LOGINThe thought of what was about to happen in that bed made Amelia's stomach churn, but she forced herself to stay calm.
She turned and walked into the closet to pack her things. In no time, she had a suitcase ready. "Adrian, that suitcase looks like a designer brand. Find her something else to pack her things," Misty's shrill voice rang out, dripping with contempt. Soon, Adrian brought over an old cardboard box and threw it at Amelia's feet. "Use this," he grumbled. Amelia squatted down to open her suitcase, but Misty's voice came again, "Check her luggage properly later. Some people have sticky fingers. We don't want her taking anything she's not supposed to." Hearing this, Amelia's mind flashed back to Maynard's cold, ruthless look. He was in the bathroom next door, and if he found the DNA test result, he'd probably humiliate her even more. Adrian and Misty were watching her closely outside the closet. Amelia glanced at the DNA test hidden deep in her suitcase and made a quick decision. She turned away and tore the paper into tiny pieces, then swallowed them one by one, forcing them down. She looked at Maynard's clothes in the closet, and the last spark of hope in her heart was extinguished. From now on, she would have nothing to do with him. Dragging the cardboard box, Amelia walked out of the closet and asked coldly, "Do you want to check it?" Misty clapped her hand over her mouth, her face twisted with disgust. "Get her out of here and check that box outside. It stinks!" She knew that if Maynard came out of the shower, she wouldn't be able to get rid of Amelia so easily. She couldn't leave this threat behind. Adrian pushed Amelia hard and growled, "Get out of here!" Amelia walked alone toward the villa's entrance. The short distance felt like an eternity. Adrian grabbed the cardboard box from her, dumped everything on the ground, and started searching, as if looking for something vital. But the DNA test was already inside Amelia. She squatted down and quietly picked up her scattered belongings when her phone rang. Tears streamed down her face as soon as she heard Rosemary's voice. She held back her tears when Misty humiliated her, and Maynard misunderstood her, but hearing Rosemary's voice finally broke her. Her voice was choked with sobs. "Rosemary." "Sweetheart, why are you crying?" "Rosemary, I broke up with Maynard. And I'm not Jackson's biological daughter. I don't have a family anymore." "I'm calling to tell you some good news. I heard that your family is looking for you." Amelia froze. "My family?" "Yes, don't cry. I heard you have parents and even a few brothers." Before Amelia could respond, her phone died. "Amelia, what are you up to now?" Maynard walked out of the hall in an oversized bathrobe. He had meant to let her stay for a few more days, but she packed and was about to leave while he took a shower. He looked at the scattered clothes on the ground—nothing but ordinary clothes, not a single luxury item. Hadn't she become his fiancée just to get these things while he was in a coma? Now, she was left with nothing? Maynard frowned at the old cardboard box. "Playing hard to get again? Trying to look pitiful? Grandma's not here!" After three years of dating, he had never been ungenerous with her financially. Was she really leaving, or was this just an act? Amelia clutched her dead phone tightly, still processing what Rosemary had said. To Maynard, her distraction seemed like an admission. Misty limped out, pretending to be hurt, with a fake smile on her face but a voice full of malice. "Maynard, she was packing to leave and insisted on using a dirty cardboard box from the kitchen. I tried to stop her, but she wouldn't listen." Adrian quickly added, "Mr. Simmons, I tried to talk some sense into Amelia, but she wouldn't budge. She scattered her clothes everywhere. She had a designer suitcase but chose to look pitiful. If word gets out, people will think the Simons family is mistreating her." The air grew silent. Amelia stood there like a statue, listening to their lies. She looked at Maynard, wondering what he would say. His gaze was piercing. "Don't you have anything to say for yourself?" Exactly. Amelia's eyes flashed with mockery. "They've said everything." 'What's the point of explaining when you won't believe me?' "Amelia, are you never satisfied? What more do you want?" In his eyes, she was just a gold-digger. Amelia shrugged. "I just wanted to be one of those rich wives who shop till they drop or enjoy beauty and afternoon tea. The most I got to do was cook in the kitchen and go to the supermarket. After three years, I'm kicked out, wasting three years of my life. Now, I don't want to serve you anymore. Is that so wrong?"The new energy industry has been the main focus of the Cromwell Group's strategy in recent years, and it is also their core competitiveness for the future. If Obsidian Group were to acquire the core patents, the new energy sector would be completely destroyed."Thank you," Amelia said softly."We're family, there's no need for formalities. That's what Alfonso taught me," Carl's voice carried a gentle warmth. "Don't worry too much about the Obsidian Gang. They may appear unbreakable, but in reality, they're not as united as they seem. Those people are only together for profit. Once the chain of interests is broken, they'll fall apart on their own."Amelia's eyes brightened a little. He was right—profit was the true bond holding these people together. No one would foolishly join an organization if there was no money to be made."Understood," Amelia nodded lightly. "I'll return as soon as I've finished handling things here."Carl smiled faintly.
