Ch. 1521..1530

Chapter 1521

Chapter 1521

"Mr. Dickinson, are you going to tell me the truth? What did Ms. Mosley give you to implicate Lena?" Lina asked.

Drake averted his gaze, unsure of what to say.

"Are you truly Lena's adoptive father?" she asked.

"Yes, that's the truth," he replied.

Lina pressed on. "Then why did you hurt her?"

Drake trembled, looking away.

"Mr. Dickinson, Ms. Mosley can't protect you anymore. You'll go to prison if you don't tell me the truth!"

Suddenly, Evelyn's voice came from outside.

Lina glared at Drake and had people lock the door.

Evelyn brought Zuko and Chris inside.

"Wifey!" Zuko grinned when he saw her. "We found Nala and Alexander!"

"Really?"

"Yes." Chris looked relieved. "We can finally get justice for Lena."

"She was innocent from the start." Lina smiled. "Who found them?"

"They were smart to escape on their own." Zuko chuckled. "Remember when we found Dickinson with a head injury that night? They took the chance to run. They met a kind man who helped them return. "Alexander borrowed a phone from the driver, and Nala remembered her mom's number. They called her, and they'll be home in 20 minutes!"

"That's amazing," Lina complimented. "It's essential to teach our daughter to stay calm in such situations. Sephy needs to memorize my phone number!"

"Wow!" Zuko widened his eyes.

"I don't expect anything bad to happen to our daughter," Lina said, holding his hand. "But safety education is vital. We never know when she might need it."

Chris added, "Yes. A father can't protect his daughter forever. You need to teach her how to handle unexpected events and stay safe. That's the best gift you can give her."

"Hey!" Zuko pouted. "You don't even have a daughter yet, and you're giving me advice?"

"You..."

"Let's talk when you have your own daughter! Haha!"

"Zuko!"

Zuko grabbed Lina's shoulders and left while Chris made a funny face behind them.

Harold became Centrolis' new mayor, as the election results showed.

At Elijah and Patton's celebration party, Nala appeared like a princess, smiling happily despite her short hair and trauma.

The Mosleys were also invited. Bianca gazed at the party's serenity, feeling a mix of guilt and relief.

Perhaps everything had truly ended now that the children were found.

However, she couldn't surpass Lena this time. Maybe there would be opportunities in the future.

Chapter 1522

Chapter 1522

The party took place in the same four-star hotel. As the guests chatted quietly, they couldn't help but notice the mayor's reluctance to invest more in making the event more extravagant. "Do you guys have any idea? He just got promoted. He has to appear modest," someone whispered.

"But whether it's the Chriss family or the Pattons, they surely deserve more than a four-star hotel. After all, the mayor's son-in-law is in business!" Another guest chimed in.

"Absolutely. Considering their connections with the four influential families, they could have gone all out," a third guest added.

"Could it be that they have ulterior motives for choosing this hotel?" someone wondered aloud.

Unbeknownst to them, Bianca had been lurking and eavesdropping. She dismissed any suspicions about hidden intentions but felt relieved as long as nobody was pointing fingers at her.

Onstage, Harold stood tall and waved to the audience with a genuine smile. The music stopped, and all eyes were on him. Despite his age, his robust health, impeccable posture, and resonant voice exuded remarkable charisma.

"First and foremost, I extend my warm welcome to this gathering," Harold began. "Each one of you deserves credit for our campaign's success. I won't let you down, nor will I disappoint the citizens of Centrolis I'm committed to leading us toward a brighter future!"

Applause erupted from below the stage, and the guests raised their glasses in a show of respect.

"Furthermore, I know you all care deeply for my granddaughter, Nala."

As soon as he mentioned Nala, she rushed onstage to envelop her grandfather in a warm hug. He affectionately patted her head, displaying a loving smile.

Whispers rippled through the audience as they learned about Nala's recent kidnapping and fortunate recovery. Meanwhile, Alexander received the credit for their good fortune.

Alexander gazed at Bianca with a tender smile in a quiet corner.

