"Uh, well..." Arya felt sweat forming on her forehead, thinking she had caused trouble. "Why don't all of you visit my
studio once Pammy's pregnancy stabilizes?"
The awkward atmosphere didn't dissipate. Arya flushed in embarrassment. Besides comics and games, she really
did not know much else.
Lina sensed her discomfort and smiled. "Arya, I suddenly have a craving for milk tea. Could you help me get a
cup?"
It felt like amnesty was granted to Arya as she glanced at Lina gratefully, then hurriedly rushed out of the room.
Toph lowered his head, his lips pressed into a thin line.
Renee knew she was in the wrong but did not say anything and hastily walked out of the room.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Renee!" Toph was taken aback. Even when he called her, there was no response. He quickly followed after her.
Zuko did not manage to stop him in time.
Lina tugged at his hand, both of them helpless.
"Forget it. Let them handle it themselves." Zuko sighed lightly. "Toph needs to grow up too."
"Honey..."
"I know. You still hold onto a glimmer of hope for Renee and even feel a bit guilty." Zuko looked into her eyes. "But
the current Renee has changed. She's... Melvin's daughter, after all."
"What do you mean by that?" Lena's guard was up immediately. "Are you saying that Renee might harm Lina?"
Chris nudged her with his elbow, jealous inwardly but trying to dissuade her from getting too worked up.
"I'm not sure." Zuko's gaze slightly darkened. "But..."
He glanced at Lina and said, "I'm sorry. I secretly investigated Renee. I admit I'm a bit selfish, as my motivation was
for the Hamertons' sake. However, I did discover something."
"What did you find out?"
"Before Melvin was executed, Renee met with him."
Lina froze, her heart pounding.
"Doesn't Renee hate him? How could she possibly meet with him?"
"That's what I wanted to tell you." Zuko held her hand. "Renee is not the same as she used to be. Since she
witnessed her mother's suicide, she's been unable to untangle that knot in her heart. First, she blamed her mother's
death on Lena, and now she wants to control Toph...
"Honey, for the sake of the Hamertons and for you, I can't afford to let my emotions guide me. I want to tell you
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmthat if she makes any move, I'll fight back without any hesitation. She can't beat me!"
"Zuko..."
The Hamertons were well-known for their strong sense of family values among the four major families. Whoever
dared to harm their family was like poking a hornet's nest—their fate would be dire.
It was just that Renee was different...
Lina took a deep breath, feeling her temples throb. She leaned against Zuko's chest, listening to the powerful
rhythm of his heartbeat, and wearily closed her eyes.
"Don't worry, Zuko!" Lena affirmed with determination. "I share the same thoughts as you. Anyone who dares to
harm Lina, I'll fight them to the end whether they're a cousin or not!"
"Rest assured, Zuko." Chris chuckled. "With our Lenny here, Pammy will definitely be safe! But I think you should be
more concerned about Toph right now. He is still quite childish in his ways and might not handle this change well."