Ch. 1541..1550

Chapter 1541

Chapter 1541

The doctor paused momentarily, then said, "Just a while ago, Mr. Chriss' sister came."

"Sister?" Chris suddenly felt something was amiss. "What sister?"

The doctor didn't elaborate. He managed to smile at Chris and departed.

Lena whispered, "Did you forget? Didn't they mention that the Chrisses have an illegitimate daughter..."

Chris frowned. "So... this illegitimate daughter turned out to be a bone marrow match for Nala?"

Lena remained silent and turned toward the ward. Nala's emotions had steadied, but she still lay curled up on the bed, softly weeping. It was a heart-wrenching sight. But what did her reaction just now signify?

She mentioned hating her aunt. Didn't she used to say her favorite person was her aunt?

Lina and Zuko were preparing for their second child.

One day, the group gathered at a lesser-known outdoor restaurant, relishing delicious food and the warmth of the spring sun.

Chris playfully suggested they should have enough children to form a soccer team, a boost for the Hamerton population.

Zuko paled and hastily clutched Lina's hand, glaring at Chris. "You rascal! You only know how to talk nonsense! My wife won't put up with this!"

A little later, Toph and Arya arrived.

Seeing them holding hands, they all smiled knowingly.

Toph had just completed details for a new comic and was starving. As soon as he sat down, he dug into his food, earning a light tap on his head from Arya. She seemed to scold him, but her eyes brimmed with tender affection.

They discussed the recent comic exhibition. It had been a tremendous success, and their new collaboration had received rave reviews. Several major production companies had even expressed interest in buying the rights.

"So, did you sell the rights?" Chris handed drinks to Toph.

Toph shook his head. "No way! Arya and I have been working on this project for over three months. We can't just sell the rights like that. Plus, Jon Snow is coming back soon! He's returning to invest in this project. Keeping the rights in the family is the better choice!"

"Cough!" Arya corrected him. "My brother's name is Graham!"

Lina grinned. "Arya, didn't you hear Toph? You're like family! He's just being friendly!"

Arya smiled and blushed.

Zuko raised an eyebrow. "Are you planning to join the Bayer family soon?"

"It's in the Hamerton genes, isn't it?" Lina beamed. "You guys have a tradition of marrying into your wives' families!"

"Hahaha!"

Chris asked again, "So when will your marriage resemble your comic?"

Toph was usually carefree, yet he began to fidget, his cheeks turning pink.

Arya pretended to eat nonchalantly, but she was clearly flustered.

"Why are you two so serious? It's a joyous occasion!" Zuko interjected. "We've had many Hamerton-Bayer marriages over the generations."

Zuko turned to Toph and said solemnly, "We've already prepared your wedding gift!"

"What?" Toph's eyes widened.

Zuko started listing, "We have half of our great-grandfather's boxes of gold each, and your shares are still in the bank. I'm not interested in Grandpa Henry's antiques and calligraphy, so our parents said they're all yours. Grandpa Rowan and Grandma Xyla have already arranged something for you in Southeast Aciatic, and—"

Chris burst into laughter, continuing Zuko's words. "And you can inherit your dad's pocket money!"

"Let's skip that part," Zuko deadpanned. "It's a small amount, so he can keep it!"

Chapter 1542

Chapter 1542

Everyone was chatting happily except Lena, who stayed silent.

Lina noticed Lena's sadness and gently asked, "What's wrong?"

Lena looked at her, hesitated, and then said, "I... I saw Nala."

"So, she really is sick, huh?" Toph chimed in, always direct. "I heard Elijah and Kasey have been really upset lately. My info was correct, wasn't it?"

"Yeah, she's sick," Chris replied softly. "But she's not the same Nala we knew."

"What do you mean?"

"She used to be thrilled to see Lenny, but this time... she actually said she hates her."

They were all confused.

Lena had been baffled these past few days.

Lina held Lena's hand and comforted her, "Kids have tantrums, especially when they're unwell. If you visit her more, she might get back to her old self."

Lena nodded, but Lina had different thoughts.

The next day, Lina took Persephone for a checkup at the hospital. The 1-year-old Persephone was healthy and calm during the blood test, captivating the hospital staff.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the hospital, there was a somber atmosphere.

Both were heiresses from wealthy families, one full of life, the other battling illness.