"While it's true that the mastermind behind Nala's kidnapping was evil, we were fortunate to have a kind-hearted savior step in. Moreover, I've already identified the culprit!" Harold's gaze shifted toward Lena the moment he made this announcement.

Bianca's heart raced with excitement. Harold was suspicious of Lena! Her cunning scheme had indeed worked, successfully pinning the blame on Lena!

"That's right." Bianca's voice was soft but audible to those around her. "Like mother, like daughter. This saying holds true! A child of a criminal is bound to follow in their parent's footsteps!" "What are you saying, Bianca?" Arya suddenly appeared behind her. "If you have something to say, step onto the stage and speak up. Or else, no one can hear you!"

"You..." Bianca gnashed her teeth, her frustration evident.

"Oh, by the way, I suppose your classmates are unaware that you secured your academic credits by bribing your way through an overseas school, right?" Arya shot back, unfazed. Bianca's glare could have cut through steel.

Arya's revelation spread like wildfire, ensuring everyone was well aware of her past.

"What's your issue?" Bianca grumbled, her teeth still clenched. "Mr. Patton is addressing the crowd, and you're here causing a scene. Do you need us to build you a stage?" Arya stared into her eyes and asked, "Bianca, are you upset?"

Speechless and bewildered by Arya's unexpected comments, Bianca could only roll her eyes in response.

Chapter 1523

Chapter 1523

However, Bianca heard Harold's deep voice at that moment.

"I'm overflowing with joy today. Not only is Nala home but I'm gathered here with all of you. Most importantly, I can finally seek justice for Ms. Harding!"

"What?" Bianca's head was spinning.

"I know there are rumors connecting Ms. Harding to Nala's disappearance over the past two days." His voice carried weight. "There was an unreported incident, but I can't believe my competition intended to use this scandal to ruin me!"

"Am I right, Ms. Mosley?"

Bianca was stunned while everyone's eyes fixed on her. She felt like she was about to collapse under the intense scrutiny.

"W-What are you saying, Mr. Patton?" Bianca asked.

"Do you truly not comprehend what I'm saying, Ms. Mosley?" Harold smiled, but his eyes remained cold.

Meanwhile, Elijah glared at her as though he could cut her into pieces.

Parents were unafraid of physical harm, no matter how brutal. They would fight to the death if someone dared to harm their child.

Lina and Zuko exchanged glances and nodded. Soon, their associates brought out Drake.

Bianca's expression changed, and she instinctively averted her gaze from Drake's piercing eyes. He had initially appeared cowardly, seemingly hoping for support when he saw her.

He struggled and screamed, "Hey... M-Ms. Bianca! You must seek justice for me!"

"What do you think you're doing?" she bellowed. "How am I supposed to do that?!"

"It was you who-"

"Yes, I gave you money," Bianca interjected. "But I did it out of pity. Your son has cut ties with you, and your adopted daughter despises you! I only helped you to keep your head above water! I can't believe your ingratitude... You must have offended the Hamerstons, didn't you?"

Although Drake was no saint, he had never distorted the truth like Bianca.

He had never stooped to her level!

He stood there, dumbfounded, unsure of what to say.

Lina sneered. "You're quite skilled at denying the truth, Ms. Mosley!"

"What are you talking about, Pamela?!" Bianca panicked. "H-He's clearly Lena's adoptive father! Why are you dragging me into this? I even advised you to stay away from Lena...

"She grew up in such a toxic environment, constantly exposed to human trafficking. With the Chriss' daughter being kidnapped, both father and daughter are undoubtedly guilty!"

"He may be Lena's adoptive father, but he followed your orders, didn't he?" Zuko rose to his feet. His icy demeanor made Bianca take two steps back.

Chris approached Lena, holding her hand.

Lena took a deep breath, her composure unshaken, her eyes resolute.

Zuko scoffed. "Bianca, don't tell me you believe that this four-star hotel is so tacky they would never repair their backyard surveillance?"

"What?" Bianca exclaimed.

Zuko gestured, and the screen on the stage descended slowly. Someone came forward to play the surveillance footage.

