Ch. 1861..1870

Chapter 1861

Chapter 1861

Harvey glared at him and then turned to run away.

Toph stood frozen, but Harvey had already run far ahead by the time he reacted. He spent a while in the banquet hall but found it uninteresting. He wanted to find Harvey but was clueless about the convoluted layout of the Newhouses' hotel. All he could do was wander around like a headless fly, searching here and there.

At the same time, Jodie and Cindy were arguing in the lounge.

"Stop!" Jodie's tone was agitated. "You keep asking me for money repeatedly. Do you see me as an ATM? What kind of mother are you?!"

"Jojo!" Cindy almost knelt down, pleading, "Your brother's situation is terrible now... He's suffering so much in that rehab center! The Newhouses have connections. Can't you spend some money to get him out? He also has Type 2 diabetes and can't bear it anymore!"

"And how's that my concern?" Jodie's gaze was full of anger and despair.

She even felt some empathy for Maisie. Over so many years, Cindy hadn't asked her for money often, yet even then, she found it unbearable.

What about Maisie? For years, she endured Cindy's ceaseless demands, even sacrificing her innocence just to fill that bottomless pit left by Owen.

However, Maisie was relatively fortunate to have Daniel. If it had been someone else, she might have perished long ago.

Once Jodie thought about how Maisie's life for the past two decades should have been hers, she shuddered, feeling even more disgusted with Cindy.

She glanced at Cindy, and as soon as Cindy tried to hold her hand, she violently shook it off!

"Get lost!" Jodie's eyes were burning with anger. "I don't want to see you again, and I don't want anything to do with you!"

"Jojo, you can't be like this!" Cindy cried and pleaded, "I'm your mother, and that's a fact that can't change! If you turn a blind eye to your brother, aren't you afraid of retribution?"

"Retribution?" Jodie sneered after her initial shock. "It looks like you're the one who'll face retribution! In your heart, there's only your son, never anyone else! Before, you used the money Maisie sold herself to save him. Now, you're thinking of my money?

"Shame on you!" Jodie spat, pushing and hitting. "I'm not your daughter. Don't try to harm me! I'm not your daughter!"

"Jojo, you can't be like this!" Cindy begged, "You're Owen's biological sister, not Maisie!"

"Shut up!" Jodie was hysterical, her face pale. Suddenly, a sharp pain came from her abdomen, causing her to bend over. Her teeth chattered uncontrollably.

Cindy was startled and hurriedly went to support her. "Jojo, you..."

Sweat dotted Jodie's forehead. She knew she was having an attack. Her health had been deteriorating lately. Once her emotions surged, she felt this tearing pain all over her body.

She just dared not show a trace of it. Wilfred and Anya were both healthy. If her condition was found out, it would raise Wilfred's suspicion.

In that case, all that wealth and status she wanted to keep would be gone!

Jodie bit her lip hard, trembling as she reached into her bag and pulled out a vial of injection. With Cindy's help, she struggled to find the vein and injected herself...

The insulin quickly took effect, and Jodie gradually calmed down. Just as she was about to get up, she spotted Harvey, who had been standing at the door for quite some time! Something seemed to explode in her mind, shattering her hopes for a better life. "You-"

"So, you really aren't our parents' biological daughter!" Harvey's smile was cold with a mocking hint. "My sister is really Maisie!"

Chapter 1862

Chapter 1862

Jodie and Cindy froze in place, unable to utter a word.

"I used to just suspect, but I heard it firsthand today!" Harvey rushed to them, glaring at Cindy. "You, old witch! You've torn our family apart, yet you and your rotten daughter want to take over our family? Dream on! I'm going to tell my father now! I'll make sure you both have no place to hide!"

Cindy panicked and grabbed him. Although Harvey was pale and thin, Cindy was a woman well past 50, so she was no match for a young man.

Harvey shook off Cindy and ran outside but heard Jodie's sharp voice behind him.

"Someone! Get some help!"

Harvey froze in place as if struck by lightning.

"Harvey's having an attack!" Jodie flashed a malicious smile. The moment Harvey turned back, she pointed her phone at him. "Harvey is really ill this time. Inform the doctor!"

Harvey turned to look at her, his lips quivering.

