Ch. 1401..1410

Chapter 1401

Chapter 1401

"Indeed, he's young," Jade remarked. "But despite his age, he's capable. When the company began, Mr. Thompson had nothing but money. Besides the Hamertons' support, Mr. Chriss played a vital role in building Sol Entertainment step by step. With a solid foundation, the subsidiary companies grew rapidly."

"So, Mr. Chriss deserves credit." Lena smiled. "Because of that, did the directors overlook his affair?"

Jade playfully nudged her. "Come on, enough of that!"

"I know," Lena whispered. "I'm just teasing you. I wouldn't discuss this with outsiders."

Jade's eyes twinkled with hidden meaning as she said, "What I mean is, Mr. Chriss' relationship with Jacqueline isn't clear!"

"Huh?"

Lena was taken aback.

In reality, she had considered this. Jacqueline seemed the least likely mistress she had ever seen. What kind of secretive, pampered mistress led such a difficult life, working hard?

It appeared she had only heard one side of the story, one that suggested Jacqueline was willingly doing what she did.

Lena flashed a subtle smile. Maybe Mr. Chriss was such a remarkable man that all women were willing to strive for him!

Jacqueline had secretly tried to meet with Renee a few times.

However, Renee lately had been distracted by Toph's cold attitude, even when Jacqueline shared so much about Lena.

Jacqueline noticed and immediately stopped talking, realizing she looked terrible.

But Renee asked, "Why did you stop?"

"Oh..." Jacqueline glanced around before suggesting with a smile, "Shall I order another cup of decaffeinated coffee for you, Ms. Renee? It tastes just as good as regular coffee but won't affect your sleep." "Decaffeinated..." Renee repeated a few times.

How could decaffeinated coffee be considered coffee? People loved coffee because it woke them up, right?

Renee couldn't help but chuckle at how absurd that notion was. The same principle applied to people. Without the right genes, one was destined for a mediocre life.

Did Toph now look down on her and reject her, too?

Renee bit her lip, her fists clenched so tightly that they almost crushed her coffee mug.

Seeing Renee like this, Jacqueline dared not say more. Instead, she instinctively lifted the tablecloth. If Renee suddenly smashed the mug, maybe the tablecloth would contain the mess. "M-Ms. Renee," she stammered, frightened. "What's wrong?"

"I'm fine," Renee tried to calm herself. She scrutinized Jacqueline briefly before asking carefully, "How have things been with Mr. Chriss lately?"

"I..."

"What did you do to win him over?"

Jacqueline panicked. What did she have?

All she had was one secret: you can achieve anything if you're shameless.

"Ms. Renee..." She forced a plastic smile. Just as she was about to deflect the question, she noticed a woman approaching from a short distance away. The woman appeared furious. Jacqueline's expression turned from fear to sheer alarm. Her head started to ring, and she bolted from her seat.

However, the cafe was located inside the Thompson Group building, with an open design surrounded by only plants.

Jacqueline was clumsy and guilty. She accidentally knocked over a potted plant, drawing the woman's attention. "Stay right there!"

Chapter 1402

Chapter 1402

The woman's fierce scream jolted Jacqueline, and she sprinted ahead, ignoring everything else.

Yet, this woman possessed terrifying strength. Her eight-centimeter heels didn't hinder her-she quickly caught up to Jacqueline, firmly grabbing her wrist. In the commotion, Jacqueline's work badge became visible.

"Hah! So you're Jacqueline!" The woman's voice boomed, her charisma overwhelming. "No wonder you're trembling like a mouse facing a cat!"

"N-No..."

"You deceitful woman! How dare you seduce my husband? I'm going to teach you a lesson!"

They caused a scene in the lobby. Jacqueline's cries and the woman's accusations echoed.

It was during working hours, so the security guards arrived swiftly. However, they hesitated to intervene.

Onlookers gathered, reveling in the drama.

Renee frowned, wanting no part in this trouble. She discreetly slipped away.

"Let me go- Ahh!"

