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Zuko looked at Nicholas again. “By the way, Dad, my parents have a gift for you. It’s a bottle of fine wine. It’s in my
car, and they nagged me to hand it to you. How about you come with us to my car?”
Nicholas and Linda agreed with enthusiasm.
As Zuko led them out of the living room, he exchanged a glance with Lina.
She understood and continued chatting with Kaitlyn.
“Regarding what we were talking about earlier…” Kaitlyn stopped briefly, speaking in a hushed tone. “Lina, that girl
Lena who lives in your house… she’s frequently near the study area. She even had a disagreement with me about it
recently. Does that not strike you as odd?”
“Lenny?”
“Mom!” Renee sounded a bit anxious. “What are you saying?”
“It’s just a casual chat!” Kaitlyn chuckled. “I always think these things get out because of someone from within. Our
own family wouldn’t betray us, but you can’t be sure about outsiders!”
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt“Mom!” Renee looked at her mom, then apologized to Lina. “Lina, my mom didn’t mean it seriously. Don’t take it
personally!”
Before Lina could respond, she saw Lena standing nearby with a plate of fruit. Lina’s heart tightened.
Lena remained distant as usual, her face showing no emotion. As she set the fruit plate on the table, she glanced at
Kaitlyn and said icily, “It takes one to know one.”
Although Lena spoke softly, everyone in the quiet living room heard her words.
“W-What did you say?” Kaitlyn was shocked and clutched her chest like she was upset.
Lena scoffed before turning around and walking away as if nothing had happened.
The rest seemed unsettled. Lina feared something would happen to Kaitlyn at her place. Toph and Renee were
angry, with Renee even yelling, “Lena, stop!”
Lena halted but did not turn around.
“W-Why did you say that about my mom?” Renee approached Lena. “You heard what she said, right? She didn’t
mean it that way!”
“Whether she meant it or not, only she knows best.” Lena’s words were cutting. “Ms. Renee, there are things you
might not see clearly. You won’t think she’s at fault because she’s your mother. But sometimes, outsiders have a
clearer view!”
“Lena!”
“What are you saying?!” Toph rushed forward to shield Renee behind him and pointed at Lena. “You know you’re
also an outsider? And an outsider like you still pokes your nose in this matter?”
Lena turned around. The cold glint that flashed in her eyes was vicious like a nocturnal predator’s.
Toph was taken aback, and his heart jolted.
“You truly regard yourself as part of their family, Mr. Toph,” Lena said with a soft laugh.
“What do you mean? I already am!”
“You and Ms. Renee aren’t married yet, are you? Aren’t you self-deprecating to be rushing things like this?”
Toph’s temper flared, and he seemed ready to punch Lena. He did raise his fist, but a stern shout stopped him.
“Toph Hamerton! What are you doing?”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmToph looked at Zuko somewhat helplessly. “Zuko…”
Lina stepped forward and stood in front of Lena. “Toph, don’t cause trouble in my parents’ home!”
“Bro, Pammy! You guys—”
“Enough, this ends here!” Zuko’s face grew cold.
He had deliberately walked away earlier, knowing that Kaitlyn might not say certain things if he stayed.
He had taken Nicholas and Linda away under the pretext of delivering the wine and returned to the living room,
only to witness the scene unfold.
When he locked eyes with Lina, he received confirmation from her gaze.
Zuko patted Toph’s shoulder with a cryptic expression.
“Don’t cause a scene at my in-laws’ home,” he whispered in Toph’s ear. “Otherwise, Lina definitely won’t let me
off!”
“Hmph.” Toph was displeased, but he whispered back, “Did you not hear what Lena said just now?”
“I heard it, but I also heard what you said.” Zuko looked at him. “Since you think she’s just an outsider, there’s no
need to butt heads with an outsider. Save your energy and take Aunt Kaitlyn and Renee back!”
“Zuko…” Toph wanted to say something but ultimately kept quiet.
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