Albert’s impatient voice echoed from the room. “You can’t even pick up a cereal bowl, you damned girl! Get in
now!”
“The case is heavy, dad!” Desiree complained.
Desiree struggled to hold onto the case, but it relentlessly pressed on her arms.
Meanwhile, Lena chuckled. Her petite figure remained hidden behind the case, and she wore a cap obscuring half
of her face.
Clad in the hotel’s uniform, Desiree wouldn’t have recognized her, especially in her panicked state.
Lena firmly pressed down on the case.
Overwhelmed by the weight of both the case and the person, Desiree couldn’t bear the load. “Come here, dad! I—”
Before Desiree could finish her sentence, Lena heard Albert’s hurried footsteps approaching. She realized that her
opportunity had come.
She exerted force and pushed the case forcefully, catching Desiree off guard. Desiree stumbled and was pushed
right into Albert, who was approaching.
“Ahh!”
Albert leaped back, reacting quickly to the unexpected collision.
Taking advantage of the chaos, Lena used the case as a platform to launch herself into the room. She and Albert
pointed their guns at each other in just a few strides.
However, he was too slow. Lena shielded Janine, showing no fear on her young face.
Albert dared not make any sudden moves. At that tense moment, he noticed a mocking smirk on Lena’s face.
“You…”
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtLena raised her pistol high, aiming at his head, “Mr. Harper, care to make a bet with me?”
Albert scoffed. “Hah! Do you think you can leave here unharmed, you dumb blonde?”
Lena muttered to herself, “I’ll bet your life!”
Although Albert didn’t take her seriously, her words angered him.
He roared, the sound of him loading the gun echoing in the tense atmosphere. Lena stood her ground, knowing a
bullet might be coming her way.
Suddenly, a loud crash of glass shattered the moment.
Albert’s eyes widened in fear, frozen like he had seen a ghost. The room filled with the smell of gunfire.
With a thud, he collapsed to the ground.
Desiree screamed at the top of her lungs.
Lena shot her a cold glance, then advanced and kicked her in the chest. “Shut up!”
Just then, the police arrived. They untied Janine and rushed her to the hospital.
“Grandma!”
“Mom!”
Zephyr and Cordelia sprinted over, followed by Zuko and Toph, all in a state of chaos.
Lina rushed to Lena, pale from fright, trying to maintain composure. She thoroughly checked Lena before suddenly
breaking down in tears.
“W-What’s wrong?” Lena felt uneasy. “Am I okay?”
Lina choked, unable to find the words to respond.
In truth, everyone felt the same as she did. They had been on edge during the ordeal, suppressing their fear and
trying to stay calm. They released all their pent-up terror and unease only now that it was over.
Lina smiled and hugged Lena, patting her back. “Don’t worry. I’ve got you.”
Zuko approached but struggled to find the right words to thank her.
“Thanks, Lena…”
“Are you two done?” Lena stopped smiling. “Okay, go do what you should. Just leave me alone!”
He nodded.
As Zuko turned around, holding onto Lina, he suddenly noticed something peculiar about Lena—she always wore a
serious expression when around others. She was quite an odd character.
Despite this realization, he couldn’t help but smile.
Lena was his grandmother’s lifesaver. Chris wouldn’t have had the chance to shoot Albert if she hadn’t volunteered.
Zuko felt indebted to her and wanted to repay the favor. But how?
“Zuko!” A sudden voice interrupted his train of thought.
Chris approached them with confident strides, his sniper gun resting on his back. He didn’t seem like someone who
had just been through a dangerous situation.
After nodding at Zuko and Lina, Chris noticed that he and Lena were wearing identical black caps.
“It was… you?” he questioned Lena, who remained expressionless and cold.
“Yes, she was the one who worked with you.” Zuko chimed in with a smile. “Surprised, huh?”
“I must admit, I am,” Chris replied, unable to tear his gaze away from Lena. “I had expected to partner with an
experienced police officer at the very least. I didn’t think it would be… someone who looks like a high schooler!”
Lena glared at him and walked away without a word.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmConfused, Chris turned to Zuko. “Did I say something wrong?”
“Not at all,” Zuko reassured him with a pat on the shoulder. “She’s a bit unusual, but she’s kind. You’ll see once you
get to know her.”
After some casual conversation, they rushed to the hospital to visit Janine and give their statements to the police.
–
Thankfully, Janine’s injury wasn’t severe—just a minor wound on her head.
But considering her age, she needed time to heal from the shock and injury.
Albert was also admitted to the hospital.
Chris, an outstanding sniper, had deliberately aimed one centimeter away from Albert’s heart, sparing his life to
secure his confession for the authorities. Once healed, Albert would face the consequences of the law.
Desiree, his accomplice, was sent to a detention center, awaiting legal punishment.
–
After the storm subsided, Toph organized a gathering, attended by Jacob and Abigail, besides their usual group, The
Happy Four.
However, the VIPs of the event were Chris and Lena.
Preferring the countryside to five-star hotels and formalities, Toph chose a beautiful suburban location with a blue
sky, fluffy clouds, and a clear stream, allowing the young attendees to fully embrace their youth.
They brought camping gear, picnic baskets, and barbecue supplies.
Toph took charge of grilling meat, chicken wings, and mushrooms effortlessly, impressing Lina with his culinary
skills.
“Toph is amazing!” Lina exclaimed after tasting the food. “The meat is perfectly cooked! Crispy on the outside and
tender inside. The second Hamerton heir has quite the talent!”