Zane’s head felt like it was going to explode, his expression filled with pain. He opened his mouth, as if wanting to explain:“Amelia, that’s not what I meant. I had never seen you before—I didn’t recognize you—that’s why I said those things. I—”“Mr. Cromwell.” Amelia’s voice was indifferent as she cut him off. “The daughter you want is the one standing beside you. Not me.”Zane froze, immediately protesting, “Amelia, how could you say that?”“How does Mr. Cromwell think I should say it?” Amelia arched an eyebrow. “Smile and happily accept you as my father?”Zane frowned. “But I am your father, Amelia. You can’t just hold a grudge against me over a misunderstanding.”“Oh.” Amelia’s lips curled into a breathtaking smile, her long black hair cascading behind her. “Then I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you, Mr. Cromwell. My greatest strength—” she paused, her gaze sharp— “is holding grudges.”Zane finally realized—his daughter truly did not want to acknowledge him.Panic set in.“Dad
Could this be a dream?She often had dreams like this.In her dreams, Amelia would suddenly return, saying she had grown up well and asking her not to worry.But what mother could truly stop worrying about her child? She didn't want Amelia to just disappear like that.Yet, the more time passed, the fewer times she dreamt of her.This wasn’t a dream.The Amelia in her dreams wouldn’t speak like this.The little girl who had saved her from the streets of death was actually her own daughter!"You were never a bringer of misfortune," the woman looked at Amelia, her eyes bloodshot, as if struggling against something. "You are the treasure that heaven bestowed upon me.""When you were just born, even the nurses said you looked like a little milk bun, smiling at everyone.""It was me who failed to protect you."The woman’s hands clenched tightly, tears streaming down her face. "I got sick because of my own issues—I was too weak.""Amelia, my baby," the woman’s voice trembled. "Why didn’t I g
Mr.Cromwell’s words sent shivers down the managers’ spines.Especially those who had second thoughts earlier—they immediately lowered their heads, terrified of being singled out."Mr. Cromwell, don’t worry! We will fully support Miss Amelia in her work!"Mr.Cromwell was direct. "Call her President Wan. My dear granddaughter is named Amelia.""Grandpa," Amelia had only wanted her grandfather to understand the truth. How had she suddenly been promoted to President Wan?Mr.Cromwell looked at his beloved granddaughter, his voice filled with affection. "It’s our family’s hotel. You don’t have to be so formal. Do whatever you want, Amelia. Remember—the Cromwell family wronged you.""Now that you’re back, just follow your heart.""As long as I’m here, I’ll always have your back."With those words, everyone present had to reconsider their loyalties.The managers glanced at Zane with a noticeable shift in attitude.But Zane no longer cared about the situation.He looked at his wife and daughte
Abby froze, panic flashing across her face. "Sister, you've misunderstood me. I never wanted you not to come back.""Sister?" Amelia's lips curved slightly. "Just like how you call him 'Dad' because he allows it? You just said we have a grudge against each other, yet now you're calling me sister?""As far as I remember, the Cromwell family hasn't officially adopted you.""So drop the 'sister.' Let's talk about something else."Amelia effortlessly lifted Aunt Ashford with one hand. "How much of her actions were under your orders?""I didn't!" Abby shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "I don’t even understand what you're talking about, sister!"Zane also spoke up. "Amelia, don't be so hard on Abby. Listen to your father explain.""One calls himself my father, another calls herself my sister." Amelia tossed Aunt Ashford down at Abby’s feet. "I'll warn you one last time—I have a bad temper, so stop trying to force a connection with me."A loud thud!Amelia's presence was so over
It had to be said—Aunt Ashford's words were sharp.With just a few sentences, she had labeled Amelia as "rude" and "unworthy."Mrs. Cromwell had been one of the most prominent socialites in her time.She knew how dangerous such labels could be.If they stuck to her daughter, they would follow her for a lifetime.She had long since lost her confidence in speaking.She was even afraid of saying the wrong thing.But today, she stepped forward."You keep saying 'unworthy' and 'rude'—you insult my daughter and expect her to treat you with respect?""I haven’t managed household affairs in years, but I didn’t realize the Cromwell family's eldest daughter now has to pander to servants to be considered worthy.""The the Cromwell family pays you a salary. If you don’t want to work here, then leave."That single statement stunned Aunt Ashford. "Madam, I—"Mrs. Cromwell didn't even spare her a glance. Instead, she locked eyes with Abby."She has always served you. They say servants reflect their
Amelia tossed the item toward her. “You’re responsible for my mother’s daily needs. The the Cromwell family trusted you, allowing you to handle everything. You claim you didn’t know the effects of this sachet, yet you even stuffed medicinal residue into my mother’s pillow. Clearly, you knew exactly what you were doing.”The evidence came swiftly and decisively, slapping Aunt Ashford across the face like an invisible hand.The moment Amelia yanked off her sachet, Aunt Ashford had already panicked.She never expected anyone to discover the secret hidden in the pillow.Her legs went weak, and her gaze darted about frantically.“Are you going to confess now, or would you rather explain everything to the police?” Amelia’s presence was suffocating.Aunt Ashford bit her lip, refusing to admit to anything. “I have always been loyal to the Cromwell family!”“Then get ready for prison.” Amelia withdrew her gaze and suddenly smiled. “Honestly, whether you confess or not, the ‘Miss’ you keep talk
