Ch. 941..950

Chapter 941

Chapter 941

Aurelia looked a little confused.

She had never been to school and lived in a slum when she was young. She did not even know how to write her name. As for reading, her neighbor, the old nomad woman, had taught her.

Later, she learned that the old woman was also semi-literate and had not exactly taught her correctly. Growing up a bit more, she picked up textbooks that others did not want to read herself. Perhaps she was really gifted. She could understand as soon as she took a look.

By self-studying, she managed to get rid of her illiterate status, albeit barely and even learned to speak Acian aside from Chaisene. She did not set foot in a school until she came to Southeast Aciatic. However, this school was nothing like the one that Cordelia talked about. There were no mischievous boys, only students who kept working hard.

She could not understand what Cordelia was talking about. Listening to the story still felt interesting even if she could not understand it.

Aurelia supported her chin with one hand as they sat on the grass. "Cordelia, since that boy liked the girl, why did he have to use such a method?"

"It's probably because of the immaturity of the little boy?" Cordelia smiled and explained, "He likes someone but doesn't know how to express himself. The more he likes her, the more he has to tease her so that she can remember him better!"

"Well..." Aurelia found it unbelievable and shook her head with a giggle.

Cordelia gently held her hand. "Aurelia, actually, Neil's still a childish boy at heart despite being so tall. He doesn't know how to express his feelings... but he loves you."

Aurelia blushed silently. She looked down, feeling her heart beat faster.

"Mommy, mommy!" Zuko, who had run off not too far away, came running back excitedly.

Cordelia wiped the sweat off his head and asked tenderly, "What happened?"

"Mommy, look!" Zuko opened his palm. "Bugs, bugs!"

Aurelia also looked over.

It turned out that Zuko was not holding a real firefly but a small toy in the shape of it. "Bugs, bugs! It glows!"

Aurelia smiled and teased him, "Little Mr. Zuko, fireflies don't glow during the day!"

"Glow, glow!" Zuko stubbornly pointed at the tail of the firefly with a stubby finger.

It was only then that Aurelia saw that this firefly did glow-a diamond ring was hidden at the tail!

Cordelia winked at Zuko and asked loudly, "Baby, where did you pick up this little bug?"

"Over there!" The little boy cooperatively pointed to a bush not far away and grabbed Aurelia's hand. He flashed a smile and looked cute. "Auntie, come, catch bugs! Catch bugs!"

Aurelia's heart beat even faster.

She was smart and could guess who was hiding in the bushes over there. She did not want to go, but Zuko was small yet strong. In addition to his handsome little chubby face, he had a kind of charm that was hard to resist.

Aurelia surrendered and jogged over to the bushes, halfheartedly being tugged along by Zuko.

The bushes were tall and dense. It felt like a maze once they entered.

Chapter 942

Chapter 942

Zuko was familiarly navigating his way and ran out of it with Aurelia after a few turns.

"Baby, let's hurry and go back," Aurelia said softly. "Be good! Your mother will be worried otherwise!"

"His mother won't be worried! I'm the one who's waiting anxiously!"

A husky voice echoed. Aurelia halted in her steps and stiffened up with a blush that reached the tips of her ears. She bit her lips and stood frozen against the voice.

Zuko looked at Neil and smiled when the latter gave him an "OK" sign. He let go of Aurelia's hand and took a small ice cream cone from Neil with a skip, enjoying it happily.

Neil asked a maid to take Zuko to Cordelia.

He and Aurelia were the only two people left in the bushes.

Aurelia took a deep breath. The damp summer breeze brushed past her ear like a melodic tune. She could smell the floral and fruity fragrance in the air, and her heart trembled like the birds' chirps. She was still holding the small firefly, which glowed at its tail-it was the small diamond ring that was shining.

Aurelia suddenly felt like crying.

"It's... It's my fault," the voice behind her said again after a short silence.

The prideful award-winning actor lowered his noble head to please her and beg for mercy.

"I know I shouldn't have lied to you, but I just... for a moment, I don't know what got into me. I just wanted to tease you, to see how worried you'd be for me, to... make sure how important I am in your heart! "In fact, Carter didn't put me under general anesthesia during the surgery." Neil scratched his head and chuckled softly. "I was only under local anesthesia, so my mind was still clear. All I could think of then was that if I couldn't get through the surgery, I'd still have no regrets... because the moment I got shot, I had already put the ring on you.

