Renee felt nervous, and her back was drenched in a cold sweat. Confronting Melvin's ruthless gaze, she struggled to control her rapid heartbeat and calmly explained, "Mom... We don't have enough money for her medical expenses."

Melvin's tense demeanor eased slightly. He gestured for the man in black to leave and led Renee into a room, retrieving a card from the drawer. "Use this money for now."

Just as Renee reached out to take it, Melvin suddenly pulled the card back. "But first, tell me what you overheard."

"I..." Renee gripped her clothes tightly. She had caught snippets of Melvin's rage, but the details eluded her. She had faintly heard the name "Gia," which reminded her of the person she had paid for information at the hospital. They had mentioned that Melvin's DNA testing sample was obtained from a woman named Gia.

Could it be... Gia was the real Pamela?

"Renee!" Melvin's patience wore thin as he stared at her with a cold gaze.

Renee's heart pounded as she silently met his gaze. After a moment, she stammered, "I... I didn't hear anything. I just arrived here and wanted to ask you for money..."

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

Melvin chuckled, his eyes filled with disdain as he realized she lacked the courage to lie to him. He placed the bank card in her hand, his tone carrying a warning. "As long as you behave and do as I say, your mother's life can be spared."

Renee lowered her eyes and nodded obediently.

Observing her timid demeanor, Melvin sneered coldly.

It had been almost two weeks since Lina arrived in Southeast Aciatic. She had encountered numerous challenges these days, and her mood had grown increasingly somber.

During moments like these, she longed to call Zuko. However, Zuko's phone had been unreachable all day, which struck her as odd. She contacted her parents and Dave, and they all provided the same explanation: Zuko had gone to the store and was likely in a signalless warehouse, making it impossible for him to answer the phone.

Feeling anxious and consumed by worry, Lina spent the entire day in a daze, her mind in turmoil. When classes finally ended for the day, she returned to the hotel in the evening without even having dinner, seeking solace in the yard.

The stars shone brightly as she gazed up at the night sky, but her phone remained unanswered. A profound sense of loneliness pierced her heart, leaving her deeply upset. Unable to contain her emotions any longer, she sat on a large rock in the courtyard, tears streaming down her face.

Suddenly, rustling came from the nearby bushes.

Startled, Lina peered closely and saw someone emerging from the dark shadows, holding a small lunchbox in their hands.

"Keira?" Lina exclaimed, surprised. "Why are you here?"

Keira smiled awkwardly and extended the lunchbox towards her. "I noticed you hadn't eaten dinner... so I brought you some snacks. They're famous in Southeast Aciatic, Ejada cake and rose-flavored jelly!" Lina's heart warmed, and she looked into Keira's eyes, expressing her gratitude. "Thank you."

"Mm... you're welcome!" Keira beamed.

Keira was an unassuming heiress with an average appearance and grades. She was usually quiet and well-behaved, occasionally standing up for justice but didn't draw much attention in class. Because of this, Lina had never really taken notice of her before. However, this time, Lina recognized all the ways Keira had supported her.

Taking a bite of the snack, Lina savored the mouthwatering Ejada cake, which melted in her mouth and enjoyed the refreshing sensation of the cold rose-flavored jelly. These simple treats provided her with comfort in her current state of mind.

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