Married a Secret Billionaire
Chapter 1157

"Oh, it's nothing, really!" Melissa feigned nonchalance. "I was just concerned that it might be a waste of time for you to call me when you're busy with your studies now!"

"Mom..."

"It's important for you to focus on your studies now that you have good resources, you know?" Melissa advised. "Your father is taking care of the school procedures here, and you'll be transferred to Centrolis soon!"

"Even if I'm busy, it won't stop me from contacting you!" Lina had a strange feeling in her heart. "Mom, are you hiding something from me?"

Melissa was taken aback but adamantly denied it.

No matter how much Lina asked, her mother insisted that everything was fine and maintained a facade of normalcy.

However, certain parts of Melissa's body were starting to ache faintly. Sweat coated the tip of her nose, and her face grew slightly pale.

Jesse noticed and quickly interrupted, "Lina, focus on your own matters! Hehe... Your mom and I are playing poker together, so I'll be joining her for a few rounds now!"

"But how can you play with just two people?"

"Well... uh... There are many servants in the Hamertons!" Jesse improvised. "You have no idea. Since we've been staying here, your mom has become acquainted with them to the point of nearly becoming sworn sisters... Haha, alright, I'll stop here. I'll go play with her now! Take care of yourself, don't wander around, and stay with Zuko, okay?"

After Jesse finished speaking, he hung up quickly.

Lina stood there for a moment, stunned, and then slowly turned her gaze to Zuko.

Zuko also felt that something was off.

The Jesse and Melissa he knew were kind-hearted people who would falter when telling lies. Their tone on the phone sounded like they were acting.

Moreover, the Hamertons had strict rules. The housekeepers and servants were all well-behaved and dedicated. Who would dare play cards during working hours?

He narrowed his eyes, contemplating the situation, and gently patted Lina's back.

"It's okay. They've been worried these past few days, so they probably just want to relax now. It's about time... Shall we choose this nude pink one?"

"Okay." Lina smiled lightly and was about to change her clothes. However, as she turned around, she suddenly saw Linda standing at the door.

Their eyes met in an instant, and Lina's heart jolted intensely.

Linda stood still, expressionless, appearing calm on the surface, but waves of emotions surged in her eyes.

She had overheard Lina's conversation on the phone with that couple just now.

She heard her daughter advising the mother on the other end to take better care of herself and stay in touch more. She heard her daughter feeling guilty for suddenly disappearing and refraining from telling the truth, afraid they would worry...

Did she know that her biological parents were also in anguish day and night? Did their worries mean nothing to her?

Linda suppressed the pain in her heart, not wanting to lose control in front of her daughter, and forced a smile.

"It's getting late," she said, each word requiring all her strength. "I heard that the banquet tonight is hosted by the king of Southeast Aciatic. It wouldn't be good to be late. You should hurry!" Zuko quickly interjected. "Aunt Linda, you can ride with us in the same car. Let's go together!"

"No need..." Linda weakly smiled. "I'm feeling a bit unwell, and Nicholas also wants to return to Centrolis as soon as possible. Please thank His Majesty for his kindness on my behalf. In fact, the king is holding the banquet out of respect for the Irwins, so it's more appropriate for you to attend since it's a family affair. Nicholas and I attending might not be suitable."

"Aunt Linda-"

Linda looked at him with a complicated gaze. Her lips moved, but it took her a long time to utter a few words, "Zuko, take good care of my daughter."