"Aurelia, please don't be mad at me, okay? Heh... just think of me as being foolish. I'm already a grown-up, yet I play tricks like a middle schooler. I'm super childish... is that okay?"

After Neil finished speaking, he cautiously looked at the back of Aurelia's head. Although her chestnut-colored long hair was even more beautiful under the sunlight, he was anxious and had no time to appreciate the beauty.

However, what he did not know was that Aurelia was secretly laughing. He also did not know that she had quietly taken the ring out of the firefly's tail, put it on her middle finger first, and then quietly moved it to her ring finger.

"Um, Aurelia, are you still angry?" Neil tried to play the pity card when his words did not work. "Ouch, ow... This shoulder of mine still hurts a lot!

"Even though I've been discharged from the hospital, I still have to change my dressing every day. The servants at home just can't do the job well. They can't even change the bandages properly, and I'm tortured daily!

"If only someone could help me change my bandages, I might recover faster!

"OW!"

Neil just acted as much as he could, clutching his injured shoulder and squatting on the ground to groan in pain.

"I heard Carter say that even if the bullet is removed, some fragments may still be embedded in the bone. If the injury isn't handled properly, it'll hurt during cloudy and rainy weather... He's so right! I'm feeling the pain now...

"But I'm okay!" Neil "forced" himself up from the ground. "Hah, I'm a man. I can endure it! You don't have to worry about me!"

Aurelia covered her mouth with her hand, tears streaming down her face, but she could not help giggling.

"Uncle..." She tried to hold back her laughter, and her voice choked up. "The weather's so good today. It's not cloudy and rainy, but you're still feeling the pain?"

Chapter 943

Chapter 943

Neil looked up at the bright sunny day and barely could keep his eyes open from the glare. He remained unfazed.

"Oh, uh... Actually, my shoulder hurts too when the weather's fine. Hah, Southeast Aciatic is close to the ocean. The air is humid. A little humidity, and my shoulder doesn't feel good." Aurelia no longer knew what to say. She thought of what Cordelia had said "He likes you so much that he doesn't know how to express it."—and her heart jolted with warmth.

In her old world, no one had ever expressed it like this. It was childish and ridiculous, but it was warming and moving.

Whether what Neil said was true or not, the wound on his shoulder was because of her. He had acted and added the touch of drama all for her.

Aurelia chuckled with her head down. The already fragile defense in her heart collapsed entirely.

"Aurelia, just forgive me this one time." Neil's voice was deep and sincere. "I promise that I won't add any drama on my own from now on. You're the only director and scriptwriter in my life from now on. I'll act on what you say...

"And this ring." Neil clutched the one in his hand. His throat was a little parched, and he coughed. "This... This is Alexander's gesture. Let's not disappoint him, okay?"

Time seemed to stop at that moment. Who knew how long it had been when Aurelia slowly turned around?

Neil noticed the diamond ring on her ring finger at once and was elated.

"You..."

"I don't think I can accept this ring!" Aurelia pressed her lips together. "I'm not the queen. How can I wear this?"

Neil looked at her quietly.

She stood against the greenery in a white dress. As the sunshine cascaded on her long chestnut hair, it was as if she was gilded.

"Aurelia..." Neil chuckled and said in a deep tone, "You're not Southeast Aciatic's queen, but you're forever my queen!"

Aurelia smiled. "So, I can keep this ring?"

Neil walked up slowly, his deep and focused gaze indulging. "Not just that... I want you to wear it forever!"

Aurelia's face was pink, and the tips of her ears too. She lowered her head, not daring to look into his eyes.

Neil took the opportunity to wear his ring on his ring finger and pulled her into a hug.

"What are you doing?" Aurelia looked at him wide-eyed as she was wrapped tight in his embrace.

"Director Aurelia!" Neil smirked and said in a husky voice, "Friendly reminder. Generally, there needs to be a small climax at this point in the plot."

The clever Aurelia knew exactly what he was thinking.

"Mr. Best Actor, my plot isn't the same!"

"Is that so?"

"The small climax of the plot isn't here!"

"Oh?" Neil smirked and picked her up in a princess carry.

Aurelia gasped in surprise as her petite frame fell into his muscular and warm embrace. Her ears were pressed against his chest, and she heard the familiar sound of his heartbeat again. "Let's change the venue since it's not here!"

"Huh!?"

"I'm taking you home," Neil said hoarsely. "You haven't seen my room yet, right? There's a big, soft-"

"Neil!"