The woman was forceful, beating up Jacqueline. Colleagues who had once been close now seemed like strangers. Not only that, but they also recorded the altercation on their phones, eager not to miss the official wife teaching the mistress a lesson.

"Why are you all just standing there?! Help me... Ah! I-I'm sorry, ma'am... I won't ever do it again!"

"You won't dare?" The woman gritted her teeth. "You look like you dare! Let me make this clear-nobody takes advantage of me, Kasey Patton. I'll punish anyone who tries to steal my man!" Kasey shoved Jacqueline forcefully as she spoke.

Jacqueline collided with a lobby pillar, landing in an embarrassing position.

She happened to be wearing a mini-skirt, which made the onlookers burst into laughter.

Lena was on her way down at that moment.

She had just delivered chicken soup to Lina's office when she heard about the commotion in the lobby from the secretary. Initially, she considered ignoring it, but she worried it would drain Lina. After all, this was the Thompson Group's building, and it would tarnish their image if outsiders witnessed this chaos.

With determination, she decided to handle it herself.

She wasn't afraid of Jacqueline or Kasey. She believed she could quickly separate them and have the security guards escort Kasey out.

However, as she approached, she witnessed the intense brawl between the two women.

Jacqueline was furious, grabbing Kasey's hair and shouting.

Kasey, in turn, was taken aback and clung tightly to Jacqueline's clothes.

They pushed and pulled, but it was evident that Kasey was gradually losing ground. Jacqueline was becoming more audacious in her taunts.

"It takes two to tango! Your husband will be tempted by other women just as he was by me!

"Why did you confront me? Do you think I'm a pushover? Go check on his other mistresses!

"Hey, your husband had sex with me last night! My knees were trembling! I'm sure that's never happened to you, has it? Hahaha..."

Kasey's face turned crimson. No woman could endure such public humiliation, no matter how capable she might be.

Suddenly, a figure swiftly moved in!

Then, two loud slaps resounded.

Jacqueline covered her cheeks and screamed in shock.

The onlookers were stunned.

Lena stood between the two women, her gaze cold as she surveyed the crowd.

Eventually, her eyes locked on Jacqueline. "It's working hours. Why are you causing a scene here?"

Chapter 1403

Chapter 1403

Jacqueline's head was pounding, and her eyes widened as she felt her cheeks grow warm. She struggled to find her voice but couldn't utter a word. "You..." She pointed at Lena.

Lena slapped her hand away.

Jacqueline shrieked and charged at Lena, who turned around and quickly restrained her by placing her arms behind her back.

Kasey stood dumbfounded for a moment but then acted swiftly. While Lena held Jacqueline, Kasey slapped the latter's cheeks. "Enough, both of you," Lena said in her deep voice. "Jacqueline, you represent the sales department. Don't disgrace it."

Despite her words, Lena didn't release her grip on Jacqueline.

Kasey raised an eyebrow and slapped Jacqueline two more times.

"I said stop. Can't you both understand?" Lena frowned. "Are you still at it? Ms. Thompson is upstairs! Do you want to alert her?"

Kasey struggled to stifle her laughter, her palms red from slapping Jacqueline.

"Alright, that's enough...

"I said stop!"

Kasey had almost vented all her anger when Lena finally let go of Jacqueline.

Jacqueline sobbed loudly and glared at the two of them before turning and fleeing from the crowd.

Security guards arrived to escort the onlookers out, restoring order to the place.

Only then did the atmosphere begin to calm.

Lena's expression was grave. She couldn't decide if she had taken the right side by supporting Kasey.

It was just that she couldn't stand Jacqueline's arrogant provocation of the official Mrs. Chriss. After all, Lena had once been considered the child of a mistress, and that realization weighed heavily on her. "Hey!" A clear voice interrupted her thoughts.

Lena turned to see Kasey calling her.

When Lena returned to her senses, she respectfully addressed her as "Madam Chriss."

"Don't call me that. It makes me sound old," Kasey said with a charming smile. "My name's Kasey. And you are..."

"Lena." Lena displayed her work badge.