"The backyard surveillance was indeed malfunctioning for a while," the hotel manager explained as he took over. "However, it has been fixed for quite some time. It was operational. The issue was with file transfers, making it appear as if it was perpetually out of order.

"Thanks to the technicians from the Hamerton Group, we've successfully recovered the files!"

Bianca's face turned ashen as she stared at the screen as if she had seen a ghost.

The guests began to piece it together. "You see, I knew there had to be a reason why Mr. Patton chose this four-star hotel for the celebration party. This is it!"

Chapter 1524

Chapter 1524

Bianca and Drake soon appeared on the big screen while chatting in the hotel backyard.

In the background, the PA system emitted sounds.

Bianca: "I've already bribed two Hamerton bodyguards... When the time comes, you just need to cooperate with them and kidnap the child. I'll give you a substantial amount of money!"

Drake: "A girl?! What's the point of stealing a girl? They're not worth much!"

Bianca: "Shut up! Just do what I asked! Kidnap the child I requested!"

Bianca's face turned pale, and her knees gave way as if all the air had been sucked out of her.

"So, this lady was attempting to kidnap the Hamertons' daughter?" someone remarked.

"There have been some strange occurrences lately, especially this year. That's the Hamertons and Thompsons' most precious princess! Does she think she can just snatch her away whenever she pleases? Ha!" Another person chimed in.

"No, no..." Bianca stammered in panic. "That's not what I was trying to do. Please let me explain, Zuko!"

Lina glared coldly and retorted, "Your voice was clear. What's there to explain? Are you going to claim it wasn't you in the video?"

"Bianca, you've bitten off more than you can chew," Zuko said.

He took a few imposing steps forward, silencing the room. "Do you believe that the Hamerton bodyguards are so easily bribed?"

"What?" Bianca lifted her head, only for two individuals to walk in the bodyguards she thought she had successfully bribed. Their expressions were cold and impassive.

"You betrayed me?" Bianca exclaimed after a moment of stunned silence.

"Are you messing with us, Ms. Mosley?" Lina smiled. "They're our bodyguards, just doing their job, not 'betraying' you."

The Hamerton bodyguards were the elite of the elite. They underwent rigorous training and professional psychological evaluations during the hiring process. Anyone failing the tests would be disqualified. Moreover, the Hamertons provided them with exceptional treatment. Betraying such a benefactor would be unwise.

Hence, they had promptly informed Zuko when Bianca had tried to bribe them, leading to heightened security for Sephy. However, they hadn't anticipated Drake's interference in the plan or kidnap Nala. Bianca sat on the ground, panting heavily. She was drenched in sweat as if she had been pulled from the water.

A few attendees from the Mosleys were also present at the banquet, but they kept a low profile amidst the crowd. Fleur, however, confronted them directly.

"The Mosleys are known for their prestige, but how did they raise a daughter like that?" Fleur's voice echoed. "It appears our generations-old friendship ends here!"

"Aunt Fleur..." Bianca tried to crawl toward her, attempting to grasp her dress, but Fleur skillfully evaded her.

"I'm sorry, aunt! I was confused. I never intended to kidnap the Hamertons' little girl... Please, help me, aunt. I....."

"Confused?" Lina interjected angrily. "You plotted to kidnap my daughter just to frame Lena! Your plan was devious-you even used a child! And now you seek mercy?"

"That's right!" The usually composed Elijah stood up, his voice trembling. "No parent can forgive someone who harms their child!

"Bianca, you hurt my daughter, and I will ensure you pay dearly for it."

Bianca made several attempts to stand but failed, eventually lying on the ground, overcome with fear.

Chris arrived at the ballroom entrance just as the police officers arrived. Pete grinned knowingly, nudged him, and said, "This time, we're really here to apprehend someone, right?" Chris nodded, giving a thumbs-up and pointing toward the room. "She's in there."

Pete organized a group to escort Bianca away.

Chapter 1525

Chapter 1525

"This is the mayor's celebration party. We shouldn't be here," Pete said with a smile. "But, well, we have to do our job to keep people safe! There's a human trafficker here, and we must arrest her!" "No, I'm not a human trafficker!" Bianca screamed, struggling. "I've never kidnapped any children. It's Dickinson! It's all Dickinson's doing! Let me go!"

