Although everything around him was familiar—the scenery, home furnishings, and even the service staff—Zuko still
sat on the sofa with restraint. He kept his back straight and his eyes focused, occupying only 1/3 of the sofa. There
was not even a single crease on his suit or tie.
He had even hired three stylists in advance to perfect his image for today. When the handsome Hamerton heir
appeared in the Thompsons’ living room, Linda couldn’t stop smiling, while Nicholas’ expression was rather
intriguing.
His smile seemed more like a smirk, his gaze alternating between hostile and friendly. It was a complicated
expression as if his daughter would be abducted, but the abductor was someone he had watched grow up. The
struggle was clear on his face.
Zuko and Nicholas sat in the living room like that for 20 minutes. Neither of them moved nor said a word. Even the
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtservice staff didn’t dare to approach.
Lina quietly asked Linda, “What’s wrong with dad?”
“I don’t know.” Linda furrowed her brows. “He had his quirks when he was young, but he wasn’t like this!”
Lina was curious. “How was he when he was young?”
Before Linda could answer, Nicholas suddenly stood up and slammed the table. The precious elm wood table top
made a loud noise!
“Let’s eat!”
Nicholas’ voice was deep and powerful, still as imposing as ever, startling Zuko. Thankfully, Zephyr had educated
Zuko since he was young, allowing him to remain calm and composed in such situations.
Linda glared at Nicholas and pinched his waist.
“Ouch! What’s that for?”
“What do you mean ‘what’s that for’?” Linda complained in a low voice, “Why scare Zuko like that?”
“Uh… How can it be called scaring…” Nicholas mumbled, “I meant to intimidate him while having dinner later!”
“Hmm?”
“Oh, no, no, I mean…” Nicholas quickly put on a smiling face. “I mean, I’ll have a good drink with my son-in-law
during dinner!”
Lina and Zuko walked behind them and exchanged glances, smiling.
Zuko heaved a sigh of relief. He used to come and go from the Thompsons as if it were his home, but it was not
easy today!
The group sat around the dining table. It was clear that the Thompsons had prepared a lavish feast to welcome
Zuko. The table was filled with delicious dishes, all of which he liked. However, Zuko sat still and did not touch his
cutlery because Nicholas kept staring at him, making him feel uneasy.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmLinda was more enthusiastic, continuously putting food on his plate, probably because she was growing more
satisfied with her son-in-law as she looked at him.
When the meal was almost finished, Linda took Lina to the kitchen to check the dessert preparations.
Zuko was left alone with Nicholas, and his heart began to race.
“Come, Zuko!” Nicholas smiled, patting his shoulder. “We were busy eating just now and didn’t get a chance to drink
together! Let’s have a couple of drinks now!”
“Sure, okay.” Zuko smiled, elegantly picking up the wine glass.
However, he did not expect Nicholas to take out 52% alcohol vodka…
Zuko was dumbfounded. He considered himself to have a decent alcohol tolerance. Moreover, a professional
sommelier had taught him and Toph about wine tasting at home since middle school. As he grew older, he
occasionally attended social events with his father and could still handle a couple of drinks.
It was just that he never imagined Nicholas had such a trick up his sleeve!
His “couple of drinks” and Nicholas’ “couple of drinks” were not even in the same league!