Over the years, he had been tormented by Jodie like this. Whatever the doctors injected into him during his "fits" always had some side effects. Sometimes, his expressions and movements were uncontrollable, making him seem insane.

Just hearing the word "doctor" triggered an automatic response in him.

It felt like he was standing at the edge of a bottomless cliff, and Jodie was the executioner, holding a sharp knife aimed at him.

Harvey couldn't utter a single word, trembling uncontrollably.

At that moment, several doctors arrived and surrounded him. He felt suffocated, holding his head as he crouched on the floor and cried out in agony.

"Tie him up!" Jodie smirked triumphantly, looking down at him. "Harvey, don't be afraid... These doctors are here to help you! Come on. Be a good boy and go with them for your injections and medication!" "Don't touch me!" Harvey shouted hoarsely, but the so-called doctors were all big and burly, and they had ropes in their hands. They were like hyenas in the jungle, with a glint of despicable and vicious light in their eyes.

"Mr. Newhouse, don't struggle." One of them took out a syringe. "You'll feel better soon!"

"Faster!" Jodie scolded angrily. "Give him the injection and tie him up!"

Unexpectedly, a furious roar exploded like a bomb in everyone's ears. "I dare anyone to try!"

Jodie's face fell.

At the door stood a tall, sturdy figure with a sharply defined face that exuded an arrogant air.

"Mr... Hamerton?"

"Get lost!" Toph kicked the nearest doctor to Harvey in the stomach. The person crumpled against the wall like a defeated dog and then collapsed on the floor.

"I dare anyone to touch him!"

Toph pulled Harvey up, shielding him behind him. His gaze was sharp as knives as he advanced toward Jodie step by step.

"I didn't expect Uncle Daniel to be right. The Newhouses actually hide a mind-blowing secret!" Toph sneered. "Now, those who made mistakes should each go their own way, and life should return to its rightful course for those who were displaced, right?"

Chapter 1863

Chapter 1863

Jodie's face turned pale in sheer terror.

Cindy was in tears, falling to her knees before Toph and clutching his trousers. "Please... Sir, I beg you! Don't drive my daughter out of the Newhouses... All of this was Delilah's idea. Jojo is innocent!"

"Get away!" Toph lifted his foot and flung Cindy far away. "You and your daughter are cut from the same cloth, thinking only of yourselves! Have you ever thought about the years of suffering Maisie endured, torn apart from her family?

"And you... You treat Harvey like this, too!" Toph trembled with rage. "I won't let you off! You're not even human!"

"Mr. Hamerton!"

Just as Toph was turning with Harvey, Jodie desperately blocked his path, also kneeling on the floor. She kept begging. The dull sound of her forehead hitting the floor sounded ironic.

"I beg you... Please don't reveal this! Otherwise, my whole life will be ruined!"

"When you were doing these despicable things, did you ever think about how Maisie's life was ruined by you?"

Jodie sobbed uncontrollably. However, Toph was only filled with righteous indignation and didn't notice the malice in her eyes. He didn't see her subtly glance at the nearby doctor. "Either you confess yourselves, or I'll go tell Mr. Newhouse!" Toph raised his voice.

"Mr. Hamerton, my father has a weak heart..." Jodie said. "If this matter is publicized and something happens to my father, can you bear that responsibility?"

"Are you threatening me?" Toph widened his eyes.

"I dare not." Jodie looked at him. "I'm just warning you. It's best you stay as an observer in someone else's family matters. Otherwise..."

She bit her lip before snarling, "Your life might be in danger!"

"Toph, watch out!" Harvey was the first to react.

It was just that when he shouted, he, too, was firmly restrained.

Toph snapped his head back, feeling a sharp pain in his neck before he could understand what was happening. Then, a cool liquid flowed through his veins...

He widened his eyes, wanting to say something, but couldn't produce a single sound. Before closing his eyes, he saw the blurry figure of Harvey struggling, someone covering Harvey's mouth and nose, and Jodie's evil smile.

The banquet was winding down, and guests left in groups of threes and twos.

Wilfred stood on the balcony, observing Maisie in the hall from a distance, lost in thought. Every expression of this girl resembled a certain someone too much. If not for the age difference, he would almost believe it was Anya standing before him.