Aurelia pounded his chest with her small fists.

Neil's legs were long, and he ran fast. Although it still hurt his wound when he exerted force, he did not want to miss an opportunity to hold her in his arms like this again.

Zephyr slowly approached Cordelia and saw the ice cream cone in Zuko's hand.

They looked at Neil, who was running away with Aurelia in his arms, and could not help laughing.

Zephyr said softly, "Darling, it looks like they're a thing now?"

"It seems so!" Cordelia was happy as well and rubbed her son's face. "Our baby played a pivotal role in resolving the situation with his aunt in one fell swoop!"

Chapter 944

Chapter 944

"His uncle's stingy, though. Did he think we could be bought over with one ice cream cone?"

Zuko, who heard "ice cream cone", looked up at his father cutely with his big eyes, his face smudged with melted ice cream like a kitten. He thought that his father wanted some, so he handed the cone to him with a smile.

Zephyr was caught by surprise before he was significantly moved. Who said that sons bonded better with their mothers? His son was showing affection to him too!

Even Cordelia sounded jealous when she said, "Sigh! Looks like Daddy's more important to you, huh? You gave Mommy a bug and thought of Daddy when you have a yummy treat!"

"Why? Are you jealous that our son thinks of me?" Zephyr lost himself in bliss once more.

Cordelia glanced at him without saying anything.

Zuko's chubby hand remained raised, holding the ice cream as he blinked big eyes at his father and stammered, "A little... A little bit!"

He meant for Zephyr to try a little bit.

How could the overly gleeful Mr. Z Hamerton let his son down? With too many emotions in his head, he devoured the ice cream cone entirely!

Zuko felt like he was watching a science fiction film... The ice cream cone had been whole just a second ago, but only a tiny bit of it was left now. Why? He could not figure it out with his little head! What kind of monster was this man before him? How could his mouth be so big!?

Zuko looked at his hand, then at Zephyr's full cheeks. He could not help the sadness that came from within and started wailing.

"Zephyr Hamerton! What are you doing!?" Cordelia glared at him with annoyance and quickly comforted their son. "Baby, don't cry. Mommy will buy you another one!"

"I... I didn't mean to!" Zephyr hastily explained, "He handed me the ice cream cone!"

"How can an adult like you snatch a child's food?"

"Darling..."

"You and Neil are the same, never giving me any peace of mind!"

With that, Cordelia carried their son and went to buy another ice cream cone.

Zephyr stood under the sun innocently. He lost interest in the ice cream in his mouth, anxious to catch up to his wife and son.

"Cordelia, I really didn't mean it!

"Zuko, this ice cream cone is strawberry flavored. It's actually not that tasty! How about Daddy gets you a different flavor?"

Zuko cried even harder, looking at him from Cordelia's shoulder and flailing his little fists.

Zephyr was taken aback and smiled helplessly. He had just thought the boy was considerate, but he was currently at odds with him over an ice cream cone.

It seemed that he would still have to discipline his son strictly in the future and not spoil him too much, so the boy would not become overbearing!

Thinking about it and doing it were two different things, though. When it came to action, he was still playing the role of a loving father.

"My son, baby, Zuko!" Zephyr smiled at him and tried to appease him from behind, saying, "Forgive Daddy this time. Daddy promises that next time you give me something to eat, I'll just lick it and not eat it!" Zuko was speechless. Cordelia winced and pushed their son toward him, walking ahead herself.

They did not encounter an ice cream vendor but ran into a vendor selling cotton candy.

Zuko was still a child, so his crying stopped immediately when he saw the colorful cotton candy. Zephyr quickly bought the biggest one for him.

The baby took it happily and started chasing butterflies again.

Cordelia was a little relieved. When she turned around, she saw her husband holding another puff of cotton candy, offering it to her like a bouquet of flowers. "What are you doing?"

"This is for you." Zephyr smiled lightly. "The biggest one is for our son, and the most beautiful one is for you!"

Cordelia smiled, sweet romance filling up her dimples.

"Why did you suddenly think of buying me cotton candy?"

"Because..." Zephyr rubbed her head, his gentle tone filled with infinite love. "My precious one will certainly have whatever the others have too!"

Chapter 945

Chapter 945

Things went smoothly for Aurelia and Neil.

It was said that Noah went to the palace with gifts to propose their marriage the next day.