Meanwhile, in the hotel lobby, the crowd had yet to disperse.Not everyone was foolish.As bystanders, they could see the situation clearly.Zane had just walked away, abandoning his wife and daughter to defend an adopted child—such behavior was disgraceful to many husbands in the room.Before today, people might have praised him for his kindness, for treating his “adopted daughter” as his own.But now, the real Miss.Cromwell had returned. The truth had come out. And yet, he still couldn’t recognize what truly mattered.The more capable managers among the onlookers quickly made their decision—they stayed.They wanted to see how Amelia handled the situation.After all, decisiveness alone wasn’t enough to run a business—one needed intelligence too.Could someone from a small town really manage such an enterprise?It wasn’t about looking down on her—it was simply a question of competence.Amelia didn’t care about the audience.She was more concerned about her mother’s health.The last co
“Point out everyone who’s here because of connections—if you’re cooperative, you’ll have one less charge to worry about,” Amelia said lightly, with an air of indifference.Bob’s brain couldn’t keep up. “Jail?”“Your aunt has been plotting for money and murder, and you were placed here by her. You’re not entirely innocent in all this,” Amelia casually played with her purple jade pendant, exuding an air of nobility. “Whatever she’s done, you’ve been involved.”Bob’s shoulders shrank, and his face turned pale. He wasn’t stupid—he knew what his aunt had done. If the Cromwell family really decided to investigate, he’d be caught for sure. Without hesitation, he spoke up, “Miss Seven, I can identify everyone! Big names, small names, I know them all! I can point them out right now!”“Don’t rush.” Amelia withdrew her gaze, her eyes sweeping across the crowd. Her expression was calm. “Today is my first day at the hotel. I’m giving everyone a day to adjust and improve. If you don’t manage to cha
Everything Carl had done in the industry proved one thing—he was not someone to mess with.Ruthless. Calculating. Deadly.He might look frail, but the people he dealt with were the true titans of power.Yet somehow, in front of his little sister, he became… harmless? Gentle?Fake! He’s obviously faking it!No brother in the world would ever approve of their sister’s boyfriend.Sebastian was no exception.Especially since this guy had once broken off the engagement!Everything else, he could accept.But Carl acting all soft and considerate around his sister? That was terrifying.This wasn’t how he handled people.Noticing Sebastian’s gaze, Carl turned to meet his eyes.His deep, fox-like eyes were unreadable—dark, bottomless.“I understand if Sixth Brother has an issue with me,” Carl spoke first, striking before the other could. His voice was calm, carrying a soft sigh, tinged with a hint of guilt. “I was wrong in the past. Maybe it’s because I never played with him as a child… or perh
The other two nearly fainted on the spot, quickly hiding inside the amethyst pendant, too scared to come out.Everyone around the Master is a terrifyingly powerful existence...They couldn’t help but worry—would their presence, as malevolent spirits, affect the Master’s long-term fortune?But after seeing Chaos—they decided to keep quiet.After all, if the Master was bold enough to raise Chaos, she probably didn’t care about a little fortune imbalance.Meanwhile, Elijah sniffed the air, noticing a new scent on his boss.It smelled delicious.He instinctively rubbed his belly, then tilted his little face up, eyes locking onto the amethyst pendant, making hand gestures toward it.Amelia understood what he meant and pinched his soft, chubby cheek."They’re your little siblings now. You can’t eat them. Understood?"Can’t eat them?!Food can become siblings?Elijah’s tiger-like little face scrunched up.Fine. He’d reluctantly agree for now—he could always find another opportunity later.Af
Amelia patted Elijah’s head and met Sebastian’s gaze."Sixth Brother, Elijah is my little brother."My little sister’s brother? That means he’s my brother too!Sebastian’s mindset shifted in an instant. He grinned at Elijah, just about to say something—When Carl suddenly turned Elijah around, revealing the QR code on his back."Elijah doesn’t speak, so I’ll speak for him. He likes money."Elijah usually disliked Carl.Something about the man’s presence always made him feel suffocated.That feeling was intangible—he couldn’t quite describe it.He just didn’t want to deal with him.Unfortunately, his boss was clearly blinded by good looks.Elijah had already asked the women on set about this.Apparently, his boss never showed interest in men, yet she was suddenly indulging this one.Clearly, she was captivated by his beauty.At first, Elijah wasn’t optimistic about this relationship.But as hacker L, he decided to do some digging—turns out, the Jenkins family was loaded.That was a plu
