ã€ŠFLASH MARRIAGE; CHARMED BY THE RUTHLESS BILLIONAIRE CEOã€‹


 Chapter 1 - 1: Taken On The Night Before Her Wedding

    "You can stop pretending now, pretty doll. I know you''re awake."

    A rugged-looking stout man drawled lazily.

    "Shit!" Amelia bit down on her inner lips, cursing her ill luck. "What do you want from me?"

    "What every man wants. honey." A wicked smirk slowly curled up the man''s lips as he removed his gun from his waistband holster and put it away.

    "You are a really pretty lady and it truly breaks my heart to see you suffer this way."

    "Then why don''t you be a gentleman and just set me loose? I''m sure you and I can work something out."

    "Tempting, but no honey. I like my girls tied up."

    Amelia clenched her jaws, struggling with the thick rope binding her hands.

    "I reckon you would like some privacy." The man smacked his lips as he slowly approached her. His hungry eyes travelled down the length of her mini dress, resting on her exposed thigh.

    "Sure." Amelia sneered, her antenna beeping red.

    "So perfect and such a waste." He brought out a pocket knife, flipping it back and forth.

    Amelia could feel her heart pounding inside her mouth as she wondered what this man was up to.

    "You know, you and I are not so different after all. We are both prisoners locked up in the same room. But I''m sure after we get to know each other, you won''t be scared of me, my little cute bunny."

    ''Scared!'' Amelia clenched her fist that was tied behind her back.

    "Tell me, who paid you to do this?"

    "What difference would it make, little doll?" The man slowly stroked her slender neck, tracing his pocket knife on her collarbone.

    Amelia stiffened, rage slowly poisoning her veins.

    "I can make you rich. I can change your life. Do you want money, gold, diamond? Name your price. I will triple it. All you have to do is let me go."

    "Hmmm..." The man stopped his wandering hand, pretending to give her offer a thought. "Such a tempting deal. But you know what..." He lowered his head close to her ear. "There is no amount of money you can give in exchange for your sweet succulent..."

    Amelia didn''t wait for him to complete his statement as she pretended to lower her head and suddenly launched it backwards in one fierce blow. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Ahh..." The man staggered backwards, his pocket knife falling from his hand.

    Raising his hand to his broken nose while glaring at Amelia, the sight of his blood awakened the monster in him. He menacingly moved forward to face her.

    "You f*cking b*tch!" The angry man lifted his hand up in the air and struck her fiercely leaving behind a bold print on her face.

    Amelia fell sideways with her seat, hurting one of her arms in the process. But then her fingers touched something sharp and she quickly grabbed it.

    Laughing like someone who has lost her mind, Amelia spat out bloodied saliva.

    "Is that all you''ve got, tough guy? Come on, a five-year-old can do better than that."

    "You think so." The enraged man roughly picked Amelia from the floor, holding her in place.

    "I will show you what a grown man can do to a fragile kitten." He raised his hand again and slapped her a second and a third time, the echo of the slap reverberating in the empty room.

    "Want some more, huh...b*tch."

    Amelia''s reddened face contoured. It felt as though her jaws had been dislocated. Although she didn''t bargain for this level of pain, she finally succeeded in her mission of freeing her hands.

    "I''ve got two words for you, loser."

    "Yeah...let''s hear it." The seemingly powerful man snarled at his victim, lowering himself to wipe off the blood coming out of her bleeding nose.

    "Eat shit."

    In one swift move, Amelia stabbed the man on his jugular using his pocket knife.

    The man instantly freed her, staggering backwards while holding his punctured neck with both hands. His widened eyes were laced with surprise and horror as he fell to his knees.

    Amelia wasted no time in removing her blindfold and untying her legs.

    "K...k...k...kk..." The man tried to speak.

    "K...k...what, asshole?" Amelia kicked him fiercely on his crotch, sending him falling sideways as he slowly bled to death.

    Quietly removing her designer high heels, she ransacked the dying man''s pocket, the site of so much blood making her extremely nauseous.

    Sucking in her gut, she took the man''s car keys, his mobile phone and wallet. She also picked up the gun lying on the table, unsure of how many men were waiting outside the door.

    As she slowly approached the only exit door in the room, she took in a deep breath to calm her heavily pounding heart. She listened for any signs of movement or conversation. When she heard none, she slowly opened the door and slipped out of the room.

    Scrutinizing her environment, she noticed that she was in a sort of abandoned drycleaning warehouse.

    Snatching one of the men''s clothes on the hangers, she quickly slipped on the oversized shirt to cover her exposed body, before taking the back exit door.

    Just then, one of her abductors smoking with his pals outside decided to go check on the boss. When he found him lying on the floor, in the pool of his blood, he quickly raised an alarm and the other two outside swiftly took to their heels in search of the pretty lady.

    The sound of an ignited car engine coming from the back told them the lady was already outside the building.

    All three men ran out of the building in time to see the damn lady escaping in their boss''s newly acquired sports car.

    "I will kill that f*cking b*tch." One of the men swore as he sprinted to his own car with his other two partners chasing behind him. They all got into the vehicle and sped off in the direction the young lady went.

    As Amelia drove at a neck-breaking speed along the route of an unknown terrain, she tried to reach out to her fiance, Jerry Morgan, but couldn''t get in touch with him.

    Next, she tried her stepsister''s number. It rang continuously but the latter did not pick up.

    She tried calling her father and step mother''s number but it was switched off.

    "Fuck! Where is everyone when you need them?"

    The sight of an approaching car headlight at high speed told Amelia that her abductors had found her.

    "Shit!" Amelia cursed out loud.

    Strapping her seat belt on, she stepped on the gas pedal, accelerating the car to 120 km/hr. She made another left turn, heading straight for a bridge.

    "Stacy..." Amelia''s trembling hand quickly imputed her best friend''s number and dialled it, momentarily taking her eyes off the road.

    Stacy picked up on the first ring.

    "Hello, who is...."

    "St..."

    Honk!

    The sudden appearance of another car from the opposite direction, blasting its car horn made the phone slip out of Amelia''s hand.

    "F**k!" She quickly swerved to the right, stepping on her brake pedal at the same time.

    In an instant, screeching tyres and the shattering of glass pierced the serenity of the night as Amelia''s car went over the bridge, plunging into the tranquil dark river.

 Chapter 2 - 2: Where Is The Bride?

    Blaze Anderson usually travelled by air anytime he went on a business trip. But today for some weird reason, he decided to travel by road. He needed to clear his mind of so many crippling thoughts.

    It was already 10:55 PM, and the old country road that led through Lanche County wound up to a bridge.

    Feeling the cold breeze on his handsome face and staring peacefully at the full moonlight, Blaze''s tranquil thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the sound of a fast approaching car.

    "What the hell...Fred get out of the way." Blaze''s personal assistant, Marcus Haze, who was seated in the front passenger seat boomed at the driver, who was blasting his horn at the oncoming vehicle.

    Suddenly the screeching of tires, followed by the shattering of glasses forced Blaze to look out the side window.

    At that very split second, his gaze locked with those of the helpless lady in the slightly mangled sports car before it went over the bridge.

    "Stop the car." Blaze heard himself boom, his heart beating fast and his pulse racing.

    "Sir..." Marcus was scared out of his shit after missing death by just a whisker.

    "I said stop the goddam car." Blaze thundered taking off his suit jacket.

    Fred abruptly put his foot on the brake pedal and the car came to a halt.

    Blaze got out of the car just in time to see another car pass by with three suspicious-looking guys in it. He took note of their car plate number as he watched them temporarily slow down at the crash sight before zooming off.

    Blaze couldn''t explain what was going on in his mind as he sprinted across the road and dived into the river.

    Holding his breath, he swam up to the sinking car, whose headlight was still on, only to find the beautiful drowning lady, almost taking her last breath. She was pretty injured on the head. But thankfully, she had managed to free some part of her body from the flooded car.

    Taking hold of her waist, Blaze managed to free the rest of her body and swam with her to the shore where Marcus and Fred were already waiting with some first aid supplies.

    "Mr Anderson, are you alright?" Marcus shone his phone touch light on his boss who was gasping for air.

    "She is badly injured. Quick get..." Blaze froze upon recognising the pale face of the lady in his arms.

    "Isn''t that Amelia..."

    "Shawls..." Blaze completed Marcus''s statement, his expression turning dark.

    ''Did I just risk my life for the daughter of the man who betrayed my father?'' His jaws clenched.

    "Sir..."

    Blaze snapped out of his thoughts and started performing CPR on his enemy''s daughter, taking out as much water as he could out of her system and exchanging his breath with hers, through mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

    "Get the car started and get the team here. I want this matter treated discreetly and those f**kers captured." Blaze finally spoke up after getting a pulse from the unconscious beauty.

    *****

    Back at Senator Gregory Shawls'' magnificent mansion, there was tension in the air. All the servants and mansion workers spoke in hushed voices, afraid that they may bear the brunt of the senator''s anger.

    Rumours of the questionable disappearance of the bride were the topic on everyone''s lips.

    While some of the mansion staff outwardly lamented, praying for her safe return, others who never liked her secretly celebrated her absence.

    "Poor Miss Amelia, I hope she''s safe wherever she is." One of the uniformed maids serving food and drinks to the guests, shook her head sorrowfully as she passed by.

    "Poor Miss Amelia..." Another maid in uniform mimicked the first one, snickering.

    "Don''t mind that fat fool. She is always licking Miss Amelia''s butt." A third maid sneered. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I''m sure Miss Amelia is having an affair with another rich dude. You know how she keeps a lot of male friends." The second whispered while preparing a lemon tea for the sad madam of the mansion.

    "I feel so sorry for Mr Jerry. Such a handsome and generous man deserves someone better." The other hissed.

    "If I were him, I would choose Miss Gwen. She is far better than that spoiled brat." The second maid hissed lifting the tray of lemon tea with biscuits.

    "I hope she gets lost and never comes back to this house." The two chuckled and quickly left to carry out their respective duties.

    Inside the large sitting room, some members of the family, already lavishly dressed for the occasion, sat in small groups whispering amongst themselves.

    "Where is the Bride?" Was the question on everyone''s lips.

    Some professionally dressed men in black suits, who happened to be detectives were seen moving around speaking to different family members, and gathering intel.

    "Dad, what are we going to do?" Gwen couldn''t stop the tears from falling from her reddened eyes "It''s been more than fourteen hours since I last saw Amelia. I''m really scared."

    The troubled father pulled his second daughter into his arms. "Don''t be, my dear. Your sister will be found. Let''s stay positive."

    "What if..."

    "Shh...no what ifs."

    Gwen nodded her head, sniffling. "I already called Jerry and he is very devastated."

    "You called him? But I told you not to tell him anything." Senator Shawls'' brows furrowed.

    "I had to, dad. I''m sorry. He has been calling me all morning after Amelia stood him up last night. I didn''t know what else to say when he insisted on speaking to her. I was scared he would find out and hate me." Gwen''s body trembled in her father''s arms.

    "It''s okay. Let''s just hope he can manage this situation." The senator sighed, checking the time on his golden wristwatch. "We have less than an hour before the wedding. Have you spoken to Stacy?"

    "Yes, she''s a complete mess. We have both been to so many places searching for Amelia before we finally opened up to you guys."

    "Oh, Amelia..." The Senator raked his fingers through his hair. "Where is Jerry now?"

    "He is currently on his way here."

    "Has he said anything to his parents?"

    "No, I told him not to."

    "That''s good." Senator Shawls exhaled, releasing his daughter. "Let''s keep this information contained for now. No one has to know anything about it until we are sure of what happened. We cannot afford to attract unnecessary attention to ourselves. I don''t want the press hovering this place like flies."

    "Okay, Dad. I''ll go wait for Jerry outside." Gwen kissed her father on the cheek before leaving the sitting room.

    The senator loosened the tie around his neck as he took a seat while massaging his forehead.

    "Sir, I just finished speaking to the chief of police and there is no report about a missing person or an abduction." The detective handling the case said, trying to sound professional. "Is it possible that Miss Amelia never wanted to..."

    "No." Senator Shawls replied without giving it a second thought. "She loves Jerry and she wanted this union. It was never forced on her. What about the places she could likely visit last night? Have you made any more inquiries?"

    "Yes, sir. We have searched the hotel where the bachelorette party was held. We have also been to the location where the Bachelor''s Eve took place. We discretely questioned some of the people who attended the party. We also visited the restaurant where she was supposed to meet her fiance last night."

    "What about her penthouse apartment?"

    "Nothing. She hasn''t been there for almost a week now." The detective sighed. "From the intel we gathered from last night, Miss Amelia left the hotel but never showed up at her destination."

    "What about the CCTV footage outside the hotel?" Mr Shawls asked, feeling a bit hopeless. "Can''t it tell us where she went?"

    "I''m afraid not, sir. The CCTV outside the hotel can only capture guests coming and leaving the premises. It captured her leaving the premises in her car. But she never returned. Weirdly, her car was parked four poles away from the hotel. There were no signs of struggle or forced entry. She left with her personal items, locking the car key inside the car. I don''t know if this was a mistake or intentional. But If I didn''t know any better, I would say she willingly hitched a ride with a stranger, with no plans of returning that night."

    "Oh my god!"

    Mrs Regina Shawls (Amelia''s stepmother), who had been sniffling quietly, cried out dramatically gaining everyone''s attention.

 Chapter 3 - 3: The Replacement Bride

    "Why... Why us? Why this family? Why today of all days? What have we done to deserve this level of humiliation?" Regina, lamented dramatically like she cared.

    ''Seriously!'' Aunt Judith, Amelia''s maternal aunt could not hide the look of disgust on her face as she watched the gold digger spew more trash.

    "Detectives, please excuse us. I need to talk to my wife." Senator Shawls said plainly, pointing at the exit door.

    "Okay senator, we will keep you posted if there is any new development." The detective clicked his fingers and his colleagues followed him out.

    Regina continued complaining as the last detective shut the door.

    "What are we going to do to save this family from this embarrassment? What are we going to tell our guests who have travelled from all over the world to support us? How are we going to face the public criticism? What will happen to all those expensive food, drinks, and decorations? What..."

    "Regina!" Senator Shawls snapped at his wife, unable to hold back the tumour growing in his heart.

    A hush instantly fell inside the living room as all eyes darted between the senator and his wife, waiting for a verbal tussle.

    "Are you serious right now? My daughter is missing and all you can think about is food and drinks. What has come over you? Are those worthless things more important than my daughter?"

    "Greg please, stop yelling at me. I haven''t said anything wrong. I am just stating the fact.

    "What fact..." Senator Shawls glared at his wife,

    "If my memory serves me right, this isn''t the first or second time that Amelia has suddenly decided to leave without telling anyone where she is going. She is a free-spirited child. But the good thing is that she always comes back home whenever she is ready and she always has a wonderful story to tell."

    Some members of the family nodded their heads in agreement.

    "So true." Pearl, Regina''s younger sister, openly concurred, earning her a scowl from the senator. But Regina wasn''t done talking.

    "Honey, I know this situation is a bit dicey and it breaks my heart to see our family distressed. But I''m positive that Amelia is fine wherever she is. Nevertheless, I''m still worried about how this would affect the family''s image if not handled properly. I don''t want us to become the laughingstock of the century. This could even ruin your political career."

    "Leave my political image out of this and focus on finding my daughter." Senator Shawls'' face hardened, his tone chilly.

    "Greg..." Pearl tried to butt in again but was completely shunned by the senator.

    "Fine. But have it at the back of your mind that Amelia is also my daughter and I care about her well-being too." Regina lowered her head, pretending to be shattered by her husband''s harshness.

    "Gregory!" Old Nana Shawls called in a rebuking voice. "Don''t you ever talk to your wife in that manner again? She has the right to be worried about this family''s image, unlike that spoilt brat of a daughter you have."

    "Mother, how could you say something like that?" Senator Shawls'' furrowed brows deepened.

    "Why wouldn''t I, huh? Amelia is a spoiled brat and you are the reason why we are in this mess." the old woman lashed out.

    "Mother please," Regina tried to plead while grinning inwardly.

    "Amelia is a sweetheart and Greg is right," Regina said holding her husband''s dark gaze. "I shouldn''t have said all those things. It was insensitive of me."

    "More like realistic if you ask me? And don''t plead on his behalf, daughter-in-law. If he can bully you like this, then he doesn''t deserve your sympathy. Someone has to tell him the truth even though it hurts."

    "I don''t bully my wife, mother." Senator Shawls was deeply hurt by his mother''s remark. "I''m just worried about my missing daughter."

    "So am I and everyone gathered in this room." The old woman sighed, taking pity on her son''s frustration.

    "Greg, I know you love your late wife very much. She has sacrificed so much for this family and there is no question why you chose to favour Amelia so much. You are a good father but you have also made a lot of mistakes with that girl. You pampered her too much. For all we know, she could be somewhere having so much fun while we are here hitting our heads on the wall. This family will no longer condone her excesses. It''s time to make a tough decision or I will. If Amelia doesn''t show up for this wedding, she will be disowned from this family."

    "What? But mother, what if she was really abducted? We can''t draw up conclusions based on her past mistakes." Senator Shawls said feeling more depressed than ever.

    Finally taking advantage of the opportunity presented, Regina suggested. "What if Gwen stood in for her sister pending when Amelia returned."

    "What!" Everyone in the room gasped. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "How generous." Regina''s sister was the first to praise her.

    "This is really selfless of you, Gina." Uncle Matt commended.

    "I''m sure Amelia will be grateful wherever she is." Uncle Desmond concurred.

    "Way to go, aunt." One of Amelia''s paternal cousins praised the senator''s wife.

    "That sounds like a good plan if Gwen is willing to help her sister." Nana Shawls shrugged.

    The only person who didn''t support this insane idea was Aunt Judith. She kicked against the idea knowing it would hurt her niece so much.

    The senator''s sunken mood slowly brightened seeing the possibility of the wedding still holding while searching for his daughter.

    "What about Gwen? Would she agree to stand in for her sister?"

    "No, I won''t, Dad." Gwen suddenly walked into the room with Jerry tagging behind. "I would never do such a thing to my sister." She said before running upstairs, crying.

    "Gwen..." Jerry called after her but Regina stopped him.

    "Jerry, leave my daughter to me. I can talk to her. Gwen loves her sister so much and would do anything within her power to make Amelia happy including sacrificing her own happiness. All you have to do is say yes to this proposal and I will go talk to my daughter. She will listen to me."

    "Yeah right!" Aunt Judith scoffed, picking up her fancy clutch.

    "Judith, where are you going?" Senator Shawls asked.

    "If you will all excuse me, I will go out and look for my niece," Judith said and walked out of the room with her shoulder held high.

    "Bitter witch!" Regina muttered under her breath.

    "Judith..." Senator Gregory called after his sister-in-law.

    "I can see where my granddaughter inherits all her arrogance from. That family is just impossible. Let her leave." Nana Shawls put out her walking stick to block her son''s path.

    A glint of pleasure and victory flashed across Regina''s scheming eyes as she exchanged quick glances with her younger sister.

    "Not everyone would agree with this idea. But there comes a time when we must make difficult decisions to save the family''s image." Nana Shawls said in a solemn voice. "Today is the day to make one of those tough decisions. So if any of you in this room are opposed to this marriage arrangement except the groom, now is the time to leave."

    There was complete silence in the living room as no one objected to the family''s matriarch.

    "Splendid." The old woman smiled. "Greg you may take over."

    Greg released a long sigh. "Okay, mum."

    He took a few steps toward Jerry and patted him on the shoulder.

    "Jerry, I already see you as my son-in-law. I know you love my daughter, Amelia but right now we have no idea where she is. I fear she may have run into some sort of trouble. But I''m hopeful that we will find her. The decision is all up to you, now. I will not compel you to marry Gwen in her sister''s place. But if you do this for me and Amelia, I will forever be indebted to you."

    Jerry lowered his head in deep thought. There was so much at stake and he couldn''t afford to disappoint his family.

    "Okay, let''s do this, uncle."

    "Perfect." Regina couldn''t help beaming at her successful plan.

    "If I may ask..." Pearl cleared her throat while avoiding eye contact with the senator. "Whose name will be on the marriage certificate, Gwen or Amelia."

    "Amelia of course," Regina replied in a rebuking tone.

    "Pearl..." Senator Shawls clenched his fist.

    "It''s just a harmless question." Pearl smiled sheepishly.

    "Yes, Gwen is standing in for her sister. So it''s only fair that Amelia''s name should be on the marriage certificate." Uncle Matt agreed with Regina.

    "Then it settled." The old Nana clasped her hand joyfully.

    "All that is left is to speak to our new bride. I will go fetch her." Regina left for her daughter''s bedroom.

 Chapter 4 - 4: The Battered Beauty.

    Immediately Gwen entered her bedroom, she shut the door behind her. Her heart was slamming wildly against her chest as she hurried into her walk-in wardrobe and came out with a small cell phone.

    Dialing the only number saved on the contact, she brought the phone to her right ear and spoke coldly.

    "Lin, tell me you have found her corpse."

    "Not yet, Lady G." A female voice responded from the other end.

    "What the f**k are you waiting for? More money? Or do you want that f**king b*tch to ruin all my months of planning?" Gwen asked pacing up and down in her room. Small beads of sweat were already forming on her forehead as she considered all the possibilities of Amelia miraculously showing up at the mansion.

    "No, Lady G. We were having some challenges earlier. But we are on top of the case now. I can assure you that she is not in this city. Our strike team have already infiltrated the Interpol database. They would keep us abreast with all the information needed to track her down. If she shows up on our radar, we will take her out."

    "I''m still not f**king impressed, Lin." Gwen''s face twisted, anger boiling in her voice. Her initial mask of vulnerability had been replaced with that of a hardened criminal seeking to wreak havoc.

    "I gave you guys a simple job and you failed miserably. Tell me, how hard can it be to take out one measly tramp? She was given to you on a platter of gold and you succeeded in messing it all up. I''m supposed to be getting ready for my wedding but here I am, stressing out because of your stupidity." Gwen let out a frustrated sigh, wiping the sweat on her forehead with the back of her hand.

    "Lady G, I know we messed up but I promise you, we will fix it."

    "You better or I will get someone else to take care of you too." Gwen hissed and ended the call. She was about to sit on her bed when she heard approaching footsteps.

    Thinking it was Jerry, Gwen speedily dashed into her walk-in wardrobe and hid the phone. Then she hurried over to her vanity mirror dresser and picked up her menthol tear stick. She applied it below her eyes and ran back to her bed, almost tripping on the floor. She dived onto the bed just in time as the doorknob twisted.

    "Go away, Jerry. I want to be alone." Gwen said in a feigned broken voice as the door opened. Her back was turned against the door and she didn''t get to see the sly grin spreading across her mother''s face.

    "You deserve an Oscar award for best female actor in Hollywood, sweetheart." Regina praised her daughter after shutting the door and completing the locks.

    "Mom..." Gwen turned sideways, slightly disappointed to see her mother. "I thought it was Jerry." She pouted climbing out of the bed.

    "You needed to see that love-sick puppy almost running after you if I hadn''t stopped him."

    A thin smile crossed Gwen''s lips as she picked up a tissue and wiped out the stinging menthol balm under her eyes.

    "Has he agreed to the proposal?"

    "What do you think?" Regina came up to her daughter, beaming proudly and stroking her flushed cheeks lovingly.

    "I knew he couldn''t resist my charm." Gwen''s smile widened. "At least we won''t have to hide our affair anymore. You have no idea how sickening it was to watch Jerry cuddling and kissing that tramp in my presence. Sometimes I felt like strangling her with my bare hands."

    "Well, she is out of our lives for good." Regina scoffed, happy that they had finally gotten rid of the pest.

    "But those bastards failed me, mum." Gwen lamented in a slightly shaky voice. "They didn''t stick to the initial plan. One of the fools got himself stabbed to death and the others have disappeared into thin air with Amelia. What if she shows up later on in the future?"

    "She will have nothing to come back to as long as you get married to Jerry today," Regina said reassuringly.

    "You think so?"

    "I know so," Regina said confidently, leading her daughter to the bedside. They both sat down, holding each other''s hand. "All you have to do is continue being that charming princess before your father and the old hag. As long as you play your cards right with them and keep Jerry under your wings, you will be untouchable."

    "Okay, mum." Gwen exhaled, releasing a sigh of relief. "I can''t believe I''m getting married today."

    "Me too..." Both women hugged themselves, giggling like little children.

    "Finally, I''m going to have Grandma and Dad''s blessing to marry the man of my dreams."

    "Yes... The old hag is finally on our side after years of insults. You needed to see the way she shunned your father in front of the entire family. It was simply epic." Regina''s eyes glimmered with happiness.

    "What about that arrogant cow called Judith." Gwen sneered. "I saw her strutting out of the mansion like a featherless peacock when Jerry''s car drove into the premises."

    "Humiliated." Regina tittered like a witch. "You know how she always seeks to control your father and oversee Amelia''s inheritance. Well, today marks the end of her poke-nosing. Once that marriage certificate is signed in Amelia''s name, your father would have no choice but to sign the liquidation of her trust fund. Everything has been arranged. Jerry and you- posing as Amelia,- will be the new beneficiaries of that billions of dollars. We are made for life, honey."

    "Oh yeah...oh yeah..." Gwen stood up, dancing gaily.

    "Now it''s time to take off these horrible clothes and get you all glammed up for your celebrity wedding." Regina cooed excitedly as she picked up the intercom and dialled the maid''s quarter. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Send the stylist, the makeup artist upstairs. The bride is waiting."

    -

    -

    Inside the VIP ward of a private hospital in Hilbor County - hundreds of kilometres away from the ongoing wedding ceremony- Amelia lay motionless on the bed.

    Several beeping machines, tubes and IV drips were strapped to her pale body. Her head, right arm and left leg were neatly bandaged and one of her closed black eyes was slightly swollen.

    After undergoing hours of surgery to fix up her battered body, the doctor declared her free from danger but unfit to leave the bed for the next seven days. The MRI, X-ray and CT scan revealed a few slightly fractured bones but thankfully there was no record of a brain injury.

    Seated beside the battered beauty and wondering what the heck he was doing looking out for the daughter of an enemy, Blaze was looking exhausted and sleep-deprived. He had been awake all night, standing outside the operation theatre as the theme of doctors battled to save Amelia.

    Even after she was transferred from the emergency ward to the intensive Care VIP ward, he still felt the need to stay by her bedside and wait until she opened her eyes.

    On one hand, Blaze loathed the unconscious beauty feeling she deserved to suffer alongside the rest of her family. But on the other hand, he felt sorry for her, seeing all her fragile body was made to endure under the space of eighteen hours.

    Blaze was aware that Senator Gregory Shawls had a lot of enemies in the business and political world. But something about this abduction and attempted assassination felt very suspicious on a different level.

    After recovering some items from the unconscious Amelia and the impounded car which was currently undergoing demolition at a junkyard, Blaze had reasons to believe Amelia''s enemies were internals. To confirm his suspicions, he received an update on an ongoing celebrity wedding ceremony between Amelia Shawls and Jerry Morgan from his personal assistant, who was currently investigating the accident.

    If the real Amelia Shawls is currently incapacitated from an attempted assassination, then who was that impostor pretending to be her? Why didn''t the senator call off the wedding since his real daughter was missing? Why aren''t the law enforcement agencies searching for her? Why hasn''t the news captured anything about her abduction? What was going on in that godforsaken family?

    All these and many more questions bombarded Blaze''s thoughts making him more curious than ever before.

    He leaned forward from his seat, inspecting the bruised face of the sleeping beauty. Even in her battered state, something about her fragility and ethereal beauty pulled him closer to her. It reminded him of his delicate mother and how much she meant the world to him.

    Softly touching her bruised cheek, his gaze became darker and chillier than ever, a deep contrast to his handsome and calm look. His hand slowly balled into a fist as he recalled that look of helplessness in her eyes before her car plunged into the river.

    "No one is allowed to punish you except me, Amelia." He said in a deep and caustic tone as he removed his hand from her face. "I will punish all those who have dared to lay a finger on you. I will make them pay with their lives and everything they stand for. This I promise."

    Blaze''s phone suddenly beeped twice, indicating that he had just received a message.

    When he swiped the screen upward and opened the message sent to him, a devilish smirk slowly curled up his lips as his darkened grey orbs fell on the image on his phone.

 Chapter 5 - 5: The Difference

    While Blaze stayed by Amelia''s side patiently waiting for her to regain consciousness, Marcus became his ears and eyes outside the hospital world.

    Following his boss''s rigid instructions, Marcus employed the services of a ghost team made up of a tracker, a hacker and a ferocious hunter.

    This lethal team were given two major pieces of information - the plate number of the escaping BMW car and the location of the crash site - to carry out their mission. They were funded and set loose, to track down the three suspicious criminals responsible for Amelia''s almost fatal condition.

    Within hours, the abandoned BMW was tracked down to Fin City, 100km north of Hilbor County.

    Upon further investigation, the tracker discovered that they were not the only ones looking for the escaped criminals. Another equally funded group were searching for their target.

    Turning the table around on the second trackers, the leader of the ghost team discovered something interesting about their competition. They were receiving their directives from someone in Salvine City.

    Further hacking into the database of their competition revealed more interesting facts about an elite security agency run by a woman. This name and the details of the operational location were forwarded to Marcus.

    Marcus who was currently gate-crashing a celebrity wedding using his boss''s connection, re-sent the same information and the picture of the woman to his patiently waiting boss. He also sent more pictures of the just wedded bride and groom, the ecstatic Shawls family, and the Shawls family lawyer carrying out his first and formal duty to the married heiress.

    -

    -

    "Lin Fox..." Blaze darkened grey orbs glimmered with a hint of derision and rage. "...how interesting."

    Everything slowly became clearer on how Amelia was abducted without anyone raising a feather. A specialized and government-approved security agency was also functioning as a cleaning service company, operating in a dual capacity.

    Ironically, this elite security agency handled all of the internal and external security of Senator Shawls, making the abduction not only flawless but also convenient.

    Scrolling through more of the pictures received, Blaze''s chilly gaze came to rest on that of the imposter bride. With one single look, he could tell it wasn''t her. He knew her face like the back of his hand.

    Probably from years of plotting his sweet revenge, or the fact that she dominated the cover of every celebrity magazine for either gracing a charity ball, launching a new cosmetic line or simply being Amelia, the fashionista.

    Call it infatuation or simply studying your enemy -in this particular case, your enemy daughter- at a distance, yet close range, Blaze knew her.

    The imposter bride was nothing like the elegant Amelia. He could leisurely spell out the glaring differences between both ladies.

    While Amelia had a small and delicate nose tip with a slight upturn, the impostor her short, thick and stubby nose. Another glaring difference was the shape of their face. Amelia''s had a perfectly sculptured sweetheart face while the imposter had an oval face. Surely the makeup and the wedding veil didn''t do much to cover this variation. And then, there was the eyes.

    Blaze recalled how he thought Amelia had the most sexy hazel eyes he had ever seen. They looked like a pool of warm honey and amber hues blended in perfect harmony. But even with the contact lenses of the imposter, it could never compare to nature''s perfection.

    "How dumb can people be? Have they suddenly gone blind?" Blaze pondered. "Can''t they see that the lady standing beside that good-for-nothing shithead is a phony?"

    Disgusted and enraged by the callousness of this greedy family, Blaze dialed Marcus'' number.

    The sound of music, merriment and loud cheering greeted him when Marcus received the call.

    "Boss, please give me a few seconds while I leave this noisy place." Marcus pleaded from the other end in a slightly quavering voice. Even though he was miles away, he could still feel his boss''s dangerous aura from his eerily calm breathing.

    Blaze remained silent, tapping his fingers on the armrest, his icy gaze never leaving the face of the unconscious beauty.

    "Boss..."

    "Have you found out who the fake bride is?" Blaze said impatiently, his anger evident in his spine-chilling deep voice.

    "Yes, boss. It''s her step-sister, the one called Gwen Shawls." S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Gwen..." Blaze''s handsome face contoured. "That rotten daughter of the shameless mistress?"

    "The same manipulative one, sir." Marcus also expressed his disgust for the new bride.

    "How original." Blaze scoffed. "The rotten apple doesn''t really fall far from the tree. Like mother, like daughter, both scums of the twenty-first century."

    Blaze rose from his seat, anger bubbling in his veins like molten lava. He felt like punishing someone for the pain Amelia was currently going through. Taking one pitiful look at her battered face, fury swelled in his heart like a raging storm.

    ''How could she have been so blind all these years? Surely, there must have been a sign or something to tell her that her family never loved her.''

    Blaze felt like punching a hole through the wall. But then he remembered that the Shawls were very good if not excellent at manipulating people. If Gregory could deceive his father and rip him off years of hard work, leading to his stroke and untimely death, then deceiving his own daughter wasn''t a difficult task.''

    Blaze exhaled deeply releasing all the anger in him. He slowly walked back to her bedside and sat down beside her, staring blankly into her peaceful face. A weird smile formed on his lips as a thought crossed his heart.

    Everything happening in Amelia''s life seemed like deja vu. First, the mistress steals the limelight, wasting no time in taking the golden spot of the true heiress of the Shawls family, after her death. And now, the illegitimate daughter displaces the real daughter of the true heiress in other to steal her weakling of a fiance and her fortune. The perfect cycle of life for the filth of the earth.

    But in their greed and selfishness lies their karma; a pushover male, wealth and power. Take these three things from them and they will be left handicapped like toothless dogs chasing after their tails.

    "The perfect antidote to the Shawls'' poison. Blaze muttered under his breath, chuckling bitterly.

    "Did you say something, boss?" Marcus asked.

    "Huh... no." Blaze forgot that Marcus was still on the phone. "What about the dickless f**ker who calls himself her fiance?"

    "Acting a bit weird, boss. He seems a bit uptight for someone marrying the girl of his dreams. If I didn''t know any better, I would say he''s aware of the replacement."

    "Of course he is?" Blaze scoffed. "Keep a tab on the asshole and keep me posted on any new report. I will talk to you later." Blaze ended the call.

    At that same time, he received another call from his dearest mother.

    "Son, where are you?"

 Chapter 6 - 6: Ingratitude

    "Son, where are you?" The soft textured voice of a woman queried lovingly from the other end of the phone. "Are are alright? Did something happen to you?"

    A deep crease lined Blaze''s forehead as he stood up and quietly left Amelia''s ward, shutting the door silently behind him.

    "I''m perfectly fine, mom. You don''t have to be worried about me." Blaze''s initially cold and vicious aura was replaced with a soft and affectionate tone.

    "Says who?"

    ''Here we go again.'' Blaze massaged his forehead in slight frustration.

    "Blaze Darian Anderson, do I need to remind you that you are the only man in my life? Do you intend to abandon me just like your father did? You were supposed to return home last night after your four-day trip. I had the chefs prepare your favorite dish. But you never showed up. No calls, no text messages, no nothing. I stayed up late waiting for you, scared out of my wits. Your number was unreachable and at some point, it was switched off. I called Eugene and he had nothing to say to me. I called the office but you never showed up at work this morning. I even tried Marcus''s number but it was unreachable. Tell me, do you want me to die of hypertension?"

    "Mom, come on. Don''t speak of death, please. You know how much I love you. You are everything to me." Blaze said in a slightly bruised tone.

    "Then, don''t you ever scare me like that next time?"

    "I''m sorry, mum."

    "Fine, but you will have to bribe me to forgive you."

    "Name your price. I''m ready to get you anything that money can buy."

    "Anything?"

    "Yes, mum. Anything money can buy."

    "Hmm...I will hold you on your promises. But in the meantime, tell me, why didn''t you return home last night?"

    "I ran into a little bit of an issue but I''m handling it."

    "Is it serious?"

    "No, mum. It''s nothing you should worry your pretty head about."

    "Are you in town?"

    "No Mom, but I''m not far away either." Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Tell me where you are and I''ll come this instant."

    "What..." Blaze chuckled.

    "Don''t waste my time young man. Send me the address. I''m bringing you your dinner since you''ve missed three meals already. It''s your favorite yummy and spicy chicken soup noodles."

    "Mum, you do know I''m a grown-ass man right?" Blaze''s frown slowly turned into a smile.

    "Not for me, dear. You will always be my baby even when you have children of your own."

    "Ahem...." Blaze almost choked on his saliva at his mum''s mention of the word, children. He could guess where this conversation was heading and he wasn''t in the mood for this.

    "Mom, I''ve got to go. Duty calls. I''ll see you this evening."

    "Blaze..."

    "I promise. Love you." Blaze ended the call, chuckling at his mother''s never-ending tactics about him settling down.

    Back inside the VIP ward, Amelia''s fingers slowly began to move by her side. The heart rate machine picked up it pace as she grimaced and twitched, struggling to flutter her weak eyelashes.

    The smell of antiseptic, disinfectant and a slightly strong but alluring masculine cologne hit her highly sensitive nostrils. She could also hear the beeping sounds of different medical devices, telling her that she was probably inside a hospital.

    As her blurry vision slowly adjusted to the brightness of the light inside her VIP ward, Amelia tried to swallow her saliva but it felt like tiny needles piercing through the soft muscles of her parched throat.

    Tilting her head to the side and moistening her dry lips, her gaze fell on a half-filled bottle of water sitting on the table by her beside. She tried to reach out and get it but her body wouldn''t cooperate. Her arms felt heavy and her legs were uncooperative.

    "Shit." Amelia echoed in her heart. She observed that a chair was pulled close to her bed and she could perceive a male''s cologne lingering in the air. This scent was unfamiliar to her.

    This person was either a friend or foe and Amelia chose to believe in the latter due to her recent encounter. She was about to reach out from the drip stand when her ears picked up the sound of someone approaching the door.

    "Shit!" Amelia painfully reverted to her original position, shutting her eyes and suppressing her rapid breathing.

    Blaze quietly opened the door and slipped in without making much of a sound. He made his way to her bedside and was about to sit when he observed something different about the sleeping beauty.

    Her cheeks were slightly flushed and the heart rate monitor was now reading a higher heartbeat per minute.

    Peering into her closed eyes and listening to her breathing, he could tell she was forcing herself to remain still.

    ''So the little sly fox is already awake and is pretending to be unconscious?'' Blaze chuckled inwardly, finding her behavior both cute and annoying. ''I''m sure two can play this game of pretense.''

    Blaze inhaled, leisurely taking his seat by her bedside, a wicked smirk curling up the side of his lips. He held up his left hand, checking the time on his customized leather wristwatch, before returning his cold gaze to her.

    "1, 2,3,4...30, 31... won''t this asshole say something?" Amelia cursed in her heart, as her cheeks slowly began to turn red due to lack of oxygen. She could tell whoever was seated beside her was currently watching her and any movement she made now - whether inhaling or exhaling- would give her up. So she held on.

    "...57, 58, 59..." Amelia opened one of her eyes just to be sure she wasn''t making up an imaginary stranger in her mind.

    "Gotcha!" A mischievous grin played at the corner of Blaze''s lips.

    "Asshole!" Amelia inhaled and exhaled sharply, filling her lungs greedily with air while glaring at the drop-dead gorgeous man seated beside her.

    "Asshole!" The smile suddenly vanished from Blaze''s eyes and was replaced with something far more deadly. No one had ever dared to use such vulgar words on him. Yet this ungrateful and undeserving lady whom he had risked his neck to save just called him an asshole.

    Blaze was simply at a loss on how to react. He was tempted to grab her by the neck and rip out her jaws. But he knew he couldn''t bring himself to do such a nasty thing to her, especially in her condition.

    Clenching both his fists, he simply stood up and was about to leave when Amelia called out to him.

    "Hey, you..."

    Blaze paused on his track, thinking she had just recognized her mistake and was about to apologize and beg for his mercy. But to his shock, she repeated the same forbidden word and this time with so much confidence.

    "...asshole, are you planning to leave me like this? Aren''t you going to tell me who you are or why you want me dead?"

    Blaze could feel a raging storm brewing in his bulging veins. He was gritting his teeth so hard that his jaws began to ache. His darkened gaze slowly turned to meet those of Amelia''s defiant ones, as he thought of ways to punish her for this level of disrespect. He didn''t care if she mistook him for the bad guy.

    Right now he wanted to be that bad guy and more.

    Slowly returning to her bedside, taking slow and intimidating steps like a dark lord about to claim its helpless victim, Blaze''s right hand slowly reached out for her neck.

    Amelia''s hazel eyes widen in alarm. She could feel her heart slamming widely against her chest as she shrunk deeper into her soft bed. She could feel her kidneys and liver failing her as she tightened her grip on the bedside, wishing she had not angered this handsome devil before her. But amid her fright, she recognized him.

    "Blaze..."

    Blaze didn''t anticipate this three hundred and sixty degree switch in her personality. A second ago, she was as vile as a spitting cobra begging for death. And right now her voice was as gentle as a dove, calling his name in the most alluring tune.

    "I know you. You are Blaze Anderson." Amelia repeated, tears welling up in her eyes.

    Blaze felt weakened. He withdrew his hand to his side, clenching his fist.

    "Why?" Amelia asked, still considering him as the enemy and the man behind her abduction. "Why did you do it?"

    "Do what?" Blaze boomed, finally finding his voice, unable to bear the sting of her insults and accusations.

    Amelia shuddered under the ferociousness of his voice. But this didn''t stop her from confronting her fears. Her heart was breaking and her body was in a lot of pain as she glared at the man responsible for her misery.

    "Are you going to deny that you had me kidnapped, tortured and almost killed?"

    "What! Don''t flatter yourself, Amelia." Blaze said between clenched jaws. "You are not that special and I''m not that sloppy. Reserve your anger for those who betrayed you. I''m sure you''re going to need all the strength you''ve got."

    With those cold words, Blaze left her beside and stormed out of the VIP ward slamming the door so hard that even the hinges complained bitterly.

    Minutes later, a group of doctors and nurses came to the VIP ward to check on Amelia.

    Amelia felt relieved upon seeing these friendly faces. She didn''t make a fuss as the head doctor examined her vitals, ensuring she was healing properly and not overstressed. She was given enough water to quench her thirst and her almost depleted IV drip bag was changed, alongside some infusion medication.

    "Miss Amelia, you need to avoid any form of mental, emotional and physical stress in the next couple of days to allow your body to heal. Any excessiveness on your part may delay your full recovery."

    "Okay, doctor."

    Amelia tried to question the head doctor about Blaze and why he was taking care of her. But she didn''t get much out of the doctor except for the fact that Blaze was the one who brought her to the hospital covered in her blood.

    "He did..." Amelia was left in a daze as she recalled seeing those hypnotic grey eyes before her car plunged into the river.

    ''If Blaze was the one who saved me, then who was responsible for the abduction.'' Amelia pondered.

    "Can I at least use your phone to contact my family? I''m sure they are worried sick about me." Amelia pleaded to the doctor.

    "I am afraid I will have to speak with Mr Anderson first because he thinks your life is in danger." The doctor said dismissively as he rounded up his activity. "In the meantime, I will advise you to rest." He patted her on the shoulder and left the ward after giving strict instructions to the nurses on duty.

 Chapter 7 - 7: Shocked

    Blaze couldn''t get himself to calm down after leaving Amelia''s ward. His nose was flared and his lethal gaze was contoured with rage as he dialed Marcus number and boomed over the phone.

    "Send the helicopter here, right now." He ended the call abruptly, his death grip on the phone almost crushing the device.

    Sighting a nurse approaching him from the left wing, he turned his vicious glare towards her, almost giving the unfortunate mature woman a heart attack.

    "Get Doctor Luke and see to it that the young lady in VIP ward 5 is taken care of."

    "Yes, sir..." The mature nurse nodded her head vigorously as she scurried past the scary-looking young man, afraid that he would shoot her down with his laser beam eyes.

    Turning towards the hospital exit, Blaze stormed out of the building, cursing under his breath and venting his anger on innocent employees of the private hospital.

    No one had ever pushed him to this limit of anger. Not even his dear mother or his overbearing grandparents. He was treated like a prince in his family and worshipped like a demigod amongst his business rivals.

    ''How in the hell did he become an asshole overnight after rescuing that brat?'' Blaze felt like punching a hole through the air as he waited patiently for his helicopter to arrive.

    All he wanted to do at the moment was get as far away as possible from this annoying wild cat before he did something he would live to regret.

    Thirty minutes later, the thrumming sound of an approaching helicopter forced Blaze to look up. He took a long stride to the rooftop helipad where the helicopter had just landed.

    "Good evening, sir." Marcus cautiously approached his stoned face boss, wondering who had provoked him to this extent.

    Blaze ignored his greeting as he gave more instructions between clenched jaws.

    "Keep an eye on that ungrateful brat and give me a steady update on her improvement. But do not make contact with her until I tell you to."

    "Yes, sir." Marcus nodded.

    "And make sure she doesn''t contact anyone outside this hospital otherwise I''ll have your head on a stake," Blaze said before climbing the helicopter and giving the pilot the go signal.

    Marcus swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat at his boss''s threat knowing he wasn''t the type to make empty threats. He moved backwards as the helicopter rotor blade started spinning, the increasing speed generating a lift until the helicopter was airborne.

    "It seems the young miss is awake. But what could she have said or done to get on the boss''s nerves." Marcus muttered under his breath as he made his way into the hospital ward.

    *****

    It had been six days, four hours, and thirty-five minutes since the last time Amelia saw Mr grumpy or any other human aside from the friendly doctors and nurses attending to all her needs.

    Aside from the wall clock in her VIP ward and a television that was only tuned to one movie channel, she was denied access to any form of civilization outside the hospital facility.

    With no mobile phone to call for help, no gadgets to know what was happening outside the walls of the hospital and no one to cry to, Amelia felt like a privileged handicapped prisoner.

    Even the nurses and doctors were careful of the things they said to her. If she didn''t know any better, she would say it was Mr Grumpy''s way of punishing her for calling him an asshole.

    ''What a sadist...'' She thought, hating on Blaze the more.

    Thankfully, she could now climb out of her bed and move around inside her ward with minimal assistance.

    "Dr Luke, you and your team have been doing a great job taking care of me. But when would I get discharged from this godforsaken place?" Amelia was a the point of shedding tears.

    "In a day or two." The doctor reassured her.

    Later that evening, Amelia who had been soundly asleep woke up only to find a man seated two meters away from her. He was professionally cladded in a well-tailored black suit paired with a matching pair of black polished shoes. He was slouching on the chair with his face turned sideways.

    Happy, Amelia could tell that he was not Mr Grumpy. But who was he?

    ''My Grumpy bodyguard?'' Amelia thought as she stared at him with mixed feelings. She slowly sat up, trying her best not to make a sound. But the damn bed creaked under her weight, attracting the man''s attention.

    "Oh...Miss Amelia, you are awake." Marcus abruptly stood up as if he had been caught slacking on duty. He forced a smile as he carefully approached her bedside.

    "Who the hell are you and what are you doing here." Amelia narrowed her gaze at Marcus, unsure of his motives.

    "I''m Marcus Haze, Mr Blaze Anderson''s personal assistant. It''s good to finally see that you are in better shape." Marcus extended his hand towards her.

    "Really!" Amelia raised her brows suspiciously, eyeing his outstretched hand.

    "Yes, Miss Amelia," Marcus replied, withdrawing his hand when he saw the way she was scowling at him.

    Something about the way the young miss was glaring at him reminded him of his boss. She was very feisty and had the potential of being a troublemaker.

    ''What a perfect pair they would make.'' Marcus thought.

    "Where is your so-called boss?" Amelia asked relaxing her back on the raised pillow while staring at her unkept nails that were in dire need of a manicure. "Don''t tell me I scared the shit out of him after our last encounter."

    "Scared?" Marcus was forced to suppress a chuckle. Now he understood why Blaze was very angry. She must have said something nasty to him. "No Miss Amelia, he wasn''t scared. He just had other important things to do."

    "Yeah right." Amelia rolled her eyes at Marcus. "He had me locked up in here simply because I called him an asshole."

    "You did what?" Marcus''s jaws dropped.

    "You heard me. I called him an asshole for playing a costly prank on me." Amelia sneered feeling no remorse for what she had said.

    Marcus was speechless.

    "Look here, Mr Marcus..."

    "Just call me Marcus, Miss Amelia." Marcus finally found his voice.

    "Okay, Marcus. I know I may have said something offensive to your grumpy boss."

    ''Grumpy!'' Marcus chuckled inwardly as he imagined Blaze''s stoned face anytime he was angry. ''She is right.''

    "But that doesn''t give him the right to keep me locked up in here," Amelia said bitterly, sitting up. "I have a family who are looking for me right now. I have a life out there. I have friends who miss me. I have a business to run. I''m supposed to be married. Please tell your boss to set me free. Tell him, ''thank you'' for saving me and bringing me to this hospital. I will ensure he is handsomely rewarded for all his efforts after I speak to my father."

    Again, Marcus was stunned by this pretty lady''s cluelessness about what was happening in her so-called perfect life. He felt genuinely sorry for her.

    "I will ensure Mr Blaze gets your message but if you do not mind, Miss Amelia, I would appreciate it if you do not address my boss as an asshole or any other mean words in future."

    "Fine, I will try and remember that. Now, may I use your phone, please." Amelia stretched out her left hand.

    "What for?"

    Amelia''s forehead furrowed. "To call my family, dummy..." She echoed the last word in her heart afraid that she may ruin her chances of getting in touch with her father.

    "Miss Amelia, I don''t think that is a wise decision."

    "How is calling my family to come to my aid an unwise decision." Amelia gave Marcus a disdainful scoff.

    Marcus cleared his throat, as he pulled a seat close to her and sat down, holding her angry gaze.

    "Miss Amelia, a lot of things have happened over the last six days since the accident. I''m guessing that you recall what happened before the accident. Right?" S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    A sickening feeling crept up Amelia''s spine as memory of her abduction and torture flashed across her mind. She became suspicious of what Marcus knew.

    "No. What happened before the accident?" Amelia asked pretending to have a memory loss.

    "You were kidnapped, Miss Amelia but you somehow escaped from your enemies."

    "How did you know?" Amelia slowly pushed herself backwards, fear lacing her tone.

    Sensing Amelia''s mistrust, Marcus quickly reassured her that he was not the enemy, and neither was Blaze. He recounted how she had accidentally run off the bridge while trying to avoid colliding with them.

    "But that doesn''t answer my question. You haven''t told me how you knew I was kidnapped if you weren''t there in the first place." Amelia pointed out.

    Marcus sighed.

    "Miss Amelia, I think you''re ready to hear the truth about your abduction and the reason why. But I''m not going to say much. Let me show you. Brace yourself."

    Marcus bought out an iPad he kept hidden all this while. He opened his video gallery and selected a compiled video.

    "Watch this." He gave the iPad to Amelia, who received it with trembling hands.

    The sight of Jerry walking out of the cathedral with a beaming bride who had a strange resemblance to Gwen made Amelia stiffen.

 Chapter 8 - 8: Shattered

    Amelia instantly dropped the iPad out of reflex, her hands trembling.

    But Marcus was quick enough to catch the expensive device before it hit the marble floor. He paused the video.

    "Miss Amelia..."

    "What is the meaning of this?" Amelia''s narrowed gaze shot fiery darts at Marcus, a hint of fear and panic lacing her tone. "Are you trying to play a prank on me? Please tell me you are."

    "I''m afraid it''s not a prank, Miss Amelia. It''s your wedding which took place six days ago while you were unconscious."

    "Impossible!" Amelia shook her head in denial, her heart thumping erratically. "T-this isn''t real."

    "I''m not making this up, Miss Amelia. I was there in person and I captured the whole event. The groom you just saw is your fiance and the bride made to look like you is your stepsister. Your stepmother and..."

    "Stop!" Amelia shouted, raising her hands to cup her ears. "That''s enough." Tears gathered in her shimmering ears.

    Marcus instantly regretted being the bearer of bad news. But he had a job to do.

    "Miss Amelia..."

    "You may leave."

    "But you need to..." Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I said get lost..." Amelia screamed, cutting him off while pointing at the door.

    "Fine..." Marcus stood up, straightening out his suit jacket. "I will be waiting outside your ward if you need me. But I will drop this here in case you change your mind."

    Marcus carefully placed the iPad on her bedside table as Amelia turned her reddened face sideways, tears streaming down her eyes. He took one pitiful glance at her and quietly left her ward.

    "Oh God..." Amelia raised her trembling hands to her lips as her tears glistening eyes shifted to the iPad. Her heart was pounding so loud in her ears as she slowly retrieved the iPad from the table and played the video.

    Time seemed to stand still as Amelia''s eyes widened in horror. Her breath hitched as her gaze fell on the couple again, hoping against hope that this was all an expensive joke.

    Unfortunately, it wasn''t. The video was real. The people in it were real. It wasn''t photoshopped like she hoped it would be.

    Everything was live and happening like she had meticulously planned. Her dad, her stepmother, her grandmother, her uncles, aunties, friends and her specially invited guest were all in attendance. They were all lavishly dressed and happy, celebrating in her absence.

    ''But how can this be? Didn''t they know she was abducted? Didn''t they know she was involved in an accident? Isn''t it obvious that she''s not the bride? Did Gwen have all of them fooled, including Jerry? Was this a plot to get her out of the picture? Could it be that Gwen was the one behind her abduction?''

    Amelia felt as though her head was about to explode from so many questions clamouring for attention. She raked her fingers through her hair, ruffling her soft textured golden brown hair.

    This was supposed to be her fairytale wedding. It was supposed to be her happily ever after. Jerry had promised to give her the world and she in turn had vowed to give him her heart.

    What went wrong?

    Amelia slowly brought the iPad down with trembling hands, her blurry gaze glued to the screen. The happy cheers and sound of laughter seemed to vaporize into thin air as the sound of her shattering heart echoed louder.

    A bitter smile framed her quivering lips as her fingers stroked the happy face of her once-treasured lover. He was looking so elegant and handsome, cladded in the custom-made white tuxedo she had designed, specially for him.

    "Why Jerry... How could you do this to me? How could you betray us? I thought you loved me? Where did I go wrong?" Amelia''s recovering body shook with unshed grief, the sting of betrayal and loneliness crippling her soul.

    When her blurry vision shifted to her stepsister, her gaze slowly darkened. Not only did she steal her man and her life, Gwen had the effrontery to wear her priceless wedding gown.

    This custom-made luxury wedding gown was the last gift she received from her mother, shortly before the latter passed away.

    All through Amelia''s teenage and young adult life, she had dreamt of the day she would finally wear this gown and show her beautiful self to the world. She kept her body fit and in shape to avoid making any adjustments to this special dress. And all for what, to be worn by someone else?

    "How could you, Gwen?" Amelia spoke between gritted teeth, her fist clenched and her slightly long nails digging into the soft palm of her hand.

    "How dare you defy the memories of my late mother? You knew what this dress meant to me and you have the guts to wear it? Oh how much I hate you right now. So help me God, I will destroy you and everything you stand for." Amelia hiccupped choking on her words. "I will make you and everyone responsible for this pay dearly. I swear..."

    Amelia angrily smatched the iPad on the fall, screaming at the top of her voice.

    Marcus, who was within earshot rushed into the room in time to see Amelia trashing everything within her reach while almost hurting herself in the process. He rushed over to her side to stop her while dodging all the objects flying in his direction.

    "Miss Amelia, please stop."

    "Stay away from me." Amelia cried unable to control her overwhelming emotions.

    Marcus ignored her harsh words as he carefully approached her and held her in his arms, arresting both her hands, while trying to plead with her.

    "They betrayed me." Amelia wept bitterly. "They all betrayed me."

    The doctors, who had rushed into the ward when they overheard the commotion hurriedly tried to sedate her as Marcus held her in place, doing his best to soothe her.

    "Not all of them, Miss Amelia," Marcus said calmly. "You still have people who care about you and who are genuinely searching for you."

    "No..." Amelia whispered shaking her head as the drugged slowly kicked in. "They all betrayed me." Her voice slowly drifted away.

    After ensuring that Amelia was no longer in danger of hurting herself, Marcus left her to the care of the doctors and nurses. He left her ward and called his boss, giving him feedback.

    "I''ll be with you shortly," Blaze said curtly from the other end and hung up.

 Chapter 9 - 9: Amelias Best Friend

    Back at Salvine City, life has never been so sweet and beautiful for all the schemers who plotted to steal Amelia''s inheritance.

    With the highly talked about celebrity wedding behind them, they moved on to the main task of sharing their loot.

    After the signing of the wedding certificate, with Gwen perfecting her stepsister''s signature, the old corrupt barrister in charge of Amelia''s trust fund wasted no time in carrying out his duty to the newlywed.

    The trust fund was liquidated with some of the assets sold to the highest bidder.

    In line with Fiona''s instruction, ninety percent of the liquidated assets went to the bride and ten percent to the groom.

    While it was rumored among the elite that the newly wedded billionaire bride had travelled out of the country with her prince charming for her luxury honeymoon vacation, Gwen returned to being her true self, managing all of her stepsister''s businesses and assets.

    Subsequently, Gwen, now the sole benefactor of billions of dollars worth in assets and cash, wasted no time in distributing the funds amongst all the major players in the plot excluding her father and grandmother.

    While the senator thanked his second daughter for preserving her sister''s inheritance and businesses, Gwen perfectly played her card of deception, gaining her father''s trust. The assets she couldn''t covet in her name were immediately disposed of with the help of a mysterious buyer.

    In the eyes of Gwen and her mother, Amelia was history. Every attempt at searching for her, dead or alive, was met a dead end. According to their source, the other three criminals responsible for abducting her had also disappeared without a trace. So Regina slowly relaxed and eased into the life of a multimillionaire.

    Senator Gregory on the other hand felt miserable and guilty. All his genuine search for his first daughter yielded nothing but more heartache. After almost six days of discreetly searching both within and outside the country, he was forced to accept the inevitable. It was either Amelia was dead or she had run away with no plans of returning.

    Having made a huge blunder of not declaring his first daughter missing on the night before her wedding and allowing Gwen to replace her, the senator was forced to live a life full of lies and cover-ups.

    The only genuine people who were initially searching for Amelia were her maternal aunt and her best friend, Stacy. However after both ladies were anonymously contacted by a strange number at different intervals, they stopped searching and went about their normal lives as if nothing happened.

    After five days as promised, Stacy received an anonymous call from the same person who advised her to stop searching for Amelia. The caller gave her a series of instructions and ended the call.

    Taking a leap of faith in search of her bestie, Stacy left her home around 6:35 PM. She first stopped at the shopping mall as instructed and pretended to be grocery shopping.

    Afterward, she took a cab to the train station where she purchased a train ticket for the next city. In less than an hour, she arrived at her destination.

    Thankfully, the streets were still busy as darkness slowly blanketed the sky. She made her way to the busy street and got into a cab instructing the driver to take her to the Blue Haven pub house.

    From her phone''s GPS, the location would only take ten minutes. However, after almost twenty minutes of driving, with the car now heading out of the city, Stacy began to panic.

    "Excuse me, sir, you supposed to take me to Blue Haven pub house. It seems you''ve missed it." Stacy said in a quivering voice.

    "I know, Miss Stacey." The driver said calmly, staring at her through the rearview mirror.

    "You do?" Stacy felt goosebumps all over her body. "H-how do you know my name?"

    "You can relax, Miss Stacy." The cab driver said, without taking his eyes off the road. "I''m not going to hurt you. I was the one you spoke to earlier. I had to take precautions to ensure you were not followed. We will be with your friend in a short while."

    "Okay..." Stacy nodded her head, wiping off the tears that had gathered in the corner of her eyes.

    -

    -

    Back at the hospital, Amelia slowly opened her eyes after almost two hours of sleeping soundly.

    Unlike her former disoriented self, she was looking calmer though defeated and heartbroken. Her slightly reddened face bore marks of dried tears and her once brilliant eyes were filled with emptiness and sadness.

    Her nostrils picked up a familiar scent and her body tensed as she felt his intimidating presence.

    Although her back was turned on the person seated beside her bed, Amelia knew who he was.

    "What do you want?"

    Amelia''s voice was barely a whisper but Blaze heard her. He could feel the emptiness and pain in her voice. As much as he wanted to scold her for destroying his expensive iPad and also insulting him in the past, he couldn''t bring himself to do it.

    He wasn''t supposed to feel sorry for her, knowing how much he hated her family. Nevertheless, he didn''t like seeing her this sad and drained of life. He would rather have the feisty and troublesome lady he met a few days back.

    "Amelia..."

    "Go away, please." Amelia sniffled, tears streaming down her eyes, soaking her pillow. Her body shook with grief as the weight of her family''s betrayal fell on her afresh.

    Blaze felt a bit hurt hearing the sound of her broken voice again. He reached out to touch her arm but stopped in mid-air, his thoughts conflicting.

    ''What the hell are you doing, Blaze?'' He chastised himself. ''You shouldn''t feel anything for her.''

    Gritting his teeth and clenching his fist, he withdrew his hand back to his side, turning his face sideways.

    His phone vibrated, indicating an incoming call. Swiping the phone to the right, he said.

    "Speak."

    "She''s here, sir." The person on the other end said with reverence. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Send her in." Blaze ended the call.

    Amelia overheard Blaze''s short conversation amid her tears. She couldn''t help but guess who he was referring to as, ''her'' until the door to her VIP ward opened.

    Blaze stood up and walked out of the room, only acknowledging Stacy''s presence with a curt nod.

    Stacy couldn''t believe her eyes as they fell on the incredibly handsome but dangerous-looking man keeping her friend company. His face looked very familiar but this was not the best time to be inquisitive. She rushed over to her best friend''s side, her heart filled with immeasurable joy.

    "Amelia."

    "Stacy!" Amelia slowly turned her head, unsure if she just heard the voice of her best friend in the whole universe.

 Chapter 10 - 10: Amelias Best Friend 1

    Before Amelia could completely turn around to confirm the identity of her bestie, she felt a pair of hands wrap around her arm and pull her into a long and comforting embrace.

    "Oh Amelia, I thought I had lost you forever."

    Stacy, being a softy by nature was already shedding tears as she hugged her best friend, close to her heart. Her body shook with unfathomable joy as she showered Amelia''s head and face with lots of kisses like a loving mother reuniting with her lost daughter.

    "Stacy...I can''t breathe." Amelia struggled to set herself free from her friend''s suffocating embrace.

    "Oh, sorry." Stacy released Amelia, beaming amid tears. "I got carried away. I forgot you are still recuperating. Thank God, you''re okay. I''ve been worried sick for days."

    "What are you doing here?" Amelia inhaled and exhaled as she sat up properly on the bed, her teary gaze narrowing at her friend.

    "Amelia, I came to see you." Stacy slowly stood up, troubled by Amelia''s cold reception. "Are you mad at me?"

    Although Amelia was inwardly overjoyed to see Stacy, she couldn''t bring herself to display her emotions, not when her trust had been broken by those she once loved. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Yes. I''m very mad at you and everyone." Amelia wrapped her arms around herself, her broken heart bleeding afresh. "You all betrayed me."

    "But, Amelia, I''m not one of them. I did not partake in the wedding or anything." Stacy stretched out her open palms as if to show her innocence. "I swear to you, on my late father''s grave, I would never do anything to harm you. You are my best friend and you are like a sister I never had. I would rather die a thousand times than betray your trust. Please, you have to believe me."

    "Why?" Amelia sniffled, tears rolling down her flushed cheeks. "Give me one single reason why I should believe you?"

    "Because I made a vow to you three years ago, to always stand by the truth even if it cost me my life."

    Amelia nodded her head, remembering Stacy''s passionate words three years back, shortly after she was accused by Gwen of being a fraud and a backstabber.

    "Please, you have to believe me." Stacy was almost going down on her knee, her tears flowing like a river.

    "Stop, Stacy. Don''t kneel before me. I''m only human and I believe you. Come." Amelia gestured, opening her arms this time to receive her best friend.

    "Thank you."

    They both cried in each other''s arms for a while before Stacy whispered in Amelia''s ears.

    "I''m sorry for everything you''ve gone through, Amy. "I swear, if I knew this was Gwen''s plan all along to steal your man and take over your inheritance, I would have scratched that ugly face of hers with my claws."

    "I didn''t know you had claws." Amelia chuckled amid tears, knowing how much Stacy hated Gwen.

    Back then, she couldn''t understand why her stepsister and her best friend never got along. But now she knew better. Stacy was right all along to despise Gwen.

    "Tell me, what really happened that night?" Stacy asked, wiping her friend''s tears with the hem of her loose blouse.

    Amelia''s gaze slowly darkened as memories of that fateful night before the abduction replayed in her head.

    "Jerry and I had agreed to share a special moment together before the wedding. He was meant to choose a romantic place and send me the address." Amelia sniffled, a bitter smile lacing her lips. "I was even planning a special surprise for him. I knew how much he wanted to make love to me and I was going to give it all to him that night. During the bachelorette party, I received a text from him, giving me the address of our meeting place. So I pleaded with Gwen and..."

    "...me to cover up for you." Stacy completed Amelia''s statement.

    "Yes." A thin smile framed Amelia''s lips. "After leaving the hotel building, I went straight towards the car park, my heart bubbling with immense happiness. I got into the car, shut the door and was about to start the engine when I felt a cold metal touching the back of my head."

    "Ah!" Stacy gasped.

    "I froze until a deep scary male voice said to me, ''If you make a sound, the last thing you would see is your brain redesigning the windshield.'' Then the voice asked me to drive. Sucking in my gut, I followed his instruction and drove. We had barely gone far when the voice, instructed me to pull over by the roadside. Immediately the car came to a halt, I felt something sharp prick the side of my neck and before I knew what was happening everything went dark."

    "Oh my God!" Stacy was shocked to the bone. She only thought this happened in movies and not real life. "How did they get into your car in the first place? I thought it had an unbeatable security system."

    Amelia laughed bitterly as everything slowly began to make sense. "Gwen borrowed my car that evening to pick up some of our friends. She must have let the kidnapper into the car before handing over the car key to me. To think I trusted the despicable b*tch with my life."

    Amelia clenched her fist in rage.

    "I always knew that witch was up to something nasty. However, I never dreamt that she would go to this extent of harming her own sister after everything you''ve done to accept and love her. She is a poisonous serpent with a heart made of stone." Stacy hissed in disgust. "So how did you end up here with that hot scary dude whose face seems very familiar?"

    "Hot scary dude?" Amelia looked up at Stacy, confused.

    "You know..." Stacy gestured to the empty seat beside Amelia''s bed. "...the one keeping you company before I arrived."

    "You mean, Blaze Anderson?" Amelia rolled her eyes, the thought of him keeping her company warming her broken heart.

    "Wait a second, did you say Blaze Anderson?" Stacy''s jaws dropped as her gaze shifted to the door.

    "Yes," Amelia replied reluctantly.

    "The same, handsome, powerful, rich and most desired bachelor in all of Salvine city if not the entire world?"

    Amelia rolled her teary eyes again, irritated by Stacy''s exaggeration. "He''s not that handsome. Rather his is extremely annoying if you ask me."

 Chapter 11 - 11: Marry Me

    "Ooh... I see what going on here." Stacy wiggled her brows at her bestie.

    "What?" Amelia narrowed her gaze at Stacy.

    "Nothing. Just me fooling around."

    "You better." Amelia scolded her.

    "So how did he come into the picture?" Stacy asked.

    Amelia narrated her ordeal in the hands of her abductor right to the point when she stabbed the horny bastard before Stacy interrupted her.

    "You killed a man!" Stacy cupped her mouth with both her hands, her widened eyes almost bulging out of her socket.

    "Yes, and I will do it all over again to any son of a b*tch who thinks about getting into my pants without my consent," Amelia swore.

    "Girl, that was badass of you. You know me and my phobia of blood. I would have passed out after stabbing him."

    "Not when you have more bastards around with the same sickening intent." Amelia felt a bit relieved, baring her heart to her best friend.

    "That''s so true. So how did you get out of the hell hole."

    "I escaped in the dead man''s car." Amelia continued with her narration without Stacy interrupting her until she got to the end.

    "Oh my world, Amelia. I''m so sorry." Stacy felt guilty for not recognizing that Amelia was the strange number that called her that fateful night. "I should have known that you were in danger. I''m such a lousy friend." She bowed her head, sobbing.

    "It''s okay, Stacy." Amelia started consoling her softhearted friend. "At least I''m still alive."

    "Oh, Amelia. God bless Mr Anderson for being an angel and a knight in shining armor. I''m forever grateful and indebted to him for rescuing you. Imagine if he hadn''t been there that fateful night. Gwen and all those responsible for this would have succeeded in their evil scheme."

    "Yeah..." Amelia paused, lost in her thought. She felt guilty knowing that she had not really thanked Blaze for rescuing her. She owed him her life and gratitude. But so far, she had done nothing but piss him off and get on his bad side.

    "Amelia," Stacy called softly cutting into her thoughts.

    Amelia looked up her eyes gloomy.

    "What are we going to do now?" Stacy asked feeling a bit lost. "The man who told me to stop searching for you after your family allowed Gwen to take your place, said that your life is in danger. And I have reasons to believe that he is right."

    "Why do you say that?" Amelia asked.

    "Your trust fund, Amelia," Stacy said feeling a bit lost and hopeless. "Your family have taken everything, dear. They are not only rich but very powerful now. They can buy anyone''s silence. They can make anyone disappear with just a click of their finger. They already lied to the world that you are currently on honeymoon with Jerry, while Gwen sits on top of all those billions. I don''t think your sister will ever want you to return from that fake honeymoon. If she tried to kill you before to steal that jerk of a man called Jerry, she will try to harm you again just to keep your wealth to herself."

    Amelia climbed out of bed deep in thought.

    "Then I will have to become more powerful than them," Amelia said as a crazy idea flashed across her mind, her eyes glistening with determination.

    "How?" Stacy asked wondering what was running in her friend''s mind.

    "I will tell you later. Just help me tell Mr Anderson that I would like to speak with him."

    "You mean, Mr hottie hottie." Stacey wiggled her brows at her friend animatedly.

    "Be serious, Stacy." A crease appeared on Amelia''s forehead.

    "Okay, I''m going." Stacy stood up from the bed, smiling sheepishly. She strolled over to the door and opened it, mischievous glint lacing her beaming eyes. Sticking out her head while holding Amelia''s gaze, she called.

    "Mr hottie..."

    "Stacy!" Amelia called in a rebuking tone, her cheeks blushing really hard.

    "I''m just pulling your legs, Amy. He is not here." Stacy blew kisses to her before leaving the ward and shutting the door behind her.

    Five minutes later, after pacing up and down in her room, slightly limping, while rehearsing all she was going to say, Amelia felt her heart jump into her mouth when the door suddenly opened. She had not heard him approach the door.

    Her fiery gaze shifted to him, and her expression hardened.

    ''Can''t he at least knock?'' Amelia was slightly disgusted.

    "I thought you wanted to see me?" Blaze said in a deadpan tone, wondering what he had done this time to warrant her scowl. It felt good to see that she was no longer crying. But then, the brat was simply annoying even when she was looking pitiful.

    "Umm...yes..." Amelia tried to rearrange her scrunched face, stifling her irritation. She limped back to her bed and sat down in a lady-like manner

    Blaze found this captivating, especially when she tucked her loosed hair behind her reddened ears, exposing her vulnerability.

    "Please..." Amelia gestured to the seat beside her bed.

    Blaze released a sigh as he shut the door behind him and walked up to her, holding her somewhat subtle gaze.

    His intimidating presence and his commanding aura made Amelia feel small and insignificant. She adjusted herself, sitting up straight to match his dominating aura.

    Maintaining an unreadable expression, Blaze calmly took his seat opposite her, his cold gaze never leaving hers.

    "Ahem..." Amelia was forced to break eye contact with him as it was making her feel uneasy.

    "Mr Anderson..." She started softly, trying her possible best not to sneer at him. "I never got to thank you for saving my life from that car crash and taking care of me afterwards. You are a g-good man and I hope I''m able to repay you someday. Thank you for everything." Amelia heaved a sigh of relief as she finally met his chilly gaze.

    Blaze chuckled inwardly as he watched this interesting young lady before him. It felt as if someone was pointing a gun at her head and asking her to thank him. The way she hesitated before describing him as good meant she still saw him as an asshole. Nevertheless, he felt his heart skip a beat when she looked at him again with those reddened and sad beautiful eyes. It filled him with an animalistic instinct to punish all those who had dared to hurt her.

    Softening his gaze a little, Blaze was about to respond to her short appreciation speech when she continued speaking.

    "I know this may not be the right time to ask of a favour from you, seeing all you have done for me. But I don''t know who else to turn to at this critical moment. All those I once called my family and friends have betrayed me and I intend to get even with them." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Tell me what you want. If it is within my power, I will do it." Blaze said, feeling his cold heart reaching out for this annoying beauty.

    "It''s within your power," Amelia said confidently. "It goes like this." She released a heavy sigh, breaking eye contact with him again to hide her embarrassment.

    "Marry me."

 Chapter 12 - 12: The Business Proposition

    "Excuse me!" Blaze was stunned and speechless, his softened expression turning cold and lethal. "Did you just ask me to marry you?" A hint of disgust laced his tone.

    "Yes."

    Amelia could feel the heat rising to her cheeks as the room suddenly fell silent. Her heart was beating so fast as she fiddled with loose hair, worried that Blaze would outrightly reject her.

    "Have you by any chance lost your mind?" Blaze asked, hoping the annoying brat was joking.

    "No." Amelia''s reply was barely above a whisper.

    "What happened to the classy and proud Amelia Shawls? How could you stoop so low asking a man to marry you? Where is your sense of dignity and respect?"

    Blaze''s words fell on Amelia''s cheeks like a hot dirty slap. Her cheeks burned red and her nose flared with suppressed rage. She felt like giving him a piece of her mind before walking him out of her room. But then how would she get her revenge on her family?

    Amelia slowly tilted her head to meet Blaze''s deep and cold glares, determined to convince him.

    "Mr Anderson, this has nothing to do with my dignity or honour. It''s simply a means to an end. I know how awkward this request is coming from a lady and you don''t have to rub it in. But please, do not get me wrong. I''m not asking you to marry me for love or companionship or anything married couples do for one another. Having watched a man I once loved for more than ten years get married to my stepsister without any care if I am dead or alive, I no longer feel anything for the opposite sex." S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Is that so?" Blaze raised his brow quizzically, his darkened expression softening a bit.

    "Yes." Amelia''s confident reply sparks up a curiosity in Blaze.

    "Permit me to rephrase my earlier statement. I have a business proposition for you. Be my husband on paper for a year and make billions of dollars out of this contractual arrangement. Deal?" Amelia said professionally, stretching her right hand towards him for a handshake.

    Blaze remained defiantly calm as his chilly gaze darted between her outstretched hand and her weird smile. He was intrigued by her bold request. But at the same time, he was irked by her pride and arrogance. No lady had ever dared to approach him for a relationship, let alone make such an audacious request.

    First, she calls him an asshole. Now, she wants him to be her husband for a year, just like that, promising him money that she doesn''t even have control over. What did the little brat take him for? One of her man toys, that she can toss around?

    Blaze suddenly felt the urge to teach this little wild kitten some manners while testing her resolve on men.

    Slowly rising to his feet, he moved closer to Amelia, his intimidating stare forcing her to withdraw her hand.

    Amelia felt her body stiffen as Blaze covered the little space between them, his thighs touching her folded knee.

    "Mr Anderson, what are you doing?" Amelia slowly began to panic as he towered over her, his dangerous aura overpowering her.

    "Giving you a reply to your business proposal, Miss Shawls" Blaze roughly grabbed her by the chin and lifted her face, his spine-chilling gaze locked with hers as time seemed to stand still.

    "So you want to be the wife to an asshole, huh?" He asked in a low but deadly voice.

    "What...No...I mean, yes. I mean y-you are not..." Amelia''s breath caught as Blaze lowered his face, leaning closer to her until their faces were inches apart.

    "I''m not what?" Blaze''s hot and minty breath fanned against her reddened face, making her hands itch to touch him.

    Amelia opened her mouth to say something but words failed her. She involuntarily moistened her lips as heat curled up her spine, her body trembling with fear and anticipation.

    ''But wait a second, what was she anticipating? Shouldn''t she be pushing off this handsome devil who was breaching her personal space?'' Amelia''s confused brain pondered. But the distraction was simply too much for her to handle.

    Staring at him this close, she marveled at the perfect work of creation in full display. His mesmerizing silver-grey orbs though dangerous, bore a promising and reassuring spark in its reflectiveness. His perfectly chiseled jawline was a work of art, enough to make a lady lose her mind. His full sexy lips were so inviting that Amelia imagined what kissing him would taste like.

    ''Damn! This girl is pretty.'' Blaze confessed inwardly. He found her innocent yet flirtatious response to his touch alluring. He was tempted to plant a soft kiss on her lips as he held those sad but enchanting pair of eyes.

    Snapping out of his own suffocating desires, Blaze said in a soft but deep husky voice.

    "What makes you think I want a spoilt, proud and arrogant brat like you for a wife?" He released her chin, smirking wickedly as he stepped backwards while holding her flushed gaze.

    Amelia instantly snapped out of her delusions, ire replacing her earlier admiration. Blaze harsh words felt like a dagger in her already fragile heart and she felt really stupid lusting after him.

    "I am not a spoilt brat, Mr Anderson." She said between clenched jaw.

    "Neither am I an asshole." Blaze retorted, feeling even with her.

    "You..." Amelia bit down on her tongue, to stop herself from spewing another vulgar word at him. She needed him more than he needed her and fighting with him would only ruin her chances of convincing him to be her husband.

    "Fine, you''ve made your point. I believe we are both mature and we can move past this level. I''m not ashamed to say I need your help and I really don''t care what you think of me right now. I have a mission at hand and I need to be viewed as a married woman to succeed. What do you say to my business proposal? Will you be my husband for a year? I promise not to interfere with anything concerning your affairs."

 Chapter 13 - 13: Deal

    Blaze reconsidered her offer, seeing the possibility of killing two birds with one stone. But he wasn''t satisfied with her manner of asking. He wanted her to come down from her high horses and beg him. So he simply said,

    "No. I''m not interested in your ridiculous business proposition. Find someone else to pose as your husband. I''m sure one of your many admirers would gladly accept you." He turned his back on her ready to leave when Amelia called him in a raised voice.

    "Wait... please."

    Blaze stopped, a wide devilish grin stretching across his face.

    "What would it take for you to change your mind? I''m desperate."

    "Desperate!" Blaze turned to face her, a mischievous smirk dancing at the corner of his lips. "I like desperate."

    Amelia felt a chill run down her spine as Blaze approached her one more time. She held her breath as his hand slowly touched the healing scar on the side of her forehead, sending a tingling sensation through her skin.

    Blaze leaned close to her reddened ear, his action was slow, deliberate and promising, leaving Amelia gasping for breath. His lips sensually brushed across her earlobe as he whispered in a deep sexy voice.

    "How about you beg me to be your husband."

    A soft moan escaped Amelia''s quivering lips as she struggled to form a word.

    "P-please..." She stuttered, leaning slightly backwards and exposing her slim neck, as the sweet sensation of his voice slowly placed her at the edge of a precipitating cliff.

    "Beg me like you mean it, Amelia. I want to hear you say my name." Blaze slowly trailed from her ear lobe down her neck, his lips so close to her skin and his warm breath driving her nut. He observed the way her chest was heaving up and down, pulling him like a strong magnetic force. He was fascinated with the way those soft cherries gracing the tip of her mound hardened under her light blue T-shirt in anticipation of his touch.

    Amelia''s grip tightened on the bed, her knuckles almost turning white from restraining herself as her body trembled in expectations of what was to come.

    "Please, Mr Anderson..." She moistened her lips. "...please be my husband." She said breathlessly.

    "Okay. It''s a deal." Blaze pulled back, satisfied with his wicked taunting even though the sexy beauty had succeeded in arousing him.

    Feeling ashamed and disgusted at herself, Amelia turned her face sideways, hiding the tears that blurred her vision. No one had ever made her feel this needy and at the same time mad. How can this man continue to toy with her mind and drop her like a disposable tissue? Was she that vulnerable?

    Returning to his seat to hide his arousal, Blaze spoke in a more businesslike tone.

    "If we are going to get married, it''s strictly going to be on my terms. Deal."

    Amelia nodded her head, too embarrassed and humiliated to look at him. She batted her lashes to push back her tears, but they fell instead, dropping on her white sheet.

    Blaze was disappointed to see her tears. He thought Amelia was strong enough to handle her emotions. But beneath all that toughness and arrogance was a fragile princess.

    He brought out his white handkerchief from his pocket and offered it to her. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Crying doesn''t suit you, little princess."

    Amelia scowled at him as she snatched the handkerchief from his hand without saying thank you.

    Blaze chuckled. "By the way, you do know that you are already married in the eyes of the laws, right?"

    "Yeah." Amelia finally found her voice after a few seconds of self-chastisement. "Those bastards." She felt rage course through her veins like an angry serpent.

    "You will have to divorce your current husband first before we can make our marriage official." Blaze stood up ready to leave.

    "That won''t be a problem," Amelia said, a new wave of determination washing over her. "I will divorce the scumbag first thing when I get home. I just need a lawyer to prepare the divorce paper."

    "Marcus will handle it," Blaze said curtly, bringing out his customized black business card. "If you need my assistance in any way, do not hesitate to contact me."

    "Sure." Amelia eyed the luxury business card as she received it.

    "Marcus will attend to all your needs pending when the doctor discharges you."

    "Okay. Thank you, Mr Anderson." Amelia smiled genuinely this time.

    "Since you''re going to be my wife, you can simply address me by my first name."

    "Alright, Blaze..." Amelia cooed his name. "Thank you again."

    "You''re welcome, Amelia. I''ll leave you to rest." He said and strode out of the ward, leaving Amelia daydreaming.

    Shortly after Blaze left, Stacy returned, her eyes brimming with excitement and anticipation for hot gossip.

    "So...what did you and Mr hottie discuss."

    "Nothing." Amelia shrugged smiling sweetly.

    "Nothing and you here blushing like a teenager in love." Stacy eyed her. "Out with it already and stop keeping me in suspense."

    "Okay. But point of correction, I''m not in love. I''m just happy that the first phase of my plan has just been set in motion."

    "What phase is this?" Stacy asked still feeling confused.

    "Getting a powerful man to be my husband for a year," Amelia said proudly.

    "Wait a minute, you are getting married to Mr Hottie?" Stacy''s eyes widened in astonishment.

    "Yes, immediately I divorce that scumbag that I never got married to."

    Stacy cupped her open mouth before screaming Amelia''s ear off in happiness.

    "Stacy, don''t forget we are in the hospital and I''m not the only patient." Amelia covered her friend''s mouth, laughing.

    "How long are you going to stay here?" Stacy asked.

    "Two days at most. But I will give myself one more week to get rid of my limping before I return to the city."

    "That sounds like a good plan." Stacy couldn''t contain her excitement as she kept blabbing on and on about how they were going to deal with Gwen and Jerry.

    "By the way, how do you intend to return to the city with all those hyenas looking to devour you," Stacy asked, yawning as fatigue slowly kicked in.

    "You''ll see." Amelia lay down on her bed, making space for Stacy to sleep beside her. "It will be a day to remember." She closed her eyes and dreamt of only beautiful things.

 Chapter 14 - 14: A Scandalous Affair

    Stacy discreetly returned to Salvine City the following morning, sticking to her usual routine as advised. She kept her visit to Amelia a secret and didn''t make any form of contact with the latter.

    Amelia on the other hand was discharged from the hospital following Blaze''s request. She was transferred to a remote location where she spent the next week recuperating and planning her glamorous comeback.

    Thanks to Blaze, she was given the best health therapist who helped her overcome her limping and defection caused by the accident. She was treated with different healthy diets and healing herbs that took care of her scars and improved the lustre of her porcelain skin.

    As promised, Amelia also received all the help and resources she needed to monitor all her family''s activities from afar. She uncovered all those who played a major key in her abduction and almost death. She also found out that her father was still discreetly searching for her while the rest of the family seemed to have moved on with their loot, unbeknownst of a larger scheme to short-change them.

    Amelia also stumbled upon a shocking revelation about the man she almost married some days back. Someone she thought she knew very well.

    Not only had Jerry been in a secret relationship with Gwen for almost three years, but his family business had been facing a major financial crisis for a long time, something they had successfully hidden from the media by indulging in unscrupulous business ethics.

    More updates revealed that Jerry was back from his fake honeymoon which he secretly spent intimately with Gwen in the next city.

    Thanks to Blaze, Amelia had both pictures and video evidence to ruin the couple''s evil union. She couldn''t wait to get her hands on them after discovering their recent plan to crumble her newly launched cosmetic company.

    As if stealing her inheritance wasn''t bad enough, the greedy pair were now after her cosmetic brand, LiLa Savvy - a company she built from scratch with her sweat, tears and blood. While Jerry took up the role of the company CEO in her absence, he appointed Gwen as the COO, firing the capable hand that formally occupied that position.

    A recent update showed that the cheating couple had withdrawn huge funds from the company''s cooperate account and transferred the same money to an offshore account.

    "These shameless and greedy duo."

    Amelia crumbled the photocopied bank transaction receipt, showing the huge withdrawal, while gritting her teeth. She glared at the stack of photos littered on the table, her heart filled with resentment and the urge to retaliate with something more catastrophic. She gathered the photos together and neatly arranged them back in the folder.

    Picking up her new iPhone sitting on the table, she dialed Marcus''s number.

    Marcus picked up on the first ring.

    "Hello, Marcus."

    "Good day, Miss Shawls." Marcus''s tone was both polite and professional.

    "Will your boss be joining me this evening for the trip to the island?" She asked, her chilly gaze distant and emotionless.

    There was a pause from the other end as Marcus seemed to be receiving new directives from his boss.

    "I am afraid not, Miss Shawls. He has a busy schedule for the day. Nevertheless, he sends his best wishes. He will be at the airport tomorrow at noon to receive you. In the meantime, I will be joining you after I have cleared my desk."

    "Okay, Marcus. Thanks and see you soon."

    Amelia ended the call, her eyes brimming with a cruel glint. She retrieved the already prepared divorce papers beside the yellow folder and leisurely went through them for the last time, a satisfied grin framing her lips.

    Afterwards, she appended her signature to it and placed it on top of the yellow folder.

    -

    -

    Over the past week, Blaze had been actively busy preparing for Amelia''s return to the golden Salvine city.

    Since he had no intention of Amelia moving into the same home with his mother or residing in her unsafe penthouse apartment, Blaze acquired a new and luxurious villa in the heart of town- equipping it with state-of-the-art interior and exterior decors, luxury cars and accessories fit for a queen. He employed the services of effectively screened house staff and security personnel to ensure Amelia''s comfort and safety at all times. He employed the services of highly trained and combat-efficient bodyguards to protect her whenever he wasn''t there for her. He also contracted the services of ghost bodyguards to secretly watch over her in case her family members decided to play a fast one on her.

    Satisfied with his work, Blaze tasked Marcus with the duty of picking up an engagement ring worthy of recognition from one of the most luxurious high-end jewelry shops. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Later that afternoon, Marcus left with three of Amelia''s new bodyguards in one of Blaze''s luxury private jets.

    *****

    The following day, the whole of Salvine City woke up to some new trending pictures and videos uploaded by an anonymous source, depicting a scandalous affair.

    In one of the pictures, Jerry was captured coming out of a nightclub holding Gwen intimately on the waist while brushing his lips on the side of her neck.

    In another picture, the two love birds were captured dining in a classy restaurant, oblivious to the world around them.

    In a third picture, the two lovers were seen sharing a passionate moment, standing by the edge of a magnificent fountain display. And finally, in a video rated +18, the couple were captured making out in an empty VIP elevator.

    Different headlines ranging from, scheming b*tch to horny chump tramp, dickless casanova, shameless homewrecker and other similar offensive phrases started making waves on all the search rankings. This was followed by thousands of comments filled with insults and offensive language.

    Millions of fans who followed and worshipped Amelia Shawls took the matter overboard, dragging Gwen and Jerry''s names in the mud.

    But in all of this online drama, there was not a single comment from the true heiress, addressing her newlywed husband''s infidelity.

    Before Senator Gregory and his wife''s attention was drawn to the ongoing scandal, the disgraceful content had already gone viral.

    Every attempt made by the senator''s PR crisis control team to bring down the video and pictures was foiled by an untraceable hacker. Unknown to them, the video and pictures have been programmed to run for another three hours before it can self-erase.

    Furious, Senator Gregory boomed at his wife.

    "Where is Gwen? Call her. Tell her to return home this instant."

 Chapter 15 - 15: Arrival

    After attending a wild party with some of her rich friends, Gwen was picked up from the club by her supposedly caring sister''s husband.

    Since it was already too late to drive down to the Shawls'' mansion and disturb the peace of the resting family, Jerry took Gwen to his matrimonial home, where they spent the night getting drunk and engaging in their immortality.

    By the following morning, the couple were completely exhausted from a wild and erotic night, as they lay on the bed, nude and snuggled in each other''s arms.

    It was already 9:00 AM when Jerry awoke to a disturbing knocking on his bedroom door.

    Yawning, he stretched out his lazy arm, before tapping on Gwen''s shoulder.

    "Babe, someone is at the door. I have to go get it."

    "Mmmm....." Gwen replied sleepily tightening her hold around his bare chest.

    "Babe..." Jerry nuzzled her slightly reddened ears, making her giggle slightly.

    "It should be one of the servants," Gwen said raising her face to receive a deep kiss from her lover. "Ignore them. I want to remain in bed with you for the next three hours."

    The knocking grew louder but neither of the love-drunk couple made any move to answer the door.

    "Three hours." Jerry arched his brow. "You do know we have a business to run, right?"

    "Which one?" Gwen scoffed.

    "LiLa Savvy," Jerry said stroking her blonde extension.

    "Oh, that..." She hissed rolling her eyes. "I can''t wait for us to sell that piece of crap. I''m already tired of the routine business meetings and daily operations. It''s simply too stressful. A super rich babe like me doesn''t need to work.."

    "Patience my love." Jerry kissed her on the lips trailing the kisses to her neck. "We need the right investor to buy that gold mine."

    "Oh baby, it tickles..." Gwen was in the process of giggling when she heard her mother''s angry voice booming from outside the bedroom door and the banging grew super loud as if the door was about to come up its hinges.

    "Mum... F**k!" Gwen speedily jumped out of the bed scrambling around the room for her clothes which were littered on the floor.

    They had both been so drunk the previous nights and had switched off their mobile phones, unaware of the several people trying to reach them.

    "What the hell is your mom doing here?" Jerry scrambled out of the bed and quickly picked up his sweatpants lying on the couch.

    "How am I supposed to know?" Gwen held her clothes, bag, and shoes to her naked chest as she hurried towards the bathroom. "Tell her I''m not here." She said before shutting the door and locking it from inside.

    "Shit!" Jerry put on his pants and hurried to the door, guilt written all over his face.

    "Gwen, you better come out of that room this instant if you don''t want me to break down this door," Regina yelled from behind the door while banging angrily at it.

    "F**k!" Jerry cursed under his breath as he slowly unlocked the door while pretending to yawn.

    "Mum, good..." S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Where is my daughter?" Regina angrily cut him off. She pushed past him and entered his bedroom, her vicious glares almost giving him a heart attack.

    "Your daughter?" Jerry scratched his ruffled hair pretending to be confused by her question. He discharged the gawking maid standing by the door and closed it.

    Scrutinizing the messy bed, and the emptied bottle of champagne with two wine glasses on the floor, Regina turned her lethal gaze to her supposed son-in-law.

    "Jerry don''t play hide and seek with me." She wagged her forefinger threateningly at him. "I am at my wit''s end. Where is Gwen?"

    "Mom, Gwen is not here." Jerry''s twitching eyes betrayed his gentle words.

    Regina''s inflamed eyes scanned Jerry from head to toe, sending a chill down his spine.

    "But the bulge in your sweatpant says otherwise." Regina spat out, causing Jerry''s face to reddened with embarrassment.

    He involuntary cupped his exposed dignity, while scowling at his mother-in-law for being so shameless.

    "What is this nut case doing? Regina was more infuriated than ever., Her knuckles were still hurting from knocking excessively. "What do you think you have that I haven''t seen before? Those oversized dangling cannon between your thighs?"

    "Regina!" Jerry''s eyes flashed with rage.

    "Jerry!" Regina shot back at him. "Are you aware that you and my daughter are currently the trending topic in town? Weren''t you two supposed to keep this thing under control pending when we were sure that Amelia was no more? How could you two be this reckless?"

    The lock to the bedroom door clicked and Gwen stepped out already dressed, her eyes widened in shock. All this while, she had her ears glued to the door listening to her mother''s conversation.

    "What are you talking about, mom?"

    "Yes, mum, what trending news are you talking about?" Jerry moved over to his bed and sat down, placing a pillow on his crotch to keep his perverted mother-in-law''s eyes away from it

    "So you finally decided to come out of hiding, huh?" Regina turned to face her daughter, hands akimbo.

    "Oh Mom, don''t be too dramatic. We just had a couple of wine and sex. What''s new?" Gwen rolled her eyes at her mother, hissing.

    "What''s new?" Regina''s face was etched with a blend of fury and bewilderment. She had to stifle her ire to refrain from slapping her daughter. "Haven''t you both seen the trending news on social media?"

    "What news?" Both of them chorused.

    Regina brought out her phone and opened her Twitter account, "This news." She pointed her phone to her daughter''s face.

    Gwen''s widened eyes almost popped out of her socket as her gaze fell on her mother''s phone screen.

    "Babe, what''s the matter?" Jerry forgot about his treasured dignity as he rushed to Gwen''s side to see what was rendering her speechless.

    "What the hell!" His jaw dropped, almost touching the floor. "How...who...when did this happen?"

    "This is no time to ask stupid questions, Jerry. My daughter''s image is on the line and you better fix it. Find out who is responsible for spying on you two before it''s too late" Regina hissed turning to Gwen.

    "And as for you, your father is very angry."

    "Shit!" Gwen lifted her hand to hold her aching head, anger slowly sipping through her veins.

    "He wants you to return home this instant and explain yourself. If you hadn''t switched off your phone, you would have known that we have all been trying to reach you since 7:00 AM. Your nana and your uncles are currently on their way to the mansion. We better leave now before they get there."

    Regina didn''t wait for Gwen to respond as she grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her out of the room.

    While the Shawls in collaboration with the Morgan family were busy trying to address the ongoing scandal, someone alerted the press that an influential celebrity was arriving at the airport in less than an hour.

    Consequently, different journalist from varying media companies stormed the airport in their number with their cameras, in readiness to capture this unnamed celebrity.

    At exactly, 12: 05 PM, a luxury white Private jet touched down at the Brox international airport.

    "She''s here." Someone shouted, pointing at the white private jet.

    Instantly, all the camera lights were turned on as the journalist and their cameramen hurried to the barricaded position, their electronic devices in the air.

 Chapter 16 - 16: The Glamorous Comeback Of The True Heiress

    The paparazzi camera lights started flashing as a goddess in human form, draped in an elegantly gorgeous sleeveless orange jumpsuit with a deep v-neck, stepped out of the plane. Her feminine beauty and charm emanated from her body like an alluring fragrance in the wind, as she stood momentarily soaking in the warmth of the sun on her flawless skin while striking a killer pose.

    The excitement in the air intensified as she resumed climbing down the stairs, escorted by four gracefully looking men in well-tailored black suits and dark shades. Behind these men were pretty air hostesses pulling different suitcases, and moving in synchrony with the small but mighty entourage.

    It was difficult to identify who this gorgeous celebrity was on the spot, due to her classic dark aviator sunglasses which concealed her pretty eyes. But rumours started spreading as someone within the journalist crew speculated a possible name.

    "Isn''t that Amelia Shawls Morgan?" A male journalist squinted trying to get a better look at the approaching fashion goddess.

    "Amelia Shawls Morgan!" A red-haired lady with cute bangs cried out in disbelief.

    "Impossible!" A third lady shook her head, her gaze fixed on the approaching entourage. "Isn''t she supposed to be at the Coralis island observing her one-month honeymoon vacation?"

    "Exactly!" Another dark-haired lady holding a mic concurred. "During last week''s interview with her husband, Jerry Morgan, he specifically told us that Amelia won''t be returning home for the next three weeks."

    "So what changed?" A second male enquired, his cheeks slightly red from blushing and ogling at the approaching pretty lady.

    "I guess we''re about to find out." The red-haired lady shrugged.

    "Here she comes, people." A tall cameraman cried out in excitement.

    Making her way slowly and gracefully towards the enlivened press crew and gathering crowd of curious spectators, an enchanting smile spread across Amelia''s face.

    Each step she took caused her long beautifully styled wavy hair, a cascade of golden brown locks, to bounce on her slender shoulder.

    Leisurely tucking her hair behind her ear, Amelia revealed the sparkly diamond chandelier earrings adorning her earlobe. This diamond piece matched the intricately designed diamond necklace gracing her slim neck.

    Her bold and energetic aura depicted great wealth, effortless sophistication and flawless beauty, causing many hearts to melt and ogling eyes to almost pop out.

    When Amelia was five meters away from the barricade, someone from the crowds of onlookers who happened to be her avid fan and supporter of her new cosmetic brand screamed.

    "It''s really Amelia''s Shawls Morgan."

    In response to the lady''s wild scream, Amelia slowly took off her aviator sunglasses, as the blinding camera light began to flash from all directions.

    "Mrs Morgan..."

    "Mrs Amelia..."

    "Miss Shawls..."

    The crowd of excited onlookers ran towards her, screaming and shouting different names, eager to touch her.

    While some were taking pictures of her, others were videoing and sharing, as she smiled sweetly waving at them.

    Thankfully, Blaze had already positioned both airport security and staff to zealously guide his fiancee, while he remained in the shadows, observing from afar.

    The airport security personnel quickly activated their crowd control mechanism, forcing everyone to stand behind the barricade. However, they couldn''t silence the euphoric scream of admiration and love.

    "Mrs Amelia, we love you.."

    "Mrs Amelia, we missed you..."

    "Mrs Morgan, you look so beautiful..."

    "Mrs Morgan, we are here for you...."

    "Mrs Amelia! Mrs Morgan!! Mrs Amelia!!!"

    The thrilled cries continued until Amelia raised her right hand in the air.

    Instantly, a hush fell over the crowd, as if controlled by a remote device.

    As Amelia moved closer to the barricade, her smile effortless and her aura domineering, her three bodyguards took strategic positions around her, while Marcus stood behind her beaming inwardly.

    "I want to sincerely thank you all for coming out in your numbers to welcome me. Honestly, I didn''t expect any of this. Even though the people of Carolis Island showered me with immense love, there is nothing like home. To all my fans and supporters out there, I want to say a big thank you for your love and constant encouragement. It gives me all the strength I need to soar higher. You all have a special place in my heart. Thank you."

    Amelia''s passionate words moved a lot of people to tears, especially after watching the video of her cheating husband. Most of them felt sorry for her while others became vengeful on her behalf.

    "Mrs Amelia, what happened to your honeymoon vacation plans? Weren''t you supposed to be there with your husband for one month? How come he returned a week into the honeymoon without you?" A blonde hair journalist asked when Amelia finished her heartwarming message.

    "To answer your first and second questions, I believe plans are meant to be changed," Amelia said casually, hinting no anger in her tone or disgust in her pretty eyes.

    "As for your third question, I sent Jerry home to take care of business while I handled other important stuff overseas."

    "Wow!" One of the journalists chuckled, seeing who was wearing the pants in the home.

    "Mrs Amelia! Mrs Amelia!! Mrs Amelia!!!" Different journalist cried her name raising their hands up to ask the next question.

    Marcus quickly came forward and spoke in a stern tone.

    "Mrs Amelia Shawls Morgan will take two more questions and that will be it."

    "Mrs Amelia..."

    "You." Amelia pointed at the red-haired journalist.