Alexander was close with the Harrises to start with, so he very much approved of the union.

Helene was still not in her right mind, but she no longer harbored the usual hostility toward Neil this time. When everyone discussed the details of the marriage in the hall, she sat quietly by the side, carrying her pillow, her sunken eyes watching all of them curiously yet timidly.

Later, she softly added, "Don't bully my baby. You can't bully her!"

Neil was startled to find that Helene was staring at him. Suddenly, a complex feeling rushed to his heart.

"Auntie, don't worry." Alexander walked over and gave her a gentle hug. "Neil's a very good person. I promise he'll be loyal to Aurelia."

Helene seemed to have understood the discussion about the marriage just now, but she seemed to not understand it again now as she rocked, holding her pillow and humming a lullaby.

She then walked out of the main hall aimlessly, murmuring to the pillow, "Baby, don't cry. Mommy will take you home. Mommy's here. Mommy will take you home..."

Aurelia could not help her tears. Alexander was sad too. He gently patted her shoulder, comforting her, "Don't worry. I'll take good care of Aunt Lene after you get married."

"We can't let you bear this responsibility alone." Neil smiled. "It's my responsibility to take care of my mother-in-law too. Aurelia and I will come back to see her often!" Alexander glanced at him. He had never seen Neil so serious.

Southeast Aciatic men were a little bit arrogant, so this was the first time Alexander saw a man rush to use "mother-in-law" in addressing before he even got married.

After everything settled down, the Hamerton couple returned to the ever-familiar Centrolis with their son.

Everything finally returned to its normal pace after a long absence.

Liam had handed the Hamerton Group to Zephyr, but Cordelia was still in charge of all Hamerton household expenditures and decisions at home.

As for Zephyr's "ex-inmate" pals...

Josiah and Kelly had a grand wedding. The union between the Bayers and Tanners was already a big event that caused a sensation in Centrolis. Coupled with the pair's legendary love story, it had been the talk of the town.

Happy marriage alliances were rare since most of them were for the sake of family interests. Josiah and Kelly had dated of their own free will, which had already made many people envious.

Trinity and Fredric had no plans to get married yet. Fredric was the anxious one, for the most part, while Trinity was devoted to her career. No matter how many times the lawyer proposed to the director, the latter would not budge.

For this reason, Fredric asked for help on social media.

[Help! How do you make a career-oriented woman willingly shift her focus to building a family? How can I make her feel I'm worth more than the Oscar trophy?]

As a result, his friends liked his post without commenting. Nicholas was the only one who was blunt enough to reply with: [Hahahaha!]

This infuriated Fredric so much that he wanted to fight him.

Speaking of Nicholas, Sol Entertainment was constantly growing and had become a top player in the industry, occupying half of the entertainment industry's resources. As his business grew, it naturally attracted a lot of criticism and jealousy.

Some people deliberately brought up his former background as a gang leader, and some even dug up his past with Linda. Linda's hand shook in anger, and she accidentally shattered two jade bangles. The next day, reporters crowded Nicholas to ask, "Mr. Thompson, why isn't Mrs. Thompson wearing the pair of jade bangles that she likes the most anymore?"

Nicholas answered with a smirk, "They got thrown away. Too cheap."

He then went to the auction hall and bid for a pair that was worth $30,000,000.

Another day passed, and the reporters continued to annoy him. "Rich people are willful, aren't they? $30,000,000 can help so many charities!"

"You, sir, are you keeping up with me so closely because my charity didn't benefit you?

"May I know what charity fund you have?

"Treating a foul mouth? Or wounds and injuries?

"Hey, why are you running away? Come back. We can keep chatting!"

Seth and Zennie remained the closest teammates and comrades-in-arms.

During the most grueling stages of the research papers and practical work, Zennie, with her exceptional talent and meticulous thinking, made it through all the challenges and ultimately qualified for a Ph.D. program.

When everyone found out that she was already approaching her 30s upon graduating from medical school, they could not help but start urging her to get married.

Seth was the only one who remained focused on supporting her, never pressuring her to get married. However, as soon as she wanted to get married, he was ready at any time.

With everyone around Zephyr paired up—even Janine had Jim's love-Zephyr felt bad that Robert was left alone.

He had thought about using his connections to find a girlfriend for Robert, but the man seemed to only be interested in his house full of cats.

"Mr. Zephyr, I have to serve this house full of cats. I don't have time for a girlfriend! Besides, I want to stay by your side for a few more years. I'm really going to miss you if I leave..."