"Oh, so you're Lena!" Kasey pondered for a moment and then made the connection. "Arya, the Bayers' daughter, bought a house from you, right?"

Lena was taken aback but nodded in confirmation.

"Elijah is Mandy's nephew." Kasey continued in a hushed tone. "You know Mandy, right? Arya's grandmother. So Elijah and Arya... Well, I'm not sure what their exact relationship is. Maybe cousins!" "Elijah?" Lena was surprised.

"Yes." Kasey's expression turned serious. "He's the heartless one."

Speaking of the devil, Elijah approached from a distance, exuding an icy aura, his steps deliberate. His demeanor was intimidating, and he was smirking mockingly.

He sneered. "Have you had your fun, Mrs. Chriss?"

Kasey rolled her eyes at him, refusing to dignify his comment.

"Are you really not concerned about my reputation, stirring up trouble at my workplace?" he taunted.

"Do you think I care about your reputation, Elijah?" Kasey scoffed. "You lost yours long ago with your shameless actions."

His eyes flared with anger. Despite his handsome, celebrity-like appearance, his face now displayed sheer hostility.

Chapter 1404

Chapter 1404

Lena gazed at them and recalled what Jade had said.

Could it be true? Perhaps there was truly nothing between Elijah and Jacquelin, and Kasey had simply misunderstood?

"Should I give you credit for my wife's victory?" he quipped, catching Lena off guard. She met his intense gaze as he tilted her head. Just as she was about to explain, Kasey stormed off in anger. Elijah followed her, but not before glancing at Lena fiercely.

She stood there momentarily, her thoughts racing.

Did she somehow offend Elijah today?

Yet, he held a higher position within the company while she was just a regular staff member. Their paths should not cross in the future.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Lena made her way to her office.

Arya visited the Hamertons to deliver the revised comic she had assisted Toph with.

His eyes lit up after feeling down for a few days.

She handed him the draft with a smile. The storyline and the characters had been refined.

"Wow, Arya!" Toph exclaimed. "You're a master of art! No, you're a saint of art! How did you manage this? It's like my characters have come to life!"

She modestly shook her head. "Your foundation was solid. I only tweaked the colors and details."

"Details make all the difference!" Toph was elated. "Do you think my work is good?"

"Has your comic been published on the website?" she inquired. "What's the reception like?"

"It's beyond my expectations," he admitted, scratching his head. "I have over 100,000 views, and a few publishers contacted me about publishing it. But I'm wary of scams, so I didn't respond.

"Arya, honestly, your approval means the world to me. You're the expert. Your judgment is more trustworthy than theirs!"

"I believe your work has great potential," she assured him. "Why not sign a contract with my studio? I'll promote your comic. What do you think?"

"What?"

"I'm serious!" She patted his shoulder. "Have confidence, Toph! Your skills and storyline are excellent. As long as you maintain regular updates, even if it doesn't go viral, you can still earn money from the comic!"

"Do you really think so?" His voice quivered slightly.

In recent days, he had been feeling guilty about distancing himself from Renee. He yearned to draw to ease his mood, but Renee's hurtful words lingered in his mind.

'What accomplishments will draw comics bring you? Do you think it will make you successful? You're nothing compared to your brother!

Those hurtful words resounded in his head, paralyzing his hand he couldn't even draw a simple line. Despite gaining some fame on the website, he couldn't bring himself to believe in his skills.

His eyes dimmed. The person who truly believed in him wasn't Renee but Arya.

"Please consider the offer, Toph." Arya chuckled. "I'm not just trying to comfort you. My studio is just starting, and we don't sign comic artists lightly."

"Do you really think I'm good?"

"Are you a fool?" She smiled earnestly. "You're only good if you believe in yourself. You need the unwavering confidence that no one can shatter. Why should you care about others' opinions? If you think you can do it, then you definitely can!"

Chapter 1405

Chapter 1405

Toph gazed at Arya, utterly astonished.

Renee had never uttered such words to him. When they were close, he was the one showering her with compliments. Now that they had drifted apart-apart from urging him to fight for his inheritance against Zuko and criticizing his drawings as having no future-she remained silent.