    "Thank you," a wide smile stretched across the lady''s lips. "Miss Amelia, I''m sure you''ve seen the latest trending pictures and videos of your husband''s affair with your stepsister, barely a week after your wedding. What do you have to say about it? Are you going to divorce him?"

    Others nodded their head in agreement while waiting breathlessly for Amelia''s reply.

    "If you don''t mind, this is a family issue which will be handled internally. Last question." Amelia said maintaining her smile.

    "Mrs Amelia..."

    "You..." Marcus pointed at the first male journalist from earlier.

    "Mrs Amelia, there have been rumours making waves due to the recent downsizing at LiLa Savvy. Is it true that you plan on selling the company real soon?"

    "As you said, It''s all rumours. LiLa Savvy is my baby and she has come to stay. That will be all. Thank you."

    "Mrs Amelia...Mrs Amelia...." Some of the unsatisfied journalists called out to her as she graciously signed a few autographs and even took pictures with some of her thrilled fans before leaving for her awaiting ride.

    -

    -

    Back at the Shawls Mansion, the tension in the air was somewhat explosive as the senator''s loud voice could be heard from a mile away, lashing out at his second daughter.

    "How could you Gwen? How could you sleep with your own sister''s husband? Aren''t you ashamed of yourself? Do you know the consequences of what you have done?"

    Gwen was looking pathetic on her knees, her eyes reddened and teary from the excessive application of her menthol tear stick.

    "I''m sorry Dad..." She croaked pretending to be completely shattered. "It was a mistake."

    "A mistake..." Senator Gregory clenched his fist, raw anger sipping through his veins. "Did I hear you say a mistake?"

    "Honey, calm down..." Regina patted her husband on the shoulder while cursing him in her heart for being too harsh.

    "Don''t tell me to calm down, woman." Senator Gregory snapped at his wife. "Do you have any idea of what is happening out there? People are laughing at our family. They are making jest of me. Gwen has ruined the family image. She had disgraced us all."

    ''Image my foot.'' Regina lowered her head, scowling at the polished marble floor.

    "I am highly disappointed in you, Gwen." Old Nana Shawls, who had repeatedly questioned Gwen why she did it, finally spoke up after a long time of silence.

    "I''m sorry, grandma. Please forgive me. It will never happen again." Gwen hiccuped, wiping the mucus off her nose.

    Just then, a servant rushed into the sitting room where the entire family were gathered, chastising Gwen.

    "Yes, what are you doing here?" Gregory thundered irritated by the intrusion.

    "Umm...Sorry, Sir... I....l...I..."

    "Can you speak and stop wasting our time?" Regina finally raised her face up, transferring her aggression to the poor maid.

    "I... it''s the first Miss, Ma''am."

    "Which first Miss?" Uncle Matt asked, all eyes in the room turning to the maid.

    "Mmmm...miss Amelia." The maid almost peed herself due to the intensity of the glares.

    "Amelia!" The senator momentarily forgot about his anger as he marched towards the maid. "Where? Where is she?"

    The maid''s face paled as she pointed at the blank television with trembling hands.

    As if controlled by an invisible remote, all pair of eyes turned towards the blank television, hoping to see Amelia pop out from the screen.

    "T...t...the news." The maid finally stuttered, afraid that she might be descended upon if she wasted any more time.

    At that same moment, Pearl rushed into the sitting room, panting as if she had done a hundred-metre race.

    "Amelia is back." She half screamed, her terrified eyes on her elder sister. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Amelia is back?" Regina repeated, her eyes widened in shock.

    "She is..." Gwen stood, her legs trembling under her weight and her heart pounding in her ears.

    "She is all over social media," Pearl said, a sense of urgency and panic lacing her tone.

    Uncle Matt hurried to the television and quickly turned it on just in time for the entire family to hear the second journalist''s questions.

 Chapter 17 - 17: Turning The Table Around

    The Shawls family were left in utter confusion and bewilderment after watching Amelia''s interview with the journalists. Not only did she consent to being the wife of Jerry Morgan, but she confirmed some of his false stories, claiming she was in the know.

    ''Did she slam her head against a rock and lose her memory?''

    Regina was beyond speechless. On one hand, she was happy that Amelia consented to be married to Jerry. This statement not only validated her forged signature on the trust agreement but it also meant she was aware of the asset disposal.

    However, on the other hand, Regina was unsure of the games Amelia was playing. The proud and sophisticated lady she saw on television didn''t look like someone who would foolishly give up her inheritance without a fight.

    ''I have to do something.'' Regina''s twitching and slightly terrified eyes tilted in the direction of her daughter, who was as perplexed as her.

    Senator Gregory couldn''t be more happier, seeing his daughter alive and well. Although he was shocked like the rest of the family, he was grateful to Amelia for not exposing the family''s ugly secret and commenting on the ongoing scandal. All he wanted to do right now was bring his first daughter home.

    Picking up his phone from the centre table, the senator called out.

    "Jackson."

    "Brother, where are you going?" The senator''s youngest brother, Desmond Shawls asked, a hint of guilt lacing his tone.

    "Where does it look like I''m going?" The senator scowled at his brother.

    Desmond shrugged, his expression clueless.

    "To get my daughter of course."

    "Then I''ll come with you." The senator''s other younger brother, Matt, said, collecting his car keys from the couch where he was seated earlier.

    "No, stay with mother. I have to do this on my own." The senator said dismissively as he called out again to his personal bodyguard who was waiting outside the inner family sitting room.

    "Jackson."

    "Yes, senator."

    The door to the inner room opened and Jackson hurried in, almost colliding with the senator who was on his way out.

    "Get the driver and the security team ready. We''re going to the Brox International Airport to get my daughter." The senator said, a sense of urgency lacing his tone.

    "Yes, senator." Jackson hurried out of the room while dialling the number of his direct boss, Lin Fox.

    "My love, I''m coming with you," Regina said, running after her husband, pretending to share in her husband''s concern.

    "Not a chance." The senator''s voice was sharp and cold, causing Regina to freeze on the spot. "Stay home and admonish your daughter. And pray that her recklessness doesn''t affect Amelia''s state of mind. Because if it does, I won''t forgive you two."

    Senator Gregory left without sparing his wife one single glance.

    Old Nana Shawls, who was about to reprimand her son for speaking to his wife roughly felt tongue-tied. She was still in shock after hearing Amelia confirm her marriage to Jerry Morgan as if it really happened. She couldn''t help but guess what was happening in her first granddaughter''s mind.

    Stung by her husband''s words, Regina took two steps backwards, her hands slowly wrapping around herself and real tears gathering in her eyes.

    "How is this my fault?"

    "Gina..." Uncle Matt came up to his brother''s wife and tried to console her, patting her on the shoulder. "Don''t let my brother''s words get to you. He''s just furious but he will get over his emotions soon."

    "No. Don''t tell me that Matt. This is not the first, second or third time Greg is blaming me for something I had no hands in. Why is it that every time something goes wrong concerning Amelia, I''m always at the receiving end?" Regina squeezed out a few tears to drive home her pain. "If Amelia hadn''t run away on the eve before her wedding, would Gwen expose herself to this level of temptation?"

    "My point exactly." Pearl backed up her sister while consoling Gwen - who was now a bit calm and calculating, knowing Amelia would be coming home soon. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Who puts sugar in front of an ant and tells it not to take a bite? This is simply unfair to my niece." Pearl spat out, hoping to corner the old matriarch to their side.

    "Pearl is right." Matt nodded his head. "Everyone here is responsible for Gwen''s dilemma."

    "How?" Regina asked, a sly glint flashing across her moist eyes.

    "Everyone here including my elder brother forced Gwen against her wish to stand in for her sister in other to protect this family image," Matt said, staring keenly at his mother.

    "We all watched her walk down the aisle with her sister''s husband in a fairytale wedding that was never meant to be hers. We all watched her take her first passionate kiss with Jerry while pretending to be Amelia. What were we expecting after making her marry the young man? That emotion wouldn''t develop? That she wouldn''t fall in love with him? That she wouldn''t consummate her love for him. It was simply inevitable. Gwen is human and like every other human with blood flowing through their veins, she made a mistake. We shouldn''t crucify her."

    "Well said, brother." Desmond, who was seated beside his mother, nodded in agreement. "Gwen is not at fault here. The person who deserves our anger is her." He pointed to the television, where Amelia was captured waving and smiling at the camera.

    "Isn''t it suspicious that Amelia finally decides to show her face on the same day that her sister''s reputation is being tarnished?"

    "Wait a second, are you insinuating that Amelia may be behind the leaked video and pictures?" Pearl asked, grinning inwardly while pretending to be amazed.

    "That''s enough!" Old Nana Shawls cut everyone off. "Let''s not jump to a conclusion. We will wait for that spoilt brat to come home and tell us where she has been hiding for the last two weeks."

    "Okay, mother," Regina said obediently, dabbing at her eyes delicately

    The old matriarch slowly stood up, supported by Desmond and said in a slightly harsh voice. "Take me to the garden, I need some fresh air away from all this madness."

    Regina waited for the old woman to leave before turning to her daughter.

    "You know what to do."

    "On it, mum." Gwen stood up and hurried out of the room, dragging her nosy aunt along.

    "Matt, I will be with you shortly. Excuse me." Regina hurried out of the room.

    "Gina, wait." Matt was behind her, taking the curved staircase that led to her bedroom.

    "What?" Regina asked entering her bedroom.

    "I need to talk to you." Matt followed her into the room and shut the door.

    "Matt..." Regina''s forehead furrowed as she watched him complete the lock on her door.

 Chapter 18 - 18: Highly Sensitive

    "Come here, you sweet thing." Matt pulled her into his arm and had her pinned back to the door.

    "Matt stop," Regina whispered, afraid that someone might hear them. But before she could free herself from his firm grip, he crashed his hungry lips on her.

    "Matt.." Regina''s voice came out in a muffled sound as she tried to free her lips from her brother-in-law''s ravaging kiss.

    "I missed you, baby. Tell me you missed me too." Matt said cupping and squeezing her breast as if he was milking a cow.

    "This is not the right time, Matt." Regina forced him away from her. "We have a big problem on our hands. Amelia survived and is on her way home. We have to act fast."

    "We will deal with that after a quickie." Matt forcefully flipped his sister-in-law around and roughly made her bend over while grinding his crotch on her big round ass.

    "Matt," Regina called in a suppressed voice, wishing she could kick this man whore on the dick. But she knew the consequences of doing that.

    Matt was her karma and she still needed him to ensure her unmovable place in the Shawls family.

    "Five minutes," Matt said hungrily as he unzipped his trousers.

    Gritting her teeth and clenching her fist, Regina was forced to give into her brother-in-law''s voracious sexual appetite while openly mocking his fat wife for not satisfying his needs. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Now we can talk," Matt said sluggishly as he cleaned himself up and fixed his zippers.

    "I honestly think this is no longer a safe place to do this. Greg or someone else can find out. We have to stick to the former routine." Regina said, her gaze as cold as ice.

    "I will have you wherever and whenever I want you, Gina," Matt said scornfully, his initial adoration vanished within the twinkle of an eye. "Do not forget who I am to you. You and Gwen both belong to me."

    "I haven''t forgotten." Regina hissed as she entered the bathroom to clean herself up.

    "How do you want me to take care of that little brat since your foolproof plan failed?" Matt asked, going through his phone and checking the recent updates on social media about Amelia. "Do you want her dead?"

    "No." Regina came out of the bedroom all cleaned up. "She''s very smart to have made herself famous again within a shot interval. If we go after her now, people will suspect foul play. All we need is a scandal for her to go back into hiding and then we can take her out."

    "When you make up your mind, feel free to let me know." Matt unlocked her door and let himself out.

    "Bastard!" Regina wiped a single tear that escaped her eye. "Your time will come."

    ----

    When Marcus told her that Blaze would be at the airport to pick her up, Amelia initially doubted him until she got into the black-tinted limousine and saw him tapping away on his laptop.

    "You came!" Amelia almond shaped eyes widened in a slight thrill.

    "I am a man of my word." Blaze lifted his eyes from his laptop screen to behold the beauty before him. She was looking way more gorgeous and elegant than he had imagined.

    "You are famous, Amelia." Blaze picked up his iPad and handed it to her. "Everyone is talking about you."

    "Wow!" Amelia''s eyes brightened as she read different heartwarming comments.

    While some fans addressed her as a superwoman, others tagged her as a goddess of beauty. Many sympathize with her over her husband''s infidelity, while the majority begged her to divorce the cheating scum. But the part that got Amelia giggling to Blaze''s fascination was the part where a well-known rich and powerful influencer who goes by his Instagram name, Hercules, openly proposed to her, while calling Jerry a dickless loser.

    Without giving it any thought, Blaze, who could barely hold back his emotions, closed his laptop and set it aside, before moving closer to her.

    "Have I told you that you look so beautiful, Amelia?"

    "Umm...thank you, Mr Anderson." Amelia looked up from the iPad screen, eying Blaze suspiciously as he lifted his hand to touch her silky hair.

    "Blaze...sweetheart." He said pushing her hair aside to reveal her slender neck. "Just call me Blaze."

    Amelia could feel her heartbeat increasing and heat rising to her flushed cheeks as his finger softly brushed across her skin while touching the diamond necklace on her neck. But she recalled how he had aroused her in the past and trashed her afterwards.

    "Ahem...Mr Blaze, I must remind you that we are business partners and not lovers. You need to keep your hands to yourself. You''re making me uncomfortable and I do not appreciate it."

    Blaze felt stung and hurt by her words. He held her stern gaze for a short before withdrawing his hand his initial soft gaze turning cold. He shifted back to his original position and resumed working on his laptop without saying anything to her.

    Amelia instantly regretted saying those words knowing how he had gone overboard to make this day possible for her.

    "I guess that must have come out wrongly. What I meant to say...."

    "It''s fine." Blaze''s voice was void of any emotion. "We will be approaching your home shortly. You should get ready."

    "Okay." Amelia nodded her head, leaning back on her seat, while stealing side glances at Blaze, who seemed so engrossed in whatever he was doing.

    "Umm... Thank you for the jewelry, the clothes, the private jet experience, the bodyguards and everything else." She said, trying to put a smile on his face.

    "It''s part of the arrangement," Blaze said coldly without taking his eyes off the laptop screen.

    Amelia didn''t like the tension between them so she tried complimenting him instead.

    "Did I mention that you were looking exceptionally handsome today in your well-tailored grey suit?"

    "..."

    Amelia swallowed the lump in her throat.

    "Umm... Is it safe to call my aunty and friend now?"

    "Yes."

    "Okay," Amelia released a sigh as she dialed Stacy''s number. She asked her to come down to the mansion, immediately. Next, she dialed her aunt''s number and covered her ears from the thrilled scream before informing her that she was on her way to the mansion.

    "That''s for you." Blaze pointed to a luxury velvet ring box on the table in between the bottle of wine and red velvet cake.

    "Another gift." Amelia''s forehead slightly furrowed seeing how Blaze was spending so much money on her.

    She slowly picked up the box, her heart beating really fast. She could guess what was inside as she opened it.

    But nothing prepared her for the rare and priceless beauty within.

    Inside the ring box what a stunning and jaw-dropping engagement ring featuring a rare 8.5-carat pink diamond.

    "Oh my god...Blaze. This is too much. I-I don''t know what to say. This is simply too much for me. How am I supposed to repay you at the end of this contract." She turned to face him, her eyes moist. But Blaze didn''t take his eyes from his laptop screen as he spoke.

    "You''re rich girl, I''m sure you can figure that out."

    Amelia could tell that Blaze was a very emotional and sensitive young man seeing that he was still angry with her.

    "Sir, we have arrived at the Shawls mansion." Fred, his personal driver announced.

    "Thank you, Fred."

    Amelia closed the ring box and put it inside her small bag.

    "When you''re done here, Marcus will take you to your new home. Everything has been arranged." Blaze said, tapping away on his laptop.

    Moving closer to her angry future husband, Amelia slowly closed his laptop forcing him to look up.

    "What the hell do you think you''re doing?" Blaze shot her a nasty glare.

    "Saying thank you and I''m sorry."

    Before Blaze could open his mouth to say something else, Amelia crashed her soft lips against his, kissing him briefly before pulling away.

    "I''ll see you later," She picked up her fancy small handbag and climbed out of the car, head held high, leaving Blaze in a complete daze.

 Chapter 19 - 19: The Tramp Has Arrived

    "Madam Regina..." A uniformed maid knocked repeatedly on her bedroom door. "Ma''am..."

    "Hold on." Regina''s sharp and irritated voice echoed from behind the door, followed by a click sound. She opened the door looking all changed in another fancy attire, making the maid wonder if the madam was about to go out.

    "What is it?" Regina shot the maid an impatient glare.

    "We just received words from the security at the gate post that the first miss has arrived."

    "She has?" Regina''s eyes widened as she shut her door and hurried past the maid.

    "Yes, Ma''am." The maid ran after her madam to the opposite floor-to-ceiling staircase window overlooking the entrance to the mansion.

    Regina''s inflamed eyes laced with both incredulity and hatred watched as Amelia stepped out of a black limousine smiling as if she had just won a jackpot. In front of the Limousine was the latest edition sleek black Bentley with tinted glass window. While behind the limousine, was a black luxury SUV. Three tall and athletic-looking men in black suits and dark shades climbed out of a black SUV. They all walked up to her taking different strategic positions beside her.

    ''How did she come up with such luxury cars and tight security with no money?'' Regina pondered recalling that all of Amelia''s credit cards and bank accounts were under Gwen''s management. ''Could it be that she has a hidden and well-funded account, overseas under a different name? Or Could it be that she has someone supporting her? If so, who is this person? Is he someone residing overseas or within the country?''

    "Ma''am, are those her bodyguards military men?" The nosy maid cut into Regina''s thought while craning her neck to the right side, to get a better view of the sexy-looking bodyguards.

    "What are you still doing here, you old baboon? Regina barked at the maid, her harsh tone dripping with venom. "Is this what you are paid to do? To snoop around? Maybe I should fire you."

    "N...no Ma''am. I... I''m sorry. I...I...I...I''m just waiting f...for your order, ma''am" The maid stuttered, taking some steps backwards, fidgeting.

    "Go to the garden and inform Nana, immediately that Amelia has arrived," Regina shouted at the annoying maid.

    "Yes, ma''am." The maid hurried down the curved staircase while Regina tilted her head back to the window, scowling as she watched Amelia speaking to her supposed bodyguards.

    "Wretch!" Regina hissed, clenching her teeth as she moved away from the window, hurrying down to her daughter''s bedroom while dialling a number on her phone.

    The line connected immediately and the calm voice of a lady spoke up.

    "Mrs Shawls, I was just about to contact you before your call came in. We are halfway close to the airport. But I just received word from my team that Miss Amelia has already left. They are currently trying to put a tag on her to know where she is. I will give you more information once we locate her."

    "You incompetent fool. She is already at the mansion." Regina hissed, rolling her eyes. "You can''t even do a simple job yet you claim to be the best. Remind me, why do we still pay you?"

    "I''m sorry, Mrs Shawls. But we''ve been very busy trying to tackle the issue with Miss G''s leaked pictures and video. We didn''t anticipate Amelia''s sudden reappearance or the press release taunt. We were taken by surprise."

    "We pay you huge money to anticipate a surprise, moron." Regina felt like entering into the phone to slap some senses into the over-sophisticated dimwit. "Stop giving cock and bull stories and just do your f**king job." She spat out, her grip tightening around the phone as she turned the knob to Gwen''s room and pushed open the door without knocking.

    "I''m truly sorry, ma''am. We will take care of her and everything else."

    Gwen, who was also on the phone talking to someone while pacing up and down, with Pearl following her closely and listening to all her conversations, stopped abruptly. She peeled the phone away from her ear and covered the speaker, her panicked eyes locking with her mother''s cold ones.

    "Mum, what is the matter?"

    Regina placed her forefinger on her lips while she continued speaking into the phone."Where is my husband right now?"

    "His in the other car with Jackson. But we''ll be heading back to the mansion after I inform him that Miss Amelia has already arrived home."

    "You will do no such thing," Regina warned sternly. "Pretend you know nothing about it. Since he dared to insult me and my daughter because of that useless tramp, let him continue on his wild goose chase. Allow him to go to the airport or wherever he deems fit to search for his useless daughter while I handle business here. When I''m ready, I will be the one to contact him."

    "Okay, ma''am."

    The line disconnected.

    "Sis, what''s wrong."

    "Quickly, there is no time to spare. The tramp has arrived with some toothless bulldogs posing as bodyguards."

    "She has?" Both ladies chorused at the same time in shock.

    "Yes. From the look of things, I think she has someone rich and influential backing her up." Regina pointed out.

    "Yes, sis. I suspect the same thing. Did you see the diamonds on her neck and her ears? Those are what millions. If only I could lay my hands on them" Pearl''s eyes glimmered with greed and envy. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Focus, Pearl. We need to know who is helping her. We need to know how she survived that night." Regina said in a hushed voice.

    "Those incompetent bastards!" Gwen hissed out loud.

    "Pearl, quickly go and get Matt. We need to put that brat where she belongs before her father arrives."

    "Okay, sis. This is going to be fun" A wide grin spread across Pearl''s face as she hurried out of the room, while Regina followed behind her to shut the door.

    "Wait a second, isn''t Dad with Amelia?" Gwen asked.

    "No, he isn''t. I thought you were on the phone." Regina pointed at the closed mouthpiece.

    "Oh, that''s true." Gwen hissed putting the phone back to her right ear while Regina switched off her own phone to prevent her husband from contacting her.

 Chapter 20 - 20: The Tramp Has Arrived 1

    "Mr Fletcher, I am so sorry for keeping you on hold."

    "..."

    "Mr Fletcher...."

    "..."

    "Hello!"

    Gwen peeled the phone from her ear only to find out that the call had been disconnected.

    "Shit!"

    "What''s wrong?" Regina came up to her daughter, after dropping her phone on Gwen''s bedside table.

    "Mr Fletcher has disconnected the call while we''re still in the middle of negotiation."

    "What about the other interested buyers, have you been able to contact them? Were you able to sell off any of those remaining assets?"

    "No Mom." Frustration etched on Gwen''s forehead. "All our initial buyers who indicated interest, offering mouth-watering deals are currently backing off due to that stupid viral video and Amelia''s sudden reappearance."

    "That little witch!" Regina punched her fist into her open palm.

    "Only Mr Fletcher was willing to offer me a deal for the yacht but now I may have lost him."

    "How much was he offering?" Regina asked, her greedy eyes sparkling with delight.

    "Hundred million dollars against the five hundred million dollars I was negotiating."

    "That rotten greedy snake!" Regina snarled. "He knows that yacht is what more than a billion. You know what, just sell it to him even if he''s willing to pay fifty million. I would rather have it sold than in the hands of that tramp." She said, her voice dripping with poison. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Okay, mom." Gwen sighed, her heart pounding as she redialed the number.

    Unbeknownst to both ladies, their buyer had heard and recorded most of their conversation.

    Gwen tried his number repeatedly before finally giving up while blaming her mother and Amelia for the missed opportunity.

    -

    -

    Amelia elegantly made her way towards the entrance of the mansion alone, while her bodyguard waited outside, following her instructions.

    A few maids who worshipped her were already outside, waiting to receive her.

    "Miss Amelia, welcome back home. We all missed you." One of the mature-looking uniformed maids stepped forward, her eyes teary and an infectious smile of complete adoration spreading across her face.

    "Thank you, Edith. How have you been." Amelia asked stroking the mature maid''s cheeks lovingly. She was grateful that Edith didn''t address her as Mrs Morgan as she was never married in the first place.

    "Better, now that you are back. Do you want me to get your bags from the car?"

    "No need, Edith. Come let''s go inside." Amelia took hold of the mature woman''s hand as if she were her family member while acknowledging other maids who came out to receive her.

    While some of the maids were happy to see her, others who were loyal to the madam and second miss of the mansion sneered at her while she wasn''t looking.

    "See the way she''s dressed like a slut, exposing her body for the whole world to see." A uniformed maid at the back whispered to her partner, standing beside her.

    "I assumed I was the only one who thought the dress was inappropriate for a married woman. How shameless." The second maid scoffed.

    "Shhh....the two of you are going to get us in trouble." A maid standing in front of the other two whispered while smiling as the first miss passed by.

    "Did you by any chance run into your father," Edith asked, worried that the madam of the house may cause trouble in the senator''s absence.

    "No. Why? Isn''t he at home?" Amelia asked, without any care in her soft but slightly cold tone.

    "No Miss Amelia, he went out to look for you."

    Amelia paused on her track, staring at the old woman''s worried face, reading the hidden message in her tone.

    "Hold on, I will send him a text message." Amelia paused by the entrance to the massive sitting room and sent a short message to her father''s contact.

    "Well! Well!! Well!!! Look who decides to show her face after absconding from her own wedding."

    Edith and the other maid quickly dispersed as they saw the troublesome Madam Pearl, descending from the staircase that led into the large sitting room.

    Amelia clicked on the send button before slowly looking up from her phone, her countenance calm but her gaze cold and devoid of any emotions.

    "It''s good to see you too, Pearl. You look..." Amelia made her way into the sitting room as she scanned Pearl from head to toe, taking note of her new high-end fashionable business casual outfit. "...upgraded. Have you finally found a job or have my father tripled your weekly allowances."

    "Hahaha...very funny." Pearl''s eyes flicked over Amelia, angered and resentful. "I must applaud you, Amelia. You never cease to amaze us all. Who knows better than to put up a dramatic show, lying to the world through their teeth if not you? Isn''t it shameful that you claim to be Mrs Amelia Morgan when you never got married to Jerry in the first place?"

    "So says the bootlicker who attended my so-called wedding, addressing my step-sister as Mrs Amelia Morgan and stuffing her fat face with all the free food and drink she could lay her hands on. It makes me wonder who is more shameless."

    "Why you little w..."

    "Amelia!"

    Pearl who was matching towards Amelia to redesign her pretty face froze on the spot at the old matriarch''s cold and stern voice.

    Old Nana Shawls, escorted by her two sons, made her way into the sitting room through the terrace, her walking stick making a click-clack sound on the marble floor. She approached her grandaughter, her right hand raised in the air.

    "Where have you been, you shameless little brat."

    The old Nana hand descended fiercely on Amelia''s face, snapping the latter''s head sideways and leaving behind a bitter sting.

    Amelia gritted her teeth as she turned to face her grandmother, her cold and piercing gaze dropping the temperature in the room by minus five degrees.

    "Didn''t you hear me? I asked, where are you coming from?" Old Nana Shawls lifted her hand to hit Amelia again on the same reddened cheeks, but Desmond stopped her, knowing how his elder brother would react if he saw marks on his precious daughter''s face.

 Chapter 21 - 21: The Shawls Family Drama

    Satisfied with the old matriarch''s action, Pearl couldn''t help grinning from cheek to cheek. The little arrogant tramp needs to be taught a bitter lesson. If only the scaredy cat called Desmond hadn''t interfered.

    "Mother, please don''t hit her again. Why don''t you sit down and allow her to talk? I''m sure she has a lot to say." Desmond pointed to a seat opposite where Amelia was standing.

    "She better have some good explanation to give for her disgraceful misconduct. Otherwise, she won''t like the things I will do to her." The old Nana hissed as she slowly made her way to the seat and sat down.

    Amelia watched her grandmother carefully sit down, a raging storm slowly brewing in her heart. This was the first time anyone in the family had dared to raise their hands on her and it was certainly going to be the last.

    Amelia''s deafening silence and disrespectful glares angered Matt greatly. But he couldn''t afford to be on her bad side. He wanted her to continue to regard him as her darling uncle. So he spoke softly.

    "Come on, Amelia, your grandmother asked you a question. Why do you remain silent? That is unfair and disrespectful."

    "Unfair!" Amelia turned her spine-chilling glares to her uncle, almost making the latter flint. "Such a fantastic choice of word, Uncle Matt. But let me ask you that same question, have you and the rest of the family been fair to me in the recent weeks?"

    "What is this hopelessly foolish girl saying?" Old Nana Shawls lost her temper.

    "Exactly, what you heard Grandma." Amelia tried to keep her tone in check. "I do not deserve what you all did to me."

    "Did you just talk back at me, you silly little child?" Old Nana Shawls picked up her slipper and threw it at Amelia. But it failed to hit her target due to her poor aim.

    "Amelia, don''t talk to your grandmother in that tone. I won''t take that attitude from you." Desmond warned.

    "I''m sorry Grandma if I sound disrespectful. But I won''t stand here and pretend that all is well. I suddenly went missing and all this family could do was ask my stepsister to replace me. Tell me, which loving family does that?"

    "Hey, young lady, do not..." Pearl didn''t get to finish her statement when Amelia''s cold and irked voice interrupted her.

    "Shut the f**k up, Pearl. You are not a member of this family and you should know your place."

    "Ahh..." Pearl gasped, stung by Amelia''s words. She turned her horrified gaze to the matriarch, hoping the latter would turn berserk on her arrogant granddaughter. But all Nana did was shake her head in disappointment while Desmond chided Amelia.

    "Amelia, mind your language. You''re standing before your elders. I will not tolerate any vulgar words here."

    "Uncle Desmond, if you want me to behave properly, then you better send that gold-digging racoon out of this place." Amelia pointed ferociously at Pearl.

    "Will you shut that dirty mouth of yours before I come there and make you." Nana Shawls yelled at the top of her voice causing her to choke on her saliva. Instantly, she started coughing, her old body trembling as she held on to her chest.

    "Pearl, get some water now." Matt barked as he hurried over to his mother''s side, crouching and patting her gently on the back.

    "Okay." Pearl dashed out of the room after sparing Amelia one last look of disdain.

    "Have you seen what you''ve done? I''m sure you''re happy now." Desmond''s forehead furrowed as he also crouched before his choking mother, trying to soothe her.

    Amelia felt a bit remorseful pushing the old woman beyond her limits. But this wouldn''t have happened if Pearl hadn''t interrupted her. Watching her uncle soothe the old woman, she was tempted to go over there and apologize. But staring at Nana''s slippers on the marble floor which was a few inches from where she was standing made her change her mind. She remained rooted in the same spot, hands crossed over her chest as she patiently waited for her aunt, dad or Stacy to arrive.

    "What is happening here?" Regina''s cold voice reverberated through the tense atmosphere as she hurriedly climbed down the stairs, closely followed by Gwen.

    "Grandma!" Gwen hurried past her mother and ran towards her grandmother. "What happened." She knelt beside the old woman who was holding her chest, with a few tears falling from her eyes.

    "Here is the water." Pearl re-entered the sitting room with a glass of water and handed it to her niece who in turn gave it to the old woman.

    "Here grandma, drink this. You''ll be fine." Gwen said in her cutest voice as her mother also joined her to comfort the old matriarch.

    "Can someone please tell me what happened to my mother-in-law?" Regina asked again, stroking the old woman''s grey hair lovingly.

    "Why don''t you ask that brat over there?" Pearl whispered while eying Amelia. "She is trying to give Nana a heart attack."

    "Amelia, are you responsible for this?" Regina stood up, eyes narrowed and nose flared.

    "Pff...like you care." Amelia scoffed at/Regina''s irritating show of affection.

    "What did you say?" Regina took this golden opportunity to charge towards her stepdaughter, with the sole aim of teaching her a bitter lesson.

    "I said you look so pathetic pretending to care." Amelia''s razor-sharp tongue cut through the air, taking even Regina by surprise. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "How dare you talk to me in that manner, you silly little brat." Regina raised her hand to strike Amelia.

    "Regina! Don''t!" Desmond moved swiftly to save his niece but stopped in his tracks as Amelia caught her stepmother''s hand in mid-air.

    "Why you little..." Regina raised her other free hand to hit Amelia but the latter also restrained her with her other hand, tightening her grip and digging her freshly manicured nails into her stepmother''s wrist.

    "What in God''s name is happening in here." Senator Gregory stepped into the room just in time to witness his wife in the process of hitting his daughter. He was closely followed by Judith and Stacy.

    "Oh honey, thank goodness you are back." Regina forcefully freed her hands from Amelia''s bone-crunching grip, tears welling up in her eyes as she felt pain shoot up to her brain. Although she was inwardly shocked to see Greg but pretended to be thrilled.

    Amelia tucked her hair behind her ears, exposing her reddened face.

    "I asked, what is happening here?" The senator thundered at the sight of a reddened handprint on his precious daughter''s face.

 Chapter 22 - 22: The Shawls Family Drama 1

    Regina rushed over to her husband''s side, tears falling from her eyes while holding her bruised wrist as evidence of Amelia''s hostility.

    "Oh honey, Amelia has gone insane. First, she attacks Grandma almost giving her a heart attack. Then when I tried to scold her, she attacked me. Take a look at what she did to my hands."

    Regina displayed her bleeding wrist with different nail cut marks for her husband to see. Sadly, instead of getting comforted by her husband, she was pushed aside as if she meant nothing.

    "Greg!" Regina''s teary pupils dilated as she watched her husband march over to his daughter.

    "Amy, who did this to you?" Greg approached his daughter his narrowed eyes, inflamed at the mark on her fair skin. He tried to touch her face but Amelia pushed his hands off.

    "Don''t pretend like you care, Dad," Amelia said in a deadpan tone, tears gathering in her eyes at her father''s gentle touch.

    "Amy..." Senator Gregory felt broken by his daughter''s rejection.

    "Amy..." Judith came forward, pulling her niece into her arms.

    Amelia felt all the strong walls she had built around her fragile heart crumble at the warmth of her dearest aunty touch. Her body started to tremble as the horror and pain she had gone through poured afresh into her heart.

    "Let it out, my dear. Aunt Judith is here for you." Judith whispered into her niece''s ear as she stroked her hair lovingly.

    Stacy also came up to her bestie and hugged her from behind while Amelia cried like a baby in their arms.

    Feeling enraged and thinking his wife was responsible for hitting his daughter, the senator turned on Regina in one swift move.

    Before Regina could predict what her husband was about to do, his wide palm came down on her right cheek like a force of nature.

    Smack!

    The echo of the slap resounded in the large room, forcing everyone excluding Amelia to raise their head.

    "Ahh..." Pearl''s widened eyes bulged out as her hands involuntarily flew to cover her open mouth.

    A thin smile played at the corner of Judith''s lips, while Stacy chuckled inwardly.

    Horrified by the unexpected turn of events, Regina felt as though her neck had twisted out of position as her head snapped sideways. She raised her hand to her stinging cheek as hot tears fell from her eyes.

    "You slapped me!" Regina cried, out in a distressing tone, her evil heart, shattering.

    "How dare you?" Senator Gregory growled, forcing his wife to cower in his presence.

    "Mom..." Gwen rushed over to her mother''s side, masking the rage in her heart by crying alongside her mother.

    "Greg, that was unnecessary." Matt rushed to his sister-in-law''s side, clenching his jaws and hiding the monstrous rage looming in his heart as Regina fell on her knees trembling and weeping.

    "Big brother, that wasn''t nice." Desmond frowned, torn between the two crying women. On one side, he still loved his niece even though he was eager to get rich at any cost. But on the other side, he cared about his sister-in-law seeing how she had been so generous to him ever since she became a member of the family.

    Senator Gregory was still fuming, his hands clenched as she scowled at his crying wife. "The next time you lay your filthy hands on my daughter, I will do much worse things to you." He spat out, his booming voice laced with anger and bitterness.

    "But I didn''t do anything." Regina cried bitterly still holding her burning cheek.

    "I was the one who slapped that spoiled brat." Nana Shawls finally found her voice after drinking her fill of water and clearing her throat. "Are you going to slap me too?" She forced herself up.

    "Mother, how could you?" Senator Greg turned her angry gaze to his mother only to be greeted by a slap from her.

    Amelia pulled away from her aunty, as the echo of the slap reverberated in her ear.

    "That is for hitting your wife in my presence all because of that spoiled brat." The old woman wagged her forefinger at her first son''s face.

    "Mother." The crease on Desmond''s head deepened.

    "Shut up, Desmond." Nana Shawls rebuked him. "Your elder brother may be a grown man with his own family. He may be a state congressman with a lot of people bowing to his feet. He may be a rich and powerful leader. But he is still my boy and he will learn to respect me."

    "Mother..." Senator Gregory clenched his fist, anger surging through his veins.

    "I''m not done talking." The old woman shook with rage, coughing again.

    "Mum, please calm down. Shouting is not good for your health." Matt pleaded.

    "No, I will not remain calm. Greg and his daughter have pushed me to my limits. This family has been doing fine until she showed up."

    "Really!" Amelia felt as though someone had thrust a dagger into her heart. "So I am the problem in this home."

    A wicked grin slowly formed on Regina''s face as she remained on the floor while watching the exchange between mother, son and granddaughter.

    "No, darling..." Senator Gregory pleaded to his daughter while frowning at his mother. "Mom, stop saying mean words to my daughter."

    "What mean words, huh? She goes missing for the last two weeks and comes in only to ferment trouble and you want me to applaud her? Be a man Greg and tell her that she is wrong?" Old Nana Shawls yelled at her first son. "And point of correction she''s not the only daughter you have. There are two of them and Gwen has been the one sacrificing for that ungrateful brat."

    "Sacrifice!" Amelia laughed bitterly. "As if taking my place on my wedding day is not bad enough, she goes around sleeping with Jerry and you call that sacrifice?"

    "It was a mistake." Gwen stood up, sniffling dejectedly.

    "A mistake! Don''t make me laugh." Amelia exploded, her voice laced with venom.

    "You don''t have to answer that ungrateful child, Gwen." Old Nana Shawls, blinded by her rage finally took Gwen''s side. "Let her tell us where she has been for the past two weeks."

    "What difference would it make?" Amelia fearlessly challenged her grandmother, throwing all her years of morals and etiquette out the window. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Will it change the fact that you all betrayed me by conducting a sham marriage in my absence?" Amelia turned her angry tears-filled gaze to her father. "Will it change the fact that you allowed Gwen to defy mom''s memory by letting her wear mom''s wedding gown?"

    "Amy please..." Senator Greg lowered his head, his guilt pricking his heart than ever before.

    "Will you change the fact that you lied to all our family friends and business associates that Gwen was me? How could you Dad? I trusted you."

    "Don''t blame your father, young woman." Regina finally stood up taking advantage of her husband''s weakness to show her prowess. "If you hadn''t run away with another man on the eve before your wedding, your father wouldn''t have been made to take the ultimate decision. He did you a favour and you should be thanking him, instead of showing this level of ingratitude."

    "Is that the lies you fed your husband? That my niece eloped with another man?" Judith came forward unable to stand Regina''s manipulation anymore.

    "Why are you answering for her, Mrs Suzy homemaker? Can''t she speak for herself?" Regina''s contemptuous tone made Judith clench her fist.

    "I still do not understand what Greg sees in such a vile and despicable gold digger like y..."

    "Enough!" Old Nana Shawls shouted again. But this time, she was able to control the pitch of her voice. "I will not have you two turn this peace-loving home into a place for a verbal brawl. And as for you Amelia, can''t you see the confusion you are causing in this family? If you have any sense of dignity left in you, do the right thing by confessing your crime."

    Amelia scoffed. "My crime. Well Grandma since it''s obvious you have already made up your mind about me, then I owe no one any explanation. I have already done this family a huge favor by pretending to the whole world that I married a jerk. And to show you all that I bear no grudges against my sweet loving stepsister, she can have the rest of that loser. But this time, it must be done the proper way."

    "What are you trying to say, Amelia?" Gwen asked, pretending to be confused even though she knew what Amelia was trying to say.

    "I''m sure you''re not that dumb, Gwen." Amelia hissed, turning her back on everyone.

    "Where do you think you''re going and how dare you walk out on me?" Nana barked.

    "To my room, Nana," Amelia said without looking back. "I''m going to my room to get my stuff."

    "Amelia please don''t leave." Gwen ran up to her blocking her path. "Please forgive me. I am very sorry." She said touching Amelia on the arm.

    Just then, Jerry, accompanied by his parents was ushered into the tense living room, forcing everyone''s eye in his direction.

    But at the same time, a loud crashing sound reverberated in the room as everyone''s horrific eyes shifted back to the two sisters.

 Chapter 23 - 23: Jerrys True Color

    A brilliant idea flashed through Gwen''s evil heart as her eyes fell on Jerry and his parents walking into the sitting room.

    Already blocking Amelia''s path, she said in a pleading voice.

    "Amy, I know you hate me for what I''ve done." Her gaze flicked down as though she were remorseful and helpless.

    "But, please..." She slowly took Amelia''s two hands, "Forgive..."

    "Get your filthy hands off me." Amelia freed her hands. But she didn''t anticipate what would happen next until Gwen flung both her hands in the air and launched herself backwards with such alarming force while screaming Amelia''s name.

    "Amy....." Gwen horrific shriek was replaced by the sound of shattering glasses.

    "What the hell!" Amelia''s widened eyes flashed with anger at her sister''s shameless and immature theatrics to frame her. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Everyone in the living room turned around just in time to see Gwen falling backwards. She crashed onto the luxurious glass stool behind her, hitting the side of her head on the jagged edges of the broken glass stool ¨C leading to severe lacerations on the side of her head and her left arm.

    "Jesus! Gwen!" Jerry screeched as he sprinted across the room to meet his lover, almost colliding with Amelia if the latter hadn''t suddenly moved to the side.

    "My baby." Regina, closely followed by her sister, husband and brother-in-law, alongside Jerry''s parent rushed over to Gwen''s side.

    "What has this evil child done again?" Nana Shawls sighed out loud, shaking her head from side to side. She remained seated, exhausted from all the shouting.

    Gwen who hadn''t bargained for this level of pain kept screaming in horror as fresh blood oozed from her bruised head and arm, colouring her blond silky hair and her light pink dress, red.

    "What have you done?" Jerry scowled briefly at Amelia before returning his trembling gaze to his lover.

    "The nerves!" Amelia clenched her fist as she watched Jerry, ¨C who was supposed to be apologizing to her for his crime, ¨C kneel beside Gwen and scoop her into his arms like a priceless treasure while applying pressure to her bleeding head.

    "Baby... It''s okay, I''m here. Deep breath."

    Jerry''s attempts at soothing Gwen only added more fuel to Amelia''s consuming fire. She felt like smashing his head into a wall.

    "You disgust me, Jerry. "Amelia''s voice was cold and grating. "You are nothing but a scum of the earth and..."

    "Shut up, Amelia." Jerry snapped his head towards her, his eyes dangerous and narrowed. "If you hadn''t run away I wouldn''t have been with your sister. Everything happening is all your fault and you are to be blamed."

    Amelia felt the sting of Jerry''s words hit her in the face.

    "Amelia, is that true?" Jerry''s mother came up to her from the nack, her gaze alarmed even after Jerry had enlightened them with his lies.

    "Why don''t you ask your son?" Amelia said bitterly shifting away from his parents.

    "You make me sick, Jerry." Stacy spat out, anger bubbling through her veins.

    "That makes two of us." Jerry retorted before turning his face to Gwen.

    "What happened to Gwen?" Nana Shawls asked, craning her neck from where she was seated.

    "She hurt herself really bad, Mum," Matt replied, deep creases lining his forehead.

    "Someone should call for the ambulance, already." Nana Shawls said in a desperate tone,

    "I have already done that, Mum," Matt said while he frantically tried to arrest Gwen''s bleeding arm.

    Desmond on the other hand rushed out of the sitting room to get help outside.

    "Is she alright?" Regina knelt beside her daughter stroking her hair, while crying.

    "I have no idea." Jerry shook his head, as he stared at his blood-covered right hand and the blood on the floor.

    Two maids hurried into the living room heads bowed, holding different cleaning tools.

    "Don''t just stand there. Get to work." Pearl snapped at them and they quickly began clearing the sharp glasses on the floor.

    "Let me take a look." Senator Gregory squatted beside his younger daughter and assessed the injury on her head and arm. "The cut isn''t that deep. A few stitches will take care of it."

    "I''m so sorry Dad for disappointing you. I didn''t plan for all of this. All I wanted to do was make you happy and tell my sister that I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to get her more angry." Gwen shook helplessly in Jerry''s arm.

    "It''s okay, dear. Save your energy. The paramedic will soon be here." Senator Gregory forced a smile, his heart torn between scolding his enraged daughter and trying to make amends with her.

    Clenching her fist, Regina slowly stood up and charged towards Amelia.

    "Amelia... watch out." Aunt Judith, who was closest to her quickly pulled her away from the enraged mother''s vicious claws.

    "You little witch!" Regina tried to attack Amelia even though she knew Gwen faked the fall. But Judith and Stacy stood their ground, blocking her from reaching Amelia.

    "Why don''t you come out and face me, you useless girl?" Regina tried to force her way through Judith and Stacy.

    "My niece is not useless." Judith retorted before Amelia could say anything. "The only useless people I see here are you and your daughter always manipulating everyone. Now if you don''t stay away from my niece, I will be forced to teach you a bitter lesson you will never forget." Judith warned, wagging her finger in Regina''s face.

    "Go ahead, let me see you try." Regina slapped Judith''s finger off her face. "

    "Will you two stop this bickering and focus on helping Gwen?" Senator Gregory barked at them. "I''ve had enough of all your screaming."

    "Aren''t you going to scold Amelia for pushing her sister?" Regina cried bitterly, scowling at her husband.

    "Amelia was the one who pushed Gwen?" Nana Shawls asked eyes widened.

    "I didn''t push her." Amelia spat out, anger bubbling in her voice. "She fell by herself."

    "Liar!" Regina snarled.

    "I''m not lying. Dad, you believe me right?" Tears gathered in Amelia''s eyes.

    "Why don''t you say the truth, Amelia? We all saw you push her all because you wanted to get even with her for sleeping with Jerry." Pearl snapped at Amelia, wishing there was a way she could go over to her and beat the crap out of her.

    "I don''t have to prove anything to you, worthless wretch." Amelia came forward, her dangerous aura and her cold glares forcing Pearl to take some steps backwards.

    "Enough, Amelia." Senator Gregory boomed, making Amelia flinch slightly. "Irrespective of what happened, Gwen is still your sister. I will not tolerate this kind of hostility in my home."

    A sly glint flashed across Gwen''s eyes as she watched Amelia''s boldness crumble under their father''s intense gaze.

    A single tear drop escaped Amelia''s reddened eyes.

    "I''m not surprised that you doubt me, Dad. After everything that has happened in the last two weeks, I shouldn''t have expected anything from you." She turned around and left for her bedroom, ignoring all her father''s desperate calls.

    "Fiona will be highly disappointed in you, Greg. You should know Amelia would never lie to you." Judith hissed as she followed after her niece, with Stacy tagging along.

    "It hurts!" Gwen cried out, reverting her father''s attention back to her.

    "Gwen!" Regina rushed back to her daughter''s side.

    "The ambulance is here." Desmond rushed into the room with some paramedic, who quickly arrested the bleeding before carrying Gwen on a stretcher out of the house, with Jerry and his troubled parents tagging behind.

    "My love, aren''t you coming along?" Regina stretched her right hand towards her husband.

    Senator Gregory watched as everyone except his mother left with Gwen. He sighed and said.

    "Go, I will join you later."

    "But Gwen needs her father by her side." Regina lamented.

    "I said, go. I will join you later." Senator Gregory turned his back and slowly climbed upstairs.

    Gritting her teeth, Regina rushed out of the mansion to meet her brother-in-law. "Matt, I need you to stay back and monitor your brother and that brat, while I escort Gwen to the hospital. I need to know their every move."

    "Okay."

 Chapter 24 - 24: The Spy Bug

    Amelia entered her bedroom, fuming and cursing under her breath. She couldn''t believe her father would doubt her after years of an unbreakable father-daughter bond.

    He always trusted her to be completely honest with him. How did he suddenly change under two weeks of absence? Or was he secretly in cahoots with his wife and her evil daughter?

    ''But Blaze never mentioned him as a beneficiary of her trust fund.'' Amelia recalled, sniffling. She angrily wiped her streaming tears, as her reddened eyes scanned her neatly arranged princess-like bedroom. Everything was intact like she left it except for her missing laptop which she usually left on top reading table. She didn''t need to guess where it was.

    As her eye fell on her favourite antique blue opaline glass vase which Gwen gifted her last year''s Christmas, a deep hatred surged within her.

    Without giving it a second thought, she picked up the vase and angrily smashed it on the marble floor, the loud shattering sound attracting her aunt who was just a few inches away from her bedroom door.

    "Amelia!" Aunty Judith and Stacy hurried into her bedroom thinking she had hurt herself. But thankfully they saw her standing a few inches away from her bed, glaring icily at the broken shards of blue glass on the white polished floor.

    "Amy..." Judith carefully avoided the shard of glass on the floor as she hurried over to her niece.

    "Aunty Judith, wait." Amelia raised her right hand up as her gaze fell on a small round black object in contrast to the blue shattered glasses on the floor.

    "Amy, be careful," Stacy warned as Amelia navigated her way through the broken glass and crouched to pick something.

    "What is it?" Aunt Judith made her way to her niece, curious to know what had caught her attention.

    "A mini spy audio bug," Amelia replied, her narrowed gaze becoming even darker as she imagined her private life being the object of someone else''s amusement for a year.

    "I''m not surprised." Aunt Judith hissed. "For all we know, this entire room could be bugged with these spying gadgets and even micro cameras."

    The door to Amelia''s bedroom suddenly pushed open and her father walked in, his eyes widened at the sight of Amelia standing on broken glass.

    "Amelia, what ..."

    "Why are you here Dad?" Amelia cut her father off while glaring at him. "Aren''t you supposed to be with your second daughter? Please go away, you are not welcome."

    Senator Gregory''s already furrowed forehead deepened with a slight glint of anger in his eyes. "Amelia, don''t talk to me like that. I''m still your father."

    "I will talk to you however I dim fit, Dad." Amelia walked up to face her father while Judith and Stacy watched from the sidelines.

    "Tell me, did you really love me as your daughter or you''ve been pretending all these years after mom died."

    "Amelia, don''t talk like that. You know how much I care about you. You are my daughter and I love you with every bit of my heart." Senator Gregory tried to hold her but she pushed his hands away.

    "No, you don''t," Amelia said coldly, ignoring his heartbroken gaze. "You have made it clear to me that you do not care about my feelings after you allowed Gwen to take my place in my absence."

    "I didn''t have a choice. You were nowhere to be found."

    "Of course, you had a choice, Dad." Amelia spat out between clenched jaws. "You could have called off the wedding. You could have informed everyone that your daughter has gone missing. You could have employed the services of efficient investigators to track me down. But you did none of that and it makes me hate you."

    Senator Gregory lowered his head, tears falling down his eyes as he said. "I''m sorry Amy. I failed you and Fiona. I''m a bad father. Please forgive me."

    "You are not sorry, dad." Amelia felt more miserable watching her father cry and listening to him call her mother''s name. "A while ago, you accused me of pushing Gwen even when I told you I didn''t. How can I ever trust you again? You and the entire family betrayed me."

    Amelia turned to leave, but her father caught her by the wrist, "Amelia, please, don''t leave. This is your home. Whatever it is that happened, we can resolve it amicably."

    "No, it''s too late Dad," Amelia said avoiding her father''s heartbreaking gaze. "I can''t stay here. But before I leave, I will tell you what happened to me on that night." She freed her wrist from her father''s soft grip and moved away from him still backing him.

    "After I left the bachelorette party to go meet Jerry. I was kidnapped by someone who was already inside my car. They were going to take advantage of me and kill me but I escaped." Amelia turned to face her father only to see pure shock and horror in his eyes.

    "I escaped but ended up in an almost fatal accident. But I survived only to find out that my sister had taken over my life. But it ends today." She dropped the black spy bug on her white reading table for her dad to see. "You can tell your people to stop spying on me, I won''t be staying in this house any longer."

    Amelia ignored her father''s dumbfounded expression, as she strode into her gigantic walk-in wardrobe and picked some of her important stuff.

    "Aunt Judith, Stacy, let''s go," Amelia said holding a small suitcase.

    "I will help you with the bag, Amelia." Stacy hurried to her bestie''s side to collect the suitcase.

    "Thank you, Stacy."

    Senator Gregory slowly picked up the mini spy bug on his daughter''s reading table, his gaze turning cold. "Are you going to your penthouse apartment?" He suddenly asked as Amelia neared her bedroom door.

    "No," Amelia responded dryly.

    "Then how do I contact you when I need you? Can I use the number you texted me with?"

    "Yes." Amelia turned the doorknob and unlocked the door. She was not surprised to see her uncle Matt loitering outside her bedroom door and she could guess what he was doing.

    "Amelia are you all right?" Matt asked with fake concern etched across his brows.

    "I''m fine, Uncle Matt." sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Amelia, the staircase is this way," Stacy called out to her friend wondering if she had forgotten the layout of her own house.

    "I know. I just need to get my laptop and some of my other stuff from Gwen''s bedroom."

    "Oh!" A smile spread across Stacy''s lips.

    "Are you allowed to do that?" Matt asked, a hint of panic lacing his tone.

    "Of course Uncle Matt. Gwen is still my sister and she has been pretending to be me for the past two weeks. I''m sure you know that." Amelia replied sardonically as she walked past her tongue-tied uncle.

    Five minutes later, she came out of Gwen''s bedroom holding a black bag.

    "I''m ready." Amelia walked back to her uncle, whose eyes were glued to the black bag she was holding.

    "Uncle Matt, please be a darling and inform Gwen that I have retrieved my things from her including a few things of hers which I need to verify. Tell her to see me at LiLa Savvy tomorrow to collect her stuff."

    Matt was about to follow Amelia out of the house when he heard his elder brother call him.

    "Matt please I need your help with something."

    "Anything brother." Matt concealed the anger in his voice as he tried to smile.

    "I have to go to the hospital and check on Gwen. But I just found out that Amelia was kidnapped on the night before her wedding. I have already contacted the investigation department to discreetly look into the case. Can you help me oversee this investigation while I attend to other pressing matters?"

    "With all pleasure, brother. If what you said is true, then someone will have to pay dearly for kidnapping my niece." Matt promised.

    "Thanks, brother. I know I can always count on you." Senator Gregory patted him gently on the shoulder before leaving.

 Chapter 25 - 25: Blazes Retaliation Plan

    At the Andex group of companies, Blaze had arrived an hour after noon. His secretary sat from across his desk, head lowered and eyes glued to her iPad, taking down notes while he gave directives.

    A small pile of folders were stacked on his desk, awaiting his signature. But his attention seemed focused on a particular document he received some minutes ago after his arrival.

    "Have my meeting with the chairman of Wikason enterprise rescheduled for tomorrow by 10:00 AM."

    "Yes sir." Nora James, a young and smartly dressed lady in a well-fitted royal blue skirt suit, nodded her head, her slick ponytail bouncing in captivating waves.

    For the first time, Nora was very composed before her boss. She wasn''t fidgeting or sweating in her palm as always. This was due to her boss''s slightly cheerful mood which had rubbed off positively on her and everyone who had crossed his path.

    Though strange, Nora couldn''t believe that her cold and stone-faced boss was capable of talking softly. She couldn''t guess what had prompted this unusual calmness in him. But whatever it was, she prayed for it to continue.

    "Make an appointment with Thompson Cabolt for 3:00 PM at the Kold lounge. Tell him that if he shows up a minute late, he can consider the deal off."

    "Yes sir." sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Have the Ponchi Blooming Garden send a captivating red tulip bouquet to Haris tea parlour at 2:00 PM."

    A thin smile crossed Nora''s lips as she lifted her head and said, "Sir, I learnt an hour ago that Mrs Anderson has cancelled her reservation at the Haris tea parlour for today."

    "She has?" A crease appeared on Blaze''s forehead.

    "Yes sir. I called to confirm the time of her arrival with her friends when I got the information."

    Blaze was confused. His mother never misses her Monday tea appointment at the Haris with her friends. What could have gone wrong? He was tempted to call his mother but he wasn''t in the mood for her lengthy conversation and pork nosing.

    "Send me the contact of the Haris tea parlour manager, now."

    "Yes sir." Naro quickly picked up her phone resting on the desk and scrolled through her call history for the particular contact. "Sent sir."

    "Hmm...." Blaze slowly spun backwards on his swivel executive chair as he dialed the manager''s number. He stood up and strode to the magnificent floor-to-ceiling windows in his luxury executive office, his mind temporarily drifting away to that brief but spectacular moment in the limousine with Amelia.

    He could feel his heart racing again as he pictured her pretty eyes glimmering with something strange and alluring before she crashed those really soft and full lips on his. He could still taste her cherry-flavoured lipstick even after hours of being away from her.

    The pretty little wild cat had simply taken his breath away with that daring yet refreshing and sensual kiss. It has awoken a hungry beast in him, one that craved madly for those soft lips. She had stolen something from him and he desperately wanted it back. Only a bittersweet retaliation would atone for her crime.

    Blaze was so lost in his thoughts staring down the busy street below, unaware that the line had connected until a deep male voice said,

    "Hello."

    "Yes...is this the manager of Haris tea parlour on the line?"

    "Speaking."

    "This is Blaze Anderson of the Andex group of company."

    "Oh...Mr Anderson. It''s such a privilege to speak with you, Sir. How may we be of service to you, Sir?" The initial coldness and pride in the manager''s voice were replaced with fear and reverence.

    "I''m calling about a reservation my mom made with her friends for 2:00 PM. Why was it canceled? Have you been slacking in your services?"

    "Oh no, sir. We treat all our clients especially, our VIP clients with the best. Our services are nothing short of exceptional. Madam Anderson only cancelled today''s reservation because according to her, one of her friends, Mrs Patricia Smith, wanted to host the tea party at her residence."

    "Oh...thank you."

    "You''re welcome, sir. May we interest you in..."

    Blaze disconnected the call and turned to face Nora.

    "Find out the residence of Mrs Patricia Smith and have the red tulip bouquet sent to the address."

    "Okay, sir."

    "That will be all, for now," Blaze said dismissively.

    "Yes, sir." Nora stood up to leave when she recalled something. "Sir, concerning the Oly Yacht acquisition, we gathered that a recent buyer who goes by the name of Mr Fletcher Addams of the Addams Kraft company was making a bid of one hundred million dollars with Miss Gwen Shawls earlier today."

    Blaze''s gaze slowly turned cold and vicious, causing Nora to flinch a bit.

    "So the fool wants to dance with the devil," Blaze said more to himself as he took a long and elegant stride back to his seat. "You can leave Nora. I''ll take care of it." He waved his hand as he picked up his mobile phone.

    Scrolling through his phone contacts, Blaze watched as Nora slowly shut the door behind him before dialing a secured line.

    "Sir." A cold and dangerous voice echoed from the other end.

    "Are you aware of Fletcher Addams''s move?"

    "Yes, sir. We are already on it. We have been gathering enough dirt on him and we are about to strike. We have alerted the IRS forensic accounting department to the ongoing internal embezzlement, fraud and tax evasion at the company. It''s only a matter of hours before Addams Kraft is placed on the chopping block. By the time the IRS is done with Addams Kraft, they would have no penny to continue operation."

    "Good. Make that happen in three days. I want Fletcher Addams'' reputation destroyed and that company bought over by Andex group."

    "Consider it done sir."

    Blaze hung up, a devilish grin spreading across his face. He placed his phone aside, turning his attention back to the document he was assessing earlier. Feeling satisfied with the contract drafted out by his lawyer, he picked up his customized black ball pen and appended his signature at the bottom left corner of the document.

 Chapter 26 - 26: Tina Stevens

    For the next one to two hours, Blaze worked on his laptop, taking online conference meetings and going through several project designs. He attended to all the outstanding on his desk before leaving for his business lunch meeting at the Kold Lounge.

    When Blaze arrived at the private VIP lounge area, he was received at the door by Marcus who had arrived thirty minutes earlier.

    "Welcome sir," Marcus bowed curtly as he took Blaze''s slim black leather laptop bag.

    "Hmm..." Blaze nodded as he strode over to his intending business associates who were all standing and waiting to receive him.

    There were untouched snacks, assorted food and wine on the table. But none of the guests were brave enough to dine with the devil.

    "You''re welcome, Mr Anderson and thank you for agreeing to meet with us." The leader of the group, Thompson Cabolt extended his hand towards the stone-faced CEO and current chairman of Andex group.

    Blaze ignored the outstretched hand as he casually unbuttoned his suit jacket and leisurely took his seat.

    "You have only five minutes to make a pitch and impress me. If I like what you''re selling, our lawyers can''t finalize the rest of the deal. But if I find out that you''ve succeeded in wasting my time, you will have to pay me handsomely." Blaze said in a deadpan tone intensifying the nervousness of his proposing clientele.

    Mr Thompson nodded, his hands trembling.

    "Your time starts now." Blaze leaned back in his seat, his chilly gaze on the mature man.

    Mr Thompson stuttered at the beginning of his opening pitch. But down the line during his presentation, he made an impressive presentation, gaining Blaze genuine compliments.

    "It''s a deal."

    Blaze extended his hand and shook Mr Thompson''s trembling hands. "Bring the proposal tomorrow to the office alongside the contract. My lawyer Barry Herman will be waiting to receive you."

    "Thank you very much, sir." Mr Thompson beamed.

    "Since you didn''t get to eat anything, you can enjoy yourselves downstairs. Inform the manager to put the bill on my cheque."

    "Thank you, sir." Mr Thompson''s smile broadened. He and his partners stood up and bowed respectfully before they left the VIP lounge.

    Blaze loosened his tie and helped himself to a glass of red wine as he waited for Marcus to rejoin him.

    "How was my feisty fiancee''s day?" He asked casually taking sips of his wine.

    "Eventful, sir." Marcus brought out his iPad and handed it to his boss.

    Thanks to the spy camera infused in Amelia''s diamond necklace, Marcus was able to view everything that went down inside the mansion.

    A smile slowly formed on Blaze''s lips as he watched Amelia challenge her greedy family until the point where the old woman slapped her.

    Instantly, the smile vanished from Blaze''s eyes and was replaced by something sinister.

    "Sir, that''s her grandmother," Marcus said in a hushed tone afraid that his boss could send people to snap the old woman''s neck.

    "And you think I don''t know?" Blaze said between clenched jaws.

    Marcus lowered his head, averting his boss''s deadly gaze.

    Blaze continued to watch the video until the point where Amelia was accused of Gwen''s intentional fall.

    "Those sick bastards!" He almost smashed the iPad on the floor if Marcus hadn''t quickly retrieved it from him.

    "Where is Amelia now?"

    "She''s currently at her aunt''s place with her aunt''s family and her friend Stacy," Marcus replied.

    The crease on Blaze''s forehead deepened. "Wasn''t she supposed to retire to the Villa for her safety?"

    "She''s taking precautions, Sir. She is aware that she''s been followed and monitored, especially after recovering some items from her father''s mansions which were bugged. Taking these items to the villa could expose her to real danger. So, I retrieved those devices from her and gave them to Echo to debug and re-bug. Amongst the items recovered is her stepsister''s laptop. We are helping her to hack into the computer and recover necessary data that would help us track all of Gwen''s past transactions. Once Echo is done, Miss Shawls will be picked up from her aunt''s house and taken back to the villa"

    "Hmm... That is more like it." A wicked smirk flashed across Blaze''s eyes. "But make sure her bodyguards are with her at every point in time. Inform them to always be on the alert. She must never be exposed to any form of danger. If I find as much as a tiny scratch on her skin, I''ll have all their heads including yours." sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Marcus swallowed the lump in his throat. "Yes sir." He hesitated before saying. "Sir, I just wanted to remind you that Mr Henry is coming into town tomorrow with the morning flight."

    "That overbearing and nosy clown." Blaze raked his fingers through his hair, ruffling it a bit. "I haven''t forgotten. How I wish I could make him change his mind and spend his holiday somewhere else."

    Blaze released a sigh. "Not a word about Amelia in his presence. I can''t have him snooping around my affairs."

    Marcus chuckled inwardly knowing how tenacious Blaze''s best friend was.

    "Sure thing, sir. Will you be picking him up at the airport or do you want me to do that, sir?"

    "Tomorrow is a busy day for us. Don''t worry about him. I''ll ask Fred to pick him up and take him straight home. I''m sure mum will keep him busy and entertained till I''m done"

    Blaze was about to dig into the food in front of him when his phone that vibrating on the table.

    He picked up the phone upon realizing that it was his younger cousin''s brother, Eugene Anderson.

    "Marcus help yourself to anything on the table," Blaze said before receiving the call. "Hey little bro, what up." He said jovially.

    "I''m great, Coz. You won''t believe who I just ran into at De Choice restaurant."

    "Who?" Blaze was curious.

    "The beautiful Tina Stevens."

    "Tina Stevens?" Blaze frowned. "How come? I thought she was out of the country."

    "Same here. But she is here with me in the flesh. She told me she relocated back to Salvine city two weeks ago."

    "Oh... good for her," Blaze said, sounding indifferent.

    "Coz, you need to see the new Tina now. She is a total upgrade from the sweet girl you knew back then. And she is very single and available."

    "Eugene, is there anything else you want right now? I''m a very busy man," Blaze said coldly, irritated by his cousin''s insinuations.

    "Forgive me coz, I know you will bury me after this but it''s worth a shot. Tina is beside me and she wants to say hello to you. Talk to her."

    "Wait..what! Eugene!" Blaze''s grip tightened on the phone.

    "Hello, Blaze." The soft and sexy voice of a lady echoed in his ear.

    ''Shit!'' Blaze''s features hardened at his cousin''s stupidity. He was tempted to end the call but it would be so cowardly of him. So he took in a deep breath to stifle his rage.

    "Hi Tina, long time." Blaze stood up and walked away from Marcus leaving the latter confused on what was happening.

    ''Why was his boss''s ex in town all of a sudden after three years of living abroad?'' Marcus pondered.

 Chapter 27 - 27: The Game Plan

    Blaze spoke briefly with Tina, keeping the conversation formal and polite. He outrightly declined her invitation to dinner later that evening and asked her to have a nice day before ending the call.

    "I''m going to break Eugene''s arm, so help me God," Blaze swore under his breath as he returned back to his seat.

    Pouring himself a glass of wine, he swallowed the whole content in on single gulp, gritting his teeth at the burning sensation at the back of his throat. His initial hunger was replaced with fury as he glared at the food on the table with so much disdain.

    Marcus ate quietly, keeping his slightly amused gaze lowered to avoid his boss''s wrath.

    The deafening silence prolonged for another five minutes before Blaze finally spoke.

    "Find out what Tina Stevens is up to," Blaze said coldly without any sense of attachment to the latter. "I need to know exactly when she really arrived in the city, who she has been talking to, how she was able to track down my gullible cousin and what her current mission is."

    "Yes sir."

    Blaze stood up, picking up his jacket and laptop bag.

    "Quickly finish up here and go pick Amelia from her damn auntie''s house. I want her back to the villa before it gets dark."

    "Yes sir." Marcus watched his boss walk out of the VIP lounge, looking more tense than he was when he first arrived. He almost felt sorry for him seeing that Tina had succeeded in ruining his appetite. It''s such a pity she doesn''t know the troubled water she had just stirred with that unwise move.

    Blaze could have her disappear permanently from the city if she meddles in his affairs.

    -

    -

    Regina almost lost her mind in the hospital when she received updates from Matt, informing her that Amelia left the house with some of Gwen''s stuff.

    After seeing off her husband who had come to check up on Gwen, she hurriedly made her way back to the private VIP ward where Gwen was currently resting.

    Thankfully, everyone except Jerry had left Gwen to relax after she underwent a total number of twenty-five stitches to close up her injuries.

    Jerry was seated beside Gwen, shamelessly playing the dotting lover, when Regina barged in on them.

    "Gina..." Jerry was surprised to see Regina''s face puffed and uptight. "What''s the matter?"

    "Nothing. Can I have a word with my daughter in private?" Regina said dryly.

    "Sure, Gina. I will wait outside." S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Jerry slowly stood up, a little curious about Regina''s motives. He didn''t like the fact that Gwen was not completely open with him concerning the sharing of the money. But he had his game plans set. The conniving pair won''t know what hit them when the time came.

    Turning his enchanting smiles to his love-sick puppet, Jerry pressed his lips sensually on Gwen''s forehead, smiling sweetly at her.

    "If you need me, honey, I''m just a breath away."

    "Alright, baby. I love you." Gwen''s cheeks glowed pinkish red as she blew kisses to him.

    Jerry maintained his charming smile until the door was completely shut before reverting to his true colors. He brought an earpiece from a wireless transmission device and plugged it into his ears while taking a seat in the VIP ward hallway.

    Regina ensured that the atmosphere was clear before turning her caustic gaze to her daughter.

    "How could you be so foolish, Gwen?"

    Gwen''s attempt at frowning only ended up straining her fresh stitches.

    "What have I done again, Mom? Haven''t I apologized to you and Jerry about the fall? I didn''t plan for this to happen. I just wanted to get that f**king b**ch in trouble."

    "I''m not talking about your stupid idea of hurting yourself, Gwen. Common sense should have told you that falling on a glass stool would have dire consequences."

    "Then what is this about?" Gwen''s cheeks burned with anger. "Just spit it out already. I''m having a terrible headache."

    "A headache is going to be the least of your problems if Amelia finds evidence of all our past deals." Regina spat out between clenched jaws. "You left your bedroom door unlocked, Gwen. Thanks to your sloppiness, that snake was able to gain access to your bedroom room. Do you know what that means?"

    Gwen''s pupils dilated in complete shock as she recalled how she left her bedroom in a hurry leaving her laptop, phone and some of Amelia''s credit cards in plain sight. "Did she..."

    "Yes." Regina angrily cut her daughter off. "She ransacked your room, trashing some of your stuff. Unfortunately, we didn''t get to see her in action because there are no cameras in your bedroom. But we do know that she left with some of your stuff including your laptop."

    "What!" Gwen felt suddenly breathless as though she were about to have a heart attack.

    "And there is more," Regina said leaning really close to her daughter''s ear. "I think she may be onto us. She discovered the audio spy bug you planted in that stupid blue vase which I remembered asking you to get rid of but you never did. I made contact with Lin to do a follow-up on her. But it seems after she arrived at Judith''s place, all the transmission signals were jammed and lost. Currently, we do not have eyes or ears on her. We do not know if she''s staying over at Judith''s place since her cars are still parked there. We do not know what she is planning to do. She is a freaking loose cannon and it''s either we fix this mistake or it may as well be the end for the both of us."

    "No..." Gwen shook her head as she slowly lifted herself out of the bed, her head throbbing and her heart pounding in her mouth. "We have to do something, mom."

    "Definitely!" Regina concurred.

    "I have to get my laptop and other stuff back. We can''t let her get a step ahead of us. We can''t let her win when we are this close to victory. Go get the doctor. I think I''m ready to be discharged."

    "Now you are talking." A sly grin slowly stretched across Regina''s lips.

    -

    -

    After spending a memorable day with extended family who truly cared, Amelia left her Aunt''s house in a different car with her three bodyguards.

    Upon arrival at the villa which Blaze had discreetly acquired in her name, Amelia was completely blown away by the beauty and luxury all around her.

    The villa was a grandeur haven of modern-day sophistication and beauty, which spoke volumes of great wealth and power, befitting for a true heiress.

    From the lavish exterior design, overlooking a captivating water fountain, to the exquisite interior furnishing, with breathtaking views, the villa was nothing short of a paradise.

    Being a girl who had grown up in so much wealth and sophistication, such opulent surroundings weren''t strange to Amelia. But coming from a man she never considered as a possible lover or even friend, it felt so special.

    Thinking of the great task ahead and the information she had gathered so far, Amelia wasted no time in settling into her new home. She spent more than half of the night working tirelessly, putting certain new measures on the ground that would kickstart the course of her revenge battle.

    By the following morning, Amelia was up and ready to rewrite her story.

    She scheduled a 7:00 AM meeting with the management team at LiLa Savvy, excluding Jerry and Gwen.

    When Amelia stepped into the grand reception hall of LiLa Savvy, closely followed by two hefty but sexy-looking men in a black suit and dark shades, heads began to turn and eyes gawk.

    Cladded in a well-fitted immaculate white pantsuit, paired with beige stiletto heels and a matching designer handbag, Amelia was the true definition of a boss lady with an edge. Her soft textured hair was neatly styled into a pretty ponytail and her makeup though mild was captivating.

    With an infectious smile framing her cherry-red lips, she looked like a sensational fashion model walking the ramp.

    "Good morning, ma''am."

    "Welcome back, ma''am."

    "Is good to have you back, ma''am."

    "You look awesome, ma''am."

    Most of the elated company staff at the reception hall greeted her enthusiastically, giving her a standing and clapping ovation.

    While some of them secretly sympathized with her over her husband''s scandalous affairs with her stepsister, others felt it was her husband''s loss to cheat on such a pretty and powerful woman.

    But one thing was certain, everyone knew the cheating couple days in the company was about to come to an end. There was no way the CEO would allow them to continue working in the company.

    Consequently, loyalty started shifting towards the winning side. No one was ready to lose their job over the heartless former acting CEO.

    Amelia curtly acknowledged all the compliments directed towards her, smiling sweetly as she made her way towards the private elevator that would take her to the third floor where the conference meeting room was located.

    Words about Amelia''s arrival at the company soon began to spread like wildfire and in no time, Jerry and Gwen got wind of the meeting and hastily made their way into the company premises.

    Since Amelia was yet to effect any changes concerning their managerial status at the company, the duo shamelessly made their way into the office commanding their usual forced attention and respect.

 Chapter 28 - 28: I Want A Divorce.

    Amelia was halfway done, addressing her management team when Jerry and Gwen both shamelessly made their way into the conference room commanding their usual forced attention and respect.

    They both took their seats at the far end of the table seeing that every other seat in front was occupied.

    In an attempt to keep her staff from witnessing any drama with the audacious pair, Amelia quickly rounded up with the meeting.

    "All right, thank you all for this brief brainstorming session. You may all return to your various departments." Amelia said, satisfied with her achievement so far.

    The scraping of seats closely followed by the shuffling of feet and amused whispers filled the conference room as the men and women of the LiLa Savvy management team slowly made their way out of the room.

    "Ma''am, would you be needing anything else?" Rebecca, Amelia''s reinstated secretary asked, worried about leaving her boss alone with her heartless husband and stepsister.

    Amelia smiled genuinely at Rebecca''s unspoken intent.

    "Don''t trouble yourself, Rebecca. I can handle myself very well. Just schedule my meetings for today and send them to my email. I''ll be in the office shortly."

    "Yes ma''am." Rebecca picked up the reviewed folders on the table and slowly made her way to the exit.

    "Take a look at what the cat dragged in." Gwen snickered as she gestured at the approaching secretary with her eyes.

    "Good morning, sir." Rebecca smiled through her teeth as she passed by the heartless acting CEO who fired her some days ago simply because his mistress didn''t find her appealing.

    "I can see you''re back," Jerry replied coldly without sparing her a glance.

    "Yes sir, all thanks to my boss, the CEO." Rebecca grinned like an evil clown on a mission as she left the room and shut the door behind her without acknowledging Gwen''s presence.

    "How I hate that revolting pig." Gwen hissed returning her gaze to her stepsister, who was at the far end of the table.

    "I think I should speak with her first so that you can have your privacy," Gwen suggested to Jerry as she stood up.

    "That sounds like a great idea." Jerry remained seated, surfing through the internet and keeping himself abreast with the latest trending news about his supposed wife.

    Having reinstated most of the old and loyal staff and issued an immediate job termination to all the newly employed and compromising staff, Amelia was finally ready to set the records straight with the cheating and manipulative duo. She remained seated at the head of the oval table, focusing her attention on her laptop screen, going through some of the company account ledgers as Gwen slowly advanced towards her. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Wearing a plastic smile on her face, Gwen cooed sweetly like a harmless bird.

    "Good morning, sis."

    She pulled out a chair on Amelia''s right-hand side and sat down gracefully.

    "Morning." Amelia maintained a formal and professional tone.

    "We missed you last night at home, especially Dad."

    "I''m sure you all did." Amelia continued working on her laptop without making eye contact with Gwen.

    "So where did you spend the night? At the hotel, at Judith''s place or at the house of your new boyfriend who has been spending lavishly on you." Gwen asked surfing for information in the most annoying manner.

    "That will be none of your business," Amelia said curtly. "I''ve been going through your operations in the company since my absence and it seems you have been making huge withdrawals without a single production or promotion of the brand''s product. Currently, you have led the company into an indebtedness of over fifty million dollars."

    "That''s chicken change to you, Sis." Gwen said nonchalantly admiring her glossy red manicured nails. "Moreover, I''ve not been the one signing the release of funds. It''s your signature on all those transfer instructions. Probably you squandered the money having so much fun in Coralis island. Who knows?"

    "Hmm..." Amelia finally looked up, an unreadable smile framing her face "Probably. But what I do not understand is how you were able to twist Jerry''s arms into making you the chief operating officer - a role you not only lack the required qualification but also the operational capability. You must have f**ked his brain really hard for him to throw away an exceptional man like Williams."

    "You have no idea." Gwen sensually moistened her lips, unperturbed to show her other side since there was no one listening or watching. "He couldn''t stop telling me how boring you were as we took different positions on your matrimonial bed. I was..."

    "Let''s cut the chase since I''m a very busy woman." Amelia cut her off, her gaze cold and devoid of emotions. "I want you out of this company and as far away from me as possible."

    "That is impossible sister since we share the same family and the same man." Gwen smacked her lips, glancing in Jerry''s direction. But his head seemed buried in his phone, ruining her opportunity to taunt Amelia further.

    "Well for that piece of jerk which happens to be my leftover, you can have him when I''m done with him." Amelia returned her gaze to her laptop.

    "I''m not leaving until you return the things you shamelessly stole from my room." Gwen spat out between clenched teeth.

    "Stole?" Amelia lifted her eyes from the screen, a glint of mockery flashing across her brimming eyes. "I see a joke coming along." She chuckled softly, leaning back on her seat and folding her arms across her chest.

    "Isn''t that word such a cliche coming from a shameless b*tch who not only stole her sister''s man but forged her sister''s signature to claim her sister''s inheritance. As if stealing my inheritance and my personality wasn''t enough, you were still planning to sell off my company. So I ask, why? Why are you so desperate to be me or rather to take everything away from me? Did I ever offend you in your formal life?"

    Gwen chuckled bitterly.

    "I have no idea what you''re talking about sister. Because the last time I checked, you were the one married to Jerry Morgan and not me. You are the one who signed along with your husband, liquidating your trust fund and not me. You were the one who disposed of your inheritance and not me. You are Mrs Amelia Shawls Morgan and I''m simply miss Gwen Shawls. Does that ring a bell?"

    Amelia took one long look at Gwen, her heart filled with so much hate and rage to destroy this young lady whose mind was as poisonous as a lethal snake''s venom. She exhaled slowly and said.

    "You may leave."

    "Not without my laptop and other stuff you took."

    Amelia resumed working on her device. "You will get them when I''m done with them. In the meantime, your desk has been cleared and your things alongside your job termination letter are waiting for you downstairs at the reception."

    "I will not leave without my laptop." Gwen reaffirmed.

    "And if I say no, what would you do? Cry me a river or report me to Dad?"

    "I won''t give you that satisfaction. But I do know how much you care about your public image. You do not want me to make a scene in your company." Gwen''s face reddened like an overripe tomato that was about to pop.

    "By all means do entertain yourself," Amelia said softly. "I''m sure a lot of people including me will be anxious to watch your theatrics."

    Gwen clenched her fist, her eyes looking up to the camera inside the conference room. She knew she was being watched and Amelia''s scary-looking bodyguards were outside the room. In here, she was powerless even with Jerry seated not far from her. But outside the walls of this company, she knew the right buttons to press to deal with her annoying stepsister.

    "Amelia..."

    "Zip it." Amelia sat up, her humour disappearing in an instant as if it was never there. Her gaze turned frosty and her words sent a chill running down Gwen''s spine.

    Jerry who had been trying to redeem his image by replying to some messages on his Instagram page was startled by Amelia''s piercing voice.

    "You have ten seconds to get up and get out of this room." Amelia picked up a ball pen by the side of her laptop, her murderous gaze forcing Gwen to her feet. "10, 9, 8..."

    Gwen couldn''t tell which of the demons had suddenly possessed her stepsister, as she hurriedly picked up her handbag and moved away from Amelia.

    "Gwen..." Jerry came up to her.

    "She has obviously lost her mind and I think we should leave," Gwen said in a trembling voice as she took hold of Jerry''s wrist.

    Jerry''s gaze shifted to Amelia who was still counting down, her hands on the intercom.

    "Go, I''ll talk to her." He freed his wrist from Gwen''s hold and watched her leave the conference room in a hurry.

    Turning his soft gaze to Amelia, he slowly made his way to her.

    Amelia took in a deep breath trying her best to calm the rage swirling in her heart.

    She didn''t wait for Jerry to speak as she said dryly.

    "I want a divorce from the sham marriage."

 Chapter 29 - 29: Lets Stay Married

    "I want a divorce from this sham marriage that never happened between us," Amelia said dryly, her words dripping with venom.

    "A divorce!" Jerry replied half shocked, his eyes widened like a saucer. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "You heard me right, Jerry." Amelia spat out.

    "You can''t be serious Amelia," Jerry said, glaring at her.

    "Why? Aren''t you happy that I''m finally setting you free to go be with your little whore of a mistress?" Amelia asked mockingly, her steely gaze laced with unfathomable fury. "You should be telling me thank you. At least now you won''t have to hide while f**king her."

    Jerry''s face contoured like a rumpled paper, his narrowed eyes darkened and his fist clenched at Amelia''s words.

    "You better watch your tongue, Amelia." He warned taking one step closer toward her. "You may be the daughter of a senator but you are still my wife. I won''t have you insult me or your sister who has sacrificed so much for you."

    "Sacrificed!" Amelia scoffed. "Please, don''t make me puke. Neither you nor Gwen would ever understand the word sacrifice, even if it hits you both on your forehead."

    Jerry seethed like a kettle on the boil. "I''ve always thought Nana was wrong calling you a spoiled brat. But now I understand why. You are not just a spoiled rotten brat but an ungrateful lady."

    The conference room suddenly felt small as Amelia stood up, her fist clenched and her narrowed eyes shooting flares.

    "What? Does the truth hurt? Are you going to slap me?" Jerry taunted pushing Amelia beyond her limits."

    Amelia clenched and unclenched her fist, her blazing eyes boring a hole through Jerry''s forehead.

    "Go ahead, hit me if that will make you feel better."

    Jerry turned his face to the side, daring her to slap him. But Amelia remained unfazed, holding back her emotions. She stared deeply into Jerry''s taunting eyes and said in a low but painful tone.

    "I regret all the years I spent loving a selfish and heartless coward like you. You made a mistake coming into my life thinking you could steal from me. But I promise you, by the time I am done dealing with you, even a beggar wouldn''t look twice before spitting in your face."

    "Keep dreaming Amelia." Jerry took two steps backwards as he sized her up from head to toe, taking into account her captivating look. "I am not the one at fault here. You are the one who left me on the eve before our marriage. You are the one who made me compromise my standards by accepting Gwen as my wife in your place. You are the reason why the whole country is making jest of me, calling me all sorts of ridiculing names. If you think for a second, that I will let you drag my family''s name down the mud in a divorce, then you are in for a shocker. We will stay married unless you are ready to lose everything you owe to me. Think about it."

    "Hahaha..." Amelia laughed out loud as she sat down, closing the application she was working on and shutting down her system.

    Picking up the intercom before her, she dialled the reception desk and raised the phone to her ear while smiling to herself.

    "Good morning. LiLa Savvy Jane on the line, how may I be of service to you, please?" A sweet female voice rapped in Amelia''s ear.

    "Is Mr Barry Herman in the building?" Amelia asked, ignoring Jerry''s curious and slightly troubled gaze.

    There was a slight pause before the receptionist replied. "Yes ma''am, he''s seated at the reception waiting room."

    "Kindly send him to the conference room on the third floor," Amelia said and hung up.

    "Who is Mr Barry Herman?" Jerry asked, a hint of jealousy lacing his stone. "Is he the one you are secretly dating while pretending to be righteous?"

    "You''ll see." Amelia cleared the things on her table, leaving behind a yellow folder and a brown envelope.

    Jerry eyed the folder and brown envelope beside Amelia''s laptop suspiciously as he took the same seat Gwen sat on earlier. He could guess that whatever was in there was meant for him.

    Changing his tactics, he spoke more calmly.

    "Look here Amelia, let''s not fight. We are both adults and we are both in the wrong."

    The initial coldness and harshness of his voice were replaced with something more subtler.

    "I''m sorry for raising my voice at you and for the way, I acted towards you the previous day. I had no right to judge you without first listening to you. Can we put all of this behind us and move ahead?"

    "..."

    Jerry released a sigh of frustration at Amelia''s silent treatment.

    "Honestly, I''ve been so mad at myself and you ever since the day of our wedding. I allowed my emotions to get in the way and I said things I didn''t mean to say. I''m not perfect and I can change my ways if you give me another chance to prove my love to you. Please, let''s go back to the way things were before the wedding."

    Jerry paused hoping that Amelia would say something. But when she didn''t he continued.

    "Amy, I made a mistake by getting involved with Gwen. To be sincere, I do not love her. I was driven by loneliness, heartache and lust. But I know that is not an excuse to cheat on you. Please, my love, forgive me. I do not want to get divorced. Think of the damage it will do to both our families. Please, baby, let''s stay married. Let''s give ourselves a second chance."

    "..."

    "Amy... say something."

    Completely ignoring Jerry like he wasn''t there, Amelia slowly picked up her laptop bag and stood up.

    "Amelia, I''m talking to you." Jerry also stood up, blocking her path. "Say something. Anything."

    "Get out of my way." Amelia spat out.

    "No... I cannot do that. Not until you tell me you have forgiven me. Please, honeybun. I love you."

    Jerry said softly, placing both his hands on Amelia''s shoulder to hug her.

    But in the next few seconds, Amelia transformed into a wild cat. She slowly dropped her bag on the table, acting as though she was about to reciprocate Jerry''s gesture.

    "That''s my b..."

    Before Jerry could calculate Amelia''s next move, her clenched fist came hard on his face, knocking out the remaining words from his mouth.

 Chapter 30 - 30: The Humiliation

    Jerry staggered backwards, losing his balance and falling into his seat.

    "Amelia, you punched me?" Jerry''s widened was laced with a blend of shock and horror as he lifted his right hand to cup his reddened and broken nose.

    Amelia ignored the sting coming from her knuckles as she leaned closer to Jerry, her eyes blazing like an overheated furnace.

    "The next time you lay your filthy hands on me, I will rip out your rotten balls..." Amelia gestured as though she already had his balls in her clenched fist. "...and shove it down your throat."

    Jerry flinched at the cruelty and bluntness in Amelia''s tone. He watched her straighten up, a satisfied grin stretching across her lips, as she picked up her bag again.

    As he felt something warm trickling down his broken nose, his muscles stiffened. He placed two fingers under his nose and wiped off the warm liquid, his murderous gaze darting between his bloodied fingers and Amelia''s deadpan gaze.

    Rising to his feet, like an unleashed predator, he growled.

    "You "f**king b..."

    Jerry was instantly caught off when the door to the conference room was suddenly thrown open. He almost had a heart attack as his twitching eyes fell on two dangerous-looking men in black suits, whom he suspected to be Amelia''s bodyguards charging towards him like wounded lions seeking fresh blood.

    Falling back to his seat, Jerry covered his face, thinking the bloodthirsty bodyguards were about to pummel him to death.

    At the same time, an older man with a blend of grey and dark hair, holding a briefcase, strolled into the room shutting the door behind him. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Ma''am, just say the words and I''ll break the pig''s limbs." The head bodyguard who goes by the name Pascal, pleaded in a gruff but polite voice while punching his fist in his open palm.

    Amelia raised her right hand up, taming her hungry lions, a devilish smirk curling up the side of her lips as she watched Jerry shrink ten times deeper into his seat.

    "Were you about to say something, Mr Morgan?" She taunted feeling pleased to see him cower before her.

    "I guess not." She brought out her colored handkerchief and tossed it in his face. "Do not mess up my office with your stench."

    Jerry accepted the handkerchief with trembling hands while glaring at Amelia. He used it to clean his nose and to stop the bleeding temporarily.

    Sliding the yellow folder and brown envelope on the table toward Jerry, Amelia addressed him formally.

    "Here in this folder are the divorce papers which I have already signed, and a transfer of shares agreement which has been authorized. You will be signing the divorce papers and the transfer of all fifteen percent of your shares in LiLa Savvy back to me?"

    "What!" Jerry echoed in his heart, his horrid eyes darting between Amelia, her scowling bodyguards and the questionable averagely mature man who was now seated opposite him.

    Amelia opened the yellow folder before Jerry and turned to the marriage settlement page.

    "For my marriage settlement on the part of your infidelity, you are hereby required to pay me the sum of one billion dollars as compensation for my heartache." Amelia smiled sweetly like an innocent bunny incapable of hurting a fly.

    "Failure to do meet the terms of this settlement will attract dire consequences as stated below."

    "Amelia..."

    Pascal growled, punching his fist into his palm, making Jerry almost wet his pants.

    "As regards flaunting the conditions stated in the trust fund agreement..." Amelia continues speaking. "...you are hereby required to relinquish your ten percent entitlement of the trust to me, with an additional interest of two hundred percent, for breaching the signed agreement of our marriage."

    "What...No! You can''t do this." Jerry''s widened eye almost popped out of the socket.

    "It''s already done, Jerry." Amelia scoffed. "You will see in this brown envelope that I can be very persuasive." Amelia tapped her fingers on the sealed brown envelope.

    Jerry blinked severally at the folder and envelope, averting Pascal''s spine-chilling glares.

    "If you have any questions or concerns as regards the terms and conditions of this divorce, feel free to speak to my lawyer, Mr Herman." Amelia pointed to the averagely mature man with an air of experience and prestige, who nodded his head curtly in acknowledgment.

    Turning her attention to Pascal''s second, she spoke more calmly. "Clay, make sure Mr Morgan signs all papers within the next hour before you throw him out of the building along with his things."

    "With all pleasure, ma''am." A creepy smile framed the bodyguard''s face as he pulled out a chair beside Jerry and sat down very close to him.

    Jerry watched in horror as Amelia and the other bodyguard left the conference room leaving him behind with a psycho breathing down his neck.

    "Mr Morgan, I''m a very busy man and I have only twenty minutes of my time to spare. Please let''s make this as quick as possible." Mr Herman said in a formal tone as he brought out his ball pen and rolled it towards Jerry.

    "Shall will begin?" Clay picked up the ball pen and placed it in Jerry''s trembling hands.

    Jerry nodded, swallowing his saliva which felt like a thousand needles jabbing down his throat.

    -

    -

    "Have you heard, the CEO has fired his backstabbing stepsister."

    Gossip began to spread like wildfire all over the various departments of the company.

    None of the staff working at Lila Savvy ever thought that a day would come when the almighty Gwen Shawls, the enviable sister to the CEO would be kicked out of the company like a nobody.

    Amused stares and hushed whispers filled the entire reception hall as Gwen finally stepped out of the elevator, escorted by two security officers, both holding two boxes containing her stuff.

    "Excuse me, Miss Shawls. I''ve been asked to give you this, by the human resource manager." A baby-faced receptionist with a tiny voice called out to Gwen, holding out an envelope.

    "You can keep it," Gwen said in a deadpan tone, maintaining her stoic composure while glaring condescendingly at the receptionist.

    "But Miss Shawls..."

 Chapter 31 - 31: The Humiliation 1

    Gwen turned her back on the annoying receptionist calling out her name and pulling more unwanted attention towards her. She ignored the ridiculing stares that followed suit and the insulting side comment, as she strutted out of the building with her shoulders held high.

    As she approached his sleek red Ferrari, commanding the usual attention of a boss lady, even though she was a crumbling mess within, she turned to her security escort.

    "You rejects can put the box in the trunk of my beautiful car and get lost." Gwen hissed as she unlocked her car with the remote control.

    "Okay, ma''am." The first security guard replied to her sneers with a pitiful smile while the other angrily dropped her box on the floor, some of the contents flying out as he replied to her fearlessly.

    "I''m sure you can pick them up yourself, Miss Goody two shoes."

    "What? You ingrate! Come back here." Gwen shouted after the chubby man, who paid her deaf ears as he sauntered off.

    "Don''t worry, miss Shawls." The first more mature security guard said in a fatherly tone. "I''ll take care of it."

    "You better." Gwen rolled her eyes at the man before getting into her car and slamming the door really hard. Her hands started trembling with pent-up rage as the reality of Amelia''s humiliation dawned on her afresh.

    Cursing and swearing with tears glistening in her eyes, she started the car engine and turned the car air conditioner on. Then she slipped out her phone from her handbag and dialled her father''s number.

    "Senator Shawls is kindly busy at the moment. Please hold or leave a message." The electronic voice of a female echoed in her ears."

    "Shut the f**K up," Gwen yelled into her phone before dialing her mother''s number.

    "Hello honey, have you gotten the laptop and other stuff?"

    Gwen heard her mother ask as the call connected.

    "No, mom. That f**king b**ch refuses to give me my stuff. She had me humiliated and fired from her company today." Gwen sniffled, angrily wiping the tears falling from her eyes. "I want to hurt her so bad, Mom. I want to make her regret ever showing her ugly face in this city."

    "Calm down my dear and put yourself together. With the money we have, we can buy her company or any other company of your choice. Let''s just focus on the main problem. We will deal with that trash after sorting out the person behind her mysterious return. In the meantime, inform your father of her decision to fire you. I''m sure he will have a lot to say about it."

    "Okay, mom. But Dad''s number is busy," Gwen said in a frustrated voice.

    "Oh, I forgot. Your father is currently in a senate sitting and he won''t be out for the next six hours." Regina hissed from the other end. "What about Jerry? Where is he?"

    "I left him back at the office with her and only God knows what he is doing there right now." Gwen gritted her teeth, her heart filled with deep hatred and jealousy. "He said he was going to smooth out things with her but I doubt that b**ch has any plans of listening to him. If I didn''t know any better, I would say she''s planning to divorce him." S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I seriously doubt that because she has more to lose if she proceeds with the divorce. But notwithstanding it will be to our own advantage if she releases Jerry. At least you both can legally get married and silence all those haters out there."

    "Yes." Gwen smiled amid her tears. "Jerry and I are meant for each other and I''ll do whatever it takes to see that he leaves her dejected and empty-handed."

    "Good. Quickly come back home. I need someone to monitor the old hag while I go take care of business."

    "Okay Mom, I''m coming." Gwen ended the call before driving out of the privileged parking spot.

    -

    -

    Amelia returned to her tastefully furnished and luxurious office, her heart aching and her knuckles hurting pretty bad. She hadn''t anticipated that punching Jerry in the face would result in hurting herself. She sat down on her executive seat, sighing as she took one glance at her reddened knuckle. She could tell that she had bruised her vein.

    "Ma''am, do you want me to get you an ice pack?" Pascal suggested as he dropped her laptop bag on her desk, wishing she had allowed him to break at least an arm of the asshole.

    "Please do." Amelia smiled in appreciation as she watched him swing into action. Leaning back on her seat and massaging her knuckles, she winced slightly.

    Her thoughts slowly drifted back to Jerry''s words, accusing her of cheating on him with Blaze''s lawyer. If only he knew the enigma of a handsome man who was about to take his place as her husband.

    Amelia''s cheeks slowly turned pink as she pictured Blaze''s sinfully handsome face staring deeply into her eyes. She chuckled softly as she recalled the angry but stunned look on his face after she had kissed him back at the car.

    Even though it was meant to relax the tension between them, she hadn''t expected that she would be swept away with that tiny gesture.

    Temporarily forgetting about her pain, she recalled how soft, plump and pillowy Blaze''s lips were. His warm minty breath felt like freshly made peppermint cotton candy, so delicious and so intoxicating. His dark, mysterious and dreamy grey orbs felt like a magnet pulling her into its bottomless abyss of endless possibilities.

    Closing her eyes, Amelia imagined kissing him again but this time a little bit longer.

    Pascal quietly reentered the office and made his way to his boss''s table only to find her resting with her eyes closed. But then something was off. For someone asleep, she was blushing really hard.

    Staring at her reddened knuckle which needed urgent attention, he cleared his throat.

    "Ahem..."

    Amelia quickly snapped out of her thoughts, opening her eyes.

    "I''ve got the ice pack and a bandage, ma''am," Pascal said extending it towards her.

    "Thank you. I can take it from here." Amelia said dismissively feeling a bit embarrassed at her exposed emotion.

    Pushing all her thoughts to the back of her mind, Amelia to care of her hurting knuckles and resumed work.

 Chapter 32 - 32: Feedback

    It was a very busy day at the Andex group of company headquarters, as Blaze moved from one board meeting to other scheduled clientele meetings, signing new deals and absorbing new investors.

    He didn''t get the chance to do a follow-up, on Amelia''s equally busy day at her company except for one time when he tried to verify if the divorce papers had been duly signed.

    After almost eight hours of a hectic work schedule, Blaze finally got a few minutes of break to check in with other pressing matters.

    Seated in a relaxed position, with his chin resting on his left hand and legs crossed, Blaze listened intently to Marcus as the latter gave feedback on Amelia''s eventful day. His calm and collected expression slowly turned cold and lethal as Marcus made mention of Amelia hurting herself in the process of punching Jerry.

    "And what did Pascal and Clay do to the bastard?" Blaze asked in a viciously dangerous tone.

    "Nothing, boss." Marcus avoided Blaze blood cuddling gaze.

    "Nothing!" Blaze roared.

    "According to Pascal, Miss Amelia stopped them from dealing with Mr Morgan, sir. She only instructed Clay to ensure he signed the divorce and transfer of share papers before throwing him out of the company."

    "Where is the bastard now?" Blaze clenched his fist, angry at Amelia''s decision to let Jerry and Gwen off the hook without allowing her bodyguards to ruffle them up a bit.

    "After he was kicked out from the company, he went straight to the Senator''s mansion, where he spent roughly three hours. Next, he visited the Oak bar where he spent an hour drinking with one of his friends who goes by the name of Reuben. After leaving the bar, he makes his trip home, freshens up and drives out of town. Our spies are currently tailing him and I''m yet to get any updates concerning this sudden trip."

    "Hmmm...make sure you keep the fool and the rest of the greedy bunch under your radar at all times. Find a way to tap into all of their phone conversations. I want to know what they know, the places they visit, the people they interact with, and most importantly, every call made within and outside that mansion. We cannot afford to take any chances with those chameleons until we have brought each and every one of them down to their knees." Blaze stressed his last statement with a note of warning.

    "Yes sir."

    Blaze''s private phone beeped twice, alerting him to a new message. He sat up and picked up the phone from the table.

    A deep crease appeared on his forehead when he saw a message from his mother requesting him to come back home with his cousin who hadn''t returned since the previous night. He also saw that he had two missed calls and a text message from his best friend, Henry."

    "What about Tina? Have you found out anything about her?" Blaze asked while scrolling through the messages and reading the content.

    "Yes sir." Marcus nodded. "All her information checked out. She arrived in the city two weeks ago after signing a five-year contract with Kendrick Studios here in Salvine city."

    "She did what?" Blaze lifted his eyes away from his phone screen, his sharp and chilly gaze causing Marcus to flinch a bit.

    "She signed a five-year contract, sir," Marcus repeated his words cautiously. "According to our sources, she has been asking questions about you, your cousin and Madam Anderson. We have reasons to believe that she is hoping to rekindle her romantic relationship with you."

    "Is that so." Blaze chuckled, a devilish glint flashing across his chilly gaze.

    "Yes sir. Do you want me to put a tag on her?"

    "There''s no need for that," Blaze said in a dismissive tone. "I know how to deal with her. What about my fiancee? Has she left the office?"

    "Yes sir. But she left with one of her admin managers at a business meeting. The last time I checked, she was at the Bulvard restaurant with the admin manager and one of her investors from TP Ltd who was threatening to pull out from the company."

