“My dear child, you should have given me a call in advance,” said Olivia with disapproval, “So that I could send a driver to pick you up. Wasn’t Oscar keeping you company in the hospital? Where is he? Or did he leave after I left yesterday?” As she said this, displeasure shadowed over her face.
Amelia shook her head and quickly explained, “Mom, please don’t misunderstand. Oscar was with me the whole night. He left for the office because his secretary called to inform him that he had to be present for a project. Besides, I feel fine; I can just come back on my own.”
With that, Olivia’s tense expression eased a little. “I see, then that’s great. Amelia, if Oscar mistreats you, you must let me know. I will give him an earful.”
Amelia’s eyes watered, and she couldn’t help but hug Olivia. With a slight sob in her voice, she said, “Thank you, Mom. Thank you for still believing in me with all your heart, even after the whole ordeal with the photos. Thank you for your love and care throughout all these years. No matter what happens to Oscar and me, you will always be my mom.”
Olivia gave Amelia a light pat on her back and comforted her. “Silly child, why are you so sentimental all of a sudden?” she asked. “You have been my daughter-in-law for almost five years. I know very well what kind of a person you are. Sometimes pictures lie; I will only believe in what you say. So, do you have any romantic relations with the Scott heir?”
Amelia shook her head and said, “Mom, I have only ever wanted to be a good daughter for the Clinton family.”She went on to explain,
“Carter and I are merely friends who have known each other for many years. In fact, we have known each other since our university days. I don’t really know how to explain the context of these photos, but Mom, we are just ordinary friends.”
Just as Amelia finished, a mocking voice joined in their conversation. “Oh, so the adulteress is back? What she just said was so touching… I could cry.”
Amelia did not even need to raise her head to know who it was.
As Stephanie walked down from upstairs, Oliva watched her with slight annoyance and said, “Steph, stop spouting nonsense.”
Stephanie sat on the opposite sofa and rolled her eyes at Amelia. “Mom, did you think that I was just making things up?” she asked. “This woman has been having an affair with her boss, and she still had the audacity to fool you! I have never seen someone as shameless as she is! You’re the only one who thinks she’s precious. Have you seen any of our other family members being fond of her? At the very least, I find her absolutely disgusting.”
Amelia’s face fell.
Olivia’s frown deepened. “Steph, if you say one more word that is untrue, it’d be better if you’d just leave home,” she said with a stern expression.
Stephanie looked at her mom grudgingly and said, “Mom, just what do you like about her? You’d protect her to the extent of chastising your own daughter? I sometimes suspect that I am not your daughter, but she is instead.”
“Steph.”
An upset Stephanie continued, “Mom, am I wrong? Before she came to our house, I had been the apple of your eye, and you pampered me like a princess. But after she’d arrived, you changed completely! Did you keep count of how many times you have scolded me to defend her? I feel like she’s your daughter, and I’m an outsider who doesn’t belong to this family.”
“Steph, I know you don’t like me, but you shouldn’t doubt your mom’s love for you,” replied Amelia, feeling a little angry. “Her love for you is in no way inferior to any other mother. You’re making her sad with the way you’re talking to her.”
“As long as you are not a member of this family, we will be peaceful and harmonious like how we used to be,” Stephanie retorted condescendingly. “If you even have an ounce of dignity, leave this house and stop being an eyesore. After having photos like those taken… If I were you, I’d be ashamed to continue staying in this house.”
Amelia’s expression faltered even more.
She knew that Stephanie disliked her, but she had clearly underestimated the extent of that dislike.
Olivia was really angered this time. As soon as she got angry, her chest would hurt. She put a hand over her chest to keep herself steady. Amelia nervously held on to her and asked, “Mom, are you alright?”
Olivia was still holding onto her chest in pain, and Amelia tried to soothe her. “Mom, relax,” she said, “Don’t get agitated. Steph, hurry and get mom her medicine.”
Stephanie hurried upstairs in a fluster to get the medicine and scuttled back down. She quickly handed the medicine to her mother with a glass of warm water. “Mom, take your medicine first. I was wrong earlier. Please don’t get angry,” said Stephanie.
After taking her medicine, Olivia started to feel better.
“Mom, it was my fault. Please don’t be angry,” murmured Stephanie apologetically.
Olivia looked slightly better after the medication. “Steph, you are my daughter. How could I not love you?” she said helplessly. “I treat Amelia like she’s my daughter exactly because Amelia is your brother’s wife. I hope that the both of you can live together peacefully, then only our family can continue to prosper.” She went on and said, “Our family is a wealthy one, but we do not behave extravagantly like other rich families. Even though you have been pampered since you were young, you could still behave politely towards outsiders. Why couldn’t you extend that same courtesy that you show to other people to Amelia?”
Stephanie looked at Amelia briefly, contemplated for a moment, and mumbled, “Mom, I did not wish to anger you on purpose. It’s just that she’s not good enough for Oscar. An exceptional man like Oscar should have a wife who is equally outstanding in terms of lineage, academic qualifications, and ability.”
“Then tell me, what kind of woman would be good enough for your brother?”
“Mom, aren’t you asking the obvious? For me, the one who is the best for Oscar is Cassie. Her family background and looks are both top-notch.”
“Have you forgotten that she was the one who betrayed your brother? Can you guarantee that she won’t do it again?”
Stephanie was at a loss for words.