However, her struggle proved futile as her voice faded away while being taken out of the hotel.

Drake's knees weakened as he witnessed this.

The Hamerton bodyguards were seizing him at that moment. He feared he would meet the same fate as Bianca.

His mind went blank, and he knelt on the ground, desperately pleading.

"Let me go, please! I didn't know she was like this. She gave me money, so I did what she asked. I had no idea what she was planning!"

"Tell that to the police station later!" Pete signaled to his men to take him away.

But Drake spotted Alexander in the corner.

Although Alexander was young, his eyes were fierce and cold. He gazed at Drake like they were not father and son but enemies.

But that boy was his only blood relative in the world.

Drake panicked, anger welling up. Alexander seemed to enjoy his arrest, which tore at Drake's heart. He was his father-what son would dare to look at his father that way?

Sure, they had their clashes, but which son would hold a grudge?

Drake's self-esteem crumbled.

At that moment, he had only one thought in his empty mind-even if he had to die, he would take someone with him!

And his own blood would be the perfect scapegoat!

He scanned the room, and his expression changed.

He began to wail. "Fine, I'll go with you! But before I leave, I want to talk to my son..."

"Save it for the police station!" Pete emphasized, motioning to proceed. "If you want to see your son, it'll be at the police station!"

"You-"

Pete said firmly. "Mr. Dickinson, don't try anything funny. We have the numbers here. You won't get your way!"

Drake was stunned, and his head hung low and numb. Cold handcuffs clamped around his wrists, making him shiver.

Just then, a small figure emerged from the corner.

"Wait!"

Drake stopped and turned slowly.

The coldness in Alexander's eyes only deepened. He bit his lip and spoke with difficulty. "Dad."

But he said that stiffly as if bidding farewell to his identity as Drake's son. "Do you know what I've wished for since I was young?" Drake asked. "What?"

Alexander scoffed, enunciating each word. "I've wished for you to disappear from this world forever!"

"You..."

Drake erupted in anger instantly, his neck veins bulging. Like a raging bull, he shook off those around him and forcefully headbutted Alexander.

He lifted his cuffed hands and struck the handcuffs on his wrists hard against Alexander's head.

Chapter 1526

Chapter 1526

Alexander failed to dodge in time and got hit on the head.

Drake wanted to hit him more, but the officers managed to restrain him.

Although there was a brief commotion, the situation soon calmed. However, blood was flowing from Alexander's forehead, where he had been struck with the handcuffs. He applied pressure to his wound, and blood dripped through his fingers.

Lena screamed and rushed over to check on him.

"You wretch! How dare you curse your father!" Drake couldn't strike Alexander due to the officers restraining him, so he began shouting at the top of his lungs.

"Lena, you're the one who's a bad influence on my son! How can you curse your own father? Aren't you afraid of going to hell? Let me make this clear! You will always be my son, no matter where you go. My blood runs through your veins, and you'll forever be a disgrace!"

Pete's eyes blazed with anger. "Are you finished with your nonsense, Mr. Dickinson?"

"No, no!" Drake started throwing a tantrum. "You officers want to control everything, and now you want to interfere when I'm teaching my son a lesson? Not only will I discipline my son, but I also want to teach that woman a lesson!"

Lena was shocked, staring directly at him. Drake's menacing gaze seemed to transport her back to a stormy night from many years ago. She trembled, her heart racing, and his condemnation echoed in her

ears.

"Fuck you, bitch! She wasn't a good girl at home... She was not a good girl at all... when I fucked her!"

What he said felt like an explosion in the crowd, instantly hushing the chaotic atmosphere.

Everyone knew she was going to marry into the Hamertons.

But what was Drake talking about?

Chris was shocked, unable to react at that moment. His instinctive gaze locked onto Lena. He noticed sadness clouding her lovely face.

Her clear eyes flashed with anger.

He even witnessed her lips parting slightly, her breath coming in gasps. She seemed to be in great pain.