    "Send me the contact of the investor."

    "Yes sir."

    "Also find out if she is still at the Bulvard," Blaze said, dialling a number on his phone.

    "Yes sir," Marcus said, standing up and excusing himself temporarily.

    "Hello, clown." Blaze leaned back in his seat, a smile stretching across his lips.

    "Hey, genius. Finally, pick up your phone." The calm and jovial voice of a man echoed from the other end.

    "What can I say, I''m a busy man?"

    "Yeah right."

    "How was your flight?"

    "Boring as hell, bro. I was forced to remain in my disguise all through the flight to keep those screaming ladies and damn paparazzi off my back."

    "Being an A-List actor and a handsome celebrity comes with a lot of hassle. You signed up for it and you''re swimming in money. So stop whining like a girl." Blaze said brutally.

    "Men, that hurts. But I still love you, bro."

    "Keep the love for your many girlfriends. I don''t need it."

    "Speaking about girlfriends, I haven''t dated for a while now. I''m really searching for the one. I think I''m ready to settle down. Maybe I could find her in Salvine city."

    "I wish you good luck."

    "What about you? Any hope of a Mrs Blaze Anderson on the line?"

    Blaze features hardened. "Did my mom put you up to this?"

    "No... Just a harmless question from one brother to another."

    "Yeah right. Harmless my foot. Just stay out of my business." Blaze warned.

    "Your business is my business, bro. By the way, are we still hanging out by 7:00 in the evening?"

    "Sure. I''ll pick you up from your hotel."

    "Now you''re talking. See you later bro."

    "Yeah..." Blaze hung up turning his attention back to Marcus. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Sir, I just sent you the number of the investor at TP Ltd. Also, I have been notified that Miss Shawls is still at the Bulvard restaurant with the investor. But according to Pascal, she is planning to stop by at her father''s office before catching up with some of her old friends at the Diamond Star bar."

    "Place a VIP reservation at the Diamond Star bar and get the car ready," Blaze said, checking out the contact Marcus sent him and dialling the number.

 Chapter 33 - 33: A Stroke Of Luck Or Gods Compensation

    "Is this Tonero Yulski?"

    "Who wants to know?" A cold voice resounded from the other end.

    "Someone you do not want to offend," Blaze said in a dangerous voice, tapping his finger on the table. "I need you to stand up right now and excuse yourself politely from the beautiful lady before you. Find a private place where you can talk freely."

    A brief smile curled up Blaze''s lips as he heard Amelia''s voice in the background asking if everything was alright.

    "We can talk now. May I know who you are please?"

    "You are speaking with the president of the Andex group of companies."

    "Mr Blaze Anderson?" The voice of the other man slightly trembled.

    "That''s right and I need a favor from you."

    "Anything you want Mr Anderson. Just name it and consider it done."

    "I need you to invest a hundred million dollars into LiLa Savvy."

    "Done. Is there any other thing you want me to do?"

    "I do not need to ask you to keep this conversation a secret."

    "Certainly, Mr Anderson."

    "You can return to your meeting." Blaze ended the call. He rounded up his work on his desk, before picking up his phone and strolling out of the office.

    -

    -

    Amelia could barely contain her joy after signing a hundred million deal with TP Ltd. She had come to the Bulvard restaurant with the hope of convincing Mr Tonero to continue doing business with them.

    Although Mr Tonero was slightly hesitant at first due to the rumors making waves that she was planning to sell off the company, he later decided to give her company a second chance. And to show his commitment towards the growth of the company, he wrote her a cheque of a hundred million dollars before leaving the restaurant. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Overwhelmed with so much joy and happiness, Amelia completely forgot about the appetizing meal before her even though she had not eaten anything solid since morning.

    She couldn''t believe how things were going so smoothly for her. Not only had she gotten rid of the cheating couple from her company, but she had also recovered twice what they stole from her in a single day.

    Amelia didn''t know if this was just a stroke of luck or God''s way of compensating her for her heartbreak. But whatever it was, she was grateful.

    Picking up her stuff, unaware of the people monitoring and taking pictures of her, she left the restaurants for the Salvine Capitol.

    On her way, she got several calls from her stepmother and her uncles, which she declined. However, when Nana Shawls'' number appeared on her screen, she was forced to take it.

    "Amelia, how dare you divorce your husband without carrying this family along?"

    Amelia peeled the phone from her ear to prevent her grandmother''s high-pitched voice from rupturing her ear drum. She placed the call on speaker and replied calmly.

    "Because the last time I checked, Grandma, I was never married to him. I''m simply doing him a favour to be with the woman he truly loves. Shouldn''t you all be thanking me for my noble act?"

    "Shut your mouth, you silly little brat." Nana Shawls'' voice boomed over the phone speaker, causing Amelia to flinch slightly. "What is noble about what you''ve done? Isn''t it bad enough that your sister is suffering from the media''s backlash due to your selfishness? Haven''t you had your feeling of fun? Do you have the slight idea what your divorce would do to your father''s public image? Do you want to see this family become the laughingstock of the entire city? If you know what is good for you, you had better destroy that divorce certificate because this marriage is not over."

    The line instantly disconnected.

    Amelia released a sigh, her heart heavy with pain at her grandmother''s hurtful words. She knew Gwen must have exaggerated the whole job termination and divorce at home, turning everyone against her.

    But at the moment Amelia cared less. There was no going back to her vomit especially now that she was about to enter a contract marriage with Blaze Anderson.

    Switching off her mobile phone and tossing it into her handbag, Amelia rested her aching back on the car seat, while massaging her throbbing forehead.

    "Pascal, how long will it take before we get to the Capitol?" Amelia asked.

    "In less than five minutes, ma''am," Pascal replied turning his head to look at his exhausted boss.

    "Thank you." Amelia smiled at him before closing her eyes to catch a brief snap.

    Seven minutes later, Amelia''s luxurious black Roll Royce Phantom, pulled over into the highly secured parking lot of the state Capitol.

    Pascal jumped out of the car and moved around to open the door for her.

    "Thank you." Amelia smiled as he helped her out of the car.

    While Pascal and Clay follow closely behind Amelia as she makes her way towards the gigantic building, Amelia''s third bodyguard, who was also her driver, stayed back in the car.

    Following the usual security check procedures, Amelia and her bodyguards took the elevator to the twenty-third floor where her father''s office was located.

    When the elevator door dinged, sliding open, she was surprised to see Lin Fox, the head of her father''s security already waiting for her.

    "Hello Amelia, it''s good to see you." Lin, a thirty-five years old badass lady, smartly dressed in a black pantsuit, with her jet black hair neatly packed in a cute bun, extended her right hand towards Amelia

    "It''s always a pleasure, Lin." Amelia plastered a smile on her face as she shook the lady, who according to Marcus had a hand in her abduction.

    "Are these handsome men with you?" Lin asked eyeing Pascal and Clay, while moving aside as Amelia stepped out of the elevator with them.

    "Yes, they are my bodyguards."

    "Bodyguards!" Lin arched her brows acting surprised. "Why would you need bodyguards when I''m here to serve your family?"

    "Preference, integrity, discretion and class." Amelia''s calm voice was laced with a hint of arrogance and sarcasm. "I''m sure you will understand perfectly having served my family for almost a decade."

 Chapter 34 - 34: Unburdened

    Pascal smiled inwardly impressed by Amelia''s response.

    "Ouch! That stings. But, as long as you''re safe, I''m good." Lin''s smile didn''t get to her eyes, as she clenched her fist behind her back. "Please, come with me. Your father is waiting."

    "Kindly lead the way." Amelia gestured forward.

    "Sure." Lin turned around, the plastered smile on her face vanishing like it was never there.

    "Hello, Amelia."

    "It''s good to see you, Amelia."

    "You look awesome, Amelia."

    Some of her father''s subordinates greeted her warmly as she made her way towards her father''s office.

    "Boys, this is as far as you go. You are not allowed to enter the senator''s office unless you''re one of us." Lin pointed at the couch inside the senator''s secretary''s office, a hint of mockery lacing her tone.

    Amelia turned to Pascal and Clay who looked like they were about to punch their fist into Lin''s face.

    "I can take it from here guys. I won''t be long."

    "Yes ma''am."

    "Ma''am..pff..." Lin scoffed under her breath as she led Amelia into her father''s massive and well-furnished office.

    Senator Gregory was busy signing some documents on his desk when Amelia walked in.

    "Hello, Dad," Amelia forced a smile on her face even though she was deeply hurt by her father''s betrayal.

    "Amelia...." Senator Gregory dropped his pen on the table and took off his reading glasses. "...you came." He stood up and hurried around the table to go receive his daughter.

    "Dad..." Amelia''s words caught in her throat as her father pulled her into his arms for a warm embrace.

    "Thank you for honouring my call."

    "It''s fine, Dad." Amelia pulled free from her father''s squishy hug.

    "Sir, I will be waiting outside in case you need anything," Lin said in a monotonic voice.

    "That''s fine, Lin. Inform my secretary to get my daughter some blueberry muffins and some pineapple juice."

    "There''s no need for that, Dad. I won''t be staying for long. Thank you, Lin." Amelia said, signalling her to leave.

    ''Insufferable b*tch.'' Lin smiled through her teeth and left the office, shutting the door behind her.

    Let''s sit down." Senator Gregory led his daughter to the white double-seater sofa in his office and they both sat down.

    "Amelia..."

    "Dad...."

    Both of them said at the same time and chuckled.

    "You go first." Senator Gregory said as he took both of his daughter''s hands into his, stroking them tenderly.

    "Dad, I have decided to end things with Jerry."

    "So I have heard." A crease appeared on the senator''s face. "I was informed by Regina that he stopped by the house earlier today claiming that you divorced him. Don''t you think you are being irrational? There are better ways to settle this instead of opting for divorce."

    "I''m not being irrational, Dad" Amelia''s brows furrowed, clearly disgusted at the mention of Regina''s name and her dad''s choice of words.

    "You don''t expect me to remain married to Jerry after he cheated on me not once, twice or three times with my stepsister. This thing between them didn''t just start overnight. After speaking with Gwen at the office today, I''m convinced that she is in love with him and I''m just doing her a favor to step out of the picture. Or would you have me stay in an unloved marriage and a dysfunctional home?"

    "No...but..."

    "There is no but dad." Amelia cut her dad off pulling her hands away from him. "Jerry and I are history. I''m moving on with my life. He can marry Gwen for all I care. I just want to be happy or don''t you want me to be happy after everything that has happened?"

    "Of course I want you to be happy darling."

    "Then it is settled." Amelia''s eyes were filled with determination breaking her father''s initial resolve. "I just need you to support me in this Dad. At least you owe me this much for what happened two weeks ago."

    "What about your grandma? What about the rest of the family? They all think you''re making a huge mistake?"

    A deep crease lined Amelia''s forehead. "It''s my life, Dad, not theirs and I''m not making any mistakes, leaving a man who clearly doesn''t respect me as his wife. I''m freeing myself from a possible toxic relationship."

    "Hmmmm..." The senator released a long and defeated sigh. "Alright, I will stand by you if this is what you truly want."

    A smile replaced the frown on Amelia''s face as she involuntarily launched herself into her father''s arms. "Thank you, dad."

    "Does that mean you have forgiven me for my past mistake?" The senator pressed a kiss on the centre of her head, beaming.

    "Maybe..." Amelia pulled away from him, her cheeks glowing. "...maybe not. Just know you owe me."

    The senator laughed heartily. "Alright, my love." sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "So what were you going to ask me?"

    "Umm..." The senator hesitated before saying. "It''s about your sister and you firing her from your company because of her affair with your husband."

    "Ex-husband, Dad." Amelia corrected. "Remember we already divorced."

    "Yeah... I''ll try and get used to that."

    "Well, the truth is that Gwen made a lot of bad decisions that placed the company at risk of bankruptcy. And breaking my trust in her isn''t something that can be overlooked. As a businesswoman, I can''t afford to run my company based on empathy."

    "That is a solid point." Her father nodded his head.

    "I''m sure with her vast knowledge in marketing, you could help her secure a job in other companies." Amelia''s voice was laced with a hint of mockery.

    "Sure, I''ll speak to some of my friends."

    "Then it is settled." Amelia picked up her back, standing up.

    "Are you sure you will not join me for..." The senator checked the time on his phone, "...an early dinner at your favourite restaurant?" He asked rising up to his feet.

    "Some other time, Dad." Amelia leaned closer and pecked him on the cheek. "I have to run along."

    "Alright, my sweetie. Stay safe and call on me if you ever need anything."

    "Sure thing, Dad." Amelia kissed him as she left his office unburdened.

 Chapter 35 - 35: Centre of Attraction

    An hour later...

    The Diamond Star bar was alive and bubbling with so many fun activities as men and women sat down in different small groups, drinking, chatting and enjoying the electrifying background music.

    At the upper VIP lounge area of the bar, Blaze was seated opposite his disguised best friend, Henry Brookes drinking vodka and smiling at the latter''s hilarious stories.

    Marcus was seated not too far from him, also enjoying the benefits of working with a ruthless but generous boss.

    Occasionally, Blaze''s gaze would shift to the ladies seated below at the left-hand side of the bar, a devilish glint flashing across his eyes as he imagined some of the things he would do to that beauty in a black short dress.

    ---

    With hair let down and eyes sparkling like twinkling stars, Amelia was looking completely stunning in her flirtatious open-back short black dress. She was oblivious to the many eyes ogling at her as she kept on laughing heartily at her friends'' wild jokes and silly comments.

    All four ladies, including Stacy, were loud, overly dramatic and the centre of attraction to other drinking customers at the bar.

    "B"tches, say cheese..."

    "Cheese..."

    All five ladies chorus raising their drinks in the air as Adriana, the party-loving art collector took selfies of her girls.

    "Let''s get drunk and wasted," Adriana screamed dramatically, popping another bottle of champagne. She quickly uploaded the pictures, tagging a lot of her other friends with different hashtags

    [#Beauty

    #Diamond Star bar

    #Slaying in grand style.

    #Celebrating my girlfriend''s divorce from a sum

    #Amelia Shawls is single again.] sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "This is to all the jerks who think they can f**K our sisters..." Kyla, a redhead beauty and one of the top models in the fashion industry lifted her champagne glass in the air.

    "Their slim ass secretaries..." Nicole, a chubby lady with a cute baby face and the number leading entertainment journalist in Salvine city joined in the toast.

    "Their big-breasted masseuse..." Adrianna joined in the toast.

    "Huh!" All her girlfriends turned in her direction including Amelia, eyes widened and jaws dropping.

    Tears gathered in Adriana''s eyes as she confessed her pain for the first time.

    "I just found out that Kelvin is f**king his damn masseuse."

    "Ugh!" Amelia, who was the closest to her hugged her. "Don''t waste your tears on the bastard. It''s his loss."

    "Yeah." Other concurred.

    "Let''s not kill the fun," Adrianna said, dabbing at the corner of her eyes. "Amelia is your turn."

    "To the scum, who prefers our stepsister..." Amelia raised her orange cocktail glass in the air.

    "Yeah!"

    "To that mother f**ker who will dare to break my heart." Stacy raised her yellow cocktail glass in the air.

    "Cheers b*tches!"

    The boisterous cheers, clinking of glasses and laughter attracted Henry.

    "What is happening down there?" Henry asked tilting his head backwards.

    "It''s nothing," Blaze said, masking a smug smile tugging at the corner of his lips with his raised glass.

    "Wow!" Henry marvelled at the sight of the gorgeously dressed ladies below, his deep blue eyes singling out one of them. "Blaze, who is that hot pretty lady in black?"

    "Which one?" The smile vanished from Blaze''s eyes and was replaced with something darker and cold as Henry pointed towards Amelia.

    "That one with the golden brown hair," Henry said dreamily, unaware of the darkened eyes glaring at him. "I think I''m in love."

    Marcus, who was alert to his boss''s reaction feared that Henry was about to get a fist in his face.

    But everything changed when Henry added.

    "Wait a second, isn''t that Tina."

    "Tina?" Blaze''s vicious gaze moved from Henry back to the giggling ladies.

    "Yes, Tina Stevens, your ex," Henry replied, gesturing at one of the two ladies who had just approached the partying girls.

    Blaze''s gaze switched from cold and vicious to highly inflammable.

    "Marcus!" Blaze growled in a low but deep tone.

    "On it, boss." Marcus abruptly stood up and left the lounge.

    The five friends were still laughing and making wild jokes when one of their friends, Joana came along with a plus one.

    "Hey, girls!"

    "Jo baby!" They all chanted, standing up and hugging their sixth friend.

    At this point, Amelia was already feeling wobbly on her legs as the alcohol in her drink began to kick in.

    "Sorry, I came late. Hope you guys didn''t catch all the fun without me."

    "Nah...the fun is just beginning." Nicole signalled the waiter to get more glasses as they all sat down.

    "Who is this beauty," Kayla asked, eying the blonde-haired, tall and slim lady seated calmly beside her.

    "Guys, I want you all to meet my new friend who just relocated to the state after signing a billion-dollar contract with Kendrick Studios," Joana said pointing at Tina.

    "Oooo..."

    "Nice..."

    "Fancy..."

    "Congratulations."

    Everyone on the table was receptive towards Tina.

    "So what''s your name bumpkin?" Nicole asked, beaming at her.

    "It''s Tina Stevens." She said blushing.

    "Welcome to the Foxy Club, Tina." Adriana raised her glasses to the newcomer. "I wish you a pleasant stay in this beautiful city filled with lots of fun, drama, and love."

    "And don''t forget heartbreak," Kayla added, causing everyone to burst out laughing.

    "So what are we celebrating." Tina was curious as she secretly checked out all the pretty ladies on the table, singling out who was prettier.

    "Her divorce from a jackass." Adrianna pointed at Amelia.

    "Ugh!" Tina sighed feeling sorry for Amelia.

    "You don''t have to feel that way, dear. I''m good." Amelia reassured her.

    "So Tina, have you had your heart broken before?" Nicole, the most inquisitive one in the group, asked pouring her a drink.

    "Not really." Tina shrugged accepting the glass of wine offered to her. "I''ll say it''s the other way around."

    "Are you trying to say you broke a man''s heart?" Stacy asked, eyes brimming with anticipation.

    "It sounds harsh if you put it like that but yes."

    "Do tell." Kayla pleaded dramatically making everyone on the table giggle.

    "Well... It''s not something I like to share." Tina hesitated a little. "But since we are honouring Amelia here, I could just give a summary but no names."

    "No names." Others chorused, all their eyes glued at their new friend.

    Amelia, whose ears were burning to hear Tina''s story ignored her phone which was ringing continuously.

 Chapter 36 - 36: Tinas Beautiful Sad Story

    Tina closed her eyes, a gentle smile flickering across her face like a hologram, as memories of her past relationship with the only man she had ever truly loved flashed before her eyes.

    "Once upon a time, I was the luckiest girl in the city. I had a boyfriend who loved me, a kind-hearted future mother-in-law who worshipped me and a thriving career in the movie industry. Money was never a problem because aside from my wealthy parents catering for all my needs, my boyfriend was fond of spoiling me silly with only the best of the best. My life was like a roller coaster filled with different adventures and excitement until one day when everything changed." Tina opened her eyes, a deep sigh escaping her lips.

    "Here it comes." Kayla sang in a thrilled voice, her eyes glistening with anticipation just like everyone else on the table.

    "I got a call from one of the top movie directors abroad, who wanted me to take a lead role in his upcoming movie."

    "Wow... Isn''t that supposed to be a good thing?" Nicole interrupted Tina earning herself a nasty glare from her friends.

    "Stop interrupting her and let''s get the juice of the story." Kayla scolded playfully before asking Tina to continue.

    "This was like a dream come true for me as a local actor. So I wasted no time saying yes to the director and signing a contract which was sent to my email. I also quickly processed my flight ticket because I was to leave the country the next day. When I went over to my boyfriend''s home to break the good news to him, I was met with a surprise party and an engagement ring..."

    Muffled gasps escaped everyone''s lips on the table but no one interrupted Tina as she kept on talking.

    "He was going to propose to me before his mother and a few of our friends. When he asked me to marry him, all I wanted to say was yes. I mean which lady in their right senses would want to turn down such a gorgeous man and a beautiful diamond ring? But then I remembered a clause in the contract which says that I''ll have to be single to act that role and the movie was going to take three years to produce."

    "That is one evil contract." Stacy couldn''t help keeping quiet anymore.

    "I totally agree." Nicole concurred.

    "Guys, let''s allow Tina to finish her beautifully sad story before we air our opinions." Kayla pleaded.

    "Sorry, sweetheart. Please continue." Stacy said as she gestured zipping her lips.

    "To my disappointment, my boyfriend kicked against the idea of me travelling abroad. He claimed the director was a fraud and a womaniser. And he also promised to find me a better deal. Instead of listening to his passionate appeal and reasoning, I got angry and said a lot of hurtful words to him. Without giving him a reply to his proposal, I walked out of the house and the next day I took a flight out of the country without taking his calls or those of his mom." Tina broke down in tears.

    "Ugh! Don''t cry..." Amelia pulled Tina into her warm embrace, doing her best to soothe her, while others joined in encouraging her.

    "Do we get to hear the ending of the story?" Kayla whispered animatedly causing everyone, including Tina to burst into laughter.

    "To cut the long story short, I found out in the most painful way that my boyfriend was telling the truth and it was too late for me to come back because of the damn contract I signed. Although I got my wish and became one of the top female international actors in the industry, I lost a good man."

    "Such a heartbreaking story." Adriana sighed. "But did you ever reach out to your boyfriend and ask for forgiveness."

    "I tried." Tina smiled bitterly. "But I discovered he had barred my line and blocked me on all his social media accounts."

    "Probably he still feeling hurt." Amelia pointed out.

    "I would definitely be hurt if I were in his shoes," Joana said, amazed at her friend''s foolishness.

    "Yeah." Nicole nodded her head. "Especially if that f**king director had his way with you."

    "Did he?" Kayla winked at Tina.

    "Kayla!" Amelia shot the latter a disdainful stare.

    "What! It''s just us, girls. No one here amongst us is a virgin except..." Kayla allowed her words to trail as all eyes followed her gaze, stopping at Amelia.

    "Kayla..." Amelia''s cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

    "Amy, you seriously need to get laid because you''re missing out on all the fun. If you want I can arrange a hot sexy dude for you. I promise you going to love it." Joana stifled a chuckle as Amelia''s cheeks got redder.

    "Thanks, I''ll pass." Amelia rolled her eyes, turning her attention back to Tina. "So, do you know if your boyfriend has married some other girl?" She asked, taking a sip of her orange cocktail.

    "No..." A bright and hopeful smile spread across Tina''s lips.

    "You see I''ve been secretly following up on him. Yesterday I ran into his cousin at a restaurant and he confirmed to me that my boyfriend is still single and hasn''t gotten over me." She lied about the last statement.

    "Wow! That''s great." Amelia exclaimed.

    "This is like a second chance at love." Kayla beamed.

    "I think you should go after him quickly before another lady steals him from you," Nicole suggested.

    "Yeah!" Everyone on the table concurred. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I''m already on it." Tina felt so much lighter and happy after pouring out her heart to her new set of friends. "And this time around I have no plans of letting him go. I will do everything within my power to have him put that ring on my finger."

    "Sounds like a perfect plan." Adriana clapped her hands.

    "Let''s all make a toast," Joanna said raising her glass of champagne in the air.

    "To Amelia..."

    Amelia, whose glass was in the air, eyed Joana, making the latter giggle. "I hope you find love at the hands of a man who is truly deserving and hot as hell."

    "Thank you." Amelia smiled blowing kisses to Joana.

    "And to our newest friend, Tina. I hope you get your man back and this time love him unconditionally. Cheers!"

    "Cheers!" All the ladies on the table happily clinked their glasses, beaming and laughing happily until a man in a black suit approached their table.

 Chapter 37 - 37: Kiss Me, Blaze Anderson.

    All of the ladies stopped talking at the same time as their gaze shifted to the big, strong and muscular man in well-fitted black suit.

    "Good evening, ladies." Pascal greeted in his deep husky voice.

    "Meow..." Nicole purred, his twinkling eyes beaming with lust.

    "Ooh la la!" Joana Ogled shamelessly, moistening her lips.

    "Hello... handsome!" Kayla batted her lashes like a Barbie doll.

    "Is it hot in here?" Adriana asked in a soft sexy voice, while adjusting the extreme cowl neck of her halter mini dress.

    "Oh sister!" Stacy faced palmed her forehead, visibly ashamed on behalf of her friends.

    Tina, whose heart was set on only one man didn''t find the gentleman in front of her that attractive, when compared to the sinfully handsome Blaze Anderson.

    "Hi, Pascal." Amelia said in an amused.

    "You know him?" Nicole asked in a defeated voice.

    "Yes, he is Pascal..." Amelia paused intentionally as she read the expression on her friend''s faces.

    "Pascal..." Joanna drawled, clicking her tongue flirtatiously. "Such a beautiful name for a beautiful man."

    "...my bodyguard." Amelia completed her statement.

    "Your bodyguard?" Everyone on the table, except Stacy stared at Amelia, bewildered.

    "How?"

    "Since when did you get a bodyguard?"

    "Why do you have a bodyguard?"

    "Are you in any kind of danger?"

    "And why is he so cute?"

    Amelia was bombarded with different question from the left and right. But Pascal was in a hurry to remove her from this circle of horny friends before Blaze shot him in the head with his laser beam eyes.

    "Miss Shawls, your attention is needed urgently."

    "Oh...okay." Amelia picked up her glass of orange cocktail drink and down the remaining content before picking her clutch.

    "Girls, today was fun and I had an awesome time in you midst. But unfortunately, I have to leave now. I promise to answer all your questions in our next hangout."

    "Can''t you stay a little longer!" Kayla pouted like a cute baby.

    "Yeah, we''re having so much fun." Nicole tugged at Amelia''s wrist as the latter tried to stand.

    "Oops!" Amelia almost lost her balance, if it hadn''t been for Tina, who quickly grabbed her.

    "Is she alright?" Stacy asked, worried. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I''m fine, sweetie. Nothing to worry about." Amelia tried to steady herself on her wobble legs.

    "I think you''ve had too much of that cocktail drink." Tina said smiling while admiring Amelia''s rare and captivating beauty up close.

    "Tell me about it." Amelia giggled like a naughty child.

    "Do you need me to walk you down to your car?" Tina offered genuinely.

    "That won''t be necessary, ma''am." Pascal interjected, plastering a smile on his face, as he respectfully held on to Amelia''s hands. "I''ll take it from here."

    "Okay, big guy." Tina back away, raising her hands up in surrender.

    "Good night ladies." Amelia blew kisses to her friends.

    "Good night!" They all chorused, as they watched her leave before resuming their chatting.

    "Pascal, what is wrong?" Amelia asked, holding onto his arm as he led her out of the bar, with Clay closely tagged along.

    "It''s better if we discuss in the car, ma''am." Pascal replied politely.

    "Okay."

    When they got to her car, Pascal opened the backseat door and helped her in before shutting the door.

    Amelia who didn''t expect to find anyone inside her car almost let out a yelp when her eyes fell on Blaze glaring dangerously at her. His fist were clenched and his grey orbs were as dark as a gloomy cloud.

    "Blaze, what are you doing inside my car and why is your face so red?" Amelia asked in an amused voice, as she moved closer to examine this angry handsome monster.

    Amelia felt her body jerk slightly backwards as the car started to move.

    "Do you have a problem taking your damn calls?" Blaze''s voice was deep, cold and spine chilling making Amelia flinch a little.

    "Oh...was that you calling me back then while I was having a great time with my friends? I was wondering who that pesky fly was. Oops!." Amelia giggled, cupping her mouth with both hands. "Sorry."

    Pascal, who was seated at the front passenger seat became worried for Amelia. He figured that she was too drunk to see the devil she was messing with.

    "Amelia!" Blaze called her name between gritted teeth, invisible steam coming out of his ears, as he fought deeply to keep the beast within him at bay.

    "Yes, baby." Amelia replied sweetly, the alcohol in her system increasing her boldness and awakening her sultry side.

    Without thinking or caring about the consequences of her actions, Amelia moved closer to Blaze and leaned really close to his ears so that her warm breath fanned his reddened ear.

    "Have I told you that you look so handsome when you are angry? It makes me want to eat you."

    Blaze, who wasn''t expecting to see this flirtatious side of her, found himself swallowing a lump that had formed in his throat.

    "Amelia, this is not funny. I''m mad at you.," He tried to push her away from himself.

    But the little wild kitten was persistent. She leaned closer to his neck and sniffed deeply, unintentionally nuzzling him on the neck

    "You smell so good, baby. Tell me what cologne do you use?" Amelia asked sniffing down to his chest.

    "Amelia..." Blaze''s initial harsh tone softened as he tried to restrain her. "You are drunk."

    "I know..." Amelia whispered, giggling like a little baby, something Blaze found irresistible as he couldn''t peel his gaze away from hers.

    "Are you going to kiss me, Mr hot and sexy or do you want me to beg?" Amelia asked, biting down on her lower lips sensually while fondling with his tie.

    "Ahem?" Pascal cleared his throat, now feeling sorry for his boss.

    Amelia tilted her head to the front and whispered. "Pascal and Lance(driver), close your ears."

    "Yes ma''am." Both men replied, keeping their gaze focused on the road.

    Blaze was left completely speechless. The more he tried to get angry at her, the harder she made it impossible. Not to talk about her tempting short black dress that had him completely lost in her charm.

    "Where were we, sweetie?" Amelia, emboldened by her desires and the alcohol, climbed on Blaze, straddling him. She wrapped her arms around his neck, nuzzling him on his nose. "Are you ready to kiss me."

    ''Shit!'' Blaze could feel his dead heart beating again for a woman. Emotions he thought he had gotten rid of, slowly crept onto the surface filling him with a hunger to possess the beauty tormenting him. She was unknowingly driving him insane as she moved her hips delicately on his thigh, causing his bulge to rise.

    The atmosphere around him suddenly felt hot as if someone had turned the car heater on.

    "Amy, you''re not in your right senses." Blaze said softly, holding her firmly by the waist. "We can''t..."

    "Shh..." Amelia placed her forefinger on his lips, her shimmering eyes locked on his.

    "Kiss me, Blaze Anderson."

 Chapter 38 - 38: A Drunken Wild Fox

    Blaze found himself shrouded in a cloud of extreme desire, speechlessness and deep arousal. No lady had ever gotten him this mad and at the same time, extremely captivated.

    It felt as though someone had spread an aphrodisiac perfume in the car and her delicately soft body seemed to exude the intoxicating fragrance. He could perceive the strong alcohol in her warm breath inebriating and driving crazy. He was tempted to rip off her mini dress and devour every bit of her body until she was breathless and begged for his mercy. But wouldn''t that foil his plans of revenge before it even began?

    Blaze could hear the car partition sliding up as Amelia''s soft lips inched closer to his. He was grateful to Pascal for taking the initiative since Amelia''s audaciousness had suddenly turned him into a mute. He involuntarily moved his hand upwards, stroking her exposed back while contemplating whether or not to taste this sweet temptation.

    While Blaze fought between doing the right thing and ravaging the beauty in his arms, Amelia lost control of her patience.

    His confused, yet lustful expression coupled with his sensual touch and the pleasurable teasing of the bulge under his pants culminated in the perfect recipe for sexual intoxication.

    Without warning or care for her self-respect, she crashed her lips on Blaze''s soft and pillowy lips, drunken by a spark in his longing eyes.

    "You asked for this." Blaze echoed in his heart as he threw all caution out the window, finally taking charge of the wild hungry vixen in his arm.

    Savouring every bit of the flavour on her tender lips, he parted it with his tongue, and plunged in eagerly, pulling her closer to himself until there was no space left between them.

    A soft moan escaped Amelia''s parted lips as she struggled to keep up with Blaze''s rough and pleasurable kisses. She could feel the tautness of his muscles as he tightened his arms around her.

    She felt his hands slide down, grabbing her butt cheek with such savagery and pressing her down to feel his hunger. Her body shivered slightly as she felt the bulge in his pant almost boring a hole through her butt.

    ''This isn''t happening?'' Amelia''s mind began to panic. She had never gone beyond a kiss with any man. This was all new and strange completely different from everything she had read and watched. She felt completely breathless but Blaze had her trapped like a mouse in a boa constrictor grip. The more she tried to pull away, the tighter his hold around her felt, until breathlessness mixed with nausea kicked in. She began to feel dizzy as her stomach churned like an angry volcano about to explode.

    Though drunken by the sweetness of her lips and the intoxicating feeling of her body pressed to his, Blaze recognized a sudden change in her response to his manly prowess. She wasn''t giving the sultry vibe any more. Rather it felt as though she was on the verge of convulsing as he felt her nails dig into his skin, bruising him. He instantly freed her from his torturing lips only to find her face all reddened and her eyes widened.

    "Shit! Lance stop the car! Pull over now!" Blaze barked.

    Amelia impulsively flung her hands to her mouth fighting the urge to throw up all over Blaze''s face.

    Thankfully, the car had already made it into the peacefully and slightly deserted Quin''s estates.

    Blaze wasted no time in pushing open the door and helping Amelia out of the car. He made her crouch, stroking her exposed back as she vomited her gut, shaking vigorously.

    "Easy!" Blaze said in a softened voice, as he held her hair up, slightly disgusted by the amount of yellow-like liquid coming out of her mouth.

    Strangely, everything she vomited was pure liquid with no trace of any solid matter.

    "Sir, here''s a bottle of water." Pascal came up to his boss who was crouched beside his girlfriend.

    "Have she eaten anything today?" A deep crease lined Blaze''s forehead.

    "None that I''m aware of, except for the coffee she took this morning," Pascal replied in a guilty tone.

    "And you sat down there watching her take alcohol on an empty stomach?" Blaze growled.

    "Blaze..." Amelia called in a weakened voice. "Please... It''s my fault."

    Blaze tilted his dangerous gaze back to the messy beauty before him. He wanted to scold her badly. But this wasn''t the right time and he also felt guilty for provoking her nausea. Maybe if he hadn''t given in to his lust, all of this wouldn''t have happened.

    "Here, rinse your mouth."

    Blaze still holding her with one arm around her waist, gave her the opened bottle of water. He watched her rinse her mouth and face with trembling hands before drinking some of the water.

    "Thank you." Amelia kept her head lowered, feeling so embarrassed and sober for her behaviour.

    Blaze observed the way her body shivered as the cool night breeze caused her loose hair to blow across her face. He took off his jacket and placed it over her shoulder while tucking her hair behind her ear. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    This simple act of unspoken kindness flooded Amelia with a thousand emotions. The pain of her family and Jerry''s betrayal coupled with the sting of the divorce pressed down on her like a boulder to her neck, dragging her deep into the sea of depression.

    Without warning, she cupped her reddened face and broke down in tears.

    ''What the f**K!''

    Blaze was completely at a loss for words. He wasn''t only confused and irritated but saddened by her tears.

    ''Why are women so complicated?''

    Blaze pondered, recalling how his mother would suddenly burst into tears for unknown reasons. He understood that his mother missed his father greatly. But in the case of Amelia, he couldn''t tell if she was missing that jerk when a moment ago, her hands were all over him.

    Heaving a sigh of frustration, he did what any responsible and caring man would do. He pulled her into his arms and allowed her to cry out her heart, drenching his expensive inner shirt with her tears.

    Lifting her into his arms with little hesitation on her part, he got back into the car, signalling Lance to move. He didn''t allow her seat by herself as he held her like a baby in his arms, cuddling and soothing her.

 Chapter 39 - 39: Charmed

    All this while, Pascal and Lance were completely shocked to see the way Blaze was treating Amelia like a little princess. What happened to the cold-hearted and ruthless Blaze Anderson who didn''t care about anyone aside from his family? Was he developing a soft spot for his enemy''s daughter?

    Except for her occasional sniffle, the atmosphere in the car remained silent and a bit awkward until they arrived at their destination.

    When Blaze climbed out of the car still carrying Amelia in his arms, he took her into the house, holding her handbag, a sight her bodyguards saw amusing.

    Sebastian, a mature man in his early fifties and the head servant of the villa was already waiting at the door to receive them.

    "Good evening, Mr Anderson. Good evening ma''am."

    "Ask the chef to fix Miss Shawls something light for dinner," Blaze said in a deadpan voice as he walked past the troubled man, heading straight for the stairs.

    "Yes, sir," Sebastian replied as he shut the door while staring at his employer''s disappearing figure.

    "What could have gone wrong and why is the madam looking all sad?" Sebastian queried his thoughts as he hurried towards the kitchen to get the chef.

    When they were finally alone and behind closed doors inside her bedroom, Blaze strode over to the bed. But instead of placing Amelia on the bed like she hoped for, he sat down still holding her in his arms.

    "Amelia..." he called softly lifting her chin up with two of his fingers and staring into her hurt eyes which were tilted sideways. "What is the matter?"

    Amelia shook her head, more tears streaming down her temple.

    "Then why the hell are you crying?" A hint of annoyance laced his soft but deep voice.

    "..."

    Feeling slightly guilty, Blaze asked. "Is it because of the way I kissed you? Did I hurt you?"

    Amelia shook her head, irritated by her own tears. She couldn''t explain what was going on in her mind. But she felt like a complete mess at the moment.

    Sensing that she wasn''t in the mood to bear her heart out to him, Blaze changed tactics to stop her from crying.

    "I think you should get out of these clothes and take a cold shower."

    This time around, Amelia nodded her head at a chance to get away from this man who was suffocating her with his closeness.

    "Do you want me to help you take off your clothes?"

    Amelia finally looked at him, an alarm in her eyes. She made a move to stand up from his lap but Blaze held her in place, a mischievous grin playing at the corner of his eyes.

    "Not so fast sweetheart," Blaze said in a cocky voice. "You are still too weak to stand on your own and we have an unfinished business." He said stroking her exposed thigh.

    "Blaze, stop!" Amelia slapped his hands off her while turning her face away from his worried that her breath might be bad after vomiting.

    "Why? Don''t tell me you are shy all of a sudden, my little wild fox."

    Blaze''s husky warm breath on the side of her neck, made Amelia''s body stiffen. She pushed herself up with all her might, staggering a little and spoke in a more composed voice.

    "I need to brush and have a bath."

    "oh..." Blaze got the idea. "...and afterwards..." he drawled leaning back and drinking in her beauty.

    "Sleep!" Amelia rolled her eyes at him, taking an uneven but hurried step towards the bathroom door.

    "Sure, we can sleep together?" Blaze smiled to himself without looking at the dangerous scowl on her face.

    "In your dreams." Amelia got into the bathroom and slammed the door shut.

    By the time she came out all cleaned up and changed into her nightwear, Blaze was gone. But he left a note beside a tray of appetizing food placed on the table beside her bed.

    Slightly disappointed, she picked up the note and read it out.

    [I''ll see you in the morning, my little wild fox. Take the tablet beside your food after eating and rest. No more wild partying and getting drunk.]

    An infectious smile slowly curled up Amelia''s lips as she put the note aside, her heart beating for this eccentric but charming young man.

    -

    -

    "I can''t believe you approved of her divorce Greg," Regina yelled at her husband the minute he stepped into the house, completely exhausted from a very busy day at work.

    "Gina, please not now." Senator Greg handed over his briefcase to the butler who bowed respectfully and left. "We can talk about this tomorrow. It is late and I am very exhausted."

    "No, we have to talk about it now. Are you aware of what people are saying behind our backs? Gwen and Jerry are been shredded out there while your ungrateful daughter parties with her friend." Regina said following him into the living room.

    "Gina, I said not now!" Senator Gregory barked, regretting why he didn''t stay back at the office a little longer.

    "Yes. Go ahead and shout at me. That is the only thing you are good at. But I''m not going to let you ruin this family because of that your ungrateful daughter."

    The senator ignored his nagging wife as he climbed up the stairs, grateful that his mother had gone to bed or so he thought.

    "Greg..."

    The senator looked to his left-hand side as he reached the top landing area of the stairs.

    "Mom!" A frown etched on his face. "I thought you had gone to bed."

    "How can when my first son''s house is on fire." The old woman said in a broken voice. "Please come with me to my bedroom. I need to speak with you alone."

    The senator massaged his forehead in frustration. "Can''t it be till tomorrow?"

    "No! It can''t." Nana Shawls led the way, while her first son followed slightly happy to be away from his nagging wife.

    Finally seated on her bed with her first son seated opposite her on the divan, Nana Shawls went straight to the point.

    "Roughly twenty-four years ago, you brought a certain egocentric and mannerless young lady into my home claiming you were in love."

    Senator Gregory released a frustrated sigh. "Mom, can we not go to that topic? Fiona is dead. Please let her rest in ..."

    "Do not interrupt me again, young man." Nana Shawls said sharply, cutting the senator off. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Fine."

    "You married that young lady against my wishes and you had a daughter. Not long after, you discovered you had made a mistake and ended up impregnating another woman, bringing home an illegitimate daughter and staining our family''s name."

    "And your point is?" The senator was about to lose his cool.

    "My point is that you are not only a pig-headed son but a weak father. I gave you an instruction back then and you disregarded it leading to the death of your so-called wife."

    Senator Gregory''s fist clenched.

    "And now I gave you another instruction to ensure the sanity of this family. Yet you flouted it a second time approving of your daughter''s divorce behind my back. You even went as far as suggesting that Gwen should marry Jerry."

    "But mum..."

    "Let this be a warning to you from mother to son." Nana Shawl didn''t give him any room to speak or defend his daughter. "If anything goes wrong based on this decision of yours, do not come crying to me like you did in the past. You are on your own."

 Chapter 40 - 40: Marias Andersons Request.

    Knock! Knock!! Knock!!!

    Blaze was fixing the black silver cufflinks on the cuff of his shirt when a gentle tap on his bedroom door forced him to look up.

    ''Who could that be? Eugene?'' Blaze pondered as he sauntered to the door and opened it.

    "Mom!" Blaze raised his brows in surprise.

    "Good morning, sweetheart." Maria Anderson, a cheerful woman in her late forties but with a youthful vigour beamed sweetly to her son. Her eyes which were like the color of the sea foam scanned him from head to toe. "Already dressed and ready to run away as usual?"

    "Good morning, mom." Blaze embraced her and pressed his lips on her forehead before releasing her.

    "And no, I''m not running away. I''m simply preparing for work." He made way for her to enter his bedroom before shutting the door behind her.

    "At 5:10 AM?" Maria eyed her son suspiciously.

    "I have an early start, Mom. By the way, aren''t you supposed to be in bed?" Blaze walked back to his dresser and resumed fixing his cufflinks.

    "You know me. I''m also an early bird like my son." Maria replied, as she picked up his plain black tie on the bed and moved purposely over to him. "May I."

    "Sure mum." Blaze raised his collar and lowered his neck, an infectious smile on his lips as he stared into his mother''s shimmery eyes. He could tell she wanted to ask for something and had a feeling that it was going to be annoying.

    Maria skillfully knotted the tie just like she did in the past for her darling husband. She brought down the collar, a satisfied smile framing her face.

    "There...you look as charming as your dad."

    "Thanks, Mom." Blaze pecked her on the cheek. He moved smartly to his bed and retrieved his black suit jacket.

    "Are you going to have breakfast before leaving?"

    "No Mom. It''s s too early." He smartly wore his jacket and fixed the button.

    "Yeah, that''s true." Maria inhaled wishing she could make him stay a little longer.

    "Sweetheart..." Maria made her way to his bed and sat down, her gaze on him. "Can you please spare me a few minutes of your time?"

    "Anything for you, Mom." Blaze joined her on the bed and sat beside her. "So what''s up?"

    "Has your grandfather spoken to you recently?"

    "No. But we spoke last week."

    "What about your grandma?"

    "Same thing. I spoke to both of them. But why are you asking?"

    "Because I got a call from your grandma yesterday. "Maria cleared her throat. "Umm...son, you know your dad''s remembrance is around the corner, right?"

    "Yeah." A sad smile crossed Blaze''s face which also reflected in his mother''s eyes. He took his mother''s hand into his and stroked it lovingly. "Are you all right."

    Maria nodded her head. "I have you."

    "Always." He raised the back of her hands to his lips and planted a soft kiss on it.

    "Such a gentleman." Maria dabbed at a tear that escaped her moistened eyes. She cleared her throat again and said. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Your grandparents are planning to come over to Salvine City to honour him."

    "That will be nice."

    Maria hesitated a little before adding. "I told your grandma that you had a surprise for them"

    "A surprise!" Blaze raised his left eyebrow at her.

    "Yes!"

    "What''s the surprise?"

    "Promise me you won''t get offended."

    "Here we go again." Blaze sighed.

    "Please..."

    "I''ll try not to," Blaze said in a resigned tone.

    "You know how much I love and care about you right?"

    "Of course I do, mom."

    "And you also know I will always have your best interest at heart right?"

    Blaze released a slightly frustrated sigh. "Mom, can you just go straight to the point? I have to be somewhere urgently and I also have a scheduled flight to catch."

    "Answer my question first."

    "Yes, I know."

    "Good. You are all I have and I''m not getting any younger. I know you promised me that you will find someone when you''re ready. But it is taking forever and I don''t see you bringing anyone home anytime soon. So I''ve taken the initiative to find your wife from a reputable family background and I''ve also informed your grandma about it."

    "You what?" Blaze was stunned. He released his hold on his mother''s hand. "Mom! How could you."

    "Here me out first." Maria pleaded earnestly.

    "I''m listening." Blaze turned his angry face away from his mother.

    "Her name is Cassandra Miles and she recently graduated med school. She''s good-looking, sweet-natured and calm, nothing like that heartless girl that left you. She will make a fine bride and she will bring you lots of happiness and peace of mind. I want grandchildren and your grandparents want to play with their great-grandchildren before they depart this world. Please, darling. Just give it a try."

    "Are you done?" Blaze asked, masking his inner fury by remaining calm. But his frigid gaze said otherwise.

    "Yes. You promised you won''t be mad."

    "I''m not mad but I''m very frustrated."

    "I''m sorry, darling."

    "Have you given her name to Grandma?"

    "No." Maria shook her head. "Not yet. I just told Grandma that I have found a wife for you."

    "Very well, Grandma will be introduced to my wife when she comes around," Blaze said standing up and picking up his phone and laptop bag.

    "Really!" Maria jumped on her feet. A thrilled smile replaced her worried expression.

    "Yes."

    "Oh...thank you, son." Maria hurried over to Blaze and embraced him tenderly. "Thank you so much."

    Blaze freed herself from her warm hug and strolled smartly towards the door. He opened it slightly before dropping a bomb on his mother.

    "But it''s not going to be Cassandra Miles. Mom. I have already found a wife like I promised and you will get to meet with her two days before my grandparents arrive."

    "What!" Maria''s eyes widened like a saucer.

    "I love you, mom." Blaze blew kisses to her before walking out the door.

    -

    -

    "You have one last chance to redeem yourself. How did she get that information and who betrayed me?" A masked man said in a calm but spine-chilling voice as he slowly attached a suppressor to a Glock 19.

    Seated before this calm devil and strapped to a chair inside a motel room was a badly beaten and bruised man, who also happened to be the occupant of the room. His bare body bore testament of an entire night of horrendous torture but his tormentor seemed unsatisfied with his sincerity.

    "I swear..." The unfortunate man coughed out more bloodied saliva, his voice low and weak. "... I''m telling the truth."

    Cough!

    Cough!!

    "I have never met her. I didn''t betray you."

    "Your family will join you in hell." The assailant pointed the pistol at the unfortunate fellow and released the trigger.

    Bang!

    The muffled sound of an exploding bullet pierced through the man''s forehead and ended his misery.

    The devil cleared out all evidence of his presence in that room and put a call across to the motel reception.

    "Cleaning services urgently needed in room 13."

 Chapter 41 - 41: Charmed 1

    Approximately one hundred and sixty kilometres drive from Salvine City, was a revamped modern motel called the Good Fellas. It was an ubiquitous structure designed for weary travelers to rest after a long day on the road.

    The Good Fellas also happened to be a secret and coded meeting place for all sorts of criminal-minded people.

    Deals were struck under the cover of legal hotel practices and in the event of a murder or assassination, the bodies of the victims were carefully disposed of leaving no trail behind.

    After lodging for a whole night at the Good Fellas motel chasing his family''s ghost to no avail, Jerry Morgan left the hotel premises, looking a bit depressed. He drove for another fifty miles, heading towards Salvine city when a call entered his phone. He picked up the phone and his gaze darkened when it fell on the caller''s name.

    Pulling over by the roadside, he received the call and spoke in the softest and sexiest voice.

    "Hello, sweetheart."

    "Jerry, where the hell are you?" Gwen''s irritated voice rang in his ears.

    "Why, are you missing me?" Jerry asked calmly, his blue eyes taking a more darker and dangerous shade.

    "I just arrived at your place and I am told you haven''t been back since yesterday. Where the hell have you been? Are you cheating on me with some other girl? Is that why I couldn''t reach you all through the night?"

    Jerry''s grip around the stirring wheel tightened. He inhaled sharply to prevent himself from saying something nasty that would cost him years of hard work.

    Taking a deep breath to stifle the ravaging storm within him, he spoke more calmly.

    "How could you say such hurtful things, my love after everything I have been through at the hands of your sister? You know I can never cheat on you. We are a team and you are the only girl I love. I simply traveled out of town to take care of some important business. I''m on my way home as we speak."

    There was a short pause followed by a defeated sigh before Gwen apologized.

    "I''m sorry, my love. I didn''t mean any of those things I said. I''m just angry and frustrated at everything happening. Everyone is talking ill of me, calling me all sorts of demeaning names. That tramp has succeeded in ruining us and I can''t take it anymore."

    "Don''t worry. Everything will go back to normal once we make our union formal. We could even get married today if you want."

    "Really!" Gwen said in a thrilled voice.

    "Yes, sweetheart. Once we become a couple and show the world how crazy we are about each other, then they will stop talking."

    "Then let''s go to the civil affairs and formalized things this morning. I want to officially become Mrs Gwen Morgan."

    "Brilliant. I will be with you in less than an hour, baby. Keep the bed warm for me." Jerry blew kisses to her before ending the call, his lips curled up in a devilish grin.

    -

    -

    Sprawled on her soft bed with one hand dangling from the edge, Amelia fluttered her lashes severally as the streaming morning sun from the partly opened curtains fell on her face. She rolled over to her back and stretched on the bed, yawning, unaware of the amused pair of grey eyes watching her.

    She lazily sat up on the bed, her messy hair looking like someone who had entered a cat fight. She rubbed his sleepy eyes and tilted her head to the right to get her phone when she saw him.

    "Holy shit!" Amelia shrieked. She pulled the duvet to cover her partially exposed body. "What the hell is wrong with you? Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"

    "Maybe," Blaze said in a relaxed tone, his amused gaze locked on hers.

    "This isn''t funny." Amelia reprimanded in a stern tone while ensuring that her body was perfectly covered from his spying eyes.

    "You had better gotten used to my presence around you. In less than two hours, we will be husband and wife."

    "On paper." Amelia snarled at him, anger seeping through her tone at the intrusion. "What do you want and why are you in my bedroom this early?" S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Isn''t it obvious?" Blaze asked, standing up and taking off his jacket. "I''ve been waiting for my wife to wake up for the past two hours."

    Amelia scoffed. "We are not married yet."

    "But we will be after you are done signing this." He picked up a red folder from the small coffee table in the room and sauntered to her bedside.

    "What is that?" She eyed the folder suspiciously.

    "What do you think it is, wifey?" Blaze sat down on her bed, causing her to shift further away from him.

    "Stop calling me that." Amelia snapped at him irritably.

    Blaze chuckled, unfazed by Amelia''s nasty attitude. "In here lies my terms and conditions for us to be a couple."

    Amelia could feel her heart pounding like a drum in her chest as she received the folder from him with trembling her. She observed the way Blaze''s eyes sparkled with something mischievous as he stared at her.

    "Excuse me when I use the bathroom." She hurriedly rolled out from the other side of the bed, acting as though Blaze was about to take advantage of her. But to her surprise and relief, he remained seated like someone who had no use of his precious time.

    "I''ll be waiting. But have it at the back of your mind that we have an appointment with the civil affairs bureau by 9:00 AM"

    "I won''t be long." Amelia rushed into her wardrobe and picked up some clothes before hurrying into her bathroom.

    Fifteen minutes later, she was out, looking pretty and elegant in a flowery patterned flare dress. She quickly styled her hair in a low bun, holding her loose hair in place with a beautiful butterfly hairpin. She applied minimal makeup and wore simple jewelry, all of this transforming her into an adorable princess.

    All this while, Blaze sat still, his eye brimming with admiration and something else he hadn''t quite figured out. But he was very sure of one thing. Amelia was definitely going to steal his mother''s heart.

 Chapter 42 - 42: The Infuriating Contract

    Amelia slipped on her pink stiletto heels which perfectly complimented her flattering dress. She opened the top drawer of her dresser and brought out the velvet ring box Blaze gave her, a gentle smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She carefully opened it and was about to bring out the pink diamond ring when she felt the intimidating and alluring presence of Blaze standing a few inches behind her.

    Closing the ring box and placing it on the dresser, she lifted up her face to the vanity mirror in front of her, pouting at his mischievous expression.

    "I never knew sneaking up on people is one of your many talents."

    "You will be surprised at some of the things I''m capable of." He said with a grin.

    Closing up the space between them and drinking in her enchanting beauty, he said in a deep husky voice that somehow left Amelia breathless.

    "You look amazing, my future Mrs Amelia Anderson."

    Amelia''s cheeks slowly turned pink at his word. She liked the ring to her name and wouldn''t change anything about it. "Thank you."

    Blaze leaned closer towards her neck, his warm breath on his skin tickling.

    ''Oh God, not again.'' Amelia lamented as she felt her sultry body responding to this sinfully handsome man with no regard for personal space.

    "Can I..."

    "No," Amelia said almost immediately thinking Blaze wanted to kiss her on the neck. She turned around to face him and said in a stern tone.

    "Can you please move back a little? I''m not done yet and we have to be at the civil affairs bureau by 9:00 AM."

    Blaze gulped down, stifling his desire to kiss this beauty before him, who had made things worse by turning around.

    "Alright," Blaze replied leaning closer, acting as though he was about to kiss her.

    In response, Amelia shifted her head backwards, her butt pressing on the edge of her dresser. Her heart was thumping so loud in her chest as she spoke softly in a quivering voice.

    "Blaze, what are you doing?"

    Blaze moved his hand slowly as if he was about to grab her waist. But he ended up picking the velvet ring box.

    "I was going to get this." He pulled away from her, temporarily releasing her from his spell. He opened the velvet ring box and brought out the ring, an unreadable smile tugging at his lips. Taking her left hand into his, he carefully slid the ring on her fourth finger.

    "There...it looks perfect." Blaze lifted the back of her left hand to his lips and planted a soft feathery kiss on it. "Shall we?"

    Amelia watched him walk away, her shameful body screaming for him to come back and finish what he started. She swallowed her saliva severally wishing he had kissed her on the lips instead of her hand.

    "Are you coming?" Blaze slipped on his leather shoes and picked up the red folder from the bed where she left it.

    "Huh...umm...yeah."

    "Meet me downstairs at the dining table. I''ve asked Sebastian to make us breakfast." Blaze said in a more formal tone before leaving the room without sparing her a glance.

    "What is this man doing to me?" Amelia felt frustrated at her needs. Pushing everything to the pit of her stomach, she hurriedly retouched her face and picked up her matching handbag before exiting her room.

    Breakfast was eaten silently with both clueless lovers lost in their thoughts.

    After the table had been cleared, Blaze brought out the divorced documents from the red folder with a silver ball pen and handed it over to Amelia.

    "Quickly, go through it and sign."

    "Okay." Amelia slowly flipped through the pages, scanning through the document for the terms and conditions. Her pupils dilated as she read through Blaze''s unrealistic and selfish conditions of being her husband.

    "Do you have a problem with the conditions," Blaze asked calmly, watching her expressions turn from cheerful to alarming.

    "Yes, Mr. Anderson." Amelia lifted her face from the document, equally addressing him in a formal tone. "I find some of these conditions extreme and unrealistic."

    "Tell me the parts you are comfortable with and the ones you find extreme."

    "Okay." Amelia returned her attention to the document in front of her.

    "I have no problem with the part that says, there will be no prenuptial agreement because I''m not interested in your wealth. I understand and respect the part that says I''m not allowed to meddle in any of your affairs or those of your family."

    "Concerning condition three, I find it amusing." Amelia looked up from the document, her eyes brimming with determination. "You can be rest assured that I will never make the mistake of falling in love. After all, this is a business deal and not a romantic relationship."

    "Sure," Blaze smirked. "I needed that part stated in black and white as I won''t be held liable for your emotions." He maintained his official tone making Amelia wonder if this was the same man flirting with her a while ago."

    "Don''t worry, I won''t make that mistake," Amelia said dryly. "Also, I have no trouble paying you every single dime you''ve spent on me at the end of the contract."

    "Minus gifts." Blaze corrected.

    "Yes...minus gifts." Amelia concurred, spotting out that clause. "Although I have no plans of breaching the contract, a seventy percent compensation fee for all my assets is totally unrealistic. But that is not the only infuriating part. Why am I forbidden from entertaining any male friends during the contract since this is just a business deal? And what the hell do you mean by me performing my wifely duties aside from getting pregnant?"

    "It''s very simple Amelia," Blaze spoke in a relaxed and calm tone as if he was in no hurry.

    "I am a very jealous and possessive man when it comes to my assets. I will ruthlessly deal with anyone who messes with it. So it will be in your best interest to keep away from any man if you do not want their death on your conscience." Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Amelia scoffed, not believing a single word of Blaze''s last statement. "You''re joking right."

    "No." Blaze was unwavering in his calm tone. "Secondly, on the issue of performing your wifely duties, it simply means you will accompany me to every occasion, posing naturally as my wife. You will take care of my physical needs including cooking and..." Blaze intentionally paused, taking pleasure in the beauty''s rage.

    Amelia''s hands slowly balled into a fist, her nose flared and her gaze darkened as Blazed finally dropped the last invisible slap on her reddened cheek.

    "... pleasing me on the bed."

 Chapter 43 - 43: Trapped Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea

    "You must be f*cking crazy or high on some cheap weed to think that I, Amelia Shawls, will cook for you or gratify your sexual fantasies." Amelia abruptly stood up, snarling at him. "What do you take me for, a servant or sex object?"

    Instantly, the smirk vanished from Blaze''s face and was replaced with something far more dangerous and sinister.

    "Sit," Blaze said in a cold and threatening voice.

    "You cannot tell me what to..."

    "I said, sit down!" Blaze banged his fist fiercely on the table, the thundering sound coupled with his booming voice causing Amelia to flinch. His darkened grey orb narrowed dangerously at her, causing goosebumps to appear all over her body.

    Some of the house servants who heard the boss''s terrifying voice, hurried away to safety afraid for the poor Miss.

    Amelia could feel her heart pounding in her ears and her body trembling vigorously. This was the first time she had witnessed Blaze in this mood and it greatly scared the shit out of her. She slowly sat down, her breathing heavy and tears pulling at the corner of her eyes.

    ''To think she was beginning to fall for this man greatly disgusted her. She regretted flirting with him, wishing there was a way she could take all that back."

    "If you remembered vividly..." Blaze''s cold voice cut into Amelia''s shattered thoughts. "...you were the one who asked me to be your husband and not the other way round. You were the one who dared me to take the challenge and agreed to abide by my terms and conditions. All this while, I''ve been doing everything to please you based on our agreement. Nevertheless, I''m a very generous man. Since you find my conditions extremely unrealistic and crazy, I will allow you to walk away from this deal right now. I can have Pascal take you back to your home or wherever you want to go. We do not have to see each other ever again."

    Amelia''s shoulder sagged as the horrid thought of going back to her penthouse apartment or her father''s mansion filled with lots of venomous snakes greatly terrified her. She knew she wouldn''t last for a day without Blaze protection.

    Seeing her hesitation, a wicked glint flashed across Blaze''s darkened eyes.

    "But if you still want to go ahead with this contract marriage, then these are my terms and conditions. You only have to pay me what you owe me at the end of the contract. You cannot walk away from it until a year is completed. Otherwise you will pay me the compensation of seventy percent of everything you own as stated. Take it or leave it." Blaze stood up.

    "You have five minutes to make up your mind and sign the contract. If the five minutes elapse and you''re not with me inside the car, you can consider this deal off."

    Blaze straightened his suit jacket and strode steely out of the dining room leaving Amelia in a complete mess and confusion.

    Amelia bit down on her inner lips as tears slowly trickled down her face dropping on the document in front of her.

    "What have I done?" Her lips began to tremble as the thought of getting hurt by Blaze crossed her mind. How did he turn into a devil in the blink of an eyes or was he always like this?

    At the moment, Amelia felt like a girl trapped between the devil and the deep blue sea. Which would she choose? The devil or die a horrible death at the hands of her family?

    Amelia wished there was a way she could walk out of this selfish deal and live a normal life without Blaze''s help. Sadly, she couldn''t. With her family planning to take her life and her company still struggling to win back all her investors, she knew she needed Blaze''s protection and support to succeed more than he needed her.

    Biting down on her nails, Amelia weighed her pros and cons. Blaze didn''t look like the type of man who would force himself on a woman. She recalled the way he had hesitated back in the car when she tried to kiss him. However, that was before the contract. What if he changes? sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "And why the hell does he want me to cook when he has a lot of maids?" Amelia pondered. "I don''t even know the first thing about cooking."

    A warning alarm bell rang in Amelia''s head as her eye fell on the fancy wall clock in the dining room. She had two minutes more to join Blaze in the car.

    "Shit!"

    Picking up the silver ball pen, she quickly scribbled down her signature on all the parts she needed to sign, before putting the document back in the red folder. She picked up a tissue and dabbed at her tears. Then she hurriedly dashed out of the villa almost tripping. She arrived just in time to see the car getting ready to leave.

    Inside the car, Blaze''s lethal expression told Pascal that all was not well. He could tell the Miss had gotten on the boss''s nerves again.

    Pascal saw the young Miss running towards the car and waving at them. He turned his head and was about to open his mouth when Blaze said coldly.

    "Pascal informed the other to move."

    "Yes, sir."

    Blaze turned his attention to his chauffeur and said, "Fred, drive."

    "Yes sir."

    The driver slowly put the car on drive mode but moved slowly hoping the boss would change his mind soon.

    Amelia, who was running to catch up with the car in her heels, stopped on her track, feeling abandoned and confused as she watched all three cars leave without her. She checked her time and saw that she was already two minutes late.

    Acting on impulse, she quickly brought out her phone from her handbag and dialed Blaze''s number.

    "What?" Blaze asked in a deep frightening tone.

    "I''ve signed the contract. I''m ready to be your wife." Amelia replied in a slightly quivering voice.

    "You''re late," Blaze said without any care or pity in his voice.

    "That''s because I had a lot to sign and I was running on heels. Give me a break." Amelia said in a broken voice.

    "Stop the car." Amelia heard Blaze give an order. She waited for him to say, ''reverse the car,'' but was even more frustrated when he said, "Hurry up and don''t keep me waiting," before ending the call on her.

    "Jerk!" Amelia cursed under her breath, as she was made to run the rest of the distance to the gate where the car was waiting.

    Pascal came down from the front passenger seat, an apologetic look in his eye as he opened the back door of the car.

    Panting, Amelia carefully wiped her flowing tears with the back of her hand, ruining her makeup. She took in a deep breath before entering the car. She waited for the car to move before dropping the red folder on the seat between them.

    "It''s all signed." She said dryly. "But don''t expect me to be an obedient wife." She hissed and turned her face to the window.

    Blaze chuckled wickedly. "Don''t worry, I''m a patient man. I''ll teach you how to be obedient." He picked up the red folder and went through all the documents. Satisfied with her signature, he put the folder in his briefcase.

    Taking a deep breath to suppress his rage, he brought out his white handkerchief and moved closer to her.

    Amelia''s body stiffened as he spoke in a deep commanding voice.

    "Look at me."

    She ignored him until she felt his hand roughly grab her chin and force her to face him.

    "Blaze..." Her moist eyes brought out more tears, her fist clenching by her side.

    "When I give you an instruction, you obey. Otherwise, you will feel pain like you''ve never felt in your entire life. Do you understand?" He growled.

    Amelia nodded her head, her body trembling like a cat caught in a cage. She believed every word he said and right now, she didn''t have the strength to fight back.

    "Stay still while I clean your face. I can''t have my wife crying when we''re about to get married." Blaze said in a bit softer voice, releasing his hold on her chin. He meticulously wiped her tears and her messy mascara, while holding her killer gaze, his mood lightening up a bit.

    Amelia gritted her teeth, as she fought an inner war, destroying every budding emotion for this devil who was currently treating her like a toy for his amusement. She made a vow in her heart that she would never fall for this man no matter what he did to entice her.

    "Sir, we''re here," Fred announced, pulling the car to a halt.

    "Thank you, Fred," Blaze replied, still looking into his wife''s slightly reddened and hateful eyes. "Take some time to pull yourself together and retouch your make-up. When you are done, meet me inside Mr Robert Venze''s office." He planted a kiss on her tightened lips before alighting the car.

    "Asshole!" Amelia echoed in her heart, as she wiped her lips with the back of her hand.

    Ten minutes later, Amelia stepped out of the car looking all fabulous and composed, every trace of her initial pain and sorrow gone like it was never there.

    With a sweet smile framing her face, she strode purposefully towards the building but suddenly stopped on her track when her sparkling eyes caught sight of two familiar figures strolling out of the building with arms linked to one another.

 Chapter 44 - 44: False Profession Of Love

    "Amelia!" Gwen called in a surprised tone, pulling Jerry''s distant attention to the eyesore before them.

    Her somewhat high-pitched voice attracted the attention of some other couples who were coming out of the civil affairs bureau building. They also stopped upon recognising the controversial lady, whose name had been making waves on the social media site for the past three days.

    "Isn''t that Amelia Shawls?" A Pettit lady with cute bangs cried in a thrilled voice.

    "Yes...she is the one." The lady''s husband replied, eyes glimmering with admiration for the pretty and sophisticated lady. "What is she doing here with those hefty-looking bodyguards."

    "Probably to beat up her step-sister who is currently beside her ex-husband." The lady pointed at Gwen and Jerry. "They were the ones who signed their marriage certificate before us."

    "Oh no..."

    "Oh yes...this is going to be fun.

    Both partners as well as a few other people brought out their phones ready to capture the next sibling rivalry drama.

    Gwen and Jerry both approached Amelia cautiously, stopping four metres away from her.

    "What are you doing here?" Gwen asked, forcing a smile that didn''t get to her throat.

    "And how is that any of your bloody business?" Amelia replied in a plastic voice, suppressing the anger bubbling inside of her at the sight of her customised ring on Gwen''s finger. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Miss Shawls, can we...."

    "Not now, Pascal." Amelia cut him off, her gaze fixed on her stepsister and ex-husband.

    Jerry, who was shamelessly drinking in the beauty of his ex was the first to spot the impressively large pink diamond on her finger. His jaws dropped, almost hitting the ground with shock. But he quickly recovered from the shock when Gwen nudged him in the arm, mistaking his shock for lust.

    "Hello, Amelia." Jerry forced himself to say even though he was steaming inwardly like a pressure cooker. "What''s a pleasant surprise."

    "Indeed. Aren''t you too both a sight for sore eyes?" Amelia sneered. "How is the nose?"

    Jerry gritted his teeth.

    "Amy, don''t tell me you are still mad after Jerry divorced you to be with me. I''m so sorry he chose me over you. As a sister, I can feel your pain and I understand your media stunt. You can''t blame the heart on who it chooses to love. I''m sure in time you''ll find someone who would love you the way Jerry loves me."

    Gwen tightened her hold on Jerry while batting her long lashes like a doll, unafraid of the silently growling bulldogs behind her stepsister.

    "Point of correction, Gwen. I divorced the cheating scum so that you can eat from my leftover without hiding your face in shame. Secondly, I would rather be caught dead under a train than have someone love me the way Jerry loves you. And thirdly, I won''t be surprised if tomorrow he''s caught snuggling in the arm of another random girl. Once a jerk, always a jerk. It''s in his DNA."

    Amelia''s calm but effective punch earned her more admiration and applause from the excited spectators who were anticipating a cat fight any time soon.

    Jerry''s hands balled into a fist as he tried to remain civil with so many eyes watching. "Amelia, there is no need to call me names. I know you''re still angry because I chose your sister over you. I''m sorry things didn''t work out between us. I couldn''t handle a woman as stiff as you are. I love your sister very much and I will always treat her like a princess that she is."

    "Aww!" Gwen gushed over him, even squeezing out a few tears of happiness as she wrapped her arms around his waist while leaning her head on his chest.

    "Did this loser just call me stiff?" Amelia echoed in her heart, a tsunami of fury building in the pit of her stomach.

    "Shame on you two!" One of the ladies who knew about Jerry''s infidelity scandal cried out. But Jerry was no longer after those remarks. The satisfaction of watching Amelia''s face redden with jealousy was worth it.

    Jerry continued with his false profession of love, in an attempt to reduce Amelia to ashes while second-guessing the bastard who had dared to put a ring on her finger.

    "I hope we can let go of our past and work together as one big strong and happy family. Because I finally took your advice and made this official." He said, lifting the back of Gwen''s hands to his lips and kissing it.

    "Amy, we just got married." Gwen chirped happily, flaunting her marriage certificate in Amelia''s face.

    Wild gasps could be heard amongst the little crowd that had gathered. They were all waiting for Amelia to throw all shades of red on the infuriating couple. But to their surprise, she remained calm.

    "Congratulations are in order." Amelia raised her hand clapping for the newlyweds while flaunting his gorgeous diamond ring for everyone to see.

    It was at this point Gwen''s greedy eyes fell on the big dazzling rock on her sister''s finger, that made the medium colourless white diamond in her finger feel puny. All the smiles vanished from her face and were replaced with pure anger and jealousy.

    "Is that the rare Angelo pink diamond ring on her finger?" Someone from amongst the crowd who has zoomed into the large sparkling rock on Amelia''s finger exclaimed out loud.

    "No way!"

    "It was auctioned for seventy million dollars."

    "It looks so gorgeous."

    "That is one expensive diamond ring."

    "Oh, how I love rich people."

    "But is she getting remarried?"

    "Who is the lucky gentleman."

    "I''m sure he''s extremely wealthy."

    "She is so lucky."

    Different comments filled the air as Amelia took this rare opportunity to relish in her stepsister''s angry face and Jerry''s dangerously brimming eyes.

    "You''re getting married? How?" Gwen didn''t know when those words came out of her mouth. But she immediately regretted it as someone responded for Amelia.

    "What do you mean how? First, you stole her good-for-nothing husband and now you are jealous that she''s getting remarried. You are such a lousy and greedy home wrecker."

    "Shut your mouth." Gwen snapped at the lady. "This is a family affair and you all should learn to mind your business." She pointed threateningly unaware that some people were live-streaming her reaction.

    "Pff... family my foot." Amelia was about to leave when Gwen stopped her.

    "I''m not done talking to you." Gwen snarled losing grip of her emotions.

 Chapter 45 - 45: Multiple Personality Disorder

    "I''m not done talking to you." Gwen snarled losing grip of her emotions.

    "Aren''t you going to explain how you got that ring on your finger? Or is this one of your crazy stunts to create media hype? Did you go all the way to buy an expensive ring just to prove a point?"

    "Hahahaha...." Amelia couldn''t hold back her laughter, seeing how Gwen was making a fool of herself in public.

    "Like I said earlier, it''s none of your goddam business. Now if you''ll excuse me while I attend to important stuff." Amelia pushed Gwen out of her way almost causing the latter to lose her balance but Jerry was quick to hold her.

    "Amelia!" Jerry ran up to her, impulsively blocking her path, causing Pascal and Clay to move forward, fist clenched and ready to pummel him to the ground.

    "Easy boys." Amelia quickly stopped them. "I can handle myself." She smirked wickedly as she approached Jerry, while some phone camera light kept flashing.

    "How dare you accuse me of being unfaithful when you have been cheating on me behind my back." Jerry snarled. "Who is he? Tell me so that I can teach him a bitter lesson he will never forget."

    "Is that so." For a moment, Amelia was proud to have a dangerous man like Blaze for a husband. As she imagined some of the evil things that Blaze would do to Jerry if he ever laid his hands on her, a creepy smile framed her lips.

    "Why do you care all of a sudden? Isn''t my step-sister good for you anymore? Or are you simply jealous that someone else will get to enjoy all of this sweetness?" Amelia gestured, smacking her lips.

    "Amelia..." Jerry lost his temper at the thought of another man touching Amelia after she had made him wait for years without giving up her body to him.

    "Jerry, let''s go. She''s not worth it." Gwen pleaded while glaring at Amelia.

    "Yes, Jerry, listen to your little wife. I''m sure she can satisfy all your boyish fantasies while I enjoy all the tantalising pleasures of a strong, powerful and very handsome man." Amelia drawled, moistening her lips.

    "You f*cking sl..."

    Pow!

    Jerry didn''t get to finish his statement when a fist landed on his face sending him flying backwards and falling on the concrete floor.

    "Baby!" Gwen shrieked, as she ran over to her man. Sadly, no one came to her aid as they were celebrating her stepsister.

    "Right in the face!"

    "Bravo!"

    "That would teach him a lesson for life."

    The crowd went wild with excitement and satisfaction on a beautifully concluded drama as Amelia waved and blew kisses before disappearing into the building.

    Inside Mr Robert Venze''s office, the latter was seated opposite one of the most dangerous men in the city, fidgeting with beads of sweat gathered on his forehead. On his table were the marriage certificate which had been signed by the groom. All he needed was the right signature and everything will be formalized. But for some unknown reasons, the bride seemed to be delaying.

    "Mr Anderson, do you need..."

    "Shh..." Blaze said without looking up from his phone. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    With customised wireless bluetooth earbuds attached to Blaze''s ear, Mr Robert had the slightest clue of what was making the devil smile. But whatever it was, he prayed for it to continue long enough until the anticipated Mrs Anderson showed up.

    Blaze couldn''t stop smiling to himself as he watched Amelia impressively handle herself in front of her ex and stepsister while saying beautiful things about him even after they just fought.

    Staring at her pretty face on the phone, he could feel his heart pounding for her after she described him as strong, powerful and very handsome.

    Every atom of his earlier rage vanished into thin air and was replaced with a longing for this vixen who had a way of switching his emotions at will.

    Five minutes later, a knock was heard at the door.

    "Please, come in," Mr Robert said standing up.

    The doorknob turned and the door was pushed open.

    "Is this Mr Robert..."

    "You are twenty minutes late." Blaze''s deep and cold voice cut her off.

    "Sorry." Amelia pushed open the door and walked in alone before shutting the door behind her.

    "Welcome Miss Amelia Anderson." Mr Robert greeted politely.

    "Thank you."

    "Robert, quickly show her where to sign and give us some privacy," Blaze said in a commanding tone as though he owned the office.

    "Y...Yes, Mr A... Anderson." Robert almost stumbled on his seat as he hurriedly picked up the marriage certificate and his pen from the table before rushing over to Amelia.

    "Please, sign here, ma''am."

    "Thank you." Amelia wasted no time in signing the certificate while staring at Blaze''s perfectly sculptured back, wondering what was going on in his dark heart. She was tempted to leave with Robert but kicked against it.

    "It''s all done, Mr Anderson. Congratulations sir." Mr Robert handed the marriage certificate to Blaze.

    "Give us some privacy," Blaze said in a deadpan tone, causing Robert to hurry out of his office, grateful that this discreet part of his job was over.

    Immediately the door was closed, Blaze stood up from his seat and turned to face his slightly trembling wife, an unreadable and frigid expression framing his handsome face.

    Amelia, thinking Blaze was mad at her for showing up late started explaining herself.

    "Blaze, I didn''t mean to show up late. Something came up and I had to deal with it."

    "I know," Blaze said in a monotonic voice, still moving slowly towards her.

    "You know!" Amelia was stunned. She took one step back and another, moving away from this handsome devil. "How?"

    "I have eyes everywhere. So what you said about me, is it true?" Blaze''s voice was deep and husky, making Amelia tremble. She took more steps backwards until her back hit the wall.

    "I said so many things. I can''t remember." Amelia replied in a quivering voice. She tried to move but Blaze blocked her with his strong and powerful arms, pinning her to the wall. He leaned closer to her ear and whispered in the sexiest voice.

    "You are my wife now, Amelia and your duty starts now. But first, I will help you remember the beautiful things you said about your husband."

    Amelia took a sharp breath as his warm lips touched her ear lobes, nibbling it so tenderly while pressing his body on her.

    "Blaze..." Amelia bit down on her lip to stifle a moan that almost escaped her parted lips. Her body was trembling more vigorously in response to his warm breath and his intoxicating cologne. Her breathing became heavy as she felt his warm kisses trail from the ear lobe down the length of her slender neck, before stopping at the base of her neck where he kissed her deeply, leaving behind a beautiful hickey on her soft skin.

    "Blaze... s...stop. This is not our ha...h....home. We are in someone''s office." Amelia said what her brain wanted her to say even though her body was permitting him to continue. She wanted to push him off her but ended up sliding her hands up to his neck and pulling him by the collar.

    "Am I strong?" Blaze asked, lifting her by the waist and trialing his kisses to her hungry lips.

    "Yes..." Amelia couldn''t explain which of the hungry succubus had possessed her as she wrapped her legs around his waist, matching the eagerness of his kiss.

    She couldn''t explain if it was because of her triumphant encounter with Jerry. He had called her a stiff lady all because she asked him to wait and this had angered her spirit.

    Maybe kissing Blaze would help her get over those stiff thoughts.

    "Am I powerful?" Blaze asked in a muffled voice, stroking the side of her waist up to her perfectly concealed mounds. He could feel the hardness of her nipples, responding to his tender touch.

    Amelia gasped. "Yes...yes... you''re powerful." She impulsively brought her legs down, afraid of getting stripped of her clothes.

    Blaze stopped what he was doing due to her sudden reaction and withdrawal. He stared deeply into her shimmering eyes, his pounding heart synchronising with hers.

    "Am I handsome?" He asked tucking the loose strand of her hair.

    Amelia smiled genuinely, tilting her head to his gentle touch and forgetting that she was supposed to be mad at him.

    "Very handsome."

    "Then I want you to know that you are not stiff. Rather, you are the most beautiful, strong, flexible, stubbornly sweet and electrifying being on earth. That fool has no idea of the gem he has lost."

    Amelia beamed, tears pulling in her eyes. This was exactly what she needed to hear and it filled her heart with warmth. "Thank you." She leaned closer and kissed him briefly on the lips, her tears hitting his lips.

    "Have I mentioned to you that you are a crybaby?" Blaze said as he wiped her tears with his thumb.

    Amelia rolled her eyes at him. "No, I''m not."

    "Did you just roll your eyes at me?" Blaze asked in a slightly stern voice, his soft gaze unwavering.

    "No." Amelia feared he might get angry again.

    "You better not." He led her to the couch in the office and they both sat down.

    "Let me start by apologizing for having to travel away on the night of our marriage. But I promise you, when I return, I''ll fulfil all my duties to you as a husband."

    "Don''t forget we are just married on paper," Amelia replied blushing.

    "Nevertheless, we are still married," Blaze said dismissively in his domineering voice.

    "Before I leave, there are a few things I would like you to adhere to." Blaze''s voice turned all serious, snapping Amelia from her daydream.

    "Okay." Amelia couldn''t comprehend how Blaze was able to switch between emotions so easily, while she''s struggled. Could it be that he has multiple personalities disorder?

    "I want our marriage to remain a secret until I''m ready to introduce you to my mother and my grandparents. Can you handle that?"

    "Done," Amelia said reassuringly.

    "Before you make any decision concerning your welfare, you must inform me."

    "But..."

    "It''s non-negotiable." Blaze bluntly cut her off. "If you remember vividly, I told you I''m a very jealous and possessive man. I will not sit still and watch my wife hurt herself directly or indirectly. If any harm were to come to you based on your stubbornness, I will punish you."

    "Yeah right," Amelia muttered under her breath.

    "What did you say?" A hint of anger flashed across Blaze''s grey orbs.

    "I said fine."

    Blaze stood up and strode across the room to Mr Robert''s table to pick up his phone and the marriage certificate. He turned his attention back to Amelia, who was staring at him quizzically.

    "Lastly, I need you to stay away from the lady called Tina Stevens," Blaze said walking towards the door.

    "May I ask why?" Amelia was puzzled.

    "I have a history with her," Blaze said curtly before exiting the office.

    "A history with her?" Amelia echoed in her thoughts, more perplexed than before.

 Chapter 46 - 46: The Gift

    Amelia returned to the office, an hour later to find a massive bouquet sitting on her secretary''s desk.

    "Good day, ma''am." Rebecca stood up beaming at the dazzling conspicuous diamond ring on her boss''s finger. "And congratulations on your engagement."

    "Oh... Thank you." Amelia could tell Rebecca had also seen the current trending post on Instagram. "Who are those beautiful flowers meant for?"

    "It came in earlier this morning for you ma''am."

    "Really!" Amelia came closer to inspect the flower. She picked up the folded note in it and read it out. "From your secret admirer."

    "Hmm... interesting. I wonder who this admirer could be." Amelia said, unsure if it was from her mysterious husband or someone else.

    "Ma''am, I''ll take that." Pascal stepped forward, to inspect the flower for any hidden dangerous device. "When I''m done scanning it, I''ll bring it back into your office."

    "Nah. I don''t need it. You can give it away." Amelia turned her attention back to her secretary. "Bring me the report on the HLM 24 super serum skin glow."

    "Yes, ma''am." Rebecca hurriedly picked up the already organized folder on her desk and followed Amelia into her office.

    After Amelia was done going through the folder, she changed into her Lab attire and left for the quality control cosmetic laboratory, where two women and a man dressed up scientific clothing, were buried in their work, testing out some new products.

    "Good morning, ma''am." They all greeted her as she pushed open the glass door.

    "Carry on," Amelia said, as she made her way to her table which was slightly covered with chemicals and laboratory apparatus.

    Strapping on her gloves, goggles and headgear, she resumed her work for the day, perfecting her newest skin glow product.

    After spending almost five hours working at the cosmetic lab, Amelia returned to her office feeling a little bit drained.

    The first thing that caught her attention was a small fancy shopping bag sitting on her desk and beside it were some mouth-watering dishes in transparent takeaway plates.

    "What is going on here?" Amelia strolled over to her desk and picked up the intercom.

    "Rebecca, come to my office now." She dropped the intercom and sat down, her slightly piqued gaze on the captivating package before her.

    Rebecca hurried into the office, closely followed by Pascal.

    "What is the meaning of this and why did you bring it into my office without my permission?" Amelia queried in a harsh tone thinking it was a package from the secret admirer.

    "I''m sorry ma''am but your bodyguard insisted that I should drop them here," Rebecca replied in a trembling voice, afraid of losing her job again.

    "You did?" Amelia turned to Pascal, her heart beating fast, as she could guess who it came from.

    "Yes ma''am."

    "Rebecca, you may leave," Amelia said dismissively, her glistening eyes reverting to the items on the table. She waited for Rebecca to shut the door before asking.

    "Is it from Mr Anderson?"

    "Yes, ma''am," Pascal replied. "He said you must never skip your lunch and the item in the red bag is a gift which contains an inbuilt tracking device. He said you must always put it on at all times for your safety."

    "Thank you, Pascal. You may also leave." Amelia waited until Pascal had shut the door behind him before expressing her excitement. She quickly brought out the fancy jewellery box in the bag and opened it.

    "Wow!" Her eyes widened at the beauty before her. It was an eighteen-carat yellow-gold emerald and diamond bracelet, one of the most expensive jewellery in the world.

    Amelia stroked the piece of jewellery with so much affection puzzled at the reason why Blaze was spending so much on her.

    ''Was this one of his plans to buy her affection?'' She pondered as she picked up the bracelet and tried it on. She admired the way the bracelet complimented her skin tone, beaming to herself.

    "Well, he can buy me the whole world but I''ll never fall for him," Amelia reassured herself.

    Feeling her stomach growl at the sight of the food on the table, she wasted no time satisfying her hunger before returning to work.

    After a brief meeting with the marketing, planning and finance manager, concerning the new product launch, an event date was fixed.

    By the end of the day, Amelia was satisfied with all her achievements for the day. She was on her way out of the company with her bodyguard when she received a call from a contact not registered on her phone.

    Hesitating a bit, she swiped the receive button and said, "Hello."

    "Hi Amelia, it''s your new friend, Tina Stevens."

    Amelia felt her heart skip a beat. She stopped at the entrance, a little panicked as she recalled Blaze''s stern warning and some other information she uncovered linking Blaze to the mystery boyfriend Tina was talking so passionately about.

    "Ma''am, are you all right?" Pascal asked.

    Amelia covered the phone mouthpiece and replied.

    "Yes, let''s go." She resumes walking out of the building and towards her awaiting car.

    "Hello, Amelia are you there?"

    Amelia heard Tina''s soft voice echo in her ears. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Yes, dear. How did you get my number?" Amelia asked, acknowledging Lance before entering the car.

    "Please don''t be offended, I had to bug a few of our friends before I got it."

    "No harm done. So how are you?"

    "I''m great. I saw your pictures and the engagement ring. Congratulation."

    "Thank you." Amelia gulped down the lump in her throat.

    "Care to join me for a celebration drink?"

    "I think I''ll pass. I''m already exhausted from work."

    "How about tomorrow or the day after?" Tina was persistent.

    "My schedule is kind of busy this week but I''ll contact you if it''s possible."

    "Okay. Make sure you save my number on your contact list."

    "I will do that right away once I drop the call."

    "All right, it was nice talking to you. See you later, girlfriend."

    "Good night." Amelia quickly ended the call, blowing out air through her mouth.

    Pascal who had been eavesdropping on Amelia''s call quickly sent a message to his ghost team for her last call to traced back to the caller and the identity of the caller revealed.

    -

    -

    The next day, Amelia resumed to work quite early to finish up the previous day''s outstanding and prepare for her general meeting by 10:00 AM. She was in the middle of organizing a project when she received a call from her father informing her that her grandmother had just had a minor stroke and has been rushed to the hospital.

 Chapter 47 - 47: As Stubborn As Hell

    Although Amelia considered her grandmother guilty of betraying her like the rest of the family, she knew deep down that the old woman still cared for her wellbeing even though she rarely showed it.

    Picking up the intercom on her desk, she dialled her secretary''s number and informed the latter to clear out her schedule for the day. She hurriedly shut down her system and left the office.

    "Pascal we need to go to the Salvine General Hospital right now. Inform Lance to get the car ready." Amelia said in a slightly trembling tone.

    "Yes, ma''am."

    When Amelia got into the car, she quickly texted Blaze, informing him of the recent development while encouraging Lance to speed up.

    In Less than fifteen minutes, Amelia arrived at the hospital premises. She hurried into the hospital reception hall and asked the female medical receptionist about an old woman, by the name of Priscilla Shawls who was rushed in earlier to the hospital.

    "Oh my god! It''s you. Amelia Shawls!" The receptionist nurse exclaimed cupping her mouth.

    "Yes, it''s me. Now please focus." Amelia snapped angrily. "I''m here to see my grandmother who was rushed in about forty-five minutes ago."

    "I''m so sorry, ma''am. She was taken to..."

    "Amelia!"

    Amelia tilted her head in the direction of the person calling her name.

    "Uncle Matt." She forced a smile as she walked up to him.

    "What are you doing here?" Matt asked in a low voice, his tone dripping with anger and bitterness.

    "I''m here to see grandma," Amelia said unfazed by his scrunched face or the coldness in his tone. "Can you please take me to her?"

    "Why do you care? Don''t tell me you''ve suddenly grown a conscience after your disgraceful act yesterday. Do you know what your actions for the past two days have done to the image of this family? Not only did you refuse to acknowledge our calls, but you made us a laughing stock. I will advise you to go back to wherever you''re coming from. You are not welcome here." Matt scoffed.

    "Says who?" Amelia boldly challenged her uncle. But when she saw that some patients and hospital staff in the reception hall were staring at them and talking in hushed voices, she said in a resigned tone. "Uncle Matt, please, I''m not here to make a scene. I''m just here to see my grandmother. If you won''t take me to her, then it''s fine. I''ll just call Dad."

    "There is no need for that. Follow me." Matt took two steps but stopped abruptly as though he had forgotten something.

    "I need you to first lose those two bulldogs behind you. I won''t have them scaring my mother to death. Only family members are allowed to tag along." Matt said, glaring at the two hefty men who were responsible for Jerry''s broken nose.

    "I''m sorry uncle. But I''ll have to decline. They will accompany me wherever I go. But I can assure you, they won''t cause any trouble as long as everyone respects themselves. Also, they won''t enter inside grandma''s ward."

    "You are so stubborn like your father, Amelia. I just hope you know what you''re doing. Follow me." Matt led the way to the elevator that took them to the eleventh floor, which also happened to be the VIP floor.

    Along the hallway and close to VIP room three, Jerry, Gwen, Pearl, Desmond, and Lilian(Matt''s chubby wife) were all seated on the hallway benches, waiting for the doctor, the senator and his wife to come out.

    Gwen, who was patiently waiting for her uncle to return with the soda can she requested was stunned and bitterly enraged to see Matt approaching with Amelia and her bodyguards.

    "What is that wretch doing here?" Gwen flared up, rising to her feet.

    "Amelia!" Desmond also stood up, shocked and worried to see Amelia.

    Jerry -who had a white bandage across his broken nose, with a black eye distorting his handsomeness - rose to his feet, with both fists clenched.

    "You''ve got some nerves Amelia to show your face here after what you did to us yesterday," Jerry growled, his narrowed and darkened eyes darting between his ex and the gorilla behind her that punched him in the face.

    "Exactly! She is so shameless and deserves to be taught a lesson. Don''t let her get away this time." Pearl whispered to Jerry''s ear, fanning his flames.

    "Jerry." Matt hurried over to him and tried to talk some senses into him. "Please, remain calm. She''s just here to see Nana and she''ll be gone before you know it."

    Lilian, who always taught Amelia was an angel remained indifferent to the rest of the family''s hostility. She inwardly hated Gwen for stealing Jerry from Amelia. And Pearl''s continuous presence in the family disgusted her. But since her husband supported the cheating duo she decided to stay mute in the whole matter.

    "Hello, family," Amelia said in her sweetest voice like someone incapable of hurting a fly.

    "Uncle Matt, get that heartless woman out of this place before I descend on her." Jerry stepped forward while keeping a safe distance from Amelia and her bloodthirsty bodyguards.

    "Jerry, calm d ..." Matt didn''t get to finish his statement when Amelia caught him off with her sharp tongue.

    "Only a worthless Jerk like you would allow himself to get beat up on his wedding day. Tell me does your nose still hurt or do you want me to reshape it again?"

    "Did you hear what she said?" Jerry''s muscles bulge like an unleashed beast. He tried to move forward but Matt stopped him knowing Amelia''s bodyguards would beat him to a pulp.

    Lilian suppressed a chuckle, her eyes brimming with amusement. But when she met her husband''s rebuking gaze, the humour vanished from her eyes.

    "Get out of this place, Amelia," Gwen screamed at the top of her voice attracting some nurses and doctors who were attending to other patients in other wards. "We do not want you here. You''ve already made it known to us that you are no longer a member of this family. So get lost."

    "Shut that stinking hole in your face before you make me come down there and do it myself," Amelia yelled, her widened eyes shooting lasers. "What makes you think you can talk, while I''m talking? Have you forgotten your place in the family you ungrateful and backstabbing tramp?"

    "Amelia, that is not a nice thing to say." Desmond rebuked her, fiercely.

    Just then, the door to VIP room three opened and out came a vengeful mother and aggrieved father.

    "What is happening here?" Regina asked scowling at Amelia. "...And who invited her here."

    "I did." Senator Gregory said in an angry voice. "Why are you all shouting? Have you forgotten this is a hospital?"

    "Daddy..." Gwen ran into her father''s arm, shading her crocodile tears. "Amelia calls me a tramp and an illegitimate child."

    "Amelia! you did what." Regina snarled at her, afraid to step forward because of the hungry lions behind her baring their teeth.

    "Please, Regina. I didn''t come here for your senseless drama and that of your wayward daughter. I just came to see my grandmother and I''ll be out of this place."

    "Greg, did you hear what she said to me?" Regina turned her angry face to her husband expecting him to rebuke her before everyone. "After everything she has done to ruin this family and her sister, she''s still insulting me."

    "Amelia, you shouldn''t talk to your stepmother in that manner. Show some respect in the presence of elders." Pearl cautioned like a sweet governess rebuking her favourite student.

    "Pearl, can you keep quiet and allow me to handle this?" The senator snapped at his lousy sister-in-law.

    "I''m sorry, Greg. I''m just stating the obvious." Pearl grins slyly at Amelia''s glares.

    "Amelia please let''s not fight or quarrel amongst ourselves. We all came here for Nana and we should learn to accommodate each other irrespective of the differences between us. And that goes to everyone seated or standing here, I don''t want a repeated session of this unnecessary ruckus." Senator Gregory said sternly. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Is that all you''re going to say?" Regina asked feeling more hurt and disrespected.

    "Amelia I think you owe your stepmother an apology." Matt stepped up to defend his mistress since his weakling of a brother couldn''t reprimand his daughter.

    "Yes Amelia, you shouldn''t have spoken to her in that manner, especially after all the trouble you''ve caused for this family." Desmond concurred.

    "You even owe Jerry an apology for what your bodyguard did to..."

    "Pearl!" Senator Gregory growled.

    "Sorry." Pearl backed away still grinning.

    Senator Gregory turned his attention back to Amelia, his gaze softened and his eyes pleading.

    "Fine, if I apologize to Regina, would I be allowed to see my Nana in peace?"

    "Yes!" Everyone chorused except Lilian.

    "Okay," Amelia replied, I mischievous smirk dancing at the corner of her eyes.

    "Regina I''m sorry for calling you a senseless, over dramatic and manipulative woman, who failed woefully in raising up a decent daughter."

    "What!" Everything chorused while Lilian secretly gave Amelia a thumbs up.

    Senator Gregory''s face palmed his forehead while Amelia boldly walked past him and Regina into Nana Shawls'' ward.

    Even though Regina was tempted to pull at Amelia''s hair, the latter was just too frightened at the menace her growling bulldogs would unleash.

 Chapter 48 - 48: Hurtful Words

    "Dad, why does Amelia get to see Grandma first when we are all here waiting to take our turn? This isn''t fair." Gwen pouted, looking up at her father, enraged that he hadn''t scolded Amelia for insulting her mother and calling her indecent.

    "Let''s not argue about this, my dear." Senator Gregory spoke in a subtle tone, patting her on the shoulder "When Amelia comes out, you can go in and see your grandmother. Okay, sweetie?"

    "Okay, Dad." Gwen forced a smile and hugged him dearly before releasing him to go sit beside her husband.

    "Greg, I know you care about your daughter so much. But you know Amelia is the reason Nana was rushed to this hospital in the first place. Aren''t you going to stop her from causing more harm? Do you want Nana to experience another attack?" Regina tried to reason with her husband.

    However, instead of seeing reason with her, Regina was rebuked coldly by her husband in front of everyone.

    "Don''t say such things, Gina. You and I were there when the doctor attributed Nana''s minor stroke to high cholesterol and atrial fibrillation. You shouldn''t accuse Amelia of something she isn''t responsible for."

    "But what about her unstable blood pressure, brother?" Matt said in a slightly irritated tone. "Are you seriously going to ignore that just to give in to your daughter''s selfish demands? Do not forget that the woman lying in there is also my mother."

    "Matt, how can you say something like that?" Senator Gregory frowned.

    "But he is saying the truth brother." Desmond cut in. "Mom''s condition is unstable and she does not need anyone stressing her right now. She is still angry with Amelia and her presence may instigate another crisis."

    "Fine..." Senator Gregory said coldly in a defeated voice. "I will go stand by Amelia to make sure that nothing like that ever happens."

    "I will go with you, honey." Regina offered.

    "No, sit this one out." Senator Gregory stopped her. "Since you and Amelia can''t get along, then there is no need for you to be close to her. I will go alone."

    Regina''s scrunched face deepened. It was bad enough that Amelia had stolen all her husband''s love and affection after the death of her mother. But to continuously openly disregard her in the presence of everyone all because of that tramp had got to stop. Something has to be done permanently to fix that.

    "Matt..." Senator Gregory turned his attention to his most trusted brother. "...please, see to it that no one makes another scene. Amelia and I will be out shortly."

    "Okay, brother." Matt released a sigh.

    While the senator reentered his mother''s ward, Amelia''s bodyguard took strategic positions opposite the door, keeping a respectable distance away from the glaring family.

    Inside the ward, Nana Shawls was resting peacefully with eyes closed. A heart rate monitor and some other medical devices were strapped to her body.

    Amelia was disheartened by her grandmother''s frail state. She felt slightly guilty for her grandmother''s condition and wished there was a way she could please the old woman without having to disagree with her.

    "Miss Shawls, I will advise you to avoid any form of arguments or discussion that would trigger your grandmother''s unstable blood pressure." The doctor advised. "She needs lots of rest and a little talking. Don''t take longer than five to ten minutes. I''ll be waiting outside."

    "Okay." Amelia smiled in appreciation. "Thank you, doctor."

    Amelia slowly approached her grandmother''s bedside and quietly sat on the chair opposite the bed. She stared at the old woman''s wrinkled face for a while, her eyes brimming with affection as she recalled some beautiful memories of when Nana''s husband was still alive. Those were the best times in her teenage life. But after the death of her most cherished grandfather and her mother, Nana became a very bitter old woman snapping at everyone especially her.

    Taking a deep breath, Amelia gently placed her hand on the old woman''s wrinkled hand and softly stroked it.

    "Get your filthy hands off me, you evil child." Nana Shawls opened her eyes, her gaze cold and bitter.

    Amelia quickly withdrew her hands stunned to see the old woman glaring at her.

    "I''m sorry, Nana, I thought you were asleep."

    "Why are you here?" Nana ignored her explanation.

    "I came to see you," Amelia replied in a subtle tone.

    "You came to check if this wicked old woman has died just like your grandfather right?"

    "Nana!"

    "Don''t you dare call my name, you heartless child." Nana''s hard gaze and hurtful words, filled Amelia''s heart with turmoil. "If I wasn''t so weak and tied to this bed, I would have taught you a very good lesson for daring to show your face in here after everything you''ve done to our family."

    "I''m sorry..."

    "Shut up!" Nana Shawls angrily cut Amelia off, her raised temper causing a rise in her blood pressure and heart rate.

    Just then, Senator Gregory opened the door and walked in, shutting the door behind him.

    "Greg, take this heartless daughter of yours out of this place before I lose my temper."

    "Mum..."

    "Grandma, please just hear me out?" Amelia went down on her knees, cutting her dad off.

    "Why?" The old woman scowled at her granddaughter. "Why should I listen to anything you have to say? You finally have your mother''s money, so you can do whatever you like and treat your family like used tissue paper."

    "No..."

    "Shut up!"

    Amelia bit down on her inner lips, her eyelid burning with tears. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Take a good look at you..." Nana Shawls forced herself to sit up against the doctors'' advice. "...a child I watched breathe her first air in this world. A child I changed her diapers and sang lullabies to. A child I watched take her first baby step. Even though your mother disgusted me, I was there for you. And now you have suddenly grown so big that she can decide to ignore or even bounce my calls. You can decide to throw wild parties and divorce your husband even without my consent. You can even get married to a total stranger, ridiculing this family''s good name. You are a disappointment, Amelia. My Willie thought you were a good child but I always knew you were pretending. You are a true replica of your mother. But don''t worry, I will soon be joining my Willie so that I won''t have to bother you anymore."