He took a deep breath, regaining his senses, and downed the whiskey in his hand.

"Mr. Newhouse, you seem very focused." Suddenly, a loud voice sounded.

Wilfred was taken aback and turned to see Whitney, who was dressed elegantly, smiling as she stood behind him. He gave a slight bow and a nod.

After all, Whitney was the benchmark in this industry and a bit older than him. Showing respect was appropriate.

However, there was a hint of coldness in Whitney's gaze.

"What are you looking at?" She walked up to Wilfred. "Oh... looking at Ms. Squire? Well, I understand. Ms. Squire is in her prime, not only beautiful but also talented. It's only natural for an older man like you to be attracted to her."

Chapter 1864

Chapter 1864

Wilfred furrowed his brow. "Ms. Kinglake, you..."

Because of Anya, Whitney's relationship with him had plummeted to an icy point, almost reaching an irreconcilable state.

Therefore, Whitney never participated in events where the Newhouses were present. Her attendance at this banquet today was akin to the sun rising from the west for Wilfred.

Despite that, her words now were a bit too much.

Wilfred spoke sternly. "I only hold admiration for Ms. Squire."

"Whether you admire her or not, that's something only you know!" Whitney glanced at him disdainfully, her expression serious. "Wilfred, I must remind you-Maisie belongs to Daniel. They'll be getting married soon. Although I'm not entirely pleased with this prospective niece-in-law, I can accept her as long as my nephew likes her.

"But... certain old toads should stop dreaming of enjoying the luxuries of life! These toads should take a good look at their own character by the waterside!"

Wilfred was infuriated but unable to retort openly. He had to swallow his anger.

After a while, he spoke softly. "I know my recent investment in the film and requesting Maisie as the scriptwriter has sparked many speculations. However, Ms. Kinglake, this investment was facilitated by your nephew, don't you know that?"

"What?"

"When I signed the contract with Maisie, Daniel was present!"

Whitney paused, momentarily blanking out.

Wilfred smiled. "Don't assume such despicable intentions from others. I have high regard for Ms. Squire, just as you admired Anya back then-"

"You stop right there!" That name seemed to hit a nerve with Whitney. "You're not worthy of mentioning Anya!"

"I'm not worthy, but are you?" Wilfred's voice trembled as he suppressed his inner turmoil. "Back then, Anya and I were in love, but what did you do in the middle of it all?"

"Everything I did was for her own good!" Whitney's emotions flared. "Her career was on the rise at that time. She couldn't sacrifice her future for a relationship! I admit that arranging for her to study abroad was to keep her away from you.

"But if you genuinely loved her, you shouldn't have tried to hinder her, let alone let her get pregnant before marriage and leave her in a completely passive place!

"Wilfred, Anya's death is on you!"

Wilfred clenched his fists, his hands involuntarily trembling.

It was then Delilah rushed in anxiously and grabbed him. Her voice was low and urgent. "Wilfred... Harvey is missing..."

Wilfred was already seething with anger, and Delilah's appearance provided him with an outlet for his pent-up frustration. He swung around violently, gritting his teeth. "What do you mean, missing? Did he run off to play somewhere? Can such a grown person simply disappear?"

"No, he really-"

"It's better if he's dead!" Wilfred roared.

Delilah trembled, staring blankly at him. Although she did not favor Harvey either and considered him a mistake, he was still her biological child. She was quite anxious about Harvey's disappearance.

It was Jodie who had come running to inform her about Harvey. Jodie had mentioned that Harvey had been with Toph all this while, but they were both nowhere to be found after the banquet had ended. Jodie had also said, "Mom, Harvey has figured out about my background. He isn't with a doctor now. What if he gets emotional and tells the Toph about this? We'll be in big trouble then."

Delilah suddenly found it true. Thus, the worry of their secret being revealed entirely overwhelmed her concern for her son.

"Wilfred!" Delilah pleaded softly, "Can't you... send someone to look for him?"

Chapter 1865

Chapter 1865

Wilfred sneered. He didn't even bother to look at her and turned to leave.

"Wilfred!" Delilah suppressed her emotions and approached him, speaking in a low voice. "Even if you don't care for Harvey, think about yourself... I heard that Harvey has been with Toph Hamerton, but now both of them are missing."