Lina handed Persephone to the nanny and headed to Nala's ward after a restroom stop. Unexpectedly, someone exited one of the stalls. Lina paused and softly said, "Lenny?" The woman stopped and met Lina's gaze, following her voice.

"Lenny, you're here too?" Lina asked again.

Sasha's heart sank. She had taken off her mask to relax in the restroom and didn't expect...

Lina turned off the tap and smiled. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming? I brought Sephy for a checkup and wanted to visit Nala. By the way, you're here to see Nala too, right? How is she today?" Sasha kept her composure and adjusted her mindset.

She quickly figured out that the person in front of her must have mistaken her for her sister, Lena. 'She must be Lina Jenner. No, Pamela Thompson is more like it. I heard that Pamela changed her name after being kidnapped.'

Sasha smiled faintly and said with feigned familiarity, "Yes, I came to see Nala. She's in better spirits today."

"Don't worry too much," Lina said. "Kids throw tantrums. But why didn't you tell me you were coming when I called you this morning? You said you wouldn't visit!"

"Oh..." Sasha continued to lie. "I had some morning business to attend to, so I didn't promise to come along. Are you going to see Nala?"

Lina was about to agree but got a call from the nanny, reporting that Persephone was crying and wanted her mother.

Lina sighed and shrugged. "Looks like I can't go. But I came to check on Nala. It's okay as long as she's in a better mood."

"Sure. Take care of Persephone!"

Lina said goodbye without suspicion.

Sasha watched her leave with a smirk, then turned to the mirror. Her reflection was identical to Lena in every way-figure, height, even her voice.

She ran her hand along the mirror, tracing her face. The cold glass met her fingertips, and the overhead lamp illuminated her inscrutable smile.

"In the future, everything you have will be mine!" Sasha smiled. "So... you can gradually disappear from this world!"

Chapter 1543

Chapter 1543

Sasha smirked, watching Lina leave before making her way to the hospital's rear entrance. The area was deserted. She calmly wore her mask and arrived punctually for her meeting with Kasey. The cafe adjacent to the hospital was tranquil, with Kasey already seated by a window. Spotting Sasha, she waved enthusiastically.

Sunlight poured through the window, casting an unusual gleam on Sasha's golden mask, which seemed to dazzle Kasey.

"Sasha..." Kasey began hesitantly, "When can we do the compatibility test?"

Sasha leaned back with a faint smile. Behind her mask, her eyes sparkled with a chilly shrewdness. "The timing for the test is up to you."

"You..."

"I've mentioned it before. I need to see the money first. Otherwise, I have no reason to help a child who isn't connected to me in any way."

"Sasha!" Kasey's emotions started to show. "How can you say Nala has no connection to you? She's Elijah's daughter!"

Sasha grinned. "But I don't carry the Chriss last name."

Kasey was stunned, her mind blank. Sasha didn't have the Chriss last name, and she clearly wanted that recognition.

"I understand these conditions might be hard to accept." Sasha nonchalantly played with her nails. "But think about it. There's no such thing as a free lunch. And I know you might consider it extortion if the compatibility test proves I'm not a match...

"But!" Sasha rose, her all-black attire radiating an icy aura even in the bright daylight. "I'm already doing you a favor by agreeing to be tested. Shouldn't you offer some compensation? Even if I'm not a match, it's time to make amends for what the Chrisses owe me after leaving me in the cold all these years!"

Kasey turned pale, took a deep breath, and fought to steady her trembling shoulders. After a lengthy silence, she slowly retrieved a card from her pocket and slid it toward Sasha.

"Sasha Harding... No, Sasha Chriss..." Kasey locked eyes with her, her eyes welling up. "You're my daughter's last hope. Regardless of the conditions, I agree."

Sasha glanced at the card on the table but didn't move.

Kasey's voice quivered. "There's 700,000 dollars in the card. That's what we agreed upon. So, please, no matter what, conduct the compatibility test... If it's successful, I can give you everything I have!" Sasha slowly picked up the card, feeling its warmth like a burning ember. She accepted it without hesitation. "We could've avoided a lot of trouble if you'd done this earlier, don't you think?"

Kasey closed her eyes and opened them, her lips tightly pressed.

Sasha stood and patted Kasey's shoulder, gesturing for her to leave together.

They quickly reached the hospital.

Sasha signed the compatibility test consent form, and the doctor promised to arrange it soon.

Kasey breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing Sasha's signature.

