Chapter 118
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hers
Richard wasn’t about to let anyone get away with slandering Zina. His gaze turned icy. “Allow me to formally introduce my daughter, Zina S-”
“Zina Lambert,” Zina cut in before he could finish, switching her surname without hesitation.
Meeting Richard’s shocked gaze, Zina explained gently, “Since I’ve come back to where I belong, it’s only right to leave the past behind.
“After all, I was born a Lambert. It wouldn’t make sense to keep someone else’s name.”
From that moment on, Zina Sinclair was no more. She was now Zina Lambert.
The timid girl from the Sinclair family was gone, replaced by the sweet daughter the Lambert family would cherish and hold dear.
Zina met Richard’s gaze, her eyes softening as she spoke with quiet determination, “From today forward, I am only a Lambert.”
“That’s great.” Richard’s eyes reddened as he quickly wiped away a tear.
Looking at Zina’s stubborn face, Richard couldn’t help but see a flash of young Yvonne in her.
Back then, it was that same spirited, vibrant Yvonne he had fallen for. Now, his daughter was just the same.
Richard lowered his head, trying to steady himself as emotion threatened to overwhelm him.
In the end, it was Zina who stepped forward, steadying the guests and bringing the room back under control. “Thank you all for taking the time to attend my acknowledgment party today.
“I wanted to make my return to the Lambert family official in front of everyone, to prove my identity. From this day forward, I have nothing to do with the Sinclair family.
“As for everything they’ve done in the past, I will be submitting evidence and reopening the case in court.”
Her voice rang out, crisp and resolute, crashing down on everyone like a thunderclap, striking deep into their hearts.
In that instant, it felt as if the whole world had gone silent. The guests, unable to process what they’d just heard, stared at her with wide, bewildered eyes, not knowing what to do or say.
Those who had criticized Zina earlier now lowered their heads, not daring to utter a single word.
Zina caught all their reactions, just giving a faint smile, her eyes calm and unrulled.
“I still hope everyone gets what they came for today. I apologize for all the commotion,” Zina said, her voice gentle yet resolute.
The crowd stirred again, murmurs rippling through the room.
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Amidst the crowd, one striking figure stood out from the rest.
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Kellan stood quietly to the side, his posture calm and composed as he watched everything unfold. His eyes softened, and a trace of genuine delight appeared in his expression.
But just when everything seemed so peaceful, there was always someone clueless enough to ruin the mood.
Hayden reached out and poked Kellan. “I never realized Zina was so eloquent. She actually reminds me of
someone.”
“Who?” Kellan turned his head, only to see Hayden’s gaze growing even more intense. “Don’t you think the girl on stage now is a bit like the Silver Hands?
“I can’t really explain it, but Zina gives me exactly the same feeling as that person did back then. Maybe it’s just my imagination.”
“Of course, it’s just your-” Kellan began, but the words caught in his throat as he suddenly froze, his eyes fixed on the person in front of him.
He continued, “Your instincts are always spot on. But that person clearly had—”
Kellan finally seemed to realize something. He stood rooted to the spot, his face draining of color.
His hands at his sides curled tightly into fists, a rush of indescribable emotion surging in his chest.
Seconds later, Kellan suddenly balled his hands into fists, staring straight ahead, unblinking.
‘Could it be?‘ he wondered. Kellan stood frozen, saying nothing.
It was only the second time Hayden had ever seen Kellan like this.
The first time, if Hayden remembered right, was when Kellan had just come back and almost got killed in an ambush.
“Wait? Are you seriously trying to say-” Hayden blurted out, but before he could finish, he instinctively slapped a hand over his mouth, his eyes going wide with disbelief as he stared at Kellan.
For a moment, Hayden honestly didn’t know if he should go over and comfort Kellan, or just take a second to calm himself down first.
Honestly, this time, he really wasn’t sure what to think.
‘It’s nothing. Whatever the truth is, we’ll find out soon enough, Kellan told himself, trying to keep his nerves in check, but his clenched fists still betrayed his true feelings.
Kellan took a deep breath, then walked toward Zina, who had just stepped down from the stage.
But the first person Kellan ran into wasn’t Zina; it was Richard, who was practically seething with resentment.
The moment Richard saw Kellan here, a sudden wave of unease hit him.
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Chapter 118
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For a split second, Richard even felt a flash of panic, worried that this guy had come to snatch his daughter
away.
Richard might not be home much, but when it came to his daughter, he was always extra attentive; nothing about her ever escaped his notice.
Ever since Zina had brought up the Carter family last time, Richard had a bad feeling about it. Now, with Kallen she mentioned standing right in front of him, that sense of unease only grew stronger.
