Chapter 5

Her lips turned white, and she struggled to breathe.

"Mom, don't panic." Ava rushed over, frantically calling for medicine.

The party descended into chaos, and the butler had no choice but to apologize and ask everyone to leave.

In the midst of the turmoil, Amelia leaned against the bar, leisurely eating dessert.

Helen, stunned, turned to William and asked, "William, do you think she'll tear off my necklace too?"

William smiled gently and replied, "No worries, I'll get her plenty."

He kept his eyes on the bar, watching Amelia finish her dessert and juice before reluctantly following the butler to the study.

A few minutes later, William's assistant approached him and said, "Mr. Brown, are you ready to leave? Mrs. Brown is already waiting in the car."

William waved him off and replied, "Take Grandma home first and send another car for me."

Once the hall was empty, he wheeled himself to where Amelia had been standing. On the bar, there was a thin string. Remembering how Grandpa Robert Cooper had described Amelia, he couldn't help but smile. He wasn't wrong. She was quite the powerhouse.

Evelyn, who had adopted Amelia, was Robert's old war buddy, a tough and unyielding woman who had earned the respect of many men. After retiring, she had adopted Amelia by chance.

It was quite a coincidence that Amelia was born with extraordinary strength. Her neighbors were amazed by her physical power. She loved practicing combat with Evelyn and had inherited her fiery, combative nature.

William had once worried that his future wife might be easily controlled by others, causing unnecessary trouble. But Amelia seemed more than capable of holding her own.

William began to look forward to their future together.

In the study of the Martinez Villa, the atmosphere was tense.

Mabel had been helped to her bedroom to rest, leaving behind a dramatic declaration. "If she stays, I will die!"

Amelia stood in the center of the study, facing a stern-looking middle-aged man—her biological father, Chase Martinez.

When the commotion happened in the hall, Chase and the other guests were upstairs discussing business. It wasn't until Mabel had trouble breathing that Chase realized what was going on downstairs.

The only sound in the quiet study was Bianca's sobbing. Ava sat beside Chase silently.

Amelia stood there, seemingly composed, but her mind was wandering, filled with boredom and disdain.

Chase's authoritative gaze swept over her as he slowly asked, "Amelia, why aren't you saying anything?"

Amelia scoffed, "I'm just waiting for the family tribunal to begin."

The term "family tribunal" made Ava freeze, and a look of surprise flashed in Chase's eyes.

"Amelia, don't say that. You're my child too," Chase said, his tone much softer now, "There might have been some misunderstandings today. Your grandmother is a good person."

This family was something else, with people ready to say both good and bad things.

Amelia's smile grew more sarcastic. "I only have one grandmother, and she's back in the countryside, stargazing."

Before the adults could respond, Bianca tearfully apologized, "Amelia, please don't reject Grandma and Mom and Dad. It's all my fault. I'll leave right now!"

"Replaying the same scene again? Aren't you tired of it?" Amelia stared at her and said, "Whether I acknowledge the Martinez family or not, it doesn't change the fact that I have Martinez blood. I'm the rightful heiress, and you will never be."

Seeing the two girls about to argue again, Ava quickly intervened. "Amelia, don't misunderstand Bianca. She's genuinely worried that you might feel neglected. She's been anxious ever since you came back."

"Of course she's anxious. What if I see through her act and kick her out, depriving her of her luxurious life?" Amelia dropped all pretense and retorted boldly.

Bianca put on her best pitiful face and said, "Dad, Mom, I never thought that way."

But inside, Bianca was fuming. This Amelia was impossible!

Chase remained calm and said slowly, "Amelia, Bianca is part of the Martinez family, and that won't change. Even if we favor you more in the future, we won't kick her out."

Bianca was secretly delighted. The Martinez family still favored her the most!

Amelia had already pegged Chase as Bianca's accomplice, so attacking him was just part of the deal. "You don't think I actually want to be part of the Martinez family, do you?"

Amelia added, "If you were smart, you'd shut this liar up and pretend to be a harmonious family. It might even help the Martinez family's stock prices."

Amelia continued, "Or I could go to one of your competitors and tell them what happened tonight. I'm curious to see how the public would react."

Amelia's life motto was always to give as good as she got. Since the Martinez family didn't welcome her, she wouldn't be giving them any kindness in return.

Amelia was no pushover.

Bianca froze, not expecting Amelia to be so bold.

But soon, she was secretly thrilled. Amelia was done for! Being so arrogant in front of Chase, no one could save her now!

Ava was stunned but quickly tried to explain for Amelia. "Don't be mad. She's young and spoke out of anger."

Chase patted Ava's hand reassuringly, his gaze soft. When he looked at Amelia, there was no anger, only a hint of admiration. "Impressive. Such insight and perspective at a young age. It seems your adoptive grandmother has taught you well."

The study fell into an eerie silence.

Bianca was in disbelief, jealousy quickly overtaking her reason.

Why? She had been punished by Chase for less! Why could Amelia get away with it and even be praised?

She angrily looked to Ava for comfort, but saw Ava smiling at Amelia with relief.

Amelia was a bit surprised and had nothing more to say.

What was Chase thinking? Was this some kind of soft approach?

It couldn't be that he genuinely wanted to accept her as his daughter and treat her well, could it?

Chase stood up, his tone very gentle. "We're all tired today. Let's leave it at that for now. Rest up, and we'll discuss things later."

Ava also offered comfort, "Today was indeed rushed. I'll have someone take you to your room."

That's it? Amelia's eyes followed them, feeling a bit lost.

She had grown up with Evelyn and didn't know what parents were supposed to be like, but she knew children didn't defy their parents.

"Bianca, Grandma said she'd die if I stayed. Are you going to kill your own mother?" Amelia was a curious child.

And clearly, Amelia was blunt.

Chase's mouth twitched, showing rare helplessness. He opened the study door and said, "Dad will figure something out."

A sudden invitation interrupted, "How about letting Ms. Martinez stay at my place until you figure it out?"

Chase looked at William in surprise and asked, "You didn't leave?"

William smiled politely and replied, "I'm very concerned about my fiancée's feelings. I don't want her to get hurt."

As he spoke, his eyes moved past Chase to Amelia, filled with teasing.

Amelia stared back, expressionless, and secretly flipped him off.

Chase regained his composure, frowning slightly. "Mr. Brown, haven't you always opposed the marriage alliance and repeatedly postponed the engagement with the Martinez family? Why the change of heart now?"