"Sasha..." Kasey took hold of her arm. "Since you're here, come with me to see Nala. It's a chance for you to bond with her in advance."

Sasha hesitated briefly but nodded in agreement. When they entered the ward, they found Elijah feeding Nala.

As Sasha walked in, Nala fixed her gaze on her. Suddenly, the room felt heavy, suffused with an inexplicable sense of tension.

"What brings you here?" Elijah frowned, casting a questioning look at Kasey, who avoided eye contact.

He quickly understood the situation but remained silent, focusing on Sasha.

"Are you here to see Nala?" he finally asked.

Chapter 1544

Chapter 1544

"I came here to sign the consent form for the compatibility test. Since I'm already here, I might as well drop by to see this little one!" Elijah turned to Nala and said, "Nala, this is-"

Before he could introduce her, Nala shrank back, though her gaze remained fixed on Sasha's face. She said softly, timidly, "Hello, aunt."

Elijah and Kasey were surprised. "What did you say?" they asked in unison.

Nala lowered her head and fell silent.

Sasha smiled and said, "Didn't you both hear? She called me her aunt."

"But... it's your first time meeting, right?" Elijah's eyes showed a hint of suspicion. The situation felt increasingly strange, tying a knot in his heart.

Kasey, however, seemed unfazed.

Sasha looked at the two of them and asked, "What's with these expressions?"

"It's a bit unexpected," Elijah said calmly. "Nala is usually shy, especially with someone wearing a mask whose true face she can't see. Normally, she wouldn't initiate a greeting, except for before..." Elijah stopped short, leaving the sentence unfinished.

Sasha smiled slightly, waved to Nala, and left the ward.

After a while, Elijah pulled Kasey aside and asked sternly, "What did you promise her?"

Kasey remained silent.

Elijah raised his voice. "Did you give her the money?"

"Elijah!" Kasey couldn't hold back any longer. "I'm doing this for our daughter!"

"Didn't I tell you I'd figure something out?"

"By the time you figure something out, our daughter might be gone!"

Elijah glared at her but found himself at a loss for words.

"I know what you're thinking," Kasey choked back her tears. "You don't want this illegitimate child to enter the Chrisses, yet you want to use her bone marrow! Elijah, that's a fantasy. You'll only push Nala into the abyss!"

"You don't understand!" Elijah growled. "There's something wrong with Sasha, and I'm investigating it now! Does she think she can get half of my family's fortune with a photograph and pocket watch? She's dreaming!"

"Nothing is more important to you than your family's interests, not even our daughter!" Kasey was almost hysterical. "Let me tell you! I may not be able to control the grievances and grudges of the Chrisses from the previous generation, but I won't spare you if anything happens to my daughter!"

"You're being unreasonable!"

"I'll also tell you..." Kasey's eyes were red. "I've already given her 700,000 dollars and promised to let her into the Chrisses!"

Elijah's eyes widened. He gnashed his teeth, and his face twisted with a touch of ferocity.

"What... did you say?"

"I said I can't give up any chance to save my daughter's life!"

Elijah wanted to argue further, but he caught sight of a slim figure out of the corner of his eye.

"Daddy, mommy... Please, don't fight..."

Nala stayed close to the wall, her eyes brimming with tears as she watched her parents. "She... She's my aunt, she's really my aunt! I've seen her before! She's really my aunt!" "Nala, what are you saying?"

Elijah's heart thudded, and he hurriedly picked up his daughter. "Tell me, what did you see?"

Chapter 1545

Chapter 1545

Nala stuttered and couldn't explain clearly; she simply kept crying. "She's my aunt, and she's a bit fierce," she finally managed to say.

Elijah embraced his daughter, gently patting her back. "You're doing well, Nala. Take your time. How was she tough with you?"

But, no matter how they probed, Nala couldn't express the full story. She was bewildered. Why did Lena, who was usually gentle and kind, suddenly change and look at her angrily? Did Lena dislike her now because she was sick?

Nala burst into tears, even coughing due to her weakened condition. Elijah swiftly carried her back to her room. Doctors and nurses didn't delay, immediately examining her.

Kasey stood disoriented outside, leaning against the wall. She wanted to cry, but the tears wouldn't come.

After a while, Elijah emerged. He looked at her with a hint of pity. He patted her shoulder, and they exchanged glances before tightly embracing each other.

"Elijah, did I do something wrong?"

