Chapter 11

The raindrops tapped against the window of Amelia’s apartment, each one a sharp note in the melody of her turmoil. The dull gray light of the morning infiltrated the curtains, casting elongated shadows throughout the room. Amelia snugged the blanket closer around herself while perched on the edge of her bed, gazing at the faint silhouette of the urban skyline.

The altercation with Ronald from the day before replayed in her mind, a constant loop. The strain in his tone, the unsettling shine in his eyes—it all brought back memories of the man she once adored, contrasted with the man he had transformed into. She pressed her fingers against her temples, urging the memories to fade away.

A sudden knock at the door jolted her from her thoughts. Surprised, she quickly donned her robe and approached the entrance.

Jake was there, his tall figure partially drenched from the rain, clutching an umbrella in one hand and a brown paper bag in the other. His familiar grin softened when he took in her unkempt appearance.

“Morning,” he said, stepping inside before she could protest. “You look like you could use a distraction.”

“Jake,” she began, crossing her arms defensively. “What are you—”

“Coffee and croissants,” he interjected, raising the bag like a peace offering. “Fuel for whatever plans you have lined up for today.”

Amelia sighed but stepped aside to allow him entry. “You can’t just show up like this without warning.”

“And you can’t keep running on empty,” he countered, placing the bag on her modest kitchen table. “Sit down. Eat. You’ll be grateful later.”

*****

A Shared Breakfast

The small kitchen buzzed with the fragrance of fresh coffee and flaky pastries. Jake poured two mugs of coffee, sliding one toward her across the table. Amelia hesitated, but the warmth of the mug against her chilled fingers was too inviting to resist.

“You’ve been quite silent since yesterday,” Jake remarked, breaking the quiet as he started on his croissant.

“I’ve got a lot on my mind,” Amelia confessed, stirring her coffee absentmindedly. “Running into Ronald again after all this time... it was tougher than I anticipated.”

Jake's expression softened, although his tone stayed playful. “Tougher than watching him squirm when you entered that meeting?”

A slight smile flickered on her lips. “That part was gratifying.” However, her smile waned as her gaze fell to her coffee. “But it brought up emotions I wasn’t prepared to confront.”

Jake leaned back in his chair, observing her closely. “Ronald’s not the person you once knew, Amelia. And Catherine? She poses a bigger threat than you realize.”

Amelia exhaled, raking a hand through her hair. “I understand. But that’s why I can’t retreat. If I do, they triumph. I can’t allow that to happen.”

Jake nodded with approval. “Exactly. Because I need you to be strong for what lies ahead.”

Her brow creased. “What do you mean by that?”

He hesitated, his usual demeanor momentarily slipping. “Let’s just say the Wellingtons aren’t the only ones involved in this.”

Before she could press him for more details, his phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen, his jaw clenching slightly. “I need to take this,” he said, rising from his chair. “We’ll discuss it later.”

*****

The Wellington Estate

Rain trickled down the glass walls of the Wellington estate, the sound muted within the lavish interior. Ronald stood in his private study, hands buried in his pockets as he gazed out at the tempestuous skyline. The tension in his stance echoed the storm brewing inside him.

Catherine reclined on the velvet chaise behind him, holding a crystal glass filled with red wine. She exuded an air of tranquility, but her sharp gaze revealed a mind that was anything but idle.

“You seem to be in deep thought,” she noted, swirling the wine in her glass.

Ronald took a moment before replying, his eyes fixed on the rain outside. Finally, he turned to her, his face difficult to read. “Amelia was at the office yesterday.”

Catherine halted her hand mid-sip. “Is that so?”

“She’s collaborating with Jake,” Ronald went on, his tone taut.

Catherine’s lips slowly formed a menacing smile. “And what was your reaction to that?”

His jaw tightened. “This isn’t about emotions, Catherine. It’s about having power. Jake has a motive for teaming up with her, and I need to uncover what it is.”

Catherine elegantly stood up, her silk robe trailing behind her as she moved closer to him. “Allow me to handle Amelia,” she whispered, resting her hand on his chest. “She won’t cause any trouble for long.”

Ronald’s expression darkened, but he chose not to contest it. “Do whatever is necessary. Just ensure she stays out of my path.”

*****

A New Ally

Later that day, Amelia found herself outside a modern, glass-fronted office building. Jake had urged her to meet with someone who could shed light on the Wellingtons’ latest strategies.

The elevator ride to the 15th floor was unnervingly silent, the gentle hum of the machinery heightening her anxiety. When the doors opened, a sharply dressed woman with striking features and a commanding presence greeted her.

“You must be Amelia,” the woman said, offering her hand. “I’m Natalie Harper.”

As Amelia shook her hand, she noted the firm grip and the way Natalie’s piercing gaze seemed to evaluate her instantly.

“Jake mentioned you could assist,” Amelia stated as Natalie guided her into a conference room with glass walls.

Natalie took a seat across from her, placing her hands on the table. “Assistance is one way to describe it,” she replied. “Let’s just say I have my own motives for keeping the Wellingtons in line.”

Amelia tilted her head, intrigued. “And what motives would those be?”

Natalie’s smile was chilling. “Let’s just say Catherine isn’t the only one with hidden secrets. The Wellingtons built their legacy on deception and concealment, and I have no intention of letting them silence the truth.”

*****

As night descended, Ronald withdrew to the softly illuminated library. The storm outside had cleared, but the chaos within him continued to boil. He poured himself a glass of whiskey, the golden liquid shimmering as he idly swirled it.

Ethan entered quietly, his steps nearly inaudible on the thick carpet.

“You called for me, sir?”

Ronald turned sharply, his eyes intense. “I need you to monitor Jake more closely. He’s up to something, and I don’t trust him.”

Ethan paused, loyalty evident on his face. “Jake is your brother, sir. Surely—”

“I don’t care,” Ronald retorted, his tone low yet authoritative. “Just follow my orders.”

Ethan nodded, although uncertainty lingered in his expression. “Understood.”

*****

A Late-Night Revelation

Back in her apartment, Amelia sat at her desk, surrounded by the documents Natalie had provided. Each piece revealed a clearer depiction of the Wellingtons’ dubious activities, and the realization sent a shiver down her spine.

Her phone vibrated beside her, and she glanced at a message from Jake: “Stay vigilant. Events are unfolding quicker than anticipated.”

She stared at the message, her pulse quickening. Regardless of the game Jake was orchestrating, she was now entangled in it. And even though she yearned to step back, she understood it was too late for that.

The storm wasn’t on the horizon—it was already upon her.