A sharp pain pierced his heart when he heard Arya's words, causing his eyes to well up with tears.

"Hey!" Arya was taken aback and quickly comforted him. "What's wrong? It's alright!"

"I'm okay." He sniffled. "I'm just so happy... Your approval means the world to me!"

"I'm actually quite lonely at home," he confessed. "My parents don't understand art. While my brother appreciates it, art is just a hobby for him, not a career. My grandma is an artist, but she lives in Southeast Aciatic. It's far away, and I can't always talk to her.

"Now that I have the opportunity to create comics, I..." He became emotional as he spoke, only managing to regain his composure after a while.

Arya smiled and handed him the draft. "Since you have a passion for art, stay determined! But I must warn you, it's not an easy path. I drew for seven years before gaining recognition. I worked for various studios and sometimes didn't even get credit for my work..."

She gazed at him with clear eyes. "Can you endure hardships, Toph?"

"Absolutely!" Toph replied without hesitation. "All the challenges are worth it when you're doing something you love!"

"I agree!" Arya's dimples made her look even cuter when she smiled.

There was a saying that went: "You can only go far when you do something you love."

Even if the outcome wasn't satisfying, there would be no regrets as long as one wholeheartedly pursued what they loved.

Toph was a man of his word. He grabbed the drawing board and pen immediately, starting the new design with high spirits. Arya stood behind him, offering suggestions on various details.

The two were so engrossed that they didn't realize the sky had turned dark. Their rumbling stomachs snapped them back to reality, and they shared a hearty laugh.

The Hamerton household, which had been gloomy for days, had finally regained its usual liveliness.

Wendy was overjoyed and busied herself by bringing out an array of snacks before disappearing into the kitchen to prepare Toph's favorite dishes.

Cordelia breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing Toph's smile. "He's finally smiling."

"All thanks to Arya," Zephyr murmured.

Cordelia frowned and glanced at him. He appeared composed, devoid of emotion.

'All thanks to Arya...' she thought.

She sighed and glanced at him reproachfully. "Do you realize that your absent-minded words could stir up so much chaos?"

"Are you criticizing me?" Zephyr smiled cryptically. "You took the ring back!"

"I-I took it back to resize it!" she protested.

"Quit being stubborn." Zephyr held her shoulders.

They had been married for years he knew her thoughts all too well.

The excuse of resizing the ring was too transparent.

"I just feel sorry for Renee," Cordelia murmured, leaning into his embrace.

"She's had it tough, but what about Toph?" Zephyr's gaze turned fierce. "I'm upset she bullied our son!"

Cordelia chuckled.

Someone had once said he would be strict with his sons, letting them face their troubles and pains on their own. He would not intervene.

But now, he was no longer the stern father. He had become protective and would shield his children at any cost.

"Why are you smiling, wifey?"

"Nothing." She pouted. "I was just thinking about someone who claimed that Toph's life had been too smooth as he grew up, that it wasn't a good thing. They said he needed to experience some hardship. I wonder who said that."

"Oh..." He paused. "He has endured enough hardship."

Chapter 1406

Chapter 1406

"Huh?" Cordelia was perplexed.

Zephyr elaborated, "He hasn't smiled for a few days. Isn't that enough hardship?"

At that moment, laughter echoed from the living room. Toph and Arya were brimming with joy over their freshly drawn comic, so they shared a high-five to celebrate. Wendy served the food, urging them to dig in.

Toph settled at the table and eagerly grasped a pork rib, wasting no time in devouring it. It had been days since his last proper meal, and his hunger was evident. Cordelia felt a wave of relief wash over her as she witnessed her son's happiness. Her mood lifted considerably.

Zephyr grinned. "Darling, shouldn't we join them?"

"Oh, please!" She glanced at him. "We'll dine in the other room!"

He pouted, harboring more words but choosing to keep them to himself. Cordelia's phone suddenly vibrated as they made their way to the adjacent room. Linda's panicked voice came through as soon as Cordelia answered, "Cordelia... Are you all at home?"