 Chapter 49 - 49: Hurtful Words 1

    "I''m sorry." Amelia battered her eyelashes severally to push back the tears. But that didn''t stop them from falling.

    "Mom, please don''t talk like this." Senator Gregory walked up to her bedside and sat down beside her. "You know Amelia cares so much about you. How can you talk about joining Dad? Don''t you love your children anymore? Do you know how that will affect us?"

    "It''s all your fault, Greg." Nana Shawls turned her anger to her first son. "You are the reason why your daughter is ill-mannered and uncultured."

    "Grandma..."

    "Get out." Nana Shawls'' voice hardened.

    "Nana, please. Just hear me out this once."

    "What are you going to say? That you''re sorry."

    "Yes. I''m truly sorry for not taking your calls or checking up on you for the past few days. I''m sorry I divorced Jerry without carrying you along. Even though I was hurt and trying to get rid of my pain, it was selfish of me."

    "I''m glad you know that you are a very selfish and heartless child." Tears slowly gathered at the corner of the old woman''s light blue eyes filling Amelia with more internal agony. "You are the reason why I''m in this state and I hope you can sleep with your conscience."

    "Nana..." Amelia tried to touch her, but she shifted her body away.

    "Leave and don''t ever come back here again."

    "Grandma!" Amelia''s heart was breaking.

    "I said leave." Nana Shawls shouted, attracting the attention of the doctor and those standing outside.

    "Honey, I think you should go." Senator Greg pleaded while holding onto his mother, whose body was trembling with so much fury. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Matt and Regina, who had been patiently waiting for Nana Shawls to lose her temper hurriedly rushed into the VIP ward with the doctor.

    "Brother, didn''t I warn you that you will get Mom agitated." Matt hurried past Amelia to attend to his mother who was now crying while the doctor helped to stabilize the old woman.

    "Have you seen what you have caused you selfish girl? You are always thinking about yourself and never others." Regina took this opportunity to retaliate for Amelia''s earlier insult.

    "Gina, please don''t start." Senator Gregory warned as he left his mother''s side to allow the doctor and Matt to attend to her.

    Amelia slowly rose to her feet, feeling downcast and defeated. She refused her father to console her, urging him to go back to the old woman.

    "Will you be fine?" Senator Gregory asked.

    "Yes, Dad." Amelia spared her grandmother one last glance before leaving the ward. As she opened the door, she wasn''t surprised to see Gwen and Jerry''s both holding hands and standing by the door.

    "Oh my dear sister, did grandma kick you out? Poor you." Gwen sighed, her eyes glistening with a wicked smile. She moved close to touch Amelia''s face.

    But Amelia slapped her hand away.

    "Get out of my way." Amelia spat out between clenched teeth, her angry and vicious glares sending shivers down Gwen''s spine.

    "Easy, wild cat. You don''t have to be so mean. I was just trying to be empathetic." Gwen moved away from the door, pulling Jerry to her side to prevent him from touching Amelia.

    "Where is your so called husband, huh? Or is it possible that he''s one of those steroid-filled puppies hovering around you?" Jerry taunted, ignoring her bodyguards who were snarling at him.

    Amelia''s reddened eyes narrowed at Gwen and Jerry, her fist clenched. She inhaled and exhaled to stifle her emotions, not wanting to create another scene.

    "You both can get lost." She hissed before walking past them, intentionally brushing Gwen on the shoulder.

    "Why don''t you get lost first." Jerry scoffed as he disappeared into the ward, shutting the door behind him.

    "How the mighty have fallen?" Pearl, who had been patiently waiting for Amelia, taunted. "Do you need me to get you some tissues to wipe your ugly face? It wouldn''t look nice for your many fans out there to see you crying like a baby."

    "Pearl, that is not nice." Lilian stood up to console Amelia. "You shouldn''t make fun of people''s emotions."

    "The hippo finally speaks." Pearl snorted, earning her Desmond''s disapproval. But since she was Desmond''s side chick, he didn''t say anything to defend his sister-in-law.

    "Pearl, do not tempt me. I may just sit on your head." Lilian warned, instantly shutting the terrified Pearl up. She returned her gaze to Amelia who was already walking away from her.

    "Amelia wait!" Lilian hurried over to her but halted when Pascal and Clay stopped her.

    "Aunt Lillian, I''m sorry. I really need to go." Amelia said, without looking up at her.

    "Please take care of yourself and don''t forget you have me."

    "Thank you." A thin smile crossed Amelia''s lips as she turned her face towards the hallway exit door. She took the elevator with her bodyguard to the first floor, her head lowered due to her reddened eyes.

    "Pascal, I need to quickly use the convenience. Wait for me at the reception." Amelia instructed before leaving for the Ladies.

    Inside the ladies, she walked into one of the empty toilet cubicles and sat down on the closed toilet seat, tears streaming down her reddened eyes.

    "You are strong, intelligent and beautiful," Amelia said to herself, sniffling. "You are the best version of yourself. No one should steal your smile." She opened her handbag and brought out her makeup wipes and her small make-up mirror. She carefully dabbed at her moist eyes and decided washing her face would be better.

    Taking a deep breath, she stood up and flushed the toilet which she didn''t use. She came out of the toilet and moved to the wash basin.

    Lifting up the handle of the faucet, she lowered her head and rinsed her face.

    When she lifted her head up to face the mirror, she was startled to see a woman with a striking pair of light blue eyes staring lovingly at her.

    "My dear, are you all right?"

 Chapter 50 - 50: May I Hug You

    Even though Blaze had registered his mum in one of the best private hospitals in the city, Maria always preferred using Salvine General Hospital for her monthly diabetic check-up. She has developed a cordial and close relationship with most of the staff at the hospital and felt at home with their professional services.

    Like other past check-ups, she arrived at the hospital on time for her fasting blood sugar test. Afterwards, she was allowed to take a little snack and made to wait for a while before the next series of tests were conducted.

    With samples of her blood collected for the random blood sugar test and glucose tolerance test, Maria left the medical lab to go use the convenience at the reception.

    She was seated inside one of the toilets when she heard the heels of a lady clicking sharply against the marble floor. She listened as the toilet cubicle beside the one she was using opened and then closed. She was about to stand up from the toilet seat when she heard a sniffle followed by muffled crying.

    "Oh no...did she get a bad report?" Maria''s heart sank, taking her back to the day when she was informed that her husband had passed on.

    However, when she heard the lady''s gentle voice and her self-motivational affirmation, Maria was moved to see this strong lady''s face. She waited patiently for the lady to leave the toilet cubicle before doing the same.

    When Maria stepped out, she saw a slim young lady on his heels, crouched by the washing basin, splashing water on her face. She assumed it was the same lady since it was just the both of them that were in the restroom.

    Hoping to find out who this lady was, she quietly approached her from behind when the lady suddenly straightened up. She observed the pretty lady''s startled expression and asked in a friendly voice.

    "My dear, are you alright?"

    But Instead of getting a reply, the alarmed lady moved away from her, her expression cold and suspicious.

    Amelia glared at the gentle-natured pretty blonde woman in a classic lilac summer dress. This woman had a striking resemblance to someone she knew but at the moment Amelia was more focused on finding out what this woman''s mission was.

    The woman didn''t look like someone capable of inflicting harm on someone. But then, Amelia had learned the hard way that looks can be deceptive.

    "Who are you and what are you doing behind me? Amelia asked in a stern and authoritative tone.

    "I''m sorry, my dear. I didn''t mean to startle you. I''m a patient here at the hospital. You can be rest assured that I mean you no harm." Maria said in a calm and reassuring tone. She equally assessed the pretty lady, wondering where she had seen this face before.

    "Are you all right?" Maria asked again, observing the way the lady slowly relaxed.

    "Why do you ask?" Amelia replied to her question with a question, not entirely trusting her. For all she knows she could be working for her stepmother, her greedy uncles or Lin.

    "Well...I was in that toilet cubicle next to yours when I heard you crying. I didn''t mean to eavesdrop but I heard what you said. It seems like you got a bad report but I want to reassure you that you''ll be fine."

    Amelia''s hardened gaze softened a little at the woman''s kind words. She squeezed out a little smile and said. "Thank you."

    "You''re welcome, dear." Maria walked over to the basin to wash her hands, while Amelia pulled out two scented face wipes from her bag and dabbed at her face carefully.

    From the corner of her eyes, Amelia silently watched the woman wash her hands and dry them. She remembered the woman said she was a patient. But she did look one bit like a patient. Or didn''t she hear clearly?

    As her curiosity got the better part of her, she decided to ask.

    "Did you say you were a patient?" Amelia asked tilting her head in the direction of the woman.

    "Yes," Maria replied guessing what Amelia was thinking. "But I don''t look it right?" Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Amelia shook her head in response. "You look very healthy to me."

    "That''s because I''m well taken care of. I''m diabetic."

    "Oh..." Amelia cupped her mouth, and her eyes widened. "I''m so sorry."

    "You don''t have to be my dear." Maria waved her hands as if her sickness was a mere headache. "If I didn''t tell you, you wouldn''t know right?"

    "Right." Amelia was impressed by the woman''s positive attitude toward life.

    "That''s because my son is always there for me. He ensures that I take my drugs, eat healthy foods and exercise regularly."

    "That is such an amazing son. But what about your husband?"

    Maria''s smile faltered a bit as she replied, "he died."

    "Oh my goodness! I... I''m so sorry ma''am. I shouldn''t have asked that question." Amelia turned her embarrassed face away, lowering her gaze in shame. "Excuse me." She gathered her stuff intending to leave the restroom, but Maria''s serene voice stopped her.

    "You don''t have to feel bad my dear. Death is inevitable. Everyone dies someday. I bet I''m not the only one who has lost someone."

    Amelia turned her face to look at the woman tears falling down her eyes. "You''re right, I lost my mom when I was in my early teens and it still hurts so much." She said in a trembling voice, covering her face to hide her tears.

    "Oh my dear..." Maria approached Amelia and patted her gently on the shoulder. "Losing a mother at such an age could be really hard. I understand your pain."

    "Thank you, ma''am," Amelia replied, wiping her tears with the back of your hand.

    "Maria. You can call me Maria." She said, holding back her own tears from falling.

    "Okay, Maria. I''m sorry you had to see me like this. I''m usually very strong and in control of my emotions."

    "I perfectly understand. Is only natural to cry when you''re feeling hurt. But after a while, you will get better. May I hug you?" Maria asked, her heart longing to console this broken lady.

 Chapter 51 - 51: The Unknown Mother-In-Law

    Amelia nodded her head, her broken heart also longing for maternal warmth.

    "Come, here." Maria pulled Amelia into her arms and patted her back gently as Amelia cried a little more on her shoulders.

    "Are you feeling a bit okay?" Maria asked, pulling away from Amelia and using her own handkerchief to wipe Amelia''s reddened eyes.

    "Yes." Amelia sniffled. "Thank you so much, Maria. You are a good woman and I bet an amazing mother."

    Maria was moved by that statement and was eager to know more about this pretty young lady.

    "I don''t know if you''re very busy but can I invite you to join me for a light breakfast? I just have to see the doctor briefly, take a few injections and restock my medication.

    "I don''t know. I wouldn''t want to inconvenience you." Amelia said politely.

    "Not at all." Maria waved her hand dismissively. "It would be an honour for you to join this old boring lady for breakfast."

    "I disagree on that old part," Amelia said, chuckling lightly. "You look so young and beautiful. I''m even guessing you are twenty-six years old."

    "Twenty-six years old?" Maria laughed out loud. "If you must know I have a son who is twenty-seven years old?"

    "Really!"

    "Yes."

    "Wow! You have a great body shape! I hope to look like you when I become a mother in future."

    "Sure. You will look even better than me. So, is it a yes? Will you be joining me for breakfast, Miss...?"

    "Amelia."

    "Amelia. Such a beautiful name for a beautiful girl." Maria''s compliments made Amelia blush. Her eyes darted to Amelia''s finger and the sight of the pink diamond ring made her feel disappointed.

    "That is one beautiful diamond ring. I feel so jealous of the lucky man who has been able to win himself a gorgeous lady like you."

    Amelia lowered her gaze, her cheeks flushed at Maria''s compliments. "Thank you."

    "There, you''re are smiling." Maria pointed out. "That means it''s a yes." sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Amelia sighs in resignation. "Okay."

    "Thank you." Maria clasped her hands joyfully, before hugging her again. "I''ll leave you to clean up your face and powder it a little while I go for my injection. Please wait for me at the reception. I won''t be long."

    "Okay, Maria. I''ll wait for you."

    "Thank you. See you in a jiffy." Maria hurried out of the convenience, leaving a caustic smile on Amelia''s face.

    Amelia tilted her head back to the mirror, a warm smile tugging on her lips as she brought out her handy makeup kit and retouched her face.

    When she rejoined, Pascal and Clay in the reception waiting room, they were both perplexed to see her sitting down.

    "Ma''am, are we waiting for someone?" Pascal asked.

    "Yes?" Amelia said curtly bringing out her phone. "I''m waiting for a friend."

    "Oh...okay." Pascal returned back to his seat wondering who this friend was.

    Twenty minutes later, a slightly mature woman walked into the reception waiting room, a hypnotic smile on her face.

    "What is the boss''s mother doing here?" Pascal watched in dismay as she strolled over to the boss''s wife.

    "Amelia," Maria called softly, pulling Amelia''s attention away from her phone screen.

    "Oh... Maria, you''re done."

    "Yes. Thanks for waiting."

    "You''re welcome." Amelia stood up, picking up your handbag.

    "My car is parked outside. Would you care to join me?" Maria offered.

    "How about I tag along behind your car?" Amelia suggested, knowing Blaze would be mad at her if she entered a total stranger''s car.

    "Fine by me. Let''s go." Maria gestured towards the door.

    "Shit!" Pascal cursed under his breath as he discreetly took a picture of them and forwarded it to Blaze.

    While Maria and Amelia were leaving the hospital together chatting and smiling at each other, someone employed by Tina to monitor Mrs Anderson captured her and Amelia from afar.

    Thirty minutes later, Maria and Amelia were seated in a secluded section of a fancy restaurant in the heart of town. They were both eating and laughing heartily at Maria''s funny joke. They spoke about life in general, some old practices compared to new ones and trending topics in fashion and cosmetics.

    "So you own a cosmetic company."

    "Yes, LiLa Savvy," Amelia said proudly. "Is a unique cosmetic brand like no order that focuses on how to bring out the inner glow in women."

    "Wow!" Maria was impressed. "I think I''ll come to check out your products one of those days."

    "I would love that."

    Maria''s phone started ringing interrupting their conversation.

    "Excuse me while I take this call," Maria said, picking up her phone.

    "Sure."

    Maria received the call and said,

    "Hello Henry, sorry I didn''t wait for you,"

    "It''s okay, mom. Sorry, I couldn''t accompany you to the hospital. Can I come to the house now?"

    "There''s no one at home, dear. I am currently at a restaurant and I plan to go shopping after I''m done eating." Maria said, dusting off an invisible spec from the table napkins.

    "How about I meet you up at the restaurant and accompany you for your shopping? You know I promised Blaze that I will keep you company for these two days while he is away."

    "You boys seem to think this old lady can''t take care of herself. But it''s fine. Suit yourself. I''m at the Merry Bloom restaurant. See you."

    Maria ended the call, returning her attention to Amelia. "I''m so sorry about that."

    "It''s okay." Amelia smiled. "And thanks again for bringing me out here. Their food is really delicious."

    "I''m glad you like it." Maria put her phone aside and resumed eating.

    "So tell me Amelia, what''s your story and who is that lucky young man that placed a ring on your finger," Maria asked, wishing Amelia was single so that she could recommend her for her son.

    "Lucky!" Amelia scoffed, feeling free with her newfound friend. "I wouldn''t call him lucky. It''s just..." She paused. "...a means to an end."

    "Oh my god! You''re not in love with him?" Maria asked, eyes widened in excitement.

    "Love is so overrated, Maria. When you think you found someone that you are willing to share your life with, you end up getting heartbroken because the jerk prefers your stepsister over you." Amelia said stabbing the nicely chopped vegetables on her plate with her fork.

 Chapter 52 - 52: The Unknown Mother-In-Law 1

    Maria was even more perplexed by Amelia''s response. There was so much anger and bitterness lacing her words and actions. She stared at the way Amelia''s hand tightened around the fork as if she was about to hurt someone.

    "Did he cheat on you after proposing to you?" Maria asked calmly, feeling so sorry for Amelia.

    "What! No. I''m not talking about him. I was referring to the jerk I was supposed to be married to." Amelia explained.

    "Huh! I''m a bit lost." Maria said dropping her fork, her gaze intense and unwavering.

    Amelia released a sigh also dropping her fork. All this talk about Jerry had made her lose her appetite.

    "It''s kind of complicated and I don''t think you will want to hear it." Amelia was reluctant to share her ugly story.

    "Are you kidding? I''m dying to hear it." Maria''s animated gesture made Amelia chuckle.

    "Okay. I don''t know if you heard about the huge celebrity wedding that took place in this city more than two weeks ago."

    "The one between Jerry Morgan and Amelia Shawls?" Maria''s eyes widened in disbelief, as things became more clearer on where she had seen Amelia''s face before.

    "The same one." Amelia scoffed looking sideways.

    "Are you by any chance Senator Gregory''s first daughter, Amelia Shawls?" Maria asked, her heart pounding.

    "You know my father?" Amelia was equally stunned.

    Maria laughed, her smile slowly fading.

    "Yes, I know your father. He was my husband''s business partner some years before my husband died."

    "Really!" Amelia was shocked. Although her father wasn''t the type to mix family with business, she knew a handful of his business partners in the past. But after travelling overseas to complete her studies, she lost track of all of them.

    Amelia wanted to ask the name of Maria''s husband. But she knew that would only bring the sweet woman more grief, especially now that her expression had turned sorrowful.

    "What a small world, right?" Maria sighed. She shook off the grief clouding her heart and turned her attention back to Amelia. So, what happened between the two of you? I was hearing a lot of rumours but I don''t really pay attention to most gossips. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Amelia paused for a while contemplating whether to open up to Maria or not. So far, it felt as though she was confiding in her own mother but after Maria''s reaction to her father''s name, everything became awkward.

    As if guessing Amelia''s hesitation, Maria reached out her hands across the table to touch Amelia''s warm hands. "You can trust me with your secret, Amelia. I''m your friend now and I will always have your best interest at heart."

    Amelia stared into the woman''s magical eyes, believing every word she said. "Okay." She released a sigh before giving Maria a short version of her story while leaving out some important details.

    "I was kidnapped and almost killed on the eve before my wedding. But someone rescued me and saved me from a horrible death that night. While I was at the hospital fighting for my life, the wedding continued with my step-sister posing as me."

    "Ah..." Maria''s jaw dropped, eyes widened like a saucer.

    "To add more insult to injury," Amelia continued. "I discovered that my stepsister was having an affair with my fiance, something that became public knowledge. Not only did the cheating couple rob me of my identity, but I was forced to become a married woman even though I was never married. So I divorced the Jerk and he officially married my stepsister the next day without any sign of remorse."

    "How cruel. I never knew people like that still exist." Maria felt sorry for Amelia. "What about the person whom you''re engaged to now."

    "I''m sorry I can''t talk about him," Amelia said in a resigned tone. "I hope you will understand."

    "I totally understand." Maria could guess the kind of relationship Amelia had gotten herself into. If only she could find out who this man was and pay him off to let go of Amelia for her son. She believed Amelia would make an amazing partner for her equally heartbroken son.

    Aside from the clinking of cutleries against ceramic plates and distant muffled chatting from other restaurant guests, there was complete silence between both women for a while.

    "I..."

    "Can..."

    Maria and Amelia said at once and they both chuckled.

    "Why don''t you go first?" Amelia urged.

    "If you don''t mind this nosy woman asking..." Maria paused, listening to Amelia''s soft chuckle. "Why were you in the hospital? Are you sick like me?"

    "Oh...no. It''s my grandmother. She was diagnosed with a minor stroke." Amelia was saddened again.

    "Such a pity. Old people are very fragile." Maria sighed. "But don''t you worry she''ll be alright?"

    "I hope so." Amelia picked up her glass of water and took a sip. She checked the time on her wristwatch and decided it was time to leave.

    "Maria, I really had a great time talking with you today. You have no idea how unburdened I feel right now. Thank you for being an amazing woman and cheering me up. I hope I never lose you as a friend."

    Amelia''s last statement brought tears to Maria''s eyes.

    "Me too." Maria beamed sweetly.

    Standing up, she walked across the table to where Amelia was seated and took the empty seat beside her, leaving Amelia puzzled.

    "Here..." She took off one of her rarest crystal pearl bracelets and wore it on Amelia''s left wrist. "I have only two of these and I''m giving you one of them."

    "No, I can''t ..."

    "Listen, Amelia. I can''t explain why but I like you so much. You are like a daughter I never had and I want to do this."

    Tears slid down Amelia''s flushed cheeks as she held Maria''s tender gaze.

    "You are also a softie like me." Maria wiped Amelia''s tears, with her thumb, making the latter smile. "As long as you keep this bracelet on your wrist." She stroked the bracelet with so much love in her eyes. "...we will forever be friends."

    "Okay." Amelia threw her arms around Maria''s neck and hugged her dearly.

    Maria pulled away from Amelia and reached across the table for her phone

    "Can I have your contact, please?" She said extending the phone to Amelia.

    "Certainly." Amelia imputed her number and returned it to her.

    "I''ll call you now so that you can save my number," Maria said, smiling to herself as she saved Amelia''s number with my son''s wife. Then she dialed Amelia''s number.

    "That''s my number. Save it."

    Amelia saved the contact before rising to her feet.

    "I have to go now."

    Just then a waiter approached their table with a man in dark shades and a premium hat.

    "Amelia!" Henry''s eyes widened in surprise.

 Chapter 53 - 53: Enraged Husband

    Amelia''s gaze narrowed at the young man.

    "Excuse me! Do I know you?"

    Maria was also confused, her gaze darting between Amelia and her son''s best friend.

    Henry immediately took off his disguise hoping to impress Amelia with his killer smile and handsome looks.

    "Not really. But I know you." Henry was about to confess that he was the one who sent her flowers. But then that was meant to be a secret. "I am Henry..."

    "... Gordon!" Amelia''s eyes widened.

    "Yes!" Henry was ecstatic. He couldn''t believe his luck. Even though he was famous for his acting skills, he never dreamt she was the type of person who loved the action movie genre.

    "Oh my goodness! As in the Henry Gordon?" Amelia asked, cupping her mouth.

    "Yes, but please not too loud."

    "Ah..." Amelia wanted to scream out loud, but Henry pleaded with her nonverbally to keep her voice low. "I''m your biggest fan."

    "Really! Wow! That is good to know." Henry said scratching his head while grinning sheepishly like a young boy standing before his crush.

    "Can I shake your hands or hug you," Amelia asked beaming like an excited child who was about to receive her Christmas gift from Santa.

    "A hug will be much better." Henry couldn''t hide his happiness and emotion. He felt breathless as Amelia jumped into his arms and hugged him briefly like a true fan before pulling away and giggling. If only she could top up the hug with a kiss.''

    Maria, seeing the spark between the two quickly stood up to protect her son''s interest.

    "Have I suddenly become invisible, Henry? You see a beautiful lady and you forget your manners." Maria asked in a stern voice, hands akimbo.

    "Sorry mom, I didn''t mean to." Henry apologized. He quickly moved across the table to hug Maria.

    "Forgive me, Maria, I got carried away too. I love watching all his movies. He''s like the best action romance actor ever."

    Amelia''s words made Henry''s head swell.

    "It''s fine. He is the best at what he does and he''s a natural lady charmer." Maria said beaming.

    "By the way, he called you Mom. Is Henry your son?" Amelia asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

    "He is like a son to me. But he''s actually my son''s best friend." Maria corrected.

    "Oh...okay. Umm, Maria, if you don''t mind, can I take a picture with him? I would like to show my friends that I met with the blockbuster superstar today."

    "Sure!" Henry said without hesitation.

    "She was asking me, silly." Maria playfully slapped Henry on the back of his head making Amelia laugh.

    "Go ahead, Amelia." Maria made room for Henry to move closer to Amelia, whose phone was already raised and ready to capture a selfie picture.

    "Cheese." Jerry smiled as the camera light flashed.

    "Can I please take another? This time, I want Maria to join us."

    "You can take as many pictures of me as you want," Henry said dreamingly.

    "Such a dramatic young fellow. Don''t forget that this is not a movie." Maria came between them and smiled as Amelia took another selfie.

    "Thank you, Henry and it was such a pleasure meeting you," Amelia said putting her phone in her bag.

    "The pleasure is all mine."

    "Take of yourself, Maria. I will chat with you later." Amelia said as she took her leave. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Bye, sweetheart." Maria waved before taking her seat.

    "Mom, I think I found the love of my life," Henry said as he took his seat beside Maria.

    "You better take your eyes off her because I''m planning to make her Blaze''s wife," Maria warned in a very stern voice.

    "Oh come on Mom. Blaze is not ready for love. But I am." Henry said playfully.

    "I will be the judge of that. So stay away from her and look for another girl to dazzle." Maria eyed him before resuming her meal, beaming to herself.

    -

    -

    After more than four hours at a closed-door meeting session with some of the leading business tycoons in the gold and diamond mining industries, Blaze was alerted to some disturbing information that left a really sour taste in his mouth.

    On his phone were a series of missed calls both from, his ghost hunters, Amelia''s bodyguards and Marcus. He also received text messages, keeping him updated on all of Amelia''s activity in Salvine City.

    However, when he opened a series of pictures sent to him, his entire calm frame was distorted.

    The first picture that made his blood boil with rage was the brutalized corpse, of his informant at the Mort Lead enterprise, - a textile company. This company was operated and run by Stanley Morgan, Jerry Morgan''s younger brother. However, instead of the genuine business of producing textiles, they were discreetly involved in laundering money for some notorious drug traffickers and underground sex work.

    The second picture was a bouquet sent to his wife by his best friend. Even though Blaze was yet to confide in Henry concerning his marriage to Amelia, he was still piqued by Henry''s romantic gesture.

    The third picture that left him completely speechless and furious like hell was that of Amelia cozying up to his mother, at the hospital and a certain restaurant.

    Then the last straw that broke the back of the camel was the picture of Amelia hugging Henry in the presence of his mother and also taking pictures with him.

    With eyes darkened like a gloomy cloud about to rain hail and muscles tensed as a hungry grizzly bear about to wreak havoc, Blaze kicked the stool in front of him so hard that it flew across the room and smashed on the wall.

    Marcus, who was standing beside him, shuddered slightly, taking a few steps backwards.

    "Make arrangements for the next available flight back to Salvine city. We are going home."

    Blaze stood up from his seat and strode to the mini-bar in his presidential suite, to fix himself a strong drink. His mind was chaotic with only thoughts of the things he would do to Amelia, for breaking one of the conditions in the contract.

    Marcus, who hadn''t seen his boss in this terrifying mood for a long time decided to stall their departure by raising concerns about their unfinished business in country Y which was time-bound.

    "Do as I have instructed, damn it" Blaze boomed, smashing the glass of wine he was initially pouring from himself, on the cold marble floor.

    Marcus flinched, his pupils dilated in horror. He stared at the shattered glass on the floor, his mind painting a raw picture of what Blaze would do to his innocent best friend. ''I have to do something to stop him.''

    Just then Blaze''s phone rang, pulling him out of his excruciating thoughts.

    Marcus, who was standing closer to the phone, craned his neck and said.

    "Boss it''s your mother."

    Gritting his teeth, Blaze took long strides back to the bed to receive the call.

    "Mum, can we talk later, I''m in the middle of something?"

    "No, son. Please, you have to listen to me. This can''t wait. I just found you the perfect girl. Her name is Amelia and she is so beautiful." Blaze could feel the excitement in his mother''s voice as she spoke.

    "Mom, didn''t I..."

    "I know... I know you told me that you found someone." Maria cut him off, not giving him any room to argue. "But this girl is different. We connected from the first minute we interacted and I think I like her so much. Even Henry thinks the same thing.

    Blaze''s grip tightened on the phone, his gaze more darkened than usual "Henry is also interested in her?"

    "Don''t mind Henry. I''ve told him to look elsewhere because I''m saving her for you."

    "How nice of you, Mom." Blaze chuckled bitterly.

    "So, how soon can you come back to town?"

    "Why?"

    "Because I''m planning to set you up with her, silly. I want you to just see her. You will thank me for this."

    Blaze''s anger softened a bit at his mom''s tenaciousness.

    "Fine, I''ll be in town tomorrow evening."

    Marcus, who hadn''t moved from where he was standing, released a sigh of relief as Blaze ended the call.

    "Does this mean I can still arrange tomorrow''s meeting?" Marcus''s voice was low but firm.

    "Get lost," Blaze said, tossing his phone on the bed.

    "Thank you, sir." Marcus smiled as he left the room to get the hotel housekeeping.

 Chapter 54 - 54: Gullible Mrs Gwen Morgan

    A lot had taken place in Jerry''s life over the last seventy-two hours since Amelia''s reappearance. Not only was he about to lose everything he had toiled for in the past five years, but his family was also about to lose their company and possibly their lives if their secret was exposed.

    After going through the contents of the brown envelope Amelia gave him the previous day, Jerry hadn''t been himself.

    A chapter of his life and that of his family which had been jealously guarded and hidden for decades was about to be exposed by his vengeful ex-wife.

    Jerry had no clue how Amelia got hold of those pictures and information she gave him. She never struck him as the kind of lady who would dare to get herself involved in the treacherous underworld business dealings. She was too fragile and decent for that kind of life.

    Nevertheless, after watching her glamorous comeback, flaunting an unknown source of wealth and parading fearsome bodyguards, it became clear to Jerry that someone powerful and dangerous was backing her.

    The question now was, who? Who was this unknown powerful force giving her the morale to step on the heads of vipers without getting bitten? Every contact he made to find out this unknown villain or hero''s identity was met with a dead end.

    At the moment, Jerry could literally see his life heading for the edge of a steep mountain. He was about to lose everything if he didn''t do something to stop Amelia or her unknown benefactor, who were currently seeking his blood.

    Amelia''s arrogant lawyer had only given him a week to pay up a total sum of three billion dollars for the divorce settlement and infringement of the marriage agreement or face a catastrophic lawsuit.

    Jerry''s only way out of this hell hole was Gwen. He was aware of some of the transactions she had consummated in the process of disposing some of Amelia''s trust fund assets. He also knew there was no way Amelia could get back her property from Gwen after playing along with the false marriage.

    Gwen Shawls now Gwen Morgan seemed to be the only one untouched in this backlash. She had the majority of Amelia''s liquidated assets. She was the gold mine and Jerry''s ticket to salvation.

    With Gwen''s money, which Jerry was hoping to possess as her husband, he would be able to settle Amelia, pay up his family''s outstanding debt to the mafia and live a life filled with luxury.

    According to his calculation so far, Gwen had made more than five billion dollars from sales of only ten percent of the trust fund assets. However, she only declared two billion dollars, which was shared discreetly amongst all the major characters in the criminal plot. None of the other greedy family members were aware of Gwen''s deceit except Regina. For all they knew, they had each made millions of dollars they never worked for and they trusted Gwen.

    -

    Five minutes after the senator left the hospital, Jerry also left in a rush, stating that he had some urgent business to attend to. He intentionally made Gwen tag along, masking his hidden agenda of separating her from her calculative mother.

    They both got into his newly acquired Ferrari and zoomed off, heading in the direction of Mort Lead Enterprise.

    "Babe, I just came up with a brilliant idea on how we can reclaim our envious spot in the elite society while throwing a direct punch in that b*tch face."

    "Really!" Gwen eyes lit up with excitement. "Tell me all about it. I want to bring that b*tch down to her knees."

    "It''s very simple. She kicked both of us out of her company forgetting that I was once the envious CEO of Mort Lead Enterprise. I only stepped aside for my younger brother to manage it while I helped her develop LiLa Savvy. I have been talking to my dad and my younger brother and they have both agreed that I should take back my position as CEO."

    "Are you kidding me? Baby that is good news." Gwen chirped happily, showering Jerry''s side face with lots of kisses while he tried to focus on the road.

    "That''s not all," Jerry said grinning devilishly in his heart.

    "There is more?"

    "Yes, honey. Since you are now officially my wife, I want you to be part of the family business."

    "Aww..." Gwen gushed over her husband, wishing Amelia was here so that she could rub it all over her face.

    "Working with LiLa Savvy has given me a lot of business ideas about cosmetic diversity. I have decided to create a subsidiary cosmetic company under Mort Lead Enterprise. It will be headed by you and some of the best cosmetic scientists and cosmetologists in Salvine.

    "Ah..." Gwen gasped, eyes widened and her opened mouth formed a perfect O.

    "Since I will be displacing my brother as the CEO, he has agreed to work with you as the finance and marketing director. With his wide range of knowledge in account management and business management, I can assure you that Lila Savvy will be forgotten in less than a year."

    "Oh, baby..." Gwen unstrapped her seat belt again and moved in for a passionate kiss. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    But Jerry who actually knew what he wanted, saved the financial commitment aspect of his pitch for the right moment. He responded to her sultry kisses briefly and asked her to wait. He branched off the main road and drove some distance into a park before stopping by a less crowded corner.

    "Come here, baby," Jerry said in a husky voice as he claimed Gwen''s lip, eagerly taking off her clothes. He didn''t give her any room to doubt his love for her or the genuity of his business plan as he made known their financial obligations to the success of the business deal while f**king her brains out.

    By the time Jerry was done tormenting every part of Gwen''s sensitive body leaving her completely breathless and hopelessly in love, Gwen found herself saying yes to ridiculous financial obligations thrown at her.

    After they left the park, Jerry first took Gwen to meet with his brother and father, before they both left for the bank to make some huge money transfer.

    Before they left the bank, Jerry made Gwen promise him that none of their business ideas would be made known to a single soul until they had actualized their plans.

    -

    -

    Meanwhile, at Kendrick Studio, Tina was busy going through a new movie script inside the well-ventilated and furnished studio changing room.

    Aside from her personal assistant and confidant, Remy, who was slouched on the couch reading a gossip magazine, there was no one inside the changing room.

    Smiling and chuckling at some humorous dialogue, Tina heard her phone beeped twice indicating she had just received a message.

    Flipping over to the next page, her eyes darting between the interesting script and her phone screen, she nonchalantly opened the WhatsApp message received.

    However when her eyes fell on a picture of Amelia smiling at her future mother-in-law, she impulsively dropped the script, her pupil dilated in complete shock.

 Chapter 55 - 55: Sweet And Sour Messages

    "What in God''s name is Amelia doing with Maria? I thought she said she was busy at her office?" Tina muttered under her breath, her heart pounding like a drum as she zoomed in and out of the picture to get a clearer view.

    Maria was looking like her usual cheerful self, beaming and stretching her hand towards Amelia, who in turn was reciprocating the same gesture.

    "Tina, is something the matter?" Remy asked when he observed her alarmed expression.

    "It''s nothing," Tina said in a less convincing voice as she dialled the number of the person who sent her the picture.

    "That doesn''t look like nothing to me." Remy lazily stood up and approached her. He perched on the makeup table, his caring eyes observing Tina''s contoured face and the phone glued to her ear.

    "Did something..."

    "Shh!" Tina placed her forefinger on her lips as she said into the phone mouthpiece, standing up and walking away from Remy.

    "Where did you get that picture from?"

    "The Salvine General Hospital." A female voice replied from the other end.

    "The hospital! How come?"

    Tina was slightly panicked, thinking something bad her happened to her future mother-in-law. But then the woman she saw smiling and laughing with Amelia didn''t look one bit sick. If anything, she looks very healthy, beautiful and even younger.

    "After we followed the target to the hospital, we discovered that she came there for her monthly check-up."

    "Oh yeah...she''s diabetic," Tina recalled. "But was she alone at that time?"

    "Yes, ma''am. She came alone."

    "So at what point did she come in contact with Amelia?" Tina asked.

    "We have no idea. But I think they know each other from the way they were conversing at the reception waiting room."

    "Why do you say that?" Tina''s forehead furrowed.

    "Well, according to my team member who was seated inside the waiting room, she overheard Miss Amelia informing her bodyguard that she was waiting for a friend before the target showed up."

    "A friend!" Tina''s tone slowly switched from curious and alarmed to furious and jealous.

    "Yes ma''am, that is what she called her. They both left the hospital together but they entered their separate vehicles."

    Tina''s face hardened. "Is that all?"

    "No ma''am. They were followed to the Merry Bloom restaurant.

    "What!" Tina''s anger switched to panic, beads of sweating forming on her forehead.

    Maria wasn''t the type to dine with any random lady in public. She was very protective of her son and usually preferred older companies to keep away the desperados. If she was breaking this routine of hers, then the lady in question must be very important and known to Blaze.

    Remy came in front of Tina, his concerned gaze hovering around her as she resumed speaking on the phone.

    "Did you follow them into the restaurant?"

    "Yes, but they booked a reserved section. So we couldn''t tell what they were doing or listen to their conversation."

    "F*cking shit!" Tina cursed out loud. "Isn''t this supposed to be the twenty-first century? Isn''t there a tech gizmo that can allow you to eavesdrop from a mile away, you f*cking dick head?"

    "Sorry ma''am, we didn''t come prepared but next time we will be sure to capture their conversation."

    "How long did she spend with the target?"

    "An hour plus."

    Tina started pacing up and down the room with Remy following her about like a lost motherless chick. Different thoughts were clamouring for attention in her head. She took in a deep breath to stifle her anxiety and spoke more calmly.

    "New mission, I want you to keep a tag on both Amelia and all three of the former targets."

    "Consider it done, ma''am."

    Tina ended the call and tossed it on the table, all her antenna''s beeping red of a possible competition.

    "Tina, can you please sit down and talk to me? You''re freaking the hell out of me." Remy pleaded.

    "I think I need to see someone," Tina said, going for her handbag that was on the table.

    "Right now!" Remy''s eyes widened.

    "No, the day after tomorrow." Tina hissed and pushed him out of her way.

    "What about the rehearsal, it''s starting in an hour."

    "I''ll be back before then." She forced a smile as she slid on her sunglasses. "In the meantime, cover up for me. If Jeremy asks where I''ve gone to, tell him that I was having a stomach ache and I needed to get some drugs at the pharmacy."

    "All liars will go to hell," Remy said in a teasing voice.

    "At least you get there before me, since you are the one doing the lying," Tina said as she opened the door.

    "Wait!" Remy hurried over to the make-up table and picked up her script. "At least keep yourself acquainted with your character while you are doing god knows what."

    "That is why you''re the best. Always one step ahead." She blew kisses to him and hurried out of the room.

    -

    -

    Amelia tried to focus her mind solely on work after returning to the office.

    Since she had earlier canceled her schedule for the day, she spent the rest of her working hours at the lab fine-tuning her new product.

    In accordance with her laboratory rules about keeping phones turned off, Amelia intentionally left her phone back in the office to allow her to focus on work.

    By the time she returned to her office to close for the day, she was shocked to see over thirty missed calls.

    Some of these calls were from her Dad, Joanna, Stacy, Tina, and surprisingly Blaze.

    In addition to the calls were a few text messages which she read out to herself.

    The first message was from her Dad apologizing about the charade that went down at the hospital and also letting her know that her grandma was feeling better.

    The second message was from Tina asking if they could meet and talk.

    The third message was from Stacy, trying to find out how her day went and asking if she was available for lunch.

    The fourth message that brought a smile to her face and a warmth to her heart was from Maria, telling her not to overstress herself and return home on time. At the end of the message were emojis of kisses and hugs. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    And the last message that wiped all the smile away from her face was from Blaze asking if she had a fun day, relishing secret admirers, making new friends and hugging a man.

    The last word, ''man'' was written in bold letters.

 Chapter 56 - 56: The Threat

    Amelia returned home feeling more drained and anxious than ever after receiving Blaze''s text message. She was mad at herself for getting carried away and Pascal for reporting her to his boss.

    Now, because of her, a young and famous man''s life could be at risk.

    Every attempt made to contact Blaze was met with a cold silence. She could tell he was really mad at her because he wasn''t taking her calls or replying to her text messages.

    After taking her bath and eating something light, she retired to bed for the night, her thoughts in chaos.

    Then an idea hit her.

    Picking up her phone, she dialled Marcus''s number. Luckily for her, he picked on the first ring.

    "Good evening, Madam." Marcus''s tone was cheerful and polite as always.

    ''Madam!'' Amelia felt odd at being addressed with such a title. She preferred when she was simply addressed as Miss Shawls.

    "Good evening, Marcus. How are you?"

    "I''m great, ma''am. I trust you also doing okay."

    "Yes. Thank you." Amelia cleared her throat before asking.

    "Are you by any chance close to Mr Anderson?"

    "N-No ma''am," Marcus replied. "Is there any problem ma''am?"

    Amelia spotted the hesitation in Marcus''s voice and said.

    "There is no problem but can you do me a favor?"

    "Yes, ma''am."

    "Can you put the phone on speaker mode?"

    There was another hesitation before Marcus replied,

    "Okay, ma''am."

    There was a slight pause before Marcus spoke again. "Is now on speaker mode ma''am."

    "Thank you. I want you to pass this message to your boss for me, quoting me exactly by my words."

    "Okay, ma''am."

    Amelia inhaled and exhaled to stifle her anxiety before speaking in a calm and soothing voice.

    "Blaze, I''m sorry for the way you feel right now. You completely misunderstood what you saw. First of all, I have no idea who sent me flowers and I don''t waste my time daydreaming about secret admirers when I have a company to run. Secondly, I admit that I made a new friend today and I don''t remember the contract denying me from making friends. Lastly, I understand you''re a very jealous man and I also understand that I may have been overly excited when I hugged Mr Henry Gordon. But you can be rest assured that there is nothing more to it. I just happened to be one of his biggest fans. Please, don''t do anything stupid. He is just an actor."

    There was a long deafening silence before Blaze''s deep and cold voice echoed in Amelia''s ear.

    "Go to bed."

    The call disconnected leaving behind a beautiful smile on Amelia''s face. She slipped the phone under her pillow, her cheeks glowing red as she mentally pictured his stoned face scowling at her.

    She heard her phone buzzing under the pillow and picked it up thinking it was Blaze. But to her surprise, the call was from an unknown number.

    "Who could this be?" Amelia thought out loud, staring blankly at her ringing phone screen. She hesitated a bit before swiping the phone to the right.

    "Hello." She said, pressing the phone to her ear. But instead of a response, she heard the low dreadful sound of someone, possibly a male snarling in the background like a Tasmanian devil.

    Amelia''s body stiffened, goosebumps covering her exposed body. But she summoned the courage to speak with authority.

    "Who is this? Speak or get off my phone."

    "Amelia..." The deep, raspy and callous voice of a predator rapped in her ear. "Run...run...run, while you still can. Because no one is going to save you from me when the time comes. You owe me a life and you will pay with blood."

    Beads of sweat broke up on Amelia''s forehead as the call disconnected. She tossed the phone on the bed, her hands trembling. She quickly climbed out of the bed as if the sheet were covered with stinging red ants, her heart pounding and her breathing heavy.

    "Who could this be? And why did he say I owe him a life?" Amelia''s panicked mind couldn''t think of anything at the moment. She couldn''t tell if this was Jerry''s or her evil family''s handiwork. But then this person sounded like someone on a revenge mission and would stop at nothing until he got what he wanted.

    Amelia picked up her phone again as the thought of informing Blaze crossed her mind. But that would only disrupt his business activities. So she dropped the phone again feeling more miserable. She started pacing up and down the room, brainstorming on what to do.

    "You can take care of yourself, Amelia. You don''t need anyone to do that for you. You are a strong girl." She reassured herself.

    Taking in a deep breath to stifle her anxiety, she rechecked all the locks on her door. Then she armed herself with the small gun Blaze gifted her for self-defence. She turned off all the lights leaving only the bedside night lamp on. She climbed on the divan and tried to keep awake, all her senses on the alert for any intruder. But at some point in the night, she dozed off when fatigue and weariness kicked in.

    By the following morning, Amelia opened her eyes drowsily as her phone alarms kept ringing out loud repeatedly. She climbed down from the divan, turning her neck from side to side which seemed a bit stiff. She massaged her throbbing forehead as she stood up to get her phone.

    When she found it on her bed, she picked it up and turned off the alarm only to find another missed call and a text message from Blaze.

    "Shit!" Amelia hurriedly scanned the message, her heart slamming against her chest as she read. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    [Blaze: Why didn''t you inform me or your bodyguards that someone called and threatened you last night? Do I need to remind you that you are my wife and I am responsible for you at all times? Whatever you do today, avoid meeting up with any of your friends and go straight home after work. I will see you tomorrow.]

    "He knows? How?" Amelia was left in a daze. "Is it possible that he has tapped into all of my calls?"

 Chapter 57 - 57: Taken Unaware

    Amelia felt a bit relieved knowing that Blaze was intentional about protecting her even from a far distance. This simply meant she didn''t have to worry about the strange caller at the moment.

    Nevertheless, she felt trapped and piqued by her lack of privacy. If Blaze had all her phone lines tapped, it meant he would be listening to all her conversation and there was no hiding from him. This was really irritating and they had to draw the lines when he returned.

    Carefully putting away her gun in her handbag, Amelia hurriedly got ready for work.

    At the office, the hour slowly passed by with a lot of papers to sign and scheduled Zoom meetings to attend. She got some calls from some of her friends including Tina, asking her to meet at their favourite handout. But she declined all the offers under the pretense of being very busy.

    As the day drew to a close, Amelia felt physically exhausted and mentally burnt out. She packed up her stuff, hoping to briefly stop by the pharmacy to get some aspirin before heading home. She had just gotten into the elevator when she received a call from Maria.

    "Hello Amelia, have you closed work for the day?" Maria asked in her usual friendly voice.

    "Oh yes, I''m currently on my way out of the office," Amelia replied smiling to herself well massaging her aching neck.

    "That''s great because I''m waiting for you outside your office."

    "You are?" Amelia abruptly stopped what she was doing, her eyes widened. She tilted her head towards Pascal who was obviously listening to her conversation.

    Ding!

    The elevator door opened and Amelia gestured for Pascal and Clay to go ahead of her so that she could talk freely with Maria.

    "Maria, why are you waiting for me?" Amelia asked, while scanning the busy reception hall for a quiet place to talk.

    "I sent you a message earlier informing you that I wanted to take you out for dinner. And I said I was going to pick you up by 6:00 PM. Didn''t you read my message?" Maria asked jovially.

    "Oh no!" Amelia''s face palmed her forehead. She hadn''t checked her messages for the past two hours.

    ''What would she say now?'' She pondered, massaging her aching temple. How would she fix this mess? She would give anything to be in Maria''s company right now but the timing was wrong. Someone out there was planning to hurt her and she recalled Blaze asking her not to meet up with any of her friends, probably for her safety.

    "Amelia, are you still there?" Maria''s worried voice pulled her out of her reverie.

    "Yes...umm...I''m sorry, Maria. But I umm... didn''t see your message on time. Please forgive me. I''ll have to turn down your offer."

    "Oh dear, I''ve already made a reservation and I was hoping we could hang out. But it''s fine. I''ll cancel and go home."

    Maria''s disappointed voice cut Amelia deeply.

    "Wait! Don''t cancel yet. Just give me a minute. I''ll be with you shortly." sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Amelia hung up and dialled Blaze''s number. But for some awkward reason, her calls were diverted to an answering machine.

    "How odd!" Amelia thought. This was the first time her call had been diverted. Probably he was busy and didn''t want to be disturbed. Waving off every contradictory thought, she sent him a text message informing him of her decision to dine with her new mature woman friend, specifying the woman in block letters.

    Afterwards, she joined Maria, who was patiently waiting outside her car by the driveway They both exchanged pleasantries and hugged briefly before each got into their separate cars.

    Forty-five minutes later, Amelia and Maria were seated opposite each other in a VIP private dining room of a five-star restaurant.

    The round table for four was filled with assorted and mouth-watering delicacies, varying from local to continental dishes. The soft lighting in the room reflected over the blend of gold and white interior decor, creating a calm soothing atmosphere for small talk and relaxation. With serene background music evoking a sense of tranquillity, Amelia felt in sync with her environment and the kind-hearted woman seated across the table from her.

    They were chatting spiritedly and enjoying each other''s company when a decently dressed waiter in a bow tie walked into the VIP room holding a bottle of one of the oldest and most expensive wines in the world, De Rosa Blanc 1942, worth over half a million dollars.

    "Good evening, ma''am." The waiter greeted them with a bow, distracting Amelia''s attention from the two gentlemen who just entered the room, undetected.

    "Who is this from?" Maria asked sweetly staring at the waiter.

    "That would be your son, mom." Blaze came into view, taking an unsuspecting Amelia by surprise.

    Amelia, who was in the process of eating another scoop of her delicious spicy beef stew froze at the sight of Blaze, her hand hanging in mid-air.

    Blaze strode purposefully towards their table, like a dangerous mafia warlord about to claim his prey. He was closely followed by Henry, who was still left in the dark about Blaze and Amelia''s relationship.

    "Blaze is Maria''s son and Henry is his friend?" Amelia echoed in her erratically pounding heart.

    Suddenly, it felt as though someone had just lowered the temperature in the room, causing Amelia to tremble as she brought her hands down. She watched in complete horror as Blaze walked over to Maria and kissed her on the forehead.

    "I hope, I didn''t keep you waiting Mom," Blaze spoke in the softest and sweetest voice, ignoring Amelia as if she was invisible.

    "You came right on time," Maria replied stroking his cheek lovingly while turning to face Amelia.

    Hello Amelia," Henry playfully sauntered over to her, taking the seat beside her, his eyes glimmering with so much love. "We meet... Amelia, are you all right?" He was shocked to see her looking so pale as though she had seen a ghost.

    "Amelia..." Maria also noticed her pale and trembling look. "It''s something the matter."

    "Amelia, how nice to finally meet you again." Blaze finally locked his vicious and spine-chilling gaze with her, a devilish smirk dancing at the corner of his lips as he took the fourth seat between her and his mother.

    "You know her?" Maria shifted her attention to her son.

 Chapter 58 - 58: Embarrassment

    Henry was left dumbfounded at his best friend''s words.

    "He knows Amelia? How?" He echoed in his mind, his heart drumming in his ears.

    Here he was thinking he had found the girl of his dreams when the latter was already taken by his heartless friend. From the look of Amelia''s bewildered reaction, it was clear that something tangible was going on between them. He recalled how Blaze had reacted to him the other day when he spotted Amelia for the first time and declared his interest in her. His reaction could be likened to that of a ferocious lion marking his territory.

    ''But what changed? Didn''t Blaze swear that he would have nothing to do with women after Tina dumped and left him for her career? What was he doing with the beautiful and lively young lady? What did he do to coax a beautiful and free-spirited girl like Amelia to tremble at his sight? Was she somehow indebted to him? Did he have her in some sort of crazy arrangement?''

    Harry''s head began to ache from so many clashing questions. He needed answers. He wanted to desperately know if he still had a chance with Amelia. He wouldn''t let Blaze hurt her. He wouldn''t let her suffer the backlash of a selfish lady who took advantage of his friend''s love. He would save Amelia from Blaze if she didn''t love him. He would love her unconditionally and even marry her if she accepted him.

    "Open the wine and fill everyone''s glasses," Blaze instructed the waiter in a deep and commanding tone.

    "Yes sir." The waiter did as instructed.

    "You can get lost." Blaze gestured with a wave of his hand.

    When it was back to just the four of them in the room, Blaze replied to his mother''s question, returning his soft gaze to her curiously brimming eyes.

    "Yes, mom. I know her. Funny right?"

    Maria''s jaws dropped, her somewhat thrilled and troubled gaze darting between her son and her young lady friend. She could see the panic clearly written on Amelia''s face and it didn''t speak well of a promising first encounter.

    "How?" Maria pushed on, directing her question to Blaze.

    "We met in an awkward situation..."

    Blaze drawled, holding everyone on the table spellbound while he leisurely helped himself to the spicy beef stew that he saw Amelia eating. He knew that she won''t get to enjoy her meal anymore especially now that she was in a disoriented state. What better way to punish her than to make her watch him enjoy the same meal while poking holes into her crumbling composure.

    A wicked idea crossed his mind and he couldn''t wait to accomplish it. This if executed properly, would not only help him to stake his genuine claim on Amelia without having to hurt Henry, but it would set his mother''s troubled mind at ease concerning his resolution on marriage.

    Taking a scoop of the hot and spicy beef stew into his mouth, her savored the different blend of spices, unaffected by the scalding heat and spiciness.

    "Blaze, I thought you were about to tell us something?" Maria''s brows pulled together in a frown.

    "Yes bro, stop keeping us in suspense. What awkward situation did both of you find yourself in."

    Amelia took her glass of water on the table with shaky hands and took a few sips to quench the inferno burning inside of her, as though she was the one eating the spicy food.

    Blaze chuckled inwardly at Amelia''s reaction before speaking with the same leisured tone.

    "Forgive me, Mom, I''m a bit famished after a long flight and this food is really spicy. I wouldn''t want to choke on it. So, I''ll leave Amelia to tell you all about our awkward meeting." Blaze took another mouth full of the beef stew, before turning his now amused gaze to Amelia. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Amelia almost peed herself as she felt every pair of eyes on the table tilt towards her. She dropped the glass of water back on the table with a shaky hand and slipped both her trembling hands under the table to hide them.

    "Oh God... I hope she''s not my son''s one-night stand." Maria prayed earnestly in her heart. This was the reigning topic amongst her friends and she feared that Amelia may be a victim of such a disgraceful encounter seeing how she was looking so pale and unsettled.

    Nevertheless, if Amelia happened to be Blaze''s one-night stand, Maria wasn''t going to judge her. She had come to love the girl as if she was her daughter.

    Amelia, whose forehead was now covered in beads of sweat like a criminal about to face the lie detector, shifted uneasily on her chair. If only she had the power to vanish from this room right now, she would disappear and never show her face to Maria again. She gulped down the lump in her throat as she searched her disoriented mind for the right thing to say. She could bring herself to lie to Maria. Not after the genuine and rare relationship she has built with the woman over the space of two days. She would rather tell the truth and damn the consequences.

    "Ahem..." Amelia cleared her throat, while moistening her lips, an innocent action that captured Blaze''s sensual attention.

    "I...I...umm....I...I will be as honest as possible." Amelia managed to say faintly giving Blaze a hint that she wasn''t going to tell a lie.

    "Sure." Blaze picked up his glass of wine and raised it to his lips. "Don''t forget to tell them how you stole a kiss from me on two different occasions." He said before taking another sip.

    Amelia''s eyes widened like a saucer, her nose, her cheeks and the tip of her ears reddened in embarrassment. She was tempted to pick up her glass of wine and hurl it on Blaze''s beaming face. But not in front of his mother. She couldn''t bring herself to display his wild side in front of everyone on the table.

    Maria who was initially worried thinking their meeting was something scandalous couldn''t help beaming as her son specified that the kiss happened on two different occasions.

    Henry on the other hand didn''t like the way Blaze was taunting Amelia. He thought of helping her out but only ended up embarrassing her further.

    "What era are you in Blaze, the medieval era where women were discouraged from expressing their feelings or emotions? You should be grateful that a beautiful girl like Amelia kissed a grumpy fellow like you.

 Chapter 59 - 59: A Romantic Cliche

    Amelia picked up her glass of wine and gulped down the entire content as if she were drinking fruit juice forgetting that it was an old, strong and intoxicating blend.

    She could feel her throat burning as if she had just swallowed fire but at the moment, she didn''t care anymore. The strong level of alcohol in the wine magically gave her the courage she needed to say the truth.

    Since Blaze had decided to humiliate her in front of her friend who happened to be his mother, Amelia was ready to take the walk of shame as long as it didn''t involve lying to Maria.

    Amelia''s unladylike action left Henry and Maria on the table dumbfounded. However, Blaze was grinning like a devil as the thought of making love to an intoxicated wild vixen crossed his mind.

    Looking up at Maria, Amelia said in her genuine tone.

    "Maria, I''m sorry, I didn''t know Blaze was your son. If I did, I wouldn''t have..."

    "No offense taken." Maria stopped her from saying anything about regretting their chance meeting. She could see the guilt in her shimmering eyes and she hated the fact that Blaze wasn''t acting empathetic.

    "Do you remember the story I told you about my family and how someone tried to kill me?"

    "Wait, someone tried to kill you?" Henry was left in a daze.

    "Do not interrupt her, Henry." Maria snapped at Henry before returning her gaze back to Amelia. "Continue, my dear."

    "Do you remember I told you that someone rescued me on that night when my car went off the bridge?"

    "Yes!" Maria nodded her head, her eyes brimming with tears as she guessed what Amelia was going to say next.

    "Well, the person that saved me was your son," Amelia said lowering her gaze to hide a tear that escaped her burning eyes. Her throat was still burning from the alcohol intake and she feared she might lose her voice if she didn''t do anything to calm this burning sensation.

    "Wow! What a romantic cliche." Henry exclaimed, seeing through Amelia''s indebtedness. He had read too many romance novels and watched too many romance movies to know that a girl would always fall in love with a man who rescued her from death. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''If only he had been the one who rescued Amelia.'' Henry lamented inwardly.

    Blaze was somewhat impressed with Amelia''s honesty. Most ladies in her case would lie through their teeth, creating a mountain out of a molehill, to create a good impression before their prospective mother-in-law. But he was stunned and curious to know just how much of the truth Amelia had divulged to his mother.

    "So my son was the one who saved you that fateful night?" Maria asked, beaming like someone who had just won a jackpot. She recalled how Blaze didn''t come back home on the said date because according to him, he was helping out a friend.

    Amelia nodded, her head still lowered.

    "Have you known my son before that very day?" Maria asked checking off her mental list while trying to fix an interesting puzzle.

    "No."

    Amelia was a bit shocked to see Henry extending his handkerchief towards her. She could feel Blaze''s scorching gaze all over her. She knew accepting the handkerchief would irk him to the bone. So she took it and dabbed at her tears while sparing Henry a brief grateful glance without looking in her husband''s direction.

    Blaze''s grip on his spoon tightened, his narrowed and dangerously vicious gaze hovering between Amelia and Henry. He was tempted to snatch the handkerchief from Amelia''s hand and trash it. But he couldn''t bring himself to do anything stupid in front of his mother.

    "After the incident of rescuing you, have you been in communication with my son," Maria asked, staring at the diamond bracelet on Amelia''s wrist. The last time she was with Amelia, she had been staring at that bracelet which resembled the one she had mistakenly stumbled upon in Blaze''s bedroom.

    Amelia looked up meeting Blaze''s lethal gaze. "Yes."

    "Is he the one..."

    "That is enough Mom." Blaze was the one to cut off his mother when he observed the directions of her question. "I''m sure Amelia has told you a lot of wild stories about me. Yes, I helped her and there''s nothing more. Now can we all enjoy our food."

    Maria''s ecstatic eyes darted between Amelia and Blaze, her heart fluttering like a free butterfly as Blaze''s sudden action just confirmed her suspicion.

    "Okay, I won''t ask any more questions if you tell me those two incidences where you claim that Amelia had stolen a kiss from you." Maria resumed eating her meal amused at Blaze''s stone-cold expression.

    "Yes, Blaze, tell us. Was it after you rescued her from drowning or that night at the bar when you stopped me from going after her?"

    "What!" Amelia didn''t prepare herself for that side story as her head whipped in Henry''s direction.

    Blaze''s hand balled into a fist as he growled in a suppressed voice. "Hank, don''t go there."

    "What night are you referring to?" Maria''s curiosity got the best of her, forgetting her son''s temperament.

    Henry''s lips curled up in a smile as the thought of helping the defenceless Amelia fight back her bully of a helper, crossed his mind.

    "I''m referring to the night at the bar when Amelia was celebrating her divorce with her friends," Henry said taking a sip of his expensive wine while holding Blaze''s lethal glares. "I spotted Amelia in a black beautiful sexy black dress and I fell in love with her at first sight..."

    Amelia shook her head giving Henry a signal to stop talking, but the latter was too far gone at taunting his bestie.

    "I called Blaze''s attention to her telling him how I felt but..."

    "I said enough!" Blaze thundered, banging his fist fiercely on the table. His disruptive actions caused some of the glassware to tumble, spilling their content, and cutleries to jump out of their position.

    A deafening silence fell in the room with everyone holding their breath until Maria snapped angrily at her son.

    "Blaze! What has come over you? Is this how you behave in front of a lady? I taught you better than this. Now look at all the mess you''ve created." Maria pointed to the spilled expensive wine on the table, some of which were dripping on her dress.

 Chapter 60 - 60: Indirect Insult

    Blaze instantly regretted his actions, seeing the look of disgust and disappointment on his mother''s face. He hurriedly stood up, picking some of the table napkins to help clean up some of the mess, starting with wiping off the spilled wine on his mother''s side of the table.

    "I''m sorry, Mom," Blaze said, offering her his handkerchief as she stood up, still glaring at him.

    "You should be." Maria hissed, snatching the white handkerchief and wiping off the stain on her dress.

    "I''m sorry too, Mom. I didn''t mean to push him that far. I''m the one to be blamed and not Blaze" Henry also apologized, picking up some serviettes to clean the mess on the table.

    "You both are ruffians and you should be apologizing to our guest and not me," Maria said, looking at Amelia, whose horrid gaze was still transfixed on the table.

    Amelia remained frozen, too shocked to notice the oily water on the table flowing towards her direction until it started dropping on her. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Amelia, please stand up," Blaze said calmly even though his cold eyes said otherwise.

    "I...I... I think I should take my leave now." Amelia stammered in a trembling voice picking up her handbag.

    Blaze shot her a disapproving stare but Maria was quick to intervene and apologize on behalf of her son.

    "Amelia, please don''t go." Maria rushed over to her. She took Amelia''s cold and trembling hands in hers while staring pleadingly into her eyes

    "I''m so sorry for having my unruly son and his notorious friend over. I wouldn''t have asked them to come over if I knew they''d behave like children."

    Both Blaze and Henry exchanged stunned glances. But none of them interrupted Maria.

    "Please, don''t leave because of them. We were having such a good time before they came and you haven''t even eaten your food. At least stay and enjoy this feast with me. If you want, I can ask both of them to leave right now. "

    Amelia was left speechless at Maria''s words. Was she really joking or will she send her son away for real?

    Henry noticing the hesitation on Amelia''s expression added.

    "That''s right, Amelia. Just say the word and we will be gone like a puff of cloud. But please, pardon our misbehaviour. Don''t let this ruin your evening.

    Amelia fell speechless, her emotions overwhelming and suffocating her until she heard Blaze''s deep voice behind her.

    "I''m sorry, Amelia. I can leave if you want."

    "No." Amelia turned to look at him. "No one has to leave." She returned her attention to Maria and spoke more confidently.

    "I''ll stay a little while longer. I just need to quickly use the convenience." She forced a smile.

    "Splendid. Thank you, my dear." Maria beamed, releasing her hands.

    "Sure." Amelia briskly walked out of the room to catch her breath. As she was closing the door slowly behind her, she overheard Maria''s stern voice lashing out angrily at both men.

    "Such a cool mom." A smile tugged on Amelia''s lips as she shut the door.

    "Ma''am, are we leaving?" Pascal asked, surprised to see Amelia looking a bit shaken with a conspicuous oily stain on her yellow dress.

    "No, I just need to quickly use the convenience. I''ll be right back." Amelia motioned for him to stay put before leaving in the direction of the ladies.

    As Pascal watched Amelia disappear into one of the rooms on the opposite hallway, he observed a lady in dark shade climb up the stairs and walk towards the restroom.

    Suspicious of the lady''s motive, Pascal decided to tag along.

    Inside the convenience, Amelia was in the final process of cleaning off the oil stain on her dress when someone opened the door and strolled in, her pencil heels, clicking sharply on the marble floor.

    Amelia raised her face up, staring into the mirror as the strangely familiar-looking lady cladded in an elegant red dress with dark shade strolled past her to the second wash basin.

    ''Wow, what a beauty.'' Amelia thought to herself, appreciating the lady''s impressive sense of style. From the side of her eye, she watched the lady slowly open her luxury purse.

    The lady, who seemed more focused on her beautiful reflection brought out her customized pepper red lipstick and retouched her lips which were already red and inviting. She smacked her lips noisily making Amelia giggle in a muffled voice.

    "Excuse me," The lady finally whipped her head sideways her beautifully cascading blonde hair almost covering her face. "Did you say....ah...Amelia." She took off her glasses pretending to be surprised.

    "Tina." Amelia''s eyes widened in shock.

    "Oh my goodness!" Tina rushed over to Amelia and threw her arms around the latter in a warm embrace. A conceited scowl appeared on her sweetheart''s face but quickly disappeared when she freed Amelia to look at her tired face.

    "It''s good to see."

    "Same here." Amelia plastered a sweet smile on her face, her heart pounding inside her chest.

    "You are one busy girl, you know that?" Tina said, tucking her hair behind her ear to reveal a captivating Jade diamond dangle earring that reflected her mesmerizing green eyes.

    "Yeah." Amelia chuckled, her gaze shifting to the pretty earrings. She thought the earrings were a rare beauty. But she had no intentions of commenting on it, not when Blaze and his mother were waiting for her in their private dining room.

    "So what are you doing here?".

    "Taking care of this." Amelia pointed to the fading stain on her yellow dress.

    "No silly." Tina chuckled softly. "I was referring to this restaurant."

    "Oh, I am dining with a friend," Amelia said casually, turning her attention to the stain which was almost gone.

    "Really! What a strange coincidence. I''m here to dine with a friend too." Tina chirped happily. "Maybe we can all dine together, you, me and our friends. I promise it''s going to be fun."

    "Umm... I don''t think that will be a wise idea."

    "Why? Or is it because you''re dining with someone special say your husband and you don''t want his identity to be known?"

    "Hahaha...very funny." Amelia was grateful that she had already touched her face before focusing on the stain. She picked up her bag and turned to face Tina. "It was such a pleasure running into you again. I hope you have a great evening."

    "I hope so too," Tina said beaming, moving ahead of Amelia. "Wish me luck."

    "Wish you luck?" Amelia stared at her quizzically.

    "Yes. A little birdie whispered to me that my ex and his mom are here in one of the private VIP dining rooms."

    "Your ex and his mother are here in one of the private dining rooms?" Amelia asked, her jaws dropping.

    "Isn''t that great?" Tina cooed like a merry little bird, batting her curly lashes. "Remember I told you and the girls about my plans to win his heart back and marry him, right?"

    Amelia nodded, too dazed to form a word.

    "Well, that is why I''m here. I''m all dressed up in this lovely red dress that his mom got me on my twentieth birthday, and these priceless diamond earrings that he gave to me on Valentine''s Day." Tina said proudly, stroking the earring fondly.

    "Wow!" Amelia stifled the urge to scoff. If she didn''t know any better, Tina was intentionally rubbing these gestures in her face like a second housewife seeking attention.

    "If I''m, to be honest with you, I heard rumors that some random desperate and cheap girl has been throwing herself on his mother, with the hopes of befriending my man," Tina stressed the last two words laying more emphasis on it.

    "Hmm...." Amelia chuckled, biting down on her inner lips. She could tell Tina was indirectly talking to her. A surge of emotions that she couldn''t really define swelled inside her veins, making her body stiffen and her grip around her bag handle tighten.

    "Nevertheless,..." Tina continued. "....I''m here to correct that impression. Once I get hold of my man, I will kick the stinking b*tch back to the sewer from where she came. So, wish me luck."

    Tina flipped her hair backwards as she turned around and left, humming satisfactorily to herself.

    Bang!

    Amelia heard a loud banging sound inside her head, as Tina closed the door. It felt as though Tina had just hit her with a mallet on the centre of her head. Or was it a slap on her cheek?

    "Me, a random cheap desperate girl and a b*tch who lives in a sewer?" Amelia laughed bitterly like someone on the verge of insanity. She had never been the type to back out from a fight whether in the wrong or the right.

    "Calm down, Amelia." She heard her friendly angelic voice whisper inside her ears. "Tina didn''t say it was Blaze or Maria. You may be overthinking this. Maybe she''s referring to another mother and son in another private VIP dining room."

    "Lies..." Amelia heard her realistic, wicked and devilish conscience mock her. "Open your eyes, Amelia. Blaze already told you that he has a history with Tina. She is the heartless lady who dumped him. She is the reason why he is so cold and mean towards you. And on top of that, she just insulted you. Are you going to let this slide? Are you going to let her steal him again? Are you going to let her take away your husband or your sweet mother-in-law?"

    "Never," Amelia said to herself

    "Ma''am, are you almost done?" Amelia heard Pascal''s voice from behind the convenience door. She had no idea he had been standing out there.

    "I''ll be out in a few seconds." Amelia returned to the mirror and applied a few more makeup before leaving the convenience.

 Chapter 61 - 61: The Perfect Act

    Previously...

    Prior to the restroom incident, Tina thought she could befriend Amelia and confide in her about the identity of her ex and his mother. She wasn''t comfortable with Amelia and Maria''s relationship and she wanted to draw the line before things got complicated.

    However, after Amelia turned down her lunch invitation on two different occasions, Tina concluded that Amelia knew something and was intentionally avoiding her. So she paid spies to monitor all of Amelia''s activities from afar and keep her steadily updated.

    Consequently, when Maria showed up in front of Amelia''s office, Tina was quickly alerted.

    Later on, her spies trailed Maria and Amelia down to the Royal five-star restaurant. They took note of the waiter assigned to VIP room three, which had been specifically reserved for the two friends.

    This waiter was heavily tipped and given only one simple assignment. He was to bug the room with an advanced audio listening device, an activity which was carried out successfully without anyone suspecting a thing or so they thought.

    Tina arrived at the restaurant a few moments after Amelia and Maria got there. She was accompanied by Remy, whose elegant but subtle Western attire gave him the look of a modest billionaire.

    Remy acted his part exceptionally, posing as Tina''s wealthy friend. While he made arrangements for one of the VIP dining rooms selected by Tina, the latter made contact with one of her spies on duty.

    After securing a secluded table downstairs with the spy, Tina listened to the live conversation, between Maria and Amelia, using an earpiece. Her initial curiosity to know more about Amelia and Maria''s relationship turned into envy and hatred as she listened to their flow of conversation.

    Tina didn''t prepare herself for the next series of interactions until she heard Blaze''s unique and sexy voice saying hello to his mother, followed by the undeniable voice of his famous and handsome friend, Henry.

    Tina thought that she may have just won a jackpot until she listened to the awkward discussion that followed suit. Her face suddenly turned pale and her breathing heavy as she heard Amelia reveal to Maria that Blaze rescued her from a fatal accident.

    Nevertheless, she quickly recovered her composure and decided to confront Amelia indirectly after listening to her say something about using the restroom.

    Back to the present...

    Tina boldly made her way to the private VIP dining room three, strutting like a peacock, with shoulder raised high and a bewitching smile on her face. The brilliant lighting in the hallway reflected the soft glow of her fair skin which was in perfect blend with her bouncing wavy curls and her captivating red dress.

    In her flawless beauty, it was difficult for anyone not to take a second look at her.

    As she approached VIP room three, she was stopped by a grumpy-looking bodyguard whom she recognised as one of Amelia''s bodyguards from two days ago.

    "Miss, this is a private dining room. I will advise you to move along." Clay said in a polite but stern voice, scowling at her from behind his dark shades.

    "Easy, big boy," Tina said in a playful voice hoping to lighten Clay''s stiff look. "I''m here to see Mrs Maria Anderson. Can you please be a darling and inform her that her daughter is here?"

    Clay, who had been alerted of Tina''s true identity and mission replied in a demeaning tone.

    "I''m sorry, Miss. No one is permitted to enter this room except you are one of the guests or a waiter. Since you are neither of them, I will suggest you put a call across to this mother of yours. But in the meantime, you can wait for her downstairs."

    ''How rude?'' Tina thought. She forced a smile before adding. "I would have called her but you see, my phone battery is dead. Please just help this damsel in distress. All you have to do is inform her and nothing more. I promise I''ll reward you handsomely for your effort."

    "The answer still remains no," Clay responded bluntly. "Now move along if you don''t want me to embarrass you."

    Tina pursed her lips, anger bubbling inside her veins. This grouchy man was the only barrier between her and her destiny. If only there was a way she could get him away from this door.

    Just then she heard someone approaching and turned around to see Amelia and her second bodyguard walking towards her.

    ''This b*tch again?'' Tina bit down on her inner lips to stifle the rage within her that was almost bubbling to the surface. ''

    Didn''t she get the message? Wasn''t I clear enough? I thought she was smarter than this. Maybe I have to be more direct.''

    "Amelia," Tina smiled, acting as though they were besties.

    "Hello, Tina. We meet again." Amelia also plastered a sweet smile on her face, keeping up the perfect act while scowling inwardly. Surely two can play the game.

    "I know right." Tina chuckled sweetly. "It''s almost like destiny." She said observing the glint of determination in Amelia''s eyes and the extra make-up on her face which brought out her hidden beauty.

    "Destiny!" Amelia arched her eyebrow. "I don''t think so. It''s more like a deliberate coincidence if you ask me."

    Amelia''s reply felt like a slap on Tina''s cheek but the latter pretended not to be affected by it.

    "So, what are you doing here talking to my bodyguard? Did you somehow miss your way or something?" Amelia asked sweetly.

    "No... I never miss my way." Tina suppressed the urge to sneer. "I''m actually here to see my boyfriend and his mom. Remember?"

    "Oh, your ex-boyfriend. Sure! Good luck." Amelia made a move to walk past her but Tina hurriedly blocked her path, her ears reddening a little from suppressing her anger.

    "Please wait a minute."

    "Yes." A sly glint played at the corner of Amelia''s glimmering eyes. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "We are friends right?"

    "We are definitely not enemies. Are we?" Amelia replied her question with a question causing a frown to appear on Tina''s forehead.

    "Certainly not."

    "Good. So tell me, what do you want?"

    "I know this sounds crazy but I was reliably informed that my ex and his mother are behind this door. But this big grumpy bodyguard of yours wouldn''t let me through. Can you please help me talk to him? I know he will listen to you."

 Chapter 62 - 62: Im Not Your Mom

    "Hmm..." Amelia chuckled. "Tina, I think you must be mistaken. First off, my bodyguard here is not a grumpy fellow. He simply being polite while doing his job. Secondly, this can''t be the room you''re referring to. Is possible you got your information wrong because in there are my friends and a very special someone."

    "Really!" Tina''s grip on her purse tightened. "How strange." She dramatically moved backwards as if confused, while rechecking the room numbers. "But I was told VIP room number three and there are only six consecutively numbered rooms on this hall. Could it be....."

    "Why don''t you go back to the person who gave you the wrong information?" Amelia intentionally cut her off, a smirk playing at the corner of her lips. "I''m sure only then can the error be sorted out."

    ''Nice one, b*tch. But you cannot get rid of me that easily.'' Tina scoffed inwardly.

    "That sounds like a great idea, Amelia." Tina walked back to her. "However, I will also need you to come with me in case the mix-up isn''t from my end. Please..." Tina pouted cutely while batting her long lashes.

    "That wouldn''t be a problem."

    "Oh, thank you." Tina was about to hug Amelia when her next word stung her on the cheek like a hornet bee.

    Amelia turned her attention to Pascal. "Please, escort Miss Tina to the manager and help her sort out this mix-up."

    "With all pleasure, ma''am." Pascal turned his slightly amused attention to Tina, who was no longer smiling. "Shall we."

    Tina shot him a nasty glare.

    "But Amelia, why can''t you come with me instead of asking your bodyguard to follow me? That is so downgrading." S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I''m sorry if you feel that way, Tina. I would have loved to accompany you, but I''ve been keeping my friends waiting for too long. I''m sure you''ll understand. Do have a good evening."

    Amelia turned around as Clay opened the door for her and disappeared into the room.

    "Miss Tina..." Pascal gestured forward.

    "There''s no need for you to accompany me. I''ll sort it out myself." Tina hissed and walked away.

    Inside the dining room, Amelia was impressed by the gentlemanly reception she received. Not only did both men stand up as she approached the table, but Blaze also pulled out her seat, an unreadable smile framing his handsome face.

    Unknown to Amelia, Blaze had been listening to all her conversations with Tina and he was proud of the way she handled herself again.

    The rest of the dining went on smoothly, with Henry entertaining everyone, especially Amelia with his numerous adventures in the movie world.

    When it was time to leave, Blaze opted to take his mother home, giving Henry the rare privilege to escort Amelia separately to her own car but with a stern warning.

    Blaze and Maria were strolling hand in hand, making their way towards the restaurant exit when Tina who had been patiently seated by an empty table close to the entrance stood up.

    "Blaze!" Tina called out in a surprised tone as if she was seeing him for the first time that evening. Her sharp and thrilled voice attracted the attention of a few diners, who couldn''t help but admire her beauty.

    Blaze and Maria both turned their heads to the right, in Tina''s direction.

    "Tina!" Maria, who had been kept in the dark about Tina''s relocation was surprised to see her.

    "Mum." Tina hurried over to Maria and excitedly threw her arm around Maria''s neck, why deliberately brushing her body on Blaze''s chest and arm.

    Blaze clenched his jaws, his happy countenance turning sour at Tina''s audacity to ambush his mother in a public place. But he felt his mother patting him gently on his stiffened arm, a nonverbal way of asking him to stay calm.

    Somewhere inside the restaurant, someone paid by Tina was busy capturing these rare moments on camera.

    Not wanting to embarrass Tina out in the open, Maria cleared her throat and said. "You can let go of me now, Tina. You are choking me."

    "Oh...I''m so sorry Mom. I was so excited to see you." Tina said pulling away from Maria, who was now staring blankly at her. She took two steps backwards, an enchanting smile framing her pretty face. "Is so good to see you, Mom, after such a long time."

    "The feeling is not mutual," Maria said coldly, her gaze shifting to the door.

    Ignoring the cold reception, Tina went on to compliment Maria.

    "You look as young and beautiful as always, Mom. For a second, I almost mistook you as Blaze''s girlfriend." Tina said, tucking her wavy hair behind her ear to show off the diamond jade earrings while beaming flirtatiously at Blaze.

    "Aren''t you the best at flattery?" Maria replied dryly, angered by Tina''s boldness.

    "Oh no, Mom, I wasn''t flattering you. You look really awesome."

    "Whatever you say. But as you can see, we were on our way out before you stopped us."

    "Oh, where are my manners?" Tina chuckled sweetly as she moved out of their way. "I will escort you to your car."

    Neither Blaze nor his mother responded to her as they both strolled out of the restaurant, with Tina tagging along behind them.

    When Maria finally got to her car, away from prying eyes and ears, she turned around to face, Tina.

    "Mom, I am very sorry for everything that happened between..."

    Smack!

    Maria''s right hand came down fiercely on Tina''s left cheek causing her head to whip sideways.

    Blaze smiled in satisfaction as he watched Tina raise her hand to her stinging cheek, her eyes welling up with threatening tears.

    "First off, I am not your mom. I know you are not blind to distinguish between your mother and me." Maria snarled, her tone dripping with so much bitterness.

    Tina held on to her burning cheek, tears streaming down her reddened face as Maria spat out more hurtful words.

    "Secondly, you do have some nerves to show your face to me after everything you did to hurt my son and me. Thank your stars that I''m in a good mood this evening otherwise, I would have shown you what an enraged mother can do. And lastly, it may interest you to know that my son has gotten over you. So you can stop trying so hard to make an impression because you are nothing more than a relic that deserves to be put away in the museum." Maria pointed her forefinger in Tina''s face, her inflamed eyes narrowed and vicious.

    "The next time you pull this kind of stunt with me and my son in public, I won''t hesitate to shred you to bits. Now get lost." Maria hissed as she got into the back seat of her limousine. "Blaze..."

    "One minute Mom." Blaze held onto the opened door, his lips stretching in a devilish grin. "If it''s any consolation, your dress still fits and I''m impressed you didn''t pound the jade earrings I got you. But like my mother rightly said, it will be in your best interest to avoid us and save yourself from further embarrassment."

    "Blaze, I''m sorry. I still love you" Tina almost went down on her knees, but her dress was too tight.

    "Goodbye, Tina and I wish you good luck in your movie career." Blaze got into the car and slammed the door in her face.

 Chapter 63 - 63: An Unscripted Short Drama.

    Amelia and Henry -back in his disguise- strolled out of the restaurant towards the parking lots, holding hands like a real couple and chatting freely. They arrived at the parking lot just in time to see Blaze disappear into the limo while slamming the door in Tina''s face.

    "Ouch! That must really hurt." Henry almost felt sorry for Tina. But when he remembered how she left Blaze broken and bitter for a long time, he snickered at Tina''s dejected state.

    Amelia on the other hand couldn''t be more proud of Blaze. A wicked smile crept up her lips as she watched Tina stand dejectedly by the side of the black limo, which was now pulling away. She was glad that neither Blaze nor his mother gave Tina any attention after all her egocentric attitude and confidence.

    "Serves her right." Amelia echoed in her heart, turning her face forward as Tina tilted her head backwards, her face covered in tears.

    "Poor Tina," Henry muttered under his breath, chuckling. "Blake must have given it to her real hard."

    ''He knows Tina?'' Amelia was stunned. She was about to probe further when she heard Tina''s unmistakable broken voice calling her name.

    "What now?" Amelia hissed under her breath.

    Henry observed the was Amelia''s body stiffened in his arm as Tina hurried towards them. He leaned closer to her ear and whispered.

    "I can get rid of her if you want me to."

    Although Henry''s action was genuine and harmless, his warm breath which was in contrast to the cool evening breeze fanned against Amelia''s ear, causing a shiver to run down her spine.

    Henry''s action caught Amelia off guard. She looked up to meet his softened gaze, a posture that depicted a couple about to share an intimate moment.

    Tina, who was now standing a few meters from them was left in a daze. The averagely handsome bearded man in plain jeans and a white shirt seemed enthralled by the beauty in his arms. Even a blind man could tell that he was in love. But Amelia''s response was more of a surprise than attraction.

    "Could this be her husband?" Tina muttered under her breath. "Have I been accusing her wrongly? But it was her voice I heard. She was the one talking to Blaze. But why didn''t he escort her out of the restaurant if they were lovers? Why did he leave her all by herself to another man?"

    Tina recalled how possessive and protective Blaze was towards her while they were still dating. He could never stand a man holding her this close or lusting over her in the open. Something was wrong somewhere and she was desperate to find out before making a blunder.

    "Okay." Amelia heard herself whisper back to Henry. She was thankful Blaze wasn''t physically present to witness this otherwise, Herry would have lost more than a tooth.

    "Okay," Henry said in his usual playful voice as Tina got closer to them.

    "That is close enough!" Pascal came forward, scowling at her.

    "Amelia, I''m sorry." Tina, whose eyes were already teary, switched into her actress mood, cupping her face with both hands and sniffling out loud.

    "Who is this, honey?"

    "Honey?" Tina echoed in her heart, a thin smile slowly taking shape at the corner of her lips, as she peeked through her slightly parted fingers.

    ''Blaze is going to kill us.'' Amelia instantly regretted accepting Henry''s help. But she still played along, not wanting to hurt his feelings.

    "It''s an acquaintance I met at the bar some days ago," Amelia replied forcing a smile on her face while massaging her forehead as though she had a migraine.

    "Acquaintance!" Tina removed her hands from her reddened face to reveal the hurt in her eyes. "Amelia I thought we were friends."

    "Look here, lady..." Henry said sternly in his foreign accent, making Amelia stifle a chuckle. "... I will not have you disturbing my sweetheart. We have somewhere special to be tonight and your presence is ruining our fun. If your boyfriend dumped you, go find another. A pretty girl like you shouldn''t chase a man." He shooed Tina as though she was some sort of a pesky fly while leading Amelia towards her car.

    Although Amelia was inwardly troubled by Henry''s choice of words, she was beyond thrilled at his face-slapping statement. It almost felt as though she was in one of his movies where the fake heroine is tossed aside for the true female lead protagonist.

    ''What a beautiful unscripted short drama.'' Amelia thought.

    Although irked by Amelia''s lover''s statement, Tina was inwardly joyful to hear him speak so passionately about her. Could it be that she had been wrong all this while? The fact that Blaze saved Amelia didn''t necessarily mean that he was in love with her. Moreover, Blaze wasn''t the type to fall in love so easily.

    This only meant two things. Either this strangely familiar-looking man is responsible for the diamond ring on Amelia''s finger or he was her secret lover. But whatever be the case, Tina saw it as a win-win. She gets to keep Amelia as a friend and win Blaze''s heart without any competition.

    Quickly switching back to her friendly and endearing nature, Tina hurried after Amelia and her lover, trying her best not to trip over on her pencil heels. She called out to Amelia, begging her to stop.

    Amelia, who was inches away from her car finally turned around, her face devoid of emotions.

    "Can you please let me be?" Amelia snapped angrily, taking Henry by surprise. "Why are you chasing me and calling my name out loud? Do I owe you anything? You are seriously beginning to get on my nerves."

    "Amelia, I''m so sorry." Tina held out her hands towards Amelia. But Pascal wouldn''t let her come within ten feet closer. "I know you are angry at me for some of the things I said back at the restroom. The truth is that I felt insecure and jealous when I learned that you were friends with my ex''s mother. Please, forgive me."

    "I bear no grudges against you, Tina. Nevertheless, whom I choose to keep as my friend is none of your business. And please, stop trying so hard to be friends with me. It makes your motives suspicious. Good evening." Amelia hissed and walked away, climbing into the rear seat of her car which was held open by Lance.

    Tina stood there and watched as Amelia''s sleek black Bentley drove by, closely followed by her SUV escort. She quickly wiped her tears scoffing at the disappearing headlight.

    "Who wants to be friends with a broken record?" She hissed and turned around, heading back for the restaurant when she received a call from Remy. She swiped the receive button and said angrily.

    "What is the problem?"

    "I think you need to leave quickly. There is trouble." Remy said in a panicked voice. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Trouble?" Tina quickened her steps. "What''s the matter."

    "You know the waiter whom we paid to spy on Amelia and her company?"

    "Yes?"

    "The cops are here to pick him up?"

    "What?"

 Chapter 64 - 64: Are You A Fugitive?

    "What!"

    Tina froze on the spot, her widened eyes staring at the blinking siren light on the police car parked by the restaurant driveway. "Did he say anything?"

    "He didn''t have to, because they found the audio bug device he planted in the VIP dining room. He was caught on camera."

    "Shit! What about our spies."

    "They are gone. They left before the police arrived."

    "Thank goodness." Tina heaved a sigh of relief.

    "That''s not all," Remy said in a slightly trembling voice. "He''s currently describing you to the police saying that the blonde lady in red was working with the people that paid him to spy on the guests."

    "F*ck!" Tina sharply turned around as a police officer stepped out of the restaurant. Still holding the phone glued to her ear, she started hurrying back to the car park. "Come and get me out of this place."

    "I''m sorry, I can''t, Tina. I''m currently hiding somewhere inside the restaurant since the camera spotted the two of us entering here together. You have to quickly find some other means before you get arrested. I''ll meet you back at your apartment."

    "Okay." Tina hung up and rushed over to a car that was about to pull out. Luckily, it was a man in the driver''s seat who had a thing for blonde ladies in red.

    "Hello, gorgeous." The chubby-faced man with short black dyed hair grinned excitedly at her, displaying his perfect white dentition.

    "Can you please give me a lift?" Tina forced a smile while looking over her shoulder to ensure she hadn''t been spotted by the patrolling officer.

    "Certainly my lady." The man turned off the car engine and was about to step out and open the door for her like a gentleman when Tina opened the rear door and climbed inside, closing the door sharply.

    "Are you all right my lady?" The stunned man questioned.

    "Hello, sir." The patrolling officer called out, pointing his torch at the car from afar.

    The driver turned to look at the approaching officer, who was speaking into his radio phone, and then back at the lady who was now hiding behind the driver seat.

    "Are you a fugitive of the law?" The man asked, a bit panicked.

    "What! No!" Tina spat out.

    "Then why are you hiding from that police officer?" The man pushed on while the police officer closed in.

    "Please, I will give you anything. Just take me out of here."

    "Anything I want!" The chubby man grinned starting the engine.

    "Sir, please hold on. I just need to ask you if you''ve seen a blonde lady in a red dress." The police officer, who was now a few feet away from the car, said.

    "Anything!" Tina whispered, almost peeing herself. She couldn''t imagine being a convicted criminal when she was at the peak of her career.

    "No officer, I haven''t seen any lady." The man pressed the auto-lock button in his car. "Now If you will excuse me, I just got an urgent call that my mother was rushed to the hospital."

    "Oh, very sorry about that, sir. Carry on."

    "Good night, officer." The man happily drove off to his hotel, his heart racing with excitement at all the things he was going to do to the sexy beauty in his car.

    -

    -

    After Blaze dropped his mother off, he told her that he needed to catch up with Henry who was currently waiting for him at a bar.

    "Sure! Take all the time you need. You don''t have to return home for the night. I''m sure you have a lot to discuss with Henry." Maria winked at Blaze as he got into one of his exotic cars.

    Blaze arched his brows at his mother. "I have no idea what you are insinuating, Mom but good night." He blew kisses to her.

    "Good night, my dear." Maria watched Blaze''s car speed out of the premises, a happy and sweet smile framing her face.

    "Mom, where is big bro going again when he just got back." Engene came out of the house to join his aunt outside.

    "He''s going to meet his wife," Maria said turning around and walking into the house.

    "He wife!" Eugene tagged along behind his aunt. "When did he get married and how come you and I who are his closest family in this city weren''t invited?"

    "Don''t worry, my dear, we''ll do a proper wedding for them. But in the meantime, let this be a secret between us. No one must know a thing until your brother is ready to come out clean. Okay?" Maria patted Eugene on the cheek.

    "Okay, mum," Eugene said reluctantly even though he was dying to confide in his own mother.

    "Now, go to bed. It''s already late." Maria said climbing up the stairs, her happy countenance infectious.

    "All right. Good night, Mom."

    "Good night, my dear."

    -

    -

    Completely exhausted for the day, the only thing Amelia wanted to do right now was take a lukewarm shower and good to sleep. She was grateful that Blaze followed his mother home. This meant she would have a peaceful night all to herself before having to deal with his eccentric and jealous nature.

    Immediately she got into her bedroom and shot the door, she took off every piece of cloth on her body before strolling into the bathroom, nude.

    Turning on the shower and setting it to the right temperature, she closed her eyes and stepped into the gentle spray of water droplets, cascading down in a continuous stream from the showerhead. The pitter-patter sounds of the water droplets on the wall of the shower glass and her body felt like a mesmerising musical tune.

    Lifting up her face a little, Amelia let out a soft moan as the cascading water tickled her most sensitive erogenous zone, igniting a raw passion within her. Her thoughts shifted to Blaze and the way he smiled at her back at the restaurant. It made her feel somewhat whole and desired. She slowly bit down on her lips as she recalled the intimate kiss they had shared back at his car. It was nothing she had ever experienced in all her years with Jerry.

    It felt raw, commanding, desperate and caring in an awkward way.

    What wouldn''t she give to experience that raw pleasure over again?

    Just then, Amelia felt an intimidating presence very close to her. Her sensitive nostrils picked up his distinctive and unmistakable cologne which made all her features harden. She opened her eyes, her heart slamming widely against her chest as she felt his powerful arms wrap around her waist pulling her closer to his intimidating embrace, leaving no space between them.

    "Blaze..." Amelia''s lips quivered, as he leaned on the side of her neck.

    "Were you thinking of me, wifey?" Blaze whispered, his voice deep, husky and incredibly sexy, leaving Amelia completely breathless. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 65 - 65: Beautiful Tension

    Amelia froze at Blaze''s statement. How did he know that she was thinking of him? Was he a mind reader or something?

    She thought of pulling away from this intriguing temptation that was about to possess her. She wanted to push him out of the shower glass cubicle and scold him harshly for violating her privacy. Her brain told her that it was the right thing to do.

    However, her sultry and needy body seemed to have developed minds of its own. Instead of pulling away, she found herself trembling with desire while leaning into his powerful embrace as his hands snaked upwards, inching closer to her full and tender breast.

    "I can tell you want me, wifey," Blaze whispered again, nuzzling her on the neck and making her tremble even more.

    "Yes." Amelia echoed in her heart, her eyes closing as the cascading blinding water slowly eased her nerves on the tantalising adventure she was about to experience. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Amelia, this is not right. You can''t let him have you this easily. You have been faithful keeping your body for the right one. Don''t throw it all away for nothing. He will hurt you. Don''t let him have his way tonight." Amelia heard her good conscience speaking into her ears as she battled with her thoughts against what was right and what was wrong.

    "Don''t be a coward, Amelia. Do it. Do it for you and not for him. Let this be your revenge against Jerry and every jerk out there who thinks they can take advantage of women. Make this handsome devil want you knowing that he can never possess you. Make him desire you and torment him with his lust. Take charge. You have nothing to lose."

    "Yes...No...Blaze..." Amelia was at a loss for what was happening to her. She desperately wanted this like air to her lungs. But it still felt wrong.

    ''How can something so wrong feels so right.'' Amelia stifled a moan as she felt his soft lips nibble her earlobe slightly. She reached out for his arms to feel his skin while unintentionally guiding him upwards. But instead of skin, she felt wet clothes. She pressed her back on him to feel his back, an indeliberate action that motivated Blaze to go further.

    However, instead of his well-chiselled and sturdy bare chest, she felt more frustrating barriers in the form of his buttoned shirt.

    ''Wait, is he wearing clothes inside the shower?'' Amelia couldn''t help but ponder amidst varying conflicting thoughts.

    "Blaze,... I...I...c...can''t...." Amelia finally stammered what her brain wanted her to say.

    "Of course you can, wifey. Don''t fight it." Blaze''s warm lips crashed on the side of her neck, kissing her deeply while his wandering hands finally arrived at their destination, cupping her full round and tender breast.

    Amelia felt weak on her knees, her heart drumming in her ears. Her hands impulsively went for his hands which were now doing strange and alarming things to her hardened pink nipples. She tried to force his hands away, the blind water and the intensity of his fondling leaving her gasping for air.

    She turned her face sideways, away from the cascading water to catch her breath. It was at this point that Blaze''s hungry lips claimed hers in a passionate kiss.

    Amelia felt her body slowly turn around to face him, her hands, which were initially fighting his, now wrapping around his neck as their tongues slowly and leisurely did the tango, exploring the depth of each other mouth.

    It felt as though someone had turned up the heat in the shower as steam rose from the flowing water and their entangled bodies, settled on the walls of the glass cubicle.

    Amelia threw all caution to the wind as she plunged deeper taking charge like the domineering and wild vixen that she was.

    Blaze was completely overwhelmed by this beautiful and sexy creature in his arms. He was enamored by her softness, her natural perfume and her naive yet sultry body which was overpowering his senses like a force of nature.

    The smooth and sexy way she had called his name when he first quietly entered the shower room still rang in his ears like an enchanting musical siren. It made him forget that he was still clothed in his inner suit shirt, pants and socks. The only things he had managed to kick off inside her bedroom were his suit jacket and shoes.

    Blaze couldn''t explain what was going on in his mind or what this wild vixen was doing to him. He had driven at a hundred and twenty kilometres per hour from his family mansion to this love nest just to have her in his arms.

    He couldn''t tell if he was under some sort of love spell as she had somehow bewitched his thoughts, making him act irrationally. All he wanted to do right now was imprint himself all over her and claim her as his woman. She was his now, even if it was for a year.

    Listening to the soft muffled moan that escaped her parted lips and feeling her fingers rake through his wet sleek hair was just the right catalyst that brought out the hungry monster in him.

    The flowing water though intoxicating, seemed to be getting in the way of this beautiful tension. He wanted to see her. He wanted to look into those magical eyes when he kissed every inch of her. He wanted to hear her scream his name again and again as he broke all barriers to become one with her.

    Parting their lips temporarily to allow her to catch her breath, Blaze turned off the flowing water. He softly pushed her wet hair backwards, gazing into her wet shimmering eyes.

    "It''s time to consummate our marriage, wifey."

    Amelia shook her head, unspoken words stuck in her throat. Her arms were still wrapped around his neck, holding him tightly to prevent herself from falling.

    "Don''t worry, I''ll put you in the mood." Blaze lifted her up in his arms and carried her out of the shower room kissing her again.

    Gently making her stand on her feet, with one hand firmly wrapped around her slim waist, he picked up the white towel and slowly began to dry her wet hair, their lips still glued together.

 Chapter 66 - 66: Intense Passion

    Amelia felt drunken by his minty breath and his caressing fingers that she didn''t stop him from taking care of her wet hair. Rather, her hands slid down to the top button of his wet shirt.

    Without realising what she was doing, she started unbuttoning his wet shirt until her hands hit the buckle of his belt. It was at that point reality dawned on her. She broke away from the kiss staring at his lustful eyes, a warning bell ringing in her ears.

    "Why did you stop?"

    Blaze asked, a playful smirk curling up the side of his sexy lips.

    Amelia gulped down her saliva, her reddened cheek looking more flushed than before.

    Uncertainty laced every fibre of her being, questioning her morals and her shameful desires. She tried to pull away from him but Blaze stopped her.

    "Do it. I am all yours." Blaze removed the wrapped towel on her hair and pulled her withdrawing hands back to his buckle. He could sense her nervousness as she continued to stare into his eyes as if searching for something. A slight frown flashed across his face as he observed her unwillingness.

    ''Surely, this wasn''t her first time.'' He thought. ''So why is she acting so naive?

    "Don''t tell me you are shy, wifey." Blaze held Amelia''s hands in place while helping her unbuckle his belt.

    "Blaze, I can''t..." Amelia managed to say, trying to wriggle her hands away from his firm hold.

    "Yes, you can and you will." Blaze''s voice was deep and commanding, making Amelia shudder under his dangerously seductive gaze. He made her trembling hands feel his hardness as he slowly guided her hands to push down his zipper while stealing glances at her rising and falling plump breast.

    Amelia''s heart was pounding like a Cherokee drum as she watched Blaze hungrily scrutinized her nudity. This was the first time she was exposed in her birthday suit before a man. It felt really awkward and for a moment she wanted to bolt out of the bathroom and bury her head in the pillow.

    Observing her hesitation to continue, Blaze decided to take charge again.

    Kicking off his wet pants, he pulled her into another intense passionate kiss, giving her no room to think or even catch her breath. He deftly took off his remaining wet clothes before carrying her into the bedroom and gently placing her on the soft bed. He feasted on her lips like a hungry man, giving her only little space to catch her breath.

    Amelia could feel the warm and smooth glide of his body on top of her. She felt his sturdy muscles contract and relax with her every move. She allowed her hands to feel his powerful shoulder blade, sliding it down his perfectly sculptured back. Her innocent but tantalizing action elicited a deep groan from him especially when she unintentionally dug her finger into his skin, bruising him slightly.

    Slowly, Blaze began to move away from her lips, planting soft kisses on her slender neck and collar bone, making her body quiver involuntarily as he moved downwards, towards her captivating mounds. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Amelia''s breathing became rugged, he grip on the white sheets tightening and her knuckles almost turning white as she felt Blaze''s warm wet tongue teasing her nipples, one after the other. She bit down on her lips in embarrassment at every moan that slipped past her parted lips, but at some point, it became unbearable to stop herself.

    Gripping his smooth textured hair and arching her back as the teasing progressed into nibbling and then sucking, Amelia cried out his name.

    "Blaze..."

    Beaming in his heart, Blaze lifted his head to meet her trembling gaze.

    ''Was that a smirk on his face?'' Amelia''s mind went blank as she looked up and met his scorching gaze, her pink nipples buried inside his mouth.