"Forget about that last sentence." Zephyr recalled the few times Robert had c*ckblocked him. "You might be reluctant, but I'm very willing!"

Cordelia took over Imperial Media, but Neil was extremely uncooperative, only managing to squeeze in a few guest roles in TV dramas and variety shows, spending most of his time in Southeast Aciatic. Cordelia had a headache over this and was actively searching for someone to replace him.

Trinity called her on the phone. "Don't worry. I found a few good potential candidates. I'll send them to you later, and you can contact their agents one by one. If you can finalize the deals, then I can confirm the male and female leads for our next movie!"

Cordelia breathed a sigh of relief, finally lifting her head from the mountain of paperwork and taking a breather. Her best friend came through at a critical moment!

"Doesn't have to be later. Send them to me right now!"

"Look at how much of a hurry you're in." Trinity laughed. "It's as if you really have no one to sue."

"But that's the truth, isn't it?" Cordelia said weakly, "I'm feeling really overwhelmed right now, and sometimes I'm so busy that I..."

Just then, she felt her stomach stir with nausea and ran to the bathroom before she could even hang up.

Chapter 946

Chapter 946

Five years later...

Zuko was now an elementary school student. No longer having the baby fat he had when he was younger, he was a little taller than his peers and more athletic compared to regular children.

His physical abilities were not the only thing developed, but his brain worked fast as well. He showed an amazing talent for logic and memory at a young age. He followed his academic prodigy of an aunt's study plan strictly as well, growing to be an acknowledged academic overachiever in school too.

He was the pride of Cordelia and Zephyr and the future hope of the Hamertons.

Furthermore, he was admired by his younger Zuko, Toph Hamerton, like an idol.

Yeap, that was right... A younger Zuko.

Five years ago, Zuko thought that he would have a younger sister. But when the adults at home hurried to the hospital one day, leaving him and Helen at home, he saw her tinkering with a deck of tarot cards mysteriously and smiling cryptically as she told him, "Looks like your father will be disappointed this time."

Back then, Zuko was naive and did not know what was going on. He later saw his father bring back a soft and tender little baby with a complicated expression on his face.

Helen, who had once said that the couple needed to have seven sons before having a daughter quickly, hid in the kitchen to cook.

The little baby broke into a loud wail when Zuko leaned over to take a look.

"Zuko!"

As soon as Zuko stepped out of the door, a crisp shout came from behind, followed by a soccer ball thrown his way.

"Not today!" Zuko put on his big brother act and said seriously, "I have to go to tutoring class!"

"Zuko!" Toph was only a little over four years old and was in his playful and hyperactive phase. He usually clung to Zuko. When he saw Zuko at home, he would throw aside any picture books or toys and look at his big brother with eyes full of admiration.

"Zuko, let's play soccer together! I don't have class in preschool today. Why do you still have to go to class?"

"You're in preschool, but I'm already an elementary school student!" Zuko straightened his back and said, "There's a difference between an elementary school student like me and a little kid like you. Anyway, I don't have time today. You can play by yourself!"

With that, Zuko picked up his school bag and headed out.

Toph held on to him tightly and acted stubborn. "No, no! Daddy said today is the weekend, and we can all rest!"

"What?" Zuko raised his eyebrows and sighed lightly like a little adult. "Alas, you listen to him? He doesn't even have any pocket money!"

"Uh..."

Zuko patted Toph's shoulder. "Toph, if you want to have a good life in the future, you have to work hard!"

He then lowered his voice. "Don't be like our father who doesn't even have the money to buy cigarettes..."

Toph widened his eyes. "How do you know?"

"Shh..." Zuko chuckled and hugged his younger brother's neck. "The other night, I saw dad begging mom, saying he didn't have money for cigarettes..."

"And then?"

"And then they both went back to their room!"

Toph was confused and did not understand, while Zuko stroked his chin like a detective and said, "I found cigarettes in dad's pocket the next day. I felt it!"

Toph pouted. "I didn't expect dad to be "

"Ahem!"

Before they could finish chatting, a heavy cough sounded behind the two little boys. Toph was scared and immediately hid behind his elder brother. Although Zuko was also afraid, he pretended to be calm and stretched out a hand to shake Zephyr's.

"Hello, dad."