"What's wrong?"

"I-I'm at the hospital..." She struggled to form a sentence due to her emotional state. "I-It's Renee. She... Why didn't I take better care of her? It's my fault..." Cordelia's heart squeezed upon hearing Linda's trembling voice. She promptly asked Toph to accompany them to the hospital.

Linda sat on a bench outside the emergency room, her face drained of color, unable to stop trembling. Nicholas paced anxiously nearby, his expression grave. Zephyr approached them. "Could you please explain what happened? Linda was unclear on the phone, and Cordelia was so frantic that she insisted we come along!" "Did Toph come with you?" Linda suddenly looked up.

Toph had an ominous feeling. He froze in his tracks, his gaze fixed on the entrance to the emergency room.

"Toph!" Linda hurried over. First, she held Cordelia's hands, then turned her gaze to him as she spoke. "Renee... tried to end her life at home."

"What?" Cordelia's heart skipped a beat.

Toph's mind went blank. It felt as though every cell in his body had fallen silent. He remained stunned for what seemed like an eternity, his vacant eyes suggesting his soul had left his body. Then, an excruciating pain pierced his heart, radiating from his limbs to engulf his entire being.

Renee had attempted suicide? Was it because of him?

Toph's knees gave way, and he crumpled halfway to the ground, gasping for air.

"Toph!" Cordelia was shattered. She squatted down and enveloped him in her arms, just as she did when he was a child. He instinctively clutched her arms. After a prolonged daze, he began to sob. To a person who had never confronted life and death, this was a devastating blow.

"Did she really try to end her life?" Zephyr grabbed Nicholas. "Did she display any signs before this happened?"

Nicholas heaved a long sigh and shook his head.

"She had been down for the past two days, locking herself in her room since yesterday," Linda explained. "Today, she didn't emerge at all, and I grew concerned. No one answered the door when I knocked. I tried to open it, but it was locked.

"I realized something was amiss, so I had someone fetch the spare key...

"When I opened the door, there she was, lying on her bed with an empty bottle of sleeping pills beside her."

Chapter 1407

Chapter 1407

"It's my fault. It's all my fault!" Toph cried out. "I'm the one who pushed her to do this... I didn't apologize or resolve our conflict. Instead, I pushed her to this point... "Mom, I'm the reason Renee tried to take her own life! I messed up!"

He raised his arm, intending to hit himself, but Zephyr tightly gripped his wrist before he could.

"Calm down!" Zephyr growled. "You're a man, look at yourself!"

"Dad..."

Nicholas also tried to console him. "Toph, you're gentle and kind. That's why you try to shoulder all the blame. But you're not truly at fault. So, please, stop blaming yourself."

Toph stood there with teary eyes, and Cordelia felt a deep sadness seeing him like that.

Meanwhile, she had an inkling of what was going on. It seemed that Renee had captured all of Toph's attention with this incident.

Zennie was part of the emergency team and soon emerged from the emergency room.

"Don't worry," she said calmly. "We managed to save her in time. Her life is no longer in danger."

Toph's tension instantly eased. It felt like all his strength had been drained from him, and he leaned weakly against the wall.

"Don't worry, Toph," Zennie reassured her nephew, her eyes filled with complex emotions. "Trust your aunt's expertise. I won't let anything happen to her."

Cordelia asked, "Zennie, how many sleeping pills did she take?"

"Quite a few," she replied honestly. "There were some remnants even after the first round of stomach pumping, so we had to do it again. We can't take any risks, though those procedures have been completed We need to monitor her for a while, as there might be aftereffects or complications."

"Is it that serious?"

"That's correct."

Cordelia's eyes darkened, and tears welled up in Toph's eyes. He followed Renee's gurney as she was wheeled out and continued calling her name.

Cordelia and Zephyr exchanged a meaningful look, seeing the doubt and helplessness in each other's eyes.

"I think I underestimated her," Cordelia whispered. "I thought she was just playing childish games to win him back. I never thought..."

