Chapter 9

Amelia emerged from the magnificent Jake's mansion, the sound of her heels clicking rhythmically against the cobblestone path. Behind her, the heavy double doors closed with a creak, echoing like a final farewell. She paused on the steps, allowing the early morning breeze to brush against her skin. The air was cool, filled with the delicate fragrance of dew and blooming flowers from the garden.

In front of her, the sleek black limousine shimmered in the sunlight, its polished surface mirroring the vast estate behind her. Jake sat in the driver's seat, his outline partly obscured by the tinted windows. He shifted slightly, leaning forward to open the door for her as she approached.

“Are you ready?” Jake’s voice cut through the stillness, calm yet laced with curiosity.

Amelia faltered, her fingers gripping the strap of her bag tighter. “I suppose I am,” she answered quietly, her tone revealing a touch of doubt.

As she settled into the car, she fastened her seatbelt with careful slowness, as if to organize her thoughts. The coolness of the leather seat pressed against her palms, anchoring her for what lay ahead.

Jake adjusted the rearview mirror, his intense gaze meeting hers. “Amelia,” he started cautiously, lowering his voice to almost a whisper. “Can I ask you something?”

She turned her attention to him, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “Go ahead.”

He breathed out, his hold on the steering wheel tightening. “You loved Ronald deeply—anyone could tell. But how did it all begin? What was your first meeting like?”

The question lingered in the atmosphere, heavy and significant. Amelia’s lips parted slightly as she took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling. “College,” she finally responded, her voice softening as memories came rushing back. “We met back in college.”

Her gaze shifted to the window, her reflection staring back at her. “It all started so simply. Study sessions in the library, late-night coffee runs. We discussed everything—our dreams, our fears. He always made me laugh like no one else could.”

A slight smile formed on her lips, the memory bringing warmth to her voice. “After we graduated, he proposed. It was beautiful and... unexpected. He was so nervous, stumbling over his words, but his sincerity shone through. Our mothers were best friends, and that connection made it feel like destiny.”

She paused, her fingers tracing the hem of her blouse. “For a time, everything was perfect. But then…” Her voice trembled, the words getting stuck in her throat. “He changed. He grew distant. It was gradual at first—missed dinners, broken promises. I tried to hold on, to remind him of what we shared, but…” She trailed off, her eyes glimmering.

“But he let go,” Jake completed for her, his voice soft yet firm.

Amelia nodded, her gaze falling to her lap. “And then he asked for a divorce. Just like that, everything I believed was unbreakable shattered.”

Jake’s jaw clenched, his expression turning serious. “Then today, we show him the person you’ve become. We will face this, Amelia. Together.”

*****

The limousine rolled to a smooth stop in front of Nexus Horizon, the impressive headquarters of Wellington Holdings. The building was an architectural wonder, its glass exterior reflecting the lively city skyline. To Amelia, it felt both daunting and familiar—a place that once represented safety but now seemed like a fortress guarding the fragments of her past.

As she emerged, the cool marble under her heels sent a jolt through her. Jake joined her, his presence reassuring and stabilizing as they neared the revolving doors. Once inside, the air was crisp and subtly fragrant, the gentle buzz of activity underscored by the rhythmic tapping of keyboards and muffled conversations.

Employees glanced in their direction, their curious looks lingering longer than necessary. Amelia straightened her back, ignoring the burden of their attention.

“Are you alright?” Jake inquired, his tone soft and filled with worry.

“I’m fine,” she answered, mustering a smile. But her hands revealed her unease, shaking slightly as she held her bag tight.

Jake halted, turning to look at her. “Amelia, we can leave. You don’t have to go through with this.”

“I must,” she said decisively, locking her eyes with his. “I need to.”

His expression searched hers for a moment before he agreed with a nod. “Then let’s ensure they regret underestimating you.”

They entered the elevator, the sleek steel walls mirroring their strained faces. Amelia’s heart raced in her chest, each pulse sounding like a drum. She balled her fists, attempting to calm herself.

When the elevator doors opened, they were met by two serious-looking bodyguards who led them to the conference room. The journey down the corridor felt interminable, the echo of their footsteps heightening her anxiety.

As the mahogany doors swung open, Amelia’s breath hitched. The room was packed with executives and investors, all eyes fixated on one man positioned at the head of the table—Ronald.

The Conference Room

“Gentlemen,” Ronald started, his tone smooth and authoritative, “let me present the new president of Wellington Holdings—my sibling, Jake Black Wellington.”

He gestured towards Jake, his expression impossible to read. The room filled with polite applause as Jake approached, his confidence evident.

“It’s great to see you again, big brother,” Jake remarked, shaking Ronald’s hand with a firm grip.

“And we’ve arrived just in time,” Jake added, his tone casual yet strategic.

Ronald’s eyes narrowed slightly, suspicion flickering behind his calm exterior. “We?”

The doors swung open again, and Amelia walked in.

The atmosphere changed immediately, the whispers in the room falling silent. Ronald’s gaze fixed on her, his expression hardening. The tension between them felt almost palpable, like a wire pulled tight, ready to snap.

“Amelia,” he said, his voice icy and clipped. “What on earth are you doing here?”

Amelia opened her mouth to reply, but her words faltered. The intensity of his gaze held her in place.

“She’s my secretary!” Jake declared smoothly, his voice breaking the silence.

Gasps spread through the room, none louder than Beatrice’s. Her wide eyes darted between Amelia and Jake, her disbelief clear. “This can’t be,” she muttered softly, her knuckles turning white as she clutched the edge of the table.

Ronald’s jaw clenched, but he remained silent. Instead, he motioned for everyone to take their seats, the meeting continuing with an atmosphere of strained politeness.

---

Ronald’s Private Office

Later, in the confines of Ronald’s office, the ambiance was no less charged. The room, decorated with dark wood and costly artwork, felt stifling despite its opulence.

“It’s great to have you back,” Ronald said, his tone measured as he spoke to Jake. “And as president.”

“All for the family,” Jake responded, leaning back in his chair with an easy grin.

Ronald’s gaze shifted to Amelia, his eyes narrowing slightly. “I trust you know what you’re doing, Jake.”

“I always do,” Jake replied, sounding unbothered.

Ronald leaned forward, his fingers steepled. “About the party,” he began, glancing at Amelia from the corner of his eye. “It’s a celebration for you—and my wedding. Catherine and I are expecting a child.”

Amelia's stomach twisted, those words hitting her like a physical blow. She managed to maintain a neutral expression, but the pain in her chest was undeniable.

Jake stood from his chair, extending his hand toward Ronald. “I’ll be there,” he said with a smile. “Looking forward to it.”

Ronald shook his hand, though his expression remained inscrutable.

*******

As Jake and Amelia left the building, the cool evening breeze brought a sense of discomfort. Amelia’s steps stumbled slightly, the weight of the day pressing heavily on her.

Jake placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “You did well today,” he said gently.

She nodded, but her mind was elsewhere, replaying every interaction with Ronald.

Meanwhile, on the upper floors of the building, Beatrice stood by the window, her phone pressed to her ear. Her lips formed a thin line as she spoke.

“Catherine,” she whispered urgently, her voice low but intense. “There’s trouble. Amelia’s back!”