"What did you say?" Wilfred was taken aback, his brow furrowing. "The second Hamerton heir?"

"Yes." Delilah looked at him. "Perhaps, as you said, Harvey and Toph might be off somewhere, but I tried calling Harvey's phone just now, and there was no answer. Wilfred, leaving Harvey aside, the Hamertons aren't someone to mess with! If something happens involving the Hamertons at our event, then it could-"

"Go and find them immediately!" Wilfred changed his stance immediately. "Inform security and search every possible place in the hotel. Ensure Toph's safety!"

Delilah watched him leave hurriedly, her gaze as cold as ice. Her heart felt like a stone sinking deeper into the sea, hopeless and devoid of any light.

They had been married for so many years, and Wilfred had despised her for just as long. It was precisely because she couldn't find any warmth from her husband that she had taken a wrong step, getting involved with another man and having Harvey.

Even though Harvey was her biological son, his existence was a constant reminder of what she had done, a blemish in her life. She even hoped that Harvey would disappear forever this time...

Delilah suddenly shivered, a chill running down her spine. She hated herself for having such thoughts, yet she couldn't deny those feelings.

The conflicting emotions in her heart felt like a twisted rope gripping her soul.

"Mom..." Jodie walked over and gently held her arm. "Don't worry. Harvey and Toph will surely be found."

Delilah rubbed her temples, feeling utterly exhausted.

Jodie continued, pretending to care. "Shall I go and look for them too? After all, I grew up with Harvey. I understand his temperament, and I know where he likes to go."

Delilah waved her hand with a frown, a bit annoyed.

Jodie obediently complied, a sneer playing on her lips.

How could they possibly find them?

After knocking out both Toph and Harvey, she swiftly had them transferred to a car in the underground parking lot. She was familiar with the entire hotel's layout, so she blocked the surveillance cameras on their route while they were being transferred.

By now, the car had driven quite far. It was a remote place. Wilfred's people couldn't possibly find them there.

Jodie smiled as she finished her champagne with a proud jut of her chin.

Until the end of the banquet, Zuko hadn't found his brother.

Now that most of the guests had left, he called Toph, but the phone kept showing it was switched off.

Chris and Lena searched the entire hotel but couldn't find a trace of Toph.

"He's been close to Harvey," Chris reminded. "Could it be... he was invited to the Newhouses' home?"

"But even then, his phone should be on!" Lena said, "Toph might be easy-going, but he's also sharp at crucial times, let alone do something to worry everyone!"

"Exactly." Zuko's tone was heavy. "Toph isn't someone who doesn't know his responsibilities!"

Perhaps due to the connection between siblings, Zuko's heart was beating faster than usual, a sense of foreboding creeping in.

"Zuko, calm down first." Chris glanced at the little girl sleeping on his shoulder. "Let's take Sephy back first. Let Lenny watch over her, and then we'll continue searching." Zuko nodded helplessly. For now, that was the only thing they could do.

Chapter 1866

Chapter 1866

However, they were completely clueless. Where were they supposed to look for Toph?

Daniel and Maisie rushed over, bringing the news of Harvey's disappearance.

"This matter is quite suspicious. I believe it's related to the Newhouses," Daniel asserted. "Wilfred is secretly sending people to search, and the Newhouses are in chaos..." "Bad luck! How did we run into such a family?" Chris cursed. "They look harmonious on the surface but rotten to the core! Not a single good soul in that family!" Lena patted his shoulder, giving him a look.

"How about this?" Maisie suggested softly, "I'll take care of Sephy tonight. You all go and find Toph.

"Daniel, your people are familiar with the city, and they're all experts. Let them take Zuko and search. Sephy and I will wait for you at home."

Daniel hesitated. "But some of my bodyguards are specifically responsible for your safety. If I pull them away, what will you do?"

"Come and stay with me!" Whitney's bright voice broke the silence.

Maisie was taken aback, seeing Whitney smiling as she approached. She greeted Zuko and the others before looking at Maisie.

"Take Ms. Hamerton with you to the island. I have enough people there, and there are no outsiders. I can guarantee your and Ms. Hamerton's safety."

