of throwing up whatever she ate. The Hamertons and Thompsons' chefs tried their best to cook various international delicacies, but none of them could tempt her.

She would eat and then vomit and then eat again after vomiting.

While most pregnant women gained weight, she had lost several pounds, with her cheeks sunken and looking worse.

Zuko was anxious. It was then he had a sudden idea. He thought about the "failed experiment" that Lena had brought the other day and begged her to make another batch. Unexpectedly, Lena succeeded this time.

In a situation where Lina could not tolerate any food, the chicken soup successfully stimulated her taste buds and became the only thing she wanted to eat during this period.

Lena was delighted and felt a sense of mission in being needed by her sister.

"Lenny, I'm really sorry for always troubling you."

"What are you saying?" Lena smiled and used a tissue to wipe the soup off the corner of her mouth. "If you like it, I can make it for you daily."

"How could that be?!" Lina looked at her. "Tell the chefs at home how to make it, and they can make it for me."

Lena shook her head with a smile. It was different. Without putting in the effort, how could the same flavor be achieved?

Lina finished a large bowl of soup and even ate several pieces of chicken. After filling her stomach, they sat on the sofa. Because of the discomfort from her pregnancy, Lina leaned against Lena's shoulder. Outside the door, two figures stood motionless.

Zuko had come to deliver Lina's meal, while Chris had followed him to look for Lena. It was unintentional that they witnessed this scene at the door...

The two men were left astonished as they exchanged glances upon seeing Lina leaning against Lena's shoulder, chatting and laughing, while Lena gazed at her affectionately.

Zuko asked, "Did we see something we shouldn't have?"

Chris scowled and remained silent.

Zuko said, "I don't think she needs to eat the meal I brought."

Chris still did not say anything.

"Hey, what are they doing?" Zuko squinted. "Taking selfies?"

Not long after, he received a photo from Lina. It was the selfie they had just taken. In the picture, she and Lena had their heads close together.

Lina even told him excitedly: [I've finished the soup Lena brought me!]

Zuko was at a loss for words.

Chris then took the phone and found the camera function, aiming the front camera at himself and Zuko.

"Chris, what are you doing?"

Chris calmly glanced at him and said, "We'll take one too!"

Chapter 1398

Chapter 1398

Zuko hid his face but couldn't resist Chris's competitive spirit. He reluctantly lowered his hand for a few selfies. After snapping the pictures, neither of them wanted to view them.

As they playfully bantered, Lena swung the door open and inquired, "Who's there?"

Zuko and Chris fell silent instantly.

Lena smiled and welcomed them inside. Zuko's meal ended up being shared by all. Lina, who usually didn't eat much, chatted and laughed heartily. Her morning sickness appeared to have vanished. Chris leaned in close to Lena. "Lenny, it's lunch break now. Are you planning to stay here the whole time?"

He looked at her meaningfully as he spoke.

Understanding his intention, Lena was about to get up to leave, but Lina grabbed her arm.

"Hold on!" Lina looked at her like a little hungry kitten and smiled shyly. "Lenny... will you come again tomorrow?"

Lena's heart melted instantly. Her smile brightened, and she nodded hard. "Yes, yes, I'll come tomorrow. I'll bring you chicken soup again!"

Chris looked at Zuko in frustration. Zuko could only helplessly look in return.

Just then, there were noises at the door, followed by the hesitant voice of Lina's secretary, "Ms. Renee, Ms. Lina is resting. Should I—"

"I'm here to see my cousin. Why are you stopping me?"

"Ms. Renee..."

The secretary failed to stop her, but Renee opened the door and entered the room. Her expression immediately turned sour upon seeing them gathered there.

She forced a smile that looked somewhat natural. "Lina, aren't you supposed to be resting?"

Lina froze.

Maybe due to guilt toward Renee or because she tended to be overly accommodating to her younger cousin, Lina's emotions were a bit complicated. It was like the sensation of being caught cheating by a teacher during her school days.

Renee's gaze made her uneasy, but she managed a smile and met her eyes.

"Renee, how did you find time to visit today?"

"I heard you were not eating much because of your pregnancy, so I brought some sour plums." Renee set the small box on the table. "These can boost your appetite and saliva production. They might help you out."

"Thank you..."

Renee's gaze turned cold as she looked at Lena. "Lina, I see someone's been sending you chicken soup daily, huh?"

Chris scowled and was about to say something when he saw Zuko stopping him with his eyes.

Lena remained expressionless. She was about to leave, only to hear Renee's biting words from behind her.

"Lina, you must be careful with what you consume. If it's not from close family members, you mustn't eat it recklessly especially now that you're pregnant. It's so easy for someone to harm you if they want to!" "Renee!" Chris could not stand it anymore. "What's gotten into you? Lenny was just trying to be kind!"

"My mom once said that barking dogs never bite!" Renee emphasized each word, looking at Lena and Chris.