"Very handsome."Ruby, with her elegant demeanor, spoke in a slightly hoarse voice.She hadn’t expected that her youngest son, upon seeing her, neither showed fear nor questioned why she was here.Instead, he naturally stepped in to help her.She was deeply moved.Meanwhile, Sebastian casually placed the milk tea on the table and turned to the dumbfounded young starlet and makeup artist."Take your time with the milk tea."His gaze locked onto the young starlet."Being an idol doesn’t mean thinking you're above others.""You should be grateful that cup of milk tea didn’t land on my mom’s face.""Otherwise, you'd never survive in this industry again."Ruby wanted to stop him—such direct words would only invite trouble.But Sebastian didn’t care."Mom, I was a rookie once too. Back then, I had to suck it up and endure everything on set. Look at her—she even mocks the staff.""I… I…" The young starlet’s face flushed red with embarrassment.The other crew members were watching.She had in
In general, new assistants in the industry are given menial tasks.Especially those assigned to the outer edges of a set—they’re basically at everyone’s beck and call, running errands back and forth.Ruby had been deliberately pulled away by Elijah earlier, so she had no idea what had happened during the program recording.Elijah had acted strangely, doing everything possible to keep her from entering the inner set.It was only after she returned that Ruby found out her son was one of the guest participants.Now, with police cars outside and people constantly coming and going, she set down the milk tea that had been specifically requested by some celebrities and decided to ask around in the break room.“Excuse me, little sister, can I ask what happened on the show? Where’s Kina? Is he safe?”The so-called “celebrities” she had been delivering milk tea to were actually internet influencers from the same company, filming vertical short dramas in the adjacent studio.Sometimes, the small
Sebastian’s eyes were already red with anger.“little sis, who is this Environmental Energy master you’re talking about?!”“We’re still investigating.” Amelia’s voice was calm and steady. “Sixth Brother, I’m telling you this because I don’t want you to act impulsively. The Earthly Fiend Array isn’t something an ordinary Environmental Energy master can set up. The person behind this must be on par with Master Cloudwalker.”Carl had been silent all this time. But upon hearing this, his eyes flickered with interest.“On par with Master Cloudwalker? That significantly narrows it down—not many fit that category.”“There aren’t many officially registered,” Amelia replied, pausing briefly. “But there could be others operating in the shadows—we’re still looking.”“That array was strange,” she continued. “Rather than simply bringing misfortune to the Cromwell family, it seemed more like someone was trying to steal the Cromwell family’s fortune.”Carl’s eyes narrowed, exuding an air of noble y
Sebastian instinctively took a step back.The reason he had stayed away from home for so long—was fear.As a child, he had tried to make his mother happy by bringing home good grades.But by then, she was already sick, her emotions unstable.He had expected her to hit him. He would have preferred that—at least then, she would have reacted.Instead, she had looked at him like an empty doll, staring blankly outside as she asked, “Why didn’t you pay more attention? Did you really have to eat that candied hawthorn?”Then, she had started crying.Sometimes, she even hurt herself.The doctors diagnosed her with depression and warned them not to trigger her condition.Anything or anyone that might worsen her state had to stay away.Over time, her condition deteriorated—she lost hair, grew frail.Following medical advice, he and Fifth Brother avoided appearing in front of her.Then, their father brought that sponsored student home. At first, their mother had resisted fiercely.Sebastian still
In the Earthbound Array, Amelia understood better than anyone how difficult it was to hold onto oneself. The person in question had already sacrificed too much—she didn’t want any more rifts in their family.As soon as Sebastian heard that his little sister wanted to introduce him to someone, he wasted no time. With a hat, sunglasses, and a mask in place, he showed up in front of Amelia, looking a little nervous.But his actions were quick—he handed over a black card in an instant.“Little sis, this is for you!”Sebastian had never been this straightforward before.In all of New York’s elite circles, he was known for being aloof and untouchable. The only two times he had lost his temper, he had beaten people up with a cold face.Everyone knew that if there was one person in the industry you shouldn’t provoke, it was the Cromwell family’s domineering troublemaker.Even Spencer and his group only dared to gossip about Amelia behind her back, never to her face. And that was because of Se
Carl noticed her staring and raised an eyebrow slightly. "If you keep looking at me like that, I’ll think you’re about to charge me for medical fees again.""Medical fees?" Amelia didn’t immediately follow.Carl lifted a hand, touching his neck. He let out a soft chuckle, his voice so pleasant it was almost unnatural.That’s when Amelia finally saw the markings spreading down his neck.A series of Sanskrit symbols. To the untrained eye, they might look like tattoos.But in reality, they were a form of spirit-binding. Right beside them was the imprint of a red spider lily.Because the markings extended downward, and since he always wore collared shirts, she had never seen them fully before.Now that she had noticed, she wanted a clearer look. Without hesitation, she grabbed him and lightly pulled at his collar.It was well known—the red spider lily bloomed along the path to the underworld, guiding departed souls toward peace.Its meaning? The gentleness of a demon.Most people wouldn’t