Whitney said arrogantly, "Naturally, I'm just doing this so Daniel won't worry about you."

Maisie exchanged a smile with Daniel.

Toph had been unconscious for a day. When he regained consciousness and managed to open his eyes, he felt sore all over, especially in his neck. It felt like a needle was deeply embedded there, making the swelling almost unbearable.

He wriggled his fingers and toes and took a deep breath, only to cough from the polluted air.

"You're awake?" He suddenly heard a familiar voice.

Toph took a moment before recognizing Harvey's distressed face.

"Hey, hey!" Harvey patted Toph's face in a panic. "Wake up, Toph!"

"Alright, alright. Stop patting!" Toph grimaced, weakly protesting, "You're bruising my face... Are you doing this on purpose?"

"What are you saying?!" Harvey turned away, sitting against the wall.

It was a room without windows, and the only source of light was from a dim lamp. There was no bed or sofa, just a cold floor, occasionally accompanied by the squeaking sound of rats. They had both been unconscious when they were brought in, unaware of the route or whether it was day or night outside.

Harvey gestured toward a small iron gate in one direction.

That was their only chance to communicate with the outside world.

"It's... it's Jodie!" Toph suddenly remembered everything. "She's the one who tied us up here. What does she want?!"

"She wants me dead." Harvey chuckled as if murmuring those words to himself.

Toph didn't catch that clearly and turned to ask, "What did you say?"

Chapter 1867

Chapter 1867

Harvey smiled but didn't say anything more. He calmed down and pieced together everything that had transpired before they arrived here.

It was Jodie who directed those so-called doctors, injecting Toph's neck while he was distracted, then letting those people subdue him. After that, he lost consciousness and woke up lying there. He knew that Jodie wanted to put him in a life-threatening situation, but he hadn't expected her to be so insane, daring even to lay a finger on a Hamerton!

Toph struggled to move, feeling sore all over.

"There's a needle mark on your neck." Harvey leaned over to check and said, "It's slightly swollen. Based on the swelling, it hasn't been more than 24 hours. It also means that it hasn't been 24 hours since we arrived."

"How do you know?" Toph was surprised.

"I've been jabbed so many times I've figured out the patterns!" Harvey leaned against the wall, hands behind his head, smiling at him.

"Jodie... won't starve us to death here, right?"

"Are you scared?"

"Duh!" Toph raised his voice suddenly. "I have parents, a brother, a wife! I don't want to die young! Besides, even if we die, it shouldn't be without explanation and in the hands of such a despicable person!" Harvey stared at him, feeling indescribable emotions inside. After a while, he spoke softly. "Don't worry. I won't let you die."

Toph slumped down, scratching his head. However, the moment he crouched down, his belt pricked him. He suddenly froze, and something flashed through his mind like lightning...

"Harvey!" He exclaimed excitedly, "We won't die here! We won't!"

Harvey frowned and hurriedly covered his mouth, signaling urgently.

"Speak softly! Be careful. The walls have ears. If they hear us, we won't be able to escape!"

Toph chuckled, lowering his voice to a mere whisper. "How did you know I was going to talk about escaping?"

He pointed to the metal buckle on his belt, which had a special setting. When he touched a certain part, the buckle popped open, revealing a gleaming object that was only the size of a fingernail. "This is..."

"This is my secret weapon!" Toph grinned mysteriously. "Don't worry. My brother will come to rescue us soon!"

Maisie stayed on Rose Island with Persephone.

Persephone was curious about everything around her, especially on such a beautiful island. She was so engrossed in playing that she forgot to wonder why her parents hadn't come to pick her up. Whitney liked the little princess. The old and the young often spent the whole day playing by the seaside.

Persephone loved listening to Whitney's stories, which she found a hundred times better than any mermaid story she had ever heard.

In Whitney's stories, Anya's name always came up.

"Why do you always mention her?" Persephone propped up her chin, her big eyes innocent and pure. "Is she your daughter?"

"No." Whitney smiled and stroked her head. "She was my proudest student."

"Did she die?"

"Yes..."

"Does she watch us from heaven?"

Whitney paused, unsure how to respond.