"I can help you get in touch with the core members of the Obsidian Gang, but..." Grayson said in a low voice, "but you must guarantee the safety of myself, my son, and the Ramirez Group.""Don't worry." Amelia nodded. "As long as you truly cooperate, I, Amelia, always keep my word."She then extended her hand. "Pleasure working with you, Mr. Ramirez."Grayson looked at her outstretched hand, hesitated for a moment, but finally shook it. "Pleasure working with you, Ms. Cromwell."He was no longer as relaxed as when he first entered; instead, there was a trace of awe in his gaze toward Amelia.Amelia was more like a chess master. From the moment she brought Dillon back to the Cromwell Group, to Grayson's arrival, every step they took, every word they spoke, was within Amelia's calculations."Ms. Cromwell, no wonder there are so many stories about you circulating online." Grayson's eyes deepened. "If one doesn't meet you in person, it's impossi
Amelia slowly stood up, extended her hand, and shook his lightly. Their fingertips touched briefly before she withdrew.When dealing with such an old entrepreneur, Amelia had her own plans, but she still maintained the necessary etiquette."Mr. Ramirez, you are too polite." Amelia's gaze was calm. "I wonder, what brings you here so unexpectedly? What would you like to discuss?"As she spoke, Amelia glanced at the two bodyguards behind him. "Or did you come to the Cromwell Group just to give us a warning?""Of course not." Grayson smiled, then waved his hand. "Wait outside. The Cromwell Group is very safe."The two bodyguards paused for a moment, then turned and left the meeting room together.Seeing this, Grayson continued, "I've long heard that the chairman of the Cromwell Group is Ms. Cromwell. Meeting you today, your reputation is truly well-deserved.""Mr. Ramirez, there's no need for flattery. Please, have a seat." Amelia signaled her secretary to serve tea, then returned to the
"Don't come any closer. If you lay a finger on me, my father will never let you get away with it." Dillon's voice carried a barely noticeable tremor. "Let me tell you, my name is Dillon, and I'm the son of the president of the Ramirez Group in New York! You should know the status of the Ramirez Group in New York—it's no less than the Cromwell family! With just one word from my father, the Cromwell family would lose everything they have now.""Oh? The Ramirez Group?" Amelia raised her brows, her eyes narrowing. "Then I'd like to see how your father makes the Cromwell family pay the price."Seeing that Amelia was completely unmoved, Dillon suddenly lost his confidence, but he still forced himself to continue: "Wait! My father is not an ordinary man! He's not just some regular businessman—he's joined the Obsidian Gang! Do you know what kind of organization the Obsidian Gang is? It's a top-tier group gathering elites and dignitaries from all over the world, with immense power and influenc
"No need to be so polite!" Aileen's face immediately lit up with a smile when she saw him relent. "Come by often in the future."Carl nodded in acknowledgment and turned to walk toward Amelia."All settled?" Amelia asked with a smile."Aileen insisted on not accepting it, saying she wanted to thank you for helping her out." Carl sat down beside her, explaining gently, "I couldn't refuse, so I agreed for now. I'll come back when I have time."Alfonso nodded with a smile. "Aileen is a good person. That's fine, I'll come here whenever I have time. If I come a few more times, it counts as returning the favor."At this moment, outside Eveblossom Restaurant.Vans and motorcycles arrived one after another at the entrance of the alley. The once tranquil atmosphere was now shrouded in a menacing aura. Under the walls on both sides and at the corners, more than thirty people stood densely packed. Each one was tall and muscular, dressed in black tight-fitting clothes, their faces fierce, grippin
"Your apology is useless, I want her to apologize." Misael looked at the girl, a hint of a wicked smile in his eyes. "It's not like I care about the cost of a meal or two. How about this: if you can't teach this girl properly, let me do it. Whatever you pay her, I'll give her double."Dillon and the bald man, Pablo Miller, exchanged smiles of different meanings after hearing this, looking at the deaf-mute girl as if she were a little lamb.Aileen straightened up and continued, "If you gentlemen are not happy with the food, then please don't come to my little restaurant next time. Also, this girl was hired by me; she works here as a waitress and has nothing to do with you. If she made a mistake, I apologize on her behalf. This meal is on the house, but please don't come again. Eveblossom Restaurant does not welcome you."First polite, then firm—since you refuse to show respect, Aileen naturally would not indulge you. No matter how brightly you dress, it only covers up the filth inside.