    Unable to take the torture anymore, she tightened her grip on his head and pulled him upwards. She kissed him hungrily as though he had been starving her, her core dripping wet as she felt his fingers sliding in between her thighs.

    Blaze could barely keep up with this intriguing beauty in his arms, as he felt her warm dripping core. He slowly slid down there and hungrily feasted on her until she erupted inside his mouth, crying out in pleasure and squirming in ecstasy.

    Blaze pulled away from her and opened the last drawer beside her bed where he secretly kept a pile of condoms. He bought out a roll and returned to the bed, strapping one on.

    Amelia welcomed another wild kiss from him, overwhelmed by her outburst of emotions she never knew existed. She felt him push her legs apart and close her eyes.

    "This is it, Amelia. Once you go down this road, there is no going back." She heard how good conscience still pleading with her to reason.

    Sadly, she was too far gone and was desperate to feel him inside of her just as she had watched countlessly in movies.

    Fascinated by her raw outburst of emotions, Blaze slowly moved in but was stunned by her intact barrier.

    "Impossible!" He thought to himself as he pushed deeper until he broke through her barrier, making her cry out in pain as she tightened her hold around him, burying her head on the side of his neck.

    Blaze felt something snap in his heart at her piercing cry. He couldn''t believe he was her first and here he was thinking she must have slept with a lot of her many male friends. He hated the fact that this was her first and he didn''t get to make her feel very special.

    He promptly pulled out of her, easing her pain and showered her face with lots of kisses until she forgot about the pain. Then he slowly thrust into her again, taking her gently until they both lost themselves in their overwhelming passion.

    Blaze lost count of how many times her climaxed in her, as he collapsed on her panting breathlessly. He watched her slowly fall asleep in his arms.

    Mesmerized by her innocent beauty, he wrapped his arms around her, cuddling her like a lovable teddy bear until he also slept off.

 Chapter 67 - 67: Im Sorry

    The following morning, Amelia opened her eyes lazily as the bright morning sunlight sipping through the parted curtain assaulted her eyes. She slowly sat up, wincing at the pain that emanated from her lower region, a reminder of her wild but passionate night. She lifted her hand to her forehead and massaged her aching head, her throat parched and her lips a bit dry.

    She slowly turned her head to her right side in search of her phone when her gaze fell on those captivating and ethereal grey eyes staring right at her with so much warmth in them.

    ''Wait, why is he staring at me like that?'' Amelia was slightly puzzled. She looked down at her chest and noticed that the top half of her nude body was on free display.

    "Shit!" Amelia impulsively pulled the white sheets to her chest, shooting a scowl in his direction, an action he found really amusing.

    "Good morning to you too, wifey," Blaze said in a soft, relaxed and sexy tone, the reminisce of the previous night''s sexual healing still evident in his warm glimmering eyes. He was wearing a white bathrobe and seated leisurely a few meters beside the bed.

    Even though Amelia thought Blaze was looking so handsome and inviting in the white robe, she completely ignored him, shifting her gaze to the steaming cup of tea on a tray by her bedside. She swallowed her saliva, as the blend of mint and ginger hit her nostrils, causing her to moisten her lips.

    "Is that for me?" She looked back a Blaze who was now standing and approaching her bedside.

    "Yes, sweetheart," Blaze carefully lifted the tray and sat down on the bed, his tender gaze on her. "It is for you. I asked the chef to make it. It will help with the pain."

    "Sweetheart?" Amelia arched her brows, unperturbed by his closeness.

    "Yes. Is something wrong with me calling you sweetheart?" The tender smile remained on Blaze''s face as he stared at the hickey on the left side of her neck, longing, to seep through his veins.

    "Yes, everything is wrong with that," Amelia said dryly picking up the mug from the tray. "I''m not your sweetheart. Let''s not get carried away. This is purely business and nothing more."

    "Hmm..." Blaze chuckled, his cheerful countenance unaffected. "I haven''t forgotten. But for us to succeed in our plan, there are certain boundaries that we must cross to make this marriage believable. We will have to act as naturally as real couples in public. That means I''ll get to call you all sorts of intimate names. So you have to start getting used to them, sweetheart."

    "Whatever." Amelia rolled her eyes at him while taking sips of the refreshing tea.

    "You do not roll your eyes at me, sweetheart," Blaze said in a slightly stern voice, while resting his hand on Amelia''s cover thigh, making her flinch a little. "I would let today''s behaviour slide since I''m in such a good mood. But the next time you do that, I''ll be forced to kiss you deeply irrespective of where we are."

    Amelia scoffed inwardly, shifting her body away from his touch while focusing on the rejuvenating tea, enjoying the blend of flavours.

    "Amelia...." Blaze''s voice turned all serious, the humor disappearing from his eyes. "Why didn''t you tell me yesterday that you were a virgin?" sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Amelia''s face slowly turned pinkish-red in embarrassment. She buried her face in her mug, not daring to look up at him.

    "What difference would it have made?"

    "A lot." Blaze felt stung by her somewhat cold response, which bore a hint of regret and slight anger. "I thought you were..." He paused not wanting to be so blunt.

    "You had been withJerry for a long time. So I thought you two were intimate."

    "Well, you thought wrong." Amelia didn''t like where this conversation was going especially with the mention of Jerry''s name, reminding her of his betrayal. She dropped the mug on the tray and attempted to climb down from the bed on the other side. But Blaze quickly stopped her, removing the tray from the bed to prevent it tea from spilling and hurting her.

    "Blaze, please, I''m not in the mood for this. My headaches, my body hurts and I have to be at work by 10:00 AM for an important meeting." Amelia said looking away from him, tears pulling in her eyes.

    "I promise I won''t take much of your time." Blaze''s tone was pleading as he slowly turned her chin to face him, deeply hurt by the tears welling up in her eyes.

    "I swear, if you had told me last night, I would have stopped. You have no idea how much I..." Blaze sighed, unsure what to say without hurting her deeper.

    Amelia stared at him intensely, believing his words. She lowered her gaze, allowing her tears to fall as she spoke from her heart.

    "I was keeping it for the right moment. It''s what''s going to be my gift to my husband. I wanted him to be my first. But I got betrayed and I wanted to get rid of it since it reminded me of my stupidity." She looked up to meet his hurt gaze.

    "It could have been you or any other random man. I certainly don''t care. I''m done trusting or loving a man. So, you don''t have to feel guilty about anything or liable for how I feel. I''m a big girl and I know what I want. I consented to it even though I didn''t prepare for it last night. I still do not regret my actions."

    Amelia tilted her gaze sideways, more tears falling down her reddened cheeks. She hated the fact that she couldn''t control her emotions or stop her tears from falling.

    Blaze clenched his teeth, disgusted at himself even more. He knew Amelia was not being truthful about her last statement. If she didn''t regret what she did, then she won''t be crying.

    "I''m sorry, Amelia," Blaze said softly.

    Amelia was stunned by his words. She couldn''t believe what her ears were hearing. This was the first time since she met him that he was genuinely saying those two magical words to her. It wasn''t like the forced apology he gave her back at the restaurant to please his mother. This was more unique and very special, melting her beating heart.

    Blade''s next action left her completely breathless. He lifted the back of her hands to his lips and planted a soft kiss on it, almost ticking all her check boxes on her ideal type of man.

    "Please, let me help you take away your pain this morning. I promise I won''t do any other thing. I have already prepared your warm bath."

    Amelia felt enthralled by his tenderness towards her. It made her feel less disgusted with herself. She held his genuine gaze and nodded her head, her heart thumping in her chest.

    "Okay."

    "Okay." Blaze smiled as he gently carried her out of the bed, stealing a quick disappointed glance at the blood-stained sheet as he disappeared into the bathroom.

    -

    -

    Amelia arrived at her company just in time before the arrival of her new investor. She was in her office going through some important files when she got a call from her lawyer saying that Jerry had paid the divorce settlement fee and other compensation fees without breaking a sweat.

    "Gwen!" Amelia chuckled bitterly, her mood turning sour.

 Chapter 68 - 68: The New Investor

    "How dare that jerk use my money to pay me what he owes? Does he think I''m a fool?" Amelia said clenching her fist. She didn''t need to dig deeper to know that Jerry must have fooled Gwen to get money out of her.

    Although Jerry and Gwen were both involved in her kidnap and attempted assassination, Amelia had a strong feeling that Gwen knew nothing about Jerry''s other side. Not only was he an A-level con artist with an impressive pedigree at scheming women, but he also had a very devious and dangerous personality that Gwen ought to be wary about.

    However, Amelia didn''t feel any pity for Gwen. Since she had decided to dine with the devil without bringing a long spoon, then she should deal with the consequences.

    Amelia picked up her phone and dialed Marcus''s number.

    "Good morning, madam." Marcus picked on the first ring, responding in his usual polite but cheerful tone.

    "Good morning Marcus. Can I please ask you for a little favor?" Amelia asked, not wanting to disturb Blaze after everything he had done for her earlier.

    "Definitely ma''am. Please, go ahead."

    "Okay, I just received words from Mr Herman, informing me that my ex had just paid the sum of roughly three billion dollars as divorce and compensation settlement. But I have a feeling that he had my stepsister pay the money from the loot she has stashed. I need to find out the exact bank, accounts and amounts involved in this transaction. I also need to find out what my stepsister and Jerry are currently up to. Can you help me seek out these informations?"

    "Certainly, ma''am. I''ll give you a call once I have the details."

    "And one more thing," Amelia added. "I''m having a new investor over. He was recommended to me by my father and he has impressive business networks outside the country. So far, all the research I have done about him checks out. But one can never be too careful. Can you help me dig into all his business dealings?"

    "Yes ma''am. What is his name."

    "Mr Taylor Young. He owns one of the biggest oil refineries in country X. He recently relocated to Salvine City and wants to invest in my company."

    "Okay, ma''am. I''ll have my team look into it."

    "Thank you," Amelia said before ending the call.

    She also reached out to her father to check on her grandmother and find out when she could send Gwen''s laptop to his office.

    Afterward, Amelia left for the conference room where her new investor and his lawyer were patiently waiting.

    "Good morning, Mr Taylor Young." Amelia smartly walked up to the tall-looking man with a blend of black and grey hair, tastefully cladded in a navy blue bespoke suit and wearing a pleasant smile on his face. She extended her right hand professionally towards him and shook him.

    "Good morning, Miss Shawls. Thanks for having us over on such short notice." The man replied politely. "This is my second son who happens to be my lawyer, Tyler Young."

    Amelia also extended her courtesy to the young and good-looking man, who was also dressed impressively. "Welcome to LiLa Savvy, Mr Tyler Young."

    "Thank you."

    "Please have your seat and we will get down to business." Amelia gestured before moving around the oval table to take the seat opposite.

    "Mr Young, permit me to start by thanking you for choosing to invest in LiLa Savvy amid other cosmetic brands in the city. I can assure you that you''ve made the best choice, because here at LiLa Savvy, we are all about transparency, accountability and exceptional service delivery ." Amelia gave a summarised breakdown of the company''s vision, brand strategy, target market and sales strategy. She also shared some of the company''s past success stories to an impressed Mr Young.

    "Thank you, Miss Shawls for an impressive pitch, even though it was not needed." Mr Taylor Young spoke with an air of wisdom and years of experience.

    "You came highly recommended by your father, who happens to be my friend when we were younger. The truth is that I''m always in search of a new and rising business to invest in. I have gone through the company''s past financial records and I must say that I am highly impressed by your large and competitive market advantage, your traction and most importantly your financial plan and cash flow over the past two years."

    "Thank you, sir." Amelia beamed.

    "And that is why I have decided to invest the sum of five hundred million dollars in your company."

    "Five hundred million dollars?" Amelia''s jaw dropped in shock. This was the highest amount any investor had ever invested in LiLa Savvy. She felt like jumping up and screaming her lungs in excitement but she quickly recovered from her shock and thanked Mr Young for his investment, promising him an impressive return.

    "In the meantime, my son..." Mr Taylor Young patted his son on the arm. "...will handle all the paperwork and financial aspects of this deal in my absence. He''ll be the one representing me at shareholder''s meetings and other company activities. And I would also appreciate it if he can partake as an observer in your board meeting."

    "That wouldn''t be a problem," Amelia said turning her attention to the young man who hadn''t stopped smiling at her since she walked into the room. She couldn''t help feeling that Mr Young was indirectly pairing her with his good-looking son. Or was this the plan of her father and his old-time friend to indirectly set her up with Tyler? Too bad she was already taken for one year.

    "Now, if you will excuse me, Miss Shawls, I how to take my leave now. Tyler will be here to answer all your questions if you need anything." S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Okay, Mr Young." Amelia stood up and shook hands with him before seeing him out of the conference room.

    When she returned to the conference room, she observed that Tyler had changed his sitting position, taking an empty seat beside hers.

    Although Amelia found this awkward, this wasn''t the first time she was dealing with men who were attracted to her. She always had a way of making them feel special without having to lose her guard. But with her extremely jealous contract husband now in the picture, she was slightly worried about how long this investment would survive.

    "Miss Amelia, I hope you don''t mind me sitting here. There are some documents I would like to show you."

    "That won''t be a problem. But my lawyer will soon be here to join us." Amelia said taking her seat while maintaining a professional conversation.

    -

    -

    Back at the Shawls mansion, Regina hurried into her room and quickly shut the door behind her to receive a coded call.

    "How did you go?"

    "Splendid. Tyler just needs to work his way up. She will be at our mercy in a matter of months."

    "You are a darling." Regina beamed slyly.

    "But remember, for the mission to succeed, not a soul aside from you must know about this."

    "My lips are sealed."

    "You owe me and your payments are long overdue."

    Regina chuckled softly in her sultry tone. "Yes, dear, you are a darling. I will come to you when the coast is clear."

    "I can''t wait, bumpkin. Kisses"

    "Lots of Kisses." Regina ended the call, an evil grin spreading across her face

 Chapter 69 - 69: Nothing Has Changed

    *****

    Hello readers,

    Thanks for all your support so far. This is my third chapter for my mass release day.

    Enjoy.

    But do not forget to support this book with your; power stones, gifts and golden tickets. Thanks

    *****

    Dressed in hunter green pants, paired with a graphic oversized male t-shirt, a black face cap and dark sunglasses to hide her face, Tina hurried out of the lobby of the West View hotel, her head lowered. She was holding a black shopping bag that contained all her stuff from the previous night.

    She could see some people staring quizzically at her, trying to figure out who she was. This intensified her anxiety, forcing her to pull her face cap even lower.

    "Miranda..." Tina heard the unmistakable voice of her one-night stand, calling out her false name passionately while hurrying after her.

    "No f*cking way!" Tina doubled her step, almost running past the doorman at the entrance like a pickpocket.

    "Miranda, wait, you forgot one of your earrings."

    Tina didn''t catch what the man was saying as she hurried to the busy street and flagged down a taxi.

    Thankfully a yellow cab stopped in front of her, just in time to save her from exposing her identity to this clingy one-night stand.

    "Where to ma''am?" The driver asked staring at his rearview mirror.

    "Take me to 72, Milly Drive estate." Tina disguised her voice while shutting the door and peeking out the window to ensure her one-night stand wasn''t following her.

    "It will cost you ten dollars, ma''am." The bald driver turned around, eying her, while staring at a slightly bulky man running down the stairs of a hotel entrance while trying to flag him down.

    "I''ll pay you one hundred bucks if you stop staring at me and just drive."

    "You got it, ma''am." The taxi driver chirped happily as he turned his attention back to the road ahead. He stepped on the gas pedal and drove off, just in time before the bulky man caught up with his cab.

    "Phew! That was close." Tina released a sigh of relief, knowing she had consummated her end of the bargain.

    The nosy driver who wrongly thought that she was a cheap hooker, who may have stolen the money of her client since she was willing to give away a hundred bucks, said in a humorous tone.

    "Rough day, huh?"

    "Tell me about it." Tina hissed, bringing out her expensive phone to check for messages or missed calls.

    "Such greedy men deserve what they get. He should have paid you very well."

    "What!" Tina looked up from her phone unsure of what the cab driver was saying.

    "I''m saying, I''ve seen such men a lot. First, the pick up a beautiful girl such as yourself and bargain a price. Then after having their fun, they think they can play a fast one."

    Tina''s face reddened with anger at the driver''s insinuation. "Can you please focus on the road and keep your stinking nose out of my business?" She snapped at the driver harshly.

    "Oh...sorry, ma''am."

    "You better be." Tina hissed returning her piqued gaze to her phone. She dialled Remy''s number and the latter picked up on the first ring.

    "Tina, where are you? We are supposed to shoot the next scene by 9:00 AM at the Cambian park. It''s 8:45 AM and you''re nowhere to be found."

    "Stop being dramatic and come get me at the estate entrance quickly." Tina hissed again and ended the call, her thoughts disorganized.

    As the car passed by the busy streets and traffic, her mind drifted to her wild night encounter with her benefactor whose name was Ivan. She came to discover that he was a top-shot bank manager in one of the leading banks in the city. He was as lively as he was charming with words. But he wasn''t her type of man.

    Although a little bulky on the lower side, Tina found him very active and vigorous in bed as he didn''t give her any breathing space last night.

    Who would have thought that she had gone to that restaurant looking all beautiful for Blaze only to end up on a complete stranger''s bed moaning like a cheap hooker? She felt so disgusted at herself and couldn''t wait to get home to have a thorough bath.

    Her mind went back to Blaze and his mother, causing her fresh grief. If only they had given her a few minutes of their time to explain herself. And to think she had accused Amelia over nothing was even more distressing. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I have to fix this," Tina vowed in her heart. "After the movie shoot, I need to find a way to speak with Amelia. If I can regain her trust, I can penetrate Maria through her."

    Tina was lost in her thoughts when she heard her phone ringing. She took one glance at the caller ID and frowned. Clearing her throat, she swiped the receive button and spoke in her normal voice making the cab driver raise his eyebrow at her in surprise.

    "Hey, mom."

    "How did it go?"

    "Not so good." Tina sighed.

    "But I just saw the uploaded picture on my Instagram page. You were hugging Maria with Blaze standing by her side. People are already talking."

    "Shit! I haven''t told those fools to post the pictures yet. Mom, let me call you back." Tina ended the call and was about to dial a number on her phone when the tab driver announced that they had arrived at their destination.

    Tina looked up the window and saw Remy parked under a tree by the entrance to the estate. He was looking sleep-deprived and a bit stressed, rechecking his wristwatch every five seconds.

    "Here...a hundred bucks as promised." Tina threw the money at the driver''s face before stepping out of the car and leaving the door open.

    "Arrogant b*tch." The driver picked up his money, cursing her under his breath, as he climbed out of his car and shut the door properly, before re-entering his car and driving off.

    "Oh, Tina...Thank goodness you''re back. Where have you been?" Remy hurried over to her. "Did the police..."

    "Not a word about that incident." Tina snapped at him as she entered the rear seat of her car while lambasting someone over the phone.

    -

    -

    Blake, who had been tied down with a lot of activities since he arrived at the office was in the middle of addressing an issue with a disgruntled business client when he received an update about the possible identity of the man who had threatened, Amelia.

    "His name is Lorenzo Alejandro," Marcus reported reading from his iPad. "He is the elder brother to Gabriel Alejandro, the man whom Madam stabbed to death on the day of her kidnap."

    "Where is he now?" Blaze asked, his tone dripping with untamed fury.

    "We haven''t spotted his location, sir. He''s a ghost. He only appears when he wants to and disappears without a trace."

    "Was he involved in the kidnapping?"

    "No sir. He is a solo hunter and has never been in contact with his brother for over six years. We have reasons to believe that he has left the city. But we''re not completely certain. We may need to step up madam security just in case he takes us by surprise."

    "Hmm..." Blaze massaged his temple, his thoughts solely on Amelia. "Where is Amelia now."

    "Still at the office, sir. But it seems she''s planning to attend one of her friend''s fashion display events taking place at the Galway Hotel and Event Center."

    "What time?"

    "According to Pascal, she will be leaving the office by 4:00 PM to return home and change before heading for the venue."

    "Alright, cancel all my outstanding and book a reservation at the hotel presidential suite. Also, recruit some more hands and reinforce the security at the venue. I do not want any surprises." Blaze said, standing up from his seat.

    "Yes sir." Marcus hesitated a little before asking. "Sir, should we still proceed with our initial plans concerning the senator?"

    "Yes, nothing has changed." Blaze strolled to the mini bar in his office to fix himself a drink, his mind a bit chaotic due to the hunting memories of the previous night with Amelia. He poured himself a glass of Scotch and swallowed the whole content, gritting his teeth. "Nothing has changed." He repeated turning to face Marcus.

    "Okay, sir. Umm... One last thing sir. A picture of you, Miss Tina and your mom was trending on social media. But we''ve taken it down."

    "What picture?" Blaze''s gaze turned cold and deadly.

    "This one sir." Marcus opened a saved picture in his gallery and showed it to Blaze, causing the wine glass in the latter''s firm grip to shatter.

 Chapter 70 - 70: The Reason Why

    The past...

    Prior to his father''s betrayal and untimely death, Blaze wasn''t always this bitter and aggressive.

    His personality could be compared to that of a perfect gentleman. He was kind, confident, civil and very generous with his time and resources.

    With an impeccable appearance, a pragmatic orientation, a positive attitude and a compelling charisma that inspires devotion in others, Blaze was a natural charmer.

    Sadly, everything changed during his final year in college. He was in the middle of a lecture when he learnt that his father had just slumped in the office.

    Upon returning home and investigating the reason behind his father''s sudden cardiac arrest, Blaze uncovered something disheartening.

    His father, Presley Anderson, who was doing so well in the mining business, had blindly gone into a catastrophic contract with some trusted business partners who secretly sought to defraud his company. This business deal was supposed to launch the former Andex group (known as Anderson Minerals Ltd) to the next level of innovative mining.

    Sadly, Presley Anderson''s dreams were cut short when he was accused of defrauding investors by falsifying gold samples and misstating its available gold reserves.

    This deliberate contamination of core samples with gold derived from other sources led to a series of litigations. It broke every code in the mining rule books and some angry investors were out for Presley Anderson''s blood.

    From a peak valuation of over fifteen billion dollars, Anderson Minerals company''s shares collapsed, and the company soon filed for bankruptcy.

    While Presley Anderson''s family company fell into deep waters, three of his major partners, who later opted out of the capsizing ship, acquired the majority stake of some striving production firm and rose astronomically overnight.

    Consequently, Anderson Mineral Ltd folded up after three months of struggling to stay afloat.

    The heavily indebted and heartbroken chairman died shortly, after revealing a distressing secret to his only son.

    ---

    According to Presley, Gregory Shawls, his former roommate at the university was the one who introduced him to these mindless business partners that took away everything from him.

    Presley trusted Gregory like a brother and signed an exclusive business contract with the wolves in sheep''s clothing, overlooking a ten billion infringement fine if he failed to deliver on a specified date. The profit to be made was huge and the international exposure was enticing.

    Presley thought he could meet up with the deadline using his efficient manpower and mechanical resources. But he was doomed for failure from the very beginning.

    ---

    Enraged, Blaze swore to avenge his father at the graveyard after watching all those who betrayed him pay their condolences to his bereaved mother. He wasted no time picking up from where his father stopped.

    At just the age of twenty, Blaze was able to raise the family company from the ashes- making risky decisions and partnering with some questionable foreign companies. He made huge profits and was able to clear all his father''s outstanding debts in two years. Within a space of six years, the rebranded Andex group became one of the top gold mining industries in the world. Aside from gold mining, he ventured into other mineral mining and mining machinery production.

    At the young age of twenty-six, Blaze became one of the top-ranking billionaires in the country, reclaiming her father''s trampled glory. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Although he was approached by leading companies and private individuals with lucrative investment deals, Blaze only had his eyes on a selected few companies.

    Over the years, he had watched these greedy bastards responsible for his father''s death, enjoy a lavish lifestyle, celebrate new achievements and excel in their businesses and families. Blaze also watched them as they stood and supported the one man who lured his father into the death trap, in his political ambitions.

    One by one, Blaze discreetly went after them, saving the best for last. Not only did he crumble their businesses, breaking and selling them like scrapes in the business market, but he took the war to their respective homes, ensuring that their trophy wives and children suffered the same fate he and his mother were made to endure.

    On the day Blaze accidentally ran into Amelia, he was returning home from successfully acquiring, Lotbycus International, worth over fourteen billion dollars from the cancer-stricken chairman.

    Although he never factored into getting entangled in a contract marriage with the enemy''s daughter, he decided to use her as the perfect tool to bring down her father.

    What better way to deal with an enemy than taking away his most prized possession?

    Senator Gregory was the last man standing and Blaze was bent on destroying him and everything he held there to his heart

    ***

    Back to the present...

    Amelia arrived at the Galway Hotel and Event Center, cladded in an elegant strapless embellished lace and fitted satin mint green gown with a high thigh slit. Her golden brown wavy hair fell delicately on her shoulders, giving her a vibrant and sexy look. Her minimal make-up and simple jewellery, allowed the flashing camera light to capture her natural glow and beauty as she took different postures behind the Green Carpet fashion show backdrop.

    Amelia wasn''t just here to support her friend Kayla in her new fashion line display. She was also here to promote her brand, which happened to be one of the sponsors of the grand event.

    As always, Amelia was the centre of attraction on the green carpet, as she socialized with different brand owners, and celebrities, taking group pictures and personal shots. She granted a few interviews talking passionately about the relevance of the green fashion week and digital fashion.

    When some nosy journalist tried to get information about her love life, she gave bits and pieces, enough to hold them in suspense for the right moment when she would introduce Blaze Anderson as her husband.

    Just then, Gwen arrived at the venue looking glamorous and sophisticated in an eye-catching and slightly revealing champagne gold lace gown. Her full lips were as red as scarlet and her gorgeous chignon-styled hair revealed an impressive firework starburst diamond earrings.

    Beside Gwen, was her shameless husband, rocking a black tuxedo and looking like a million-dollar man. He held Gwen firmly on the waist smiling broadly and creating a spectacle for the hungry paparazzi and journalists.

 Chapter 71 - 71: Showdown

    Under the watchful eyes of her bodyguards and other ghost securities positioned by Blaze, Amelia ignored the duo as she focused on signing a few autographs for some of her thrilled fans crowded behind the barricades. She even took some selfies with a few of them. She was about to make her way into the event hall, when Gwen called out to her, hoping to make a fool of her before the media.

    "Amy, is that you?"

    "Baby, let''s not do this, here," Jerry whispered while pretending to kiss Gwen on the cheek.

    "Don''t worry, I''ve got this," Gwen reassured her husband not wanting to miss such a golden opportunity to show the world Amelia''s b*tchy side.

    Amelia paused on her track, knowing that walking away from the shameless couple would only depict her as a weakling. She also signaled Pascal and Clay, communicating with them nonverbally to stand down. She leisurely turned around to meet Gwen''s mockery gaze as the latter strolled up to meet her holding Jerry like some sort of trophy she just acquired.

    Some people who were standing close to the hall entrance where Amelia was standing inched closer to witness a showdown while some paparazzi, journalists and bloggers moved closer to capture this rare moment.

    "Amy darling, how nice to see you." Gwen beamed sweetly, standing only a few feet away from her step-sister. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "You''re not worthy to call me by that name," Amelia said in a deadpan tone, anger boiling inside of her like a bubbling lava. She scanned Jerry from head to toe with so much disgust as though he was covered in bird poop, before directing her cold gaze to her stepsister. "Only friends and family with dignity can I dress me fondly."

    "I stand to be corrected, sis." Gwen smiled mockingly. "But how may I address you since you are neither Mrs Morgan nor Miss Shawls? Probably by your new husband''s name who..." She tilted her head from side to side as if in search of someone. "... isn''t here with you. Where is he by the way?"

    Seated inside his exotic car which was parked across the road from the event venue and watching a live stream of the ongoing event, Blaze listened to the riffraff called Gwen try to make a jest of him. He clenched his fist, his narrowed eyes darkened as he thought of the best way to teach her a bitter lesson. However, he remained put, watching how Amelia would smartly deal with her sister without creating a dramatic scene.

    "Why? Amelia asked glaring at her stepsister. "Are you planning to steal him too? Don''t tell me that you are suddenly bored of the loser beside you?"

    Some of the guests standing close to the feuding sister suppressed their laughter as they held their breath, waiting for Gwen to respond to the direct accusation.

    Gwen bit down on her inner lips to stifle her anger as she replied calmly.

    "Don''t be ridiculous, sis. Why would I want your nameless husband when I have this handsome prince charming next to me?" Gwen said, stroking Jerry''s smooth brown hair while welcoming a brief kiss from him.

    "So shameless!" Someone muttered from behind Amelia. But she was unmoved by their childish display.

    "Why don''t you two get a room and save us from the agony of watching this nauseating display of pure stupidity." Amelia turned to leave but Gwen touched her on the shoulder causing her to spin sharply.

    Gwen quickly withdrew her hand as though she had touched hot coal. She stared into Amelia''s dangerously narrowed eyes and spoke softly like someone incapable of hurting a fly.

    "Come on sis, I know you hate me because Jerry left you for me. And I have told you sorry like a million times. Why won''t you forgive me? After all, you are no saint yourself. You have been seeing another man behind Jerry and married him the minute you got divorced."

    Amelia''s hand itched by her side to slap Gwen. But she restrained her anger trying to calm herself down as Gwen continued spewing more rubbish for media publicity.

    "Irrespective of what happened, we cannot remain in the past. We both are guilty of doing wrong. You are my sister and I regret ever hurting you. Please, let''s go back to the way things were. I miss my sister and best friend so much."

    Gwen''s attempt at portraying Amelia as a villain without a heart gained her more backlash than empathy.

    Side murmur started rising from different directions with some ladies standing close by, urging Amelia to slap Gwen.

    But who said words were not as effective as a whip?

    "Are you done or is there more you have to get out of your chest?" Amelia asked in a more composed voice for someone accused of infidelity. She didn''t wait for Gwen to respond to her question as she continued speaking. "You know, you are missing out on your real talent. Maybe you should reconsider your profession of stealing brainless jerks like the fool standing beside you. Acting suits you better."

    "Ahh!" Gwen gasped pretending to be stunned while hiding her ire at the mockery side comments that ensued.

    "Come on Amelia, don''t be rude."Jerry didn''t bother masking his anger due to Amelia''s continuous insults. "You were once head over heels in love with this so-called fool. What does that make you, huh? You don''t have to be so bitter because I chose your sister over you. After all, you asked for this divorce. Why can''t you get over me?"

    Jerry''s words only infuriated more people, causing a slight uproar from those close by. But Amelia eased the tension with her quick response.

    "You must think so highly of yourself, Mr Morgan. How could I have been so blind playing with a boy toy when there are real men out there." Amelia said grinning instead of getting offended by Jerry''s hurting words.

    Jerry clenched his fist, anger seeping through his veins at Amelia''s continual referral to him as incompetent. He could tell from the way she glowed and her bold utterances that she was no longer the innocent girl he once knew.

    "Like I said earlier, I don''t have to waste my breath dwelling on leeches and vultures. You both are the perfect misfit and you complement each other." She snarled before leaving Jerry behind angrier than ever.

 Chapter 72 - 72: The Fashion Show

    The atmosphere inside the hall was electrifying with guests chatting lively and the background music inspiring awe.

    From the captivating decoration to the brilliantly colourful LED lighting illuminating the slightly elevated fashion ramp, everything in the hall was spectacular.

    "Amelia!" Nicole called out waving enthusiastically from the front row where their other friends were seated.

    "Hi girls" Amelia excitedly made her way to them after exchanging warm pleasantries with her many friends and admirers inside the hall. She beamed sweetly as all her girlfriends stood up to receive her, except one person whose face she couldn''t see at that moment.

    "I thought you wouldn''t come," Nicole said hugging her briefly. "Kayla has been asking after you and she swore she would eat you for lunch if you didn''t show up"

    "But you know me, I wouldn''t miss this for the world." Amelia beamed, exchanging pleasantries with her other friends, until Tina finally stood up, revealing her remorseful face.

    She was looking dazzling in her deep V-neck shimmering green gown that accentuated her sexy shape in all the right spots.

    "You look gorgeous, Amelia," Tina said, smiling sweetly at her.

    "So do you." Amelia''s smile thinned out.

    "I kept..."

    "Where is Stacy?" Amelia cut Tina off, looking away from her direction to Adrianna.

    "She''s with Kayla at the backstage. She helping out with some of the models." Adriana answered, her suspicious gaze darting between Tina and Amelia.

    Just then, a handsome you fellow apparelled in a well-fitted fashionable green double-breasted suit made his way towards the ladies.

    "Who is that tall drink of water approaching us." Joanna''s eyes brightened up.

    "Where?" Nicole asked excitedly tilting her head backwards.

    "On Amelia''s three o''clock." Joanna directed.

    "Oooo...He looks classy and rich." Adrianna said eying the handsome gentle man on dark aviator shades.

    "More like a superstar." Tina chirped, smiling at Amelia.

    Amelia also turned to look at this so-called handsome rich man.

    "Tyler!" Amelia echoed as he approached her.

    "You know him?" Nicole wasn''t surprised anymore that Amelia knew every rich, handsome and powerful bachelor in Salvine City.

    "Hello, Miss Amelia," Tyler said in a smooth sexy voice as he gently took her right hand and raised it up to her lips. "You look absolutely breathtaking." He pressed his lips on the back of her hand, causing Amelia''s cheeks to give off a pinkish glow.

    "Such a gentleman." Amelia quickly slipped her hand away from Tyler''s gentle hold, her eyes scanning around the hall for any sign of Blaze. She could feel his dangerous and overwhelming aura in the hall filled with lots of guests. But she couldn''t seem to find him anywhere.

    "Amelia, won''t you introduce us to your friend?" Nicole asked, pinching her on the side.

    "Oh... where are my manners? Please pardon me, girls. I would like you all to meet Tyler Young, a quintessential lawyer with the Have Solicitors firm in country X. He recently relocated to Salvine City to manage a new firm and his father, Tylor Young happens to be a newly acquired top investor at LiLa Savvy" Amelia said with so much pride lacing her tone.

    "Oh my goodness!" Nicole exclaimed.

    "Impressive?" Adrianna fanned herself with her hand, batting her lashes at Tyler.

    "I''m a huge admirer of your father, Tyler" Joanna pushed her way forward to catch Tyler''s attention. "The name is Joanna Russell." She extended her right her to Tyler who methodologically shook her before reverting his attention to his main target.

    "I hope you ladies wouldn''t mind if I sit beside you."

    "Not at all." They all chorused aside Amelia, who was feeling a bit edgy, knowing Tyler was into her.

    "Let''s all get seated. I think the event is about to start." Joanna gestured at them as some of the guests behind started complaining about their obstructive position.

    "Amelia, you can see beside me." Tina quickly offered pointing at the seat between her and Joanna.

    "Thanks, but I think I''ll be fine here." Amelia took Nicole''s seat, forcing others to change their positions.

    Tyler waited for all the ladies to settle down before pleading with Adrianna to take the next seat to her right so that he could sit beside Amelia.

    Adrianna happily obliged at a chance to be seated next to the great Tylor''s son. That would sure give her an edge over Joanna who was also aiming for the same man. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "What is happening between you and Amelia?" Joanna asked eying Tina, who was forced to move closer to her.

    "Yeah, what is the matter between you two?" Nicole whispered as the light in the hall where all the guests were seated dimmed, leaving only the beautifully illuminated fashion ramp.

    "Amelia is mad at me." Tina pouted, wearing a sympathetic look to gain others'' attention.

    "Why?" Joanna asked, a bit confused. "Have you guys met since the last time we were gathered at the bar?"

    "Yes." Tina nodded, squeezing out a tear and dabbing at it with her handkerchief.

    "This must be serious." Nicole had a worried look on her face. "Amelia isn''t the type to get mad at people unless you have done something really bad to her."

    "Exactly!" Joanna concurred. "What did you do to her?"

    "You remember my ex, whom I''m trying to win over," Tina said softly.

    "Yes." Both ladies nodded.

    "Amelia is friends with his mom."

    "Really." Nicole was stunned, seeing where Tina was going.

    "If I may ask, who is this your ex-boyfriend? I think it''s high time we know his name so that we don''t go after him." Joanna suggested.

    "Yeah, tell us his name." Nicole encouraged Tina.

    A smile flashed across Tina''s eyes as she said. "He is Blaze Anderson."

    "Blaze Anderson?" Joanna eyed Tina suspiciously.

    "Are you referring to The Blaze Anderson, the youngest billionaire CEO and chairman of Andex groups?" Nicole''s jaws dropped.

    "And do not forget to add, the most ruthless and cold-hearted billionaire in this City," Joanna added.

    Tina''s heart swelled with the bride. "Yes. He is the same one."

    "No way. There are no records of that handsome devil ever dating a single girl." Nicole said eying Tina as though she were telling a lie.

    "Yes, some people even think he''s gay," Joanna said in a hushed voice, leaning closer.

 Chapter 73 - 73: Would You Like To Dance With Me?

    Tina''s forehead furrowed at Joanna''s statement.

    "He''s not gay. He just doesn''t like people poke nosing around his affairs. He is a very private man and we dated for more than a year. Our respective families and a few of our friends knew about us. Like I told you guys earlier, he even proposed to me."

    "If you say so," Nicole said, not convinced.

    "I will prove it to you," Tina said, opening her glittering clutch. She brought out her phone and opened her gallery app. "Here, take a look at this picture someone took of me when I met his mum yesterday evening." She showed the picture first to Joanna and then to Nicole.

    "Oh yeah, I saw this picture earlier this morning but it was taken down almost immediately." Joanna pointed out.

    Nicole scrutinizes the picture very well before airing her views bluntly. "All I see here is you hugging a woman who isn''t responsive to your warm gesture."

    Tina''s forehead furrowed. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Don''t be sarcastic, Nicole." Joanna came to Tina''s rescue. "No one can boldly go hugging someone they don''t know, especially the mother of such a dangerous man."

    "If you say so." Nicole shrugged. "But let''s go back to the issue at hand. What did you say to Amelia after realizing she was friends with Mrs Anderson."

    Tina lowered her gaze, pretending to be distressed. "I thought Amelia was throwing herself at Blaze''s mom to gain his attention. So, I got jealous and said things I now regret."

    "Really!" Nicole was at a loss for words.

    "But how could you think of such things? Amelia is already married and she is not a promiscuous lady like some of us." Joanna pointed out.

    "Speak for yourself, Joanna." Nicole rolled her eyes. "I am a very decent young woman with special needs."

    All three of them burst into hushed laughter.

    From where she was seated, Amelia could hear the girls whispering and laughing in hushed voices. She knew they were talking about her and she hated Tina the more for trying to win her friends over with her pathetic display of fake emotions.

    Instead of focusing on their furtive glances and side whispering, Amelia concentrated all her attention on the first set of models walking the ramp. She was highly impressed by the latest captivating display.

    "Isn''t that model on the plunging vintage sea green dress too revealing?" Tyler whispered, leaning close to Amelia, his warm minty breath fanning against her slightly exposed ear. He was now resting one of his arms on Amelia''s chair posing like her rich and famous lover.

    "Excuse me..." Amelia shot him a disapproving stare.

    "I said isn''t that lady..."

    "Mr Tyler, I wasn''t referring to that lady or anyone in particular," Amelia said cutting him off. "You seem to be encroaching in my space and I don''t feel comfortable." She eyed his hand resting on her chair and his face which was now leaning close to her as though he wanted to steal a kiss from her."

    Adrianna suppressed a muffled laughter while staring at Amelia''s mean face.

    "Oh... Forgive me, Miss Amelia." Tyler smiled, removing his arm from her chair. "You can blame the force of attraction. So what do you think about the lady in the plunging neck dress?"

    "I see nothing wrong with her dress," Amelia said in a more professional than friendly voice. "Women may choose to wear dresses that highlight their bodies for a variety of reasons. These vary from expressing personal confidence to feeling attractive, conforming to societal beauty standards, wanting to feel feminine, or simply because they like the way a particular style looks on them."

    "Does that mean you can rock that outfit without feeling a bit embarrassed?"

    "It seems you know nothing about the fashionista called Amelia." Adrianna forced herself into the conversation without getting invited. It worked because Tyler shifted his attention from Amelia to her even though it was for a split second.

    "Amelia can rock any style in this world and she will look superb in it in that banging body of hers without breaking a sweat."

    "Wow!" Tyler turned his lustful gaze to Amelia. "I''ll give anything to see you in that dress, Miss Amelia."

    "Hmm..." Amelia suppressed the urge to roll her eyes at him. She could feel someone''s piercing gaze almost boring a hole through her head. So she tucked her hair behind her ear and looked backwards. But she saw nothing due to the dimmed light.

    The fashion show continued for the next twenty minutes, with guests clapping and cheering their favourite fashion brand.

    When Kayla finally appeared with her model, adorned in her most expensive and unique outfit for the night, she was given a standing ovation, with her girls cheering the loudest.

    After the fashion show, all guests were led to another enchantingly decorated hall for the fashion show after-party.

    Amelia and her friends made their way to a table close to the dance floor, chatting boisterously and vibing to the hyped electrifying music.

    The jamming music coming from the DJ sound mix and the smell of alcohol filled the air with young men and women sweating it out on the dance fall.

    Seated by a table away from Amelia and her friends, were Gwen and Jerry barely enjoying each other''s company as they drank from their champagne glasses, staring at people dancing. They individually had a score to settle with Amelia and sought for the perfect moment to retaliate her earlier insult.

    Over at Amelia''s table, her company attracted a lot of males who took turns trying their luck to woo one of the beautiful ladies. But none of the the ladies obliged. They seemed rather contented, enjoying each other''s company, plus the only handsome man in their midst, Tyler Young.

    Although Amelia wished they could all be Tyler free, she couldn''t get rid of him, seeing he had successfully melted his way through her friend''s heart.

    Aside from Amelia, Tina was also displeased with Tyler''s presence. It prevented her from bringing the issue she had with Amelia to the table for everyone to address.

    While they all drank, chatting and laughing loudly, Tyler stood up from where he was seated, two seats away from Amelia and made his way towards her. He dropped his champagne glass on the table and extended his right hand towards her.

    "Ahh..." Everyone on the table gasped including Tina, their pretty eyes widened in admiration and bewilderment.

    Thinking the ladies were infatuated by his gesture, especially Amelia whose cheeks had turned rosy red, Tyler said. "Amelia, would you like to dance with me?"

    "Ahem..." A deep, cold and intimidating voice standing behind Tyler made him shudder.

    "Blaze...." Tina abruptly stood up, beaming like a Christmas light, thinking he had come for her.

 Chapter 74 - 74: A Rude Gentleman.

    Tyler spun around, to see who this Blaze guy that has succeeded in capturing every single lady''s attention on the table was.

    "Oh..." Tyler saw the reason why. The man before him wasn''t just good-looking but could be compared to a supermodel with an edge. He didn''t recognize the face even though the name, Blaze, struck a bell in his memory.

    ''But where have I heard of that name before?'' Tyler pondered.

    Murmurs rippled across the table and a few nearby tables, with most of the ladies ogling at the handsome CEO, who was rarely seen socializing with women except if it meant business.

    Amelia sat, rooted to a single spot as she held Blaze''s masked stormy gaze. His eyes were a bit flared with indignation and for a moment, it seemed the world had gone silent around them.

    Amelia drank in Blaze''s captivating look, a reminder of his charming nature.

    He was cladded in a signature all-black tuxedo paired with well-polished black leather shoes and a customised golden Rolex wristwatch, all of which exuded effortless charm, authority and power.

    Anyone could even mistake him for one of the handsome male models in the event hall. However, his masked gaze which was seething into a burning rage spoke volumes of the turmoil inside of him.

    "Blaze, how nice of you to join us?" Tina clasped her hand happily.

    Ignoring Tina completely, which increased the intensity of gossiping around her, Blaze addressed Tyler as though he was talking to one of his subordinates in the office.

    "Move aside while I talk to these beautiful ladies."

    "What? Who the hell are you to tell me what to do?" Tyler snarled infuriated by Blaze''s rude tone.

    "Shit!" Amelia cursed in her heart, worried that Blaze might end up punching Tyler in the face.

    Tina, seeing this as a rare opportunity to defend Blaze while marking her territory, made her way to him while speaking to Tyler.

    "Mr Tyler, it seems you are not conversant with this handsome man standing before us. He is my very special friend, a man dear to my heart and my..."

    "Excuse me?" Blade rudely pushed Tina''s hands towards Tyler as she reached out to touch him.

    "Ah..." Tina gasped. She was already leaning all her weight forward towards Blaze, hoping to hug him against his earlier warning but found herself in Tyler''s arms looking all flushed and embarrassed. She quickly freed herself from Tyler''s embrace, mortified by the glaring pairs of eyes fixed on her.

    Muffled gasps and amused whispers came from different corners of the table and other tables nearby.

    "What the hell just happened?" Joanna whispered to Nicole who was silently amused.

    "Evidence to show that she was lying about everything." Nicole''s tone bore a hint of mockery. "We just got the confirmation."

    "Miss Steven, I do not appreciate such repulsive gestures" Blaze''s cold and emotionless voice rapped in Tina''s ears. "We are neither friends nor acquaintances. So be guided."

    "Blaze!" Tina''s weakened voice was barely audible as tears clouded her shimmering eyes, leaving Tyler angrier than before. He was greatly vexed by Blaze''s action and Tina''s clumsiness. He didn''t want anything that would ruin his opportunity to be with Amelia.

    "Hey, that''s not cool. You don''t treat women that way. She was just trying to be nice."

    Blaze''s scowl intensified, his heart inflamed with rage and his fist clenched as he tilted his gaze briefly to look at the maggot food that had been messing with his wife before reverting to Amelia and her friends

    "Ahem...." Stacy cleared her throat loudly attracting both men''s attention. "Can you both please take one of us to the dance floor? Most of us here are single and available." She said, hoping Blaze would just take his wife and leave.

    "Yeah!" All the ladies on the table aside Tina and Amelia concurred excitedly.

    Sadly both men had an eye for just one lady.

    Blaze returned his slightly softened gaze to Amelia.

    "Amelia, would you like to dance?"

    "What?" Tina''s jaw dropped.

    "No way, man." Tyler shook his head. "I asked her first."

    "Yes. I would like to dance with you." Amelia''s sharp response took all her friends except Stacy by surprise.

    "So I was right after all." Tina echoed in her heart, her tears threatening to fall. She stared at Amelia briefly before standing up and excusing herself from the table.

    Joanna, who was also rendered speechless by Amelia''s response also stood up and followed Tina out of the hall.

    From where they were seated, Jerry and Gwen watched the ongoing drama on Amelia''s table unfold. Even though they could barely hear what was being discussed due to the booming music, they could guess what was happening as they watched Amelia rise from her seat.

    "Everyone, please excuse me.".Amelia avoided all the pairs of eyes staring quizzically at her as she picked up her purse and strolled towards Blaze.

    However, Tyler wasn''t about to lose her to this heartless intruder. He impulsively blocked her path and tried to reason with her.

    "I know what you''re doing, Miss Amelia. But you don''t have to dance with him if you don''t want to." Tyler said, restraining himself from touching her on the shoulder. "We were all having so much fun before, Mr Blaze or whatever he calls himself showed up. Moreover, I was about to take you to the dance floor before his rude interruption. Dance with me instead." He stretched his right hand at her.

    Muffled gasps were heard across the table as everyone held their breath, afraid of what Blaze would do next.

    "Mr Young, thanks for your concern but I''m fine with my choice. Now, if you will excuse me." Amelia forced a smile.

    "Are you seriously considering this rude stranger over me or is there something I''m missing?" Tyler felt his pride trampled upon as he brought down his hand.

    "Mr Tyler, please, let me through." Amelia held Blaze''s inferno while pleading with him nonverbally.

    Sensing trouble, Stacy stood up to help pacify Tyler.

    "Fine, if it makes you happy." Tyler turned his jealous and piqued gaze towards Blaze. "If you dare hurt her the way you did Miss Tina. You will have me to contend with."

    Amelia''s face paled. She watched in complete horror as Blaze moved closer to Tyler, each silent step hammering like a warning gong in her pounding heart.

    Everyone on the table and other guests, whose attention had been drawn to the two handsome men, held their breath as Blaze stopped a few inches from Tyler.

    "GET OUT of her path this instant before I make you disappear." Blaze''s words were slow, intense and terrifying, causing beads of sweat to break up on Tyler''s forehead.

    "And if I don''t?" Tyler replied in a challenging tone, testosterone pumping into his bulging veins and blinding his sense of reasoning.

    Amelia hurried between both men to stop the inevitable from taking place. She placed her hands on Blaze''s clenched fist, stroking it gently to tame the awakening beast in him, an action that didn''t go unnoticed by her friends and other people close by.

    "Please, let''s just go."

    "Hmm..." Blaze gritted his teeth more infuriated that Amelia was begging for Tyler. "Sure, whatever you say, beautiful." He slowly snaked his hand around Amelia''s slim waist and pulled her closer to his side, a deliberate action that made Amelia frown and Tyler almost insane with envy. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Amelia, are you scared of this man? Don''t let him bully you. I can protect you from him." Tyler was deeply hurt by the fact that Amelia was choosing a brute over him.

    "Mr Young, can you please stop talking nonsense." Amelia snapped angrily at him, taking Tyler and the others by surprise. "You have no right to speak on my behalf. Now if you will excuse me."

    She turned her attention back to Blaze whose dangerous and chilly gaze was locked with hers. "Shall we?"

    "As you wish." Blaze spared Tyler one last meaningful look before leaving with Amelia.

    But instead of going to the dance floor, they both left in the direction of the exit.

    "What an asshole." Tyler took his seat feeling frustrated and furious. He picked up his class of champagne on the table and gulped down the entire content.

    "Mr Tyler, it seems you have a death wish going face-to-face with Mr Blaze Anderson," Stacy said, eying the foolish man.

    "Who?" Tyler was stunned.

    "Blaze Anderson, the billionaire chairman and CEO of Andex groups." Adriana chimed. "Don''t tell me you don''t know him. He''s not the type of man you want to pick a fight with."

    "That was Mr Blaze Anderson!" Tyler echoed, fear crippling his drumming heart.

    "Yes, and you''ve some have found your way into his naughty list. I heard that he doesn''t forgive easily." Nicole shook her head, already feeling sorry for Tyler.

    "Shit!"

    Tyler knew that name, ''Blaze'' was somehow familiar but he never expected to be standing before the renowned Blaze Anderson. He thought the man was a legendary ghost in country X.

    Having been a lawyer for almost five years, Tyler had been privileged to encounter different calibres of dangerous humans ranging from die-hard criminals to ruthless cartel leaders. They all had one thing in common which was to inspire fear and reverence in people. They never bluffed and they never forgive.

    He had heard men thought to be monsters in country X cower at that name, Blaze Anderson. He even thought this infamous dangerous devil was a mature man in his early fifties with grey hair and not the young handsome man he just confronted.

    "If that is Mr Blaze Anderson, Why is Amelia with him? Are they lovers?" Tyler asked, panic lacing his tone

 Chapter 75 - 75: Miserable Tina

    Tina rushed into one of the toilet cubicles in the convenience, her tears falling in torrents and her heart bleeding at Blaze''s rejection and Amelia''s betrayal. She angrily slammed the door shut and sat on the toilet seat, burying her head in her hands and crying her heart out.

    After meeting with Blaze last night and listening to the way he complimented her outfit, she felt he was cold towards her because of his angry mother. So she decided to find a way to meet with him privately while penetrating his mother through Amelia.

    She didn''t envisage him showing up in front of her friends at the party. And knowing who her friends were around hot and sexy men, she wasn''t about to take any chances. She had only stood up to clear the air and stake her claim on Blaze. She never dreamt he would go that far to embarrass her, especially in a public place filled with a lot of elite people.

    Not only did he succeed in humiliating her, but he also asked another lady to dance in front of her. The same lady who she have been trying to make peace with all day, thinking she accused her wrongly. The same lady who was now very good friends with his mom. The same lady who bluntly denied being in a relationship with him.

    "How could I have been so stupid?" Tina regretted apologizing to Amelia. She wished Amelia were here with her right now so that she could shred her into bits. Her hatred for Amelia quadrupled as she imagined Blaze and Amelia twirling on the dance floor.

    "Tina!" Joanna pushed open the convenience door, calling out her friend''s name passionately. She was met by two ladies who were standing before the mirror chatting and retouching their makeup. They both unanimously turned to look at her a little bit startled by her dramatic entry.

    "Sorry." Tina closed the door behind her. "Please have any of you seen a lady in a green dress come in here?" Joanna asked.

    "Do you mean the one crying in that last toilet cubicle?" One of the ladies pointed to a closed cubicle, recalling her the pretty blonde lady in green had rushed in without talking to any of them, her face lowered.

    "Oh...thanks." Tina hurried to the exact cubicle, her heart heavy for her distraught friend. She tried to open it but it was locked from inside.

    "Tina!" Joanna knocked repeatedly on the cubicle door, pressing her ear on the door to listen for any sign. She could hear muffled sniffles at intervals. "Tina, please open the door."

    "Go away!" Tina said in a broken voice.

    "Tina, come on. I''m not the enemy here." Joanna pleaded, tilting her head to look at the two ladies who had both stopped what they were doing and were staring at her.

    "Please can I have some privacy with my friend? She''s heartbroken." Joanna pleaded.

    "Sure." The first gave an apologetic smile as quickly rounded up what she was doing.

    "I hope she gets better." The second lady smiled sadly as she walked towards the door.

    "Thanks." Joanna waited for both ladies to exit the convenience before hurrying to the door and locking it from inside. She made sure that other cubicles were empty before returning to the cubicle where Tina was and knocked again.

    "Tina. It''s just the two of us now in here. Please open the door. Don''t make me beg. Whatever it is, we can work it out together."

    Joanna heard a click and smiled as the door knob turned. She completed the remaining task of opening the door by pushing it.

    "Oh, baby girl..." Joanna was disheartened to see her pretty friend''s face looking all red, with messy makeup.

    "I''ve never been so humiliated in all my life." Tina hiccupped, more tears falling from her eyes.

    "I''m so sorry, Tina. I guess he is still very much mad at you and trying to get back at you." Joanna said stroking her hair. "It''s never a good experience when one partner leaves the other. I guess now you know how he felt all those years."

    "But I said I was sorry. I really am." Tina wiped the streaming tears with the back of her hand, smearing her make-up the more. "He didn''t have to treat me like a total stranger out there for everyone to see."

    "Not everyone silly. Only a few saw what happened. They were too busy dancing and getting drunk." Joanna reassured her.

    "Moreover, breaking someone''s heart and saying sorry doesn''t work with the snap of a finger. This thing needs time. Only time can heal all wounds." Joanna knelt down to look into Tina''s said eyes. "I know this because I''m speaking from experience. It''s not easy to get over a heartbreak especially when you love someone. Maybe what he needs right now is a little space before you try again."

    "And let another girl take him away from me? No. I can''t do that. I can''t take such a risk. I want him back. I will do whatever it takes to make him happy. Help me. Help me win him back. I love him. Please." Tina pleaded desperately, holding Joanna on the arm.

    "How do you expect me to do that?" Joanna''s forehead furrowed. "Mr Anderson is not the type of man you can approach with such matters. He''s a very private man and temperamental. Everyone knows about him or do you have a better idea?"

    "Amelia." Tina sniffled, her voice dripping with anger and jealousy.

    "What about her?" Joanna''s frown deepened.

    "I think Blaze is into her."

    "You can say that for sure." Joanna shook her head.

    "Is the truth. I''ve seen the way they look at each other. At first, I thought I was wrong but now I am almost a hundred percent sure that something is going on between them. I can''t have Amelia take Blaze away from me. There are other men out there that she can go after."

    Joanna sighed standing up. The air in the cubicle suddenly felt a bit tense so she came out into the open space to breathe in fresh air and clear her thoughts. "I think you are exaggerating this. Asking Amelia to the dance floor doesn''t mean he''s already dating her."

    "I can prove it." Tina also stood up and joined her only friend. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "But Amelia has remarried," Joanna said in a defensive tone even though she began to doubt the possibility after seeing the way Amelia froze in Blaze''s presence.

    "Do you know her husband?"

    "No."

    "Have you. seen anyone posing as her husband before?" Tina asked again.

    "No." Joanna sighed.

    "Did she invite you guys to her secret second marriage?"

    "Why would she want to invite us when it is secret?" Joanna pursed her lips.

 Chapter 76 - 76: Boneheads

    "Fair enough. Do you at least know her husband''s name?" Tina wasn''t about to back down.

    Joanna let out of frustrated sigh. "No. What is your point exactly?"

    "She isn''t married" Tina blew into the tissue in her hands noisily. "She only tells us what she wants us to believe. I understand her step sister cheated on her with her fiance and she might be doing all of this just to get back at them. For all we know she could have purchased that ring to taunt her ex."

    "That is possible." Joanna slowly nodded her head,

    "Moreover, Amelia is f*cking rich. She can buy anything she wants in the world," Tina said, her tone tinged with envy. "She can easily sway anyone''s heart to like her. This makes her a threat to me. Blaze is the only man I have ever loved and will continue to love. I can''t let her take him away from me. I can''t stand her being beside him. If Blaze''s mother already likes her, she will recommend her to her son. I can''t let that happen. Please, help me talk to Amelia. Tell her to stay away from Blaze and his mom. This is all I ask."

    Tina cried harder, hoping she would win Joanna''s help and trust.

    "Fine." Joanna blew out forced air through her mouth. "Just stop crying. I''ll see what I can do."

    "Thank you." Tina threw her arms around Joanna''s neck, shedding more tears on the latter''s shoulder. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I haven''t made any promise yet," Joanna stressed. "I just need to verify that Amelia isn''t married. If she''s married, it''s a win-win for you because she would never cheat on her husband. But if she isn''t, then I''ll plead with her to stay away from Blaze. Is that fair enough?"

    "Yes. Thank you." Tina pulled away, a grateful smile spreading on her lips.

    "You''re welcome. Now let''s fix your face. You look like a scary crybaby." Joanne teased going for more tissue.

    -

    -

    After Blaze and Amelia left the event hall, with Amelia''s bodyguard closely following behind, Gwen and Jerry also stood up and discretely followed them, unaware that they were being monitored.

    Keeping a safe distance while acting as a touring couple exploring the magnificent hotel, Gwen and Jerry trailed their targets like detectives seeking answers to a crime committed. They watched as Blaze led Amelia towards an elevator, instead of going to the hotel lobby exit like every other normal guest leaving the venue.

    "I said it. He is probably taking her to a hotel room to f*ck her. Amelia is such a f*cking whore." Gwen whispered, sneering at the disappearing couple. She had secretly taken enough pictures of Blaze holding Amelia by the waist and couldn''t wait to show her dad what his little slut of a princess had become overnight.

    "Let''s not jump to conclusion," Jerry said in a deadpan tone, clenching his fist at the thought of another man banging his Amelia. "Let''s just follow them and find out if they are lodged in this hotel."

    "Sure," Gwen replied, masking her excitement with a sly grin.

    Although Jerry barely knew much about Blaze Anderson''s private life, he was greatly troubled by a possible alliance between Amelia and this ruthless CEO who had managed to carve out a niche for himself in both the business and underworld.

    "Which suite do you think he''s taking her to?" Gwen asked, craning her neck to see them enter the elevator.

    "There is only one way to find out." Jerry pulled Gwen away from blowing their cover. He waited for the elevator door to slide shut before he hurried down the hall to see where the ascending elevator would stop."

    "Eighteenth floor." Jerry pulled Gwen to the next elevator and pressed the open button. They got in and we were about to shut the door when another couple hurried to the closing door.

    "Please, hold the door for us." A fair slim lady with a cute baby face and jet black hair pulled up in a ponytail, said pleadingly pulling her lover by the wrist.

    They were both dressed in casual outfits and looked like resident guests of the hotel.

    "Sure." Jerry held the door until the couple got in.

    "Thank you." The nerd-looking partner of the lady said politely.

    "You''re welcome.

    "We''re going to the eighteenth floor. What number should we punch for you?" The lady asked in a cute voice.

    "Coincidentally, we are also going to the same floor." Gwen chimed sweetly.

    "Oh...wow, how nice." The lady punched the said floor number and the door slid shut.

    Both Gwen and Jerry exchanged amused glances as the elevator started ascending.

    As Jerry leisurely assessed the slim lady''s firm backside, he felt a sharp prick on his neck. "What the f*ck!" He raised his hand to his neck only to bring out a needle-like object.

    "Ouch!" Gwen cried at the same time in a tiny voice, gripping Jerry on the wrist, her terrified eyes looking up at him in confusion. "Did you....." She suddenly felt drowsy as her knees gave way under her weight, causing her to fall on Jerry.

    Jerry who was also feeling the same way, looked up at the slim lady and her partner who were now facing him and grinning devilishly as he fell on his knees with Gwen slumping on the elevator floor.

    "Who the f*ck are you...." Jerry slurred his last three words as everything around him suddenly turned dark. He slumped on the floor beside his wife in a disheveled heap.

    "Wakey! Wakey, bonehead." A gruff deep voice echoed.

    "Ahh!!!" Jerry jolted from what he thought was a terrifying nightmare as a stifling electrical current surged through his blood, causing him to tremble vigorously.

    "Jerry!" Gwen, who was already awake and scared out of her wit cried out in a muffled voice, her cheeks covered with two bold hand prints.

    Jerry, who thought he was having a scary nightmare widened his eyes to the real nightmares standing in front of him in the form of a hefty-looking man, whose arms and back were covered in different medival gothic tattoos.

    "I will only ask you one question. If you give me a wrong answer, then you will sing for me." The man said leisurely as though he was chatting over a coffee table.

 Chapter 77 - 77: You Dare Beg For Him?

    Jerry gulped down his saliva, beads of sweat crowding his forehead as his heart started slamming wildly against his chest. He observed that he was tied to a chair just like Gwen and they had both been stripped of their clothes to their undies. He also noticed that they were in some sort of a well-furnished hotel bedroom. He could hear tap water running and music coming from the bathroom.

    ''Where the hell are we and how did we come to this place?'' Jerry pondered ransacking his brain for answers. He tried to recall the last thing he remembered until a familiar face walked out of the bathroom with a white towel tied around her chest.

    Jerry''s widened eyes almost fell out of their sockets as he recognised the lady from the elevator grinning evilly at him as she slowly made her way to them.

    "You!" Jerry''s voice came out in muffled sounds due to the stuffed piece of cloth inside it. He watched the lady briefly share a kiss with the tattooed guy.

    ''So the nerd-looking guy in the elevator wasn''t even her lover.'' Jerry was in a daze.

    "Do you know this pervert was looking at my ass?" She said, tilting her head to look at Jerry, who at this point was trembling like a fish out of the water as he held her creepy gaze.

    Although terrified, Gwen was sickened to hear that Jerry was looking at another woman''s backside when he had her.

    "Make him pay for that too." The lady whispered enough for Jerry to hear, as she roughly pulled out the stuffed cloth in Jerry''s mouth.

    "With all pleasure." Her supposed rugged partner replied in a husky voice. He watched her leave the bedroom with some clothes before turning his attention to Jerry.

    "You like what you see, yes?" His callous voice rapped in Jerry''s ear.

    Jerry shook in head pleadingly while wondering who they were.

    "Why?" The man stood up, his chiseled muscle looking like a brick wall and his inflamed gaze narrowed like that of a bloodthirsty beast. "You think her ass isn''t big enough?

    "I..."

    Pow!

    The man''s fist came in fierce contact with Jerry''s cheek, instantly knocking out a tooth from his mouth.

    "No..." Gwen cried, struggling with the cuff holding her hands behind her.

    Jerry thought his neck had been dislocated from the punch as it whipped sideways from the force. He could literally see stars dancing before his eyes and he could hear a ringing sound in both his ears.

    "Do you think it''s big now?"

    Jerry heard the man growl as he slowly tilted his head to face him.

    Afraid that saying no might provoke the beast, he nodded his head, confirming his initial thoughts.

    Pow!

    Another fist landed on his other cheek as if his face was now the man''s punching bag.

    "Agh!" Jerry groaned, his banging head, whipping the other way. The stars dancing around his head increased in number as he spat out more bloodied saliva.

    "Please, stop!" Gwen pleaded, struggling in her seat.

    "Shut up, b*tch." The man went over to Gwen and gave her a third slap on her burning right cheek.

    "No... please leave her out of this." Jerry pleaded, hot tears streaming down his face.

    The man returned his ferocious gaze back to Jerry, a creepy grin framing his lips.

    "Now, let''s get down to business." He said, returning to Jerry''s side and picking up the charged electric metal rod.

    "Why were you following my boss?"

    "Huh...which bo....ahh!" A shriek of pure horror erupted from the pit of Jerry''s stomach, his teeth clenched as his body shook vigorously.

    "Please...you will kill him." Grew muffled words fell off deft ears as the tattooed man''s electric metal rod stayed a little longer on Jerry''s side.

    The man removed the rod from Jerry''s skin when he saw that the latter was reaching his limit.

    "Now let''s try this again. Who are you and why were you following my boss?"

    "Jerry Morgan..." Jerry said panting heavily his quivering eyes on the rod in his tormentor hand. "I swear... I was just following my ex-wife."

    "And yet my boss''s pictures are on your wife''s phone and yours as well." The man growled.

    "We...Agh!!!" Jerry let out another shriek of horror as the metal rod tip came in contact with his skin a second time.

    -

    -

    Meanwhile, inside a lavishly furnished presidential suite, Amelia dropped her clutch on the table, staring at Blaze who hadn''t said a word to her since they left the event. Her thoughts were a blizzard of conflicting emotions as she gazed into his cold and dangerously brimming eyes.

    She could tell he was furious at her for all the insults Tyler had hurled at him and she feared he may go after Tyler if she let him out of her sight.

    Blaze''s gaze shifted to her phone inside her clutch which had been ringing off the hook ever since they took the elevator. He could see the hesitation in her eyes as they darted between his and her clutch. But she didn''t make any move to answer the call.

    Without saying a single word to her, Blaze picked up her clutch and brought out her phone. He switched it off and tossed it on the couch before reverting his piqued gaze back to her.

    Taking a deep breath, Amelia decided to speak first.

    "Blaze, I''m sorry for the way..."

    "Go to the bedroom, take a shower and go to bed," Blaze said in a deadpan tone, cutting Amelia off from mentioning the soon-to-be dead jerk''s name. "We''ll talk in the morning." He said and made a move to leave. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    But Amelia, being stubborn and at the same time afraid for Tyler''s life hurried to block the closed door.

    "Blaze please..." She said taking his clenched right fist into her trembling hands. "Don''t hurt him. He doesn''t know who you..."

    In one swift and dangerous move, Amelia felt her back crash roughly on the door, with Blaze''s iron grip around her neck, as though he were about to snap it. Her eyes widened in alarm and her heart started slamming wildly against her chest as she stared into the beast eyes Blaze had suddenly transformed into. She tried to struggle but his grip only got tighter, almost choking the breath out of her.

    "You dare beg for him," Blaze growled in a low, deep and spine-chilling voice.

 Chapter 78 - 78: Altercation

    "You dare beg for him,"

    Blaze growled in a low, deep and spine-chilling voice. His menacing glare held Amelia trapped like a hungry predator encircling its little prey. His breath was scorching and his grey orbs were shrouded like a dark cloud with smudges emitting tiny flashes of light.

    Amelia struggled violently while trembling vigorously like a rabbit caught in a snare. Her heart was pounding widely in her ear, and her eyes felt as though they were about to pop out from its socket. A million thoughts ran through her head as she regretted taking Blaze for a contract husband.

    "Tell me, Amelia, do you care that much for the motherf*king bastard?" Blaze''s deep tone was dripping with venom.

    "Go to hell." Amelia managed to say as she struggled more fiercely hitting Blaze in the chest with all her might.

    Blaze leaned closer to her face, his scorching breath burning her skin. "I''m hell." He released his grip on her and dragged her to a couch forcing her to sit down while towering over her.

    Amelia greedily gulped air into her lungs while coughing and massaging her hurting neck. Her whole body was shaken with so much fright, as she looked up to meet Blaze''s vicious snarl, more tears falling from her reddened eyes.

    "You disappoint me, Amelia," Blaze spoke between clenched jaws, his heart bleeding at the sight of her tears.

    "You sat there while that fool flirted with you in public and you did nothing to kick him far away from you. You watched him insult me. He called me a brute before your friends and all I saw was you begging me to remain calm. You heard him challenge me and now you dare beg me on his behalf?"

    "He is just a f*cking investor in my company, you jealous psychopath," Amelia yelled unafraid, angered at the fact that Blaze dared to put his hands on her. "What do you expect me to do, chase him away like a flea."

    "You are supposed to behave like a married woman." Blaze clenched his fist, furious at the way this little precious lady was challenging him without an ounce of fear.

    "A married woman?" Amelia scoffed, standing up, more tears streaming down her face as she recalled how Gwen had made fun of her so-called marriage.

    "I am a married woman who still goes by the title of Miss," Amelia said poking Blaze with her forefinger, matching his fury with hers. "Do you even have any idea what that sounds like? It''s almost as if I''m married to myself. Like I''m making this all up just to gain public attention. Maybe if I had my husband by my side, a random guy wouldn''t be flirting with me. Maybe I won''t have to start acting like a wild woman in public shooing every single man that wants to socialise with me."

    "Are you done?" Blaze gritted his teeth, his nose flared and his darkened gaze narrowed viciously.

    "No...I''m not." Amelia spat out. "I may have to remind you that I entered this contract marriage of my own volition. I am not completely helpless and I am no man''s punching bag. I will not tolerate a husband who lifts his hands on me nor will I allow any man to bully me the way you just did. I swear to God, the next time you lay your hands on me like that, I promise I will hurt you badly even if it costs me my life." She turned her back to walk out on him when his next word caused her to freeze.

    "What if I told you that your stepmother and Mr Tylor Young are secret lovers?" Blaze said bluntly showing no signs of remorse for his actions.

    "What?" Amelia spun around, her reddened eyes widened. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "What if I told you that Tyler was intentionally placed in your company to woo you and destroy you just like Jerry did or maybe worse."

    "No," Amelia whispered, shaking her head, her knees suddenly trembling. It felt as though someone had turned a bucket of cold water on her head as she began to shiver at the thought of dancing to her stepmother''s tune all over again. She slowly lowered herself into the seat behind her, staring at the polished marble floor and feeling like a complete idiot.

    "We have done our research on him like you requested and we know he was planted in your company to monitor and unsettle you. While you were busy chatting, laughing and acting like the nice lady that you are, you have been the object of someone else''s amusement."

    "I...I...I..." Amelia stammered as words suddenly failed her. She looked up broken by Blaze''s words and terrified by the vicious look in his eyes.

    There was no humanity, love or even lust in them, only pure anger and hatred. She instantly regretted stopping him or even pleading on behalf of Tyler. She had thought that Tyler was a genuine man with a genuine attraction for her just like every other man. If she had known Tyler''s plans, she would have simply gone to bed just like Blaze instructed her earlier.

    Blaze stared at her long and hard, angry at himself for letting his emotions get in the way and at her for being so stubborn. He hated the fact that he had laid his hands on her roughly when all he wanted to do after he first saw her in that tempting dress was make love to her.

    "Go to bed, Amelia." He turned around and left the room without looking back.

    Outside the presidential suite door, Blaze gave orders to Pascal to ensure Amelia didn''t leave the room until he returned.

    "Yes, sir."

    On his way towards the elevator, Blaze received a call from Marcus. He tapped the receive button and said in a deadpan tone.

    "Speak."

    "Sir we have tracked him to a strippers club."

    "Good. Send me the location." Blaze hung up and dialled another number as he got into the elevator.

    "Hello, boss."

    Blaze could hear the mournful screeching of a man and the whimpering of a woman in the background. A wicked grin slowly replaced his scrunched expression.

    "Tidy up and set those vermin loose with a warning."

    "Yes, boss."

 Chapter 79 - 79: A Dance With The Devil

    After unknowingly confronting the devil named Blaze, Tyler spent a few more minutes in the company of Amelia''s friends before taking his leave.

    The first person he contacted when he got into his car was his father. He informed his old man, -who was currently at an unspecified location enjoying the fruits of his labour- about his altercation with Mr Anderson.

    "Go home and keep your head low. When I get back, we''ll find a way to appease the devil." Tylor Young said in a husky voice before hanging up.

    Tyler smirked after picking up the sound of a woman moaning over the phone before his dad ended the call. He knew he must have called the old man at the wrong time.

    Chuckling to himself, he closed his eyes and imagined what it would be like banging that sweet succulent beauty called Amelia. He pictured her naked in his mind while massaging his crotch.

    "F*ck! I need a pussy." He stopped what he was doing and dialed a friend''s number.

    "Where is the closest strip club in this city?" Tyler asked when his friend received his call.

    "Golden girls at Bayford Avenue." A cheerful voice replied from the other end.

    "Thanks, pal."

    "Save me some." His friend said jokingly before hanging up.

    Instead of returning home as his father urged him, Tyler decided to make one last stop at the Golden Girl before calling it a night.

    Unaware that his car had been bugged and all the conversation heard, he pulled out from the hotel parking lot and drove off.

    At the same time, two black Sedans with tinted glass pulled out from the hotel parking lot and drove off in Tyler''s direction.

    In less than twenty minutes, Tyler arrived safely at his destination. He parked his car by the roadside, opposite the club and made his way inside, tipping the bouncer at the door.

    The smell of alcohol, sweat and ass was the first thing that hit Tyler''s nostrils, filling him with a familiar sense of longing. He shook his body, vibing to the booming pop music while feasting his eyes on half-naked girls serving different cocktail drinks and champagne.

    "Nice!"

    Tyler moistened his lips, as he made his way to the bar rubbing his two hands together. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Can I get three shots of tequila?" He hailed at the barman while smacking one of the half-naked waitresses passing by with a tray, on the ass. He briefly sat by the bar to enjoy his drink, while watching the star of the night stripper perform on the stage amid a crowd of drooling men.

    After having a feel of his drink, he made arrangements for an exotic stripper at one of the club''s VIP suites.

    Within five minutes, all the arrangements were concluded and Tyler was given a hottie with big, firm and succulent boobs. He led her to his specified VIP room and wasted no time getting down to business when he was safely inside the privacy of his room.

    Tyler was in the middle of giving his exotic beauty an ass f*ck, unaware of the intruders who had silently made their way into his VIP room. He was in another level of ecstasy, with the girl he was f*cking moaning loudly when he felt a cold metal on the back of his head.

    "Shit!" He instantly froze, his dick still buried deep in the girl''s ass as he raised both hands up.

    The girl, whose eyes were tightly shut, opened them to find out why the client had suddenly stopped tormenting her ass. But when her eyes fell on some men, all cladded in complete black suits and dark shade, she almost let out a scream.

    "Shhh..." One of the dreadful-looking men placed her gloved forefinger on his lips. "Make one sound and you will receive a bullet in the head."

    She closed her eyes, nodding her head, terrified of what these angry-looking men were going to do to her.

    "P...please, I... I...I..."

    "Not a word." The guy pointing the gun at Tyler''s head said in a low dreadful voice.

    "Should we let him finish?" One of the men in black asked his partner in a taunting voice.

    "I''m sure he has had his full by now, right, Tyler?" The second man asked, grinning devilishly like a Cheshire cat.

    Tyler''s racing heartbeat took a fatal somersault. Here he was thinking these people had entered the wrong room when they actually came for him. He recalled that he had only stepped on one man''s foot today and he feared these men were from the same devil.

    ''Shit! I should have gone home like Dad said.

    "Cut the girl loose." The man with the gun ordered.

    The girl let out a muffled whimper as she was roughly yanked away from her client. Her hands and mouth were taped before she was pushed into the bathroom.

    "You didn''t see anything." The man who had dragged her in there said.

    With tears-filled eyes, the girl nodded her head before the door was slammed shut in her face.

    The main door to the VIP room opened and someone with a dangerous aura walked into the room, causing the temperature to drop down to minus five degrees.

    A chair was pulled towards Tyler and placed before him as Blaze strode to the seat. His narrowed and darkened gaze fell on the half-naked fool who had dared to flirt publicly with his wife, a devilish smirk curling up the side of his lips as he sat down, crossing his legs.

    Tyler kept his head lowered, too terrified to look up at the beast seated in front of him. A sickening chill ran down his spine as he stared at the devil''s polished shoe, glistening in the glow of the red light. He wished these evil men could at least save him the dignity of pulling his pant up and covering his dangling dick.

    Blaze gave a nonverbal signal to the guy standing behind Tyler and the latter pulled back his gun, causing Tyler to release a breath he didn''t know he was holding.

    "So you think you can flirt with my wife and still insult me," Blaze said in a low, and chilly voice, his tone dripping with so much venom.

    Tyler looked up to meet Blaze''s lethal gaze, his expression framed with confusion. "Your wife?"

    Pow!

 Chapter 80 - 80: Does It Still Hurt?

    Tyler didn''t know the direction where the iron fist came from that forced his head to snap sideways. He let out a deep grunt, his tongue tasting a metallic liquid substance in his mouth. His right cheek felt as though a boulder had come in contact with it, as pain shot up into his brain.

    "You think you can mess around with my wife and still breathe."

    Tyler who had barely recovered from the first punch felt another fist come in contact with his temple, knocking him to the floor.

    "Agh!" Tyler spat out bloodied saliva, groaning in pain. "I swear, I didn''t know....she was your..."

    Tyler''s words caught in his throat when he got a hard kick in his exposed groin.

    "Agh!" Tyler felt blood and bile shoot up to his throat, as he grunted hitting his fist on the cold marble floor while gnashing his teeth.

    "Ignorance is not an excuse."

    Tyler felt another hard kick on his side, causing him to spit out more blood.

    "You should have done your research well before deciding to mess with what is mine."

    Tyler wasn''t given any room to breathe as he felt another kick on the other side of his ribs. At this point, he was gasping for air, knowing he was a dead man.

    "Please..." Tyler coughed out more blood. "Please... Let me make amends."

    "Of course you will. You will make full restitution for all your insult starting by betraying your father." Blaze said standing up and walking over to where Tyler was, his calm yet deadly composure intact. He pushed Tyler with the heel of his shoes to face upwards and stepped on his throat, applying pressure while glaring viciously at Tyler''s messy face.

    "Since you were willing to dine with the devil. I will spare your life because my wife begged for you. In return, you will do everything I whisper in your ear." Blaze intensified the pressure of his heel on Tyler''s throat, almost crushing his windpipe.

    "If you deviate an inch from the path I have designed for you, I will come down on you and your entire family like the holocaust."

    Tyler nodded his swollen and reddened head, struggling like a man are the verge of exploding. He gasped for air, as Blaze''s heel left his throat.

    "You were involved in a drunk fight. Clean up your mess." Blaze said grimly before walking out of the room with his men.

    Tyler kept nodding his head until the last man left the room, shutting the door silently behind him. He passed out afterwards, grateful to still be alive.

    -

    -

    Jerry and Gwen were set free after undergoing various levels of electric torture. They were threatened with an excruciating death and told what to say before they were formally handed over to the cops for breaking and entering.

    Their assaulters requested that they both be charged to court and pay a compensation fine for some stolen priceless assets worth millions of dollars.

    However, since it was already nighttime, they were both taken to the police station. They were denied from contacting their respective families until the next day.

    Consequently, while the Morgan and Shawls enjoy the warmth of their respective homes, Gwen and Jerry spend their first night in the police station, locked up in different cells.

    -

    -

    Blaze returned to the hotel feeling a bit relieved of his earlier rage. He released Pascal and Clay for the night before unlocking the door with his key card and quietly entering the suite.

    Thinking Amelia would be inside the bedroom sleeping, he was stunned to see her coiled up on the couch, snoring silently. She was still dressed in her tempting gown and her shoes were still strapped to her feet. Her golden brown hair was sprawled on the white couch like rich, melted chocolate on vanilla ice cream, so captivating and beautiful.

    Blaze quietly took off his shoes and made his way to her. He stared down lovingly at her serene face, a crease appearing on his forehead as he observed her reddened face, with traces of tears mark. He could tell that she had probably cried herself to sleep and he felt responsible for this.

    Letting out a silent sigh, he took off his jacket and placed it over her exposed body.

    Taking off his tie and removing his cufflinks, he rolled up his sleeve and knelt beside her. He slowly took off her shoes without waking her up. Then he carefully lifted her up in his arms and took her to the bedroom. He gently placed her on the plush bed, adjusting her head carefully on the pillow.

    He sat beside her and stared at her beautiful face with so much longing in his eyes. He softly pushed her hair away from her cheeks, an action that awakened the sleeping beauty.

    Amelia fluttered her eyes open, surprised to see Blaze seated beside her and staring into her eyes. His grey orbs emitted this magical glow like a silver fire, consuming her in its flame. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Amelia froze for a second before relaxing thinking she must be dreaming. She recalled that she hadn''t left the outer sitting room. And the last time she checked, she was lying on a couch.

    "Amy..." Blaze called softly, his deep and tranquil voice like sweet playing jazz music in her ear. She felt his gentle touch which felt so real stroking her cheeks. "I''m sorry for the way I rough-handled you. I was angry but I shouldn''t have let my emotions get in the way."

    Amelia continued to stare into those mesmerizing eyes which seemed to have her hypnotized. She felt a magnetic pull towards him causing her to push herself up. Her almond eyes welled up with tears as she lifted her hand to stroke the side of his face.

    Blaze''s heart was racing for the stars as he leaned toward her tender touch, a warmth he once experienced when his life was still sane creeping into his heart. He frowned when his eye fell on her slender neck which bore a faint mark of his rage.

    Reaching for her neck, he gently touched it, causing Amelia''s tears to fall.

    "Does it still hurt?"

    Amelia nodded as it slowly dawned on her that this wasn''t a dream. Blaze was really back like he promised and he was no longer that monster she despised.

    "Where does it hurt?" Blaze asked in a deep husky voice.

    "Here." Amelia pointed at the base of her neck. She closed her eyes as his warm lips came in contact with her skin, kissing the spot she had pointed.

    "Does it still hurt?" He asked looking up at her teary eyes and holding her passionate gaze.

    "A little." Amelia moistened her dry lips as Blaze kissed her softly again trailing the kiss upwards.

    "How about now?" His warm breath fanned against her skin.

    "Almost there," Amelia whispered, melting like wax as he inched closer to her lips.

    "And now?" He nuzzled her on the cheek, licking up her tears.

    "Better!" She slowly leaned forward, locking lips with him as the world around her vaporised into thin air.

 Chapter 81 - 81: Enthralled

    Amelia awoke to a familiar warm intoxicating scent feeling her nostrils. It was a sweet blend of musk, wood and mint lingering on her nude skin, the white sheet and the gorgeous man lying beside her. It tickled her senses and filled her with some kind of longing.

    She fluttered her lashes open, her blurry vision adjusting to the brightness of the room. She could feel Blaze''s powerful hand resting lazily on her stomach and his legs entangled in hers. She could feel his warm breath on her shoulders, tingling her skin and causing her pinkish nipple to harden.

    Turning her face sideways to look at him, she was enthralled to watch him sleeping soundly like an adorable big baby with no care of the world around him. Half of his face was buried in the soft pillow but the other exposed half was like a perfectly sculptured work of art, so beautiful and so innocent.

    She drank in his divine beauty as memories of the previous night flooded her heart, making her face turn beet red. She recalled how vigorous he had been inside of her, moulding and kneading every bit of her body with such tenderness and skill, like a renowned porter. Her eyes narrowed down to his half-concealed lips and she imagined what it would feel like to kiss those sexy lips again.

    She moistened her lips as she slowly reached out to touch his face. But when she recalled the nature of their business relationship and the condition of their contract, she quickly withdrew her hand back to the side and turned her face away from him.

    "I thought you were going to kiss me," Blaze said in a husky voice, opening his eyes.

    "Shit!" Amelia caused under her breath. "Have you been awake all this time?" She asked turning her face the other way in embarrassment.

    "I''ve been awake long enough to know that my wife craves for me," Blaze said softly, lifting his head from the pillow to look into her flushed face. "So why didn''t you kiss me even though you know you wanted it?"

    All this while, she was staring lustfully at him, his eyes had been partially open, discreetly staring back at her. He was patiently waiting for her to take the initiative but was disappointed when she suddenly withdrew.

    "I wasn''t going to kiss you," Amelia said making a move to roll out of the bed. But Blaze quickly pulled her back into his passionate embrace, burying his head on the side of her neck with his leg wrapped around hers.

    "Liar." He whispered, biting softly on the tip of her ears.

    "I don''t have to prove anything to you. Let go of me." Amelia tried to free her trapped body even though she was enjoying the sweet torment of his tongue.

    "You don''t get to arose me and run away, wifey," Blaze said, nibbling slightly on her earlobe, while fondling stroking her firm inviting boobs, causing her to jerk a little. A mischievous smile spread across his face as he showered her face and neck with feathery kisses.

    Flustered, Amelia tried to push his face away. "Blaze...stop. It''s morning and I have to go to work." She said breathlessly, biting down on her lower lips to stifle a moan. She could already feel his erection pressing on the back of her bosom and her sultry body seemed eager to continue from where she had stopped the previous night.

    "It''s Saturday, honey." Blaze''s husky voice got deeper. He made her face him as he stared into her quivering eyes, intoxicated by her wild yet innocent look.

    "You can work from Monday till Friday but your weekends are specially meant to take care of me and my needs. I''ve already made all the arrangements. We will be spending the entire morning here in this hotel room getting to know each other more intimately."

    "Huh!" Amelia''s eyes widened. "But..."

    Blaze swallowed up her words in a passionate kiss, his wandering hands sliding down her stomach and in between her thighs.

    "Ah..." Amelia''s breath caught as she stiffened her body, causing Blaze to let out a deep guttural groan.

    "You have no idea how much I had to restrain myself when I woke up last night staring at your beautiful body." Blaze''s kisses got hotter, his gentle touch electrifying as he claimed her lips again in another intense kiss, his fingers setting Amelia''s core on fire.

    "Blaze., you...ah..." Amelia''s words caught in her throat again as Blaze took one of her fingers which were trying to push his face away, into his mouth and started sucking on it. She could feel her heartbeat racing again as her toes curled at the fireworks exploding in her core.

    Every of her attempts at restraining him only gave him more access into her. At some point, she forgot to breathe, when she felt all of him inside of her. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I don''t feel anything. It''s just business." Amelia echoed in her heart as Blaze took her to the moon and back.

    -

    -

    Meanwhile, at the Salvine city police headquarters, Regina was having a bad day with the chief of police.

    After leaving the comfort of her mansion to take care of a sick friend, she returned this morning only to get a message from Gwen informing her that she was at the police station.

    Upon arriving at the police station, Regina was informed that her daughter and her son-in-law were both arrested the previous night for breaking and entry, and theft.

    At first, Regina thought that they were playing an expensive joke on her. However, when she was taken to see the chief of police due to her husband''s political status in society, it dawned on her that they were not joking after all.

    Inside the chief of police office, Regina could be heard behind the closed door, ranting at the top of her voice like an insane woman.

    "What incompetent fools would put the daughter of a serving senator of this country behind bars without contacting her family?"

 Chapter 82 - 82: Furious Mother

    "Madam..."

    "Do you have any idea of what you just did?"

    "Madam, please calm down. The people your daughter and son-in-law messed with are equally more powerful." The stout bald man with bushy eyebrows and fox-like eyes said in a pleading tone, in an attempt to placate the angry woman yelling at him.

    "Really?" Regina spat out between gritted teeth. "Because they are powerful, they think they can intimidate my daughter and my family? Because my husband isn''t currently in town, you think you can talk to me in that manner?"

    "Mrs Shawls, can you just calm down and let me explain?" The chief of police tried to reason with her.

    "Do not tell me to calm down, Mr Fabian." Regina continued to yell at the top of her voice. "You of all people know my husband is an honest serving senator. You know my family too well to insult us in this manner. We are respectable citizens of this city. Money is not our problem. How could you accuse my daughter of breaking and entering, not to talk of stealing? This is unacceptable. I want to see those idiots who accused my daughter. I am going to sue all of them for this embarrassment. And then I will sue you for for negligence and defaming of character."

    Mr Fabian''s forehead furrowed at her threat. For the past five minutes since this woman entered his office, she have been barking at his face, insulting him and all his officers. And now she was crossing the line by threatening him. He pursed his lips and said.

    "Mrs Shawls, I understand that you are angry that your daughter and son-in-law got arrested. But I will no longer tolerate you insulting me in my office or threatening me. I''m only according to you the respect deserving of a senator''s wife. If you won''t sit down and wait for your daughter and son-in-law to come in here and explain themselves to you, you might as well wait outside my office."

    "What!" Regina''s jaws dropped.

    "You heard me." Mr Fabian said dryly. "If you won''t sit down and let me explain, then I see no point wasting my time listening to you."

    Just then a knock was heard on the door.

    "Come in." Mr Fabian barked, taking his seat.

    The door was pushed open and a female police officer peeked inside.

    "Chief the culprits are here."

    Regina turned to scowl at the female police officer for calling her daughter and son-in-law, ''the culprits''.

    "Send them in."

    "You also have more visitors, both parents of the male culprit."

    "Send all of them in." Mr Fabian waved his hand dismissively.

    Regina held her breath, her eyes still glued on the door as the female police officer made way for Gwen and Jerry to be escorted in, both of them in handcuffs. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    They were closely followed by Mr and Mrs Morgan who were equally shocked and terrified to see their son and daughter-in-law looking a bit pale and manhandled.

    While Mr and Mrs Morgan focused on their son, cuddling and questioning him, Regina focused her attention on her daughter.

    "Jesus! Gwen!" Regina almost had a heart attack when her eyes fell on her daughter''s face which was still a bit swollen and reddened, with fading bold hand prints.

    "Who did this to you?" Regina hurried over to her daughter, tears gathering in the corner of her eyes. She tried to touch Gwen''s swollen face and the latter winced in pain.

    "Mom, stop. It still hurts." Gwen cried, relieved to finally see her mother after almost escaping death at the hands of those monsters. She hugged her mom and cried in the latter''s arms.

    "Tell me who did this to you right now and I will have them beaten and thrown into the darkest prison in this country," Regina said assessing her daughter for any other physical injury on her body.

    "Just take me home Mom. I want to leave this godforsaken place." Gwen lamented, her body still shaking from the torture she received the previous night.

    "Can you please take off these cuffs," Regina shouted at the cops who had escorted Gwen and Jerry inside.

    The officer in charge looked up at the chief of police who gave him a nonverbal permission to go ahead.

    "Dimwit!" Regina cursed out loud as the cuffs were removed from her daughter''s wrist followed by that on her son-in-law''s.

    "Now, can we all sit down." The chief of police gestured to all of them. "We can settle all of these amicably without it getting escalated."

    "No way." Regina barked at the chief again, earning her a scowl from the chief and the other cops in the office. "We will not settle any of these amicably. I want to see the bastards who did this to my daughter. I want them arrested for assault and battery. Can you do that? Can you do your goddamn job?"

    "Mom please just do what...."

    "Keep quiet Gwen and let me handle this." Regina snapped at her daughter.

    "Regina, I think you should listen to your daughter and..."

    "Shut up Jerry " Regina narrowed glares shut invisible fiery darts at Jerry. "I can''t believe you were with Gwen and someone would do this to her. I am so disappointed in you."

    Jerry''s fist clenched, but his mother was quick to ease his rage.

    "I''m still waiting to meet with those fools," Regina demanded.

    Mr Fabian took in a deep breath to calm the storm raging inside of him. "I''m afraid that can''t happen, Mrs Shawls. "But if you sit down, I''m sure we can..."

    "I said I want to see those baboons now, goddammit," Regina yelled stomping her heel on the floor.

    "That is it." The chief snapped angrily. "Officers take them away. Return the criminals to their cell and escort these people out of this station. You can send your lawyers over and they will handle this in court."

    "Fine. But you will be so sorry." Regina was more infuriated than ever.

    "What?" Gwen cried out.

    "Regina, you can''t do that." Jerry panicked.

    "We are guilty of the offence, Mom," Gwen said, confessing to a crime she knew nothing about.

    "Gwen, are you out of your mind? Do not say anything until the lawyer arrives." Regina said in a rebuking tone while dialing a number on her phone.

    "Can you just listen to me for a second and do as I say?" Gwen angrily slapped her mother''s expensive phone off her hands causing it to crash on the floor. "I said Jerry and I are guilty and we are willing to settle out of court."

 Chapter 83 - 83: That Cant Be My Son

    A brief deafening silence fell in the office as every pair of eyes tilted to the smashed latest edition iPhone on the marble floor, eyes widened and jaws dropping.

    Mr Fabian almost felt sorry for Regina. If she had probably listened to him and calmed down, this wouldn''t have happened.

    "Gwen!"

    Regina boomed, her widened eyes darting between her scrunched face daughter and her invaluable device. It was an iPhone 4S elite gold brand worth millions of dollars which she recently acquired with a fraction of her loot.

    "Have you gone mad?" Regina yelled, steam coming out from both of her ears, as she crouched to pick up her damaged phone. "Look at what you''ve done to my phone screen."

    "Well deserved," Jerry muttered under his breath, beaming with satisfaction. He stopped his parents from pleading with Regina, still brooding on her earlier insult.

    "Is just a bloody phone, Mom. We can fix it later. At least, I have your attention now." Gwen sneered feeling unremorseful.

    One of the officers standing behind Gwen frowned. He was disgusted by her behaviour after destroying something so expensive. He mentally calculated the cost of the phone and compared it to his annual income. Only that phone could pay his salary for his entire service year without any hiccups. How he hated rich people and their wasteful vanities.

    "Just a phone!" Regina flared up at her daughter. "Just a phone you say? Do you have any freaking idea how much it''s cost me to get it?"

    "Can you stop being materialistic right now and help me get out of this place or do you need me to call Uncle Matt and ask for his help?" Gwen lashed out at her mother matching her anger.

    Regina slightly froze, dumbfounded at her daughter''s masked threat. "You wouldn''t dare."

    "Try me."

    "I think we all need to calm down and address the matter at hand." The chief of police intervened in the mother and daughter feud which was getting out of hand. "As I said earlier, we can either address this matter right here and right now or you can all go to court and battle it out there. The ball is in your court."

    "We will settle the matter here, chief." Jerry''s father spoke up stepping forward. "Just tell us what we need to do."

    "Mrs Shawls..." They stared at the slightly lost and enraged mother. "Fine. We''ll settle out of court."

    "Then you all should get seated while we wait for his lawyer to arrive."

    "Who is this almighty, ''He''." Regina scoffed.

    A knock on the door followed by a creaking sound ushered in Blaze''s business lawyer, Mr Barry.

    "Impossible!" Jerry''s jaws dropped, recognizing Amelia''s lawyer.

    "Who are you?" Regina eyed the lawyer, scanning him from head to toe.

    "I''m Mr Barry and I''m here to represent my client''s interest."

    "And who is this client of yours?" Mr Morgan asked.

    "Mr Anderson."

    "Mr Anderson!" All three parents echoed the name in shock.

    "Yes." Mr Fabian concurred, gesturing to the two chairs opposite his table and the empty couches. "Mr Blaze Anderson is the person Gwen and Jerry broke into his hotel room."

    -

    -

    Taylor Young reluctantly checked out of the hotel after his beautiful companion was forced to leave him in the early hours of the morning to attend to a family emergency. He got into his white latest edition Mercedes-Benz and signalled his driver to take him home.

    On his way home, he decided to check up on his son and get more updates about his previous evening encounter with Blaze Anderson.

    But instead of his son taking the call. Tylor heard the voice of a young female asking if this was Tyler''s father.

    "Who are you and why are you with my son''s phone?" Taylor demanded in a deep, arrogant and intimidating phone. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I am Nurse Faith and I work with the Salvine General Hospital. Please sir are you driving?"

    "No. But that doesn''t answer my question. Why are you with my son''s phone? Put Tyler on the phone now."

    "I''m sorry sir but I''m afraid I can''t do that. I have slightly disturbing news to give you and I need to understand you do not have any underlying heart conditions."

    Tylor brows pulled together, his patience wearing thin.

    "Can you spit out whatever you have to say and stop wasting my precious time? Where is my son?"

    "My Tyler Young is currently admitted to our hospital

    "What?" Tylor boomed, eyes widened and heart racing. "How did that happen? Is he alright? Can I..."

    "Sir, I''m afraid I can''t answer any more of your questions. I would appreciate it if you come down to the Salvine General Hospital emergency unit. Our doctors here would be more than glad to answer all your questions."

    "Insolent fool!" Tylor hung up, seething in rage. "Turn this car around and take me to Salvine General Hospital." He said, barking at his aged driver who was already accustomed to his varied mood swings.

    Twenty minutes later, Tylor hurried into the main hospital reception and started demanding for his son.

    The male nurse receptionist, who had just resumed his morning shift and had no knowledge of the patient brought in the previous night through the emergency unit decided to ask a few questions leading to a series of ugly events.

    "Sir, what did you say your son''s name was again?" The male nurse asked, going through the list of patients that were registered in the attendance log book.

    "Tyler Young," Tylor said impatiently while staring at a female nurse pushing a young man seated on a wheelchair - whose head and right hand were heavily bandaged.

    ''Please Tyler, be okay.'' Tylor prayed earnestly in his heart as he waited to get directions to the specified ward number where his son was being held.

    "You said he was brought in here this morning?" The nurse asked again going through the list of names on the logbook and the computer.

    "I''m not sure because that damn nurse didn''t say anything to me," Tylor replied scowling at the visibly shaken male nurse. "Just check your records for yesterday and today."

    "Okay, sir." The nurse scanned through the previous day''s patient list for Tyler Young but found no such name. He called his partner to help him check in case he was omitting something.

    "How long does it take to find a single f*cking name?" Tylor thundered at the two nurses, banging his clenched fist on the reception desk and causing them to flinch backwards. His outburst attracted the attention of other patients in the reception - who were appalled by his choice of words - and the admin manager.

    A professionally dressed female admin manager came out of her office, wearing a disturbed look on her face. She made her way around the desk to meet the grieved client.

    "Good morning, sir. Please let me attend to you."

    "Just give me directions to my son. Is that a difficult job for you people to do?" Tylor growled, glaring at the young female in reading glasses who was smiling apologetically at him.

    "His name is..." She looked at the male nurse.

    "Tyler Young. We have checked today''s and yesterday''s attendance. He was not captured, ma''am."

    "Have you contacted the emergency unit?"

    Ding!

    A bell rang in Tylor''s head. The annoying nurse had said something about an emergency unit.

    "I''ll do that right away ma''am." The male nurse picked up the intercom and reached out to the emergency unit. "Do you go have any patient with the name Tyler...Yes... thank you." He dropped the call and looked up to his boss.

    "He was brought in last night at the hospital emergency unit." The male nurse receptionist reported, releasing a suppressed sigh.

    "Thank you." The female admin manager tilted her head back to their grieved client. "Sir, can I take you to him now?"

    "What are you waiting for?" Tylor shot her a nasty look instead of admitting to his earlier mistake.

    They both left for the hospital emergency unit and were directed to the general intensive care unit, where a total of four patients were receiving medical treatment. The admin manager handed Tylor to the head doctor before returning to her office.

    "Welcome Mr Tylor Young. I am Doctor Roch and the chief surgeon of the hospital." The mature doctor with grey hair and an air of renowned experience, extended his hand politely.

    "It''s nice to meet you, Doctor Roch." Tylor shook hands briefly before asking. "Where is my son."

    "Please come with me." Dr Roch said politely, leading the bewildered father into the ward.

    "If I may ask, what happened to Tyler?" Tylor asked, panic lacing his voice as he passed by the first unconscious patient, who looked as though he had been pulled out of a rubble.

    Doctor Roch let out a sympathetic sigh as he recalled Tyler''s pathetic state when he was first brought in.