Zephyr stared at the two little troublemakers with a stern face

Chapter 947

Chapter 947

The atmosphere between the father and his two sons was a bit cold... Toph could not help sneezing. After a moment of silence, Zephyr said in a low voice, "Go get changed. We're going out later."

"Huh?" Zuko was surprised. "Dad, I still have extra tutoring..."

"I've already asked your teacher for a leave."

The little boy was a bit confused. "What could be more important than me going to class?"

"Zuko Hamerton!" Zephyr raised his voice. "Do what I tell you to do. Where did this nonsense come from!?"

"Oh..." Zuko shrank into himself silently.

Zephyr put his hands behind his back and walked away after giving them both a stern look.

Only after Zephyr was far away did Toph dare to stick his head out and ask his brother in a low voice, "What's wrong with dad today?"

"Sigh." Zuko shook his head. "Maybe he's annoyed about his pocket money!"

"That makes sense." Toph agreed with the statement. "Mom gives us more pocket money every month than she gives him!"

"Of course! We're mom's real sons!"

The two little guys smiled at each other and hurried upstairs to change their clothes.

It was not until they arrived at their destination that Zuko realized that their father's bad temper today was not because he was annoyed about his pocket money but because he was envious...

He was envious that Nicholas had just had a daughter, while his wish to have a daughter was nowhere near being fulfilled!

"Congratulations!"

Nicholas' daughter's party was a grand affair. All the famous names in Centrolis were in attendance, and Nicholas went around greeting them.

After Zephyr had two drinks with him, they both went to entertain the guests together, planning to go to the baby's room after they were done to see the baby.

Cordelia had already brought her two sons over, and they were all gathered around the small cradle.

"Mom, is she our little friend?"

"Softly!" Cordelia held Zuko's small hand and chortled. "Your little friend was just born not long ago and needs to sleep more."

Toph asked in a low voice, "Mommy, when I was just born, was I also this small?"

"Yes." Cordelia rubbed his head. "When you and your brother were born, you were both this small, but you ate and slept well, so you grew up quickly!"

"Then she must eat and sleep well to grow up quickly too, and we can play with her!"

"Hey, Zuko, remember what you said! You can't go back on your word!" Linda laughed, looking at him and then at Cordelia. "Do you still remember our previous agreement?"

"How could I forget?!" Cordelia could not help agreeing. They had previously said that if one of them had a son and the other had a daughter, they would arrange a marriage between them.

It was just like how Zephyr and Cordelia's mothers had already agreed on their marriage before they were even born.

"But I have two sons. Should you have another daughter?"

"Heh, I don't want to have any more. It's already too stressful!"

Cordelia sensed that something was off with Linda's expression and cautiously sat down next to her. "What's wrong?"

Linda was feeling frustrated. Maybe it was because she had just given birth, and her hormones had yet to return to normal levels. She would occasionally have wild thoughts and get stuck on small details. Cordelia knew that well. Fortunately, Zephyr had been tolerant and considerate toward her during that time and helped her through the most difficult days.

Nicholas was also doting on Linda, almost treating her like a princess.

Cordelia patted Linda's shoulder and laughed lightly. "Linda, think more about Nicholas' strengths! How can there be grudges between husband and wife?"

"I'm not holding a grudge against him. It's just..." Linda sighed softly. "You have no idea. His family has some really intolerable relatives!"

"Huh?" Cordelia was surprised. She had always thought that Nicholas had no family left.

Chapter 948

Chapter 948

"There are still some relatives on his side," Linda said softly. "It's just that they looked down on him during those years he was in a gang and avoided him.

"Now that they see he's gotten rich and successful as the boss of an entertainment company, they're eager to curry favor with him!"

Linda pursed her lips. The Thompson relatives had basically all visited their home in recent years. It was to borrow some money today, find a job the next day, ask to join the board of directors the day after, and demand shares afterward.

When Nicholas refused, they guilt-tripped him in his family's name and then threatened to expose that he was once a gang member. Sol Entertainment had always been caught in rumors and scandals mainly due to these absurd relatives' doing.

Nicholas had seen more to life and was unfazed by their tricks. His way was tough and firm, too, so he had offended many people along the way.

In addition to his previous involvement in the gangs, he had made many enemies. Although he had successfully turned his life around and his career was thriving now, the more successful he became, the more people hated him, and the more he had to be careful.

After all, those who were jealous of him were lurking in the shadows while he, his wife, and his daughter were out in the open. He must protect them regardless.