"No," Elijah reassured her.

He understood that Kasey had acted out of maternal love, even if it had led to irrational actions.

"I still find Sasha very suspicious," Elijah murmured. He glanced at his feet, his thoughts consumed by the past few days. A question loomed in his mind.

Sasha's mother was Krystal, a human trafficker. So, who was Lena's mother involved in human trafficking?

Elijah bit his lip. He felt like he was navigating a maze with no clear exit.

His phone rang. "Mr. Chriss, everything's been arranged."

"How's it going?"

"The prison has responded. You can visit Ms. Mosley next weekend."

Elijah ended the call, knowing that next weekend could unravel all the mysteries.

After persistent efforts and persuasion, Chris finally moved into Lena's apartment.

One day, when Chris wasn't home, Lina paid an unexpected visit, catching Lena off guard.

"What's the matter?" Lina smiled as she brought bags into the apartment. "Why are you looking at me like that? Don't you recognize me?"

Lena awkwardly smiled and quickly closed the door. She followed Lina, but the latter headed straight to wash her hands in the bathroom. Lena didn't get a chance to stop her and noticed the electric razor on the vanity, causing her cheeks to turn bright red.

Lina teased with a mischievous grin, "Lenny, is this yours?"

"I..." Lena's face reddened further, but she couldn't come up with a lie, so she simply lowered her head.

Lina couldn't contain her laughter. "Zuko also uses this brand of razor. Do all the Hamerton children like this brand?"

Lena blushed even deeper.

Lina playfully looked at her. "It seems like I came over on short notice and interrupted something between you two?"

"No, no!" Lena rushed to explain. "Chris went to the gym today; it's his 'workout day.' Besides, we're not living together..."

"Hmm?"

"We're just roommates, n-not living together. We have separate bedrooms!"

Lena spoke awkwardly but sincerely, making Lina laugh again.

"Okay, okay, I won't press further," Lina said, catching her breath. They settled on the sofa, continuing their conversation. "By the way, you went to the hospital the other day, right? Didn't you initially say you wouldn't visit Nala? Why the change of heart? Are you still worried about her?"

"What?" Lena was taken aback.

"The day I took Sephy for a check-up!" Lina clarified.

Lena paused, suddenly feeling uneasy about it.

Chapter 1546

Chapter 1546

"What's wrong?" Lina looked at her in confusion and asked, "Did you go to the hospital that day?"

"I did," Lena replied softly.

She had gone to the hospital but had no memory of meeting Lina. Moreover, she hadn't visited Nala's ward that day. She knew Nala was now wary of her and didn't want to add to the girl's stress while she was unwell.

Lena frowned. Could there be a misunderstanding?

Just then, Chris returned home with a bag of fresh fruits, all of which Lena loved. Zuko followed behind him.

"You both came just in time!" Chris smiled. "Stay for lunch. I've improved my cooking skills!"

"Your cooking was already great," Lina teased. "That's why Lenny gained some weight."

Lena instinctively glanced at her waistline.

Chris smiled and took the groceries into the kitchen. He prepared a table full of dishes and soup in no time, impressing Lina.

If Zuko had prepared this spread, it would have taken forever, and the kitchen would be a mess afterward. Plus, they wouldn't even be sure if the food would be edible.

As they chatted and ate, they soon discussed the Chrisses.

"Tell Elijah not to worry," Zuko said. "I've contacted Grandpa Rowan. Uncle Carter will bring the Irwins' medicine from Southeast Aciatic to treat Nala."

"That's great!" Chris smiled. "Now Lenny can finally relax, and Alexander won't have to worry so much!"

"I heard from Uncle Carter that the best treatment for this illness is a bone marrow transplant. Hasn't Elijah found his sister? Why haven't they done the compatibility test yet?"

"No idea," Chris said indifferently. "It's said that his sister is quite difficult. She's laid out some very strict conditions. The Chrisses seem to genuinely consider giving half their fortune to this just-found illegitimate daughter."

"What?"

"They're desperate to save Nala. There's no other way," Chris said. "But this woman is very strange. She always wears a mask, supposedly because she had facial disfigurement in the past..."

Zuko and Lina exchanged puzzled glances. There was something strange about this.

On the day Sasha agreed to the bone marrow compatibility test, Elijah was preparing to go to the prison.