Persephone's innocent gaze always brought a sense of ease. "Professor Granny, she will watch over you from heaven! She was your proudest student, and you must be her proudest teacher, just like... Ms. Squire. She's my proudest teacher!"

Chapter 1868

Chapter 1868

Whitney was amused and affectionately hugged her.

"But I don't like your teacher." Whitney pretended to speak seriously.

"No, you do!" Persephone revealed, "You snuck into her room last night to cover her with a blanket!"

"You..." Whitney was taken aback.

"Didn't expect that, huh?" Persephone smirked mischievously. "I couldn't sleep alone last night, so I snuck into Ms. Squire's room! Why else do you think her door was slightly open?"

Whitney chuckled and lightly tapped her on the backside, pretending to be angry.

The butler hurriedly approached and said in a low voice, "Madam, I have the results from the investigation you asked for last time..."

Whitney straightened up. She handed Persephone to the nanny and walked aside with the butler.

"What's the situation?"

The butler produced the note and briefly explained, "These numbers are the password for a safe deposit box at Cumulus Bank. The person who opened the safe deposit box... is Ms. Anya Campbell." Whitney's heart leaped to her throat. She hadn't expected Anya to have a safe deposit box at the bank, let alone find the password in the fold of Anya's cursive.

The fact that Anya hid it so discreetly perhaps meant she didn't want the box to fall into someone else's hands!

After a brief thought, Whitney immediately said, "Prepare a boat. I'm going to Cumulus City."

"Madam..."

"It's not yet closing time. Cumulus Bank is still open. I just want to see what's inside this safe deposit box."

The butler nodded and promptly made arrangements.

Soon, Whitney arrived at Cumulus Bank.

The manager personally came out to greet her, leading her to the VIP lounge and intending to inquire if she wanted to make a deposit. Whitney, however, stopped him with a single look.

She got straight to the point and told the manager that she came for one reason only-to open a safe deposit box.

The manager led her to the vault.

Anya's safe deposit box was on the inconspicuous last row, covered in a thin layer of dust.

Whitney gently brushed off the dust, feeling a pang when her fingertips grazed the steel engraving of Anya's name. She took a deep breath and entered the code. As the lock clicked open, she found only a few items inside.

Anya's box seemed somewhat incongruous compared to others storing gold bars and jewelry.

There was a ring with her and Wilfred's initials engraved on the back, several books-all published by Whitney-and a letter of recommendation for studying abroad.

Whitney glanced at the back. It was filled with just three words: "I am sorry."

Unable to hold back tears any longer, Whitney let them flow.

"You apologize to me, but you gave up your future for that person! You silly child, so foolish!"

After composing herself for a moment, she continued to flip through.

Underneath these items lay a stack of handwritten manuscripts.

Whitney was puzzled as she took the thick stack out...

Chapter 1869

Chapter 1869

Maisie walked out of her room with a heavy heart. Seeing Daniel, who had just returned to the island, she hurried over and hugged him. Only in his arms could she finally let go of her lingering worries. Daniel smiled. The sweet scent on her swept away all the weariness of the entire day.

"Sephy just fell asleep," Maisie said softly. "Today, she even asked me if she could stay on the island for a few more days. It seems she doesn't want to return to her parents just yet."

"Well, let her stay here," Daniel said, looking at her. "Aunt Whitney loves children, and Sephy won't feel lonely with Tigger around."

"Is it..." Maisie hesitated. "No news about Toph yet?"

Daniel furrowed his brow, nodding in concern.

"No word about Harvey either," he said. "Wilfred is afraid of offending the Hamertons, mobilizing all his people these past days, but still no results... I suspect there's a mole in the Newhouses." Maisie's gaze was also filled with worry. It had only been two days since Toph went missing, but these long two days felt excruciatingly difficult.

"Has the police been informed?"

"Yes, they're conducting a full search as well. But from what I surmise, if it's really the work of kidnappers, they're likely after money. I believe a ransom call will come soon."

"But if..." Maisie bit her lip. "If, as you said, there's a mole in the Newhouses, and that mole isn't after money but something else... What should we do?"

Daniel took a deep breath, looking into her eyes. He wasn't sure how to explain it.