Chris stepped forward, but Lena pulled him back, placing herself between him and Renee.

The iciness in Lena's originally aloof eyes intensified.

Chapter 1399

Chapter 1399

Lena smiled and calmly remarked, "You're right. Barking dogs don't bite. But that's not an absolute rule. I've seen dogs that bark furiously and still bite and give rabies!" "What did you say?" Renee narrowed her eyes. "Lena, what do you mean?"

"Literally what I said." Lena chuckled. "You're a shareholder in the company, so your level of education should be higher than mine. I wasn't speaking in a foreign language just now, so I assume you understand what I said?"

Renee widened her eyes, face pale and chest heaving in anger.

Lena continued, speaking so much to her for the first time. "Also, Lina is pregnant now, and it's true she should be cautious about what she consumes. However, it seems that I'm not the only one sending 'consumable items', right?"

Renee was left speechless by her retorts.

Chris looked at Lena smugly, looped his arm around her, and led her toward the door.

"Lena, stand right there!" Renee shouted, losing control.

Chris clenched his fists and struggled to suppress his anger. After all, they were still in the Thompson Group. It was Lina's place, and he could not afford to lose his composure.

Zuko walked over, his expression composed and his smile distant. "Renee, I know your visit to see Lina was well-intentioned. However, it might be better to save this goodwill for your home. If you want to visit Lina in the future, come to our place. After all, this is the office, and Lina is the director here. What status do you have to just barge in like this?"

Renee bit her lip. She sensed from Zuko's words and tone that he was drawing a line between them.

She wished she hadn't acted so impulsively. She should've maintained her delicate facade, just as she used to. By presenting herself as both fragile yet kind-hearted and determined, they would have supported her once more instead of gathering around Lena!

But every time she saw Lena or even thought of her name, her emotions spiraled out of control.

Renee looked at Zuko and pointed at Lena. "What about her? What's her status? At the Thompson Group, she's just a bottom-level employee! A worker who keeps running into the boss' office and trying to please her. Does she want to climb up the ladder that desperately?"

Zuko frowned slightly, a hint of iciness flickering in his eyes. After a moment, he smiled and replied calmly, "You're right about that."

"What?"

He spoke clearly. "Lena, don't bring the chicken soup to the office next time, just bring it to our home! My wife is pregnant. Not only is your chicken soup appetizing to her, but she's happy to be around you!" Zuko smiled and looked at Lina affectionately. "She's having strong morning sickness now and doesn't even want to look at me when she's not in a good mood. I'm afraid only you manage to catch her eye among us all!"

Lena was momentarily taken aback before she chuckled.

Chris silently gave him a thumbs-up.

As they walked past Renee to leave the office, they treated her like she was invisible.

Renee took a deep breath and calmed down. She looked at Zuko and Lina, her gaze no longer as tense as before. She appeared much more vulnerable as if she were that innocent, weak, and kind-hearted girl from the past.

Yet, Zuko's frown only deepened.

Lina was still cautious but could not harden her heart toward her cousin. "Renee, thank you for your gift. I just hope that in the future, you and Lenny-"

"Lina, I'm really sorry!" Renee lowered her head. "I know I should open up more, and I've been trying."

"And your attempt resulted in worsening the relationship once more?" Lina sighed. "Lenny isn't difficult to get along with. She's been very magnanimous toward you!"

"I know, I know! Please don't blame me anymore... Actually, there's another reason I came to see you today."

Renee glanced at Zuko and said hesitantly, "Since you're also here, I'll just say it."

"What is it?"

Renee's eyes reddened. "I've... I haven't been in touch with Toph for several days. He wouldn't ignore me like this before!"

Chapter 1400

Chapter 1400

During this time, the roles between Renee and Toph appeared to have switched. Previously, he used to send her many messages, while her responses were brief. Nowadays, her messages to him seemed futile, like tossing a stone into the vast ocean. He was reluctant to even reply.

Renee started to worry, realizing that what she had said to him that day had gone too far.

She had tried calling Toph, but he wouldn't answer. She had sent him an email but received no response. She had even set aside her pride and visited the Hamertons' residence in search of him, only to be greeted by their main butlers. Not even Cordelia and Zephyr were around.

It appeared that Toph had severed all lines of communication, completely disappearing from her world.

Having exhausted all other options, Renee had no choice but to turn to Lina. She couldn't afford to miss Toph, not in a world filled with cunning and capable heirs like Zuko. Someone as wealthy and unsuspecting as Toph was a rare find.

"Zuko, I..." Tears streamed down Renee's face. "I've tried every method I could, but I can't find him. I'm really scared! I don't want to lose Toph."

"Is that so?" Zuko looked at her coldly. "You don't want to lose him, but what have you done to him?"

Renee appeared nervous and fell silent.