    "According to the nice young lady who brought him down here, he was involved in a drunken fight at a stripper club."

    "What!" Tylor''s jaws dropped. "A stripper''s club? How come?" Tylor asked, even though he knew both his sons were womanizers just like him.

    "I''m afraid I can''t answer that question." The doctor said shaking his head as they got near bed four. "But I can tell you for certain that your son was in a bad state when he came to us. He had a broken and bleeding head, a broken arm, multiple fractured ribs and an acute groin injury as a result of someone kicking him in the nut."

    Taylor''s jaws dropped. His eyes widened and were filled with horror as they stopped before bed four.

    "Here is Tyler."

    "That can''t be my son."

 Chapter 84 - 84: My Heart Is Aching

    There on the bed, lying unconscious and strapped to different beeping medical devices, intravenous drip and an oxygen mask, was Tyler Young. He was looking like someone who had been run over by a truck.

    His face was slightly swollen with a few slash marks and a conspicuous black eye. His slightly dislocated neck was held in place with a cervical collar. White bandages were wrapped around his head, his bare chest, and one of his arms.

    Tylor could feel his body trembling as he stepped backwards almost tripping on the blue hospital folding bedside screen.

    But Doctor Roch was quick to hold the terrified father and support him.

    "That can not be my son," Tylor whispered in a low broken voice.

    "I''m very sorry, sir. I wish I could tell you otherwise. But you can be rest assured that we are doing everything within our power to help Mr Tyler recover. He should be back on his feet within two to four weeks."

    Tylor nodded his head, barely hearing what Doctor Roch was saying as he slowly approached his son''s bedside, tears gathering at the corner of his eyes.

    "You said he was involved in a drunken fight at a stripper club, right?" Tylor asked, stroking his son''s face.

    "That is what we were told by the young lady who brought him in." Doctor Roch replied.

    "Who is this lady and where is she?" Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I''m afraid she bailed on us after dropping off your son. I guess she was afraid of getting arrested or standing in as a witness. That was why we tried reaching out to you last night to no avail. So we contacted the police before commencing the operational procedures." Dr Roch explained.

    Tylor hands balled into a fist, his initial panicked look replaced with a murderous expression.

    "Did she say anything about those who were responsible for beating my son?"

    "No. But our emergency team did get a call from the Golden Girls Stripper''s Club about several emergency cases resulting from a drunken fight gone wild. I have reasons to believe that your son was involved in that fight."

    Tylor''s scrunched face deepened.

    "Have my son transferred to the VIP ward and ensure he gets only the best treatment. I need him up and functioning in less than a week."

    A frown etched on Doctor Roch''s face.

    "We will do our best, sir. However, a week might not be feasible due to his broken ribs. It would need more time to heal."

    "Just make the time shorter." Tylor spat out between clenched teeth. "I will pay handsomely for it."

    "We will do our best, sir." Doctor Roch decided not to argue with the aggrieved father. "Why don''t you go down to the accounting department to sort out some outstanding bills while I arrange for the transfer to the VIP ward?"

    "Fine." Tylor spared his son one last enraged look before storming out of the general ward.

    -

    -

    Tina hadn''t been herself since the previous day after learning that Blaze and Amelia left the event venue together, holding hands like a couple. She almost ran insane with jealousy if it hadn''t been for Joanna by her side. She made sure all of their friends knew about Amelia''s betrayal even though some of them acted indifferent to the information.

    After making several failed attempts to reach out to Amelia directly and indirectly, Tina decided to leave the battle for the next day.

    By the following morning, she was looking more miserable than the previous night. Her eyes were swollen from crying and her head was banging from overthinking. She picked up her phone and tried Amelia''s number again. But it was still the same old story. Amelia''s phone was switched off.

    Tina checked her messages to see if Amelia replied to at least one of the many accusatory and insulting messages she sent. But sadly, there was not a single message from Amelia.

    Only Joanna replied to her messages, encouraging her to hang in there and wait until Amelia was back online.

    "How long do I have to f*cking wait," Tina screamed, picking up the glass of water by her bedside and smashing it angrily on the floor, causing shards of glass to fly in every direction.

    The sharp and loud sound of shattering glass coupled with her scream, attracted her mother''s attention.

    "Tina!" Eunice Stevens came up to her daughter''s bedroom door and pushed it open without knocking. "Oh my goodness, Tina."

    Eunice widened eyes stared at the mess on the floor. The maid behind Eunice, who was holding a glass of juice for the young madam was startled to see broken glass everywhere.

    "Clean up this mess this instant," Eunice said as she collected the tray containing the glass of freshly squeezed apple juice.

    "Yes, ma''am." The maid bowed her head politely before dashing off to get her cleaning tools.

    Eunice carefully maneuvered her way over to her daughter''s bedside, where the latter had her head buried in her pillow, crying. She carefully drops the tray on the bedside table before turning to look at her daughter.

    "Baby, what is the matter? Did something else happen?" Eunice sat on her daughter''s bed, raising her feet up to avoid getting pierced or a cut. She moved closer to her daughter and started stroking her hair while speaking to her softly.

    "Baby..."

    "Her phone is still switched off, Mom." Tina''s voice was raspy almost like a broken record as she lifted her head up to meet her mother''s pitiful gaze.

    "No one has been able to reach her and I have every reason to believe that she''s with him. That slut could have spent the night in Blaze''s bed, mum. What am I going to do? I don''t want to lose him again. My heart is aching."

    Eunice''s forehead furrowed at the sight of her pretty daughter''s grief-stricken face. She could tell Tina didn''t catch a good sleep due to the heavy eye bags hanging below her reddened eyes. And this slightly pissed her off. She asked the maid, -who had arrived with the cleaning tools to wait outside and shut the door behind her before turning to face her daughter squarely.

    "You have to put yourself together," Eunice said in a stern voice. "This..." She gestured at Tina''s face. "...is not going to win your man back. Succumbing to defeat when the battle hasn''t even started is the first sign of failure. You need to rid your mind of every negative thought and think positively."

 Chapter 85 - 85: My Heart Is Aching 1

    "I''m trying mum." Tina sniffled, wiping her tears with the back of her hands. "I''m trying my best."

    "Your best is not good enough. Try harder." Eunice snapped, feeling more angry at herself than her daughter. "So far, all I''ve seen is you making more mistakes and a fool of yourself than getting results."

    "Mum..." Tina''s reddened eyes widened. Here she was expecting to get comfort from her mother. "Don''t you feel my pain? My heart is breaking."

    "Pff... please don''t get me started." Eunice scoffed remembering how she had begged this stubborn daughter of hers when she rejected Blaze''s proposal, choosing a career over a perfect gentleman when she could have both.

    "If your heart is breaking, you won''t have left Blaze all those years after your elder brother, your father and I begged you. If your heart is breaking, you won''t have destroyed my relationship with Maria, who would have been the best mother-in-law to you. If your heart is truly breaking, you wouldn''t have ended up in a strange man''s bed two nights ago after your first encounter Blaze."

    "Mummy!" Tina couldn''t believe the harsh words coming from her mother''s mouth.

    "The truth is bitter, darling and you have to face it. When I said I was going to help you win your man back, I didn''t sign up for a crybaby. I only agree to help you because deep down, I know you and Blaze are destined for each other."

    Eunice paused to massage her chest which had been aching recently. She took in a deep breath and continued speaking.

    "My dear child, it''s not like I don''t feel your pain. To be honest, it hurts me every time I see you crying. But crying isn''t the answer to this problem. I can assure you that you will never win Blaze over by acting sympathetic. You need to show him the girl he fell in love with. The girl he will move mountains for just to please. The girl he was willing to spend the rest of his life with. Amelia or whatever that girl''s name is is no match to you. You are a beautiful, strong and confident woman. Show Blaze how tough and resilient you can be."

    Tina nodded her head, wiping more of her tears with the back of her hand.

    "Come here, my darling." Eunice released a sigh as she pulled Tina into her arms and cuddled her like a baby.

    "Your brother will be returning to the country in four days."

    "Really!" Tina lifted her head from her mother''s chest, a faint smile tugging on her lips. "Kelvin is returning?"

    "Yes," Eunice said, pinching Tina on the chin. "It was meant to be a surprise but now I''ve let the cat out of the bag just to make you happy.

    "Thank you, mommy."

    "You''re welcome my darling but that''s not all."

    "There is more?" Tina''s sad eyes brightened a bit. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Yes. I have spoken with Maria and she has finally agreed to meet with me on Monday morning at our former tea house." Eunice said proudly, as though she had just won a contract.

    "That''s awesome, mommy. Can I come?"

    "No. It is just for us mothers. Focus on dealing with that Amelia lady. But right now, I need you to take this glass of juice." Eunice picked up the glass of apple juice and handed it over to Tina. "Drink it and freshen up. Remi just called me that you have a shoot by 11:00 AM."

    "Okay, Mom. Thank you." Tina kissed her mother on the cheek before taking a sip of her juice.

    -

    -

    After spending her entire morning in Blaze''s intimate company, enjoying delicious continental dishes, a good massage and mind-blowing sex, Amelia was ready to face the reality of her life, following an urgent call that took Blaze away. He encouraged her to stay as long as she needed in the hotel room before returning home.

    Consequently, Amelia decided she would stay at the hotel until evening before returning home. She stopped by the private pool area and had a relaxing swim under the watchful eyes of her bodyguards.

    Afterwards, she visited the spa and had her manicure and pedicure done. She also had her hair revamped and styled neatly before returning to her hotel room looking refreshed.

    It was already approaching 4:00 PM when Amelia picked up her phone from where Blaze tossed it the previous night and switched it on.

    Immediately the phone came on, it started beeping and buzzing with so many missed calls, text messages and voice notes from her family, friends and even Tina.

    Amelia scoffed as she went through some of the text messages from Tina and listened to all her voice notes.

    "What''s a deranged lady?" Amelia hissed knowing how much Blaze despised Tina. "If only she could wake up from her delusion and see that Blaze has moved on."

    Amelia listened to more voice notes from her friends and couldn''t help laughing at some of their silly comments and nosy questions. However, when she went through Joanna''s messages, her forehead furrowed.

    The tone in Joanna''s message felt as though the latter was already accusing her of stealing someone else''s man.

    "What rubbish has Tina fed Joanna?" Amelia was tempted to call Joanna but decided to reach out to Stacy first.

    Releasing a sigh, Amelia was about to dial Stacy''s number when her father''s call entered her phone. She swiped the receive button and was about to speak when her dad''s angry voice rang in her ear.

    "Amelia, where have you been all this while that I''ve been trying to reach you?"

    A crease appeared on Amelia''s forehead but it quickly disappeared, knowing that her father would have a good reason for raising his voice at her.

    "I''m sorry, Dad. I needed some rest and I had to put off my phone."

    "She is lying." Amelia heard the unmistakable voice of her stepmother in the background.

    "Can you keep quiet and let me speak with my daughter?" Amelia heard her father rebuke Regina, causing a smile to tug at the corner of her lips.

    "You got me worried sick thinking that something bad has happened to you. Are you all right?" Senator Gregory asked from the other end, his voice less tense than it was earlier.

    "Yes, Dad. I''m fine."

    "I''m guessing you didn''t get my message earlier this morning since your phone was switched off."

    "No, I didn''t. Is anything the matter?" Amelia asked, arching her eyebrow. "Is grandma alright."

    "Yes, your grandmother is fine. But your sister and her husband were arrested last night and they were forced to spend the night behind bars."

    "Seriously!" Amelia cupped her mouth to prevent herself from bursting into laughter. "What was their crime, Dad?"

    "It''s very humiliating and you won''t believe it if I told you."

    "Try me." Amelia stifled a chuckle.

    "They were accused of theft, breaking and entry."

    "Really!" Amelia was dumbfounded. "How is that possible?"

    "Exactly my point. But your sister and her husband have refused to comment on the issue even after they were made to pay a huge fine because of the dangerous man involved."

    Amelia could feel her heart beating as she asked. "Who is this man Dad."

    "Blaze Anderson."

 Chapter 86 - 86: Troubled

    "Blaze Anderson?" Amelia echoed with incredulity and mounting horror.

    "Yes, dear." The Senator concurred with a sigh, failing to pick up the tension in Amelia''s voice.

    "You need to see your sister''s face. It''s covered with different slap marks all inflicted by that heartless young man. Mr Anderson not only assaulted my daughter for a crime I doubt she committed but further humiliated her by having her and Jerry arrested. I also have a feeling that he threatened them to plead guilty to a crime they never committed and ripped Jerry off his hard-earned money. Can you imagine that level of cruelty?"

    "No, I can''t." Amelia''s voice was barely above a whisper as she stood up from the couch, her confused gaze staring blankly at the wall. She didn''t recall Blaze leaving her side all through the night or did he while she was deep asleep?

    Amelia started pacing up and down, her heart racing. She didn''t care about the part involving money since Jerry was indirectly living off her. But she was troubled by the rage in her father''s voice.

    "You know, I don''t understand how that young man changed overnight." Senator Gregory continued speaking, intensifying Amelia''s anxiety. "He used to be quite the charmer back in those days when his father first introduced him to me. But ever since his father''s death, he completely changed. Even his mother became cold towards me and stopped taking my calls when I tried to check up on her and lend her my assistance."

    "Really!" Amelia recollected how Maria had first reacted towards her when she introduced herself as Gregory Shawls'' daughter.

    "Yes, dear."

    Amelia listened to her father''s sigh as if he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulder. She thought briefly before asking.

    "Dad, what really happened to his father? Was he sick or died of natural causes?"

    "He had an underlying heart condition which was triggered by a bad business deal and accusations of fraud. It''s a long story which I cannot explain over the phone. But one thing I can tell you is that Presley Anderson was a good man with a great vision. It''s so unfortunate he got entangled in company fund embezzlement. I always thought he was an honest man."

    "Fraud? Embezzlement?" Amelia echoed in her heart. She became more curious than ever to know more about this Presley Anderson.

    "Although what happened to his father was truly tragic, the way Blaze cleared all his family company''s outstanding debt overnight was very suspicious. There is something uncanny about his sudden wealth, but that is none of my business. What I don''t understand is why the young man would go after my daughter. Accusing my own child of theft and having her unduly arrested is wrong and unacceptable. I would have gone after him and demanded justice if it hadn''t been for your sister''s teary plea."

    Amelia could feel her heart slamming widely against her chest as she listened to her father speak with so much anger and bitterness. She mentally pictured her father having a heart attack when she finally introduced Blaze as her husband.

    "That is why I have come to this strict resolution. No member of our family must have anything to do with that young man. He is a terror and needs to be avoided. I know how good you are with people but you must never have anything to do with this young fellow, okay?"

    Amelia gulped down the lump in her throat, as she ransacked her frozen brain for an answer.

    "Amelia, are you still there?"

    "Yes, Dad. Something just came up. I have to go. Bye." She hurriedly ended the call and tossed the phone aside, her breathing heavy and laboured. She resumed pacing around the room thinking of what to do. All her activities of the day to get rid of stress suddenly evaporated, as the reality of her father''s words weighed heavily on her shoulders. She remembered Gwen and Jerry must have seen her with Blaze. She could tell Gwen hadn''t said anything to her father, which made her more worried.

    Amelia thought of talking to someone. But who?

    "Stacy, maybe? Nah!" Amelia shook her head, biting down on the tip of her forefinger. Weekends are her busiest days of the week and calling her right now may be selfish.

    "How about Aunt Judith? Yes." A thin smile crossed Amelia''s face. Judith knew about her relationship with Blaze and it would be easier to talk to her.

    Amelia hurriedly changed into a grey tracksuit and sneakers which Blaze sent to her through Lance. She completed her look with a face cap before checking out of the presidential suite, with Pascal and Clay carrying her other stuff.

    Onboard her car, she informed Lance of a change in her direction, giving him her aunt''s house address.

    "But ma''am, the boss said we should take you straight home," Pascal said tilting his head backwards to look at her.

    "Sure. I''ll be going home once I''m done seeing my aunty." Amelia replied firmly. "You can go ahead and inform him like you always do. I''ll take care of it."

    Pascal''s forehead furrowed. "Okay, ma''am."

    On their way to Judith''s house, Amelia started researching Presley Anderson and the former Ander Mineral Ltd.

    Sadly aside from some of the past impressive achievements of the gold mining business icon, there was no other information that pointed to a fraudulent or embezzlement case. Every search in that regard produced nothing. It seemed someone had wiped out every information regarding that issue from the internet and Amelia didn''t need to ask who. If Presley was her father, she would do the same to preserve her family''s image.

    Amelia opened one of Presley Anderson''s business profile pictures. A sad smile crept into her eyes as she gently stroked the cheerful face of the mature man.

    Now she could tell where Blaze got his handsome look from. He was a spitting image of his dad, except for his cold and dangerous nature. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "What really happened to you, Presley? Did someone betray you like my family betrayed me?" Amelia muttered under her breath, peeling her gaze away from her phone screen and staring at the window lost in her thoughts. She watched as the busy street passed by in a blur, her heart skipping a beat every now and then.

    There were a lot of questions clamouring for attention in her mind and she needed answers real quick before she lost her senses.

    Amelia was desperate to know what kind of relationship existed between her father and Presley. Were they business partners? Was her father involved in the business deal that led to Presley''s cardiac arrest? Was Presley guilty of fraud and embezzlement? If Blaze despised her father, why did he agree to marry her? Did he really go after Gwen and Jerry last night? Was there something Blaze wasn''t telling her?

    "Ma''am, we are here," Lance announced as he arrived outside the Wales gigantic black iron gate with golden designs.

    "Oh...wow!" Amelia snapped out of her thoughts. "That was really quick. She lowered her side window and identified herself to the security men before they were granted access to the compound premises."

    "You guys can wait for me inside the car. I promise I won''t be long." Amelia said as she took off her face cap and alighted from the car.

    "Okay, ma''am." Pascal nodded, shutting the door behind her.

 Chapter 87 - 87: Troubled 1

    Amelia had barely taken a few steps when the door to the mansion opened and Sarah, her teenage cousin excitedly rushed out to welcome her.

    "Cousin Amelia, you came."

    Amelia opened her arms to receive her pretty cousin. "Yes, I did. How are you?"

    They both embraced warmly before Sarah started lamenting. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Not fine, cuz." Sarah pouted cutely. "Mom won''t let me go to the music festival taking place on the magical Puri island. Do you know that the Evan Brothers will be there? I cannot miss it for the whole world. Can you put in some good words for me?"

    "I''ll see what I can do," Amelia said chuckling.

    "Thank you cuz. You''re the best." Sarah chirped happily.

    "Anything for my sweetest cousin sister." Amelia beamed as they both made it into the mansion where the butler was already standing by the door.

    "Welcome, Madam Amelia." The old butler greeted with a short bow.

    "Thank, Rufus." Amelia smiled in response.

    "I hope that little mischievous girl is not bugging you because my no remains no," Judith said climbing down the curved stairs.

    "Mum, how could you accuse me of such? You know I''m a good girl." Sarah said batting her long lashes playfully.

    "Yeah, right?" Judith rolled her eyes causing Amelia to burst into laughter.

    "Coz, please don''t forget what we discussed. Love you." Sarah blew kisses to Amelia and her mother before dashing out to join her brother Michael at the inner swimming pool house.

    "Good evening Auntie and sorry for coming unannounced." Amelia welcomed a warm embrace and a peck on either side of her cheeks from Judith.

    "You don''t have to be sorry about anything Amelia. This is also your home and I will always be here for you anytime you need me."

    "Thank you, aunt."

    "By the way, you are glowing, Amy. Look at you. It seems your husband is really taking good care of you." Judith said, scrutinizing her from head to toe.

    "Aunt J, don''t make me blush." Amelia''s cheeks slowly turned pinkish red under her aunt''s scrutiny.

    "It seems someone has finally let go of her candy." Judith teased, leading Amelia to the spacious lounge area.

    "Oh my goodness!" Amelia blushed harder covering her face in embarrassment.

    "Come on Amelia, you don''t have to be shy. It''s me you''re talking to." Judith made Amelia sit beside her on the double leather brown couch, holding her flushed gaze.

    "Fine! We did it." Amelia replied, blushing even harder while turning her face away in shame.

    "And..." Judith was inwardly joyful to see her favourite niece glowing this way after getting her heart stabbed by those ruthless people called her family and ex.

    Amelia shrugged, unsure of how to describe her sexual experience with Blaze. Aside from being her aunt, Judith was like her elder sister and best friend who she could tell virtually everything.

    "It wasn''t like I dreamt it would be. Nevertheless, it was really intense and mind-blowing. At first, he was very demanding and a bit annoying in the most intoxicating way. But after he found out that he was my first, he became very gentle, sweet and passionate." Amelia tucked her hair behind her ear, a hint of sadness crossing her eyes.

    "Do you regret giving it up?" Judith asked observing her sadness.

    "On one hand, yes. I feel I have lost something precious. But on the other hand, I don''t think I have any regrets. Even though I really wanted to give it to the right person, love was never meant for me."

    "Don''t talk like that, Amy," Judith said in a slightly rebuking tone holding Amelia''s hands. "I believe you''ll find love and whoever that lucky guy is that will win your heart, he will restore what has been broken. Until then keep an open heart."

    Amelia nodded her head, dabbing a teardrop that escaped her eyes.

    Judith quickly changed the topic seeing how depressing it was for Amelia.

    "By the way, I got your message. You said it was really urgent. What''s up."

    Amelia cleared her throat, facing Judith''s quality.

    "It''s about Presley Anderson."

    Judith was taken aback. "What about him?"

    "Dad called and he told me that Blaze had Gwen and Jerry beaten up and arrested for theft, breaking and entry. He said they were made to pay a huge fine and none of them are willing to counter the injustice meted against them."

    "Impressive!" Judith clasped her hands together. "It''s about time someone taught those criminals some lessons they will never forget. I hope he had them beaten real good."

    "I don''t know," Amelia said in frustration. "But that is not the main problem."

    "Then what is the problem?" Judith asked, raising an eyebrow. Aren''t you happy that Blaze dealt with those criminals after everything they''ve done to you?"

    "I really don''t care if those two maggots are run over by a bus. Or if all those responsible for my kidnap meet a horrible end. But, I can''t let anything happen to my dad or Nana. They both mean everything to me. According to what Dad said, I have this strange and unwavering feeling that Blaze may have something against my Dad in relation to his dad''s untimely death."

    "Are you sure of what you''re saying?" Judith asked feeling the weight of Amelia''s accusations.

    "Is just a hunch but I need to dig into it. Tell me everything you know about Presley Anderson. I need to know everything about him and what led to his death."

    "Hmm... That matter is a bit dicey and there were a lot of coverups most of which I really didn''t know. But here are the facts I know about Presley Anderson."

    -

    -

    Amelia returned to her Villa around 7:30 PM to meet Blaze waiting for her in the living room.

    "Hey, you are back." Amelia was a little bit startled to see him. He was seated on a single couch, wearing a tee shirt and black sweatpants. A bottle of Scotch was on the table beside his seat and he was holding a short-stemmed wine glass in his hand right hand. One of his legs was crossed over the order and his head was lowered as though he were in deep thoughts.

    However, when he lifted his face to look at her, Amelia suddenly felt the air in her lungs being snatched away.

    "Why are you snooping in around my family affair?" Blaze asked in a deep, cold and lethal voice, his darkened and inflamed gaze shooting daggers at Amelia.

 Chapter 88 - 88: The Contract Reminder

    Amelia felt a cold shiver run down her spine at Blaze''s direct question and his nerve-wracking gaze. She didn''t recall letting Pascal or Clay into her aunt''s home. So there was no freaking way they would have eavesdropped on her and reported to their boss. Or did her unsecured research on the internet prompt Blaze''s hackers? Most probably.

    "Amelia, take a deep breath and stay calm. Do not anger the monster any further by arguing with him. He''s angry and will lash out at you if given the chance. Just apologize and try to mend things with him before asking him any questions." She inwardly encourages herself. She took in a deep breath and spoke in a composed voice.

    "Blaze, I know I stepped out of line by nosing around your family''s affairs and for that I''m very sorry." Amelia slowly approached him, putting her handbag away. She observed his stiffened muscles and unwavering dangerous glare following her every move.

    "Please, don''t be mad at me. I have no right whatsoever to research your family. Some things just came up and I needed to clarify a few conflicting notions."

    "What things?"

    Blaze growled softly, her gentle and remorseful approach soothing his stormy rage. He took in a deep breath, inhaling her refreshing blend of citrus and lavender perfume as he slowly sat up.

    "What notions?" He dropped his wine glass on the side table as Amelia pulled a stool and sat opposite him, unafraid and unperturbed by his hardened glares.

    "Umm... earlier this evening, I got a call from my dad, informing me that you got my step-sister and ex arrested yesterday after beating them up. Is that true, because the last time I remembered we were in bed together?" Amelia said softly, her sweet textured voice and her shimmering eyes brimming with a mixture of curiosity and sincerity.

    "Aren''t you happy that those fools were taught a tiny fraction of the punishment that awaits them? Or do you suddenly care about them after what they did to you?" Blaze replied to her question with a question. He perched on the edge of his seat, his knees touching hers as he stared deeply into her eyes searching for any trace of regret.

    "Never." Amelia scrunched her face in disgust. "I don''t care what happens to those fools. If it were up to me, I''d have them sleep in the dungeon for the rest of their lives. But since my husband''s name is being dragged in this whole mess, I need to know what really happened so that I can defend you before my father."

    Blaze felt his heart skip a beat at the way Amelia had addressed him as her husband. But all that vanished with her last statement.

    "You... Defend me before your father?" Blaze chuckled bitterly, standing up and picking up his glass of wine and bottle of Scotch. "For a minute there, I thought you were hilarious." He walked away from her towards the bar area of the villa to fix himself a stronger drink. He was trying not to lose control of his emotions by suppressing them with alcohol.

    "Blaze, this isn''t funny. I need to know what happened last night." Amelia stood up and followed him. She took a seat on one of the counter fancy stools opposite him, watching him with great admiration as he combined two strong gin like a professional barman.

    "Do you care for some?" Blaze asked without looking up from what he was doing.

    "Sure, as long as you answer my questions," Amelia said with determination.

    Blaze selected a less stronger bottle of martini. He fixed her drink and slid the glass to her. He watched her savour the drink like a critic before taking a sip.

    "Hmm... Not bad." Amelia took another sip before putting the glass down.

    Blaze also took sips of his double dry martini, his heart filled with pure hatred and bitterness as he spoke calmly.

    "Yes, I had your loser of an ex and his miserable partner taken care of yesterday for insulting my wife in public and for trailing us after we left the event venue."

    "They were following us." Amelia''s eyes widened in alarm. But Blaze paid no heed to her reaction as he continued talking.

    "And I didn''t have to waste my time dealing with maggots when I had a sexy nude beauty in my arms all through the night."

    Blaze''s lips curled up in an evil smirk as Amelia turned her flushed face away, her cheek giving off a soft pinkish-red glow. He watched the way she hurriedly picked up her drink and took a few more sips before getting all serious with her.

    "Now back to the matter at hand, I think you seem to forget the conditions of this contract marriage and I may have to remind you again," Blaze said in a deadpan tone as he picked up a single piece of document below the counter and placed it before her.

    "Read condition two out loud," Blaze commanded, his chilly voice giving no room for disobedience.

    Amelia eyed the document on the table, her heart beating really fast as it fell on the second condition.

    "Blaze, I already said that I was sorry."

    "Read," Blaze spoke between clenched jaws. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Amelia clenched her left fist as she picked up the document with her right hand and read out condition number two.

    "You are never to meddle in my personal affairs or those of my family. Breeching of this condition will attract penalties based on my discretion."

    Amelia dropped the documents on the counter, her blood slowly boiling with anger as she felt Blaze''s piercing gaze boring a hole through her forehead. She picked up her drink and gulped down the entire content of her glass, the alcohol in the Martini giving her the needed courage to face him.

    "By now, you must know that I''m a very temperamental man and I hate people disregarding my rules especially if it is stated clearly in black and white. Not only do you disregard my instructions which are fixed to protect you from your unknown enemies and those leeches called your family, but you also compel my employees to flaunt my rules. So I ask, Mrs Amelia Anderson, do you have a problem following rules or do you just enjoy getting on my nerves."

    "Maybe if you are a little straightforward with me, I won''t have any problems following the rules." Amelia raised her face to meet Blaze''s darkened gaze. Her heart was drumming erratically in her chest as she watched Blaze slowly move around the counter like a hungry jaguar on the prowl about to pounce on its prey.

    "You think I''m not been straightforward with you?" Blaze snarled, pulling her spinning chair closer to him so that they were face to face. His strong alcoholic minty breath was so intoxicating and overwhelming. He trapped Amelia between his arms and rested both hands on the counter while leaning closer until they were just a breath away.

    "Yes."

    Amelia inhaled sharply, her body trembling a little with a mixture of fear and rage as she activated defensive mode. She could feel his scorching breath fanning against her reddened face as though someone had turned up the heat in the room. Her eyes darted between his and the three-quarter-filled bottle of martini on the counter, ready to pick it up and smash it on his head if he made the mistake of manhandling her like he did the last time.

    "I think you''re not being completely honest with me." Amelia''s lips trembled as she spoke. "You knew my father and you didn''t mention it to me."

    "You never asked," Blaze replied coldly his hard gaze, belittling.

    "I don''t have to ask to know such a sensitive detail. You have no idea how stupid I felt when my father spoke about you, asking me to stay away from you."

    "Maybe you should listen to your father," Blaze replied between clenched teeth.

    Amelia bit down on her lower lips, rage seeping through her veins at Blaze''s infuriating words. But she wasn''t done asking her questions.

    "Why didn''t you tell me that my father and your father were once fr..."

    "Don''t!" Blaze boomed in Amelia''s face, causing her to flinch in horror. He moved away from her, turning his back on her as he clenched and unclenched his fist, raw anger seeping through his veins. He moved further away from Amelia, unable to stand his enemy''s daughter any longer.

    "You are hereby forbidden to speak of my father or snoop around my family affairs." Blaze barked his chilly words, his firm back still on her. "For flaunting my rules, you will no longer have full command of your bodyguards. They will only follow my directives and act based on my instructions. And if you break any more of the contract conditions, there will be other cruel punishments that will deprive you of your basic needs. This is your last warning." Blaze stormed out of the villa, picking up his phone and car keys.

    Amelia remained seated on the stool, her body trembling like a jellyfish out of water. Beads of sweat crowded her forehead, as her body quivered with a mixture of horror and anger. She watched as Blaze disappeared out of sight, her heart aching at his bitter words.

    Now, Amelia was more convinced that there was a bitter feud between her husband and her father. If Blaze hated her father, it only meant he blamed him for his father''s death.

    More than ever, Amelia was eager to get to the bottom of the truth even if she had to suffer one or two punishments from her husband.

 Chapter 89 - 89: You Are My Wife

    Amelia didn''t hear from Blaze for the rest of the day after he left the villa. She decided to give him some space to let him cool off by focusing her mind on other pressing issues that needed to be addressed.

    She reached out to Stacy on the phone and spoke with her at length, on the matter concerning Tina and her mission to turn their friends against her.

    After fixing a meeting with the girls excluding Tina for the next day, Amelia retired to her bedroom for the night.

    The following morning, Amelia arose expecting to see Blaze seated in her bedroom like he always did. But to her disappointment, he wasn''t there. She picked up her phone and checked for missed calls and text messages from him but there were none. Releasing a sigh, she decided to go about the rest of her day, focusing on other productive indoor activities until it was time to leave the villa for her meeting.

    All this time, she didn''t check her phone for any messages or missed calls since she wasn''t expecting anything.

    Decked in fitted jeans, a blush pink jacket with a white inner camisole and paired with sleek matching sneakers, Amelia picked up her phone from the bed stand where she left it and threw it into her handbag. She left her bedroom and was in the process of climbing down the stairs when she heard the housekeeper greeting someone formally with so much reverence. She was about to ask who the housekeeper was talking to when Blaze came into view.

    "Blaze!" Amelia''s eyes widened in surprise. She had spent the entire day trying not to think about him. But seeing him now she couldn''t get her eyes off him.

    He was looking dapper and handsome as always in his cool all-black leather outfit. His eyes were hidden behind the dark aviator sunglasses he was wearing, making it difficult for Amelia to see his eyes. But his calm expression told her that he was no longer angry with her.

    "I can see you are already dressed up," Blaze said casually, taking off his glasses to reveal his mesmerizing grey eyes which were devoid of the initial rage.

    Amelia felt hypnotized by those magical eyes as she remained glued to a single spot while he scrutinized her from head to toe, making his way towards her in slow motion.

    "Although I would have suggested a dress, I guess we would have to make do with this."

    Amelia saw his lips moving but failed to comprehend his words immediately. She felt completely lost as he came up to her and snaked his right hand around her waist.

    She held her breath as he casually brushed his lips against hers in a feathery kiss, acting as though there was no bitterness between them.

    "If you keep staring at me that way, I may be forced to kiss you deeper, ruining your makeup." Blaze nuzzled her on the cheek before releasing her waist.

    "Shall we, Mrs Anderson?" He extended his right hand towards her.

    "Huh!" Amelia blinked twice, her gaze darting between his magical eyes and his extended hand. It was at this point her frozen brain began to function.

    "Are we going somewhere?"

    A crease appeared on Blaze''s forehead but quickly disappeared as though it was never there in the first place.

    "Didn''t you get the message from me and my mum?"

    "You? Your mum? When?" Amelia was more confused, her heart thumping rapidly at Blaze''s words.

    Blaze sighed, trying his best not to get irritated.

    "Where is your phone?" He asked plainly.

    "In my handbag." Amelia''s forehead furrowed as she recalled she hadn''t checked her phone all day because she was trying to get her mind off him.

    "Can you bring it out and check?"

    "Umm...sure..." Amelia exhaled through her mouth as she unzipped her handbag and brought out her iPhone.

    "I sent you a message around 2:00 PM informing you to get ready before 4:00 PM," Blaze stated as he watched her browse through her messages with slight irritation.

    Amelia saw that Maria had sent her three different messages, one around 9:00 AM and the other two around 12: 00 and 1:30 PM, respectively.

    In the first message, Maria was inviting her to a family Sunday dinner at her home. The other two messages were just reminders.

    Amelia also saw a text message from Blaze confirming his earlier assertion.

    "If you weren''t aware of the dinner, why were you all dressed up? Where are you going out?" Blaze asked succinctly.

    "Yes." Amelia moved away from him to avoid looking into those intimidating eyes, her heart pounding in her chest as though she had committed a crime. "I was going to meet with my friends to address some important issues. I had no idea about your mum''s invite." She was expecting Blaze to flare up and bark at her. But to her surprise, he chastised her in a subtle tone.

    "That is why it is called a mobile phone and not a landline. You should always carry it around in case you receive an urgent message. You never no, it could be a life or death situation."

    "Sorry," Amelia said genuinely without looking in his direction.

    "Being sorry doesn''t fix it. You know how my mom has taken a special liking to you. She has gone out of her way just to prepare for your arrival. She''ll be greatly disappointed if you don''t make it."

    Amelia felt guilty as she turned around to meet Blaze''s expressionless gaze.

    "I could reschedule the time of meeting with my friends. That means instead of 4:00 PM we could still meet by 7:00 PM after I leave your mom''s house. Does that sound okay?"

    "Whatever works for you," Blaze said as he walked past her towards the door, masking his bubbling anger with an indifferent expression. "Meet me in the car."

    Amelia released a deep sigh as she assessed her outfit a second time. She thought briefly and decided to go back upstairs and change to a dress.

    Ten minutes later, Amelia emerged from the villa draped in a knee-length flare peach dress, paired with matching stiletto heels that gave her a modest look. She had her hair styled upwards in a loose chignon, held in place with a fancy pin.

    "Good evening, ma''am." Pascal smiled politely, holding the rear seat door to Blaze Black Roll Royce Phantom edition, open.

    Amelia smiled briefly in acknowledgement before entering the car.

    Pascal promptly shut the door before taking his place in the front passenger seat.

    Blaze, who was busy browsing through his phone lifted his head to look at Amelia.

    "This is way better for this occasion than your first look." He commented in admiration.

    "Thanks." Amelia inhaled and exhaled, to stifle her anxiety, her gaze on the side window as the car started moving. She tried to focus her thoughts on anything aside from the infuriating handsome devil seated beside her.

    "Amelia," Blaze called softly.

    A crease appeared on her forehead as she felt him move closer to her until there was no more space between them.

    Blaze gently placed his hand on her interlocked fingers, a frown flashing across his eyes as she withdrew her hands from his touch.

    "Look at me."

    Amelia hesitated before tilting her head in his direction. "What now?"

    "You seem a bit tense. I want you to relax and act natural around me."

    "You don''t have to worry about my acting skills," Amelia replied holding his intense gaze. "You should be more concerned about your temper because I''m not a robot."

    Blaze chuckled at her fiesty words. He lifted her hands up to his lips and said. "Then you must try not to do anything silly that would make me lose my temper." He planted a kiss on her hand.

    Amelia almost rolled her eyes at him but quickly lowered her gaze.

    Blaze smirked, releasing her hands.

    "My mom already suspects that we are dating based on your previous reaction to my presence." S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Whose fault Is it?" Amelia echoed in her heart as Blaze continued talking.

    "After our last discussion based on your last encounter with that fool who by the way is currently atoning for his sins..."

    Amelia raised an eyebrow, confused.

    "...I have given it a serious thought and I think there''s no need for us to keep our status a secret any longer. At dinner tonight, I will formally introduce you to my mom as the woman I''m secretly married to."

    Amelia looked up to meet his gaze.

    "Really!"

    "Yes. You are my wife and I want all those bonehead out there to stay clear of what is mine."

    "Sure a jealous prick." Amelia thought in her heart.

    "Going forward, you will be addressed as Mrs Amelia Anderson and no longer Miss Amelia. Does that sound go to you?"

    Amelia''s eyes brightened. "Yes. It sounds great."

    "I''m happy you think so." Blaze leaned back in his seat, his intense gaze still on her.

    "Can I tell my friends?"

    Blaze shrugged. "I don''t see any reason why you shouldn''t tell them."

    "Yes!" Amelia couldn''t hide her excitement. She couldn''t wait to tell Joanna and the rest of her friends that Blaze Anderson was her husband.

    "You can also inform your family members that you are married to me because I won''t take lightly with anyone that attempts to hurt my wife going forward." Blaze returned his gaze to his phone screen, not bothering to look at the horror in Amelia''s eyes.

 Chapter 90 - 90: You Are Special

    Donned in a long flowing cream chiffon gown, with long cascading brown hair laced with a few strands of grey and a simple but priceless pearl necklace adorning her neck, Maria looked like an enchanting fairy godmother.

    Standing on her left and right-hand side outside the magnificent Anderson mansion, were Henry and Eugene looking like her protective bodyguard. They were both apparelled in a white and black tuxedo, blending with the enchanting ambiance behind them.

    All three of them were beaming like twinkling stars as Blaze''s Roll Royce slowly made a semi-circular turn around the captivating water fountain, stopping a few metres in front of them.

    Fred briskly stepped out of the car and made his way around it to open the rear door directly opposite Maria while Blaze climbed down from the other side unassisted. He extended his hand toward Amelia as she graciously climbed out, beaming like a Christmas light at the sight of Maria.

    "Amelia!" Maria excitedly made her way to her beautiful daughter-in-law, arms opened wide to receive her.

    "Good evening, Mrs Anderson and thanks for inviting me to your lovely home," Amelia said respectfully, while admiring the pretty angel before her, wondering how the hell she gave birth to a devil for a son.

    They both embraced warmly, with Maria kissing either side of Amelia''s cheek.

    "I will appreciate it if you lose the formality and just call me mum," Maria said in the sweetest and kindest voice, melting Amelia''s troubled heart.

    "Okay, mum." Amelia nodded her head, embracing Maria again. "Sorry, I didn''t reply to your messages, I wasn''t with my phone."

    "It''s fine. The most important thing is that you came and I am grateful." Maria kissed Amelia on the side of her neck like a loving mother would do, making Amelia forget herself for a moment.

    Inhaling the relaxing and refreshing blend of Maria''s fruity fragrance, Amelia would her remained in Maria''s arms forever if Blaze hadn''t cleared his throat.

    "Oh ...sorry." Amelia felt bashful as she reluctantly pulled away from Maria''s arms, her cheeks giving off a soft pinkish glow. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "You don''t have to be sorry about anything, my dear," Maria said sweetly. "I also had no plans of releasing you. Don''t mind the jealous grumpy young man behind you."

    "I''m not jealous, mum."

    Amelia chuckled softly, as she imagined Blaze scowling behind her.

    "By the way, you look so stunning and your home is so magnificent like anything I''ve ever seen," Amelia said holding Maria''s hands.

    "Aww...you are too kind with your sweet words my dear. But all of this is nothing compared to your angelic beauty. I''m sure my son has been drooling over you all through the ride here." Maria smiled, eying Blaze, who was pretending as if he wasn''t listening to her.

    "If only you have the gift of sight to see how he mistreats me." Amelia wanted to say but instead chuckled.

    "Welcome to our humble home, Amelia." Henry came forward unable to wait for the formal introduction any longer.

    "Henry..." Amelia was tempted to hug him but feared Blaze''s jealous reaction.

    Henry took Amelia''s right hand and raised it to his lips holding her shimmering gaze. "You look absolutely breathtaking." He said in a subtle voice, also melting Amelia''s heart further.

    Amelia could feel butterflies fluttering inside her stomach as Henry planted a soft kiss on the back of her hand. But before she had time to respond, her jealous husband snatched her hand from Henry''s gentle hold, glaring threateningly at the latter.

    "I''m sure you''ve already met Henry," Blaze said stroking the back of Amelia''s hand where Henry had kissed her as if he was trying his best to wipe the innocent gesture from her memory.

    Amelia ignored Blaze''s somewhat childish behaviour, as she spoke softly to Henry. "Thanks for the compliment, Henry. You are looking quite the charmer yourself."

    A tiny trace of anger and jealousy flashed across Blaze''s eyes. He didn''t recall Amelia complimenting him even though he caught her on several occasions admiring him. But here she was complimenting Henry.

    "You''re too kind." Henry stepped aside for Eugene to come forward.

    "Amy, meet my young and troublesome cousin, Eugene Anderson."

    "Amy!" Amelia echoed in her heart, amused at Blaze''s pitiful attempt at fondness. "Hello, Eugene. It''s a pleasure to meet you."

    "The pleasure is all mine, sister-in-law... I mean, Amy...I mean, Amelia. My big cousin''s brother didn''t tell me that he was bringing home an angel. I could have prepared for a grand reception."

    "Aww...you are so cute," Amelia said, laughing, taking an instant liking to Eugene.

    "Amelia, come with me." Maria took Amelia from her son''s jealous hold and led her into the mansion.

    "Wow! Mum, your home looks amazing." Amelia feasted her eyes on the luxury interior furnishings, the state-of-the-art decor and the mesmerising artist display on the wall, all culminating in an opulent haven. Her eyes sparkled with admiration at the magnificent crystal chandelier hanging down from the high ceilings, the expansive windows for natural light, and the impressive views.

    "Thank you," Maria replied, patting her on the hand, as they made their way towards the dining room section. "I hope you came with a large appetite because I made arrangements for a feast to welcome my friend and daughter."

    "I''m already salivating," Amelia replied, beaming as they were approached by a mature man in a two-piece suit uniform with a white inner shirt and a bow tie.

    "Good evening, Madam Anderson." The renowned and loyal butler of the Anderson home greeted while signalling at other uniformed maids to bring the tray holding flutes of champagne forward.

    "Thank you, Oliver." Maria gestured for Oliver to serve Amelia first before everyone else.

    "Thank, you." Amelia smiled in appreciation feeling right at home. She slowly took a sip of her drink, as Maria led her towards the head of the table.

    "Wow, are we expecting more people?" Amelia asked, staring at the various mouth-watering delicacies adorning the long rectangle dining table for twelve.

    "No, my dear. This is all for you." Maria signalled Blaze and the latter pulled out Amelia''s chair first, acting impressively before his mother.

    "Aww... I feel so special. Thank you, Mum." Amelia acknowledged Blaze briefly before taking her seat.

    "You are special, my dear." Maria took her seat at the head of the table.

 Chapter 91 - 91: Meet My Wife

    Blaze took his seat opposite Amelia on his mother''s right-hand side, while Henry took the next seat beside him.

    Eugene was super thrilled to be the one seated next to his future sister-in-law, chatting happily with her while they all dined as a family.

    Laughter mingled with the soft hum of conversation echoed in the dining room.

    The clattering sounds of cutleries against dishware resonated as Eugene and Henry took turns entertaining Amelia with their funny jokes. Blaze rarely contributed except on rare occasions when he was dragged into the discussion.

    Amelia couldn''t stop smiling at the warm reception given to her. She was filled with a nostalgic longing for the past when her mother was still alive and she was grateful to Blaze and his family for giving her this rare opportunity to experience something so beautiful.

    "I hope you are enjoying the meal," Maria asked, observing Amelia''s slow eating.

    "Uh-huh!" Amelia nodded her head, taking a sip from her glass of water. She picked up the napkin and dabbed briefly on her lips before speaking.

    "The salmon stews is my best dish so far. It''s well-seasoned, spicy and delicious. It took me back down memory lane when my mom was still alive. She used to make these for me and my dad whenever we travelled on a family vacation to the island." S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Aww ... that''s so sweet." Maria was moved by the hint of sadness in Amelia''s voice as she spoke about her mother. "It happens to also be one of my favorite delicacies. Maybe we could cook it together one of these days."

    "I would love that," Amelia said beaming.

    "Splendid!" Maria clasped her hands excitedly. "Why don''t you try out this whipped cream with berries for dessert? It will tickle your taste buds." She slid a plate of the dessert to Amelia seeing that she was done eating.

    "Sure. Thank you."

    "So Amelia, I''m dying to know how you and my big brother met since he wouldn''t say anything to me " Eugene said eying Blaze, who had been eating silently on the table while staring at Amelia every now and then.

    "Umm..."

    "You don''t have to answer that nosy little mouse " Maria interjected. "Instead of poke-nosing around your brother''s affair, why don''t you get your own girlfriend and be more responsible."

    "I definitely will Mom, now that Blaze has finally taken the bold step to bring home a new girlfriend, I will follow in his footsteps."

    Amelia''s cheeks reddened at Eugene''s remark. She scooped a spoonful of her dessert and was about to eat it when Blaze corrected Eugene."

    "Amelia is not my girlfriend."

    The room suddenly fell silent as everyone gazed darted between Blaze and Amelia - whose head was lowered.

    Amelia''s cheeks turned beet red as she slowly lowered her spoon, too embarrassed to look up. She listened as Blaze''s seat scraped against the polished marble floor, as he stood up. She held her breath as he made his way around the table to stand beside her. She could feel heat curling up her spine as he extended his right hand towards her, a gentle smile framing his face.

    "Sweetheart..."

    "Oh, brother?" Amelia sneered inwardly at Blaze''s smooth and husky voice. She couldn''t fathom how he could switch personality: from colg to hot and bitter to sweet.

    Henry felt slightly jealous of Blaze, wishing he was in his shoes currently. He already knew what Blaze was going to say since the latter had already confided in him about his relationship status with Amelia. But he was worried that Blaze might hurt Amelia in the course of this contract marriage.

    Maria was beaming from cheek to cheek, tears gathering in her eyes, as she watched Amelia slowly place her left hand on Blaze''s right open palm.

    Blaze helped Amelia stand up and gently guided her away from her seat so that there was no barrier between them. He wrapped his right hand around her waist and pulled her closer.

    "My dear family, I would like to officially introduce you all to my beautiful wife, Mrs Amelia Anderson."

    "What! You are already married? When and why wasn''t I invited?" Eugene was left in a daze.

    "I knew it." Maria happily stood up and embraced her children, tears of joy falling down her eyes. "Welcome to the family, Amy. You are now officially my daughter." She said kissing Amelia on the forehead.

    "Thank you, mum." Amelia smiled, trying her best to play the part even though her heart was bleeding at the thought of deceiving Maria about an actual marriage to her son.

    -

    -

    Meanwhile, at the Shawls mansion, tension was brewing as Gwen -who had been too traumatized to confide in anyone - finally revealed everything that went down before and after the fashion show to her alarmed mother.

    Regina remained frozen in her seat, listening to her daughter recounts her traumatic ordeal at the hands of their abductors. It felt as though someone had placed a weight on her chest, making breathing difficult.

    "So you''re meaning to tell me that Amelia was with him?" Regina asked, her face turning pale.

    "Yes, mum. that shameless b*tch was with him." Gwen sneered.

    "Are you certain that she is the one you saw with him? Or maybe you might just be imagining things." Regina said, staring at her in complete disbelief and panic.

    Gwen''s forehead furrowed in annoyance. "I wasn''t drunk Mom, neither am I blind. I know what I saw. If you don''t believe me, I can give you the contact of three people who were present at the event venue. Or better still you can ask Jerry discreetly."

    "Jerry isn''t talking to me at the moment, remember?" Regina sighed.

    "Whose fault is it? You insulted him at the police station." Gwen stated, rolling her eyes.

    "I was angry, okay. And please let''s not go into that subject. Let''s focus on what you saw at the event because I''m not convinced."

    Gwen''s face palmed her forehead in frustration.

    "This isn''t hearsay, Mum and I am not making this up. Amelia and that handsome devil left the event together like a couple. I was there in person and I saw everything with my two naked eyes. His hand was wrapped around her waist like a lover and knowing my stepsister very well, she would never allow any man to hold her that intimately except something is going on between them."

    "So you think something is going on between them," Regina asked in a slightly quivering tone, her mind in disarray as memories of her evil past threatened to resurface.

 Chapter 92 - 92: Plotting

    Gwen was slightly disgusted at her mother''s repetitive questions and doubtful responses. However, she was determined to prove her point

    "Mom, I''m not just thinking it but I have a strong feeling that something is going on between those two. If I didn''t know better I''d say they were acting like lovers. The handsome devil was behaving all possessively around Amelia as though he owned her and this goes to explain a lot."

    "How do you mean?" Regina folded her hand across her chest, irritation etching on her forehead.

    "You know how we''ve been trying to figure out who has been Amelia''s backbone since she returned to the city?" Gwen asked.

    "Yes."

    "You also recall how we all concluded that someone powerful may be protecting her but we can''t seem to find out the identity of the person."

    "Just cut to the chase and go straight to the point." Regina''s face contoured in disgust as she could guess where Gwen was going with this wild theory.

    Gwen frowned but didn''t react immediately.

    "Someone not only powerful but madly rich with a lot of connections has made it difficult for any of our spies to get close to Amelia. Even the almighty Lin Fox, with all her network and resources, has failed severally to come up with a result on how to deal with Amelia because of the mysterious person backing her up. What if that mysterious person is this Blaze Anderson?"

    "Impossible!" Regina abruptly stood up, horror spelt on her forehead. She thought briefly and turned to look at Gwen who was still seated, scrunching her face.

    "Don''t be quick to jump to conclusions. What you think you saw may be misleading. Blaze Anderson will never render assistance to any member of the Shawls family even if he was our last helper on Earth. He despises our family. He believes that your father was responsible for Blaze''s father''s death. That is the reason why he didn''t hesitate to have his people torture you and Jerry when he had the chance. He will do the same to Amelia if given the opportunity."

    "You have a point, Mom." Gwen sighed, recounting the number of slaps she received at intervals.

    "Of course I do." Regina took back her seat on the bed beside Gwen and placed her hands on her daughter''s slightly trembling hands. "However, if your theory turns out to be true, then we need to be prepared. We will take advantage of the situation to our own benefit. But first, we need to confirm the truth."

    "How do you suggest we do that?" Gwen tightened her hold around her mother''s hands, her eyes brimming with a mixture of fear and curiosity.

    "I will start by pleading with Nana to allow me to invite Amelia over to the mansion for the surprise birthday party we are planning for your father."

    "What if she turns down your invitation?" Gwen stated.

    "She won''t as long as it involved your father."

    "That''s true. So what do you plan to do when she accepts the invitation?"

    "We would openly confront her before the family. If it so happens that she is really with your father''s enemy, all hell is going to break loose."

    "Music to my ear." Gwen clasped her hands together excitedly.

    "And that''s not all," Regina said rubbing her palms together, a sly grin curling up her lips.

    "There is more?" Gwen''s eyes widened in excitement.

    "Yes, my dear. I already have an ingenious plan in motion to take care of Amelia once and for all. She won''t know what hit her when the time comes."

    "What''s the plan, Mom?" Gwen asked in a thrilled voice.

    "I''m afraid I can tell you, now. But you''re going to love it when it starts yielding results."

    "I hope it takes her six feet below this time." Gwen snarled.

    Knock! Knock!! Knock!!!

    Both mother and daughter jerk up from the bed, their panicked eyes darting towards the closed door.

    "Who is it?" Regina asked in a slightly raised and alarmed voice.

    "It''s Patricia, Ma''am." One of her mansion maids announced behind the door.

    "What do you want?" Regina''s initial shock was replaced with irritation.

    "Dinner has been served and the senator has asked for you and Madam Gwen to join the rest of the family downstairs."

    "Go and tell him that we will be down shortly." Regina clicked her tongue in annoyance.

    "Okay, ma''am."

    Regina waited until she was certain that the maid her left before returning her attention to Gwen. "Why don''t you stay here at the mansion for a few days and help me plan the surprise birthday party? I''m sure Jerry wouldn''t mind."

    "Sure. It sounds like a great idea." Gwen said excitedly. "But Mom, please I need you and Jerry to settle your differences. Try and talk to him."

    "Fine," Regina said, rolling her eyes. I''ll do my best."

    "Splendid!" Gwen said standing up. "Let''s go. I''m starving."

    Regina also rose to her feet. "And one more thing, sweety."

    "What?" Gwen cocked her head backwards to stare at her mum.

    "Not a word about what we have discussed with anyone. Not even your husband. We can''t afford any mistakes."

    "My lips are sealed, mom." Gwen gestured animatedly causing Regina to smile. "Can we go now?" sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Sure."

    -

    -

    Inside a dimly lit motel room, located on the outskirts of Salvinre city, a man sat calmly, his piercing blue eyes staring dangerously at some of the pictures scattered on the wooden stool in front of him.

    The top part of his hardened face was partly concealed by the silhouette of the hat he was wearing. A cigarette burned between his slender fingers, the smoke swirling around him, revealing a creepy smirk on his face.

    He took another drag of his cigar as he picked up one of the pictures, showing Amelia stepping out of a hotel, with her bodyguards closely behind her.

    Placing the burning part of his cigarette on Amelia''s pretty face, he burned a hole through the picture, a satisfied smirk framing his lips.

    Trashing the smoking picture in the metal waste bin, he leaned closer and examined more of the scattered pictures on the tool.

    The pictures captured Amelia at different locations, with some of her friends, and even with Blaze.

    "We are getting close, brother. Soon, you will be avenged." He spoke in a cold and creepy voice as he stubbed out his cigarette. He stood up, picking up a leather brown cross bag from the floor and a camera before leaving the room.

 Chapter 93 - 93: Ill Feed You

    After Blaze''s big announcement, Maria asked to speak with the couple privately in the open lounge area of the mansion. She instructed Henry and Eugene to continue with their meal while she asked the maids to bring Amelia''s dessert along with her.

    "Blaze, make sure your wife is comfortable. I''ll be back shortly." Maria beamed, as she hurried towards the stairs.

    Acting the part of an impeccable gentleman, Blaze led Amelia into the opulent lounge area of the mansion. He ushered her to a seat that was directly opposite the magnificent floor-to-ceiling window, giving her an impressive view of the setting sun. He took her dessert and wine tray from the maids and asked them to leave as he set the tray before his wife.

    From the top landing of the stairs, Maria stood there, silently watching them in complete awe. She wanted to see how they would fare together alone without any interruption.

    "Are you comfortable sweetheart?" Blaze looked up to meet Amelia''s mesmerizing gaze staring right back at him.

    "Being a gentleman suits you better."

    Blaze arched his brow at her. He leisurely took his seat beside her, his mischievous eyes never leaving her. "Is that supposed to be a compliment?"

    "Yes." Amelia smiled picking up her glass of wine and taking a sip. She inhaled, her cheeks giving up a captivating glow as she watched the setting sun -the soothing colours bringing out feelings of serenity and tranquillity. "It''s beautiful." She whispered.

    Blaze found it difficult to look away from her. He was enthralled by the warm glow of her skin and the feeling of awe in her presence. For a moment, he found himself longing for her soft touch which seemed to evoke a strange magic in him. He moved closer to her and touched her lightly on her left hand which was resting on her thigh. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Amelia jerked a little, snapping out of her thoughts.

    "What? Did you say something?"

    "No. But I was going to say you look beautiful this evening."

    "Oh...thanks." Amelia eyed him suspiciously wondering what was going on in his messed up mind. "You look equally handsome and smart in those leather outfits."

    "So you noticed," Blaze said picking up her plate of whipped cream and berries dessert.

    "You''re supposed to say thanks when someone compliments you." Amelia rolled her eyes at him, regretting it almost immediately.

    Blaze, who was about to hand her the plate of dessert decided against it.

    "Blaze, I''m sorry. It was a reflex action." Amelia whispered, inwardly stroking herself for allowing Blaze to crawl under her skin.

    "I''m sure it was." He said, his mischievous expression unreadable. He scooped a spoonful of the whipped cream and berries and raised it up close to Amelia''s mouth.

    "Open your mouth," Blaze commanded in a firm but soft voice.

    "Blaze..." Amelia could suspect he had something sneaky up his sleeves.

    "Would you rather I kiss you here?"

    "Good heavens! No!" Amelia''s cheeks reddened.

    "Then, it is settled. I will feed you instead." Blaze brought the spoon closer to her lips. "Say aaa.."

    "One spoon only." Amelia tried to bargain.

    "I''d rather go for the kiss."

    "How about two spoons." Amelia would have gone for the kiss if it was just a quick one. But with Blaze, kissing was very intimately slow and pleasurable, which always evoked an erotic desire in her.

    "Three spoons." Amelia pleaded.

    "Five spoons and it''s a deal."

    Amelia clenched her fist, her eyes shooting flares at him. "Fine, but make it quick."

    "I will do my best." A smile crept up Blaze''s face as he gave her the first spoon.

    Amelia tried to turn her face the other way but Blaze stopped her. "Where is the fun in feeding you if I can watch you eat it."

    Amelia lowered her gaze, cursing Blaze in her heart as she hurriedly chewed on the fruit and said. "Give me the next one."

    "Slow down, honey, so that you don''t choke." Blaze drawled as he leisurely took another mouth-sized dessert.

    By the time Amelia was taking the fifth spoon from Blaze, Maria finally showed up, holding a medium-sized fancy box and a jewelry box.

    "Aww...so cute." Maria cooed.

    Amelia''s cheeks were as red as an overripe tomato as she lowered her head in embarrassment.

    "But Blaze for it to be truly unique, your wife has to feed you too," Maria suggested.

    "No Mom, she doesn''t have to."

    "I want to." Amelia lifted her head up, to look at Blaze, her eyes brimming with revenge.

    "See, she wants to feed you too. Give her the plate" Maria sat down opposite them, feeling amused.

    "I''m not a fan of blueberries. So one spoon will do."

    "Okay, sweetheart." Amelia collected the plate from him and scooped an oversized mouthful of the dessert, picking most of the strawberries. "Say aaa...."

    Blaze smiled at Amelia''s mischievous grin as she raised the spoon to his mouth. He slowly opened his mouth, holding his humorous gaze.

    Amelia clumsily fed him the desert, smearing the whipped cream on his nose and upper lips.

    "Oops! How clumsy of me."

    "Hahaha..." Maria burst out laughing.

    Blaze, who was about to get angry was captivated to hear his mother laughing so heartily. It had been a long time since he saw her this happy and he didn''t want to ruin the mood.

    "You got me, honey." Blaze picked up a napkin and cleaned the mess Amelia made on his nose.

    "Sorry." Amelia smiled turning her face away in satisfaction.

    "So Mum, what do you have for us in those boxes?" Blaze asked turning all serious again.

    "You''ll find out soon enough," Maria said putting the box medium fancy aside and holding out the jewelry box to Amelia. Since I wasn''t invited to your secret marriage, permit me to give you your first wedding gift as my daughter-in-law.

    "Wow!" Amelia stood up and accepted the jewelry box with trembling hands before taking her seat. Guilt was clearly written on her forehead. She slowly opened it, her jaws dropping at the rare and intricately designed pearl necklace inside the box worth millions of dollars.

 Chapter 94 - 94: The Marriage Trial Box

    Blaze craned his neck to see which of his mother''s jewelry she had given Amelia. He was greatly displeased when he saw that it was the same jewelry his late father had gifted his mother on her wedding day.

    "Mom, don''t you think this is..."

    "It''s my gift to my daughter-in-law. Do not interfere." Maria cut her son off.

    "Fine." Blaze decided he would collect it from Amelia at the end of the contract.

    "Now before I reveal the second box to you two, I would love to have your marriage certificates."

    "Huh!" Amelia was stunned.

    "Why?" Blaze asked, frowning.

    "For safekeeping," Maria replied sweetly.

    "But Mom I can take care..."

    "I know you can take care of it, Blaze." Maria cut her son off. "But I want to keep it so that you two won''t go behind my back and get divorced." She said bluntly.

    Amelia''s jaws dropped in both bewilderment and guilt. She wanted to say something but words failed her. So Blaze came to her rescue S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Mom, who said anything about us getting divorced." Blaze''s forehead furrowed.

    "Then you wouldn''t have any problem giving me the certificate right? Or do you think I was born yesterday? I''m your mother and you got some of your smart genes from me. You will bring the marriage certificate to me first thing tomorrow morning, okay."

    "Fine." Blaze felt cornered by his mother. But one year was a long time change her mind.

    "Secondly, I want to appreciate you both for taking that bold step to become husband and wife. As your mother, it is my duty to advise you and guide you so that your love will bloom."

    Amelia felt a cold chill run down her spine at the mention of the word, love. She tried to keep an indifferent expression even though her heart was pounding in her chest.

    Blaze, on the other hand, acted as though he was perfectly comfortable with his mother''s statement even though he was boiling within.

    "I understand that you too may have gotten together secretly for the wrong reasons," Maria said, her intense gaze shifting from Amelia to Blaze and back to Amelia, seeing through the mask they both wore. "But I''m not going to ask what it is. Neither will I judge the past. I believe you two are destined to be together and mend broken rifts. And I pray I live long enough to see you two become one."

    Amelia shifted uneasily in her seat. This discussion was getting too deep and emotional for her and she feared hurting Maria in the future.

    "Sure, Mum, so can we know what''s inside the box already? Amelia and I need to be somewhere by 7:00 PM." Blaze was beginning to feel irritated with the discussion.

    "I''m still talking young man and I am aware of the time. Don''t interrupt me." Maria chided him sternly.

    "Sorry, Mom."

    "Lastly, It is my promise that I will do everything within my power to ensure your marriage stands the test of time." Maria picked up the medium size box and opened it.

    Amelia and Blaze stared blankly at each other and the empty partitioned box.

    "Mom, are you up to one of your puzzle games again?"

    "No darling. This is not a game. I understand your expression because this was the same way I felt when my late mother gave me this box. It''s called the marriage trial box."

    Amelia could feel her heart pounding as she stared blankly at the box.

    "This box has two equal sides as you can see. Half of it is coated in gold and the other half, in red. You both know what that colour symbolizes, so I won''t dwell on it."

    Maria paused to catch her breath before continuing.

    "Marriage is not a game or something you can treat casually. It is a beautiful union that is built on these three unmovable pillars; love, trust and devotion. If you stand by these pillars and are truthful to yourselves, your marriage will blossom. But if you disregard any of these pillars, your marriage might crumble. But we all know that marriage is full of ups and downs that is why my mom gave me this marriage trial box, which I will be giving to you today Amelia. It has been very helpful in my marriage and I believe it will also be helpful to you."

    "Mom I don''t think this is necessary. Amelia and I can handle..."

    "Shh!" Maria raised her forefinger to her lips as she stood up and walked over to them. She handed the box to Amelia as she pulled a stool close to the couple and sat in front of them.

    "Amelia I know my son and his fiery temper. I know he may not be the perfect husband material right now. But I believe with time he will become the best version of himself."

    Blaze gritted his teeth, trying his best not to lose his temper.

    "This is what I want you to do for me. For every time my son says or does anything nasty to you, I want you to write it out on a piece of paper and put it into the red section of the box. Then whenever he does something extraordinary or impressive, I want you to write it on a piece of paper and put it in the golden section of this box. At the end of each month, you will take note of his good deeds versus his bad deeds and compare them with the previous month. If he is improving you will know and if he''s getting worse you will also know. This will help you redirect your energy and focus your goal on making your marriage work. Can you promise me you will do this?"

    Amelia swallowed the lump in her throat, her palm itchy and sweaty, as the thought of disappointing Maria weighed heavily on her chest. "Mum... I...I"

    "Don''t give me an answer right now." Maria cut Amelia off, afraid she might reject the box. "Just take the box and go home. Try it out for fun and give me a response in the next three to six months."

    Amelia exhaled, nodding her head "Okay."

    "Thank you." Maria hugged Amelia briefly before turning her attention to her stoned-faced son.

    "Hello champ, are you mad at your old lady?" Maria said stroking his chin.

    "You know I can hold a grudge against you for too long." Blaze stood up and kissed his mother on the forehead. "Unfortunately, Amelia and I have to go now if we are to meet up with our appointment."

    "It''s fine." Maria stood up and so did Amelia.

    "Amelia, do not forget that this is now officially your home. You are free to come in anytime and any day you want. I will have your room prepared."

    "Thanks, mom." Amelia smiled in gratitude.

    Amelia and Blaze briefly said their goodbye to Eugene and Henry before leaving the mansion.

 Chapter 95 - 95: Dropping The Bomb On Her Friends

    "I''m seriously getting impatient with this whole arrangement." Joanna resumed her complaints after rechecking the time on her wristwatch. "This is already 7: 30 PM and Amelia hasn''t shown up. First, she changed the time of our meeting claiming something urgent came up. And now, she is thirty minutes late. Are we just going to sit down here and keep acting like nothing is wrong."

    "Just exercise a little more patience, Jay." Stacy pleaded. "I texted her two minutes ago and she said she''s close to the coffee shop."

    "I''m sure she has a good reason for coming late," Kayla added in a pleading tone.

    "Also, this would be the first time Amelia is arriving late to a meeting. She always keeps to time." Adriana pointed out as she sank her teeth into a moist chocolate muffin. "Mmm....you guys really need to try this. It''s so yummy."

    "Speak of the devil," Nicole said excitedly pulling everyone''s attention to the approaching young lady, who seemed to have captivated the attention of an elderly couple about to leave the coffee shop.

    "Why is she dressed like someone going to a charity event?" Kayla raised an eyebrow at Amelia''s decent humble girl look.

    "You can ask her yourself." Adrianna''s words were muffled by the large portion of muffin in her mouth.

    "Ann, that is unladylike. Don''t talk with your mouth full." Nicole shot her a comic sneer.

    "Yes, mummy." Adrianna mimicked the voice of a little girl while sticking out her tongue causing everyone to burst into laughter.

    "I hope you guys are not talking about me." Amelia joined her friends beaming as they all stood up to receive her.

    "They all are, except me." Stacy was the first to embrace Amelia since she was closer to her.

    "Is that so?" Amelia eyed all her friends playfully.

    "Kayla said you look like her grandmother in that dress," Nicole said, grinning mischievously.

    "That''s not what I said?" Kayla pouted adorably. "But really, why do you dress like this? Are you coming from visiting the elderly people''s home?"

    "Or the church?" Nicole chirped, laughing.

    "Or your in-laws." Adrianna beamed as she took her turn, hugging Amelia.

    "Yes." Amelia smiled as she took her seat, observing Joanna''s somewhat cold reception.

    "Yes, what?" Nicole asked as they all settled down.

    "Yes, I''m coming from my in-law''s house and I had to look modest," Amelia replied nonchalantly, dropping her handbag off the table.

    Muffled gasps drowned the earlier excitement as everyone on the table aside from Stacy was incredibly shocked.

    This was the first time Amelia was saying anything about her secret marriage and they were all intrigued to know who this so-called in-law and lucky husband was.

    "When you say in-law, are you referring to your new husband?" Nicole asked, eyes widened.

    "Who else would she be referring to if not her new husband?" Kayla rolled her eyes at her bestie before asking the right question. "So who is this lucky man who has stolen your breath away?"

    "More like her brains, if you ask me?" Joanna couldn''t explain why she suddenly felt bitter and somewhat jealous of Amelia.

    "Jay, that''s not a nice thing to say." Adrianna frowned. "You don''t have to be nasty to..."

    "No, it''s fine." Amelia quickly interrupted Adrianna from tongue-lashing Joanna. "Before I reveal the identity of my husband, I owe everyone seated at this table an apology."

    "Yes, you do." Joanna rolled her eyes, taking a sip of her strawberry milkshake with the straw.

    Kayla shot Joanna a glare but didn''t say anything.

    "At least order something before you start apologizing," Nicole suggested, raising her right hand to signal the waiter.

    "No. I''m full. I can''t eat anything right now." Amelia smiled in appreciation.

    "At least, take a bite of this chocolate muffin, you will thank me later." Adriana served Amelia her last cup of the tasty muffins, not taking no for an answer.

    "Thanks, Ann." Amelia''s smile widened. She picked up the muffin and took a small bite. "Mmm...yummy."

    "I told ya." Adriana chirped like someone who had won a lottery.

    "Ahem." Joanna cleared her throat impatiently. A few kilometres away from where they were assembled, someone was waiting breathlessly to see and hear what Amelia was about to say.

    Everyone at the table turned to stare at Joanna who was now checking her wristwatch as though she had some other important place to be.

    Dropping the muffin back on her plate, Amelia turned to face Joanna, whose gaze was turned sideways.

    Jay, I''m very sorry." sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Amy, you don''t have to..."

    "Allow her." Stacy patted Kayla on the arm.

    Others on the table weren''t happy with the way Joanna was going about this. They all knew this was because of Tina, - who had virtually called everyone on the table, lamenting about her ex, telling them how much she loved him and would die if someone took him away from her.

    "You are my friend and I cherish you a lot." Amelia continued in her subtle tone. "I''m sorry I didn''t take your call after I left the event venue yesterday. It wasn''t intentional. There was a lot on my plate that I had to deal with. That was why I switched off my phone."

    "You could have at least replied to one of my text messages." Joanna met Amelia''s gaze with a sneer. "That is what a real friend would do instead of cowering in the face of a confrontation."

    Amelia frowned.

    "Joanna, watch your tone," Stacy warned.

    "Yes, Joanna. No one here is a coward."

    "Can you all stop interfering and allow me to air my mind?" Joanna snapped, unable to hide her disgust anymore.

    "Excuse me?" Nicole flashed Joanna a look of disgust. "Don''t use that tone on this table. I will not take it from you."

    "Girls, please. Let''s not quarrel over this." Amelia pleaded, trying her best not to lose her temper. "Jay, I''m listening."

    "As I was saying." Joanna ignored the nasty glares in her direction. "The way you handled the situation after we all tried reaching you last night was not right. There are better ways to address your friends when there is a case of misinformation or mistrust. Nevertheless, I am happy that you are finally here to fix it. So let here your defence."

    Amelia releases a heavy sigh. "Thanks and I''m sorry for the way I handled everything. Joanna is right. I could have done better. But I want you all to know I would never hurt any member of this group. Beyond friends, I see you all as my sisters from different mothers."

    "Aww...now you''re going to make me cry." Kayle faked a sniffle.

    "Can you stop being dramatic for once?" Nicole eyed Kayla, clicking her tongue playfully.

    "Drama is my middle name, honey." Kayla winked at Nicole before turning to Amelia, throwing a grape into her mouth." You can continue my darling. You''re doing a great job." She gave her a thumbs up.

    Amelia gave a faint smile before dropping the bomb on everyone. "Before I comment on yesterday''s episode, I would like to formally inform you all that Mr Blaze Anderson is my husband."

 Chapter 96 - 96: Falling Out

    A deafening silence engulfed the atmosphere around the table. This was shortly followed by a wild exclamation attracting the attention of a few customers seated not too far from them.

    "Say what?" Kayla''s jaws dropped.

    "Impossible!" Nicole''s eyes widened like a saucer.

    "You are joking." Adriana cupped her mouth in surprise.

    "Your husband?" Joanna was left in a daze as she stared at Amelia incredulously.

    "Yes, Jay." Amelia''s voice was laced with a hint of pride. It felt natural calling Blaze her husband, wondering how long he was going to sit in the car outside the coffee shop, waiting to take her home.

    "Amelia, please tell me this is a joke," Jay said in a desperate tone, afraid that Tina may run insane where she was watching the livestream.

    "I''m sorry, Jay. But this is no joke. He is my husband and I was going to tell you all at the right time. But after yesterday''s event and the episode that took place after that, I decided it was time you all knew the truth."

    Another wave of silence fell on the table as everyone processed this information differently. Some had curious excitement on their face few while others wore a dreadful look.

    "So you mean to tell me that cold and deliciously handsome man is your husband?" Adrianna wanted to scream out in excitement. "Girl, you are one lucky babe."

    Amelia forced a smile, which immediately disappeared after Joanna''s face-slapping words.

    "Lucky! I don''t think so." How can you sit there and tell us that Mr Blaze Anderson, - Tina''s ex-boyfriend whom she''s planning to rekindle her love story with, - is your husband? Are you for real?"

    Amelia could sense the rage in Joanna''s voice as she replied to her question.

    "Joanna, please don''t make it sound as if I just murdered someone."

    "What do you call this?" Joanna asked between gritted teeth, trying her best not to scream.

    "Joanna..."

    "Stacey, let me handle this," Amelia said pleading without peeling her gaze from Joanna.

    "Jay, Mr Anderson is my husband and I''m not ashamed to say that. I didn''t know who Tina''s boyfriend was before I got married to him and I do not feel guilty of committing any crime."

    "Is that the best lame excuse you can come up with?" Joanna''s narrowed eyes shot invisible fiery in Amelia''s direction.

    "Joanna..." Amelia called in a warning tone but the latter kept on talking, depriving others from sharing their views.

    "What happened to the thousands of men in this city? What happened to all those rich dudes who are dying to be with you? What happened to that rich and handsome Tyler guy, who was practically groveling at your feet yesterday? Of all the men in the world, why him? Why must it be a friend''s ex? Have you forgotten the code we live by?"

    Amelia felt her body stiffen as her initial irritation morphed into pure anger.

    "Joanna, don''t you think you are taking this a little too far? Adriana''s forehead furrowed. She didn''t think Amelia had committed any crime by choosing a single, good-looking and extremely wealthy man for a husband. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "No, I''m not." Joanna spat out between clenched teeth. "You''re not the one who had to listen to her friend cry her heart out, thinking about how her world is about to crumble at the thought of losing her love. Tina relocated to this city specifically to reunite with Mr Anderson. She loves him and she''s ready to do whatever it takes to reunite with him. How do you think she would feel when she learns that Amelia is already the only man she ever truly loves?"

    "She''s going to be devastated. That is a fact." Nicole shook her head feeling sorry for Tina and a little angry at Amelia.

    Amelia could feel the heat rising on her face as she tried to defend her action. She took in a deep breath, before facing Joanna squarely.

    "Listen, Jay, I have no plans of hurting anyone. I met my husband single and unattached before we agreed to make our union formal. I will not apologize to anyone for marrying him. I never knew who Tina was until you introduced her to us. So I do not consider her as a member of this group. I have been receiving insults both directly and indirectly from Tina for the last few days ever since she saw me with my mother-in-law. But it ends now."

    "Really!" Joanna laughed bitterly. "And here I was thinking Tina had lost her mind when she was accusing you of theft. It is clear to me now. But let me ask you this question. "Where is your sense of dignity?"

    Joanna''s statements sparked an uproar amongst the friends as everyone started talking at the same time, attracting virtually everyone''s attention in the coffee shop. Thankfully, the customers were few and mostly made up of aged people, the main reason why Amelia suggested the location.

    Pascal and Clay who were seated three tables away from the women, kept their eyes glued on Amelia waiting for any signs of danger before springing into action.

    Stacy, who had promised Amelia earlier that she wouldn''t interfere, decided that she was done remaining silent.

    "Enough!" Stacy boomed to silence everyone seated at the table. Some of the old folks who had turned their table to stare at the feuding young women smiled and even clapped their hands for Stacey.

    "I''m sure you all have heard of the saying that one man''s trash is another man''s gold."

    "Yeah," They all nodded their heads.

    "Well, you don''t trash a gem and expect someone not to find it. I''m not just saying this because Amelia is our friend. I see no harm in what she has done based on the following points." Stacy lowered her voice as she addressed Blaze''s name.

    "1. Mr Anderson is not an object that someone can purchase from the market at will. He is a man with blood flowing through his veins. He has the right to choose any woman he fancies and none of us can do shit about it.

    2. Like Amelia rightly said, none of us knew who Tina''s lover was until yesterday evening at the event when she opened up to us. So how the hell could Amelia have betrayed her?

    3. Based on Tina''s pathetic story, which in my honest opinion is pure trash, which of you seated here would watch your only brother get ditched by a heartless woman and still watch that woman waltz back into his life after years of exploring the unknown."

    "Excuse me!" Joanna balled her hands into a fist, her temper exceeding its limit.

 Chapter 97 - 97: Falling Out 1

    Like an angry horse with an itchy nose, Joanna sprang to her feet, almost knocking off her milkshake on the table if it hadn''t been for Kayla''s swift action.

    "Watch that stinking gutter of yours, Stacy. I will not sit down here and what you indirectly call my friend or prostitute."

    "Joanna!" Nicole called in a rebuking tone.

    "No, you watch your trashy mouth, Joanna." Stacy also jumped to her feet, wagging a finger at her, ready to claw at her face if need be. "I didn''t call your friend any name but if you think she''s one then so be it."

    Amelia and the others stood up while the manager of the coffee shop with Amelia''s bodyguards rushed down to the table. But the two most angry ladies on the table kept lashing out at each other, calling each other names and boring a big hole in their friendship bond.

    Joanna laughed bitterly. "I am not surprised that you will shamelessly support Amelia''s indecent action. Or do you think I don''t see the way you two exchange suspicious glances? I know all your schemes to snatch my friend''s lover but you two will not succeed."

    "What stupid scheme are you insinuating? Don''t tell me that wannabe friend of yours put you up to this. Isn''t it damaging enough that she has been going about calling Amelia names all for the sake of a man who doesn''t want her? How cheap can she be? Where is her dignity and pride? Where is your for defending her. The last time I checked, only desperados blindly chase after a man." Stacy snarled, clicking her tongue.

    "How dare you call my friend a desperado?" Joanna lunched forward raising her hand to slap Stacy. But others quickly intervene and stop her from making the biggest mistake of her life.

    "Ladies, please, can we keep it down here? You are scaring my other customers. If you are done, you can take your fight outside my establishment." The old manager of the coffee shop warned sternly.

    "Ma''am..."

    "I''m fine Pascal." Amelia snapped angrily at Pascal. "Give me some time."

    "Okay." Pascal nodded with a polite smile, listening to the instruction from his Bluetooth device attached to his ear and his angry boss''s wife.

    Amelia turned her attention to the manager and apologized on behalf of her friends. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Mr Chow, I''m so sorry for the disruption. I promise we will control our temper. Won''t we ladies?"

    They all grumbled different responses before taking their seat.

    "Please, keep your voice down." The older manager reiterated before leaving the table.

    Older other customers who were enjoying the young ladies squabbling were slightly disappointed as they turned their heads back to enjoy their snacks and coffee.

    A deafening silence rained for the next few minutes as everyone was busy assembling their thoughts and weighing their decision, until Kayla finally cleared her throat and spoke calmly.

    "Girls, we have been friends for decades. Let''s not throw all of that because of one person who is not fully a member of this group.

    "That one person happens to be my very good friend." Joanna hissed turning her face aside.

    "Point taken Joanna. She is your very good friend but we cannot let her come between us."

    "I agree with Kayla," Nicole said, still in a daze about everything.

    "To be fair, Amelia is right," Adrianna said cautiously averting Joanna''s scowl. "Tina didn''t mention her boyfriend''s name before Amelia told us she was married. Moreover, I think the man has a right to choose who he wants to marry or love. If he chooses to be with Amelia then she has my full support and blessing."

    "You know what, I''m not surprised." Joanna said bringing out some cash from her bag and putting it under her plate. She picked up her bag and stood up. "I think I''ve heard enough. It''s obvious you all have taken sides with Amelia. But it''s fine. Everyone is entitled to their opinion."

    "Jay, don''t talk like that." Nicole stood up to stop Joanna from leaving, but the latter was not done talking.

    "But get this Amelia, you don''t take advantage of another person''s misery and expect to have a happy ending. That is not how the law of fairy tales works. I am out of this group." She hissed and walked away.

    "Jay..." Nicole ran after her, while the others remained seated feeling guilty about losing a dear friend.

    Amelia lowered her head, feeling even more miserable. She wanted to stand up and go after Joanna but Stacy stopped her.

    "Let her cool off, Amy. She''s angry and won''t listen to anything you will say to her right now."

    "That''s true." Kayla released a deep sigh. "Moreover she''s angry with all of us. She thinks we all betrayed her."

    "I feel like shit right now." Adrianna signalled the waiter to bring more chocolate muffins, causing Stacy to raise an eyebrow. "What! Sweet help me when I f**king miserable."

    "Girls, Nicole is coming and she doesn''t look happy." Kayla alerted everyone on the table.

    "Amelia," Nicole flipped her chair to face Amelia before sitting down. "You have got some serious explaining to do. For example, did you really know that Tina was planning to get back with your so-called husband before you got married to him?

    "I swear on my mother''s grave, Nicole, I didn''t no," Amelia said in a bitter tone, tears clouding her vision. "Before I met Tina on the day Joanna introduced her to us at the bar, Mr Anderson and I were already planning to get married the next day.

    Adrianna believed everything Amelia said and didn''t bother asking her questions.

    "How did you guys meet? Were you lovers before?" Kayla asked, pulling her seat closer.

    "No, we were not lovers. Remember I told you guys I was kidnapped on the eve of my wedding. It was Mr Anderson that rescued me from drowning when I got into an accident, escaping."

    "Ooh..." All of them nodded, seeing the attraction.

    "Do you love him?" Nicole asked, having a change of heart to support Amelia.

    "I..."

    "Where is that heartless b*tch!"

    Someone barged into the coffee shop screaming at the top of her voice, interrupting Amelia.

    "Tina!" Kayla''s eyes widened.

    "Who gave her this address?" Adrianna asked looking at Nicole suspiciously.

    "I didn''t..." Nicole raised her two hands up.

    "Joanna..." Stacy spat out between clenched teeth.

    "You think you can steal my man?" Tina bellowed as Pascal and Clay blocked her path. "You think you can go behind my back and marry my lover? I will f*cking destroy you in the city. I swear."

    "Amelia you don''t have to say anything to her," Kayla warned, afraid of a media stunt.

    "I won''t," Amelia promised.

    Mr Chow came out again. But this time he was accompanied by two of his sons.

    "Throw that mad woman outside." Mr Chow ordered his two sons and they swung into action.

    "Face me you f*cking b*tch. Do you think I will let you marry my man in peace? I will destroy you." Tina kept ranting on and on as she was dragged out of the coffee shop.

    Amelia took one look at the infuriated old man and decided it was time to leave.

    "Girls, we''ll talk to each other later," Amelia said hastily as she observed a call coming from Blaze, whom she had begged that whatever happened he must never show his face.

    "Certainly," they all hugged and said their goodbyes before departing one after the other.

    Outside the coffee shop, Amelia was expecting to see Tina preparing for a brawl. But to her surprise, Tina was nowhere to be found.

 Chapter 98 - 98: Eunices Plea

    The Harris tea parlour has always been a special meeting point for both young and old herbal tea lovers. They provided not only the best quality and rarest tea for their wide range of elite customers but also magnificent scenery for nature lovers.

    Eunice Stevens inhaled deeply, calming down her fraying nerves whilst taking sips of her herbal tea, waiting patiently for her former best friend to arrive.

    She watched as different customers, mostly elderly by nature, made their way into the tea house in small groups, chatting and laughing heartily. They sat in small groups of three and four around different round tables, as some young waiters approached them with the tea house menu.

    Seated alone and smiling to herself, Eunice felt a bit nostalgic as she reminisced about her special moments with her girls. Those days have always been the best moments of her life.

    Sadly, after her foolish daughter gave up her dream husband for her career when she could actually have both, everything ended. Not only did Eunice lose her best friend, but due to Maria''s domineering influence, she lost the company of her other friends.

    After watching her daughter return home drunk and more miserable than ever last night, claiming Blaze has married the tramp, Eunice decided to take the matter up with her former friend.

    "Good morning, Mrs Anderson."

    Eunice lifted her face away from her teacup to look at the entrance to the tea parlour.

    There she was, adorning in the sky blue flawless chiffon dress with minimalistic pieces of jewelry and a captivating smile. She was talking briefly to the cheerful owner who was beaming and nodding enthusiastically as though he was being given a fat paycheck.

    Eunice slowly brought down her tea cup and inhaled deeply again to calm her racing heart. She stood up as Maria looked from left to right, in search of her. A feverish smile framed her lips as she waved her hand at Maria signalling the latter.

    Eunice watched as Maria slowly approached her with an air of pride and contentment. There was no arrogance in her subtle smile and there was no hatred in her dazzling eyes.

    "Hello, Eunice." Maria beamed as she stepped before her old friend, sticking her hands out.

    "Hi, Maria." Eunice shook hands briefly with her even though she would have preferred a warm bear hug. "You look awesome as always, never aging a bit."

    "Thanks, you look great too." Maria took her seat opposite Eunice whilst the latter did the same. "How are Rowland and Kelvin."

    Eunice paused as the manager of the tea parlour approached their table and personally served Maria her unique brand of tea with some special cookies. She waited for him to leave before replying to Maria''s question.

    "Rowland is away for his business trip as usual. He hasn''t been home for almost a month now but we''ve been talking over the phone. Kelvin on the other hand just concluded a special ops training. He made lieutenant and he will be coming home on Wednesday."

    "That is good to know," Maria said casually.

    "What about that charming son of yours, Blaze," Eunice asked excitedly, grateful that Maria had been receptive towards her so far.

    "He''s fine," Maria replied casually, dedicating her attention to pouring herself a cup of tea while Eunice watched in admiration, waiting for her to ask after Tina. She exuded a serene aloofness that was both contagious and enigmatic, making Eunice slightly nervous.

    Maria picked up the small spoon on the saucer and meticulously stirred her tea in silence. She dropped the spoon and picked up the teacup with one hand. She raised the cup to her lips before meeting Eunice''s gaze.

    "Are you going to keep staring at me all day or tell me the reason why you have pleaded to see me?" She asked, blowing and sipping her tea.

    "Ahem!" Eunice cleared her throat awkwardly, forcing a smile on her face as she spoke.

    "Maria...I know you are still angry with me..." sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "That''s in the past," Maria said rather sharply, cutting Eunice off. "Go straight to the point because I have somewhere else to be in the next twenty minutes." Her initial sweet and calm countenance was replaced with a slightly cold and piqued expression.

    "Okay..." Eunice released a sigh, inwardly angry at Tina for putting her in this awkward position and ruining her relationship with one of the most kind-hearted women in the world. "It''s about Tina."

    "I''m listening." Maria took more sip of her tea, showing no signs of interest in the matter being raised.

    "She has finally come back to her senses and she is deeply sorry for the hurt she caused Blaze." Eunice''s voice quivered as though she had been assessed for a new job position by a difficult judge.

    "Good for her." Maria dropped her tea cup and picked one of her favourite coconut chocolate chip cookies. She took a bite and munched it really slowly making Eunice salivate from where she was seated.

    Eunice could feel beads of sweat crowding on her forehead as she made known her intention. "Tina is ready to make amends for her past mistake. She has realized over the past years that there is no place you''d rather be than in the arms of her love. She loves Blaze so much and she is willing to give up everything to be with him. All she needs is your blessing and approval to marry your son. I promise she won''t disappoint you ever again. Please."

    Eunice could feel her heart racing as Maria leisurely finished the biscuit in her hand, dusting off the crumbs and taking more sips of her tea. She waited breathlessly for her to say something either in favour or against the request as Maria looked up to meet her gaze.

    "I used to think you were a woman of principle, empathy and integrity. But now, all I see is a woman of low standards, desperation and selfishness. Only a mother such as yourself, who lacks compassion for others would encourage her confused child to take a walk of shame instead of telling her the bitter truth."

 Chapter 99 - 99: There Is A Man In That Room

    "Maria..."

    "I''m still talking." Maria snapped harshly at Eunice while maintaining a calm demeanor. "I am not the type of woman to instigate conflict or radicle a fellow human being. But every cat has its breaking point. Do not push me to bare my claws on your family. I respect your husband a lot, hence this meeting. Do not overstep your boundaries."

    "Maria, please, Tina is miserable. All she talks about is Blaze. I know I am acting shameless right now. But honestly, I do not care as long as it involves my child''s happiness. Please, just give her one more chance to write her wrong. That is all she asks."

    Maria scoffed, chuckling.

    "I have forgiven her long ago. I bear no grudge against her. I wish her well in her future endeavours as long as it has nothing to do with my son."

    "But it''s your son she wants and no other." Eunice reached out to touch Maria''s hand resting on the table but the latter quickly withdrew her hands.

    "That ship has long sailed or haven''t you heard. My son is happily married to the most beautiful girl in the entire world." Maria said with an air of pride as she mentally pictured Amelia''s pretty face.

    "No... It can''t be." Eunice placed her right hand on her pounding chest, staring at Maria with a mixture of alarm and disbelief.

    Maria leaned closer, resting her elbow on the table as she spoke more seriously.

    "Be sensible enough, Eunice, to know when you are no longer wanted. Move on with your life just as I and my son have done. I only have one child and his happiness means everything to me in this world. Tell your daughter to respect herself and stay the hell away from him. If she does anything to cause my family trouble, especially my son''s wife, I will make sure she remains miserable for the rest of her pathetic life. Take this as a friendly warning and have a nice day."

    Maria pushed her chair backwards and stood up, ignoring Eunice''s earnest pleas which were beginning to attract attention. She spoke briefly to the manager, before leaving the tea parlour with a takeaway pack.

    -

    -

    While Blaze prepared for his grandparents'' arrival by the weekend, moving up his work schedule, to create more free time for Friday and the entire weekend, Amelia focused her attention on her own work.

    The entire Monday passed by like a breeze, with Blaze and Amelia hardly crossing paths except for the evening when they both retired for the night. But even at night, Blaze hardly slept for more than three hours. He was always on his computer working tirelessly on a new project.

    Amelia didn''t hear anything from Tina, even though she was expecting the latter to create an internet scene after the confrontation at the coffee shop. She didn''t know what Blaze said to Tina even after he confessed to gently persuading her to leave that night. But she was grateful for the peace and quiet in her life.

    Monday almost ended like a normal boring day until Amelia received a call from her stepmother inviting her to a secret birthday party in honor of her father at the mansion.

    Regina went as far as asking her to come with her plus one.

    Although Amelia was skeptical about attending the party, she agreed to show up for the sake of her father. She knew her stepmother was up to one of her dirty games but so was she. With Blaze by her side, she was ready to drop the cheese before the hungry mice and watch them tear themselves apart.

    By the following day, Amelia woke up only to realize that Blaze had already left for the office without even taking breakfast. He left her a simple note stating that he would be out of town for two days.

    "Two days!" Amelia frowned, the crease on her forehead deepening as she realized that he wouldn''t be around for her father''s birthday. She didn''t even get the chance to invite him. But then, she doubted if he would attend such an occasion since he hated her father. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Massaging her forehead in frustration, Amelia weighed her options of facing all those hyenas in her father''s house alone without any close backup. Her bodyguards won''t be allowed into certain places in the mansion but a close friend or partner will be given direct assess.

    "I guess Stacy wouldn''t mind." She shrugged, lazily pushing herself up from the bed and going about her morning routine.

    Before long, she was back to her busy office schedule for the day attending to various clients'' needs, attending some departmental meetings and overseeing production for the day.

    Towards the close of business, she reached out to Stacy, asking the latter to accompany her to search for a befitting gift for her dad.

    An hour later, both friends were spotted entering different gift shops, searching for the perfect gift.

    After achieving her main objective, Amelia decided to go on a shopping spree for herself and her bestie. They stopped at different high-end boutiques trying out different designer clothes while chatting heartily.

    Amelia was inside one of the changing rooms trying out a new dress and listening to Stacy talk about an annoying client at her restaurant when she heard someone enter and close the changing room door next to her.

    Focusing her mind on removing the previous dress which didn''t fit and sliding into the new dress, Amelia felt this weird knot in her stomach as though someone was spying on her. She stopped what she was doing and listened for any suspicious movement or sound but heard nothing.

    Aside from Stacy''s amused voice that was yapping on and on about how she dealt with the annoying customer and the distant discussion of clients and service providers, she heard nothing. Not even a sound to show that someone was in the other changing room.

    She moved backwards taking two steps and heard the same mimicking movement coming from the other room. She repeated the same action moving sideways and so did the person in the other room. She cleared her throat just to be sure that she wasn''t hearing things. But the person in the other room also cleared his voice in the same manner.

    "His!" Amelia echoed in her heart, eyes widening in fright. Without thinking, she quickly dashed out of the changing room, half-dressed almost tripping on the long gown she was holding to her chest.

    "Amelia, what is wrong?" Stacy panicked, jumping to her feet.

    "There is a man in that room." Amelia pointed with shaky fingers, her alarmed voice attracting the attention of her bodyguards.

 Chapter 100 - 100: The Mysterious Intruder.

    "A man!" Stacy raised her eyebrows in disbelief as she quickly picked up a jacket from the hip of clothes Amelia was trying on and threw it over the latter''s shoulder to cover her exposed back. She didn''t remember seeing anyone enter the room Amelia was pointing at. Rather, she had watched a dark-skinned lady with deep curly hair walk into room four, -one room away from Amelia -holding a few new clothes.

    "Yes! A man!" Amelia repeated in a quivering voice, her body trembling at the thought of getting kidnapped again. "I heard his voice. I think he was watching me."

    "Ma''am, I think you are mistaken. Men are not allowed in here except the person in question is a spouse of our esteemed client." The sales representative, a young girl in her mid-twenties, placed in charge of handling all of Amelia''s needs, explained politely, masking her fear with a convincing smile.

    "Do not tell me what you know. I''m sure of what I heard." Amelia snapped angrily at the sales representative, as she quickly slipped her hands into the jacket sleeve with Stacy''s help and buttoned it up to cover her asset properly. Her lace bra was still inside the changing cubicle and she felt a bit naked under the jacket.

    "I''m sorry ma''am." The lady apologized, knowing she could lose her job for challenging not just any VIP customer but the rich and influential daughter of a senator. "I''ll quickly inform the manager and get security personnel here."

    "You do that." Amelia dismissed her as Pascal and Clay rushed to her side.

    "Ma''am, we heard you call."

    "Yes. I heard a man''s voice in that cubicle. I think he was spying on me while I was dressing." Amelia said in a hushed voice.

    "Keep your head low, ma''am, we''ll take care of it," Pascal said in a low drilling tone giving Clay a nonverbal signal, while he pulled out his licensed gun.

    "Geez! Is that a gun he is holding?" Stacy asked in a hushed voice crouching on the soft padded long bench with Amelia. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "No, it''s a banana." Amelia rolled her eyes at Stacy before tilting her head to look at Pascal and Clay in action.

    While Clay positioned himself as a human shield in front of both women, aiming his gun at cubicle number three, Pascal advanced the door cautiously like a well-skilled field agent.

    At that very moment, the dark-skinned lady in room four stepped out of the changing room all dressed up.

    "What is ... Ahh!" She gasped, freezing on the spot at the sight of two hefty-looking guys in suits pointing their guns at her.

    "No!" The lady''s handbag and the already-tried clothes she was holding dropped on the floor as she involuntarily raised both her hands above her head in surrender.

    Amelia and Stacy both stared at the lady in shock, both of them equally startled by her untimely appearance.

    "Shh...."

    Pascal placed a finger on his lips, pointing the gun away from her, back to room three. He had only acted on reflex and was grateful that his finger was not on the trigger.

    "Leave!" Clay gestured at the trembling lady with his gun, his darkened and lethal gaze sending waves of chill down her spine.

    "Okay!" The lady nodded her head, her voice barely above a whisper. She hurriedly picked up her scattered clothes on the floor, Amelia watching her every move.

    Something among the wears the lady was holding caught Amelia''s attention but Stacy''s thrilled voice distracted her before she could figure out what she saw.

    "Here we go," Stacy whispered, as the dark-skinned lady dashed out of the room without making much noise.

    In one swift kick, Pascal forced the door of the cubicle three open with his boot, causing it to fly from its hinges. It makes a loud crashing sound as it hits the opposite wall-mounted mirror, shattering it into pieces.

    Amelia impulsively covered her ears with both hands, her heart drumming wildly as she waited breathlessly for the shrill cry of a wounded man.

    Pascal also listened and aimed, ready to pull the trigger. But instead of a man groaning in pain as a result of the door crashing in his face or someone trying to escape from the assault of the shattered mirror, there was complete silence.

    "What the hell!" Pascal went in and assessed the cubicle thoroughly stepping on shards of broken mirror. But there were no signs of a living being in the cubicle, only the lingering fragrance of a female perfume.

    "There is no one here ma''am," Pascal reported, turning to face his bewildered boss''s wife.

    "Impossible!" Amelia stood up, craning her neck and tilting it from side to side, while staring at the empty room, eyes widened and jaws dropping. She was sure of what she had heard, but couldn''t believe what her eyes were seeing. There was really no one in there, except for the mess Pascal had created.

    "Did he vanish?" Stacy also stood up staring at the empty cubicle in confusion.

    "Don''t be ridiculous." Amelia shot Stacy a nasty glare.

    "Maybe you heard the voice coming from the other room," Clay suggested, pointing to cubicle one, not wanting to disappoint Amelia.

    "No." Amelia shook her head, bravely stepping forward while holding up the gown she was trying initially. "I know what I heard. It was a man''s voice and it was coming from that cubicle three." She said, trembling even more as different weird thoughts crossed her mind.

    "Amy, maybe you mistook my voice for someone else. I was really loud you know?" Stacy''s indirect way of consoling Amelia only infuriated the latter.

    "I''m not making this up, Stacy." Amelia frowned. "You know me better than this. I''m very sure of what I heard. It was a male''s voice. It was low, creepy and taunting. He was mimicking me."

    Stacy felt a chill run down her spine as she stared at the five changing cubicle rooms with horror, afraid that this creepy mysterious intruder might jump out of one of the cubicles any second.

    "I think we should leave this place right now," Stacy suggested, panic lacing her tone.

    "In this?" Amelia gestured comically at her half-worn gown and jacket combo, causing Stacy to chuckle. "I have to change back to my clothes first before people think I''ve gone insane."

    "Yeah, but make it quick."

    "Hold on, ma''am while I secure the room first," Pascal suggested before going ahead to search all other cubicles. He could tell something was amiss as he critically scrutinized all the empty rooms one after the other. He observed that all the changing rooms had a rectangular opening at the bottom partition, which could allow anyone with an evil intent to crawl on their belly while navigating from one room to another.

    Just then, the main door to the changing room opened.

    "Miss Amelia, are you all right?" The manager of the boutique, a female in her early thirties, with hawkish brown eyes, walked into the changing room with two security men and the sales representative from earlier. She was startled to see her VIP clients dressed awkwardly.