This afternoon, he had tried hard to piece together a clue from his chaotic mind. In case it wasn't the work of typical kidnappers, then the person wasn't after money but rather after lives. Toph wasn't from Cumulus City. He didn't have any enemies here, and nobody should want to harm him.

Harvey was different. In the Newhouses, there was someone always afraid of him taking a share of the inheritance and had been trying to paint him as a madman. It wouldn't be surprising if that person wanted Harvey's life.

"Don't worry, Chris asked for help from his former comrades to find Toph." Daniel patted Maisie's back. "The Special Forces have many methods, and they're experienced. They'll surely find Toph."

Maisie nodded, then suddenly remembered something. "Ms. Kinglake took a boat out this afternoon. After returning, she locked herself in the study and hasn't even had dinner. Should you ask her to have a snack? I can cook in the kitchen!"

Daniel smiled and gently pinched her cheek. "That's a good idea. You prepare something simple to eat, and we'll take it in together to eat with my aunt!"

Harvey coughed hard, gradually losing strength while still propped against the wall. He and Toph were in terrible shape in this lightless place, without food or water.

Toph had no sense of time, and he could only estimate the time passed by the puncture on his neck.

"It should be the second day." Harvey spoke in a low voice, pointing at Toph's belt. "Say, does that thing really work?"

Toph was completely focused on fiddling with the metal buckle on his belt. Inside the buckle was a small chip emitting a faint light.

"Don't worry. The signal is just not good in this enclosed space!"

"Even if the signal does go out, can your brother really come to rescue you?"

Chapter 1870

Chapter 1870

Harvey's gaze was filled with suspicion. Perhaps growing up in an environment devoid of security, he never expected or believed in familial bonds. Still, he longed for the kind of kinship that could be a steadfas support at any time and place.

"What else?" Toph glanced at him, smiling. "My brother always held me dear. I'm his most beloved little brother. Who else would come to rescue me if not him?"

Curious, Harvey propped himself up with both hands and slowly crawled over. Only then did he carefully examine the chip embedded within the belt buckle. It was a small, intricate piece, well-hidden and not easily detectable.

"Our grandfather gave this to us." Toph began to chatter. "This thing is something only the Southeast Aciatic military uses. It's handy for them to communicate with teammates in unexpected situations during missions!

"Ever since my brother and I got these belts, we knew how to use them. He once jokingly said he hoped we'd never have to use them... Hey, but now we do!

"See, this light is weak, which means the signal is weak. But it's fine. I'll send the signal multiple times, so one is bound to reach Zuko!"

"And... are you sure your brother's belt is also on him?" Harvey asked.

"Of course," Toph affirmed confidently. "Even if his belt isn't on him, his phone will receive the signal... Anyway, Zuko will come to rescue us. Chris will, too! I believe in them!" Harvey fell silent, gazing at him for a long while with a complicated expression. In his gaze, there was envy, along with emotions he couldn't express.

He was like a child without candy, while Toph had grown up in a candy kingdom. People like him were rays of sunshine wherever they went.

Harvey never expected that warmth to belong to him alone, but just a little sunlight to clear the darkness in his heart was enough for him to be content. "Hey! Hey!" Toph called out to him, but he didn't respond. Toph then wrapped an arm around his shoulder. "What's up?"

Harvey's heart skipped a beat. When Toph leaned closer, their noses almost touched.

It was the first time he had been this close to him...

Harvey's heart thumped, and his face turned red instantly. His hands clenched together.

"What are you... doing?"

"I called you, didn't you hear me?" Toph was puzzled by his reaction. "What's wrong with you?"

Harvey suddenly pushed him away, retreating to the side. "Quit touching me!"

"You..." Toph's eyes widened in surprise.

It was then the chip inside the belt buckle flashed a few times. Toph excitedly grabbed it but then remembered Harvey's warning about "walls having ears". He held back his excitement and went close to Harvey's side, his lips almost touching his ear.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Harvey sighed, shouting loudly, "You were just over there! Why are you getting close now?"

"You're crazy!"

"Yeah, I'm crazy! Just get away from me!"

Toph was exasperated but could only move back slowly. Then he glanced up, waggling the belt in his hand and smirking mischievously.

Afterward, he used lip movements to convey, "We're going to be saved!"