His subordinate handed him the consent form. "Mr. Chriss, this is the consent form signed by Ms. Sasha, agreeing to undergo the bone marrow compatibility test."

Elijah frowned and glanced at it halfheartedly.

Kasey had paid 700,000 dollars for this. In return, they had received nothing more than a thin sheet of paper.

"I see," Elijah said calmly. "Notify the hospital staff to conduct a DNA test on Sasha after the bone marrow typing."

"Mr. Chriss..."

"Do as I say," Elijah said in a low voice. "But keep it quiet and ensure it's done in secret."

The subordinate hesitated momentarily before asking, "Mr. Chriss, are you still suspicious of her?"

Elijah's eyes narrowed slightly. What reason did he have not to be suspicious? Unless he saw the DNA test results, he could only treat that woman as a fraud!

"We'll discuss the rest later. For now, find the driver and get ready to go to the prison."

The subordinate was about to comply when Elijah's phone rang.

"Is this Mr. Elijah Chriss?"

"I am."

"This is Centrolis Prison... There's something we need to inform you about. The female inmate you wanted to meet, Bianca Mosley, committed suicide the day before yesterday!"

Chapter 1547

Chapter 1547

Elijah stood there, stunned, his mind momentarily blank.

"Mr. Chriss? Mr. Chriss! Are you there?" The voice on the other end of the line snapped Elijah back to reality, and he frowned in confusion.

"May I ask... what was the reason for this prisoner's suicide?" he asked.

"That's currently under investigation," the other party said. "As far as we know, Ms. Mosley had been in a bad emotional state since entering prison, facing disdain from her family. Perhaps this led to her thoughts of despair."

Elijah's puzzlement deepened. If she had been struggling emotionally, why did she choose to end her life just before his visit? Was it merely a coincidence?

"Mr. Chriss, due to this reason, we have to cancel your prison visit this time."

"Alright, I understand," Elijah replied, his thoughts weighed down by the news.

After a brief silence, he instructed his subordinate, "Please arrange for Sasha to undergo the bone marrow compatibility test immediately. Remember what I said."

His subordinate nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, Sasha reclined on a luxurious leather sofa, humming a tune while completely engrossed in applying red nail polish.

A worried middle-aged man stood behind her. "Sasha, we should still—"

Sasha interrupted, "Zachary, how do you think this color looks on me?"

Zachary Sleeman's eyes dimmed, and he didn't respond to her question. This girl had been under his care since she was young.

By chance, Krystal had rescued him from the clutches of a Southeast Aciatic gang when he was severely injured. She had even paid a significant sum to get him proper medical treatment, saving his life. Out of gratitude for Krystal's life-saving favor, he had followed her down this less-than-honorable path. Despite its dubious nature, he remained loyal to Krystal, especially when it concerned her children. Sasha had never experienced a father's love but had a unique reliance on this man, who served as both a father and an older brother to her. She could only let down all her facades and masks in Zachary's presence, unafraid of embracing her inner devil.

She had always seen Zachary as her last line of defense in this world. In the past, no matter how outrageous her actions had been, he would indulge her, cover for her, and help her smooth things over. However, in the dimmed look he had just given her, she sensed that something had changed.

"Zachary!" Sasha insisted stubbornly, "Tell me, does this color look good?"

"You look good no matter what color you wear," he replied.

"Stop avoiding the question!" Sasha scoffed and continued to tinker with the nail polish in her hand. The nail polish was a bright shade of red, resembling blood, like from the gruesome scene of a witch sinking her long nails into someone's heart.

"Sasha, I still believe I should advise you... We're in Centrolis, not Southeast Aciatic," Zachary earnestly urged. "You need to know when to stop." "Why am I doing all of this?" Sasha raised an eyebrow. "It's for my mother's businesses, isn't it? I can't just watch those shops lose money!"

"But we've already secured the money!"

"Is 700,000 dollars enough?"

"Sasha!" Zachary was distressed. "We only need 700,000 dollars! Let's hurry and leave after we have the money. Don't covet the Chrisses!"

"Zachary!" Sasha shrieked and threw the nail polish bottle at the wall in a fit of anger, leaving a mess on the floor.

"I told you not to interfere with my plans! I won't settle for just the Chrisses. I'll aim for more. I'll replace that person and establish my presence in this world!"

Chapter 1548

Chapter 1548

Zachary gazed at her, his disappointment evident in his expression.