Zuko's gaze was resentful. No one knew what Toph had been through during this time better than him.

A young man who used to enjoy sweet soda even at banquets was now drinking alcohol at home, deliberately getting himself drunk, and then sleeping heavily with his head covered. There was no more laughter from him in the house, and no more noise from him playing games.

The large house had always been somewhat empty and felt even colder now.

Wendy felt sorry for the youngest heir she had brought up. She had tried all sorts of ways to make delicious dishes every day. Back then, Toph would have eagerly sat at the dining table and indulged himself, but now...

Zuko clenched his fists. He did not know what Renee had said to Toph and could not get it out of Toph, either. However, he knew that Toph would not act this way if he was not really hurting.

Zuko looked at her coldly. "Toph is my brother, and I know him very well. He won't use the silent treatment on someone for no reason. Even if someone is unkind to him, he'll face it with a smile-unless he's been seriously hurt!"

"Zuko "

"Even though we usually fool around, he's still my brother!" Zuko emphasized, his tone growing harsher. "Anyone who dares hurt him, I'll definitely fight that person to the death as his older brother." Renee took two steps back, her eyes filled with fear.

Lina gently tugged on Zuko's hand, feeling conflicted.

Zuko patted the back of her hand and smiled reassuringly. He would give Renee another chance, but everything would be within his control.

"Toph's been drawing comics recently. His work is serialized on a website. I can give you the link." Zuko looked at Renee and said in a low tone, "As for what to do next, that's up to you." Renee nervously nodded, not daring to say more. However, there was an additional sense of resolute coldness in her gaze.

Under Renee's instructions, Jacquelin closely watched Lena, displaying an unusual level of diligence. She actively tried to connect with Lena, beginning with compliments about her fashion sense and stylish attire. She went on to praise Lena's physique, suggesting that even ordinary clothing appeared as high-end fashion on her.

Following these compliments, Jacquelin initiated friendly gestures, such as sharing snacks, drinks, and engaging in office chitchat. She pulled Lena to her side, claiming that she had the support of Mr. Chriss and Ms. Renee, unlike Jade who had nothing.

Despite Jacquelin's various tactics, none of them seemed to affect Lena. She remained consistently cautious in her words and actions, maintaining an aloof demeanor toward Jacquelin. While Lena was always polite, she responded with a degree of distance, and sometimes, she even offered retorts.

"Jacquelin, are you trying to get me to join forces with you against Ms. Neale, 'that old woman who has nothing'?"

Jade walked past them from behind coincidentally, and Lena raised her voice slightly.

As Jacquelin turned around, she met Jade's cryptic smirk.

Jacquelin seethed with anger, plotting ways to redirect troublesome clients towards Lena. One such client was an elderly man who leered at Lena with an unsettling grin, his gaze lingering on her from head to toe.

This man wasn't interested in a house-rather, he desired Lena's company. He insisted that Lena join him for dinner and drinks that evening. He dangled the promise of signing the contract right away if she agreed.

Jacquelin observed the scene with folded arms, not anticipating Lena's immediate and unexpected acceptance. To her surprise, Lena arrived at work the next day in high spirits.

Not long after, Jade received a complaint.

The previous night, Lena had beaten the old man up! Even before she resorted to violence, she had recorded all the offensive things the old man had said to her, along with a video of him getting handsy with her.

Jade smiled and told the troublemakers who had come to her, "If you think your boss was wronged, I suggest you report it to the police!"

Realizing they were in the wrong, none of them dared to say more.

On the other hand, Jacquelin accused Lena of offending clients.

Jade looked at her and snorted, "Jacquelin, we're in the sales department, selling houses, not our favors and certainly not anything else!

"If you think you can get a better deal, go find another place to work! The Thompson Group is too small to accommodate a pedestal for you!"

Lena glanced at Jade gratefully, the two of them becoming good friends despite their age difference. Sometimes, when Lena was annoyed, she would vent to Jade, "How can there be someone as stupid and malicious as Jacquelin?"

"People are complex. Who can be as clear-headed and intelligent as you?"

Lena smiled shyly.

"But why do they keep her in the sales department? Doesn't the Thompson Group avoid having employees who do nothing?"

"It's due to her relationship with Mr. Chriss," Jade explained. "There's another reason. She's actually quite pretty. Keeping her as a decorative figure in the sales department can also attract clients, don't you think?"

Lena nodded lightly.

Who exactly was Mr. Chriss? He seemed to have quite a bit of power.

"Mr. Chriss has some connection with the four major families," Jade told her. "Mrs. Bayer from the Bayers is a Tanner. The mother of Kelly Tanner is called Mandy Chriss. It's said that back then, Mandy used her wedding gift to help the Tanners secure a place among the four major families."

"Mr. Chriss is Mandy's grandnephew."

"What?" Lena was surprised. "So, that means Mr. Chriss isn't very old?"