Chapter 9

As soon as the servant finished speaking, someone was already pushing a wheelchair into the room.

Nolan, red with anger, wanted to say more but had to keep his mouth shut.

William clapped his hands lightly, and several servants came in one after another, each carrying a box filled with expensive jewelry.

Chase casually handed his briefcase to the servant who had just delivered the message, then looked at the newcomers with a hint of coldness in his voice. He pointed to the items William had brought, his curiosity evident.

Chase said politely, "Mr. Brown, it's great to have you here, but what's with all the stuff?"

"I missed my fiancée and came to see her. These are gifts from the Brown family for Ms. Martinez," William said, his eyes devoid of warmth.

He didn't care if anyone believed him. As he spoke, he looked up at Amelia, who was still seated at the dining table, and waved her over.

Amelia rolled her eyes at him without hesitation but still stood up slowly and walked over.

Most people would be captivated by the dazzling array of jewelry, but she only glanced at it briefly, her eyes slightly vacant, unmoved.

It was as if the tension that had arisen because of her had no effect on her at all. She seemed like an outsider, completely detached from the situation.

Bianca, having just calmed Mabel down, saw this scene and smiled faintly, though the jealousy in her eyes was almost tangible.

"Amelia," Bianca bit her lip lightly, looking somewhat troubled, "Mr. Brown is here today, and it's not really my place to say this, but..."

"If it's not appropriate, then don't say it," Amelia interrupted.

Bianca's face stiffened for a moment. She pinched her palm hard, tears welling up from the pain, making her look even more pitiful. "But I have to say it. Grandma is so upset because of you that she can't eat..."

She glanced at William, looking even more troubled.

Amelia stared at Bianca's innocent, fragile face, already contemplating which side of her face to slap later.

Maybe both sides.

That way, it would be symmetrical, and Bianca would definitely like that.

Amelia was almost eager to try.

Even Bianca, as naive as she was, could sense that Amelia's gaze was off. She took a half step back, not daring to continue.

Seeing Bianca fall silent, Amelia rubbed her hands, a bit disappointed.

William said, "Mr. Martinez, Amelia just got back and isn't familiar with Silverlight City. I'll be her guide today and show her around," William said.

A guide? Chase and Amelia both glanced at the wheelchair, thinking the same thing.

William noticed their looks and a slight smile curved his lips.

Chase replied, "Alright."

"Wait!" Bianca suddenly spoke up again from the back, holding up her phone. "Amelia, maybe you should go with Mr. Brown another time. I've arranged for you to meet some of Silverlight City's social elites today. You can't miss it."

"Things I don't know about have nothing to do with me," Amelia replied curtly, frowning.

Bianca had never mentioned this before, and Amelia didn't believe she would be so "kind."

"Mom," Bianca's soft voice called out as she tugged on Ava's arm, pouting. "Help me persuade Amelia. I've already told everyone, and they're looking forward to meeting her."

Ava patted Bianca's hand, looking a bit troubled as she glanced at the indifferent Amelia. After a moment of hesitation, she still didn't speak. Amelia had suffered so much and had finally come back. Ava didn't want to force her to do anything she didn't want to.

Ava said, "Amelia just got back. There's no rush to meet people today. If she doesn't want to go, she doesn't have to. I'll call the Jackson family later."

The Jackson family, along with the Brown and White families, were among the top three families in Silverlight City, holding significant influence.

Faye Jackson, the Jackson family's daughter, loved hosting tea parties and other events. Many people attended because of the Jackson family's reputation, and many mid-level socialites would do anything to get their daughters into these gatherings.

Bianca was still a bit unwilling. She fiddled with her fingers and continued, "But they said if I don't bring Amelia, I won't be invited anymore."

Ava looked even more troubled at this.

Seeing that Ava wasn't siding with Bianca, Amelia's eyes softened for a moment.

She extended her hand and said, "In that case, show me the chat records or any call recordings. Or call them now to confirm."

"This..." Bianca panicked. She had just come up with this idea to stop Amelia and William from going out. She hadn't actually arranged anything. Amelia was really not playing by the rules.

"Amelia, since Bianca has already made arrangements, why don't we go and take a look? After all, I'm your fiancé, and I can accompany you. Is that alright?" William said, gently stroking the wheelchair's armrest, which had been worn smooth from use. His words left the elders unfazed, but the younger ones were all wide-eyed with shock.

In their circle, everyone knew that William was ruthless in business and never attended any events hosted by the younger generation.

Amelia, however, was disgusted by the way he called her name, but after a moment's thought, she agreed.

It might be interesting. She liked new and exciting things.

"Ms. Martinez, what do you think?" William asked.

Bianca wanted to say no but couldn't. She forced a smile and nodded.

With the decision made, they waited downstairs while Ava took Amelia upstairs to change. She whispered a few words of advice, her eyes full of worry.

"Can you help me zip up?" Amelia asked, struggling to reach the zipper.

Ava stepped forward and was met with a view of Amelia's tanned skin, marred by faint, old scars.

Her hand froze, and her eyes reddened.

"What's wrong?" Amelia asked.

"Nothing," Ava replied, taking a deep breath. She zipped up Amelia's dress and left the room quickly, retreating to her own room.

As soon as she closed the door, tears streamed down her face.

Amelia must have suffered so much over the years.

It was her failure as a mother.

Amelia was unaware of this. She had almost forgotten about the scars on her back.

She finished dressing and was about to leave when she encountered Mason at the door.

"I warn you, at the party, you'd better keep your mouth shut and not embarrass Mom and Dad or Maya," Masonsaid.