    "You two, wait outside." The manager quickly dismissed the two security men leaving only the female sales representative.

    Amelia took in a deep breath to calm her erratic nerves before replying to the manager''s earlier question.

    "Bianca, I''m not all right. As a matter of fact, I am greatly displeased with your poor services."

    The manager''s face paled.

    "What happened? Please tell me so that I can make amends."

    "Is this changing room covered by the CCTV camera?" Amelia asked.

    "Yes ma''am but not the changing cubicles for privacy purposes. But please tell me, Did something happen? Did anyone steal from you?" The manager asked eying her sales representative who was now fidgeting.

    "No. This has nothing to do with theft. I think someone was spying on me while I was changing and I need proof to find that person. My bodyguard over here will follow you to check your CCTV footage."

    "Okay, ma''am."

    "Also forward the bill of the mess I''ve created, I''ll take care of it," Amelia said pointing to the broken door and mirror in cubicle three.

    "Thank you, ma''am."

    While Clay followed the manager to investigate the CCTV footage, Pascal did a sweep around the room and ensured everywhere was safe before Amelia entered cubicle two to dress up properly.

    She hurriedly took off the gown and put on her pants. She was about to pick up her baby pink lace bra when she noticed it wasn''t where she left it. She rummaged through the clothes on the stool and the hanger in search of the only pink item in the entire clothes collection but it was nowhere to be found.

    It was at this point that something flashed across her mind.

    "Shit!" Amelia cursed out loud.

    "Amy, what''s wrong?" Stacy who was standing directly in front of the changing room door asked.

    "The dark-skinned lady." Amelia blurted out.

    "What about her?" Stacy raised an eyebrow.

    "It was her," Amelia said opening the door slightly and signalling Stacy to come inside.

    "It was her?" Stacy stared at her friend who was still missing the proper jacket to match with her pants.

    "I thought it was a man. But it was her. She took my bra." Amelia whispered, embarrassed.

    "Huh!" Stacy placed the back of her hand on her bestie''s forehead to ensure she wasn''t running a temperature.

 Chapter 101 - 101: The Surprise Birthday Party

    "Amy, don''t let what happened this evening bother you too much. They already have a trail on the credit card the lady used to shop for her clothes. They will apprehend her in a matter of minutes and you will get your stolen underwear." These were Stacy''s last reassuring words before they both parted ways for the evening.

    Though completely weird, It sounded amusing when they both talked about the stolen bra. They even laughed out their hearts hoping to overlook the weirdnesses of the theft or the creepy message that the female stalker was trying to pass across.

    Currently, lying on her bed, in the safety of her home, Amelia found it difficult to close her eyes. She was hunted by the thoughts that out there, someone with evil intentions towards her may have successfully gotten away with spying and stealing from her.

    It has been more than four hours since the incident. Still, Pascal and the people he contacted haven''t given her any positive report about the lady with a dual personality.

    According to Pascal''s last report, they discovered that the credit card the lady used to purchase her clothes was stolen from a gullible old fool. It was also deduced that the lady, whose face have now been made known to the investigating detective, was completely different from the lady who had stolen the credit card. This simply meant that the lady at the boutique was wearing one of those realistic female latex masks, making her real identity a mirage.

    Turning and tossing restlessly on her bed, Amelia kept suffocating herself with clashing and frightful thoughts until weariness finally set in. She was tormented by nightmares for most of the night.

    By the following morning, she was feeling lethargic and irritable, with a banging headache.

    Pushing every ugly thought to the back of her mind, she took some aspirin and some rejuvenating tea to boost her energy level. Then she got ready for work and left for the office, occupying herself with lots of activity until it was 3:00 PM.

    Amelia''s phone rang as she was clearing her desk in readiness to leave. She recognized her stepmother''s unsaved number in one quick glance and hissed.

    "What does the evil witch want now." Amelia cursed under her breath as she swiped the receive button sideways.

    "How may I help you?" Amelia demanded in a deadpan tone.

    "Hello Amelia, I hope you haven''t forgotten about the surprise birthday party we are planning for your dad later this evening or have you changed your mind about coming."

    "No. I haven''t forgotten Regina and I haven''t changed my mind. Is that all?"

    "No dear. There is one more thing I''d like to remind you." Regina''s relaxed voice only fanned Amelia''s fury. For all she knew Regina could have been the person behind yesterday''s incident.

    "I''m listening." Amelia scoffed, trying to maintain a calm voice.

    "Do not forget to bring your plus one, preferably your charming husband." Regina purred the husband part excitedly.

    "Whoever I choose to bring along shouldn''t be any of your business, Regina. You should focus on pleasing your husband rather than nosing around my affairs."

    Amelia hung up, hissing. She knew her stepmother would be raining insults on her at the moment. But she really didn''t care. She quickly reached out to Stacy over the phone asking the latter to meet up with her at the Shawls mansion.

    Afterwards, she left the office for home to get ready for the evening event.

    -

    -

    Meanwhile, at Shawl mansion, invited guests slowly began to arrive in pairs, adorned in expensive and elegant evening wear, bearing different gifts in their hands. They were received at the entrance by the mansion butler and thoroughly scanned by the security personnel present.

    The hostess was nowhere in sight. But her adorable daughter and her elegant son-in-law, both cladded in matching safari blue outfits, stood in for her, receiving guests into the mansion while waiting patiently for their main target. They were also assisted by Pearl, who was secretly looking for the next rich old man to dupe with her fake love.

    Other invited members of the Shawls family gathered in small groups discussing in low voices and socializing with other influential guests.

    Upstairs and behind closed doors, within the comfort of her bedroom, Regina was enduring another round of futile sex with her infuriating brother-in-law, who had entered her room under the disguise of checking up on his sister-in-law.

    She had earlier tried to dissuade him to no avail. Instead, he threatened to expose her evil atrocities first to her daughter, who was ignorant of her biological origin.

    Frustrated, Regina was forced to give in to Matt''s selfish desires. She didn''t know how long she would be able to keep up with his continuous blackmail as she was getting fed up with his reckless sexual orgies. She thought about killing him before he had a chance to expose her dark secret. But the smart fool had a backup plan in case he died of any unnatural course. Hence, she was forced to endure his insatiable sexual rough handling while she cunningly tried to get information out of him.

    Just then, a knock on her bedroom door startled the cheating couple who were still in the middle of sexual ecstasy.

    Like a thieving rat scrabbling at the sight of a cat, the cheating couple untangled from each other''s embrace and jumped out of the bed.

    "Discharge whoever it is," Matt whispered, picking up his pants and shoes from the floor and dashing into the bathroom.

    "Coward!" Regina hissed, pulling her panties up and straightening out her gown. She picked up her perfume and sprayed it on her body to mask Matt''s scent on her. Then she took in a deep breath before answering the door.

    "Pearl!" Regina frowned. "What are you doing here? Aren''t you supposed to be at the door welcoming guests, alongside Gwen and Jerry?"

    "I was until someone showed up with her best friend instead of a husband," Pearl replied, craning her neck to see if Matt was inside her sister''s bedroom as usual. She couldn''t help wondering why these two kept taking risks doing their dirty business inside the senator''s house. What if they get caught?

    "Do you say the tramp came alone without a man?" Regina eyes lit up with evil excitement.

    -

    -

    Amelia inhaled deeply, calming her spiking nerves as her gaze fell on Gwen and Jerry, standing not too far from the main entrance talking to another couple and laughing heartily. She clenched and unclenched her fist by her side, trying her best to avoid any unnecessary open confrontation.

    "Remember, ignore them. That''s the only way to put them in their place." Stacy whispered into Amelia''s ear as she climbed up the slightly elevated step and made her way towards the entrance of the mansion.

    "Miss Amelia, it''s so good to see you. Welcome, ma''am." The older butler greeted excitedly with a polite smile.

    "Thank you, Sam."

    The newly employed security with the scanner who didn''t know Amelia very well came forward to check her.

    "What are you doing?" Mr Sam snapped at the young athletic man in a black suit, employed by Regina.

    "I was going to scan her and the gift she was holding, sir." The young man replied.

    "Don''t you know this is...."

    "Sam, get the maids to serve the guests more drinks. I just got word that Dad has left his office." Gwen said, stepping forward, intentionally cutting him off.

    "Yes, madam Gwen." Sam bowed politely and left. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Amelia chuckled bitterly at Gwen''s deliberate attempt at undermining her authority in her father''s house. "Excuse me!" She pushed past the security man who was about to follow and challenge her.

    "Manuel, let her be. You can check the other guests. She''s family and her friend is covered." Gwen gestured authoritatively, exuding the aura of the mansion owner.

    "Yes, ma''am."

    Gwen didn''t give Amelia any breathing space as she signalled Jerry, who had positioned himself strategically ahead of Amelia.

    "Look who we have here. It''s my beautiful sister-in-law." Jerry said loudly in a flattering tone, grinning devilishly in his heart while attracting everyone''s attention gathered in the lounge area.

    "Hello sister-in-law." He attempted to embrace Amelia, acting as those they had reconciled their differences.

    Amelia quickly sported an aloof demeanor, putting her hand forward while staring at him as though he was a complete stranger.

    "Excuse me? Are you somehow mistaking me for someone else? Please, this is my father''s house. Keep your shenanigans outside the door and your hands to yourself."

    Jerry placed his hands down acting as though he was not affected by her cold words and insult. He stopped her again as she was about to walk away from him.

    "Amelia, you don''t have to remain bitter towards my wife and me for the rest of your life. At some point, you just have to forgive me and let bygones be bygones. Like it or not, I''m your brother-in-law now and your closest family member."

    "Is that so?" Amelia maintained her indifferent composure, ignoring the side murmur and rude comments directed at her. She could tell Jerry and Gwen had done a good job gaining everyone''s favour.

    Moreover, most of the invited guests were mostly Regina''s social friends and a handful of the Senator''s business partners.

    "Brother-in-law, my ass." Stacy snickered muttering under her breath.

    "Excuse me?" Jerry snarled at Stacy''s rude remark. But before he could do anything to lose his temper, Gwen came by his side and held his arms tenderly.

    "Amy, Jerry and I have been talking," Gwen said, leaning her head on his shoulder. "You are soon going to become an aunt and we were hoping you and your husband can become the godparents to our unborn child." She concluded stroking her flat stomach.

    "Ah!" Wild gasps echoed around the two sisters as Amelia''s hands slowly balled into a fist.

 Chapter 102 - 102: The Surprise Birthday Party 1

    If there was any trace of love hidden at the bottom corner of Amelia''s heart for Jerry, it vanished with those words that came out from Gwen''s lips.

    "Pregnant!"

    Amelia echoed in her bitter heart, her eyes narrowing down to Gwen''s flat stomach.

    "How! It hasn''t even been up to a month since they started having sex unless..."

    Amelia''s eyes widened as a memory from four weeks ago flashed across her mind.

    ---

    Gwen and Amelia had gone for some accessories shopping against the wedding preparation. Afterwards, they both converged at Jerry''s rental apartment to enjoy some takeout food with him.

    While they were eating, Amelia got an urgent call from her company. She was forced to cut short her quality time with her future spouse and stepsister. She left the apartment in a hurry, picking up Gwen''s handbag which was exactly the same as hers. She only realized her mistake when she was searching for her car keys. It was at this point she accidentally stumbled across some pregnancy strips.

    Hurrying back upstairs to get the right handbag, Amelia confronted Gwen with her findings, but the latter lied through her teeth that she had gotten the pregnancy strip for her friend.

    Believing the words of her stepsister, she didn''t raise any dust about the issue. However during her bachelorette party a week later, Amelia observed some awkward behavior from her step-sister.

    Gwen, -who loved partying wild and drinking to a stupor, - was very cautious about her level of alcohol intake.

    ----

    Back then none of this made sense to Amelia. But now she understood why.

    "So you have been sleeping with Jerry under my nose, all this while I thought you had my back?" Amelia muttered inaudibly, her nails slowly digging into her soft palm as her clenched fist tightened.

    "What did you say?" Gwen purred cutely, grinning wickedly as her stepsister''s face slowly turned red.

    "Amelia, Let''s go. They are not worth it. You have someone better." Stacy said softly, holding Amelia on one of her clenched fist.

    But Amelia angrily wriggled her wrist from Stacy''s hold, her darkened and cold gaze meeting with those of Gwen''s feigned subtle expressions.

    "I gave you everything a true sister would, my heart, my love, my friendship, my time, and even my money. And this is how you choose to repay me?" Amelia''s words were deep and heavy, laced with regret and unfathomable ire.

    Muffled snickering and more jeering side comments came from most of Regina''s friends, - who had been planted at the birthday party to ruin Amelia''s image before her father''s friends.

    "Amy, I thought we had put that behind us when you told me I could marry Jerry. I still love you so much as my elder sister. That is why we both decided that you and your husband should be the godparents of our child." Gwen said in a sweet flattering tone, earning her more sympathetic comments from most of the guests who were gathered around.

    Amelia wanted to scream at the top of her voice and push Gwen down. She wanted to hurt her so badly, but this would only make her the jealous evil sister that Gwen had been trying to paint to the public. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath before opening them to stare into Gwen''s somewhat amused gaze.

    Stacy''s desperate attempt to pull Amelia away from the trap set up for her by her wicked stepsister only yielded little results. So she spoke up in her bestie''s defence.

    "Gwen, haven''t you done enough to your stepsister? Haven''t you taken enough from her? As if stealing her man isn''t bad enough, do you have to rub your fake pregnancy in her face."

    "Watch your mouth Stacy and mind what you say to my wife," Jerry growled, wagging his finger threateningly. "I won''t have you insult my wife in my presence or call our bundle of joy fake."

    "Allow me, honey." Gwen stepped in front of her husband, snarling. She slowly placed her right hand on her flat stomach and started stroking it delicately. "This right here is the fruit of a passionate love story. You wouldn''t know what it feels like even if it hits you in the face."

    "You..."

    "What is going on here!" Pearl''s high high-pitched voice interrupted Stacy, as she sauntered over to them holding a glass of fruit juice for Gwen. She handed the glass to Gwen before turning to face Amelia, a mockery glint flashing across her eyes." I thought you two were already getting along."

    "Amelia''s friend is calling my pregnancy fake, Aunty." Gwen sneered before taking sips of her juice. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Fake? Something even Nana has confirmed with the family doctor?" Pearl snorted. "Please don''t make me laugh. Amelia, you should know better." She tried to pat Amelia on the shoulder but the latter shifted her body away.

    " Gwen, I hope you reap a millionfold betrayal at the hands of the people whom you trust the most."

    "Ah!" Gwen pretended to be bewildered as she cupped her opened mouth with one hand.

    "Amelia, that is a wicked thing to say." Pearl snapped angrily at Amelia.

    Regina''s elite friends who were standing close by, had one or two nasty comments for Amelia. But Jerry''s deep and chilly voice overshadowed theirs.

    "Amelia, don''t be a heartless woman. That is not a nice thing to say to your pregnant sister. What if the baby heard you? You should be at least happy for us. Congratulation will be more appealing than hurling insults at us." Jerry''s attempt at rebuking Amelia only added more fuel to her inferno, just as he wanted.

    "Congratulations?" Amelia scoffed.

    "Better. Thank you." Jerry smirked, feeling triumphant.

    "In your dreams." Amelia snarled, unable to contain the storm swirling inside of her. "I only feel sorry for that innocent child growing in your wife''s toxic womb. You both do not deserve to be parents."

    "Enough, Amelia," Pearl yelled at her. "If you cannot simply congratulate your sister or at least be happy for her, then you are not welcome in this happy gathering."

    "Exactly!" A lady in a dazzling sequin lace dress with heavy makeup supported. "She''s jealous of her sister''s happiness and may plan to hurt her."

    Amelia glared dangerously at the woman, causing her to swallow her saliva and shrink backwards in fear.

    "This is my father and late mother''s house, Pearl," Amelia said, exuding so much authority that Pearl couldn''t match. "If there''s anyone who deserves to leave. It will you, a low-life leech sniffing around for breadcrumbs."

    "Ah! How dare you!" Pearl, emboldened by the sight of Desmond approaching, lifted her right hand to slap Amelia.

 Chapter 103 - 103: The Surprise Birthday Party 2

    Amelia caught the hand in mid-air, her freshly manicured nails digging into Pearl''s flesh as she forced the hand down.

    "Agh!" Pearl cried out.

    Desmond quickly rushed over to Pearls'' side and freed her hands from Amelia''s bone-crunching grip.

    "Amelia what has come over you." Desmond rebuked in a harsh voice.

    "Uncle Des, she has been insulting Jerry and me, including Aunt Pearl, all because we asked her to be our unborn child''s godparent."

    "Jerry please escort the guest to the ballroom," Desmond said, motioning him with his head.

    "Sure."

    Jerry moved away from Gwen''s side to apologize to some of the guests watching the family feud. He motioned for everyone to follow him.

    "The shameless tramp is still in love with Jerry." Regina''s friend from earlier snickered.

    "She is jealous of her sister''s good fortune." Another grinned, sparing Amelia a mockery glance.

    "Didn''t she say she was married? Where is her so-called husband?" A third woman asked.

    "It''s just lies. She has been caught sleeping around with different men since the divorce. She''s nothing but a slut."

    The rumours and gossip kept pouring in until it was just only a few members the Shawls family, and Stacy in the main room.

    "Stacy, if you don''t mind, I would appreciate it if you join the other guests in the ballroom. This is a family matter and needs to be addressed privately."

    "Stacy, let''s go," Amelia said, hissing, forcing her hands out of Desmond''s hold.

    "Amelia, stop this." Desmond hurriedly blocked her way. "I can''t have you disrupting my brother''s surprise birthday party. Let''s address this issue once and for all. Stacy can stay if you want it."

    "There is nothing to be discussed." Amelia balled her fist.

    "Fine, don''t stay. You can go!" Gwen shed off her disguise in the absence of her audience. "I change my mind. You are too bitter and full of hatred to be my child''s godparent. I can''t have someone as vicious as you around my child. I thought marrying your fictitious husband would give you a change of heart. But it''s so sad that with all your money, friends and connection, you are still a jealous, lonely and bitter woman."

    Of all the ridiculing and abusive words hurled at her, the part that touched Amelia the most was the word, fictitious. She stopped on her track and turned to face Gwen S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Do you think I''m faking a husband?" Amelia said, a devilish smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

    Just then, Jerry walked back into the room. At the same time, Matt was seen, shamelessly escorting Regina down the curved stairs, acting as though he had just gone upstairs to fetch her.

    Amelia grinned to herself as she could see that the whole gang was present, except for Lin Fox.

    "Yes, Amelia," Gwen replied. "You lied to Jerry and me the day we saw you at the civil affairs bureau. You claimed you were getting married to a man who put that diamond ring on your finger." She sneered at the diamond ring on Amelia''s finger, a glint of jealousy flashing across her eyes. "But those were all lies."

    "And babe, do not forget the part about where she has been seen flaunting different men," Jerry added, satisfied with Amelia''s humiliation.

    Stacy grinned wickedly at the thought of Blaze showing up and shutting everyone up with his ominous glares.

    "I do not deny the fact that I have a lot of sophisticated male friends, some of which you are not even worthy to stand before them." Amelia glared are Jerry temporarily before facing her sister. "But Gwen, you are completely wrong about me. I am not married to a fictitious man like you. It might interest you to know that you have actually encountered my husband."

    "What!" Gwen was taken aback.

    "Amelia don''t tell me you came down here to cause a scene."

    Regina''s sweet-coated voice caused everyone to turn around and look at her. She was adorned in an elegant champagne shimmering gown, just like the colour Amelia was wearing. It was the senator''s late wife''s best colour and Regina knew Amelia would rock that colour in honour of her late mother. She made her way towards Amelia, eying her from her to toe, a thin smile framing her lips.

    "I invited you here for your father''s birthday because I know how much he loves you. Do not make this about yourself as always, wanting to steal the limelight. Find a way to accommodate every member of this family for the few hours you''ll be with us. And if your sister has been troublesome, please do not take her words to heart. Take it as the words of a troublesome pregnant woman intoxicated with different hormones. By the way, you were saying something about your husband."

    "Yes Regina, I was before you interrupted me." Amelia scoffed, as she leisurely strolled over to the L-shaped plush white cushion holding everyone''s angry gaze except Stacy.

    Stacy followed leisurely behind Amelia as the latter sat down. She sat beside her, beaming proudly at her friend''s regained composure.

    "As a matter of fact, Gwen, Jerry and even you Regina have all met him, though not directly. Spying, breaking and entry, a beautiful night at the police station, and an expensive lawyer while I was at the hotel enjoying my sweet husband''s pampering. Does any of these ring a bell?" Amelia slowly lifted up her face to meet Jerry''s paled face.

    "What!" Gwen''s jaws dropped, eyes almost bulging out.

    "And here I was thinking she has gone insane." Regina let out a feverish laughter.

    "It was you?" Jerry felt a cold chill run down his spine.

    "Are you by any chance referring to Mr Blaze Anderson, the man behind Gwen and Jerry''s arrest?" Pearl asked, completely lost.

    "Bingo!" Stacy chimed excitedly.

    "You are not dumb after all, Pearl." Amelia hissed.

    "Enough of this madness, Amelia. Stop making things up." Desmond''s lips trembled as he spoke.

    Matt remains speechless observing his niece for any signs of pretense. But all he saw was a nerve-wracking composure and confidence.

    "Amelia for your sake, I hope this is all a joke," Matt growled, clenching his fist.

    Just then the butler rushed in, announcing that the senator''s car had just driven into the premises.

 Chapter 104 - 104: The Surprise Birthday Party 3

    Senator Gregory stepped out of his car, exhausted from a busy day at the office. He was received by his ever-dedicated and loyal mansion butler, who was waiting patiently by his car.

    "Good evening, sir." Sam bowed curtly as he received the Senator''s briefcase.

    "Hmm..." The senator nodded his head in response while he continued speaking to someone over the phone. He was so busy with his phone conversation that he failed to see the excitement in Sam''s eyes as the latter led him towards the mansion entrance.

    All day, the senator had been busy with some of his colleagues, working tirelessly on confirming the president''s nominations of senior diplomats. He didn''t recall that today was his birthday because no one called to wish him a Happy Birthday. Not even his darling daughter, who has never for once forgotten his birthday.

    It was just like a normal peaceful evening for the senator as he strode into the mansion. But to his astonishment, everywhere was dark inside the mansion. This forced him to peel his phone from his ear, a crease appearing on his forehead.

    "Sam, what is the meaning of this?" The senator asked in an irritated tone.

    However before Sam could reply to the senator''s question, the light inside the mansion came on and everyone, who was already gathered in the spacious foyer screamed.

    "Surprise! Happy birthday!"

    While some of the female guests both young and old were blowing confetti and cheering loudly, others were singing the Happy Birthday song.

    Senator Gregory was speechless, exuberance bubbling inside of him like a dog with two tails. He ended his earlier phone call and clapped his hand, a cosmic smile framing his tired face as his eyes fell on Amelia looking like the spitting image of her mother.

    "Happy Birthday, darling." Regina strutted over to her husband, smiling sweetly as the band serenaded them with more happy birthday songs. She kissed him tenderly on the lips amidst wild cheers and a pair of ogling eyes -who couldn''t get enough of her big round ass.

    "Thank you, my dear." Senator Gregory reciprocated Regina''s fake show of love with a peck on the cheek and a warm hug.

    "I hope you love the surprise, Gwen and I threw for you," Regina said, beaming sweetly as she watched Amelia and Gwen approaching from the corner of her eyes.

    "Is that so?" The senator raised an eyebrow playfully at his wife, catching the hidden message behind her statement.

    "Yes, dear. We wanted you to know how much we love you."

    "Thanks, dear."

    "Happy birthday, daddy." Gwen was the first to hop into her father''s open arms, almost pushing Amelia down in the process.

    "Thank darling." The senator embraced his second daughter warmly before releasing her.

    Amelia waited calmly for Gwen to finish up with her pretentious display of affection, before also wishing her father a happy birthday.

    "Thank you, my angel. I''m happy you came around. You look amazing." The senator complemented, holding onto his daughter as he made his way into the living room amid more congratulatory cheers and birthday wishes.

    A huge birthday cake with candle lights was brought before the senator, the flickering candles illuminating the exhilarating glow in his light glow in his eyes.

    "Oh my..." His heart was full of joy as he blew out the candles and listened to his family and friends sing for him.

    "Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear, Gregory, happy birthday to you."

    Even Nana, though slightly weak from taking her medication, was brought down to take a group picture with the family.

    Although Amelia tried to speak with her, taking advantage of the joyous atmosphere, Nana Shawls still refused to respond. She only wished her son a happy birthday and asked her personal nurse to take her back to her bedroom.

    As the euphoria of songs and cheering waned, Senator Gregory expressed his happiness in words.

    "You all have outdone yourselves." Senator Gregory''s glimmering eyes scanned through all the faces staring back at him. Some of them he left at the office on his way out. He had no idea how they had all arrived at his home before him.

    "Words cannot express how I feel. All I can say is thank you a million times for sparing time from your very busy schedule to honour and celebrate me. To my beautiful wife and my lovely daughters, mother, brothers and every extended member of the Shawl family gathered here this evening, I say a very big thank you. Let''s enjoy the party."

    Drinks and tasty treats were passed around as guests and family alike broke into small groups, chatting and laughing amongst themselves.

    The Shawls family came together to discuss Amelia while the latter kept her father company with his friends discussing business and politics.

    From where Regina was standing, she could barely contain her anger and jealousy as her husband kept holding onto Amelia like a piece of treasure. She thought about Amelia''s confession a few minutes ago before the senator''s arrival and grinned evilly at the thought of ruining her relationship with her father.

    Regina believed Amelia when the latter said she was married to Blaze Anderson. All the information she provided checked out, especially on the part of having her so-called husband torture her ex. She knew Amelia was out for blood. But then her father was her weakness. If Amelia wanted to play dirty, so would she.

    "Sam," Regina called the attention of the mansion butler.

    "Yes, ma''am," Sam walked up to her his head lowered. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Instruct all the maids to keep all our guest glasses refilled for a toast."

    "Yes, ma''am."

    A few minutes later, Regina rang a small bell to get everyone''s attention. She slowly made her way to where her husband was standing, flaunting her sexy body to most men''s admiration.

    "Amelia, if you don''t mind, I would like to have my husband back." She said sweetly, her voice laced with a hint of irritation and mockery.

 Chapter 105 - 105: The Surprise Birthday Party 4

    "I wasn''t taking him from you." Amelia found Regina''s insecurity amusing.

    Regina raised her glass in the air, smiling sweetly as she gave a toast.

    "My dear friends and families, let''s raise our glasses in honour of an extraordinary man, a man I am proud to call my better half, a man of integrity and fairness, a man who is passionate about the affairs of his country, a man who puts family first above every other matter, a proud father to two beautiful young ladies and the pillar of the Shawls family..."

    Cheers erupted in the air, almost drowning Regina''s toast speech, as Gwen waved her hand smiling sweetly.

    "Pillar my ass." Matt suppressed a snarl at Regina''s remark and Gwen''s euphoria. He imagined how Gwen would react when she finally learns that he is her biological father and her mother had been a renowned whore he rescued from the gutters before he polished her and fixed her up with his gullible brother. Would she be this excited?

    Amelia held back a scoff at Regina''s hypocritical bullshit. If only her father knew the things she had been doing behind his back.

    Regina continued wowing everyone with her beautiful toast.

    "...He is an extremely handsome, loving, compassionate and caring friend. You all know him. You all love him. He is no other than my own darling husband, Senator Gregory Shawls. Cheers to many more years of celebration, honey."

    A thunderous cheers, followed by clicking of glasses drowned the air as Regina was showered with kisses by her proud husband.

    "Thank you, darling."

    "Anything for you, my love," Regina said sweetly while eying Amelia, who was about to present her gift in other to take her leave.

    "Dad, happy birthday once more," Amelia said extending a beautifully wrapped black gift box to her father. "This is a token of my love for you."

    "Wow!" Senator Gregory handed over his wine glass to his wife before accepting the gift from his daughter.

    "This looks beautiful. I wonder what is inside. The latest Porsche car may be in miniaturized form." He shook the box, causing all those standing around him including Amelia to burst into laughter.

    "Thank you so much, my dear." He pulled Amelia into his arms and kissed her fondly on the forehead before unwrapping the gift box.

    "What is inside, Greg?" One of his friends asked, peering into the partly opened box

    Amelia missed her father''s playful side as she watched him slowly open the box while making everybody second-guess what was inside.

    "A pair of shoes"...

    "Is the wristwatch..."

    "An expensive bottle of perfume..."

    "A designer belt...."

    "A..."

    Senator Gregory opened the box fully for everyone to see.

    "I knew it. It is a wristwatch." One of the senator''s six friends, who had guest correctly cheered happily.

    "How thoughtful of you, Amelia. You really are your father''s daughter to know what he likes the most." One of the mature men standing close to the senator commended her.

    "A wristwatch?" Regina stifled a snort. "Your father has tons of them."

    "That is your husband''s vanity, Gina." The same friend from earlier commented.

    "And it''s not just any wristwatch my dear." The senator removed the leather watch on his wrist and strapped on the one Amelia got him, beaming. "This is the latest edition of the Henderson Rolex wristwatch worth millions."

    "Wow! That is very expensive, Amelia." Gwen chimed holding her dad''s left hand to take a better look. "Was this procured by Mr Anderson or you?"

    "Mr Anderson?" Senator Gregory raised his eyebrow in confusion looking at Gwen.

    Amelia shot Gwen a nasty glare. But before she could say anything Regina answered on her behalf.

    "You are on point, Gwen. It definitely, Mr Anderson. Only a man with very expensive taste would pick up such a classy gift to make a good impression before his father-in-law."

    Some of the senator''s friends who had no idea that Amelia had remarried were shocked to hear that name.

    "What nonsense are you two talking about?" A deep crease appeared on Senator Gregory''s forehead.

    "Oh...So sorry my dear, Amelia hasn''t told you that..."

    "I think I can handle myself, Regina." Amelia cut her off sharply before she ruined her father''s birthday celebration in front of his friends.

    "Of course. You have the floor." A sly grin played at the corner of Regina''s lips.

    "Dad, may I talk to you in private." Amelia took hold of his hands, her gaze pleading.

    Senator Gregory''s heart sank. He didn''t like that look on his daughter''s face. Anytime she gave him that cute pout, it simply meant she had done something wrong. And so far, picking up the bots and pieces of Gwen and Regina''s accusation, the name; Mr Anderson and the compound word; father-in-law all spelled trouble.

    "Excuse me, gentlemen, I''ll be right back." Senator Gregory said pleadingly to his guest before leaving with his daughter to the outdoor terrace, where there was less noise and more fresh air.

    "Please I need you to sit down, Dad." Amelia gestured to one of the empty white tube chair seats.

    "Amelia, I seriously do not like where this is going. It has better not be what I''m thinking."

    Amelia gulped down the lump that had formed inside her throat as she averted her father''s gaze. Her heart was pounding inside her ears as she pulled another seat closer to her father and took his hand into hers.

    "Dad, you know I love you so much and I will never do anything to deliberately hurt you."

    Senator Gregory remained silent, observing her daughter''s behaviour and expression. There was a mixture of guilt and anxiety lacing her expression, all the more reason to confirm his fears.

    "Which of the Anderson was your sister referring to?" Senator Gregory asked in a slightly harsh tone.

    Amelia swallowed more saliva as she whispered the name. "Blaze Anderson."

    "The son of Presley Anderson?" Senator Gregory''s heart started pounding erratically.

    "Uh-huh!" Amelia nodded her head in response. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Please tell me whatever you have to say has nothing to do with that man being your husband."

    Amelia suddenly felt tongue tie, the thought of crushing her father''s heart on his birthday heavy on her chest. She lowered her head and stared at her father''s hands which were slowly withdrawing from hers

    "Amelia..." Senator stared at his daughter''s partly illuminated face which gave off a soft glow under the light of the full moon. "Who is Blaze Anderson to you?"

    Amelia bit down on her inner lips as she replied. "He is my husband."

 Chapter 106 - 106: Who Did This To You?

    "He is your what?" Senator Gregory snatched his hands from Amelia''s hold, abruptly standing up. His breath was heavy and his gaze alarmed. He shook his head while staring at his daughter in disbelief.

    "You are kidding. This is all a joke, right? Please tell me this is all one expensive joke." He said even though he could read the writing clearly on his daughter''s reddened face.

    Amelia slowly stood up to meet her father''s somewhat alarmed and angry gaze.

    "I''m sorry Dad...."

    "Don''t!" The senator snapped angrily cutting Amelia off. "Not one more word."

    Amelia was stunned to see her father completely change into a stranger, as his eyes narrowed at her, almost piercing through her soul.

    "How could you, Amelia." The senator''s voice was dripping with fury as he spoke between clenched teeth. "What has come over you? Are there no better men out there to choose from? How could you do such a stupid thing? How could you choose sadness over happiness? How could you choose a devil instead of an angel?"

    "At least the devil I know is better than the demons clothed in angel robe." Amelia said, holding her father''s piqued gaze.

    "Do not give me that crap, Amelia."The Senator snapped at her. Do you have any idea who that young man is? Do you know why everyone dreads him? Didn''t you see what he did to your sister and Jerry? That you man has made a pact with the devil after his father''s death. He is not a rational human being. He kills, enslaves and destroys. I won''t have you destroy this family by getting involved with that young man. He is bad news and you must stay away from him."

    Amelia could feel her heart breaking at her father''s words. But she braced herself for the worst and stood her ground. Holding her father''s gaze, she said boldly.

    "I''m sorry, Dad. I can''t stay away from my husband. We are already married."

    "Then you will divorce him." Senator Gregory said in a deadpan tone.

    Just then Regina, escorted by Matt and Gwen, all joined the senator and Amelia at the terrace.

    "Bro, what is going on here? Have you forgotten you have guests out there waiting for you?" Matt demanded, pretending not to observe the tension between father and daughter.

    "Did you hear me, Amelia?" The senator totally ignored his brother as he rephrased his question. "I need your response that you would do as I have said. You will divorce that heartless man first thing tomorrow morning."

    "Splendid!" Regina grinned in triumph.

    "Divorce?" Matt kept up his pretense, acting as though he had no clue whatsoever about their discussion. "Who is she divorcing?"

    "I guess Dad is referring to that Blaze Anderson, the one Amelia asked to have Jerry and I arrested and beaten up?" Gwen explained to her uncle, acting all innocent.

    "What!" Senator Gregory boomed, snapping her head to stare at his younger daughter.

    Amelia cursed Gwen in her heart, as she held back the urge to pounce on her and shred her two pieces.

    "It is the truth, Dad. Amelia confirmed those words herself when she bragged to everyone about being the wife of a ruthless psychopath."

    "You f*cking b*tch..." Amelia moved menacingly towards Gwen, but her father blocked her path, grabbing her by the wrist. He pulled her away from her sister and demanded in a deadpan tone.

    "Were you aware that your so-called husband had your sister and Jerry arrested?" S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "They deserved it and more." Amelia replied between clenched teeth, angrily wiping a tear that escaped her shimmering eyes.

    Senator Gregory''s face paled, his bulging eyes almost popping out of the socket as he stared at his daughter in complete shock.

    "What has come over you, Amelia? This is not you speaking. This is not the girl I raised with my late wife."

    "She''s doing all of these just to punish Gwen for taking Jerry from her." Regina came up behind her husband, stroking him tenderly on the back. And this time around, her husband didn''t shun her, giving her the green light to draw out her claws. "To think she had her sister tortured and arrested without considering Gwen''s pregnancy is so inhumane."

    "Shut the f*ck up, Regina."

    Slap!

    Amelia felt her head whip sideways as her dad''s hand came in contact with her cheeks for the first time ever.

    Gwen''s eyes widened in excitement.

    Matt inwardly applauded his brother.

    Regina released a breath of satisfaction, her eyes brimming with victory as she spoke pretentiously.

    "Honey, you shouldn''t have done that. Amelia is still a child."

    "I won''t have her behaving like a rascal under my roof." Senator Gregory said between clenched teeth, angry tears falling from his eyes as he stared at the reddened handprint on Amelia''s right cheek.

    Amelia slowly turned her face to look at her father, her heart shattered into a million pieces as though she had just witnessed his death. She stared silently at him, her tears falling freely.

    Senator Gregory hated himself more than ever for allowing his emotions to get the best part of him.

    "You pushed me, Amelia. None of this would have happened if you had just listened and do as I said. You will divorce that man and my words are final.''

    "I can''t," Amelia whispered wiping her following tears with the back of her hand.

    "You can''t or you won''t?" The senator growled in a half-suppressed tone.

    "Amelia, please do as your father has said." Matt came up to her, pretending to be the good uncle who had come to rescue his niece. "Can''t you see you are making him angry? Do not push him any further to hit you. Today is a happy day and you''re ruining the family''s joy."

    Amelia''s fist clenched and unclenched at Matt''s words. She tilted her head to look at him, like a hungry predator assessing its prey, her narrowed eyes shooting flare.

    Matt slowly backed away, unsure of the evil thought that had possessed Amelia''s mind.

    Reverting her attention to her father, Amelia said bluntly her voice lacking every trace of empathy, love and warmth.

    "I won''t divorce him."

    "Then you give me no choice..." Senator Gregory''s face turned hardened as well, his breath raspy and his heart bleeding as he said these harsh words to his precious daughter, hoping his threat would make her change her heart. "It is either him or this family. Your choice."

    Amelia''s heart darkened even more at her father''s words, her cheeks burned from his physical assault. Her gaze narrowed and her lips thinned out.

    "You already made that choice for me when you chose to hit me, Dad." She said between clenched teeth.

    "Amelia don''t be unreasonable. I''m sure there are millions of men out there who want to date you. Listen to Father. He..."

    "Shut the fuck up, Gwen!" Amelia yelled at the top of her voice taking her father and everyone by surprise. Her high-pitched voice attracted the rest of the gang to the terrace, all of them happy to see the inseparable father and daughter against each other.

    "What is going on here?" Desmond asked walking up to his brother. "We could hear your voices from a mile away."

    "Why don''t you ask your niece?" Senator Gregory sighed, shaking his head from side to side.

    "Amelia, what''s happening? Why are you crying?" Desmond attempted to touch Amelia on the cheek but she slapped his hands away.

    "Amelia!" Desmond was stunned.

    "Uncle Des, let her be before she turns on you too," Gwen warned, her voice laced with malice. "She has been acting wild, insulting mom, dad and even me."

    "She has completely lost her mind." Regina shook her head in pity, grinning inwardly.

    "I''m not surprised." Jerry''s deep voice rapped in Amelia''s ears as he came up and stood behind his wife.

    "She lacks no manners at all." Pearl sneered also walking up to Gwen''s side.

    "Amelia, you can still redeem yourself. Just do the right thing and apologize to your father and mother. That heartless man is not worth fighting for." Matt faked another sympathetic plea.

    "Which heartless man!" A deep, cold and dangerously terrifying voice echoed from the entrance causing everyone to turn around.

    Cladded in an all-black tailored, well-fitted suit, with a sleek trench coat giving him that mafioso dark aura, Blaze stood by the entrance to the terrace, leaning his left shoulder on the door frame, one leg crossed on the other and one of his hands smartly tucked inside his pocket. His dark, narrowed and laser beam gaze was focused on Matt, almost boring a hole through his head.

    His presence caused everyone to freeze on a spot as though they were all under some sort of magnetic force. It seemed as if winter had arrived way too early in summer. The chill in the air was real, nerve-wracking and terrifying.

    "It''s him...." Gwen''s face turned white as though she had seen a ghost.

    "He''s here?" Jerry felt as though he was about to suffer from a heart attack as he stared at the hefty-looking men standing behind Blaze. One of them was smirking devilishly at him in recognition and the thought of enduring another torture made his skin turn pale.

    "Blaze..." Amelia smiled between tears, unable to contain her joy at the sight of him. Here she was thinking she was all alone in this battle against her wicked family when he was just a stone''s throw away from her. A bitter-sweet smile framed her lips as he strode purposefully towards her, holding her shimmering gaze.

    Everyone standing around her seemed to blur out into the background as she held those bewitching dark, cold grey eyes that burned with a consuming fire. She felt her skin melt like butter as his cold hands came in contact with her warm skin, gently stroking the reddened handprint on her face. Her breath caught in her throat as he leaned closer to her ear, his warm breath fanning her skin.

    "Who did this to you?" Blaze asked between clenched teeth.

 Chapter 107 - 107: Humiliating Her Father

    "Who did this to you?" Blaze asked between clenched teeth. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Amelia steeled her breath as she leaned backwards to look into Blaze''s darkened eyes which emitted different shades of grey and black. The was something eerie and lethal about his gaze. It spoke volumes of the menace he was about to release at the mention of a name.

    Yet in those dark orbits, was a genuine quest to possess, and protect, sparking up a flare in her shimmering eyes. It warmed Amelia''s crumbled heart and at the same time filled her with dread. Dread for what he would do if she confessed it was her father, who had slapped her.

    Amelia recalled that Blaze hated her father. She knew he wouldn''t hesitate to teach him a lesson just to get back at him for the death of his father. She couldn''t let that happen. Even though her father had made a mistake by hitting her, she couldn''t bear any harm coming to him. He meant the entire world to her. She knew once the truth had been made known to him, he would amend his ways and cut every tie with Regina and Gwen.

    "Amy..." Blaze''s chilly but softened voice broke through her haze of thoughts. "Tell me, who amongst these wretch dare to lay a finger on you." He softly stroked her trembling lips which bore a tiny cut by the side.

    "I slapped her." Senator Gregory, croaked out, finally finding his voice. This was his home and he would not allow this young man, -who had shaken hands with the devil - to come into his home and threaten his family, after torturing his younger daughter and son-in-law a few days back.

    "You did what!" Blaze spun around, fist balled and eyes blazing with fury. But before he could execute his deadly desire, Amelia swiftly came between him and her slightly trembling father.

    Other members of the Shawl family held their breath, cowering in fear at the thought of Amelia''s husband battering the senator to a pulp. But the fearless senator challenged the devil boldly, causing the explosive tension in the air to quadruple.

    "Blaze, please, he is my father. Just let it go." Amelia pleaded passionately.

    "And that gives him the right to lay his filthy hands on my wife," Blaze asked between clenched teeth.

    Amelia didn''t like the fact that Blaze had referred to her father''s hand as filthy. But this was not the right time to chastise him.

    "No..." She shook her head, tilting her head backwards to look at her furious father. "It doesn''t give him any right to hit me."

    "And what makes you think you can go behind my back and marry the same man I told you to stay away from?" Senator Gregory angrily lashed out at Amelia, standing his ground as her father. He was more infuriated to see her protecting a mannerless man who was about to beat him up.

    Amelia could feel Blaze''s muscles stiffening behind her as she replied to her father''s words.

    "Would you rather I stay married to a worthless jerk who has been sleeping with his disgusting whore behind my back while pretending to love me all because he wanted my money?"

    Both Gwen and Jerry''s jaws dropped at Amelia''s insults. But none of them were bold enough to challenge her in the presence of their nemesis.

    However, Regina couldn''t stand Amelia calling her pregnant daughter a whore in front of everyone.

    "Amelia, how dare..." The words caught in Regina''s throat when Blaze flashed her a spine-chilling glare.

    "Amelia, that is enough. I will not have you insult your sister or threaten any member of my family with that man. He is not welcome in this house and I want him to leave right now." Senator Gregory pointed his trembling forefinger to the door.

    Blaze reverted his lethal gaze to Gregory, taking two steps closer to his prey with the thought of snapping the mature man''s neck.

    "Or you will do what? Call you little girls scout which my men have already taken care of on my way in here?"

    "Ah!" Regina cupped her mouth with both hands, finally understanding why none of the security men had come to their rescue.

    "Blaze. Please..." Amelia held on to both his hands while holding his gaze pleadingly.

    "Leave, my house." Senator Gregory''s voice quivered with rage.

    "Please, my love, let''s just go." Amelia didn''t know why she had called him that. But it felt right at the moment as she lifted one of her hands to stroke his cold cheeks, forcing his gaze away from her father to hers. "Please."

    Blaze heart stirred with unexplainable emotions as he stared into those beautiful moist eyes, seeing her desperation to protect her father at all costs. It reminded him of how he had been desperate all those years back to save his father''s life before the latter gave up the ghost. He wanted to punish her. He wanted to watch her break as he squeezed the life out of her father. But most importantly, he wanted to please her, kiss her and make her the happiest woman alive.

    Taking a deep breath to sate his demons, he pulled her chin up and kissed her passionately in front of her father, irking the senator even more.

    "Get out of my house!" Senator Gregory body shook with rage. He felt powerless and defenceless before this young devil who had taken his most prized possession.

    Blaze leisurely parted lips with Amelia, a wicked smirk dancing at the corner of his lips as he looked up at the senator.

    "Because my wife has begged me, I will leave with her right after you apologize to her."

    Amelia was left in a daze. She had willingly allowed him to humiliate her father by kissing her in front of the old man just to calm his vicious demons. But asking the senator to beg would be like watching the sun at high intensity.

    If there was one thing Amelia knew about her father, it was his ego especially when it was being trampled upon. Her father would never beg until something drastic was done.

    "Blaze..."

    "That is my only condition, wifey. Either he begs you or I shoot someone in the head." Blaze said signalling one of the men standing at the entrance to the terrace.

    The man in question with a gothic tattoo on the back of his hand, slowly brought out a gun and leisurely fixed the silencer while everyone gathered at the terrace watched, eyes widened and filled with complete horror.

 Chapter 108 - 108: The Promise

    "Amelia, are you going to let this man terrorize our family." Senator Gregory glared at his daughter, anger dripping in his words and expression.

    Amelia knew Blaze was a man of his word and even though she wanted all those responsible for her almost assassination dealt with, shooting them as common criminals didn''t appeal to her.

    "You heard what my husband said. I think you owe me an apology for slapping me." Amelia said in a frigid tone.

    "What!" Senator Gregory was left speechless.

    "Yes, Dad. You shouldn''t have slapped me no matter what. Mom would never do that." Amelia said with determination.

    "Shame on you A..." Regina didn''t get to finish her words as Blaze moved in one swift stride towards her, grabbing her by the neck and pushing her roughly backwards until her back hit the glass wall.

    "Ah!" Wild gasps escaped everyone''s lips including Amelia, who hadn''t predicted Blaze''s move.

    "Help!"

    Regina''s voice came out muffled and scratchy as she struggled like a rabbit caught under the foot of a hungry and angry eagle. The more she struggled to free her neck from the Devil''s suffocating grip, the tighter it became, sucking out every air from her lung.

    "You think you can talk to my wife in that manner before me," Blaze growled like a bloodthirsty beast.

    "Jesus!" Pearl shook in fear.

    "Dad, do something. He''s going to kill mom." Gwen panicked, taking cover behind Jerry. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Amelia, please beg your husband," Matt called in a panic tone.

    Bang!

    A warning silent shot was fired between Desmond and Pearl, the bullet brushing past Pearl''s left leg, bruising her.

    "I''m shot!" Pearl squealed, horror flashing before her eyes as she fell down.

    Bang!

    Another warning shot was fired in Jerry''s direction, also scraping the top of his right arm and missing Gwen''s cheeks by the whiskers.

    "Just tell her you''re sorry," Desmond yelled at his elder brother as he watched the bloodthirsty gruff aiming his silencer at Matt.

    "Please, brother-in-law." Pearl cried from the floor, holding onto her bleeding leg while watching her elder sister''s hands fall limply by her sides.

    Although Amelia was terrified by the warning shots, she was unperturbed by the fact that Regina could die from asphyxiation.

    "What is it going to be Dad? Are you ready to watch someone get killed before you do the right thing?" Amelia held her father''s stubborn and angry gaze.

    "The right thing?"

    Bang!

    The senator jerked afraid to look at Matt who had joined others- who were crying in pain.

    "You break my heart, Amelia. Although I regret hitting you, this is not the right way to go about it. I hope you can live with this guilt of threatening your own family. I''m sorry for slapping you."

    Immediately those words came out from the senator''s mouth, Blaze released his hold around Regina''s neck, pushing her almost lifeless body to the ground, before making his way back to his wife.

    Regina gasped for air, coughing and gulping air greedily into her lungs, her eyes red and teary as she stared in Matt''s direction, panicked at the sight of blood.

    "Let this be my final warning to you all." Blaze''s cold and deep voice caused every heart to frail at his threat. "This is just the tip of the iceberg of the things I will do to anyone who offends my wife going forward. Next time it won''t be a warning shot. Enjoy the rest of the evening, senator."

    Blaze grinned wickedly as he extended his right hand towards Amelia like a true gentleman.

    Amelia inwardly felt guilty as she met her father''s broken gaze. She slowly took Blaze''s hand, her eyes darting towards her Uncle Matt, grateful that his injury was also a flesh wound like the others.

    "Let''s go, sweetheart." Blaze''s softened voice took Amelia by surprise. She reverted her gaze back to him, dumbfounded by his sudden change in emotions. She nodded her head, words failing her.

    "Amelia, if you leave with him right now, there is no coming back to this family." Senator Gregory said, tears streaming down his face as he held his daughter''s gaze pleadingly.

    Amelia stared long and hard at her father before making her firm resolution.

    "I''m sorry, Dad, but I''ll be leaving with my husband. I have nothing here to come back to except heartbreak, bitterness and anger. Why should I remain in a family who betrayed me without looking back? Why should I accommodate a step-sister who connived with her mother to sell more than fifty percent of my late mother''s assets while pretending to stand in for me with my cheating ex?"

    "You are lying." Gwen whimpered, afraid that raising her voice may earn her a bullet in the head.

    But Regina and Jerry were too traumatized to say anything.

    "I don''t have to lie because I''ve sent proofs of all your consummated transactions after the liquidation of my asset to everyone''s email address, including the money you recently transferred to Jerry''s account to save his family''s crumbling business."

    "What!" Gwen''s face paled as all pairs of eyes including those of her mother turned to look at her. "Crumbling business?" She looked up at Jerry who was shaking his head.

    "Don''t worry, Gwen, I''ll be coming back for every cent of my money you and your cohorts stole from me without my permission. This is a promise." Amelia swore before leaving with Blaze and his men.

    "Gwen!" Senator Gregory called between clenched teeth, turning around to face his second daughter. "What money is your sister talking about and did you sell her assets without her permission?"

    "She is lying, dad." Gwen cried out.

    "Then there is only one way to find out." Senator Gregory brought out her phone from his pocket to check his email when something struck him on the back of his neck, causing him to black out instantly. He almost fell face down on the fall if Jerry hadn''t been so swift.

    "Are you mad?" Regina screamed at Jerry, her narrowed eyes shooting daggers at him

    "I panicked," Jerry said, trembling.

    "So it''s true. You have sold more than fifty percent of the asset when you claimed you only sold a few." Matt shot Gwen a nasty glare.

    "We can talk about this later. Let''s ensure he doesn''t see whatever is in that email." Regina pleaded, lifting herself up from the floor while massaging her hurting neck.

 Chapter 109 - 109: Manipulation

    Amelia didn''t recall bumping into any guests as she left her father''s mansion with her husband. She didn''t even see Sam, who was always there to receive guests and see them out of the mansion. But outside the mansion, she was stunned by the majority of her father''s security men lying unconscious on the concrete floor.

    "Are they all dead?" She asked her husband, panic lacing her tone.

    "What do you think?" Blaze replied to her question with a question.

    "They are not dead," Amelia replied hopefully.

    "Then you have nothing to worry about. They are just sleeping from a tranquilizer dart." Blaze guided her into the rear seat of his black Roll Royce. He signalled Fred to move after dishing out instructions to someone Amelia had never seen before.

    "What about all the guests and servants in the mansion? What did you do to them?" Amelia continued with her questions, which were beginning to grate on Blaze''s nerves.

    "My men took care of them."

    Amelia''s eyes widened. "They killed all of them."

    Blaze''s forehead furrowed, as stared at his wife, whom by way he was very proud of after listening to and watching her bravery before her family of sharks.

    "Come on Amelia, I''m not a monster. I do not hurt innocent people except those who already have their hands dirty. I didn''t want any of the guests to interfere in our activities. So I simply persuaded them through that nice old man to move to the mansion ballroom while we took care of business. All the non-serving servants were sent to their quarters."

    "Oh!" Amelia released a sigh, relaxing her back on the seat. "Thanks."

    "You are welcome."

    Amelia had a lot of questions to ask him, but her mind was too preoccupied with the things happening back at the mansion. She was hoping that by now, her father would have seen the email. She brought out her phone and was about to check when a thought flashed across her mind.

    "Stacy." She turned sharply to look at Blaze.

    "Already left the venue with Clay. She should be at home resting by now." Blaze shifted closer to her, tired of all her boring questions. He gently pushed her hair from her face revealing the side of her cheeks which bore the reddened handprint of her father.

    Amelia jerked a little as his finger softly brushed across her skin, his feathery touch so warm and electrifying.

    "We have to do something about this before my grandparent''s arrival. And next time, try to avoid this because I wore spare the life of any man that hurt one strand of your hair again be it your father, uncle, grandmother or relatives." He leaned closer, kissing her tenderly on the cheek.

    "You are joking about hurting my grandmother and father right." Amelia tilted her head to face him, her alarmed eyes brimming with unbelief.

    "Do I look like the joker to you, sweetheart?" Blaze claimed her lips before she could ask more questions.

    -

    -

    Senator Gregory woke up the following morning in his bedroom with a banging headache and a sharp pain in the back of his head. He winced as he rolled out of bed, surprised to see himself in his pyjama. He tried to massage the back of his head when he felt a bandaged patch on the back of his head.

    "What! Where did this come from?" He queried his thoughts. The more he tried to remember how he ended up in his bed, the more his head ached as though it was about to explode.

    Just then, the door to his bedroom was pushed open.

    The senator looked up and was surprised to see Regina, accompanied by the family doctor, Lin Fox and his brother Matt.

    Regina was wearing neck braces and her face bore a few healing cuts and bruises like someone who had gone into a cat fight.

    Matt had a bandage around his head and another around his right arm.

    "What is going on here and what in Christ''s name happened to you two?" The senator winced, massaging his forehead as talking was even giving him more headaches.

    "You are supposed to be resting, honey. Here take this glass of water and aspirin I brought you. It will help with the headache."

    Regina, acting the part of a devoted wife collected a tray from the maid behind her. She moved with great difficulty to her husband as if in so much pain and handed him the glass of water and medicine.

    Senator Gregory felt anger bubbling inside of him as he stared at his wife''s cut lips, bruised forehead and the braces around her neck.

    "Tell me, who did this to you?"

    "Just take your drugs and let the doctor check you. At least we are alive. That is more important," Regina said weakly, squeezing out a few tears to perfect her Oscar-winning act.

    "Matt..."

    "Just take your medicine brother. When the doctor certifies you out of danger, we will tell you everything that happened last night." Matt said in a sober voice, stroking his actually bruised arm.

    The senator was more furious than ever as he grudgingly took his medication which had been laced with a hallucinating drug.

    All four corrupt individuals in the senator''s bedroom watched with satisfaction as he swallowed the medication.

    "Now can you stop treating me like a child and tell me what the hell happened to us last night?" Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Let me check your breathing and your head, senator. You receive quite a blow." The doctor said, dropping his doctor bag on the bed and bringing out his stethoscope.

    "Lin, speak!" The senator roared, causing a sharp pain to shoot up his brain. He held his head with both hands as the drug slowly began to kick in.

    "We were attacked last night, sir during the surprise birthday party hosted by your wife," Lin replied, grateful that she wasn''t physically present during the invasion by Blaze''s men. She was certain that he would have shot her with a real bullet.

    "Attacked? Who attacked us?" The senator pushed further as blurry fragments of memories from the birthday celebration flashed across his mind.

    "We were attacked by Amelia''s husband," Regina spoke up, sitting beside her husband and shedding more crocodile tears.

    The senator''s eyes widened as a face and a name flashed across his memories, filling him with dread.

    "Blaze Anderson?"

    "Yes dear, he is the one responsible for everything," Regina said, activating a chain of aggression, resentment and delusion in her husband.

 Chapter 110 - 110: Reginas Vicious Revelation

    Regina and her brother-in-law succeeded in turning the senator''s mind against his precious daughter, using Blaze''s attack and threat to their optimum advantage. While she kept her husband incapacitated for the next few days, she made a permanent change to his lifestyle that completely erased every beautiful memory he had towards his first daughter, painting her as the villain.

    Regina was also able to gain Nana''s complete trust after the latter saw what Amelia''s evil husband did to her first son. But the one thing she couldn''t fix was the broken trust between the evil pack and the heartless betrayal by her own daughter.

    Things were about to spiral out of control and there was no snooze button to delay the nemesis awaiting her and her daughter.

    After going through the email sent by Amelia, Matt gave Gwen seventy-two hours to split the bounty -realized from the sales of Amelia''s assets as listed by her - equally to every member of the criminal-minded pack.

    However, there was a bottleneck in this new arrangement, something that Gwen and her dubious mother didn''t envisage. Some of the assets listed by Amelia in the account statement breakdown were not actually sold by Gwen even though it appeared she sold them and collected the proceeds.

    Unknown to Gwen, she had been outsmarted and set up for a big fall by her vengeful step-sister.

    Using the information from Gwen''s laptop which she took more than a week ago, Amelia was able to recall all outstanding and unsold assets initiated by Gwen. She discretely contacted the buyers using Blaze''s help and reinitiated the sales.

    Consequently, all the initial buyers who had chickened out of the deal earlier were compelled by the devil himself to buy the same asset at five times the stipulated value for each asset. The money realized from the sales was transferred electronically to Gwen''s offshore account. But immediately, it hit the account, reflecting in the account balance, it was mysteriously removed by Blaze''s tech wizards.

    Gwen, who was still bewildered by the amount of money printed on the account statement, almost ran insane when she contacted her banks and realized that all her account balances put together were only thirty-five percent of the money printed on the bank statement forwarded by Amelia.

    While Gwen was still trying to figure out how the heck sixty-five percent of the money printed on the account statement got missing, her darling husband was busy clearing out all the remaining money in their newly created joint account.

    Jerry siphoned all the money Gwen had stupidly invested in his company to settle ninety percent of his father''s company''s remaining debts to the mafia. He could already see Gwen''s bleak future with Amelia''s new and dangerous husband in the picture. And he had no plans of hanging around to witness the big fall, unperturbed about the bastard in Gwen''s womb which she had tagged on him.

    Jerry already knew he could never father a child due to his infertile nature, a secret no one knew except his private doctor.

    --

    Thirty hours before the end of the deadline given to her by her uncle, Gwen approached her enraged mother for help. They both agreed to meet at an undisclosed location, since they could tell they were both under Matt''s surveillance.

    Regina chose one of her many secret lovers boyfriend''s hotel in the city for the meeting.

    Both mother and daughter arrived at different times and checked into the same room using false identities. With phones switched off and disabled to prevent tracking, Regina secured the locks on the single-suite hotel room.

    "Oh, mom..." Gwen opened her arm to embrace her mother. "Thanks for finally agreeing to see..." Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Smack!

    Instead of a warm embrace, Regina gave Gwen a dirty slap on the right cheek, causing the latter''s head to whip sideways.

    "Ahh!" Gwen cried out, raising her hand to her burning cheek, eyes widened in shock.

    "That is for being a dumb lovesick puppy."

    "But mom...."

    Smack!!

    Regina gave her a fiercer slap on the other cheeks, leaving behind her beautiful handprint on her daughter''s face.

    "Mummy...." Gwen held both her burning cheeks, hot tears falling from her eyes, as she tasted blood in her mouth.

    "That is for stabbing your own mother in the back after everything I''ve done to protect and rewrite your fortune."

    "What have I done to deserve all of this?" Gwen cried out like one over-spoilt brat, faking ignorance of her mother''s real anger.

    Regina lifted her hand to slap Gwen a third time, but stopped in mid-air.

    "You are such a disgrace for a daughter, Gwen. How could I have been so stupid and blind to leave the money in your custody? I should have known that that scum will be f**king your brains too as well as your pussy. You were supposed to lay low and use him as our pawn, not the other way around. And why in the hell would you go behind my back and invest in his crumbling company? Couldn''t you have at list conferred with me?"

    "I swear I didn''t know his family''s company was crumbling. I only invested in it to make more money for us. I wanted to surprise you with my new cosmetic brand."

    "Well if you wanted to surprise me, you have succeeded. I should give you an A+ you brainless fool." Regina hissed, walking away from her daughter to calm herself with a bottle of cold beer from the fridge.

    "Mom, I''m sorry." Gwen apologized, following behind her mother.

    "Save that for your father and others when they come for their money. The b*tch has put us in a fix and we are in so much shit." Regina opened the bottle cork with her teeth like a mannerless street vendor and spat it on the marble floor.

    "You mean my uncle and the others right?" Gwen stared at her mother with reddened eyes, a little bit lost, and irritated by her mom''s unladylike behaviour.

    "No, I meant your father, Matt Anderson and the others." Regina gulped down half of the beer, smacking her lips loudly. She ignored Gwen''s petrified look as she made her way to the round small table and picked up a pack of cigarettes and lighter. She brought out a stick of the cigarette and lit up the tip, bringing it up to her lips.

    "Matt Anderson is my father?" Gwen''s bulging eye almost popped out of its socket.

    "Him and a bunch of other losers who f**ked the shit out of me around the time I got pregnant for you." Regina spat out viciously, as she took a long drag of her cigar, feeling her lungs with the pleasurable and stimulating smoke before expelling it out through her nose and mouth like a pro, the ring of smoke rising in the air.

    Gwen held her chest, gasping for air as she struggled to come to terms with her mom''s cruel revelation.

    "You better give up that act right now and think of a way to get yourself out of this mess you''ve created. Your a greedy bastard of a father wants you to pay everyone ninety-five billion dollars each. Your scum of a husband has fled the city after emptying your bank account last night. We only have one hundred and five billion in those offshore accounts, and we owe a debt of close to four hundred billion dollars, not to talk about your sister''s threat. We are so f**king doomed unless you''re ready to get your pretty ass tainted and your hands bloodied."

 Chapter 111 - 111: Are You Ready To Meet My Family?

    Amelia sat listlessly in the back seat of a newly acquired bulletproof Bentley that Blaze acquired for her protection. Her heart was heavy with the pain of silence and rejection by her father. She stared blankly at the side of her tinted window, watching trees, plain landscape and other motorists pass by in a blur.

    She was oblivious to Blaze''s intense stare as she fought hard to keep her emotions in check. So far, he had kept to his part of the deal, supporting her with all the resources she needed to succeed in her fight against her family. Now, it was her turn to perform the role of a real wife and wow his grandparents and other members of his family.

    However, the thought of her father rejecting all her calls both at home and at the office, including blocking her line after refusing to comment on the email she sent him weighed heavily in Amelia''s heart

    It has been three days since the ugly incident at the Shawls mansion and yet not a word from her father.

    At first, Amelia thought the silent treatment was deserving, especially after Blaze''s bitter lessons and her unsupported marriage to him. But now, she was beginning to feel frustrated and anxious. She wanted to speak with her dad and at least confirm that he was doing okay.

    "Are you going to remain sullen for the rest of the journey to Fresh Spring Ville?" Blaze''s deep but calm voice pulled Amelia out of her depressing thoughts.

    "Sullen?" Amelia peeled her face away from the window to stare at Blaze. "I''m not sullen."

    "Then why haven''t you spoken a word to me since we got into the car?" Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Amelia shrugged, eying his laptop which had been shut. "Because I thought you wanted to work on your laptop. By the way, whose idea was it that the venue of the remembrance ceremony should be changed to the countryside?"

    Amelia asked with a frown, recalling how she was made to pack up for a trip at the dying minute while she was preparing to go to her mother-in-law''s house to see her supposed grandparents-in-law and other Anderson extended family members.

    "My grandma''s, Mamo Kelly Anderson," Blaze said, slowly taking Amelia''s interlocked hands into his. "She is a very observant old woman and I can''t have you acting this depressed and somewhat aloof while we are together in her presence."

    Blaze slowly interlocked his right hand with Amelia''s left hand, pulling her closer to himself until they were breaths away.

    "Blaze, what are you doing?" Amelia panicked, her heart racing in anticipation.

    ''Anticipation for what?'' Amelia stroked herself inwardly.

    "Breath, Amelia. I''m not going to kiss you unless you seduce me any further." Blaze nuzzled the tip of her nose, drinking in her alluring beauty up close. He held her twitching gaze, hypnotized temporarily by those bewitching hazel eyes.

    Amelia held her breath, staring into his mesmerizing grey eyes.

    "It is Mamo''s dream that I find true love before she dies. Although I''m not interested in that word, love, I still want to fulfil that dream of hers. So, I need us to pretend to be crazy about each other for these two days at Fresh Spring Ville."

    "Pretend? Isn''t that what we''ve been doing all this while?" Amelia whispered, moistening her lips unintentionally.

    "No." Blaze''s warm breath fanned against her flushed face as he brushed his lips against hers in a feathery kiss. "All we''ve been doing so far is practice for this very moment."

    "Practice?"

    Amelia gulped down the lump that had formed in her throat as she recalled everything she had given to this man on a platter of gold all in the name of a contract marriage. He had already taken her innocence, her body and her pride. How could all that be summarize as a practice?

    Blaze pulled away from her to allow her to catch her breath. He lifted the back of her hand to his lips and planted a kiss on it. "All you have to do is follow my lead and act natural. Okay."

    Amelia inhaled and exhaled through her mouth. "Okay." She hesitates for a while before speaking. "Blaze, can I ask for one more favour?"

    Blaze released her hands and leaned back on the seat, his gaze still locked on her.

    "Yes, as long as it has nothing to do with your family." His expression was calm and unreadable but his voice bore a hint of disgust.

    "Unfortunately it does. It''s about my dad." Amelia whispered the last word, afraid it might infuriate Blaze. She recalled how Blaze had meticulously attended to her that night after they returned home from her father''s mansion. He was furious that she had prevented him from dealing with her father.

    "What about him?"

    "I''m worried?"

    "Worried about what?" Blaze looked away from her to hide his budding rage.

    "He hasn''t called after the email I sent him. I have this feeling that something is not right. No matter my offense, my father would never blacklist me on his contact."

    "But he did and now you should forget about him," Blaze said in a dismissive tone.

    "I can''t."

    Blaze shot Amelia a nasty glare. "Can we stop talking about your father? You''re ruining my mood."

    His cold and emotionless words fell on Amelia''s heart like a blow. She bit down on her inner lips and nodded her head, before turning her face to the window, tears clouding her eyes.

    Blaze gritted his teeth, raking his hand through his smooth hair in frustration. Here he was trying to make her forget about those assholes but she remains stubborn and extremely infuriating.

    "Fine!"

    Amelia blinked severally, trying to push back her tears. "Fine, what?" She asked without looking at him.

    "I''ll find out what''s up with your father. I already have my people bug your entire mansion that night. I''m sure they will have information for me."

    "Really!" Amelia turned to face him, beaming.

    "But..."

    A single crease appeared on Amelia''s forehead.

    "That will be after the weekend. I don''t want you bringing up anything about your family for this entire weekend. You will focus on being my dutiful and loving wife. Nothing more. Can you do that?" Blaze asked in a stern tone.

    "It''s a deal." Amelia extended her rigjt hand towards himself.

    Blaze raised an eyebrow at her gesture.

    "Oh... I forgot." Amelia chuckled mischievously. "I''m supposed to be the loving and dutiful wife." She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath to expel all her worries.

    "Camera, light, action." Amelia opened her open, conjuring her most charming and endearing personality. "I''m ready to wow your grandma, my love."

    -

    -

    Dressed in an all-white elegantly flowing attire, Maria Anderson carefully climbed out of the helicopter, escorted by Eugene and Henry, who were also cladded in a white well-fitted suit. They made their way to the awaiting black limousine parked a few meters away from the chopper, where an overly excited Vera Anderson (Presley''s older sister) was waiting to receive them.

    "Maria!" Vera hurried to receive her endearing sister-in-law.

    "Vera!" Maria opened her arms wide to receive her.

    They both embraced passionately and even wept in each other''s arms for a while before they began chatting enthusiastically like two sisters who hadn''t seen themselves for decades.

    "Hello Mom, I''m very fine." Eugene frowned at the way his mother completely ignored him as though he were not her son.

    "I can see you fine silly," Vera said playfully plucking her youngest son''s nose. "I can see your aunt and cousin are taking really good care of you. Look at how fat you''ve become."

    "Hahaha... Very funny, mum." Eugene left his mother''s side before she could pinch him on the cheek like a kid.

    "It''s such a pleasure to meet you, Madam Vera." Henry stepped forward, extending his hand like a gentleman.

    "Oh, such a charming young man." Vera smiled as she took his hand, scrutinizing it from head to toe. "I can see you are still without a young woman by a side. I hope you''re not planning to be a bachelor for the rest of your life."

    "Umm..."

    "Shh... I will take care of that this evening." Vera cut Henry off, pushing him aside. "By the way, where is my godson and his pretty new wife?" She asked, staring at the closed helicopter door, a look of disappointment replacing her smile. "Didn''t they come with you?"

    "They are on the way, Vera. They took the long road probably to be alone." Maria said, wiggling her brows at Vera.

    "Oh... I can imagine." Both women giggled before entering the car.

    Henry and Eugene exchanged flustered glances before joining the women in the limo, while the guards outside took care of their luggage.

    -

    -

    "Amelia, welcome to my country home of Fresh Spring Ville," Blaze said proudly as the car slowly made its way through a gigantic black iron gate that led through a winding road, with beautiful tall green trees on both sides.

    At the end of the road was a breathtaking and magnificent mansion, more beautiful and luxurious than the one in the city. But this captivating scenery wasn''t the thing that captured Amelia''s attention.

    Rather, it was the large number of people gathered outside the mansion all dressed in white and obviously waiting to receive them. She could spot Maria in front of two older individuals waving excitedly at her as their car came to a halt.

    "Are you ready to meet my family?" Blaze whispered in her ear in a sultry tone, ceasing her breath.

 Chapter 112 - 112: Elaborate Act

    Maria could barely contain her joy and pride as she watched her son hop down from the car, looking all smart and dazzling in his well-fitted white blazer.

    Blaze hurried around the car to the other rear door and opened it up for his slightly timid wife, to the admiration of his grandparents. He extended his right hand towards Amelia, a breathtaking smile framing his handsome face, leaving him second-guessing whether this was real or all pretend.

    Although a part of her yearned for this whole experience to be real, the other realistic part of her didn''t see a future with him. He was simply too unstable, ruthless and arrogant. Moreover, she wanted kids and he had made it abundantly clear that he didn''t want any.

    Taking a deep breath, Amelia accepted his hand, returning his smile with a plastered one. She promised herself that she would enjoy this part of him to the fullest after all she had paid the price for it. At least, she deserved to be happy even though it wasn''t meant to last for more than the weekend.

    Holding Amelia''s hand to his chest as though they were inseparable, Blaze led her to his awaiting family.

    "She looks so beautiful, way prettier than the formal lady that dumped him." One of Blaze''s female cousins stated enthusiastically.

    "She also has a great sense of fashion." Another female cousin, who happens to be a fashionista, pointed out, admiring the way Amelia''s white long Caribbean-like lace gown sat comfortably on her fair skin, giving her a modest yet sophisticated look.

    "They look so in sync with one another." Another of Blaze''s maternal uncle''s wife noted, alongside other complimenting comments.

    While everyone gushed over the approaching couple, Henry didn''t seem to fall for their elaborate act. He already knew about their contract marriage and he also knew that love was not an option for the angry young man called Blaze. He didn''t want to see Amelia get hurt especially with the way Blaze was going about this. He was afraid Blaze might be misleading Amelia with all this affection.

    "My sweetheart!" Maria stepped forward to receive her children, her sky-blue eyes brimming with a cosmic smile.

    "Mum..." Blaze extended his other free hand towards his mother but she playfully pushed his hand away and said.

    "I was referring to my daughter-in-law, not you."

    "I feel jealous right now." Blaze grinned.

    Amelia chuckled sweetly as Maria scooped her away from Blaze''s arm.

    "How was your trip?"

    "It was smooth."

    Amelia soaked in Maria''s refreshing fruity perfume in her warm embrace while Blaze greeted his grandparents.

    "Grandpa, Mamo."

    "Blaze, my boy." Luther Anderson, patted him on the shoulder, making room for his emotional wife.

    "My sweet Darian." Blaze''s grandmother called him fondly, opening her frail arms to embrace him. She stroked his hair tenderly and kissed him softly on his cheek before releasing. "How have you been, my child?"

    "Awesome, Mamo. What about you? You didn''t seem to age one bit from the last time I saw you."

    "Is that flattery I sense?" Kelly arched her eyebrow.

    "Not at all, Mamo. You really look great."

    "Thank you. By the way, you finally got married like you promised. I''m impressed. All I need now are grandchildren from you both before I leave this world." Mamo said beaming at the young beside Maria.

    A crease appeared on Blaze''s forehead but they quickly disappeared.

    "We will do our best...ahem!" Blaze called Amelia''s attention to him. "Mamo, Grandpa, I would like you both to meet my wife, Amelia Anderson."

    "Good afternoon, ma''am, good afternoon sir. It''s so good to finally meet you two in person." Amelia curtsied before them, smiling sweetly.

    "It''s Mamo and Grandpa, my darling." The old woman opened her arm and embraced Amelia. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Welcome home, my child."

    "Thank you, Mamo." Amelia felt completely overwhelmed by the tenderness of the old woman.

    "I trust your journey down here wasn''t stressful."

    "Not at all."

    "How are your family back at home?"

    "Fine." Amelia smiled feverishly, praying the old woman wouldn''t ask anything further about her family.

    "Amelia, thank you for marrying this young stubborn man." Luther Anderson beamed, also engulfing his granddaughter-in-law in a tender embrace. "I do not know how he was able to capture a beautiful angel like you. But I can see you too will make such a great couple."

    "I wish!" Amelia was tempted to say. Rather she maintained her smile and said. "Thank you, grandpa."

    One by one, Blaze introduced every member of the family to Amelia. They were all receptive towards her and welcomed her into the fold.

    "Attention everyone." Vera clapped her hands in the air, gaining their attention. "Since everyone is here and accounted for, let''s all move to the back of the mansion."

    They all chorused a response and followed her lead.

    Amelia looked back at Blaze, who was currently engrossed in a conversation with Eugene''s elder married brother. She was amazed at how swiftly his personality had changed from an aggressive and hostile individual to someone more endearing, almost like a normal man. It felt good to see this rare side of him even though it wasn''t meant to last. She turned her head to the other side and saw Henry staring longingly at her. She smiled genuinely at him and was about to join him when one of Blaze''s cousins hijacked her attention.

    "So Amy, tell me, how did you and my cousin meet? Did he scare you with his bad temper?" Olivia, Blaze''s tall and super hot cousin asked in a friendly voice, interlocking her arms with Amelia''s.

    "Nah!" Amelia shook her head, admiring Olivia''s captivating grey eyes up close. There was no denying the fact that beauty ran in the Anderson family, with their signature grey eyes.

    "More like persistently annoying.," Amelia said the first thought that came to her mind before reverting to the revised version of her first meeting with Blaze just as they had both rehearsed earlier.

    More of Blaze''s cousins dotted around Amelia, bombarding her with more questions until Blaze came to her rescue.

    "Stay with Henry and Eugene for now. I need to be beside my mom when the ceremony commences.

    "Sure," Amelia replied, smiling as Henry made his way towards her.

 Chapter 113 - 113: A Heartless Brother

    At the back of the mansion, was an open field that slopped down towards a glistening body of fresh water. The sights, sounds, and smells of nature provided the perfect backdrop for a peaceful gathering.

    Amelia could feel a sense of excitement and anticipation, as the air filled her lungs, with a blend of wet earth, spices and wildflowers littered on the grassy field.

    She explored the mapped-out section of the large circular grassy field which was organized like a family picnic arena. There were different mounted open tents, - acting as shade from the sun, gaming sections, outdoor chairs, picnic blankets and pillows, and a ground-mounted 201-inch television screen.

    Servants dressed in black and white uniforms were seen moving around making finishing touches to the already perfect surroundings.

    And by the south end was a man, dressed in a chef-like uniform, attending to an outdoor charcoal grill.

    Amelia stuck up her nose in the air, inhaling the rich, savoury aroma of barbecued meat and food,- which was characterized by a blend of sweet, slightly caramelized notes from the browning sugars in the meat, combined with the woodsy scent of smoke from the cooking process, creating a mouthwatering fragrance. Her stomach growled softly in response to the tantalizing aroma of sweet country food, making her blush a little in embarrassment when Henry turned to look at her.

    "If it makes you feel any better, I''m starving too," Henry whispered, grinning at her.

    "I don''t understand. Isn''t this supposed to be a mournful gathering? I thought we were going to the graveyard or something."

    "Well, I guess some changes have been made for this year''s gathering and we are about to find out." Henry gestured to Blaze''s aunt, who had mounted an elevated stand.

    "My dear family, please gather around," Vera said, standing a few feet from one of the open tents. She paused briefly, waiting for everyone to settle before continuing.

    "Exactly seven years ago, we lost one of us. Someone dear to our hearts. Someone snatched by the cold hands of death when we least expected. Someone whose beautiful memory in this world would linger in our hearts forever."

    Except for the chirping of distant birds and the gentle whistling of the breeze, an eerie silence fell amongst the family. A few of them lowered their head in honor of the dead while others shared silent tears.

    "Presley Anderson was a diligent son,..." Vera continued. "...a faithful husband, a loving father, a kind brother, an amazing uncle...." Her eyes fell on Amelia who was busy staring at her husband''s side profile. "...and would have made the best father-in-law and even a grandfather..."

    Amelia widened eyes darted to Vera and quickly lowered when all pair of eyes tilted in her direction.

    Henry chuckled, earning him a kick in the on the ankle.

    "This isn''t funny," Amelia muttered under her breath.

    "Sorry," Henry whispered, beaming to himself.

    "For years, we have gathered to remind ourselves of this legend, who has taught us the beauty of life, love, family and forgiveness."

    Vera stressed the last part as she recalled what Maria said about Amelia being the daughter of Gregory Shawls, the same man who was rumor to have betrayed her elder brother. She didn''t understand why her nephew chose to marry Amelia as his wife. But she hoped it was for the best.

    Maria, who was standing on the front row with her son by her side, leaned her head on his chest, tears flowing freely from her eyes as the slide show of her husband, right from when he was an infant started displaying on the huge screen. She felt her son''s comforting arms wrap around her as Vera continued speaking.

    "Today, as we celebrate this great man, wining and dining, let us remember that those we love don''t go away. They walk beside us every day; unseen, unheard but always near."

    Tears flowed down Amelia''s eyes as she pictured her mother''s face smiling at her.

    "They will forever remain still loved, still missed and very dear to our hearts." Vera dabbed at her streaming tears with her handkerchief, as she signalled the servants to serve the wine.

    When she was certain that everyone had a glass in their hand, she lifted her glass of wine in the air.

    "To Presley Anderson, we love you this day and forever. Cheers!" She tipped her glass of wine spilling half of the content to the grassy floor.

    "To Presley Anderson." Everyone raised their glasses to the air, spilling some of the contents to the floor before clinking glasses with one another.

    "To Presley Anderson and Fiona Wales, continue to rest in peace." Amelia also tipped her wine glass, before clicking it with Henry''s, Eugene''s and other Anderson family members.

    -

    -

    Meanwhile, back at the Shawls mansion, Senator Gregory sat in the living room listening to the head of his security team and his brother give him an update on Amelia''s treachery against her own family. He was still having great difficulty, focusing on a particular subject, due to the trauma on the back of his head and the effect of the hallucinating drugs he was unknowingly consuming.

    Currently, he was traumatized with scary visions that weren''t real. Based on the wrong information he was fed by his cheating wife, his fraudulent brothers, his manipulative fake daughter and his corrupt security head, his mind was greatly distorted. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "So you''re trying to tell me that Amelia was never kidnapped?" Senator Gregory asked Matt, while massaging the back of his bandage head, - which according to his wife and other members of the family present, was inflicted by Blaze Anderson.

    "No brother." Matt shook his head, feigning disappointment. "According to our research, Amelia was never kidnapped. Everything she encountered was staged. Amelia has been secretly dating Blaze Anderson for a while now. It''s so unfortunate that we just got to realize the truth."

    "That despicable child?" The senator hissed, biting down on his inner lips as a head-splitting migraine shot through his brain. He was sweating profusely even in the well-ventilated living room. "How could she do this to us?"

    "There is more sir." Lin said showing the senator an edited version of the email Amelia sent. "Based on the recent sale of her liquidated trust fund assets, which she claimed were sold by Gwen, we believe Miss Amelia is mopping up cash to settle a huge debt. And this debt could cripple the family''s financial status if necessary actions aren''t taken."

    "What!" The Senator gritted his teeth. "Matt give me that glass of water and more aspirin. This headache is killing me." He leaned his head back on the couch, sweating profusely, while cursing out loud.

    Both Matt and Lin exchange amused glances.

    "Sure brother." Matt gave the senator more of the hallucinating coated medication and a glass of water. He watched him drink more of the poison before suggesting.

    "Why don''t you allow Lin and I to take care of this Blaze Anderson in our own way? All you have to do is focus on getting better."

    The Senate grunted in pain, nodding his head, as his vision slowly turned blurry.

    "I will take you back to your bedroom." Matt stood up, grinning satisfactorily.

 Chapter 114 - 114: Raquel Torres

    Regina, Pearl and Gwen were seated beside each other in a semicircular pattern on the bed, speaking in low voices when someone rudely barged into her room, like the Lord of the mansion.

    "How dare....oh, it''s you. Sorry." Regina swallowed her saliva while cursing her brother-in-law in her heart, wishing he could drop dead.

    "You better be." Matt spat out, enraged by her betrayal, as he slammed the door shut. He shifted his nasty glare to Gwen.

    "Any word from that bastard you call a husband?"

    Gwen clenched her fist, her nose crinkled and her eyes shot flares at her so-called father.

    "No Dad."

    "Don''t call me that!" Matt snapped angrily. "Greg remain your father until the deal is completed and that wretch taken care of. Understood?"

    "Yes, Dad," Gwen replied between clenched jaws, daring Matt to do his worst.

    "Gwen, don''t provoke your uncle any further." Regina patted her on the shoulder, giving her a nonverbal signal that Matt didn''t get. "Why don''t you go to your room and allow us to talk in private."

    "Okay, mum." Gwen''s reddened eyes welled up with tears as she climbed down from the bed. She walked up to her so-called dad, sizing him up from head to toe.

    "Get out of my face." Matt snarled, angered by his greedy daughter''s selfishness and foolishness.

    "If you hurt my mom, you will have me to contend with." Gwen threatened between clenched teeth, roughly brushing her shoulder past him as she exited the room, slamming the door shot.

    Outside the room, tears of anguish and heartbreak flowed down Gwen''s eyes as she lifted her phone and tried Jerry''s number for the umpteenth time. She moved further away towards the stairs hoping that changing her position could help the line connect.

    Sadly, it was the same infuriating electronic voice message saying the number was unreachable.

    "Where the f*ck are you, Jerry? How could you do this to me...." She placed her hands on her flat stomach. "...to us. I trusted you. I gave you everything." Gwen leaned her back on the wall, staring hopelessly at her phone screen, tears droplets falling on the screen and soaking her loose-fitting blouse.

    The fact that her mother has been lying to her about her paternity all these years felt like a virus eating Gwen up from the inside. It made her feel worthless and useless knowing that her mother wasn''t even sure of who her real father was even though she pinned it on Matt.

    Although she had made her peace with her mom after listening to the latter''s pathetic story of growing up in one of the cheapest brothels in the country, she couldn''t get off that sickening feeling growing at the pit of her stomach.

    So many ''what if'' crept up her thoughts, crippling her heart by the second. Her only hope of getting out of this hell hole was Jerry and he was nowhere to be found. Even his family claimed that they hadn''t heard a word from him. But Gwen knew that they were lying.

    Gwen angrily wiped her flowing tears as she saw one of the mansion servants approaching her, holding a tray containing a glass of orange juice. She knew she had become the centre of attraction for all those gossiping jobless servants staring at her from below the stairwell. She flared her nostrils and clenched her fist as the maid spoke in a subtle tone, head slightly lowered.

    "Madam Gwen, please, do not cry anymore. The senator will be alright. Here, I brought you your favourite orange juice." The slightly chubby maid in her mid-twenties offered the glass of juice with a polite smile.

    Gwen collected the glass of juice and hurled the entire content on the maid''s face, causing a terrified gasp to escape the unfortunate maid''s mouth.

    "Get the f*ck out of my face, you bloody fat pig," Gwen yelled at the maid, smashing the empty glass on the floor.

    The maid jerked, her hand trembling as you wiped the stinging juice out of her partially blinded eyes, the orange-yellow liquid ruining her uniform.

    "Get out!" Gwen screamed at the top of her voice attracting more gossiping maids to the living room.

    "Sorry, ma''am." The innocent maid turned around and hurried down the stairs crying.

    Gwen hissed as she marched angrily to her bedroom and slammed the door shot.

    Meanwhile, inside Regina''s bedroom, Matt continued to exercise his dominance over Regina. Now that he had her at his mercy, he had no plans of letting her off the hook until he had sapped everything worth anything out of her.

    "I saw the transfer of fifty billion dollars yesterday and the last time I checked, you were supposed to send a total amount of approximately four hundred billion dollars to the account I sent you and Gwen."

    "We are still working on it but you need to know that Amelia falsified the..."

    "Does it look like I give a f*ck what Amelia did?" Matt barked at Regina, slowly approaching her bed.

    "I think I should take my leave," Pearl forced a smile, climbing down from the bed.

    "Sit the f*ck down, b*tch!" Matt barked at her.

    "Excuse me!" Pearl scrunched her face offended by Matt''s choice of words. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Pearl, just do what he said." Regina pleaded knowing how rough and dangerous Matt could be when angry. She could already see the bulge in his pants and she knew this wasn''t good for either her or her sister who had been dragged into the mess.

    "But Gina, how do you expect me to stand here and watch him ridicule me like..."

    Slap!

    The rest of the words were slapped out of Pearl''s mouth, forcing her to fall back on the bed.

    "Matt, please." Tears gathered in Regina''s eyes, as memories of how abusive Matt could get when high on testosterone mixed with anger, flashed across her mind.

    "Shut the f**k up and sit down," Matt growled, pointing dangerously at her.

    Regina did as instructed feeling powerless in her own home. She could hear her daughter screaming from outside her bedroom but she couldn''t stand up to find out what the matter was. Not with Matt about to rain hails on her.

    "After everything I gave to you, after all the sacrifices I made to bring you out of that hell hole you once called home, after the millions I spent on your plastic surgery changing your entire identity, after giving you a life none of your worthless friends could dream of, and after permitting you to take out my niece, you dare betray me? Do you think for a second that I''m stupid because I have been playing nice?" Matt''s voice was low, dangerous and cold, making both women tremble under his ominous glare.

    "No one..." Matt said taking off his belt.

    Panicked, Pearl scurried away from Matt''s fury, hiding behind her elder sister.

    "Absolutely no one crosses me and lives to tell the tale. Or do you think one of those of your many boyfriends, who you have been f**king behind my back can save you from me?"

    Regina''s eyes widened in shock. She has been discreet about her movement.

    "Yes Gina, I know all your dirty little business. The only reason I turn a blind eye is because they pay me heavily to keep their dicks in their pants. You will continue to f**k them while they pay me and you will introduce Pearl into your dirty business.

    "No...". Regina whispered, trembling. "Please Matt, do whatever you want with me but leave my sister out of this. I will have Gwen transfer the remaining money in her account first thing Monday morning."

    "How much?"

    "Fifty-five billion dollars."

    Matt scoffed. "That doesn''t settle your debt, Gina."

    "That is all we have." Regina pleaded.

    Matt grinned wickedly as he signalled Regina to come forward.

    Regina eyed the belt he was holding afraid he''ll flog her with it.

    "I said come forward dammit!" Marr barked, flinging the belt in her direction, the iron head missing her round face by a whiskers. Regina nodded, trembling as she climb down from the bed. She slowly approached him cautiously, her twitching eyes still pleading.

    When she was within arms reach, Matt roughly grabbed her by the hair and forced her to her knees.

    "You think this is a f**king game, Gina?" Matt roared in a suppressed voice.

    Regina winced in pain while holding Matt''s hands, whimpering.

    "Please let her go?" Pearl pleaded, clasping her hands together. But her earnest pleas fell on deaf ears.

    Matt tightened his grip on Regina''s hair pulling her face up to look at his dangerous eyes.

    "I own you, Gina. I alone get to decide whether you live or die. In the next twenty-four hours, if my complete money is not paid into my account, you will lose every ounce of freedom you have left as my brother''s wife. You and Pearl will become my permanent bimbo until your last breath."

    "No!" Pearl shook her head.

    "I have already taken care of my brother and I will take care of Amelia my own way. Now it''s time to put you where you belong."

    Matt released her hair, pushing her roughly on the ground. He took off his pants and said in a demeaning tone.

    "Give me a satisfying blow job, Raquel Torres." He called her by her former prostitute name.

    Regina''s reddened eyes widened in horror as no one had ever called her by that name for decades. She would rather die a thousand times than allow her dark secret exposed by Matt.

    *****

    It has been more than four days since anyone heard anything from Tina. It seemed as if after her ugly confrontation with Amelia at the coffee shop, she had suddenly disappeared from the city. But that was far from the truth.

    Rather, strategies were been changed and new paths of victory explored.

    After encountering Blaze that night outside the coffee shop, Tina promised to stay away from Amelia and respect her as his wife as long as they remain friends.

    Although Blaze agreed to this new proposition, Tina had no plans of sticking to the deal. She decided that if she couldn''t get Blaze by destroying Amelia''s marriage directly, she would use other subtler methods to ruin her.

 Chapter 115 - 115: Even The Devil Prays?

    After the rituals of celebrating the dead with good wine, captivating tribute slideshows and heartwarming local songs, the Anderson family gathered together for a befitting feast.

    The long rectangular dining table, pitched under one of the biggest open tents, displayed a wide range of local and intercontinental delicacies ranging from spicy roasted chicken and turkey to sweet corn, barbecued meat, apple pie, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrot soup, scented curry soup, different yummy dessert, amongst others.

    The happily chatting family all took their respective seats accordingly, with the grandparents at the head of the table and couples seated beside each other.

    The children, who were indoors all this while were brought out to join in the feast. They were two boys and a girl, between the ages of six, four and three. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    While Dylan and Jayden, the two adorable boys were Vera''s eldest son''s children, Sophia -the youngest and cutest of them all - was Vera''s only daughter''s child.

    Little Sophia was holding a stuffed bunny in her hand and clinging to her pregnant mother seeking her attention. But the boys seemed rather in a hurry to fill their small tummies and go back to whatever they were doing inside the mansion.

    Amelia instantly fell in love with the children when she laid eyes on them. She wished she could have those bundle of joy to call her own as she watched their parents helped them sit by the dining table.

    "You can go say, ''hi'' to them you know." Henry suggested, smiling.

    Amelia shrugged, "Maybe layer."

    Amelia''s attraction didn''t go unnoticed by her mother-in-law or by her secretly irritated husband.

    Although Blaze adored his cousin''s children, he didn''t see himself as a father material. He didn''t want to bring any child into his bitter world and have them suffer from a lack of affection. And the last thing he wanted to do was share a child with his enemy''s daughter.

    "Amelia..." Blaze called her attention away from the children. "This way, dear." He moved her away from Henry''s side, giving the latter a nasty glare.

    Henry chuckled but didn''t say anything.

    "Let''s share the grace," Mamo announced, signalling every to hold hands and close their eyes.

    Standing between her mother-in-law and husband, Amelia felt overwhelmed with emotions. The sight of beautiful children, the gathering of family, the holding of hands and the smell of good country food made her nostalgic and extremely happy. She missed her mum and wished for a second that her mother could appear to her and whisper in her ear.

    As if in response to her prayer, Maria leaned closer and whispered those exact beautiful words her mum always said to her whenever they were cuddled together. It brought warmth to her heart and joy to her troubled soul, making her forget about her worries.

    Amelia felt her eyes moisten and her lips moved as she replied from the depth of her heart.

    "I love you too."

    "Huh!" Blaze''s jaws dropped. He turned to look at Amelia only to find her staring at his mom, both women smiling at each other.

    Though barely audible, Blaze caught those four magical words. He was bemused and aroused by it, even though he knew they were not meant for him. He felt jealous. But this jealousy wasn''t a result of his mom''s unconditional love towards Amelia. It was the fact that Amelia was reciprocating that same love back to his mother even when she knew their marriage wasn''t real. And that wasn''t all.

    Deep down, Blaze felt a yearning within him. An infuriating yearning that was messing with his head. He wanted to hold Amelia, kiss her and make her feel like the most special woman in the world. And as awkward as it may sound he wanted her to say those same words to him.

    "Darian..." Mamo called his attention in a somewhat stern voice, eying his free left hand.

    "Oh..." Blaze snapped out of his annoying thoughts and smiled as he gently took Amelia''s other free hand, interlocking fingers sensually with hers before closing his eyes.

    "Our heavenly Father..."

    The words of Mamo trialed as Amelia opened her eyes, tilting her head to stare at her husband''s side profile. Her heart was beating fast as she lowered her eyes to look at the way their hands moulded into one. It looked so perfect like they were meant for each other. She unconsciously squeezed his hands, forcing him to open his eyes and look at her.

    "I''m sorry," Amelia whispered, not daring to look up, afraid of what she might see.

    "Close your eyes, sweetheart, we are praying," Blaze said in the softest and calmest voice, leaving Amelia completely speechless.

    "Praying! Even the devil prays?" Amelia questioned her thoughts, unable to think straight as she closed her eyes. She tried to focus on Mamo''s tranquil voice, who was asking God to forgive and bless her family.

    "...this and more we ask true Christ our Lord," Mamo concluded her prayer.

    "Amen." The entire family chanted, opening their eyes.

    "Let''s eat." Luther clasped his hand excitedly as everyone took their seats.

    "Allow me..." Blaze couldn''t explain what was going on in his head as he served his wife her desired meal while earning the admiration of his mother and everyone at the table.

    "Blaze, that''s enough." Amelia patted him on the arm, slightly worried and confused by his affectionate behavior towards her.

    She ate her portion of food happily as she watched the family interacting with one another; arguing, laughing and telling funny jokes. She wasn''t treated as a stranger as she partook in the family argument, siding with her husband something and her mother-in-law at other times.

    At the end of dessert, Amelia was completely stuffed with enough goodness that could last her for a lifetime.

    Over the next few hours, Amelia sat beside her husband, resting her back on his chest, like a real couple and listening to Blaze''s older and younger cousins share their childhood stories. She remained tangled in her husband''s cuddly arms until Vera came up to inform her that Mamo wanted to speak with her.

    "Oh...okay?" Amelia looked around the open field in search of Blaze''s grandmother as she stood up.

    "She has retired into the mansion," Vera said, gesturing forward.

    "I''ll come with her." Blaze rose to his feet, acting possessively around Amelia.

    "Mamo wants to speak to her alone," Vera stressed, grinning.

    "She does?" Amelia felt her heart skip a beat. She also observed that Maria was nowhere in sight.

    "Yes, but you have nothing to worry about there. She just wants to interact with her granddaughter-in-law."

    Amelia gulped down her saliva stirring at Blaze.

    "Don''t worry, my dear. She doesn''t bite." Vera chuckled.

    "Me and the guys were planning to go down to the lake. I hope I can have my wife back before sundown." Blaze said reluctantly, unwilling to part with Amelia. He was really beginning to enjoy her companionship over the past few hours and he hated to let her out of his sight.

    "I promise, I will bring her back before sundown, in one piece." She stressed the last three words, winking at Blaze, before leading Amelia away.

 Chapter 116 - 116: Mamos Question

    The short walk to the mansion felt like a day''s journey on foot for Amelia. Each step closer to her destination was more laboured and slightly terrifying, than the other. She could feel her heart slamming against her chest as she thought of Mamo asking her questions about her family. If there was anything she hated the most, it was lying to people who were good to her.

    As they slowly approached the mansion''s back door, Amelia mentally went through all the questions the old woman might likely ask her and the response she would give. Her body stiffened at the thoughts of the old woman seeing through her lies. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Relax, Amelia and hope for the best." She reassured herself. She tried to distract herself by watching the busy servants, diligently moving up and down to attend to different tasks.

    "Good evening, ma''am." Different servants greeted politely, heads lowered as the two women made their way through the back door into the corridor that led toward the gigantic kitchen, bustling with different activities.

    The tantalizing smell of steaming soup and grilling fish whiffed through the air, making Amelia hunger for more food even though her stomach was filled. She was tempted to briefly stop and explore the kitchen but the thought of keeping the old woman waiting forced her to focus her eyes forward.

    As they connected to another open hallway that led into the main mansion building, Amelia''s ever-sensitive nostril picked up the faint scent of ginger and lemon in the air.

    The refreshing aroma became stronger as they made their way into the living room.

    "There she is." Mamo, who was drinking a cup of ginger lemon tea with Maria, slowly brought down her mug. She slowly stood up with the help of Maria to receive her granddaughter-in-law.

    "Good evening, Mamo." Amelia made her way to the old woman and curtsied before her. "Thanks again for receiving me again at your wonderful home. It looks beautiful in here."

    "Thank you, my dear. You are welcome." Mamo made Amelia stand erect and kissed her on the forehead tenderly.

    "Please sit down here." She gently took her seat on the velvet three-seater couch, patting the empty space beside her.

    "Thank you, Mamo." Amelia took her seat, forcing a smile on her face. She watched Maria and Vera exit the room while a maid came in and served her a cup of ginger lemon tea with cookies.

    "I don''t think I can eat one more..."

    "You don''t have to eat the cookies if you''re full." Mamo gestured for the maid to leave. "But you need to try out the tea. It is very healthy and medicinal."

    "Okay. Thank you, Mamo."

    "You don''t have to thank me every single time." The old woman teased.

    Amelia giggled feverishly as she picked the teacup by the handle and raised it to her lips. She exhaled pushing out her crippling anxiety and took a little sip of the slightly hot tea, inhaling the minty freshness.

    Scrutinizing Amelia, Mamo picked up her mug and took more sips of her tea. She put the mug down and cleared her throat.

    "Are you relaxed?" Mamo shifted closer to Amelia.

    "Uh-huh." Amelia gently set her teacup on the table, gulping down anxiety.

    "Good. I just want to talk to you freely without my grandson nosing around. Is that okay with you?"

    "Yes." Amelia nodded, smiling.

    "And one more thing, can I count on your honesty?" Mamo gently took Amelia''s trembling hands into hers, stroking them lovingly.

    "Shh...sure" Amelia''s heavy breathing eased a little due to Mamo''s motherly touch.

    "Now before I say anything I need you to know that, I do not expect you to be a perfect woman because there is no such thing as a perfect human. We are all flawed creatures striving for perfection." Mamo stated lifting Amelia''s chin up to look into her twitching eyes.

    "It has been my greatest desire for my grandson to settle down with a beautiful woman such as yourself and be happy. But happiness is a choice and can only come from within. It cannot be forced and it cannot be bought."

    Amelia exhaled softly, nodding her head in agreement.

    "Seeing my grandson looking so happy gives me great joy. It has been a very long time since I saw him genuinely laugh or converse excitedly with the rest of the family without acting like a busy bee. Even if I were to leave this world today, I will forever be grateful to you for being the one behind his happiness."

    Amelia was moved by Mamo''s words even though she doubted she was the reason behind Blaze''s happiness. "Thank you, Mamo."

    "You''re welcome." The old woman''s face turned all serious as she addressed the issue that was bothering her the most.

