During this time, the roles between Renee and Toph appeared to have switched. Previously, he used to send her many messages, while her responses were brief. Nowadays, her messages to him seemed futile, like tossing a stone into the vast ocean. He was reluctant to even reply.
Renee started to worry, realizing that what she had said to him that day had gone too far.
She had tried calling Toph, but he wouldn't answer. She had sent him an email but received no response. She had even set aside her pride and visited the Hamertons' residence in search of him, only to be greeted by their main butlers. Not even Cordelia and Zephyr were around.
It appeared that Toph had severed all lines of communication, completely disappearing from her world.
Having exhausted all other options, Renee had no choice but to turn to Lina. She couldn't afford to miss Toph, not in a world filled with cunning and capable heirs like Zuko. Someone as wealthy and unsuspecting as Toph was a rare find.
"Zuko, I..." Tears streamed down Renee's face. "I've tried every method I could, but I can't find him. I'm really scared! I don't want to lose Toph."
"Is that so?" Zuko looked at her coldly. "You don't want to lose him, but what have you done to him?"
Renee appeared nervous and fell silent.
Zuko's gaze was resentful. No one knew what Toph had been through during this time better than him.
A young man who used to enjoy sweet soda even at banquets was now drinking alcohol at home, deliberately getting himself drunk, and then sleeping heavily with his head covered. There was no more laughter from him in the house, and no more noise from him playing games.
The large house had always been somewhat empty and felt even colder now.
Wendy felt sorry for the youngest heir she had brought up. She had tried all sorts of ways to make delicious dishes every day. Back then, Toph would have eagerly sat at the dining table and indulged himself, but now...
Zuko clenched his fists. He did not know what Renee had said to Toph and could not get it out of Toph, either. However, he knew that Toph would not act this way if he was not really hurting.
Zuko looked at her coldly. "Toph is my brother, and I know him very well. He won't use the silent treatment on someone for no reason. Even if someone is unkind to him, he'll face it with a smile—unless he's been seriously hurt!"
"Zuko—"
"Even though we usually fool around, he's still my brother!" Zuko emphasized, his tone growing harsher. "Anyone who dares hurt him, I'll definitely fight that person to the death as his older brother."
Renee took two steps back, her eyes filled with fear.
Lina gently tugged on Zuko's hand, feeling conflicted.
Zuko patted the back of her hand and smiled reassuringly. He would give Renee another chance, but everything would be within his control.
"Toph's been drawing comics recently. His work is serialized on a website. I can give you the link." Zuko looked at Renee and said in a low tone, "As for what to do next, that's up to you."
Renee nervously nodded, not daring to say more. However, there was an additional sense of resolute coldness in her gaze.
-
Under Renee's instructions, Jacquelin closely watched Lena, displaying an unusual level of diligence. She actively tried to connect with Lena, beginning with compliments about her fashion sense and stylish attire. She went on to praise Lena's physique, suggesting that even ordinary clothing appeared as high-end fashion on her.
Following these compliments, Jacquelin initiated friendly gestures, such as sharing snacks, drinks, and engaging in office chitchat. She pulled Lena to her side, claiming that she had the support of Mr. Chriss and Ms. Renee, unlike Jade who had nothing.
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