Meanwhile, Drake's grin grew increasingly malicious.

Pete swiftly signaled for the officers to escort Drake out.

The previously lively party hall fell into an eerie silence.

Lena stood motionless, trying to move but feeling as if she were under a paralyzing spell. Her face turned pale, and it seemed as though her soul had been snatched away.

She stared blankly at Drake's departing figure. Her trembling fists were the only sign of movement.

The hurtful whispers felt like needles piercing her heart.

"Lena..." Chris reached for her shoulders, but she screamed as if shocked and pushed him away.

"Hey, Lena!" Lina chased after her, but Lena was too fast, eluding her grasp.

Zuko held Lina back, shaking his head.

At that moment, Chris ran toward Lena.

"I'm worried, honey," Lina said.

"This is between them. They'll have to resolve it on their own," Zuko reassured her. "Don't worry. Lena won't do anything reckless, and Chris is level-headed. He won't judge Lena because of that lunatic's nonsense."

"But..." Lina frowned. She took back what she wanted to say, thinking, 'But any man would find this unacceptable. What Drake said about Lena in public is beyond humiliating. No one, no matter how strong, should have to endure that.'

Chapter 1527

Chapter 1527

Lina sighed and looked at Fleur. "Aunt, you..."

"I'm okay," Fleur managed to force a smile, even though she appeared quite unwell. She straightened up, wrapping her shawl around herself. "Oh, that child..." A glint appeared in her eyes.

Only after she mentioned it did everyone notice the wound on Alexander's head.

Nala rushed out immediately, her distress evident as she saw blood dripping from his head. She hugged him tightly, reluctant to let go.

"It doesn't hurt, really!" It was the first time so many people had shown Alexander care, especially a princess hugging him. He suddenly felt self-conscious.

With concern for his sister and the throbbing pain in his head, he couldn't help but grimace. The blow had been severe.

"Get Alexander to the hospital and use my car," Harold chimed in as he approached.

"Take him to the Hamertons' joint hospital," Zuko said, "I'm calling the doctor now. Make sure his wound is tended to and conduct a thorough check-up."

"I'm going with him!" Nala cried out like a baby, still clinging to Alexander. "Brother, I'm going to the hospital with you. Don't be scared!"

He smiled and reached to play with her braid but hesitated with his dirty hands. They were no longer at the abandoned factory or on the way to the suburbs. She was a princess again, but his hands had always been stained. How could he touch her hair?

Soon, Alexander arrived at the joint hospital. Thanks to the mayor's car and Zuko's earlier call, he received the best medical attention, even though his injury was minor.

After the bandaging was done, he rested in a ward that felt like heaven. He had never imagined staying in such a splendid room.

He thought, 'I'd gladly get hurt more often if I could stay here every day.'

His smile was interrupted by a soft voice. "What are you smiling about?"

Turning his head, he saw the little princess and felt secretly delighted.

Nala had insisted on accompanying him to the hospital. Elijah and Kasey couldn't dissuade her, so they followed her lead. Like a grown-up, she requested to care for Alexander in the hospital, saying that she didn't need them.

They were grateful that Alexander had saved Nala and treated him as if he were their own child and shared a similar parenting philosophy. No matter how young their child was, they would respect her decisions.

Thus, they left the ward in unison. They arranged for a nurse to wait outside to ensure Nala wouldn't be alone.

They leaned against the wall in the corridor and made eye contact, sharing an understanding smile.

Since their marriage, they hadn't had many moments of harmony like that.

At that moment, a doctor who appeared to be the department head hurriedly passed by the corridor. After walking a few steps, he turned back, surprised to see them. "Mister and Madam Chriss?"

"Hello, Dr. Sheridan," Elijah greeted, shaking his hand.

When Nala returned safely, they had brought her to the joint hospital for a comprehensive check-up. Dr. Sheridan was in charge of her care.

"Why are you here? Is your daughter here too?"

Elijah pointed toward the ward.

Dr. Sheridan adjusted his glasses, and his expression changed subtly.