"Zachary, I need one more favor," Sasha stated, disregarding his mood. "Can you bring Lena here?"

"What's your plan?"

"What else?" Sasha sneered. "It's for a bone marrow compatibility test. Do you really expect me to be tested?"

"You-"

"What?"

Zachary couldn't hold back any longer. "That child calls you her aunt! She's in a life-threatening situation, and you won't save her?"

"Aunt?" Sasha chuckled, her face unfeeling. "What kind of aunt am I? Besides, Lena is her aunt too! Why can't she provide bone marrow?" "Sasha!"

"Don't lecture me about family!" Sasha glared at him. "I despise it when people use family to manipulate me. Zachary, let me tell you, only one of the twins can survive! So, who are you going to choose between me and Lena?"

Zachary clenched his lips, his face reddening and veins pulsating on his forehead.

"You've seen me grow up." Sasha finally rose from the sofa and linked arms with him, her gaze pleading, reminiscent of when she was younger. "You're closer to me than my own mom." Zachary sighed weakly. "Sasha, Lena is also your mother's child."

"But don't you think my mom was too biased? She decided our fate with a coin toss, sending one away and keeping one. She made me suffer with her and left Lena there, sending her money every month! "Mom sent most of her earnings to her!"

That was what frustrated Sasha the most.

Two sisters with entirely different destinies. She believed Lena, not living with their mother, led a carefree life. She had to navigate a precarious existence in Southeast Aciatic with Krystal.

She didn't realize that Drake had squandered most of the money Krystal sent, and Lena hadn't lived comfortably. Before turning 13, Lena had her share of hardships.

"Sasha, everyone has their own path," Zachary tried to console her. "Madame Krys has been good to you. At least she was there for you—"

"I'd rather not!" Sasha cried out.

She wasn't content-she desired more. Lena's existence in this world had always fueled her resentment. She once believed that their mother would've been all hers without Lena, and her life wouldn't have been so challenging.

To outsiders, growing up as the daughter of a gang leader seemed glamorous. But only she knew the struggle of counting every penny, even for a pack of spaghetti.

She blamed Lena for stealing the comfortable life she could have had, along with the exclusive maternal love.

"Zachary, don't be upset..." Sasha softened her tone, seeing Zachary's pained expression. "I wasn't angry with you earlier. Don't worry. If you help me with this, we'll return to Southeast Aciatic together! I'll take care of you in your old age!"

Zachary studied her momentarily and sighed deeply, his brows knitted in concern.

"Sasha, please reconsider. I'm starting to regret what we did with that woman in prison... Lena is still the person closest to you in this world. You can't harm her!"

Chapter 1549

Chapter 1549

"Zachary, must you speak up for her?" Sasha's gaze turned icy. "Have you considered who you've raised since childhood?"

Zachary paused and averted his gaze slowly. He had a stronger emotional bond with Sasha, having been with her since she was a child.

However, there was a hurdle in his heart he couldn't cross, and that was Lena, the daughter of Krystal, his savior.

"Zachary, after my mom's last breakfast with me in Southeast Aciatic, she headed to Centrolis. She got caught by the police on her way back... Remember what she told you in prison?" Sasha knew this was Zachary's weak point and exploited it.

"Your mom told me to take care of you."

Sasha lightly held his hand. "Zachary, you always talk about repaying kindness. Can't you fulfill my mom's request?"

"She asked me to take care of you, not to help you harm her other daughter!"

"You're wrong. My mom only has one daughter!" Sasha's eyes looked crazed. "Between me and her, only one can survive!"

"You..."

Sasha sneered, pulled her hand away, and walked back to her room.

Zachary stood still for a long time, feeling stuck with no way forward or backward.

Since Krystal left, her businesses in Southeast Aciatic had continuously lost money. Bars and nightclubs struggled to stay afloat. The competition was fierce, and Sasha was not cut out for business. She quickly spent all the money.

At that point, Zachary thought of the Chrisses in Centrolis. His original intention had been to use this connection to ask for money. However, he hadn't expected Sasha to be so ambitious, wanting to take half of the Chrisses' wealth and replace Lena...

Zachary sighed.

Despite his deep affection for Sasha, emotions overcame reason. Thus, he decided to find Lena.

One fateful day, Zachary waited at the hospital for a long time. Around noon, he saw a graceful figure hurrying toward him. His gaze locked onto her.