"That Renee would gamble with her own life," Zephyr finished.

"Regardless, I don't think we can persuade Toph right now," Cordelia said.

Zephyr turned to her. "Wifey, don't you find it strange?"

She was taken aback. "You do, too?"

And then, they said simultaneously, "Where did she get the sleeping pills?"

Their words struck Linda and Nicholas. They had been consumed with worry about Renee attempting suicide, and they had forgotten about the sleeping pills.

"I used to take those pills when I suffered from depression," Linda revealed. "But since Pammy came home, my condition improved, and she helped me stop taking them. I threw them all away!" Cordelia asked, "So, there are no more sleeping pills at home, correct?"

Nicholas and Linda nodded firmly.

"Sleeping pills require a prescription. She couldn't have obtained them without one unless she had some other way," Cordelia inferred. "Linda, have you ever been in her room?"

"How could we?" Nicholas shook his head. "We respect the kids' privacy. They don't want us entering their rooms, so we never did."

"In times like these, I'm afraid we'll have to break that rule," Cordelia said, biting her lip. "Linda, I'd like to take a look in her room while she's in the hospital."

The news of Renee's suicide attempt quickly spread.

Chapter 1408

Chapter 1408

Lina felt anxious. Zuko wanted to shield their baby from the incident, so he had forbidden her from visiting Renee at the hospital. To keep her occupied, he had even invited Lena over.

Naturally, Lena eagerly agreed to accompany her friend. To her, Renee's suicide attempt was like a ripple on a calm lake—shocking at first, but the shock soon subsided. She couldn't believe Renee genuinely wanted to end her life.

Lena speculated that Renee's actions were meant to get Toph's attention. After all, Renee hadn't achieved her goals yet. Wouldn't it be a waste for her to die like this?

Lena brought the homemade chicken soup to the office, planning to deliver it to Lina during lunch.

However, a colleague from another department stopped her. "You're Lena from the sales department, right?"

Lena was taken aback.

The colleague smiled and said, "I'm Mr. Chriss' secretary. He wants to see you in his office. Come with me!"

Lena clenched her fists, her heart racing.

Elijah's office was below Lina's. It was spacious, but only a couple of higher-ups worked there. His office had a prime location, overlooking the bustling business district and the distant ocean, just like Lina's office above.

The secretary left after escorting Lena to the office.

Lena felt uneasy as she entered slowly.

Elijah hadn't gone for lunch yet he was engrossed in a document on his computer, reading it meticulously.

"You're here," he said without looking up, his voice dripping with authority.

Lena replied briefly, standing in silence until he finished reviewing the document. He showed no intention of inviting her to sit.

"Lena?" Finally, he glanced at her.

"Yes." She nodded.

He wore a sly smile, resembling a cunning fox when he grinned and a cold, imposing lone wolf when he didn't.

"I don't like beating around the bush," he said, leaning on the chair and twirling his pen. "I called you here to ask... Do you have any issues with Jacquelin?"

Lena was taken aback. Where should she begin? She had no desire to have issues with Jacquelin. It was the latter who refused to let her be.

"Lena, please answer my question. My patience is limited," he said coldly.

Lena chuckled. "Mr. Chriss, you're asking me this because of what happened the other day?"

"Just answer the question."

"Of course," she replied honestly. "I don't think she's worth my time for us to have issues, but it wasn't about getting back at her that day." "Then why?" he asked.

"She's a homewrecker." She gazed into his eyes. "She deserves every bit of punishment for tearing apart someone else's family!"

He squinted and grinned. "You have quite the sense of justice."

"Mr. Chriss, I shouldn't meddle." She took a deep breath. "But since we're discussing it, I must say... You have a wife and a kid, shouldn't you—" "Daddy!" A sweet voice suddenly interrupted her.

When she turned around, she saw a girl dressed like a princess entering cheerfully. Kasey followed closely behind her.

Chapter 1409

Chapter 1409

The girl was cute and innocent, her cheeks rosy. Her eyes had a joyful sparkle.