"If you have some time, please come to my office. Actually, I've been meaning to talk to you these past few days. Since you're here, I'll tell you now."

Chapter 1528

Chapter 1528

Elijah and Kasey were both struck by the same overwhelming shock. The doctor's profound emotions sent shivers down their spines, foreboding something terrible.

"What's the matter, Dr. Sheridan?" Kasey asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Dr. Sheridan handed them Nala's medical report. "When she arrived at the hospital, she had injuries, so we conducted a comprehensive examination. The results revealed pathological changes in her blood..." They stared at him, their eyes wide with fear.

"In simpler terms, she has leukemia."

"What?" Kasey felt her strength wane and struggled to catch her breath, nearly stumbling.

Elijah steadied her, though he also felt drained. He put on a facade of composure.

"Are you absolutely certain?" He enunciated each word carefully. "Dr. Sheridan, is this truly our daughter's report?"

"I wish I could be wrong," Dr. Sheridan said somberly. "I was concerned when the report came in, so I rechecked it myself. Unfortunately, the diagnosis remains the same. It's leukemia but in its early stages, which means it's treatable."

"Please, you must save her!" Kasey's heart shattered, and she sobbed. "I only have one daughter... I've been caring for her since the day she was born. She's my entire world! I can't bear to go on if anything happens to her..."

"Take a breath!" Elijah implored. "Didn't the doctor mention there's a treatment?"

"Mr. and Mrs. Chriss, it's crucial that you stay composed," Dr. Sheridan urged. "We will devise a comprehensive treatment plan, although there may be medication and injection side effects depending on her response. But..."

"No matter what, we will do whatever it takes to restore our daughter's health!" Elijah said with unwavering determination.

Kasey turned to him, realizing in that moment he was not just her husband but the person she could lean on for the rest of her life. Petty arguments and misunderstandings seemed trivial compared to their daughter's illness.

Elijah loved their child.

So did she.

Tears flowed incessantly as she rested her head on his chest. He was taken aback but gently patted her back, holding her in silence.

"Don't worry. Nala will recover," he whispered in her ear. "She has parents who adore her. How could she bear to leave us?" Kasey nodded, tears in her eyes.

"Mr. and Mrs. Chriss, we'll need your cooperation during the treatment." Dr. Sheridan continued. "The most effective treatment for leukemia is a bone marrow transplant. The highest success rate is with family members as donors, so please have your family members undergo compatibility tests."

"Absolutely, we understand."

"We'll spare no effort, using the best medications and the latest technology to treat her!"

That night, Lena locked herself in the bathroom, repeatedly taking showers.

Chris called out to her, but she wanted to avoid him. She submerged her head under the water until her chest felt like it might burst, her thoughts erased by the act. She lifted her head only when bubbles appeared in the water, gasping for air.

Using the showerhead, she tried to wash away the haunting memories of that night.

She believed she had pushed those memories to the back of her mind. Why had Drake brought them up again?

She squeezed her eyes shut, tears streaming down her cheeks and mixing with the water.

She was uncertain how long Chris had been calling her-his voice eventually faded away. She dried herself off, wore her robe, and stepped out. She noticed a table set with freshly cooked dishes as she entered the living room.

A pot of hot soup simmered in the kitchen.

Just then, her phone buzzed. It was a message from Chris.

[No matter what, please don't starve yourself. Eat properly, okay?]

Chapter 1529

Chapter 1529

Lena's heart squeezed, overwhelmed by sadness.

This continued for the next few days.

Chris would visit while she slept and quietly leave as she woke up. He would bring a different meal daily, and the house would always be spotless, instantly lifting her spirits. He had been doing everything without disturbing her.

Then, one day, he made pizza. Thinly sliced pepperoni, the perfect temperature-it melted in her mouth. Tears flowed uncontrollably, breaking the barrier she had erected.

She rushed in and immediately saw Chris upon opening the door. She wanted to call out, but her throat felt blocked. Her mouth opened, but no sound emerged.

However, he halted and turned slowly. When their eyes met, he smiled gently.

Lena ran to him, crying, and hugged him tightly.