Finally, Richard spoke up. “Mr. Carter, I honestly didn’t expect to see you here today. The Carter family has really been going from strength to strength lately, hasn’t it?”
“Mr. Lambert, you flatter me. The Lambert family and the Carter family have always been close. I’m just here to celebrate with you. Congratulations on being reunited with your daughter.”
Richard’s eyes went wide with disbelief and anger.
‘I just got my daughter back, and now she’s about to be snatched away right in front of me? How could I not be furious? How dare he?‘ Richard fumed inwardly.
Kellan had no idea what was going through Richard’s mind; he simply continued speaking as planned.
“A lot has been happening with the Lambert family lately, and I’ve been tied up with company matters, so I haven’t had the chance to visit.
“That’s my fault. Since I finally had some time today, I made sure to come over,” Kellan said, nodding with a polite smile.
All the while, his gaze was drawn to Zina as she gracefully approached Richard’s side.
For just a split second, a flash of amazement flickered in Kellan’s eyes–so quick that it was gone before anyone could notice, as if it had never appeared at all.
Richard didn’t miss a single flicker of emotion on Kellan’s face. His expression darkened instantly.
“Well, you’ve made your appearance today. The Lambert family and the Carter family will remain as close as
ever.
“If the Carter family ever needs anything from us, I’ll personally see to it. Is there anything else you want to say? I have other guests to attend to,” Richard said, his tone cool and distant.
“After you, Mr. Lambert,” Kellan replied, stepping aside respectfully.
Once Richard strode off, Kellan shook his head helplessly and turned to Zina. “So, what was that all about?” he
asked.
“I’m not really sure why he’s got such a grudge against you, but it shouldn’t be a big deal. He usually doesn’t say much about you anyway,” Zina frowned and replied, her tone serious.
Kellan found himself drawn into Zina’s train of thought, pondering along with her.
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Chapter 118
loudly.
“I believe my son! He’s not wrong! He’s not wrong!”
“Is that so?” A female voice rang out abruptly.
Everyone looked towards the door.
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“Mom?” Tobias was surprised because Gemma, who almost never came home, was back, and she had brought Griffin with her.
“Griffin!” Judith rushed to go over.
“Go ahead and try coming over–do you think I won’t knock you flat on the ground and rub you harshly like before?” Gemma’s harsh words scared Judith to a halt on the spot.
“Hmph!” Gemma snorted dismissively, then looked at Kaia with a gentle smile. “Kaia, long time no see.”
“Gemma, why did you bring him here?” Kaia asked, looking at Griffin in Gemma’s hand in confusion.
Gemma glanced at Griffin in her hand and threw him on the ground with a look of disgust.
“I heard about what happened to you, so I made a special trip back from abroad to get revenge for you. It’s a coincidence that as soon as I got off the plane, I saw someone trying to intercept Griffin, who was about to be sent abroad. I guessed that it was Judith who did it.”
Hearing this, Judith was so angry that she was about to explode. How could she be so unlucky to run into Gemma on the way?
Gemma kicked Griffin, “Come on, tell your mom, whose fault is this?”
Griffin glanced at Kaia secretly, his heart as bitter as if he had eaten bile.
“It’s my fault, it’s all my fault. I’m willing to be punished.”
Judith couldn’t believe her ears, and the voice she uttered was extremely sharp.
“Griffin, are you being threatened? Don’t be afraid, Mom is here. Tell me the truth, no one dares to do anything to you!”
Griffin sighed and looked at Judith with a gray face, “Mom, no one is threatening me. It’s all because I’m so daring and obsessed that I shouldn’t covet Kaia, let alone use those despicable and filthy means.”
Judith looked at the remorseful Griffin and was completely dumbfounded, her mouth wide open, not knowing what to say for a long time.
In the end, she could only watch helplessly as Griffin was sent away again.
Night fell.
Tobias had just finished his shower when he heard Kaia knocking on the door.
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For a split second, Richard even felt a flash of panic, worried that this guy had come to snatch his daughter
away.
Richard might not be home much, but when it came to his daughter, he was always extra attentive; nothing about her ever escaped his notice.
Ever since Zina had brought up the Carter family last time, Richard had a bad feeling about it. Now, with Kallen she mentioned standing right in front of him, that sense of unease only grew stronger.
Finally, Richard spoke up. “Mr. Carter, I honestly didn’t expect to see you here today. The Carter family has really been going from strength to strength lately, hasn’t it?”
