Chapter 7
Five years ago, his little sister was bullied in the school.
She couldn’t take it anymore, then jumped off a school roof and killed herself.
Later, he met Emily She cried about how Amelia picked on her, excluded her and humiliated her.
Looking at her face–so similar to his sister’s his heart softened.
He protected her, spoiled her, even fell for her.
But Emily took a breakup payoff and flew overseas without looking back.
When she came back to the States, she put on that pitiful act again, begging him to help.
At first, he might have felt the resentment of being abandoned by Emily.
So he didn’t push her away when she came crawling back.
Which led to her taking advantage when he was drunk, bringing him to a hotel.
She leaned in and whispered, “I’m Amelia…” So he kissed her.
But when he woke up and saw her fake–ass face, he felt sick.
She wasn’t his Amelia.
His real Amelia was the one–who heard he had stomach problems and burned through cookbooks.
She loved him, not because he was the Maddox heir, not for his money or status.
ཇ་ཧ་ཏྲྰཾ་ཧ་ཧོ ྃ ྃ
She was the only girl he’d let his guard down for after brutal days in the business world.
She was playful and innocent, always bringing a sense of comfort and ease to his hectic life.
What he loved was her childlike innocence, yet he was the one who destroyed that
very
innocence.
Thank God she didn’t know yet.
Theo stared into Emily’s eyes, his tone leaving no room for disagreement.
“Not a word about our marriage certificate. To anyone.”
Sweat beaded on Emily’s forehead.
She remembered all those trending topics she’d orchestrated, painting Amelia as a homewrecker, and mumbled her agreement..
Theo didn’t think much of it and turned to call his assistant.
“Pull every connection. Turn New York upside down if you have to, but find Amelia.”
“Yes, Mr. Maddox.”
“Yes, Mr. Maddox. But… are you sure you want to risk everything to take over Mr. Brooks‘ shares? If our cash flow breaks, we’ll be screwed.”
Having his abilities questioned pissed Theo off.
But when it came to Amelia, he forced himself to stay patient.
“Don’t worry about it. In New York, no one can match my resources. Even if outsiders try to bid, Amelia has the final right to decide, and she’ll definitely choose me.”
The assistant hesitated, then finally nodded. “Alright, Mr. Maddox. I’ll get right on it.”
33
$11.690
days Infer Brooks Corporation shareholder sale meeting
“Amelia shere?” my dad waved at me with a big smile, still playing the loving father.
Daddy’s getting old, not feeling well. Your mother’s shares in my hands, It’s just going to wants.?
I just stared at him, saying nothing.
He sighed, shaking his head like he had no choice.
“Tm planning to hand these shares over
to
Brielle had that winner’s smile on her “meone more capable. Your stepmother and I… we’re heading to Netherlands for retirement
eyes
oll of smug satisfaction.
Emily had been ignored by Theo for the past fo
and she was boiling with anger.
“Kik, by the way–only our names are on the imigration paperwork, but the four of t
Emily tilted her head with fake pity.
“Fine, I’ll admit you’re the legitimate Brooks
Brielle patted Emily’s hand
with mock con
But
so wha
You can just stay here and die alone!”
“Silly girl, don’t say things like that. Your dad’s not well…. And
how expensive healthcare is overseas, we just didn’t want to burden Amelia.”
My dad nodded along cheerfully, like every word they said made perfect sense.
They were all waiting for me to break down, to lose my shit and demand answers.
Or like before, I’d tear up and beg dad not to abandon:
- me.
Instead, I calmly asked if they’d already obtained foreign citizenship.
My dad paused, then nodded. “Of course. All the paperwork’s done.”
“Perfect.” I turned to Nolan. “The U.S. doesn’t recognize dual citizenship with Netherlands. Please contact immigration to revoke these four people’s American citizenship.”
Their smiles froze.
Emily was the first to snap out of it, letting out a harsh laugh.
“Sis, did you lose your fucking mind?”
My dad shook his head with a sigh, like he was mourning my “spoiled behavior.”
Just then, the conference room doors swung open and Theo strode in.
He was carrying a thick stack of property deeds, wearing that indulgent and exasperated smile.
“Amelia, you’re really spoiled. I just asked you to apologize, and you disappeared for days?”
He stepped toward me, hand raised to pinch my cheek like always. But this time, I stepped back.
He looked confused, then laughed.
“Still mad? Come here, hug me. I missed you so much.”
But the next second, Axel walked over and pulled me protectively into his arms.
Announcing to everyone:
“Amelia Brooks is my fiancée!”