"It's okay, Lena," he said, patting her head. "It's all over now. You have me. You don't need to be afraid."

All she could do was cry. He allowed her to release her pent-up emotions, understanding she had held onto too much.

He took her shoulders and guided her back into the house when her tears finally subsided. They lay on the sofa, and she remained in his embrace, unwilling to be separated like a lazy kitten. Finally, she mustered the courage to share her past with him.

After narrating her story, she kept her head down. The house grew quiet, and her racing heart was the only source of sound.

Chris said, holding her hands, "So, did you hit me that time because of those memories?"

"Mm-hmm."

Chris paused for a moment before speaking softly. "Lena, I didn't mind what happened. I just felt sorry for you."

She bit her lip and glanced downward, struggling to speak.

"Even though he didn't succeed, the trauma he caused remains. I hate myself for not meeting you earlier. How different things might have been if I had been there to protect you!"

"Chris..."

"You need to heal from this trauma, but there's no rush," he said, smiling. "I'll always be with you and wait patiently."

"Sorry! I'm really sorry!" Lena cried.

He wiped away her tears and held her close. "You didn't do anything wrong. Why are you apologizing? It's Drake who should be in hell!"

She shuddered. The name "Drake" alone transported her back to that dreadful experience.

Chris heated up some food, held her hand, and led her to the table.

Sometimes, grand gestures weren't necessary to show love. All the love lay hidden in the freshly baked pizza.

Just as Lena was about to eat, her phone rang.

"Are you home, sis?"

She was stunned. "Alexander? Is something wrong?"

"Don't worry. I didn't skip school. I'm still here." His voice sounded a bit down. "I just wanted to ask how Nala is doing."

"Nala?"

"She promised to bring her doll to school to play with me on the day I was discharged from the hospital, but I haven't seen her... Did she forget about me?" he asked.

Chapter 1530

Chapter 1530

Lena chuckled softly before picking up the phone call. After a brief conversation with Alexander, she returned to sit across from Chris, savoring the meal he had prepared. "Was it Alexander? What did he say?" Chris asked.

Lena smiled, not directly addressing his question. "What do you think a boy his age worries about?"

"Hmm..." Chris pondered. "When I was his age, I had endless classes every day."

"Really?"

"Yes, the Hamertons were quite strict with us kids. My parents were somewhat more lenient, but Zuko and Toph had it even tougher."

Especially Zuko, groomed as the future heir to the entire Hamerton Group. The elders had big expectations, and he had been meticulous from a young age. Such an upbringing shaped a highly qualified heir but robbed him of childhood joys.

"You gain some, you lose some," Chris mused. "Life can't always be perfect, and not every moment is delightful. We're quite fortunate, really. Many people can never hope to reach our starting point in their entire lives. Life won't be too bad if we stay on our paths."

"You seem content," Lena said, smiling. "I mentioned a young boy's thoughts, and you launched into deep reflection."

"True, let's get back to the topic!" Chris grinned. "So, what did Alexander tell you?"

"It's nothing special, really. He just asked why Nala hasn't been talking to him lately."

Chris was initially surprised but then broke into a knowing smile. "Honestly, if it weren't for Alexander, Nala might have been in trouble this time."

Lena nodded. "You're right."

"So, this young lad is Nala's savior."

"To be fair, children's feelings are always pure," Lena mused. "He still remembers that I looked after him for a few years when he was younger." "Lenny, don't you think... they get along well?"

"Huh?" Lena didn't catch on at first, but when she met his eyes, she found his playful smile amusing and exasperating.

"What's on your mind? They're still so young!"

"Nala is young, but Alexander isn't that young anymore. He's already 12."

"Oh..." Lena eyed him with a mischievous gleam. "When you were 12, did you also notice pretty girls?"

Chris was taken aback. How did a discussion about Alexander end up putting him on the spot?

"Do you think it's lovely that they're growing up as childhood friends?"

"Uh..."

Lena seriously said, "Chris, did you ever have a childhood friend?"

Chris regretted his earlier thoughtless words even more as Lena added, "Does Bianca count?"

Chris widened his eyes in surprise.