Chapter 12
“Done! That’s a a wrap!”
Sierra stretched her arms lazily, her cheerful announcement cutting through the room.
For her, the shoot had been easy–just a matter of sitting in front of the camera and delivering a few polished lines.
Behind her, Cody Blackwell ensured everything ran smoothly, shaping a narrative designed to restore Sierra’s reputation
Before leaving. Cody pulled Amelia aside. His tone was warm, professional, and meticulously polire. “Mrs. Hartwell, we’re so grateful for your cooperation today.
“It must be fate that brought us here. To show our appreciation, the studio will cover all of your mother’s medical expenses.”
Cody’s expression shifted slightly, his words turning more pointed. “One more thing. If any reporters reach out to you, we’d really appreciate it if you could say something positive about Sierra. That kind of support would mean a lot.”
Amelia nodded quickly. “Of course. I’ll do my best.”
While they spoke, Sierra had already slipped out of the room.
She chewed gum absentmindedly, muttering under her breath. “All this fuss over a little debe
it really worth jumping into a river? Some people just don’t value their own lives. Honestly, they don’t deserve sympathy.”
Sierra lived a life so detached from ordinary struggles that she couldn’t comprehend how desperation could drive someone to such an extreme
To her, the idea was almost laughable.
After all, a single day’s earnings for her could have wiped out all of Evelyn’s debas
Though both women breathed the same air, their lives existed in completely different worlds
Sierra’s complaints didn’t stop at herself; she dragged Vince into her rant, her voice brimming with disdain,
She continued. “And that Amelia woman? No wonder her husband cheated on her. She has zero charm–how could she possibly keep a man interested”
Vince’s easygoing smile vanished, replaced by a sharp, cold edge in his expression.
He loosened his collar and replied casually, “I think she’s not bad*
Sierra’s eyes widened in disbelief, a flicker of contusion crossing her flawless face.
She seemed very surprised “Vince, are you serious? That’s so unlike you! She’s completely dull–no femininity, no style, just plain”
Vince thed his head slightly, as if pondering her words. But instead of agreeing, his mind wandered back to Amelia.
From where he stood, he glanced toward the hospital rooms.
Amelia was talking with Cody, her posture calm and confident, her faint smile warm yet reserved.
In his eyes, Amelia wasn’t plain. Her quiet elegance, tinged with sharp intelligence, made her stand apars
She radiated clarity and strength–warm and inviting when soft, but cool and commanding when resolute,
The contrast between these traits created a charm that was uniquely hers.
The following three days were agonizing for Amelia as she waited for any sign of a response from Theo.
His dramatic outburst at the restaurant had led her to believe he’d act quickly to transfer the money.
Yet, to her growing frustration, he had vanished without a trace
The uncertainty gnawed at her. While Sierra’s studio had generously taken care of Evelyn’s medical bills. Amelia was painfully aware of her dwindling finances.
1/3
Chapter 12
Left with no choice, she resolved to sell several high–end handbags she had bought in the past
When Amelia mentioned her plan to Sharon, she immediately offered help
Sharon introduced her to the owner of a vintage luxury shop.
They arranged a meeting to appraise the bags.
What started as a practical outing took a shocking turn when Amelia and Sharon unexpectedly ran into Theo–the man who had been unreachable for days.
As the shop owner examined her bags, Sharon nudged Amelia sharply. “Hey, isn’t that Theo she whispered, pointing toward the floor below,
Amelia’s gaze followed, and her heart dropped.
There he was, sitting casually in a high–end jewelry store, exuding case.
Tvy, seated beside him, preened in front of a mirror, clearly reveling in her reflection.
Amelia’s stomach twisted. She had assumed Theo would be overwhelmed with stress, working to sort out their financial problems
Instead, he was
as relaxing, indulging his mistress with luxury goods.
Instead,
Sharon grabbed Amelia’s hand. “Let’s go, she urged, dragging her out of the vintage store and down to the jewelry boutique.
They entered the shop, but the sales staff barely acknowledged them, their cool demeanor a stark contrast to the lavish attention Theo and Ivy were receiving.
Their dismissive glances made it clear they didn’t see Amelia and Sharon as potential customers
Then noticed Amelia instantly. His body tensed, and he instinctively tried to slip away, but lvy clung to his arm, effectively pinning him in place.
“Oh, Amelia!” Ivy called out with sugary sweetness, er voice dripping with faux sincerity. “You’re shopping too?“
Ivy tilted her head and shifted her posture to flaunt the glittering jewelry adorning her neck, wrists, and fingers.
Every piece gleamed under the boutique’s lights, a glaring display of her extravagance.
Her aesthetic was undeniably flashy–bordering on garish—but also unmistakably expensive.
Amelia rarely stepped into such upscale stores, but even she could recognize Ivy’s jewelry set as a top–tier collection, its price tag easily running
into the millions
Stage simmered beneath Amelia’s calm exterior.
Theo, who had been so stingy and evasive when it came to helping Evelyn, had no problem splurging obscene amounts on his mistress.
Her mind whirred with a string of unspoken, scathing insults, each more colorful than the last
Amelia lifted her chin, her gaze cold and unflinching as she addressed Theo. “You’ve got time to shop, but no time to pay me back!
“Keep stalling, Theo, and don’t blame me when I release those photos. By then, regrets won’t do you any good.”
Ivy let out a sharp, mocking laugh, her hand resting smugly on her stomach.
“I’m pregnant,” she announced, her tone dripping with satisfaction. “This is the Hartwell family’s first grandson–their firstborn heir. Amelia, no matter what stunts you try, it’s pointless now. This baby is our golden ticket. Understand!”
She paused for effect, her lips curling into a sneer. “But really, who’s to blame here? You’ve been married for years and couldn’t even give the Hartwell family a single grandchild. No wonder they threw you out!”
Theo, emboldened by Ivy’s declaration, nodded eagerly, his face lit with sang triumph.
It’s entire demeanor screamed victory, as though he’d finally secured an insurmountable advantage.
Only a few days ago. Theo had been a nervous wreck, worried that Amelia’s threats might actually ruin his standing in the family and cost him his inheritance.
But the moment Ivy revealed her pregnancy, everything changed.
927 AM
Chapter 12
His parents were ecstatic, their anger at him melting away in light of the new
that. Theo knew he was untouchable.
In their eyes, the family’s first grandson was more valuable than anything, and just like th
Amelia stared at Theo, her expression hollow, as though she were looking at a stranger.
These past few days had revealed a version of him so shallow, so self–serving, she barely recognized him anymore.
In front of her stood a man devoid of character–a shallow, selfish shell of a person
And his family? They were just as ridiculous.
In this modern age, they were sull clinging to the archaic notion that a baby could dictate power and influence, as if a child was some kind of currency for status
It was absurd. Amelia sneered. The entire Hartwell family must have collectively lost their minds
AD