When she entered like an angel, Lena felt like she was looking at her younger self. However, Lena didn't have as wonderful a childhood as this child. She was never as neat and pretty. As a kid, she was always dirty, wearing oversized clothes and messy braids. Other children would often bully her, saying nobody wanted her.

Lena often dreamt of having a doll like all the other girls in her youth.

Her heart squeezed, and she turned away, expressionless.

Kasey called out to her, "Hey, you are here too? Skipping lunch to work during the break?"

Before she could respond, Elijah's cold voice cut in. "Do you think everyone has as much free time as you do?"

Kasey's expression changed, and she swallowed her words.

But Elijah didn't care and continued to taunt her. "What are you up to today? Bringing my daughter to watch me? "Kasey, Nala bears my last name. Don't set a bad example for her!"

"You..." Kasey's face flushed and then paled. She clenched her fists tightly.

Lena felt it was inappropriate for her to stay. Just as she was leaving, a small, warm hand gently pulled her.

"Madam!"

Lena was shocked. "You..."

The girl held her hand, looking up at her with an adorable smile.

Lena's heart melted at that smile, like ice cream under the scorching sun.

"Nala!" Kasey quickly intervened. "She's not a 'Madam'. Don't call her that!" "Mommy, didn't you teach me that we should call pretty ladies 'Madams'?"

Kasey blinked and smiled. "You silly girl! Not 'Madam', I taught you to say 'Miss'!"

"But..." The girl pouted and thought momentarily, then gestured to her own height with one hand. "But I thought a 'Miss' should be just a little taller than me... This beautiful lady is much taller than me with long legs. She's a Madam!"

Kasey smiled and looked apologetically at Lena. "I'm sorry. She just turned five, and there are things she doesn't know. She must have learned that at school, I think. So..."

Lena chuckled. "It's okay."

The tiny hand gripped hers tightly, and Lena was surprised to find she didn't want to let go. It was strange. She used to avoid kids, but at that moment, she enjoyed being with this child. Her tough heart had softened.

"Madam, Madam!" Nala shook her arm, asking her to squat down.

Lena patiently obliged.

"Madam, are my daddy and mommy going to fight?" Nala whispered into her ear. "Can you talk to them? I'm scared when they fight..."

Nala's sweet voice melted Lena's heart. She patted her head and smiled gently.

"Alright, alright. Stop clinging to her." Kasey signaled Nala with her eyes.

The girl was clever. She took the food container from her mother's hands and placed it on her father's desk.

"Mommy made this just for you, daddy! She said you work hard and need to eat on time so your stomach doesn't hurt!"

Elijah was stunned before looking at Kasey.

It wasn't the first time she used their child to get close to him. He felt disdain for her manipulation. Still, he suppressed his temper as he gazed at his daughter's innocent and cute face.

A complex emotion flickered in his eyes, and his cold demeanor softened gradually.

Perhaps no one could resist such an adorable child!

Lena decided it was time to leave. As she turned around, she heard Nala's sweet voice at the door, "Goodbye, Madam!"

"Nala!" Kasey corrected her. "Call her 'Miss'!"

"She's a Madam!"

"It's okay." Lena smiled. "She can call me whatever she wants."

"Haha, you're quite shameless!" Elijah seized the chance to mock. "Asking my daughter to call you Madam? Who do you think you are?" "Elijah!" Kasey glared at him. "Can't you hold your tongue even while eating?"

"Mind your own business."

"You..."

The smile vanished from Lena's face. She didn't want to be around to witness their argument, so she left, shaking her head helplessly.

She couldn't understand why this couple couldn't behave themselves, especially in front of such a cute daughter. One made a mistake, and the other pursued an affair, and they argued in front of their child...

Lena pitied Nala for having to grow up so quickly in such an environment. She would have to do many things to make her parents happy.

'My child will surely have a much happier life,' she thought as she quickly sent chicken soup to Lina.

Toph had been taking care of Renee at the hospital recently. She had overdosed on sleeping pills, and though her life was no longer in danger, she had been in a coma for a while.