She did have a face identical to Sasha's. They said twins were each other's mirror image, and it seemed to be true.

Zachary composed himself, holding a prepared cane and pretending to have shaky legs. He walked toward the middle of the road. Just as he was about to reach Lena, he suddenly collapsed to the ground. There were many people around, and those passing by exclaimed.

"A man fell!"

"Wait a moment!" someone advised., "Helping elderly people up now carries risks. Be careful!"

Upon hearing that, everyone stopped what they were doing.

Zachary looked around-some were taking photos, others were recording videos, and one person squatted beside him, saying as they recorded, "Sorry about this. I need to record this to protect myself in case you accuse me later... Hey, everyone, take a look. I'm here to help him up, not cause him to fall..."

As that person continued to talk endlessly, a small hand suddenly reached around Zachary's arm and gently pulled him up.

Zachary was taken aback. He smelled a faint fragrance, like that of camellia flowers.

"Mister, are you okay?" Lena asked softly.

Zachary turned to meet a clear gaze.

"Young lady, how could you dare?"

The people around them were anxious.

Lena smiled wryly, not offering much explanation. She simply looked at Zachary with concern. "Mister, are you hurt? Did you injure yourself?"

Chapter 1550

Chapter 1550

Zachary gazed at Lena, overwhelmed by a surge of emotions welling up inside him.

As he remained silent, fixated on her, Lena grew slightly perplexed. Sensing his unease, she decided to lead him away from the bustling crowd and handed him a bottle of water. "Sir, did you get hurt when you fell just now?" she asked.

Zachary responded with a smile. "I'm fine. But what about you? Others ignored my fall, yet you lent a helping hand."

Lena hesitated briefly. "Well, you fell, so it was only natural to help."

A meaningful glance from Zachary followed. "Aren't you worried I might accuse you? Didn't you notice? The people around hesitated to assist, and some even recorded the incident." "Perhaps there are a few conniving individuals in society who've tarnished common decency, but it doesn't mean everyone is malicious," Lena replied with a smile.

"Do you have faith in people?"

"I didn't use to."

Lena sat beside Zachary, both of them gazing up at the sky. From this angle, she bore a striking resemblance to Krystal. Zachary's heart tightened, and he furrowed his brow.

"In the past, I had little trust in people." Lena continued. "But then, I met two individuals..."

Zachary anticipated her to mention a particular person, a man, given the inclination of someone her age.

"Oh, who were these individuals?"

"My sister." Lena chuckled. "And the other one... my boyfriend."

Recalling his investigation, Zachary surmised that her boyfriend must be Chris Hamerton. As for her sister, she likely referred to Lina Jenner.

Sasha had tasked him with apprehending Lena while also substituting her identity, ensuring that only one of the twins would survive in this world.

Zachary's frown deepened. He observed the genuine, radiant light in Lena's eyes, so different from the cold, calculating gaze he had seen in Sasha's eyes.

Was he truly prepared to extinguish this light from the world?

Nevertheless, Sasha had been raised by him from a young age. He had pampered her and treated her like his own daughter. He had gone to great lengths to fulfill her desires. Zachary shook his head, his countenance changing.

"Sir, are you feeling unwell?" Lena asked with concern. "I've been talking all this time and forgot to ask about your condition."

"I'm perfectly fine," Zachary assured her as he rose. "Thank you for your kindness. We will meet again in the future."

"What?" Lena was taken aback.

"You're a kind-hearted young lady," Zachary said, his gaze filled with complexity. "Should adversity strike in the future, I hope you'll maintain the same smile as today and... trust in people." With that, he turned and departed, leaving Lena in astonishment.

"Lenny!" Chris' voice echoed.

Lena snapped back to reality, remembering she had invited him to visit Nala together.

"What's the matter? You seemed lost in thought. Did something happen?"

"No," Lena replied with a smile, shaking her head. "Let's hurry to the ward."

Chris added, "By the way, our recent visits seem to be making a difference. Nala doesn't appear to resist you as much anymore."

"Chris, I have a lingering suspicion."

"Yes, what's on your mind?"

"Is Nala's previous resistance toward me truly solely due to her illness-induced bad mood? It doesn't seem that straightforward."

"We're on the same page!" Chris exclaimed. "Some strange occurrences have happened lately... For instance, Pammy claimed she spotted you at the hospital the other day, but you didn't actually see her, did you?"