Chapter 1587


    Persephone hesitated, her gaze fixed on the man who stood and bid farewell.


    The autumn breeze rustled, scattering golden sycamore leaves from the ground. The setting sun


    bathed the man’s figure, giving him an almost gilded appearance. He exuded an aura of intimidation


    that kept everyone at bay.


    “Let’s head home, Sephy,” the nanny said, reaching for her hand.


    “Do you know him?” Persephone asked, lifting her face.


    The nanny shook her head, her fear of the imposing man evident. “Okay, Sephy, let’s go! This ce is


    pretty isted, and we can’t return here.”


    Hand in hand, they entered the car with the escort of bodyguards.


    Before departing, Persephone instinctively nced at where the man had been. Unfortunately, no one


    else was in sight besides a few scattered tourists.


    The board of directors remained undecided about the Hamerton Group’s theme park renovation


    proposal. Some members aimed to please Toph, urging Zuko to invest, considering it a negligible sum.


    Yet, others perceived it as a matter of thepany’s image.


    The Hamerton Group had historically invested in substantial charity projects like hospitals, nursing


    homes, and orphanages, making an old theme park seem unworthy of their efforts. More importantly,


    renovating the park in a manner that yielded no profit could tarnish their reputation.


    For Zuko, business rationality took precedence over familial sentiment, but he wanted to do something


    for his brother this time.


    “The theme park renovation proposal didn’t receive approval from the board of directors,” Zuko said.


    Toph deted upon hearing the news in his office. He slumped onto the sofa, disheartened.


    “But…” Zuko smiled. “I can explore other options.”


    “Like what?” Toph perked up.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    “I can personally invest in it.”


    Toph’s optimism faded entirely. “Hey! Do you think your situation is better than our father’s? Do you


    have any savings?”


    Zuko shot him a piercing gaze. “Are you underestimating me?”


    “Do you really have savings, bro?” Toph’s spirit returned, challenging Zuko.


    Zuko rolled his eyes and strolled out of the office with his hands on his back, holding his head high.


    Zuko rolled his eyes and left the office with his head held high, but his secretary’s sudden entrance


    interrupted his exit.


    “Mr. Zuko!”


    Perplexed by the urgency in his secretary’s voice, Zuko asked, “What’s wrong?”


    The secretary conveyed the surprising news, “Someone else has taken over the theme park renovation


    proposal.”


    “What?” Zuko was bbergasted.


    “I heard it’s an investor from Cumulus City, their first investment in Centrolis,” the secretary replied.


    Cumulus City was distinct from Centrolis and Jangasas, known for its rich culture with a history


    spanning a millennium. Nheless, major Centrolis families rarely engaged with Cumulus residents,


    especially in investment projects.


    Zuko ordered his secretary to investigate this sudden development and find out if there was more to it


    than met the eye.


    Cordelia’s cafe had officially opened on an old street, surrounded by ginkgo trees. It was housed in a


    renovated courtyard and blended ancient decor with the aroma of coffee, creating a time-traveling


    ambiance.


    Nichs and Linda arrived early, with Zephyr putting Nichs to work immediately.


    Zennie and Seth requested Cordelia’s cranberry cookies, and she delivered a tray of freshly baked


    treats, remembering Zennie’s favorite after all these years.


    Fredric and Trinity joined the festivities, with Trinity filming the event professionally.


    Josiah’sughter filled the courtyard while Kelly attempted to rein in his exuberance.


    Neil and Aurelia were in Southeast Aciatic but still joined the gathering through a video call.


    The younger generation enjoyed their own activities, with Zuko and Chris looking after the children,


    while Lina and Lena enjoyed the celebration.


    Toph appeared downcast, clutching his drawing board.


    Linda noticed his mncholy and asked Cordelia, “What’s wrong with Toph? He looks dejected today.”


    Cordelia chuckled. “It’s because Arya couldn’t make it. She caught a cold today and didn’t want to


    infect us.”


    “Ah…”


    “Or perhaps it’s because of this,” Cordelia mused. “He discovered that a mysterious individual has


    taken on the theme park renovation project.”


    Linda’s eyes lit up. “Does he know who it is?”


    “Zuko mentioned it’s someone from Cumulus City.”


    Linda was sorting coffee beans with Cordelia when her hands slipped, causing the entire bag to spill on


    the ground.


    “Oh, I’m sorry!”


    “It’s fine. Let me clean it up.”


    “I’ll do it!” Linda insisted, struggling to get up and almost toppling a boiling coffee pot.


    Cordelia managed to prevent the ident and looked at Linda with concern. “What’s wrong, Linda?”


    “I…,” Linda hesitated. After a while, she finally spoke. “I think I know who that person is.”


    “What?”


    “It might be Daniel Quimby.”


    Cordelia was stunned. The name Daniel Quimby stirred in her memory, and then it all came rushing


    back. Linda’s parents had divorced when she was young, and her father had remarried into a wealthy


    family. Daniel was her half-brother, over a decade younger than Linda.


    Cordelia frowned. “Why would hee to Centrolis? Have you kept in touch after all these years?”