Although she could not guarantee anything, she was more than willing to have Cassie as her sister-in-law instead. They had been childhood friends, and they had a lot of common topics that they could discuss. Amelia was different. Hence, she despised Amelia from the bottom of her heart. That was why she would never approve of Amelia as her sister-in-law.
“Steph, you are a grown-up now. Very soon, you will get married and have a family of your own. You should have the ability to distinguish between right and wrong,” advised Olivia. “Amelia has treated you well ever since she joined our family. Every festive season, she would either buy you cosmetics that you liked or limited edition car models. Did you not feel her sincerity at all?”
Stephanie was silent.
Amelia gave a forced smile and said, “Mom, let’s not pressure Steph anymore. I did not do a good job. In the future, I will do my best to be a good daughter-in-law to the Clinton family. I believe one day Stephanie will accept me.”
Stephanie scoffed coldly, but she did not say anything further.
Owen came out from his study and proceeded down the stairs. Noticing Amelia, who was seated beside his wife, a complicated look flashed across his eyes. He then put on a calm expression and walked over to them.
“You’re here, Amelia,” he said monotonously.
Amelia stood up and greeted him. “Dad, I have not seen you for a few days. How are you?”
“I’m quite well. I heard from your mom that you were hospitalized yesterday. Do you feel better now?” asked Owen offhandedly.
“I am sorry to have made the both of you worry. I am fine now,” replied Amelia courteously.
Olivia glanced at her husband and said, “Quit looking at Amelia so sternly; you’ll scare her. If anything happens to my grandchild in her belly, I’ll hold you accountable for it.”
Owen just laughed softly.
The atmosphere somehow became heavy and silent.
Amelia hesitated for a while, then slowly said, “Dad, Mom, about the photographs, I am extremely sorry. However, I can explain it. Carter and I are just friends. I would not go behind Oscar’s back.”
“You really have no shame at all, Amelia,” Stephanie jeered.
Amelia’s eyes flickered, and she said, “Steph, I know you don’t like me, but I have nothing to hide. As I said, Carter and I are just friends.”
Stephanie mockingly retorted, “I heard that Mr. Carter treats you really well. He secured you a position in the design department through the back door, and he took great care of you in every aspect. Even the employees remarked that how he treated you has exceeded the boundaries of mere acquaintances.”
Amelia’s fist gradually tightened, but she relaxed her grip swiftly.
“Stephanie, have you been investigating me?” she asked faintly.
“Since you’ve already done such a deplorable deed, why can’t I investigate you?” asked Stephanie as if it was a matter of fact.
Olivia glared at Stephanie and said, “Steph, stop this nonsense.”
Stephanie pursed her lips, but being afraid that she would upset her mom again, she chose to refrain from speaking too harshly. “Mom, I am just stating the facts.”
Olivia just looked at her plainly.
Stephanie quieted down at last.
Finally, Owen spoke, “Amelia, follow me to my study for a moment. I have something to say to you.”
Amelia’s heart clenched. Olivia immediately looked to her husband and pleaded, “Amelia just got out of the hospital. Whatever you need to say to her can wait a few more days.”
Owen just gave a good-mannered smile and said, “Olivia, don’t be so sensitive. I just wanted to have a word with Amelia. Are you afraid that I’d harm her?”
Olivia was not convinced and clearly still worried. However, Amelia reassured her with a smile. “Mom, don’t worry. I think Dad just wanted to remind me about some things.”
“Darling,” said Olivia, “Amelia is pregnant. Be careful with your words, and do not scare her. If anything happens to her, I will not forgive you.”
Owen just smiled pleasantly in response.
Amelia followed him into his study.
He gestured at the chair in front of his desk and said, “Please sit.”
“Thank you,” Amelia politely responded.
After she had sat down, Mr. Clinton went straight to the point and said, “Amelia, the reason for my asking you to come up here is none other than the photographs. I am displeased at seeing these photos, and I did consider asking Oscar to divorce you previously. However, seeing as you are pregnant now, I suppose I shouldn’t be so cruel.”
Hearing that, Amelia’s mood went on a rollercoaster ride. She looked as if she was swallowing a bitter pill.
Owen didn’t talk much usually, but he was definitely the most shrewd person. To be able to manage a big business like Clinton Corporations, he was definitely not softhearted. He would not beat around the bush when conveying something.
Amelia lowered her head and said, “Dad, I’m really sorry for the photographs, but I can explain it.”
Owen casually waved his hand and continued, “Amelia, my purpose of asking you to come here, was to have you agree to the divorce from Oscar. This is the compensation that you will get after the divorce.”
Poor Amelia’s face paled considerably in an instant. Eyeing the manila envelope on the desk, she asked with trembling lips, “Dad, what do you mean?”
“Amelia, do not misunderstand. You are a good girl, but you are not cut out for our family,” said Owen steadily. “You have married into our family for almost five years, and you did your best to be a good daughter-in-law. To be fair, you are better than all the other women who had married into wealthy families. However, ultimately, you lack the background and the academic credentials. Therefore… here are the company’s dividends and five percent of my private properties. It will be enough for you to live out the rest of your life without worry. As for the child,” he paused and continued, “You will hand over the child to us after giving birth.”
With her lips still trembling, Amelia asked, “Dad, can you give me a reason for this?”
“I just feel that Oscar needs a woman who can help him in his career,” said Owen.
Amelia laughed bitterly.
“Dad, if Oscar needs someone like that, I can become a woman just like that. I have been a part of this family for almost five years. I thought that even if you didn’t like me, in your heart, you would have already accepted me as your daughter-in-law.”