"I have no complaints about Nicholas, actually," Linda said with a happy smile. "It's just these unreasonable relatives that ruin the fun!"

"It's okay!" Cordelia comforted her. "You don't live with them anyway, so why bother? As long as Nicholas is good to you and your daughter is by your side, everything will be fine!"

"Mm!" Linda smiled.

It was not that she really had a grudge. She just wanted to talk to someone when she was feeling upset. After confiding in Cordelia, she felt much better.

Her baby woke up whining, and Linda quickly picked her up from the cradle.

Nicholas came in with Zephyr as well. Zephyr was delighted to see the delicate and pretty little girl. When he looked at Nicholas and saw the grin that was almost splitting his face, he pouted and turned his face away in a fit of pique.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Cordelia nudged him. "Why are you staring into space? Bring out the gift!"

Zephyr quickly took out a lucky charm ornament made of gold and jade and carefully placed it next to the pillow in the cradle.

"Look at you being so polite!" Nicholas laughed. He was very happy today, and he had drunk more than usual, so his cheeks were red. When he saw his daughter, his eyes brimmed with adoration. "We should!" Cordelia laughed. "We're meeting for the first time. We have to give a gift to my future daughter-in-law!"

Toph took the opportunity to ask, "Mom, what's a daughter-in-law?"

Cordelia pursed her lips and pinched his nose.

Zuko had been looking at the little girl the whole time, curious about the newborn baby.

Back home, he had seen pictures of himself and his younger brother when they were born, and he was skeptical that the ugly babies in the photos were him and his brother. Because of that, he thought that newborn babies were all ugly like that.

He did not expect their little friend to be so cute. Was it because they were boys and their little friend was a girl? Could it be that all girls were born pretty?

Zuko smiled innocently and pulled his mother's clothes to ask, "Mom, can you give me a little sister?"

"Why?"

"I think she's very pretty, like a doll!"

His words amused the adults, and Cordelia bent down to pat his little face. Before she could say anything, Nicholas spoke. "Zuko, she will be yours in the future! Can you take good care of her?" "Really?" Zuko was surprised. He got a doll in exchange for missing a class!

"Mm, really!" Nicholas walked over with a stagger to pat the boy's shoulder. "Take good care of her in the future or... I won't be nice to you!"

"Shoo, shoo! You reek of alcohol!" Zephyr dragged him away in disdain. "Don't intoxicate my son!"

Chapter 949

Chapter 949

"Hamerton! I won't let your future daughter-in-law marry into your family if you keep this up!"

Zephyr glared at Nicholas, and the two grown men behaved like bickering children.

On the other hand, Zuko acted like a mature adult. He walked up to Nicholas and looked at him seriously. "Don't worry, Uncle Nicholas. I'll take good care of her in the future and won't let her get upset!" Nicholas narrowed his eyes and turned to look at Zephyr with a mischievous smile on his lips.

He jabbed Zephyr in the chest. "Hey, your son's good, much better than you!"

Zephyr smiled and mouthed "f*ck off" at him.

"Uncle Nicholas, what's her name?" Zuko's voice was clear

"She's called..." Nicholas' head stopped working. "Sweetheart, what's her name again?"

Linda rolled her eyes several times and quickly arranged for someone to take the man to another room to sober up.

"Her name's Pamela Thompson," Linda told Zuko with a smile.

"Can I call her Pammy?"

"Of course! Her nickname is actually Pammy."

Zuko smiled and walked up, reaching out to touch Pammy's face.

However, before he could touch her, Pammy, who was in her mother's arms, suddenly looked around. As if sensing something, she slowly reached out her small hand too...

Zuko's hand and hers met.

The little boy had never felt such a soft and tender hand before. It was both novel and delightful. He gently hooked her fingers.

"Pammy, I'll protect you from now on! My name is Zuko Hamerton. You have to learn how to write my name when you grow up!"

Zuko had no idea that the adults from both families were not just thinking about Pammy learning to write his name when she grew up-she would write her name down with his in a household registry.

The days passed by warmly and peacefully.

Zuko was eight years old this year and had skipped a grade due to his outstanding results, becoming the youngest student in his class.

When he returned home, hopping with joy to share his good news with his parents, he found them sitting in the living room looking solemn. Toph sat quietly beside them, not daring to say a word. Zuko walked in quietly and was greeted by a complicated look from his younger brother.

