Chris sat beside Lena, holding her hand and smiling.
"Sorry," Lena whispered to him and then looked back at the children with a hint of embarrassment. "This is their
first time traveling so far, and they might be overly excited."
"Why are you apologizing to me?"
"Because... this is on your plane."
"In the future, it'll be yours, too."
He affectionately nuzzled her nose, his eyes filled with warmth.
However, at that moment, he felt a sudden chill behind him. He turned to look but noticed nothing unusual—just the
silent boy in the corner who briefly glanced at him before turning away.
The air attendant approached. "Mr. Hamerton, the plane is ready for takeoff, waiting for clearance."
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Alright." Chris nodded. "Is Bianca's ticket purchased?"
"Ms. Mosley..." The air attendant's expression was troubled. "I heard from the bodyguards Ms. Mosley wants to stay
in the mountains for a few more days."
"What?" Chris frowned. "Why does she want to stay longer?"
"She wants to take more photos for a future exhibition."
Chris felt puzzled but didn't pay much attention to it. He didn't care much about Bianca. If she wanted to stay there,
she could, given her wealth and bodyguards.
As the plane took off, Lena looked out the window. The ground scenery grew smaller, and she was getting farther
away.
Maybe she would never return.
Lena leaned her head on Chris' shoulder, closed her eyes, and smiled faintly.
-
The success of the charity project brought Harold closer to the mayor's position. As his son-in-law, Elijah fully
supported him. They appeared as a loving family at events, with Kasey in Elijah's hand and their daughter in his
arms.
Harold achieved an overwhelming victory in the second-to-last election round, partly thanks to children from the
mountains who participated in the project.
His competitors viewed him with jealousy and resentment but still congratulated him with a smile, plotting how to
bring him down.
After that election round, the celebration of the charity project's success was even grander. Many wealthy
businessmen and prominent political figures from Centrolis attended. Even the Irwins of Southeast Aciatic sent their
congratulations.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmAfter all, the future mayor hosted the event. Who would dare to offend him?
Zuko and Lina, representing the Hamerton and Thompson families, drew immediate attention when they entered
the hall. What caught even more attention was the little princess they held.
People eager to gain favor with the Hamertons and Thompsons rushed over, showering them with praise, whether
sincere or feigned.
Lina spotted Lena, not far away, with a faint smile.
Tears welled in Lina's eyes, her heart a mix of emotions. Lena had been away for just over a week, yet it felt like an
eternity. After seeing Renee, Lina missed Lena even more.
Lina handed Persephone to Zuko and navigated the crowd to reach Lena. The two women shared a smile and
embraced tightly.
"What's wrong with you?" Lena asked. "I've only been gone a few days, but you look like we've been apart for a
lifetime."
"You've lost weight..." Lina examined Lena's face carefully.