Chapter 12

Amelia sat alone in her bedroom after the disastrous confrontation with her father, mind churning with turmoil.

His cruel ultimatum echoed relentlessly in her thoughts - sever ties with Martha or lose everything.

How could she abandon the woman who had been more of a mother than her own aloof parents?

Martha's love and wisdom had anchored her entire life.

Yet defying her father meant financial ruin, her dreams of independence shattered.

He held all the cards to dictate her fate.

Or did he? Amelia's thoughts turned to Harrison, and their blossoming bond. Perhaps she need not navigate this storm alone.

Still, involving him felt dangerous, the risk of limitless vulnerability. But Martha's life potentially hung in the balance.

Swallowing her pride, Amelia resolved to ask Harrison for help, though the thought made her stomach knot with anxiety.

She picked up her phone with trembling fingers and pulled up his contact, hovering over the call button hesitantly. Asking for assistance did no