"Dad, mom." Zuko could not resist speaking up after some time. "I... I have some good news to-"

Before he could finish his sentence, Robert rushed in. Cordelia and Zephyr stood up from the couch, their expressions anxious.

"How is it?" they asked hurriedly.

Robert shook his head.

Cordelia could no longer hold back her tears, and they streamed down her face.

"It's 100% confirmed now that this was done by someone they know, and some insiders are working with people outside," Robert said in a low voice. "But they haven't called so far, and Nicholas didn't dare to report it to the police. All we can do is have people search privately..."

"How could this happen!?" Cordelia's voice choked up. "Aren't our people searching too? There aren't even any clues?"

"This must have been a long-planned scheme," Zephyr said, his voice heavy. "Nicholas has too many enemies. Too many people want to make his life miserable. Those people couldn't do anything to him, so they targeted his daughter.

"Robert, have our people continue to follow up and work full force with the Thompsons! We must find Pammy!"

Robert nodded and left the living room.

Zuko's ears rang, and his mind went blank as he stared blankly at his parents. Pammy was missing? But he had just been playing with her on the beach just two days ago on the weekend!

Chapter 950

Chapter 950

A week went by, and there was still no news regarding Pamela.

Toph was young and soon forgot about it, but Zuko remained heavyhearted these days alongside his parents.

He was distracted in class for the first time and could not answer his teachers. As a result, a few troublemakers teased him.

He wanted to ask his parents where Pammy was, but he swallowed his words when he saw their grimaces.

Each time his mother talked to Linda on the phone, she cried. His father was distressed, and Robert came and left hastily all the time. Even Helen was always sighing, and her food did not taste as good anymore.

Zuko quietly entered his study. He had his own little study, which was his own private space. He opened the drawer of his writing desk, where a photo of him holding little Pammy was kept deep inside.

It was taken on Pammy's first birthday. The little girl had just learned to stand and walk. She was full of curiosity about the world, but because she could not walk steadily, she could fall at any time. Zuko followed closely behind her to protect her.

There were pebbles in the garden. When Pammy slipped, Zuko rushed out and threw himself on the ground before she fell, catching the little girl in his arms.

Pammy thought her big friend was playing with her and giggled happily. Zuko, on the other hand, scraped his arm. Seeing her laugh so happily, though, he could not help but smile too. That was how the photographer captured the moment.

Zuko remembered that evening as particularly beautiful. The sky was filled with rosy clouds dyed pink and gold. There was a quiet private road in front of the Thompsons' house. He held Pammy's hand and stood at the end of the road, looking at the sky and clouds. A warm breeze blew, and cherry blossom petals fluttered down on them.

Pammy wore a fluffy pink dress and looked delicate, like a real princess. Zuko squatted down, pinched her chubby little face, and asked her with a smile, "When it's your birthday next year, I'll take you to catch fireflies in Southeast Aciatic, okay?"

Pammy did not know where Southeast Aciatic was, but she clapped her hands and danced excitedly when she heard fireflies.

Zuko sighed and put the photo back, placing two books on top of it.

"Zuko! Zuko!" Toph knocked on the door from outside.

"Come in."

"Zuko, something bad happened!" Toph was gasping for breath.

Zuko frowned and asked calmly, like a little adult, "What's the matter? Didn't dad teach us not to panic even if something big happens? We have to speak calmly!"

Toph swallowed his saliva and said with difficulty, "I heard dad and mom say that Pammy... She's dead."

Zuko felt a buzzing sound in his ears. He could no longer remember much of what happened next, only vaguely remembering that all he could hear were cries during that time, and every time he closed his eyes, he could see Pammy's innocent face.

As he grew older, he gradually learned what had happened. Pamela had been kidnapped, and it was really done by someone they knew.

Some relatives of Nicholas could not accept that he had gotten rich and successful and had gotten jealous of him living a better life than them, so they had contacted his old enemies in secret to abduct his daughter.

In the beginning, these people had just wanted money. However, Nicholas' enemies were outlaws. They were not doing it for money-they just wanted Nicholas to suffer.

These guys had wanted to kill Pamela, while the relatives had been scared of the matter worsening, so they fled with Pamela on a boat through the night, thinking of hiding it out in another city. Unexpectedly, they had encountered a waterspout, and the boat capsized after swaying for some time.

Out of the 50 people in the boat, only five had managed to survive. That relative had managed to pull through but was sentenced to death. Despite that, Pammy could never come back again.