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…"
Lena 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.
Confused, 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!"
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