“Mr. Lambert, you flatter me. The Lambert family and the Carter family have always been close. I’m just here to celebrate with you. Congratulations on being reunited with your daughter.”
Richard’s eyes went wide with disbelief and anger.
I just got my daughter back, and now she’s about to be snatched away right in front of me? How could I not be furious? How dare he?‘ Richard fumed inwardly.
Kellan had no idea what was going through Richard’s mind; he simply continued speaking as planned.
“A lot has been happening with the Lambert family lately, and I’ve been tied up with company matters, so I haven’t had the chance to visit.
“That’s my fault. Since I finally had some time today, I made sure to come over,” Kellan said, nodding with a polite smile.
All the while, his gaze was drawn to Zina as she gracefully approached Richard’s side.
For just a split second, a flash of amazement flickered in Kellan’s eyes—so quick that it was gone before anyone could notice, as if it had never appeared at all.
Richard didn’t miss a single flicker of emotion on Kellan’s face. His expression darkened instantly.
“Well, you’ve made your appearance today. The Lambert family and the Carter family will remain as close as
ever.
“If the Carter family ever needs anything from us, I’ll personally see to it. Is there anything else you want to say? I have other guests to attend to,” Richard said, his tone cool and distant.
“After you, Mr. Lambert, Kellan replied, stepping aside respectfully.
Once Richard strode off, Kellan shook his head helplessly and turned to Zina. “So, what was that all about?” he
asked.
“I’m not really sure why he’s got such a grudge against you, but it shouldn’t be a big deal. He usually doesn’t say much about you anyway,” Zina frowned and replied, her tone serious.
Kellan found himself drawn into Zina’s train of thought, pondering along with her.
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“Why aren’t you sleeping at this hour? Can’t sleep?”
The man’s deep, mellow voice sounded particularly pleasant and comforting in the quiet night.
Kaia nodded, “Want to go for a walk together? If you’re not sleepy…”
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“Not sleepy at all. How could I be sleepy when I’m with my wife?” Tobias seemed as energetic as he said.
Kaia found it a bit funny and exasperating, “We’re not even officially together yet. Isn’t it inappropriate to call me ‘wife‘?”
Tobias smiled and didn’t respond to that.
“Let’s go out. The moonlight is quite nice tonight.”
With that, Tobias picked up a coat and draped it over Kaia’s shoulders.
“The night is beautiful, but you can’t afford to catch a cold.”
Kaia looked at the coat she was wearing, her delicate eyebrows relaxing.
Then the two walked side by side in the yard, talking occasionally.
They didn’t stop until they reached the koi pond.
Tobias handed the fish food plate to Kaia. “Want to feed them?”
“Yes.” After feeding the fish a few times, Kaia turned to look at Tobias. “I’m sorry. Because of me, the Moreno family is in turmoil.”
“Don’t take everything on yourself. It’s not your fault in the first place.” Tobias couldn’t help but feel sorry for her when he said this.
“That’s what you say, but if it weren’t for my appearance, your cousin wouldn’t have been kicked out of Wustriland.”
“So according to you, the murderers are not at fault, and the ones to blame are the victims who provoked them? If those victims hadn’t appeared, the murderers wouldn’t have needed to kill?”
Kaia was stunned, and she suddenly wanted to laugh.
“Your metaphor really leaves me speechless.”
Tobias raised his hand, grabbed Kaia’s shoulder, and stared at her with his obsidian–like eyes, unblinking.
“Because everything I said is the truth.”
Being stared at by the man like this, Kaia’s face flushed slightly.
“Just talk if you want to talk, why do your hands start acting up again?” Kaia moved to take Tobias’s hand away, then continued feeding the fish with the fish food plate.
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Off to the side, in their little bubble, Hayden just gave a small shake of his head.
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‘Honestly, these two? Can they really not tell that Richard is just mad because he thinks Kellan’s the wolf eyeing his precious little girl?‘ Hayden thought.
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Tobias continued to stare at Kaia as before, unblinking. The girl’s profile, illuminated by the hazy moonlight, looked as white and flawless as fine ivory, radiating a gentle, lustrous glow.
His gaze slowly shifted to the girl’s delicate lips, which were bright, luscious, and tempting, causing the heat in Tobias’s heart to spread continuously to every inch of his skin and every cell.
His masculine Adam’s apple rolled heavily up and down.
Kaia was initially focused on feeding the fish, but after a while, she noticed that the man next to her was acting a little strange. She put down the fish food plate, turned her head in confusion, and looked at the man.
“How could you-”
Before she could finish speaking, the man hugged her, and then a deep and tender kiss landed on her lips.