Toph was constantly by her side, looking after her.

After waking up, Renee was weak. He fed her water and food, caring for her with great attention.

The young man, who had been pampered all his life, even washed Renee's towels in the past few days.

The nurse who came to change Renee's IV looked at her with envy. "Your boyfriend is so good to you. He does everything for you!"

Renee glanced at him and softly held his hand.

"Toph..."

"You don't have to say anything," he said with remorse. "It's my fault that you had to go through this."

"It's not your fault. I was stupid to bring this trouble to you guys."

"Renee..." His eyes welled up again. He held her face, choking up and unable to speak.

"Toph, even if you're mad at me, don't ignore me, okay?" She was weak. "You're all I have now. If you don't want me, I really don't know how to go on..." He bit his lip and promised her with utmost sincerity.

She paused before asking, "Toph, you're still going to marry me, right? We're still getting married, right?"

"Of course. Renee, I won't argue with you again. I'll listen to everything you say... Just promise me you'll never do something like that again!"

She nodded, suppressing a cunning smile.

Chapter 1410

Chapter 1410

As Renee continued to recover day by day, it seemed that the storm had finally passed.

However, Toph, who had also calmed down over time, couldn't seem to reconnect with the Renee he once knew as they spent time together.

It was said that those who experienced life and death felt like they had undergone a rebirth. Renee had indeed undergone a transformation, but she was even further from her former self.

Toph was perplexed. Had the simple, kind, and even somewhat timid Renee truly disappeared? Had she vanished along with Kaitlyn's leap from the cliff?

Whenever Toph wanted to pick up a coloring pen, Renee would stare at him until he set it down and exited his game. Then she would hand him some books with subjects like business management and finance.

She would even earnestly reprimand him, saying, "You're already falling behind Zuko, so you need to work harder to catch up!"

Toph would get a headache just looking at those books. It got to the point where he started feeling afraid, even in his dreams. Renee's words kept echoing in his head.

"Toph, don't think that drawing and gaming can bring you success. You can't rely on these things to succeed!"

"If these things are so great, why doesn't your brother do them? Why doesn't my cousin do them?"

"Toph, you're not good at anything, are you?! Didn't you promise me that you'll listen to me in the future?!"

"I'm trying to help you... You're too lacking in drive. I can only motivate you this way! Your parents held your brother to high standards and indulged you. In the end, they handed the Hamerton Group to your brother. Do you think that's fair?"

Sometimes, Toph would wake up from his dreams, screaming with cold sweat drenching his back.

When Lena once again ruined a batch of newly attempted soup recipes, Chris slipped out of the house ahead of time.

It was the weekend, and Lena was definitely going to be with Lina, so he called Zuko. Unexpectedly, Zuko agreed to meet him right away.

Since it was lunchtime, Chris took him to the pizza store.

Julius looked at the two men in confusion and asked, "Hey, young man, why is it a different person today?"

Chris chuckled.

"No more meat today, only plain pizzas!" Julius declared.

"What?"

Julius brought over two pizzas with just the tomato base and cheese.

Chris sighed. Without Lena around, even his standing in the pizza store had dropped.

On the other hand, Zuko ate whatever he was given. He picked up a slice and began slurping it down.

Chris nudged him. "Hey, is Lenny... really at your house?"

"No." Zuko glanced at him. "She's accompanying Lina to a prenatal check-up."

"What?" Chris was surprised. "Shouldn't that be your job?"

Zuko scowled. "Now that my wife only wants Lena's company, she's making me rest at home. How am I supposed to deal with this? I haven't even settled the score with you yet... Can't you talk to Lena?!" "Um..." Chris laughed awkwardly, trying to change the subject. "So, uh, since we have some rare free time, why don't we ask Toph out and have some fun?"

"Toph's not available."

"What happened?"

Zuko's expression changed. "He's been... feeling unwell lately."

"What's wrong?"

"He's been having nightmares and can't sleep well," Zuko said with a heavy tone. "And he often doubts himself. I feel like all of this has something to do with Renee!"