    "If I am to be completely honest with you, I was shocked when Maria told me that my grandson chose you, -my late son''s best friend''s daughter- for a wife, But..." Mamo stressed, stroking Amelia''s flushed cheeks as she attempted to lower her gaze. "I was happy he did. I believe this is fate and that you two are destined for each other to rewrite the wrong done between our families."

    Amelia didn''t agree with that last statement even though it felt awkwardly true.

    "Now, I am not going to ask you under what circumstances you two met or why you two have decided to tie the knot secretly. I''m not going to ask you whether you truly love my grandson because looks can be deceptive. I''m also not going to ask you anything concerning your family because Maria has told me a lot. I just want you to know that by virtue of your marriage to my grandson, this is now your home. His family and now your family. You can take me as your grandmother and my husband as your grandfather. Every member of this family is your family. okay?"

    "Okay." Amelia''s eyes glistened with happiness. She couldn''t tell if the old woman was reading her thoughts like an open book. But she knew she would desperately cling to this family even after the contract expired.

    "My grandson has been in true a lot. He had been hurt deeply and his heart broken in halves. I believe only love can genuinely heal him and that is why I''m going to ask you this one sensitive question?"

    Beads of sweat gathered on Amelia''s forehead as she waited breathlessly for the question

    "Will you stay married to my grandson for better or for worse until death do you part?"

 Chapter 117 - 117: Winning Sophias Heart

    On her way out of the mansion, going through the front entrance and completely lost in her thoughts, Amelia ran into Vera''s pregnant daughter, Naomi Anderson Whyte.

    Naomi was carrying little Sophia in her arms while holding the little sleeping angel''s stuffed bunny in the other hand.

    "Hello, umm...."

    "Naomi..." The freckled face blonde beauty with hypnotic grey eyes smiled sweetly.

    "Forgive me, Naomi. I''m still trying to get acquainted with everyone''s name." Amelia forced a smile while stealing a glance at her cute baby bump.

    "It''s okay. It''s always like that on your first day." Naomi said, beaming. "Do you want to touch it?"

    "Excuse me?" Amelia lifted her eyes to look at Naomi.

    "My baby bump. Do you want to touch it?"

    Amelia''s cheeks reddened. "Is it okay by you?"

    "Of course!" Naomi adjusted her sleeping angel to expose more of her baby bump. "Touch it"

    "Okay,"

    Amelia took in a deep breath as she moved closer to Naomi, her heart racing fast. She gently placed her right hand on the protruding baby bump, stroking it tenderly and making Naomi giggle.

    "This is a miracle." Amelia''s eyes glistened with tears as she looked up to Naomi.

    "It is and it could be yours someday." Naomi patted her on the shoulder.

    Then all of a sudden, Amelia jerked, moving backwards, while staring at Naomi in shock.

    "What''s wrong?" Naomi asked, lowering her gaze.

    "It moved."

    "Oh...you scared me."Naomi chuckled sweetly.

    "I''m sorry but it moved." Amelia cupped her mouth, tears falling from her widened eyes.

    "He likes you."

    "It''s a he?" Amelia asked staring at the baby bump, hoping to see some kind of distortion from the movement. But to her disappointment, there was none.

    "Yes, it''s a boy."

    "How do you know?" The words slipped out of Amelia''s mouth before she could take it back. She suddenly felt stupid as Naomi replied still beaming sweetly at her.

    "Ultrasound scan. I can''t wait to meet him in the next two months."

    "You already seven months down?" Amelia was astounded as her gaze darted between Naomi''s eyes and the baby bump. "But it doesn''t look like it."

    "Yeah, I get that a lot." Naomi''s face was all flushed. "It runs in the family. We usually have small baby bumps." S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Wow!" Amelia watched the sleeping little girl stir in her mother''s arms as if complaining about the noisy aunty disturbing her peaceful nap.

    "Where are my manners? Can I help you with your little girl?"

    "I don''t know... she''s very selective. She won''t even let her dad take her to bed." Naomi frowned, stroking her cute daughter''s golden blonde hair.

    "I could give her a try," Amelia suggested, her eyes pleading.

    Naomi shrugged. "Okay. But don''t say I didn''t warn you when she opens that little mouth of hers and starts wailing."

    Amelia laughed feverishly as she opened her hands, her heart pounding in her mouth.

    --

    Up the stairs landing area, Vera and Maria, who were passing by stopped to watch the two young women, their eyes glimmering with excitement and anticipation.

    "Someone is going to be a grandmother really soon." Vera teased, nudging Maria in the arm.

    "I can''t wait," Maria whispered dabbing at her flowing tears. "I love that girl so much. But I''m so afraid my son might hurt his feelings. I don''t think he loves her the way he should."

    "Ugh! Don''t talk negative, May." Vera encouraged her sister-in-law, stroking her tenderly on the arm. "Look on the bright side. She has a vibrant and compelling aura that could capture any man''s heart. I strongly believe she would capture Blaze''s heart in time."

    "I hope so." Maria dabbed at her tears.

    "Look," Vera said in a hushed voice pointing downwards.

    "Aww!" Maria beamed sweetly. "She wants to help Naomi carry little Sophia."

    "That''s the problem. Sophia doesn''t allow anyone to touch her, aside from me, her mother, her grandma and sometimes her father." Vera said in an anxious tone, worried that her cute grandchild might reject Amelia.

    "Don''t be a pessimist. Keep an open heart and watch my daughter-in-law charm that little angel of yours." Maria said proudly, rooting for Amelia.

    "Fingers crossed."

    --

    As if alerted by her mother''s betrayal of trust, little Sophia slowly lifted her head from her mother''s shoulder and tilted it backwards to look at the intruding aunty -who had dared to touch her arm. Her eyebrows came together in the middle and her forehead wrinkled. She stuck out her cute pink lower lips, and how cute eyes moistened.

    "Oh no..." Naomi sighed.

    "What''s her name?" Amelia asked softly, without breaking eye contact with the beautiful angel.

    "Sophia," Naomi whispered.

    The little girl turned her scrunched face to look at her mother, sniffling a little, while communicating unspoken words of betrayal.

    "I''m sorry, my cutie pie." Naomi apologized, nuzzling her baby on the cheek.

    Amelia stole one quick glance at the stuffed rabbit and kicked off her shoes, recalling one nursery rhymes she recalled from a distant friend''s child''s birthday party."

    "Jump jump jump, baby rabbits jumps,

    Like mommy, like Daddy, baby rabbits jump..."

    Amelia''s sonorous singing voice attracted Sophia''s attention at once.

    Sophia stared at Amelia suspiciously, wondering how the strange aunty knew her favourite bunny rhymes.

    "...Jump jump, jump, baby rabbits jump..." Amelia continued singing while hopping around Naomi who couldn''t stop laughing. "...Baby rabbits jump, like brother, like sisters, baby rabbits jump. Run, run, run and jump..." Amelia paused causing Sophia''s eyes to brighten as she waited breathlessly for the next line.

    "... higher."

    "Higher!" Sophia chanted happily throwing her two little arms in the air.

    "...higher to the blue, blue, sky." Amelia stopped jumping and stretched her arm towards Sophia.

    Without any hesitation, Sophia happily took Amelia''s hands and they both sang the rest of the rhyme to the entertainment of Naomi, the beaming mothers upstairs, Dylan and Jayden -who had secretly snuck out of their room, some of the mansion servants, and Henry, - who had come down on Blaze''s request to spy on his mother''s activities inside the mansion.

    At the end of the song, everyone who was secretly hiding and watching Amelia''s performance came out and started clapping and cheering for her. The excited little Sophia cheered the loudest, giggling as Amelia tickled her.

    "Sing it again, sing it again." Dylan and Jayden, though older wanted to be treated as toddlers as they gathered around Amelia, pulling at her.

    "No! No... She''s mine!" Sophia screamed possessively, wrapping her little arms around Amelia''s neck, with no intention of letting go.

    "She''s our auntie too," Jayden yelled back at his little selfish cousin wrapping his arms around Amelia''s leg.

    "Let''s not quarrel, my cutie pies. I''m everyone''s auntie." Amelia kissed Sophia on the cheek and ruffled Jayden and Dylan''s hair, hugging them to herself.

    "You are a magnet for children," Naomi whispered in Amelia''s ears clapping her for her.

    "Thanks." Amelia was completely overwhelmed, smiling and stroking all three children while appreciating the accolades that came her way. She blew kisses at the mothers upstairs and waved at the maids, before focusing all her attention on playing with the children.

    "Ahem!" Henry walked up to her, smiling.

    Instantly Amelia''s smiles vanished.

 Chapter 118 - 118: Bonding

    "Henry, what are you doing here?" Amelia stood up straight, craning her neck at the foyer for any sign of Blaze. She was scared he would be mad at her for getting too close to his family.

    "He''s not here. You can relax." Henry said reassuringly, carrying, Jaden who was pulling Amelia''s gown.

    "I think we should take the children upstairs before the big babies start complaining," Naomi suggested, making Amelia giggle.

    "Who are you referring to as the big babies?" Henry raised an eyebrow."

    "You guys of course. Aren''t you overgrown babies always seeking our attention, wanting even more than the real children." Naomi led the way upstairs, holding Dylan while Sophia held onto Amelia''s neck, making funny faces at Jayden.

    "True." Henry shrugged. "But don''t ever call your cousin a baby in the presence of his wife. He will literally eat your head for lunch."

    "Are you referring to Blaze, the cutest baby of them all?" Naomi said in a hushed voice so the children wouldn''t hear and betray her.

    "I don''t know what you are talking about." Amelia giggled, moving ahead.

    "Yep, But I never said anything other than that."

    -

    -

    As the sun began its slow descent, illuminating the sky with its brilliant masterpiece, the swirling blend of molten gold, fiery orange and deep crimson created the perfect backdrops for a romantic gathering.

    The younger couples gathered together for the all-time ultimate daring games, while the older couples retired to the smaller open tent to enjoy one another''s company.

    Blaze was beginning to feel a bit restless, after waiting for more than an hour without any sign of Amelia.

    He watched as his married cousins interacted intimately with their respective spouses while watching the sunset together. They were looking so happy and contented with one another, something he unconsciously yearned for. It made him feel somewhat jealous and infuriated by his budding feelings.

    Standing up from the blanket, he excused himself, pretending to take a stroll while dialing Henry''s number.

    "Hey bro..." Henry picked up on the first ring.

    Blaze could hear the voices of women laughing in the background. It sounded like the voice of his aunt Vera and someone else he couldn''t guess. This fuelled Blaze''s anger, making him almost lose his temper

    "Where the hell are you, Hank and what happened to the job I gave you?" Blaze said between clenched jaws, his grip tightening around his phone.

    "Sorry man, I got sidetracked by your sweet aunt. But don''t worry Amelia will join you when she''s done helping Naomi out with the kids."

    "The kids!" Blaze''s temper flared. "What kids?"

    Blaze could hear a harsh rebuking in the background before the voice of his aunt rapped in his ears.

    "Young man, stop bothering your friend. I''m trying to cure him of his bachelorhood. Exercise some little patience. Your wife isn''t running away. She should be on her way out of the mansion."

    The line disconnected, leaving Blaze more perplexed and irked than ever.

    Just then, he heard Amelia''s unique soft voice laughing happily. He spun sideways, in the direction of her voice and there she was looking as flawlessly gorgeous as ever in her immaculate white dress. She was chatting absent-mindedly with Naomi while pointing at something ahead of them.

    Blaze instantly forgot that he was supposed to be angry at her or the fact that Henry had mentioned something about kids. He waited breathlessly for her to look in his direction, his heart longing for her. He watched Naomi whisper something in her ears before she turned to look at him.

    On impulse he smiled, shocking his own self. But the way Amelia stiffened at the sight of him made him chuckle. He strode purposefully towards her, each long stride filling him with unexplainable joy and happiness.

    As if in sync with his thoughts, Naomi left Amelia''s side to join her husband, giving him the necessary privacy he needed.

    "Blaze, I''m so sorry." Amelia breathed out as he came closer, her body trembling slightly as if she had been doing something wrong. "After I left Mamo, I was coming to join you, but I ran into Naomi and I..."

    The remaining words were caught in Amelia''s throat as Blaze wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her close to him, crashing his lips against hers without warning.

    Amelia was stunned. Here she was thinking Blaze was about to rebuke her only to end up kissing her. She didn''t understand what was going on in that crazy mind of his. Or did he get stung by a love bug if there was anything such as that?

    His behaviour for the past couple of hours was getting weirder by the second. All of this was supposed to be an act to convince his grandparents that they were in love. But why does everything feel so real and so magical, especially with the way he held her like a fragile egg?

    Amelia completely forgot that they were outside under the scrutiny of everyone, as she wrapped her arms around his neck leaning her head sideways to give him better access.

    When they both patted their lips to catch their breath from that intense and passionate kiss, everyone watching them cheered loudly, whistling and clapping their hands.

    Blushing really hard like a teenager who had just been kissed by her crush, Amelia followed Blaze''s lead to join the rest of the young couples for the game night.

    Naomi was super thrilled as this was the first time ever Blaze was joining in their couple" ''s game. She was on a mission given to her by her mother to strengthen the bond between Blaze and his wife.

    Bringing out a silver glitter-coated jar, she listed out some rules of the games they were about to play, giving no room for anyone to back out.

    Next, with the help of her husband, she arranged some strong alcoholic drinks with disposable cups on the blanket and fruit juice for herself. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Now, with no further ado," Naomi mimicked an entertainment hostess''s foreign accent. "I would like the newly married couple in our midst to do us the honour by picking out our first game from the mystery jar. Amelia." She extended the jar towards her.

    Amelia couldn''t stop laughing at Naomi''s funny accent as she dipped her hand into the jar and picked up a slip of paper.

    "Read what you have," Naomi instructed.

    "Never have I ever, drinking game...hmm!" Amelia turned to look at Blaze, her eyes brightening mischievously.

 Chapter 119 - 119: Bonding 1

    Naomi observed the excitement in everyone''s eyes except her cousin, Blaze. She knew he was a private individual who didn''t like anyone poke-nosing in his affairs. But she was on a mission to strengthen bonds and there was no backing down. So she reiterated her earlier rules.

    "Like I said earlier, none of us are allowed to back out at any point in the game except my humble self because of my condition. Also, all five couples seated here, are competing for a mystery prize. The couple with the most convincing and captivating displays will win this mystery prize."

    "We are so winning that prize." Reuben(Vera''s first son) said with all confidence.

    "It''s already ours." Monica (Mamo''s granddaughter from her last son, Chris) countered her cousin. "Right, honey?" She asked her fiance.

    "Certainly, babe."

    "What do you think about winning the prize for us?" Amelia leaned closer, whispering to Blaze, as Naomi''s husband diligently served everyone vodka Soda in their disposable cups.

    "For us?" Blaze repeated her last two words raising an eyebrow, a smirk curling up the side of his lips.

    A crease appeared on Amelia''s forehead but quickly disappeared. "We are married, aren''t we? Or do you prefer to lose to other members of your family?"

    It was Blaze''s turn to frown. But for some reason unknown, he chuckled instead, picking up the hint of sarcasm and a daring challenge in her tone.

    "If I win it for you, what''s in it for me?" Blaze asked, fondling with the ruffles on her dress.

    Amelia was tempted to scoff at his question but decided to play along. She leaned closer to Blaze''s ear and whispered in a sultry voice while brushing her warm lips against Blaze''s ear lobe.

    "A night of complete surrender to you."

    Blaze felt a shiver of excitement run down his spine as he pulled away from her to look into those twinkling magical eyes. "Considered the prize yours " S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Game on!" Naomi, who was secretly eavesdropping on the couple clapped her hands happily.

    "Amelia, please do us the honor of starting the game, and to everyone, remember you are to take a sip of your drink if you have done whatever is said in this game. Also, let''s make the game fun by being honest."

    Everyone nodded and the game commenced.

    "Never have I ever had a one-night stand." Amelia''s jaws dropped as Blaze amongst others took a sip of their drink.

    Wild gasps rose in the air, as some extremely jealous couples almost started bickering. But for Amelia, she was simply curious to know who this one-night stand was.

    "Never have I ever kissed a stranger." Blaze took his turn and smiled to himself as Amelia took a sip of her drink.

    "You''ve kissed a stranger?" It was Blaze''s turn to be shocked and somewhat jealous.

    "Yeah, and it was a memorable kiss." Amelia exaggerated. "Just like your memorable one-night stand." She winked at him, grinning slyly.

    "Hmm..." Blaze chuckled to himself. "We will talk about this later." He said, not wanting to discuss the matter in front of others.

    "Never have I ever fart in public." Naomi''s husband, Christopher, took his turn and everyone burst out laughing. They all took a sip of their drink except Blaze and Christopher.

    "So you fart in public." Blaze teased his wife.

    "It only happens on rare occasions." Amelia chuckled, covering her embarrassed face.

    "Never have I ever had hard sex in the pool," Naomi said, grinning.

    Amelia watched Blaze take another sip of his drink. She felt slightly jealous of his sex life and could not help but wonder what it was like having sex in a pool. At least thanks to him, she had experienced something close to that in a shower.

    ''I have a lot of work to do on this beauty.'' Blaze smiled to himself as he saw the look of disappointment on Amelia''s face.

    "Never have I ever lied about my feelings for someone?" Monica said, staring at her fianc¨¦ when the most awkward thing happened.

    Blaze and Amelia simultaneously took their drinks while everyone stared at them.

    "We''ve all lied about our feelings at some point." Amelia eyed Naomi, avoiding Blaze''s intense gaze.

    "I totally agree." Naomi took a sip of her orange juice, alongside a few other couples. "But I never knew my cousin to be that timid to hide his feelings." She said eying Blaze, whose eyes had turned darkened and were narrowed at her.

    "Well, I believe it''s not hiding one''s feelings when you are unsure of what you feel, right?" Amelia asked, staring softly at him.

    For the first time ever, Blaze was at a loss for words. He simply nodded and turned his face away from Amelia''s magical gaze.

    "Never have I ever..." The next person''s words trialed as Blaze assembled his thoughts together, searching for reasons to debunk his earlier assertion.

    Maybe he was thirsty and needed a drink at that very moment. Maybe he didn''t feel anything for Amelia. Maybe it was just the euphoria of being amongst his family.

    But why is his heart pounding this loud in his chest? Why can''t he get his mind off her even for a second? Why does he seem somewhat desperate for her attention? Why is he bent on pleasing her at the expense of his privacy?

    "Blaze..." Amelia tapped him on the arm, snapping him out of his thoughts.

    "What?" He asked looking lost.

    "Did you hear the last statement?"

    "Umm...yeah." Blaze shrugged not wanting to admit that he was absent-minded.

    "So you''ve never fallen in love with anyone other than your wife?" Amelia asked, sensing he wasn''t paying attention.

    "What!" Blaze scoffed. "No."

    "No, meaning?" Amelia''s heart was throbbing really fast, as she held his gaze.

    Blaze didn''t like where this question was going or how Amelia''s probing was messing with his thoughts.

    "Do I have to explain myself to you?" He replied to her question with a question of his own.

    "No... never mind." Amelia withdrew into herself, a little bit disappointed.

    "Can we play another game, Naomi?" Blaze suggested, infuriated by this soul-searching game.

    "Sure, it''s your turn to pick." Naomi brought forward the glitter-coated silver jar close to Blaze. "Choose the next game."

    Blaze frowned at the mischievous glint dancing in Naomi''s twinkling eyes as he dipped his hand in the glass jar. He picked a neatly folded slip of paper and raised it up for everyone to see before unfolding and reading the content, chuckling.

    "A staring challenge between couples. Really?"

    "Yeah... It''s going to be fun." Naomi assured Blaze. "The couple who can hold each other''s gaze the longest win this round."

    "Wait a minute, who won the first round?" Monica asked.

    "Isn''t it obvious honey, it''s your cousin Mr Blaze and his wife. They took more of their drinks." Monica''s husband said, raising his red disposable cup to Amelia.

    Amelia forced a smile on her face in appreciation.

    Other couples gathered around concurred, clapping for them.

    "Then, it''s settled Blaze and Amelia win the first round," Naomi concluded. Now for the second round, let''s start. Everyone turn to your spouse."

    Amelia turned to Blaze, her gaze, elsewhere.

    "When I say go, you focus your gaze on your partner. The first person to blink is out of the game. Are we ready?"

    "Yes!" Everyone chanted, attracting the attention of the older couples who had gathered around to serve as judges and see the winner.

    Blaze took hold of Amelia''s right hand, stroking it tenderly, "The answer is no."

    "Huh!" Amelia stared at him, unsure of what he was saying.

    "I have never fallen in love with anyone, not even, Tina, even though I told her severally that I loved her. Now can we focus on winning the game?"

    "Sure." Amelia was happy and at the same time saddened by Blaze''s response. She inwardly stroked herself for thinking Blaze would admit that he was falling for her just as she was falling for him. But the contract was there to take care of things and she didn''t want her heart to be broken a second time.

    ''I will not fall in love with him. I must not fall in love with him. I will never fall in love with him.'' Amelia chanted in her mind hoping to snap out of her weakness.

    Taking a deep breath, she stifled her feelings and focused on winning the competition.

    "I''m ready. Let''s win this game." Amelia said.

    "Ready?" Maria offered to be the judge, to allow Naomi to partake in the game. "Go."

    Amelia shut everyone and everything out of her mind, staring blankly at Blaze without really seeing him.

    Staring at those stunning almond-shaped hazel eyes which reflected the brightness of the moon illuminating the dark sky, Blaze was overwhelmed by his feelings. He hated the fact that he was falling for her, wishing there was a way he could erase this excruciating feeling.

    The euphoria was high and the excited screams were deafening, echoing into the night as other couples fell by the wayside until it was just Blaze and Amelia still staring at each other.

    Then something amazing happened. Blaze blinked twice after twenty minutes of staring hopelessly at his beautiful wife. He lost to her even though they already won the bet as a couple.

    "I won!" Amelia threw both hands in the air, beaming triumphantly, leaving a bitter taste in Blaze''s mouth.

 Chapter 120 - 120: Bonding 2

    The family bonding games lasted for another two hours with each couple struggling to win the next game but still failing to the undefeated and highly competitive pair.

    Blaze and Amelia treated the game like a lucrative business deal that needed to be won at all costs. They were dogged, focused and in sync with each other, wowing their older parents'' audience.

    Ranging from the charade games to the the truth and dare game, the animated singing challenge that left everyone completely blown away by Blaze''s sexy baritone singing voice, the human ring toss challenge and finally the face painting game, Blaze and Amelia won each game with a landslide ovation.

    Maria couldn''t be happier watching her son''s captivating nature in full display. She clapped and cheered with the rest of the family, almost saddened when the games came to an end. But she couldn''t stop laughing at her son''s funny face painting.

    While Blaze artistically transformed his wife''s face into that of a cute cat that tickled his fancy, Amelia intentionally transformed Blaze''s face into that of a funny clown that left everyone cracking their ribs with laughter.

    Pictures of each couple''s face painting were captured by Vera and uploaded to the Anderson family''s Whatsapp group page for everyone to see and comment on.

    Finally, it was time to reveal the long-awaited mystery prize.

    But instead of a fancy car, rare gemstone, high-end accessories or the deeds to a befitting property, the winning couple were given an all-expense paid VIP ticket to one of the best Spa establishments in the countryside."

    "What!" Blaze scrunched his clown face, causing another ripple of laughter amongst his family. "You mean I sold myself to you guys for nothing but a spa at one godforsaken local establishment?"

    Another round of laughter erupted amongst the family members, echoing into the calm night.

    "The fun is not in the prize, cousin," Naomi explained, yawning. "The games were all about family bonding, love and companionship. And I must say, you and Amelia are made for each other."

    Amelia''s cheeks reddened in embarrassment at the compliment. She couldn''t agree less with Naomi. But unfortunately, their marriage wasn''t real.

    "I think it''s time for us to allow you young and vibrant blood to take this fun to the next level." Vera winked at Amelia making her blush even harder.

    "I completely agree with Mom. I need to rest this tired body." Naomi stood up with the help of her husband, covering her mouth as another yawn escaped her.

    "Goodnight everyone." Naomi waved as she turned her back in the direction of the mansion.

    "Goodnight." Others chorused.

    One by one, all the couples retired to their love nest. But Blaze had one more mission at heart before retiring for the night.

    "How about a stroll to the lake?" Blaze said, helping Amelia up to her feet. "We could wash off this face paint there."

    "Umm...Sure!" Amelia was feeling bubbly and lightheaded as Blaze held onto her left hand tenderly.

    Following the moonlit path, Blaze and Amelia slowly and silently made their way to the lake, holding hands like young teenagers in love.

    They listened to the magical sounds of night creatures announcing their presence, hidden in plain sight. The frogs softly croaked and the crickets continued to rub their wings together, chirping at the distant field and the forest beyond it.

    Amelia exhaled, her mind peaceful and her heart fluttering freely like a colourful butterfly as the gentle night breeze blew across her face, playing with the soft coils of her loose hair.

    As they slowly approached the lake shore, Amelia marveled at the beauty of the vast placid lake and the way it mirrored the mesmerizing starry night sky. The surface of the lake remained placid, disturbed only by the occasional ripple.

    "You did great tonight." Blaze finally spoke up as they came to a halt at the shore.

    "You too," Amelia replied beaming without looking at him.

    "Thanks." Blaze cleared his throat before asking. "How about a swim?"

    "Huh!" Amelia turned sideways to look at him. "I thought we came here to wash our face."

    "Yes and take a swim." Blaze slowly began to unbutton his shirt.

    "I don''t think..."

    "Don''t think anything. Just do it. Remember you promised me if I won the game for us, you would surrender yourself to me, tonight." Blaze winked at her, removing his shirt and dropping it on the dry grassy ground.

    "Now he uses, ''us''? What a cheeky fellow." Amelia echoed in her heart, looking away as Blaze took the rest of his clothes off, only leaving behind his black boxer briefs.

    "Do you need me to help you with your dress?" Blaze stared impatiently at Amelia, desperate to have her in his arms.

    "No. I can manage." Amelia gulped her uneasiness, irritated by her growing needs and the tingling sensation in her core. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Fine. I wait for you inside the water."

    Amelia tilted her head just in time to see Blaze run into the water and dive into the deeper side of the lake with a splash. She waited breathlessly for him to bring up his head. But when he didn''t after a minute, she began to panic. She hurriedly took off her clothes leaving behind her lace bra and panties. She hurried into the water calling Blaze''s name.

    The cold water caused a shiver to run down her spine. But this was nothing compared to the scary thought of an injury and drowning that possessed her mind.

    "Blaze!" Amelia screamed diving into the water.

    Underneath the water, it was pitch black and she couldn''t see anything. She swam up to the surface, her panic intensifying.

    "Blaze!" She called out again but got no response. She took in a deep breath and dived in again, swimming in a zigzag direction. The dissolvable paint slowly came off her face with each stroke of the water.

    Coming up to the surface again with no sign of him, Amelia''s panic quadrupled as the eerie thought of death in the lake crippled her heart.

    "Oh God!" She was about to scream his name a third when she felt something or someone wrap a powerful hand around her waist from behind, almost giving her a heart attack.

    "It''s me." Blaze pulled her to himself, his deep husky voice rapping in her ear.

    "Are you crazy?" Amelia angrily freed herself from him, pushing him away, the thought of slapping him crossing her mind as she turned to face him.

    "Maybe," Blaze said, chuckling at her expense.

    "You are so full of shit and this isn''t funny." She splashed water angrily at his face, disgusted at his wicked prank.

    Blaze was moved at the sight of her tears. "Why? Do you care for me that much?"

    "No, I don''t. You are so insensitive and you disgust me." Amelia spat out between gritted teeth, her cheek beet red as she turned around to swim away.

    But Blaze quickly went after her, stopping her from getting out of the water.

    "Let go of me." Amelia tried to free herself from his powerful hold, her tears flowing freely into the water. But she was no match for his strength.

    "Hey...it was just a prank. Calm down."

    "Do you see me laughing?" Amelia lashed out at him, hitting him on the chest with her free hand. "How dare you pull that kind of prank on me? How dare you frighten me with death when you know I have lost someone before? Don''t you have a heart?"

    Blaze instantly regretted his actions as Amelia broke down in tears.

    "Hey...shh...I''m sorry." He cuddled her in his arms, stroking her wet hair while cursing his insensitivity. "Amelia, I''m sorry. I didn''t think of it that way. Forgive me."

    Although enraged, Amelia couldn''t believe that Blaze was the one apologizing to her. She looked up, just to be sure that it was really him and not one of his sweet cousin brothers.

    "I''m sorry," Blaze said softly, wiping her streaming tears with the back of his cold hand.

    His gentle and loving action ignited a firework in Amelia''s heart, leaving her completely speechless and breathless. She couldn''t believe that Blaze, the arrogant, bossy and intimidating gruff was capable of being this sweet, gentle and endearing.

    She lowered her gaze, her mind in a haze of confusion until she heard his calm and sexy voice whisper into her ear.

    "Can I kiss you?"

    "Wait, what?" Amelia was stunned again.

    Did this born taker just ask for her permission for something he has been taking pronto even when she didn''t feel like it? Something is wrong somewhere? Maybe he has somehow hit his head on a rock. But how come he is not bleeding?

    Amelia gulped down her saliva, moistening her pale lips.

    "Amy..." Blaze cleaned off the remaining white face paint by the corner of her nose.

    "Yes..." Amelia managed to say, heat slowly rising to her face.

    A cosmic smile framed Blaze''s handsome face as he leaned closer, the surrounding body of water fading into the background as he held those magically shimmering eyes, pulling him deeper into its bottomless abyss.

    For the first time since they became a couple, Amelia completely surrendered herself to her husband, crossing every sacred boundary with him until their hearts became one.

 Chapter 121 - 121: The Conspiracy

    The rest of the weekend at Fresh Spring Ville went down like a breeze for the entire Anderson family.

    Bonds were strengthened, companionship was reinforced and sparks ignited among couples.

    By Monday morning, it was finally time for everyone to say goodbye to the magical reunion and the peaceful countryside.

    Amelia slowly folded her clothes and arranged them neatly in her traveling bag. She, amongst a few others, was reluctant to leave the countryside. She wasn''t ready to face the disruptive reality of her life in the city, at least not just yet. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The tranquillity of Fresh Spring Ville had stolen her breath away. She has fallen head over heels in love with Blaze against her better judgment. And she was afraid that returning to the city might turn him back to the man she formally detested.

    As she leisurely closed her bag, a small pill bottle fell from the inner unzipped compartment of the bag. She crouched and picked up the brown pill bottle, chuckling as she remembered how embarrassed she felt when Blaze gave them to her yesterday after they returned from the Spa.

    Memories of the magical night at the lake flashed across her mind, causing her cheeks to redden. She stood up and sat on the bed, caressing the bottle as her mind drifted away from her body.

    It was like a dream come true for her as Blaze took her beyond realms of pleasure that night. They had made out in the open like wild and free animals crossing every boundary of vulnerability between them to become one. And for the first time ever, she got to taste what real and raw pleasure felt like without any barrier, moaning loud into the dead of the night like a wild vixen in heat.

    Amelia didn''t recall how she carried her nude self to the mansion. She only woke up the following morning to see herself wrapped up under the warm sheets and entangled in her husband''s arms. And like two anacondas in heat wrapped around each other, they continued from where they left off that same morning.

    A knock on the door jolted Amelia out of her haze of thoughts. She quickly hid the bottle under a pillow, thinking it was her mother-in-law, as the door was pushed open.

    "You''re not done packing?" Blaze scrunched his face a little as he briskly made his way into the room and shut the door behind him.

    "I''m almost done." Amelia smiled retrieving the bottle from under the pillow while admiring Blaze''s smart cooperative look.

    "I have a meeting for 9:00 AM and I have to be in the city before that time," Blaze explained calmly while wondering why Amelia''s cheeks were looking so flushed.

    "I''m sorry. I''ll be quick." Amelia stood up from the bed to avert his gaze. She threw the contraceptive bottle into her bag and was about to zip it when Blaze asked softly behind her.

    "Have you taken your drugs this morning?"

    "Oh...I forgot." Amelia whispered. "I''ll do that right away." She picked the bottle up and unscrewed the lid while Blaze helped her with a glass of water.

    She took out one of the whitish tablets and threw it into her mouth, accepting the glass of water from Blaze''s outstretched hand.

    Unbeknownst to Amelia and Blaze, the contents of the pill bottle have been switched by the ever-vigilant and conspiring mothers to pure vitamins.

    "I''ll take the rest of the bags downstairs. Join me when you are ready." Blaze kissed her briefly on the lips before exiting the room with the rest of her luggage.

    Taking one quick glance around the massive bedroom to ensure she wasn''t forgetting anything, Amelia released a sigh before equally exiting the room.

    Downstairs, the majority of the departing family members were already saying their goodbyes to one another amidst tears.

    Amelia joined in the exchange, hugging everyone and promising to keep in touch before departing the mansion with her husband.

    Instead of the long drive back to the city, Blaze opted to fly, taking the helicopter with his mother, his wife and Eugene while Henry stayed behind to enjoy the peaceful countryside for one more week

    -

    -

    After Matt succeeded in rendering his elder brother incapacitated for a few days, he finally set him free, preparing the latter to take a huge fall for an initiated battle against Blaze Anderson.

    Matt wanted Blaze to pay dearly for having the temerity to threaten him with a gun and for rough handling his secret lover. He also wanted to ruin Amelia for choosing Blaze over her family, and the senator for his betrayal all those years back.

    The mission was simply to stir the already troubled water and watch Blaze and the senator goes head to head in a fierce battle over Amelia.

    With the money recovered from Regina and Gwen, Matt shared the money equally in five ways.

    A portion of the money was given to Desmond. A second portion went to the senator''s security head, Lin Fox, who was secretly working for Matt.

    The third portion, which was initially meant for Pearl was withheld by Matt after Regina failed to repay her debt, giving herself up and her younger sister up as Matt''s bimbo. The fourth portion went to Matt. The fifth and last portion went into planning Blaze Anderson''s downfall.

    Very early on Monday morning, Matt arrived at the notorious Howling Wolf biker''s club establishment located on the outskirts of Salvine City.

    The building stood alone on an acre of land that was entirely enclosed by an electrified fence. Around the fence were surveillance cameras dotting the barrier''s upper rim and a powerful LED light illuminated the perimeter.

    Matt drove through the large iron gate and pulled over at the end of the row. As the engine slowly died down, his gaze shifted to the heavily muscular security men holding machine guns and walking towards him.

    Taking a deep breath to stifle his nerves, he climbed out of the car, holding a briefcase filled with hard currency.

    "I''m here to see the Don. I have an appointment with him." Matt said in a slightly quivering voice as one of the large bearded armed men lifted his automatic machine gun pointing the nozzle on Matt''s forehead, his finger on the trigger ready to blow Matt''s brains out.

    The other grumpy-looking guy roughly snatched the briefcase from Matt''s hand and dropped it on the bonnet of the car.

    Matt was frisked and scanned by a hand metal detector. The briefcase was also scanned before the armed bearded guard holding the gun ordered Matt to open the briefcase.

    Upon confirming the content of the briefcase, Matt was led into the heavily guarded building. He was further led through the courtyard into a well-lavished house were he observed some of the vipers gang with their half dressed bimbo''s glaring at him like some sort of an intruder.

    "This way." The impatient guard with a gun pointed pointed at a narrow corridor the led into a well furnished and ventilated office - where a heavily tattooed man sat, smoking a thick cigar, his legs crossed on the mahogany desk.

    "Is my money complete?" The stoned face Don with a dreaded snarling wolf on his partly exposed chest demanded in a dangerous voice, puffing out rings of smoke into the air.

    "Five million dollars as promised and five million when the job is completed," Matt said, putting up a tough look as one of the guards opened the briefcase for the boss to see.

    "I like you." The Don grinned evilly.

    "And one more thing."

    "That means you''re about to pay me double." The Don''s gaze turned cold and deadly as he sat up, running his hand on the cash.

    "Money isn''t an issue. I want my elder brother, Senator Gregory Shawl to take the fall for the attack."

    The Don let out a dangerous laughter, his evil eyes narrowing at Matt.

    "Consider it done."

 Chapter 122 - 122: The Plea

    "Welcome back, boss."

    Marcus received Blaze''s laptop bag as the latter stepped out of his car, worried that his boss''s mood might be sour after returning from his late father''s remembrance ceremony.

    "Thanks, Marcus. I trust everything has been running smoothly in my absence?" Blaze demanded, taking a long stride towards the reception entrance.

    Marcus was rendered speechless for a few seconds. Did his cold, grumpy and ruthless boss just say, thanks or was he hearing voices?

    "Marcus..."

    "Oh, sorry sir. Yes Sir." Marcus quickened his pace to catch up with Blaze.

    "What is the state of the AZ Realty company acquisition."

    "It''s at the final stage, Sir. We will have complete control of the company assets and operations by Thursday, this week." Marcus reported.

    "Put a hold on it for now." Blaze walked through the automated sliding door, casually acknowledging his employees, whose heads were lowered as they greeted him and continued with their work.

    "What did you say, sir?" Marcus''s eyes widened in shock. He couldn''t believe his ear. He dramatically stuck his right forefinger into his ear and wiggled it a little.

    "I''m certain you''re not deaf." Blaze strode towards his private elevator and Marcus quickly hurried in front of him and pushed the open button. He waited for the boss to get in before following behind him.

    As the elevator door slid shut and started ascending Marcus asked again just to confirm Blaze''s instructions while inwardly praying that the latter would not snap at him.

    "Sir, please pardon me. Just to be sure I heard you correctly, you want me to place a hold on the AZ Realty company acquisition owned by Senator Gregory Shawls?"

    "Yes." Blaze gave a monotonic reply as he scrolled through his outstanding phone message, furrowing his forehead at some unpleasant reports.

    "For how long."

    "Until further notice."

    "Until further notice?"Marcus''s jaw dropped.

    "Do you have a problem with that?" Blaze peeled his eyes away from his phone temporarily, shooting Marcus a cold glare.

    "No, Sir." Marcus lowered his gaze. "I''m sorry sir."

    "You better be." Blaze returned his attention to his phone.

    "What the hell." Marcus echoed in his heart.

    Standing behind his boss, he checked the back of Blaze''s head to ensure he didn''t bump it against a hard surface. But there was no swelling or bandaged part on the sleek dark brown hair.

    ''What the hell happened in that countryside?'' Marcus queried his thoughts. ''Did the boss suddenly grow a conscience or was there something else he wasn''t saying?''

    This acquisition.- set to cripple the senator''s finances - was the first in a series of attacks meant for Senator Gregory to completely ruin him. Blaze has not only spent time perfecting the process but resources in ensuring that the acquisition was foolproof.

    ''What went wrong? No, I have to do something?'' Marcus decided.

    "Sir may I give my opinion concerning the acqui..."

    "No, you may not." Blaze rudely cut him off. "And what is this rubbish about the senator acting delusional?"

    "We think the senator is been unknowingly fed some kind of recreational drug by his wife and younger brother. According to our spy planted within the mansion, he has been acting delusional after the birthday party. It was speculated that you tackled him and knocked him out for slapping your wife, sir."

    "What!" Blaze let out an evil chuckle as the elevator bell dinged.

    "Yes, sir. However, when we reviewed the secret micro camera planted around that section of the mansion, we discovered that Jerry Morgan was responsible for the attack."

    "Interesting."

    Blaze checked the time on his Rolex wristwatch as he stepped out of the elevator. It was a few minutes before nine and he didn''t want to be late for his meeting. "You will continue with the debriefing after the meeting. Are the board of directors seated?"

    "Yes, sir."

    "Schedule an appointment for noon with Mr Brown from the IRS. Also, inform Echo to suspend uploading those criminal charges against the senator as earlier planned. Have all the recorded videos on every captured exchange that took place in that mansion over the weekend compiled and sent to me. I need to know what I''m dealing with."

    "Okay, sir," Marcus replied, still in shock as he watched his boss turn his back and leave.

    -

    -

    Upon arrival at her company, Amelia spent the first few hours of the day in her offices going through some departmental prepositions and signing different documents. Afterwards, she paid a brief visit to the production department to validate the final production stage of the new cosmetic line that was set to be displayed later in the week.

    Amelia was in the middle of work when she was alerted by her secretary that she had a visitor waiting at the reception. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    When Amelia discovered that the visitor was no other than her aunt Judith, she instructed her secretary to send her aunt to her office.

    Ten minutes later, Amelia joined her aunt in her executive office.

    "Hello, sweetie." Judith put aside her glass of pineapple juice, as she stood up to greet her niece.

    "Hello, Aunt Jay." Amelia strolled over to her and embraced her briefly before taking a sit beside her. "I hope I didn''t keep you waiting."

    "Not at all and I am sorry for coming unannounced."

    "It''s fine." Amelia waved her hands dismissively. "How''s Uncle Anthony, and my cousins."

    "They are doing great." Judith scrutinized the way Amelia was radiating with an unusual glow. "What happened to you?"

    "How do you mean?" Amelia looked down at his purple suit jacket, wondering if she had a stain on it.

    "You are glowing baby girl," Judith said beaming, still checking her niece out. She was radiating with so much beauty unlike she had ever seen before.

    "Oh... You got me thinking something else. But thanks.." Amelia took a piece of her aunt''s cookies and started munching on it.

    "So what''s the secret?"

    "What secret?" Amelia rolled her eyes, blushing at the way her aunt was scrutinizing her.

    "Oh come on, Amy. This didn''t happen overnight. Moreover, I recall you telling me you were expecting your husband''s grandparents for the weekend. How did it go? Were they as grumpy as the young fellow?"

    "Far from it, Aunt Jay," Amelia said dropping her half-eaten cookies and facing her auntie, her excitement evident.

    "Blaze''s grandparents were simply exceptional. They are the most amazing old folks I have ever encountered in my life. They made me feel very special and loved. I can''t remember being this happy for a long time since the death of Mum." Amelia ended her statement with a sigh.

    "Hey! Don''t feel that way. At least now you have people who genuinely love you. Not like those crazy people from your father''s side of the family. Which brings me to the matter at hand." Judith turned all serious.

    "What is this I hear about Blaze knocking out your father cold."

    "What!" Amelia was stunned. "Who told you that?"

    "Your dad," Judith replied, staring at Amelia''s puzzled reaction.

    "Dad said that?" Amelia''s expression turned cold.

    "Yes, he called me and started venting his anger and frustration, saying that not only did you disobey him, by marrying a man he told you to stay away from, but you brought him over to the mansion to beat up everyone. He said he had been bedridden for days due to this incident and he swore to come after your husband with everything he''s got. He wouldn''t even listen to me after I tried talking him out of it."

    "Is that so?" Amelia stood up laughing bitterly, anger sipping through her veins. She crisscrossed the room, pacing like a caged animal seeking release. Her neck muscle bulged with rage and a vein throbbed like a tiny stream in the center of her forehead.

    "I can bet a million dollars that Regina put Dad up to this." Amelia spat out between gritted teeth, clenching her fist in anger. "She and the rest of those lying scum plan on ruining Dad''s relationship with me. They are trying to cover their tracks because for as long as I could remember, I was the one who stopped Blaze from going berserk on Dad after he saw the slap hand print on my face."

    "Wait a minute, Gregory slapped you?" Judith''s eyes widened in shock.

    Amelia''s eyes turned moist as memories of that faithful night flashed across her mind.

    "He didn''t just slap me, but he watched that snake he calls a wife and that backstabber I call a step-sister humiliate me over and over again. He didn''t even give me a chance to explain myself. Even after I sent him proof of Gwen''s wickedness, he didn''t reply to my email. Rather he barred me from ever reaching him through calls or text messages. Tell me, is that fair?" A tear drop escaped Amelia''s eye but she quickly cleaned it not wanting to waste her precious tears on someone who didn''t care about her.

    Judith sighed, rising up to her feet. She walked up to her niece and held her on the shoulder. "No, it isn''t. But remember you said it yourself, your father and Nana are innocent. They may have turned against you based on the plot by other members of the family. But whatever you do, don''t let your anger destroy them. You need to find a way to make peace with your father and explain things to him. I''m sure he''ll have a change of mind once he listens to your own side of the story with proof of course."

    "How?" Amelia felt frustrated. "How do you expect me to convince him and Nana when they both see me as an enemy."

    "Let me be the connecting bridge between you two.".Judith pleaded. "I know I can get Greg to listen to me. I will set up a meeting between you two. Okay."

    Amelia nodded her head, hugging her aunt.

    "By the way, I''ve given consent for your cousin to go to her music festival. She''ll be leaving on Friday."

    "That''s great. Thanks, aunt."

 Chapter 123 - 123: Messing With The Wrong Brother-in-law

    For the past two hours since she arrived at Mort Lead Enterprise to speak with her brother-in-law, Gwen has been seated in the secretary''s waiting room waiting patiently for Benjamin to be done with his business meeting. She couldn''t understand why the rude secretary had refused to grant her entry even after she introduced herself as Jerry''s wife.

    Did the moron with heavy makeup have the slightest idea that she could have her fired for this insolence?

    Gwen thought of creating a scene to attract Benjamin''s attention. But she was worried that she might end up disrupting his meeting and earn his rage.

    With Jerry nowhere to be found and his parents barely taking her calls, Gwen decided to exercise more patience.

    Her eyes kept darting between the fancy wall clock and the CEO''s door, waiting patiently for someone to step out. But after three hours of waiting hopelessly, she completely lost her patience. She stood up and walked over to the secretary''s desk.

    The arrogant secretary, who had been tapping away on her keyboard raised her face from the desktop screen, frowning as though Gwen was a sight for sore eyes.

    "I need to see Benjamin now."

    "I''m afraid that can happen, ma''am. He''s currently busy with a client. Why don''t you return to your seat and wait? I''m sure he''ll be done shortly."

    "I''ve told you like ten times, it is Mrs Morgan, dumbshit." Gwen banged her fist on the secretary''s table, causing the latter to jerk in horror, before storming towards the CEO''s door.

    "Ma''am you can''t go in there." The secretary scurried out of her seat and hurriedly ran around the table to stop Gwen. But her desperate pleas fell on deaf ears. So she decided to call Gwen by her proper name.

    "Mrs Morgan, wait... Mr Benjamin is with a client."

    "Let''s see you stop me!" Gwen snarled, pushing open the door to the CEO''s office just in time to see her so-called brother-in-law withdrawing his big cock from the ass of a lady.

    Gwen instantly recognized this lady as one of the receptionist employees at the company, as she watched her hurriedly pick up her scattered clothes on the floor to cover her nude body.

    "Can''t you knock?" The lady screamed in annoyance at Gwen, her eyes shooting daggers as she dashed off barefoot into the CEO restroom and slammed the door shut.

    "What the hell!" Benjamin quickly pulled up his pants, his back on Gwen.

    Anger hit Gwen like a sucker punch, sending heat up her neck and coiling her fingers into a fist.

    "Ben! So you kept me out there for the past three hours claiming to be in a meeting with a client when all this while you were busy f*cking one of your staff. Is this the so-called business I invested millions of dollars in?"

    "Shut the f*ck up Gwen." Benjamin barked as he turned around to face her after fixing his zipper. His narrowed eyes shifted to his secretary.

    "How dare you let her into my office?"

    "Sir please forgive me. I tried to stop her, but she wouldn''t listen." The secretary''s voice quivered as she pleaded, almost going on her knees. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I will deal with you later. Now get out of my sight." Benjamin boomed fiercely, pointing at the door.

    "Thank, you sir," the secretary shot Gwen one last look of contempt before running out of the office.

    "How dare you barge into my office?" Benjamin moved methodologically towards Gwen, grabbing her roughly by the arms and shaking her vigorously. "Does this look like you''re freaking father''s mansion?"

    Gwen shivered as she looked into those narrow blue eyes that were filled with so much blackness she had never seen before. She was tempted to rebuke him for his actions but she feared the consequences of doing so.

    "I''m sorry, Ben, I just need to find Jerry. His phone has been switched off for a while now and I don''t know if he''s alright."

    "Do I look like my f*cking brother''s keeper? Huh?" Benjamin boomed in her face.

    "Please Ben, I know you two always talk. Just tell me where he is and I''ll be gone from your sight. I need him and I can not take care of this baby all by myself."

    "What baby?" Ben scoffed, laughing mockingly, stepping backwards to look at Gwen''s stomach. "The one you got, f*cking one of your many sugar daddies behind my brother''s back. Or do you think my brother is a fool and doesn''t know that the bastard in your womb isn''t his?"

    "What?"

    Gwen''s brows pulled together in anger. She lifted up her hand and slapped Benjamin fiercely on the right cheek, her engagement ring cutting him on the corner of his lips. "How dare you?" Her body trembled with a mixture of rage and anxiety. "How dare you insult me, your elder brother''s wife? Don''t you have any regards? Do I look like one of those whores your banging?"

    Benjamin raised his hands to his lips, touching the bloodied cut.

    "You slapped me."

    "Yes, and I''ll do it again the next time you call your little nephew a bastard." Gwen threatened. "This child in my womb belongs to your brother and for your information, you better tell that dick head to man up to his responsibility and stop being a coward. If he''s tired of being married to me, then he should get ready to lose every single thing he owns because Gwen Shawls Morgan will destroy him." Gwen breathed out her fury and turned around to leave when everything took a dramatic turn.

    Before she knew what was happening, she was lying on the floor bleeding from the nose and mouth, with another fist coming to her face.

    "Nooo!"

    -

    -

    After going through all the compiled video clips sent to him and witnessing the immorality that was taking place under the Senator''s roof, Blaze was completely disgusted with the Shawls family. He immediately made some calls and put in some trackers to monitor every member of the family. He also sent a hit team to fish out Jerry Morgan from wherever he was hiding and bring the walking dead fool to him for daring to accuse him of hitting the senator.

    "Sir, should I relay this information to your wife?" Marcus asked standing up from the visitor''s seat opposite his boss.

    Blaze leaned back on his swivel chair, spinning the chair in the opposite direction, his gaze cold as ice.

    "No." He said gritting his teeth. "I do not want anything disrupting her peace of mind. I''ll personally handle everything concerning her. You may leave."

    "Yes sir."

    Marcus exited the office while Blaze remained, seated for a while, his mind filled with a lot of conflicting thoughts. He hadn''t been able to stop himself from thinking about Amelia all day long. He wanted her like he had never wanted any woman in his entire life, and to think he had already fallen in love with her in less than a month of their contract marriage was more disturbing.

    "How do I fix this." Blaze queried his thoughts. He turned his chair around and picked up his phone. When he slid open the phone screen, a WhatsApp message from his mom popped up.

    Curious, he opened the video message and instantly burst out laughing.

    It was a video of Amelia meowing a love song to him during the family game night animated singing challenge. The song was one of his dad''s all-time favourites; Al Green- Let''s Stay Together.

    Blaze didn''t know why she chose that song but it struck every musical cord in his heart, leaving him completely breathless for her. He even noticed her eyes were tearing when she sang the song to him almost as if she was singing to someone else she had once fallen in love with.

    Pausing the video, Blaze cleared his desk, picked up his laptop back and exited the office, leaving his secretary completely speechless at the early closing.

 Chapter 124 - 124: A Love Craze Puppy

    Amelia was in the process of rounding up her work for the day when her phone started buzzing on the table. She picked up the phone without looking at the caller as she sorted out some documents on her desk, putting them in the right folder.

    "Mrs Anderson speaking." She said in a professional voice.

    "Is that how to talk to your husband?" Blaze''s deep husky voice reverberated in her ear.

    "Blaze!" Amelia instantly stopped what she was doing, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

    "Yours truly."

    "Sorry sweetheart. I''m working."

    "Well, your boss demands you to round up your work for today."

    "My boss?" Amelia quirked up her eyebrows resuming what she was doing.

    "Yes."

    "And who might that be if I may ask?"

    "Your husband of course. He is the boss of all bosses."

    Amelia snorted, giving a ''yeah right'' look, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.

    "Well, super boss I''m a very busy wife."

    "How long will it take for you to join me downstairs?"

    "You''re here?" Amelia''s eyes widened in shock.

    "In the flesh. I was craving for you so I decided to close early. I''m currently downstairs at the parking lot, standing outside my car and waiting for you."

    "Seriously!" Amelia felt like screaming in excitement as she hurriedly stood up and rushed over to her window to confirm his words.

    "See for yourself." Blaze drawled, his calm and sexy voice, leaving Amelia breathless.

    Amelia gazed down at the parking lots and there he was looking extremely dapper in his classy professional look. His suit jacket buttons were undone and his legs were crossed as he leaned on his car. One of his hands was tucked inside his pant pocket and he was wearing dark sunglasses.

    Amelia almost fainted as he looked up at her window and waved his right hand, a sexy smile framing his face.

    "Hello, beautiful!"

    "Hi!" Amelia''s cheeks slowly reddened. She was blushing really hard like a teenager as she waved back at him.

    "So what will it take for me to have my wife down here?"

    "How about, please?" Amelia moved away from the window, leaning her back on the wall and biting on her lower inner lips. She had no clue what they were doing but she was loving it.

    "All right. Please, Mrs Anderson, can you come downstairs so that we can go home? I was hoping we continue from where we left off this morning?"

    Amelia covered her flushed face with one hand, holding back her giggle as she responded. "Give me five minutes."

    Amelia ended the call, her thoughts, a whirlwind of emotions as she imagined the beautiful things Blaze was planning to do to her tonight.

    Just then, her beeped twice indicating she had just received a message. Thinking it was from Blaze she hurriedly opened it but found it was from an unknown number.

    Furrowing her forehead, she thought of deleting the message without reading it. But then what if it was from the stalker that Blaze and his team haven''t been able to track down? What if it was a clue Echo needed to trace this son of a bitch and his dark-skinnesidekickck.

    After a brief contemplation, she decided to open the message.

    But instead of the mysterious stalker, she was dumbfounded to see the sender''s name at the bottom of the message. It was from Tina Stevens and it simply read.

    [Hello Amelia, how are you and how is your new husband? I trust you guys are doing great.

    Sorry for the mess I caused between you and our friends the other night. It was so immature and childish of me. Irrespective of my feelings for Blaze, I shouldn''t have behaved the way I did. For that, I''m truly sorry. I have already made my peace with your husband and all our friends. I''m hoping to do the same with you so that we can remain best friends. I''ve also spoken to Joanna and she has agreed to get back in the fold. I hope we can let go of the past and become great pals, for the sake of the man we both love. Accept my best regards.

    Tina Stevens.] Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Bullshit" Amelia scoffed, not falling for Tina''s hypocritical apologies. She deleted the text message without giving it a single thought. Then she switched off her phone before tossing the phone into her handbag.

    "I''m not going to fall for your theatrics Tina. You can befriend whoever the f*ck you like and it won''t make any difference." Amelia checked the time on the wall clock opposite her desk and saw that she had already spent up to four minutes wasting her precious time on irrelevant things. She quickly cleared her desk and hurried out of her office.

    Amelia was happy to see Blaze still waiting outside his car browsing through his phone as she hurried out of the office building with Pascal and Clay tagging behind. She quickened her footstep, her heart racing as she came closer to her husband.

    "You promised me five minutes and you took ten." Blaze looked up to meet her flushed gaze, his heart also pounding erratically in his chest as she came face to face in front of him.

    "I''m sorry. Something irrelevant came up."

    "Hmm..." Blaze gazed at Amelia with an appraising look from head to toe, drinking in her elegant look. "I hope it is sorted because I do not want any more irrelevant things disrupting my time with you." He said, moving away from the rare door and opening it for her like a gentleman.

    "It''s sorted. I''m all yours now." Amelia fluttered her eyelashes playfully as she stroked the back of his hand resting on the door, moistening her lips before entering the car, her gaze locked on his.

    "Gush! You are good."

    Blaze couldn''t explain what this beautiful lady was doing to him but he was loving every bit of it. He followed right behind her like a love craze puppy and shot the door.

    "Come here, you naughty cuttie." He pulled Amelia closer, cupping her face with both hands and ravishing her full pink lips.

    Fred quickly pulled up the car partition, as Pascal took the front passenger seat. Both men exchange a questioning look, puzzled by the intense exchange happening behind the tinted glass. They couldn''t help but wonder what had happened to the boss, and why he was acting like someone under a love spell.

 Chapter 125 - 125: Karma 1

    Gwen woke up the following day in the hospital, wincing in a lot of pain.

    Every part of her body ached but the trauma on her head was more excruciating. It felt as though a school bus had run over her face, leaving behind a mangled mess. Her head felt heavy. Her vision was dark and blurry. She had no idea where she was or why she couldn''t move her body. It felt as though a weight was placed on the chest making breathing difficult.

    She tried to remember what happened to her and why her head was throbbing so badly. But the more she tried to task her brain for answers, the more her head pounded. Until she gave up the seemingly difficult task.

    Focusing on her breathing, she tried to sniff out her environment. But breathing wasn''t an easy task. Something was obstructing the natural flow of air into her lungs. It felt as though she was breathing in artificial air through this device on her nose.

    "What a second..." Gwen echoed inwardly as she listened to different beeping sounds of different machines, almost like those she heard when her Nana was hospitalised. She could also hear the voices of some people whispering but couldn''t make out their voices on the spot.

    "Am I in a freaking hospital?" Gwen struggled to open her eyes wider, but all she could manage was a tiny peek from her swollen eyes.

    The images she saw were blurry but she could make out shapes. She could see that an oxygen mask was fitted to her nose and mouth preventing her from talking and breathing in natural air.

    Above her was a blurry but blinding stream of white light. Then something, no someone obstructed the light. It was the towering figure of a woman. The woman was waving a hand over her face and talking to someone in a hushed voice.

    "Gwen."

    Gwen heard the woman call her name. The voice sounded familiar. It resembled that of her mother. But she couldn''t see Regina''s face properly or hear what the latter was saying.

    "Gwen."

    Regina called again, slightly increasing the volume of her voice while looking into her daughter''s partially open eyes.

    She hadn''t been herself since the previous day after she was alerted about an ugly incident involving her daughter and Jerry''s younger brother.

    Knowing Gwen''s temper, Regina initially thought Benjamin was the victim until she arrived at the hospital and saw her daughter''s bloodied and swollen face almost as though someone had used those delicate face as a punching bag. Instantly, she alerted her husband and Matt.

    Matt was the first to respond to her distress call, arriving at the hospital an hour before the senator got there.

    Acting impulsively at the sight of his presumed daughter''s battered face, Matt quickly arranged for Benjamin to be picked up from his parents'' home where he was hiding, and taken to an unknown location, where he was given a bitter taste of his own medicine by men three times his size. Also using the senator''s influence, Jerry''s parents were arrested and kept behind bars until they could provide their son, to answer for his crime.

    "Gwen, it''s mum. Can you hear me?" Regina called tenderly again, stroking her daughter''s hair.

    Gwen tried to speak, burning tears flowing out of her swollen, black eyes, down her temple and disappearing into the soft pillow. But due to the oxygen mask covering her nose and mouth, she couldn''t respond to her mother''s call.

    "Make any sign if you can hear me, darling." Regina pleaded desperately.

    Gwen moved her right finger, too weak to lift her hand up due to the heavy sedation she was on.

    "She''s really awake."

    Gwen heard her aunt''s voice coming from the opposite side.

    "Go get the doctor, quickly." Gwen heard her mother, instruct her aunt. Then the number of voices in the room increased. But she was too tired to hear all their noisy blabbing. So she slowly closed her eyes, succumbing to the relaxing effect of the sedative.

    "Doctor, how is she now?" Regina asked, still holding her sleeping daughter''s right hand.

    "She''s stable. But she needs a lot of rest, especially in her condition. I have given her some painkillers that would lessen the effect of the bruise on her face. I can assure you that she will be up and running in less than a week."

    "Thank you, doctor." Regina managed to smile. "But what about the pregnancy scan result? Was her baby harmed in the process?"

    "Thankfully no. Your daughter is lucky that the maniac didn''t kick her in the stomach like most pathetic women beaters." The doctor sighed looking at the young woman''s face. "Like I said earlier, your daughter will be fine. All she needs is proper rest and her medication."

    Regina nodded her head, more tears glistening in her eyes. She didn''t want to believe that this was part of her karma for all her numerous atrocities. With all the money gone from her account and that of Gwen, all that was left was her position as the senator''s wife and all the benefits that came with it. She couldn''t afford to lose any of those otherwise her life would be meaningless.

    "If you will excuse me, madam. I have to attend to other patients." The doctor took his leave after writing down some instructions for the nurse on duty. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Have you heard anything from that mother f*cking asshole who goes by the name, Jerry?" Pearl asked between gritted teeth, taking a seat beside her sister.

    The nurse administering drugs to Gwen turned to look at Pearl, a bewildered look on her face.

    "What!" Pearl shot her a nasty glare.

    "Nothing."

    "Then finish up what you have to do and get the f*ck out of this place."

    "Yes, Ma.".The timid-looking nurse hurriedly administered the remaining infusion drugs and quickly exited the room, avoiding the rude woman''s arrogant stares.

    "So..." Pearl tilted her head back to her sister.

    "Not a word," Regina said bitterly, regretting not seeing the Morgan for the criminals they were.

    "I always knew that Jerry was scum. If he could agree to willingly betray Amelia whom he claimed to love for years without any iota of regret, then Gwen never stood a chance." Pearl sighed, crossing her arm on her chest.

    Regina laughed bitterly, a sinister glint flashing across her eyes.

    "Amelia is to blame for this. If she had just died like we all expected her to, none of this would have happened."

    "Yeah, and now she has a powerful husband by her side to defend her. Do we even stand a chance?"

    Regina temporarily left her daughter''s side and took an empty seat opposite her sister, her eyes staring blankly at the beeping heart rate machine.

    "Something doesn''t feel right about those two. I don''t think they are in love with each other the way they are protraying to everyone. I know Amelia very well and based on the Anderson''s history with our family, I have a feeling that young Mr Anderson is up to no good. He might even be using Amelia without her knowledge. All we have to do is find the weak link between them and attack it with everything we''ve got. If those two are not together, then we can get rid of Amelia once and for all."

    "Hmm..." Pearl beamed proudly. "You are such a genius sister. That is why I believe so much in you."

    "But first, we have to deal with this scum called Jerry. He is now a liability and we have to get rid of him before he sells us out to our enemy."

    "But he''s nowhere to be found."

    "Not for long." Regina leaned back in her seat, her evil gaze shifting back to her sister. "We have his parents incarcerated and his younger brother''s life handing in the balance. He will come to us at the right time and that is when we will take him out."

    -

    -

    When Amelia learnt the bitter truth behind her father''s attack, the fabricated emails and the adultery going on under her father''s roof, she almost went insane with rage.

    If it hadn''t been for her husband''s advice, she was ready to march down to her father''s office and expose everything to him, with proof of Regina''s treachery.

    However, since the matter in question was highly sensitive and could spiral out of control, Amelia decided to go along with her husband''s plan and wait for the right moment to strike.

    ---

    Tuesday went down like a breeze for Amelia with no special event aside from work and more work.

    The planning and preparation for Friday''s event were the only things occupying her thoughts for now.

    With the event only two days away, she invested her time and resources in creating a well-designed campaign both online and offline.

    She almost forgot about food, working her ass out until she got a delicious food package from her husband delivered by his driver. She sent him a thank you message and shared the food with her brainstorming team before focusing on work again.

    Before the end of the day, Amelia was able to achieve reasonable success.

    An enigmatic teaser video, presenting only glimpses of the products and subtle hints about their features and benefits was sent out through different media outlets, generating strong excitement as her large fanbase eagerly awaited the official launch.

    At the close of work, Amelia was on her way out of her office when she got a text message from Blaze asking her to stop by the shopping mall and pick up some listed groceries.

    "Why does he want me to do grocery shopping?" Amelia queried her thoughts, as she scanned through the list of items she needed to buy.

    "What happened to the maids or the chef?"

 Chapter 126 - 126: Grocery Shopping

    Back at the studio, the flashing light coming from Tina''s phone told her that she had just received a message.

    "Who could that be?" She hissed, thinking it was her director or one of the producers hoping to catch a free drink with her.

    Ignoring the phone, she settled down on her desk, spreading out a take-out pack of spicy sushi and diet coke.

    "Yum!" She moistened her lips, as she picked up the Diet Coke and popped it open. She took a sip of the chilled drink and smacked her lips. She dipped a slice of the maki roll and was about to pop it into her mouth when the flashing lights came up again.

    This time it was a call and not a message.

    Craning her neck a bit, she discovered that the caller was Remy and not the producer or director.

    "What does this pest want now?" Tina scrunched her face glaring at the ringing phone. "Didn''t he leave here a few minutes ago to go pick something from the shopping mall or has he forgotten to take cash as usual?" She hissed as she picked up the phone and slid the receive button.

    "What!" Tina barked into the receiver. "Can''t I enjoy my food in peace?" S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Come to the shopping mall right now?" Remy whispered almost inaudibly from the other end.

    "Is this some kind of sick game of yours?" Tina was more infuriated than ever. "Why are you whispering?"

    "Check your message, for goodness sake."

    The line disconnected leaving Tina in a daze. Remy would never hang up a call on her except if he had a death wish or he couldn''t speak over the phone.

    Realisation slowly dawned on her as she quickly tapped on the text message sent by Remy. What she saw hit her like lightning, leaving her completely shocked and at the same time elated.

    [Remy: I just saw Amelia walking into the shopping mall right now. Come quickly. I''m following her.]

    Instantly, Tina abandoned her food leaving everything open as she dashed out of the studio with her handbag and phone. Thankfully the shopping mall was a few blocks away from the studio and she didn''t have to drive down there.

    -

    -

    Pearl had initially planned to spend the night with her sister and niece at the hospital. However, when her monthly circle came knocking at her door unexpectedly, she was forced to adopt a temporary remedy while she left for the shopping mall to get a set of tampons and a new set of clothes.

    After making her purchase, Pearl went straight to the ladies to tidy up her slightly stained black gown. Feeling more secure and in charge of her affair, Pearl left for the mall exit.

    Seven metres away from the exit, she spotted a familiar face, strolling elegantly into the shopping mall with two of her intimidating minions closely behind her.

    "Well, well, who do we have here?" Pearl grinned to herself, quickly taking shelter behind a group of family chatting happily and taking pictures.

    She watched Amelia take the left wing in the direction of the food court and followed discreetly, sliding on her sunglasses to disguise her look.

    Pearl observed Amelia pick up a shopping basket close to the counter and disappear into one of the aisles.

    Pretending to also be grocery shopping, Pearl also picked up a shopping basket and followed the part that led to the vegetable aisle.

    From where she was standing and checking out some fresh radishes, she could overhear Amelia speaking to the sales attendant, asking the latter to identify some specific vegetables.

    "When did the brat start grocery shopping?" Pearl suppressed a snort as Amelia mistakenly called an eggplant cucumber.

    Meanwhile, Amelia was having a hard time recognising the different vegetables on the list on her phone. For someone who was a master at all things, cosmetics, fashion, entrepreneurship, business and jewellery, she felt like a complete dumbass in this magnificent room filled with different colourful vegetables.

    Some easy vegetables like; carrots, cabbage, tomatoes, pepper, onion, broccoli and a few others were familiar to her because she loved eating them a lot.

    But what the hell is capsicum, Zucchini, basil, parsley and celery? Were they the names of people or was Blaze trying to be super annoying?

    At first, Amelia tried googling each name, not wanting to appear so lost. But the sweet young sales attendant beside her offered to help her.

    Shockingly, Amelia discovered that the veggie names on her phone were those of real vegetables and not people. She also discovered that there was a lot she didn''t know about food that she enjoyed eating.

    "I need a half a kilo of cap-si-cum." Amelia called the name of the fruit with an accent confusing the sales attendant.

    "Do you mean, Capsicum as in bell pepper?" The sales attendant asked.

    "Wait a minute, capsicum is bell pepper?" Amelia''s eyes widened in excitement upon recognising this particular veggie.

    "Yes, ma''am." The sales attendant chuckled softly at the beautiful and posh lady beside her.

    "Wow! I know bell pepper."

    "Awesome! What colour do you prefer? We have, yellow, green, and red."

    "I''ll take all three colours."

    "Half a kilo of each?"

    "Yes. As a matter of fact, make them one kilo each."

    Amelia decided that she would buy twice what was on the list in case Blaze wanted to set her up with cooking. At least if she burnt the first set, she could use the second set to learn from her mistake.

    "What''s the next item on the list ma''am."

    "Parsley."

    As the sales attendant helped Amelia pick out the vegetables she listed from her phone, Amelia took a mental picture of each vegetable, determined to know and recognize all of them by heart.

    Unable to hold back her amusement any longer, Pearl decided to reveal herself.

    "How the mighty have fallen. From the perfect wife of a multi-billionaire to a house help picking up groceries." Pearl chuckled scornfully, taking off her sunglasses. She tilted her head slowly to look at Amelia who was six feet away from her.

 Chapter 127 - 127: Claiming The Part Of A Heroine

    Pascal, who had already spotted Pearl all this while, stepped forward, to stop her from coming close to Amelia.

    "Ma''am, I would advise you to move along and shop elsewhere." Pascal gestured forward, his narrowed gaze glaring pointedly at Pearl.

    "Or else what, Mr bulldog." Pearl sneered, knowing that Pascal wouldn''t dare to touch her in a public place.

    "This shopping mall is not owned by your boss. It is a public place and I can go wherever the f*ck I want. I need to pick some tomatoes and you are obstructing my path. So if you don''t mind me asking politely, get the f*ck out of my way."

    Pascal''s muscles stiffened, his hands slowly balling into a fist. "Ma''am, I won''t..."

    "Pascal, let her be," Amelia called out softly cutting him off. "I''m sure she''s in desperate need of those tomatoes. I am almost done here."

    "Exactly Pascal, shoo..." Pearl snickered, demonstrating with her hand. "Except you want to help me hold my basket."

    Pascal gritted his teeth as he moved backwards, his dangerous gaze focused on Pearl.

    "Such scary bullies. I don''t know how you tolerate them, Amelia."

    Amelia resumed picking her vegetables totally ignoring Pearl.

    "So what happened Amelia? I never knew you to be the type who does grocery shopping. Did your husband compel you to come down here and shop for groceries like a maid?"

    "..."

    "I can imagine the prize you have to pay to be with a man who gloats over your family''s misfortune. It''s such a pity."

    "..."

    Pearl felt a bit frustrated at Amelia''s silent treatment. She was desperate to get a reaction from her that would confirm the accusations. However, Amelia continued to ignore her as though she were a mad woman blabbing.

    Not ready to give up on an opportunity to ruin Amelia''s image in public, Pearl persisted. She picked up a ball of tomatoes and started scrutinising it like a health inspector while monitoring Amelia from the corner of her eyes.

    "I can''t believe you will choose such an arrogant and ruthless man for a husband when there are a thousand good men out there. To think you would ever break your father''s heart in such a cruel manner. Tsk tak tsk.

    "..."

    "At least if not for anything, you saw the way he treated us at your father''s birthday party? You should know by now that he doesn''t feel anything for you. Now look at you doing something you detest. Tell me, how does it feel like falling from grace to grass."

    Amelia chuckled lightly. She wasn''t going to allow Pearl to get into her head and mess up her thoughts. But she was intrigued by Pearl''s last statement as her mind flashed across the edited video she watched the previous night.

    "I wouldn''t know what it feels like falling from grace to grass, my dear Pearl." Amelia sluggishly turned to look at her, wearing an aloof expression. "But with your loads of experience over the past few days, I''m guessing that I''m about to find out."

    "What stupid experience are you talking about?" Pearl''s hand clenched around the ball of tomatoes she was holding, almost squeezing the juice out of it. "My life is perfect and I love it."

    "Really!" Amelia drawled, sizing Pearl from head to toe before turning away and laughing lightly.

    "You can laugh all you want but I''m not the one who has turned her back on her family for some stranger."

    Amelia totally ignored her again and continued what she was doing.

    Thankfully they were a few people at the vegetable aisles and most of them we are not familiar faces.

    "I feel so sorry for your Amelia." Pearl changed tactics, playing on the emotions and gaining more support from the few people watching them.

    "I know what it feels like to be dumped by a man who claimed to love you for years. But that shouldn''t push you into throwing yourself cheaply on someone who can barely stand you. He doesn''t love you. He''s just using you. Now see what you''ve become. Today you are grocery shopping. Who knows what he will do to you tomorrow? Maybe he''ll force you to clean the toilet and bathrooms with your bare hands. Wake up from your delusion before it''s too late." Pearl shook her head in sympathy while grinning inwardly as she observed a strained vein pop up on Amelia''s forehead as she turned to face her.

    "Are you done?" Amelia checked her wrist watch suppressing the rage swirling inside of her. "Because I do not have the time to waste on a hopeless loser. Now if you excuse me, I have a few more items to pick so that I can go home and cook for my husband."

    Amelia turned around to walk away but Pearl decided to make a spectacle that would draw more attention to herself. She rushed over to Amelia knowing one of Amelia''s guards would try to stop her.

    "Don''t walk out on me young woman. I''m still a your aunt and I demand you respect...ahh..." Pearl threw herself backwards, hoping to land on her butt and claim that Amelia''s tugs pushed her.

    But to her surprise and disappointment, a pair of hands caught her from behind. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Watch it lady, you can seriously hurt yourself while trying to put up an act." Tina rebuked sternly in a sweet voice earning her a clapping ovation from the onlookers gathered.

    "Tina!" Amelia was shocked. She didn''t know where Tina popped out from or was she stalking her?

    "Ma''am, let''s go." Pascal gestured forward, visibly enraged by Pearl''s antics.

    Amelia spared Tina one last disgusted glance and walked away leaving Tina to deal with Pearl and claim the part of a heroine.

    Other grocery shoppers returned to their respective businesses, ignoring the troublesome woman.

    "Get your hands off me." Pearl turned on Tina, angry that she had ruined her plans.

    "Hey, watch it." Tina moved backwards, avoiding Pearl''s vicious attack.

    "What is going on here?" One of the mall security men who had been alerted to the disturbance at aisle one came forward.

    "This woman is being a nuisance and disturbing other customers," Tina reported while staring at Amelia''s disappearing figure.

    "She''s lying."

    "She''s telling the truth. You can check your CCTV camera for yourself." Remy came from behind Tina, giving her the signal to go after her target.

    "Exactly officer, check your CCTV and you''ll see I''m telling the truth. Now if you excuse me." Tina abruptly left in the direction she had seen Amelia take.

 Chapter 128 - 128: All Shoes Have Their Sizes

    "I''m not lying." Pearl cried out, acting the part of a bullied victim.

    "I saw you too. You were harassing that young woman," said an average-height dark-haired lady holding a basket half filled with fruits and vegetables.

    "Mind your own business, lousy mouth." Pearl snapped ferociously at the lady, who quickly hurried away.

    "You see?" Remy gestured at Pearl while looking at the security guard. "She will drive every single customer in this food mart if you do not take necessary action."

    "Shut up, you hear me." Pearl moved menacingly towards Remy but was stopped by the huge chubby security guard.

    "That is enough, Ma''am. Please come with me."

    "You!" Pearl glared at Remy as he waved his hand at her. "You won''t get away with this humiliation. I promise."

    "Bye crazy?" Remy smirked, watching the guards politely guide Pearl away.

    "But I''m not done shopping for my groceries." Pearl lamented, pointing at her scantily filled basket on the floor.

    "You are now."

    "This is not right. You are harassing me. Do you know who I am? I could make you lose your job. I demand to speak with the manager. Where is your manager?" Pearl''s high high-pitched voice attracted another security guard.

    "Ma''am, please bring your voice down," pleaded the second security guard. "You are making a scene. If you want to speak with the manager, I can take you to him."

    "Yes... take me to him. I need to report a case of harassment by your staff." Pearl''s voice trialled as she calmly followed them.

    Meanwhile, Tina was having a hard time, finding Amelia.

    She left the fresh food section and moved over to the frozen food and refrigerated item section but there was no sign of Amelia or any of her bodyguards. She headed next to the dairy product department but it was still the same sad story.

    Hissing, she made her way to three other sections. But Amelia wasn''t there.

    Finally, she made her way to the meat and seafood department just in time to see Amelia leaving for the last cashier counter.

    Tina briskly made her way to the counter, plastering a smile on her face as she approached Amelia. However, before she could come five meters close to Amelia, she was stopped by one of Amelia''s bodyguards.

    "Where do you think you''re going to?" Clay demanded in a deadpan tone.

    "I just want to speak with your boss. That''s all." Tina pleaded.

    "She doesn''t want to speak with you. Now beat it." Clay growled softly.

    "Please, I beg you. I mean no harm."

    "I said, beat it." Clay took off his dark glasses to reveal his reddened and dangerous gaze. "I won''t warn you a third time."

    Tina took a few steps backwards, staring at Amelia back. She noticed some people in different queues staring at her with unhinged curiosity as if they could recognise her.

    Just then Remy came from behind her placing a hand on her shoulder.

    Tina flinched, thinking it was Amelia''s other bodyguard even though she could see him standing beside her by the counter.

    "It''s me," Remy whispered.

    "Oh...you scared the shit out of me." Tina turned to face Remy.

    "Sorry."

    "Her bodyguards wouldn''t let me come close to her." Tina lamented.

    "How about we go outside to the parking lot and wait for her there to avoid creating a scene here."

    "Yeah. Let go." Tina and Remy briskly left while Clay''s narrowed and suspicious eyes followed them.

    "It seems you are planning to cook a feast, ma''am." The female cashier sorting and packaging Amelia''s purchased groceries said beaming.

    "Maybe." Amelia smiled behind had wide-rim dark shades, making it difficult for anyone to recognise her on the spot. "Would you like to join in the feast?"

    The female cashier''s smile widened. "It would be my pleasure but I''m stuck at work. My friend is ill so I''m running two shifts. I won''t close until 11:00 PM"

    "Ugh... Maybe some other time." Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Yeah."

    The cashier punched in some more figures on the cash register while staring at her monitor. "Everything will cost three hundred and nine dollars, sixty-seven cents, only."

    "Really!" Amelia was shocked beyond words staring at the load of items in the cart. She couldn''t believe groceries were this cheap when she spent thousands just for a meal at her favourite restaurants.

    "Yes, ma''am,"

    "Wow! Your prices are amazing."

    "Thank you, ma''am."

    Amelia brought out her black platinum credit card and gave it to the female cashier.

    "Take the bill and give yourself a nice tip."

    "Wow! Thank you, ma''am." The cashier was elated as she admired the black card and swiped it on the machine.

    Ten minutes later, Amelia was strolling towards the car park with her bodyguards by her sides and a mall attendant pushing a trolley of purchased items behind them.

    When Amelia spotted Tina standing a few meters away from her car, her forehead furrowed in annoyance.

    "Ma''am, I''ll take care of this once and for all," Pascal said moving forward.

    "No." Amelia placed a hand on Pascal''s shoulder. Let me speak to her and discharge her myself."

    "Are you sure about that ma''am?"

    "Yes. I won''t take long."

    Amelia signalled for Tina to come forward, while she walked towards her.

    Tina grinned inwardly as she made her way to Amelia wearing a repentant look.

    "Thanks for..."

    "Just make it brief. I need to go home and cook for my husband. You have one minute."

    Amelia''s icy words hit Tina on the face like a dirty slap. She echoed each statement in her heart, suppressing her rage under a pretentious smile.

    "Thanks. I just wanted to tell you how sorry I was for everything I said and did. I was blinded by my rage and jealousy. You are a good friend and I shouldn''t have treated you that way or said all those hurtful words to you. We all act crazy when we are in love and I know you would do the same if you were in my shoes."

    Amelia maintained an indifferent look even though she was greatly repelled by the young woman before her.

    "Tina, all shoes have their sizes and I wear a perfect shoe size eight. We can NEVER fit into the same pairs of shoes."

 Chapter 129 - 129: What Have You Done To Me?

    Tina was tempted to chuckle at Amelia''s statement but rather she cleared her throat, her behaviour infuriating Amelia further.

    "Unlike you, Tina, I don''t do crazy, neither do I eat my vomit. You and I know that you are not sorry for what you did. If given the chance you will do worse. I believe you have something to say to me. So spare me the hypocritical bullshit and go straight to the point. You have thirty seconds left. Use it wisely."

    Tina bit down on her tongue to prevent herself from spewing a nasty curse word in Amelia''s face. She looked straight into Amelia''s eyes and spoke from the abundance of her heart.

    "Amelia, I understand that you are still angry and I will not hold you for your hurtful words. Nevertheless, let me be open with you. I love Blaze Anderson with all my heart and I''m not ashamed to say it. His happiness means the world to me and I will not take lightly if anyone hurts him." Tina stressed her last three words.

    "I''m willing to sacrifice my love for him to be with you despite the way I feel about your marriage to him. So for the sake of the man we both love, I want us to put aside our hatred for one another and start afresh as friends. As long as Blaze is happy being married to you, I will respect his wishes and remain very good friends with him. I have given him my words and now, I''m giving you my word." Tina ended with a smile. "I guess my one minute is over. Have a good evening." She turned around to leave but Amelia caught her by the arm and made her face her.

    "Not so fast, Tina. Or wouldn''t you like to hear my reply?" Amelia asked releasing her arm.

    "Sure. I was simply acting based on your request." A smirk curled up at the side of Tina''s nude glossy lips.

    "I''ve changed my mind. Now here is my reply."Amelia moved closer to Tina so that they were standing eyeball to eyeball. She raised her hand to Tina''s face making the latter flinch thinking she was about to slap her.

    But Amelia gently tucked Tina''s loose hair behind her ear, stroking his cheeks in the process.

    Pascal and Clay watched on the sideline, ready to diffuse the already ticking time bomb.

    "Your words and ridiculous sacrifices don''t mean shit to me," Amelia said softly, her icy words laced with undiluted venom.

    "You are nothing but a washed-up and forgotten memory in my husband''s heart."

    Tina''s eyes flared, her brows pulled together in rage.

    Amelia allowed her hand to wander down the sweetheart neckline of Tina''s top, tracing it slowly and delicately as if she were trying to seduce her.

    "While you cling on to the hopes of feeding on my breadcrumbs, I will make it my mission to imprint every bit of me on my husband," Amelia vowed between clenched jaws.

    "When he looks at you, he''ll see only me. When you call him on the phone, he will hear only my sweet voice. Even if you try to seduce him..."

    Tina gasped as Amelia''s fingers stroked the middle part of her cleavage.

    "...he will see only my naked body."

    "Get your hands off me." Tina pushed Amelia''s hand away from her chest, taking two steps back, her breath raspy.

    But Amelia was not done tormenting her for her audacious statement.

    "You once had Blaze but now you have lost him to me and I have no plans of giving him back to you. So feel free to remain in the friend zone with my husband, while I take extreme care of his delicious body, his heart and his soul. But get this into your delusional brain. I, Mrs Amelia Anderson can never be friends with a scum like you."

    Tina could feel the cold air around them thinning out as rage coursed through her veins like an angry viper causing her fingers to ball into a fist.

    Amelia moved backwards, smiling with satisfaction as Tina''s eyes turned moist. "Now if you will excuse me, I have to go home and cook for my sweetheart, before taking care of his other needs. Have a good evening." Turning around with shoulder raised high, Amelia walked away from Tina.

    The tears Tina was fighting to hold back came down in full torrent as she watched Amelia get into her vehicle and drive off into the sunset.

    -

    -

    Back at home, Blaze sat by his mini bar, sipping from his wine glass, a captivating twinkle in his eyes.

    All this while, he had been listening to Amelia''s conversation with Tina and he couldn''t stop smiling to himself. Hearing her defend him in the face of his ex made him feel special, wanted and important, something he lacked while he was with Tina.

    Amelia reminded him of his mother when she wanted to be mean as hell. She could be all sweet and caring but not the kind of woman you want to mess with.

    The mere thought of her imprinting herself all over him awakened a hungry part of him that wanted to devour her whole on sight. It aroused him, leaving him panting and waiting patiently for her return.

    "Sir, Mrs Anderson has just arrived." The head housekeeper announced. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Thanks." Blaze gulped down the rest of his drink and stood up to welcome his wife at the door.

    Feeling a bit exhausted and famished, Amelia sluggishly made her way to the entrance of the Villa when the door was suddenly pushed open.

    "Blaze!" Amelia''s eyes widened in shock not expecting to see him. "When did you..." The rest of her words caught in her throat when Blaze lifted her off the ground princess style and crashed his warm lips against hers, kissing her so passionately in front of her bodyguards and house staff who had filed out to receive the things she bought.

    At first, Amelia was in shock and conscious of her environment. She struggled for him to put her down. But as she tasted the alcohol in his fiery breath and felt the hunger in his passionate kiss, she melted into his arms, relaxing and reciprocating his intoxicating gesture, until they both ran out of air.

    "What have you done to me?" Blaze whispered, staring into Amelia''s eyes as he carried her up the stairs to their bedroom.

    "I have no idea what you''re talking about," Amelia replied, bemused by the erotic fire burning in his eyes.

 Chapter 130 - 130: Heart To Heart Talk

    Over the next hour, Amelia floated in a cloud of confusion, passion and ecstasy. She was both overwhelmed and intoxicated by her husband''s needs which seemed to be on cloud nine. Everything was happening so fast, giving her little time to think or act sensible.

    She was expecting Blaze to at least assess what she had painstakingly gotten from the mart. She was expecting him to talk about her encounter with Pearl and Tina, knowing Pascal would have notified him. But he didn''t do any of those.

    All he seemed interested in was ravishing her body which felt both overwhelming and annoying at the same time.

    ''What has gotten into this young man?''

    Amelia queried her thoughts as Blaze buried himself deeply inside of her, the heat their sweating bodies generated almost consuming her soul.

    ''Why was he acting this needy around her for the past four days? Was he stung by a love beetle in the countryside or was this all real like her hidden feelings for him?''

    Suddenly, her pounding heart was seized by a crippling fear. So many ''what ifs'' bubbled from the depth of her heart, as Pearl''s words flashed across her mind.

    ''What if he was just using her like Pearl and the rest of her family said? What if he was planning to hurt her? What if he got back with Tina after the end of their contract? What if she got pregnant from his recent carefree sex escapades with her?

    The last terrifying question jolted Amelia''s sense of the reality of their lovemaking. Blaze wasn''t using protection on her at the moment. He hadn''t gone for it even though it was in the bedside drawer. In fact, he hasn''t been using it since their first unprotected sex.

    This wasn''t right. Everything happening wasn''t right. They have to set boundaries. She could not continue taking birth control pills for the duration of their contract marriage, knowing it could hamper her chances of being a mother in the future.

    "Stop..." Amelia heard herself say or was it, moan.

    But Blaze seemed to be in another realm. He didn''t seem to hear her neither could he see the panic in her eyes, as he drove her harder.

    "Blaze..." Amelia felt overpowered by her senses as she felt him tremble vigorously before finally collapsing on her, panting heavily,

    "Blaze..." She tried to push him away from her body, his weight crushing her and the heat radiating from his body, smouldering her. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Sorry," Blaze whispered, climbing off her and lying on his back, still trying to catch his breath from the marathon.

    "Blaze, we can''t continue like this." Amelia pulled the sheets to cover her nude body, her eyes teary.

    "How do you mean?" Blaze turned to his side, propping his head up on his elbow. He was slightly shocked when he observed her moist eyes. "Hey, what''s wrong? Did I hurt you?" He asked tenderly stroking her arm.

    "Yes...No...maybe," Amelia said in a weak voice, batting her lashes to push back her threatening tears.

    "Tell me, what I did and I''ll make amend." He coaxed her tenderly like a baby.

    "You''re been very insensitive towards me, like I''m not a human with emotions."

    Amelia''s words felt like a boa constricting around his heart as he listened to the pain in her voice.

    "How!" Blaze asked, staring into her pretty eyes.

    "For starters, I came home tired from work and famished but you didn''t take note. All you seemed interested in was having sex with me as if that''s the only thing I''m good at." Amelia''s tone was slightly harsh.

    "No..."

    "I''m not done talking." Amelia cut him off, with all confidence she could muster expecting her to be mad at her. But to her surprise, he wasn''t. Rather he sat up and wore his shorts. Then he made Amelia sit up and face him, his soft touch and calm countenance reassuring her that he was not angry.

    "Talk to me."

    "Okay," Amelia spoke calmly, her initials rage melting. "You need to understand that this marriage isn''t all about sex. There should be defined limits and boundaries that mustn''t be crossed so that neither of us gets hurt when all of this is over."

    "Okay, tell me what boundaries you would like to set."

    Blaze studied Amelia''s features as they morphed into surprise, but then determination appeared in her hazel eyes.

    "I don''t mind you asking for my permission before...this..." She gestured between them, her cheeks reddening.

    "You mean before we have sex." Blaze completed her sentence, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

    "Yes "

    "Done. What''s next."

    Amelia cleared her throat before stating the next conditions.

    "I clearly remember in the contract where you specified that you don''t want children, right?"

    "Right."

    "Well, I want to have children in the future and I don''t want to ruin my chances of conception by consuming contraceptive pills anymore."

    Blaze felt like a beast for being so selfish all this while, making her take contraceptives without considering her feelings. He took both her hands into his and apologized genuinely.

    "I''m sorry for being insensitive all this while, Amy."

    Amelia felt her heart flutter at the way he called the shortened part of her name tenderly.

    "I promise going forward, I will always use protection and put your interest first before my desire. Is there anything more?" Blaze asked, raising his hands to stroke her cheeks.

    "Umm..." Amelia swallowed her saliva. "No. That''s all for now."

    "Good. So can we go and shower together before fixing dinner?" Blaze asked standing up from the bed.

    Amelia nodded, blushing really hard as he carried her in his arms into the bathroom.

    Fifteen minutes later, they were both all dressed and headed for the kitchen downstairs.

    Amelia was completely blown away as she stepped foot into the kitchen for the very first time.

    This spacious, well-lit section of the villa was beyond luxurious. It was an intricately designed work of art, making it Amelia''s second favourite place in the house after the pool area.

    With a sleek, high-end appliance, luxurious marble countertops, custom-built cabinetry, and a large central kitchen island with chairs surrounding it, the kitchen exuded a sense of refined elegance and functionality.

    "Good evening, sir and Ma''am." The house chef, alongside other kitchen workers, greeted politely heads lowered.

 Chapter 131 - 131: Cooking Together

    Blaze nodded his head in acknowledgment while assessing the displayed groceries and other items neatly arranged on the marble countertop.

    "Are these the items my wife got?" He asked strolling towards the counter for closer inspection.

    "Yes, sir."

    "Hmm..." Blaze chuckled sparing Amelia a quick glance. But she seemed to be lost, soaking in her surroundings.

    "You can all take the night off" Blaze instructed, picking up two neat aprons from the wall-mounted hanger.

    "But sir, if we leave, who is going to cook dinner?" The chef asked in alarm.

    "That shouldn''t be your problem. You may leave."

    "Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." The chef bowed politely and left with the rest of the kitchen staff murmuring their concerns.

    "Why are you sending the staff away?" Amelia finally came to stand beside her husband. "Who is going to chop all this plenty of vegetables?"

    "That''s the problem. I remember sending you a list of items and the quantity needed. But you decided to get, three..." Blaze assessed the items thoroughly. "...no four times the quantity needed."

    "I was being proactive." Amelia couldn''t help but wear a smug smile on her face. "And to be honest, I was afraid I would burn the entire food if you asked me to cook. So I came prepared."

    Blaze chuckled, as he picked out the desired item he needed for the chicken spaghetti dish he was about to prepare.

    "This is all we need and there will be no burning of any food on my watch." Blaze handed Amelia some of the veggies, signalling her to follow him.

    "Blaze, you know I can''t cook right," Amelia noted, worried about disappointing him.

    "I recall you said that."

    "So."

    "I''ll be cooking today while you watch me and learn."

    "Yay!"

    "But you''ll be chopping some of the vegetables."

    "Ugh!" Amelia dropped the veggie in the sink, pouting as she assessed her freshly manicured nails.

    "Start washing those vegetables or aren''t you hungry anymore," Blaze instructed as he attended to the chicken breast and thighs.

    "Do I have to?" She made a puppy face for him.

    "Yes. Now start washing. I''ll be needing those vegetables soon." Blaze left her side to chop the chicken. He spiced it up and seasoned it before turning up the heat. He also opened a steaming pot of water and added a pack of spaghetti.

    When Blaze returned to Amelia''s side, he observed that she wasn''t washing the vegetables properly. So he patiently showed her how it was done before moving over to the chopping table.

    "No watch and do exactly as I do." Blaze picked up two sticks of carrots and diced them into bits speedily like a professional chef.

    "Show off." Amelia eyed him as she picked up the carrots and diced them into large chunks, impressed by her work.

    "I''m going to serve you those butchered carrots." Blaze threatened, repelled by her bad job.

    "I don''t mind as long as it tastes like carrot. What''s next, teacher?" Amelia wiggles her brows making Blaze chuckle.

    "Capsicum."

    "You mean bell pepper." Amelia grinned proudly.

    "Impressive! You''re learning really fast."

    "Thank you."

    They both dice almost all the vegetables until it gets to the last part which were the onions.

    "I want these in smaller bits like this." Blaze quickly chopped an onion ball into little pieces. "Now, it''s your turn." He dropped his knife.

    "This should be a piece of cake," Amelia said proudly, seeing how far she had progressed. She carefully removed the top and base, like she had seen Blaze do while he watched her with a mischievous smirk dancing at the corner of his lips.

    As Amelia slowly cut into the onion ball holding it in place, her eyes began to sting. But she was determined to complete her task. Moreover, she didn''t recall Blaze acting all teary while he sliced his own ball of onion.

    However, as she took one more slice after another, it felt as though someone had pepper sprayed her eyes.

    "Shit!" She dropped the knife, unable to bear the sting any more. She step backwards, eyes closed and bringing out tears.

    "What''s wrong dear?" Blaze asked, suppressing his laughter.

    "My eyes." Amelia cried out, rubbing both her eyes with the back of her hands. "They are on fire. Get me water, quick. I''m going blind"

    "Here, let me help you." Blaze led her to the sink and helped her wash her eyes. Then he gave her a small face towel to dry her face.

    "How does it feel."

    "Amelia slowly opened her reddened eyes and noticed a smug smile on Blaze''s face."

    "You knew!"

    "What!" Blaze opened his two hands, acting confused.

    "You are so full of shit." She threw the towel on his face, which he caught with ease while laughing his heart out.

    "I''m so done with this cooking. I''m eating frozen food." Amelia stomped to the fridge and opened it, ransacking it for anything edible.

    "You''re going to ruin your appetite," Blaze warned as he resumed cooking, frying the beautifully diced parboiled chicken.

    "I don''t care." Amelia brought out some slices of bread, peanut butter, raspberry cake, some grapes and a bottle of orange juice. She dumped all of this on the kitchen island, eying Blaze.

    "How about you taste this," Blaze lowered the heat. He served some of the well-spiced fried chicken on a plate and brought it over to Amelia.

    "I don''t want it." Amelia turned her face away even though the aroma was making her salivate.

    "Please!"

    She turned to look at Blaze, still suspicious of his motive.

    "I promise no more games." Blaze picked up one of the diced chicken and brought it close to her mouth.

    "Promise?"

    "With all of my heart."

    She opened her mouth and received the chicken.

    "Mmm....yum... This is nice. I want more." She greedily collected the plate from Blaze and ate all the fried Chicken licking her lips.

    "Dinner is almost ready."

    "I can''t wait." S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Amelia followed behind Blaze and watched him complete the task of cooking. Afterwards, they both ate the delicious chicken spaghetti on the kitchen island discussing the meal and her busy day at work.

 Chapter 132 - 132: Short-lived Freedom

    "Sir, you have a call." The tranquil voice of the pretty young lady giving Jerry a kneading on his shoulder blade rapped in his ear.

    "A call!" Jerry grunted, a deep crease lining his forehead.

    He wasn''t expecting any call from anyone since only one person had this new line.

    This person was his secret best friend, Tyson Palmer, a middleman for a notorious drug cartel in Salvine City.

    Jerry had spoken to Tyson the previous day over the phone and the latter had advised him to go off the radar and avoid communicating with his family for the time being until everything concerning his messed up life in the city dies down. Tyson also promised to call him in a week to give him an update on things. So why the change in plans?

    Jerry lazily lifted himself from the massage table and sat up. He signalled for the masseuse to bring his phone to him, as he picked up a glass of his favourite scotch and took a sip from it.

    Life was indeed beautiful when you had freedom from a whining whore of a wife, a b*tchy mother-in-law and a vengeful ex-fiancee who is planning to destroy you.

    "Here sir." The masseuse handed the ringing phone to him with a smile and a polite bow, stepping backwards.

    Jerry breathed in the relaxing fragrance from the burning scented candle as he brought the phone up to his face. But the sight of a ''private number'' on his phone screen made blood drain from his face.

    "Sir, is there a problem?" The gentle island masseuse asked in her foreign accent.

    "What?" Jerry looked up from the phone, to stare at the young lady.

    "I was asking if there is..."

    "No...no... No problem." Jerry forced a smile, trying his best to remain calm. "Can you please wait outside?"

    "Okay, sir." The young lady bowed again and left the room, shutting the door behind her.

    "Who the f*ck is this?" Jerry queried his alarmed thoughts, standing up from the bed and adjusting the white towel around his waist.

    Tyson would never hide his number while calling him and no other person had this new line except Tyson. So if it isn''t Tyson, then who was it? Could it be a friend or a foe?

    "Definitely not a friend."

    Jerry contemplated whether or not to take the call. If his location was compromised, then that could spell doom for him. He waited for the call to end and tried calling Tyson on his private number.

    It rang the first time but no one answered.

    "Shit!"

    He tried Tyson''s number for the second time, raking his fingers through his partially wet hair. He kept pacing up and down the room, different chaotic scenarios assaulting his thoughts as he waited breathlessly for Tyson to pick up his call. But again the call ended after ringing for a few seconds.

    "Something is wrong."

    Jerry quickly changed back into his clothes and left the Spa house after settling his bills at the front desk. He briskly made his way to his hotel room on foot, taking a narrow path he had recently discovered and occasionally looking over his shoulder to check if he had been followed.

    He had left Salvine city with the hopes of starting life afresh on this peaceful Brantin island, with a new identity. But currently, he had this unwavering feeling that the island was no longer safe for him and he needed to get out as fast as possible.

    As Jerry got closer to his destination he received another call from the same unknown number.

    Stopping on his track, he looked around his peaceful surroundings for any kind of suspicious movement but found none. He took in a deep breath and slid the receive button.

    "Hello."

    "...."

    "Hello. Who the f*ck is this?"

    Again Jerry was greeted by silence and then the call ended abruptly.

    "F*ck!" Jerry''s panic intensified. He ran the remaining distance to the hotel premises, glancing sideways and backwards.

    Upon arriving at the hotel lobby with no hassle, he briskly made his way to the elevator. He was about to press the elevator button when he heard a feminine voice calling. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Mr Shane."

    At first, Jerry didn''t recognize his false name. He pressed the elevator and even got in. He was about to punch the close button when he saw one of the female receptionists at the counter calling and hurrying towards him.

    "Mr Shane, please wait. You have a package." The olive-skinned lady with nice bangs waved at him as Jerry stepped out of the elevator recollecting that he was the Mr Shane she was referring to.

    "Good evening sir." The lady greeted, panting.

    "Good evening, beautiful. Sorry, I didn''t hear you calling. I was in a hurry to use the restroom in my suite." Jerry plastered a fake smile on his face while assessing some of the strange faces in the lobby area staring at him.

    "It''s fine sir. You have a package delivery, sir. Please follow me to the counter to pick it up," said the lady.

    "A package delivery for me?"

    "Yes, sir. Please follow me."

    Jerry felt an unsettling uneasiness at the bottom of his stomach as he followed behind the receptionist. He didn''t know anyone on this island and he didn''t have any friends. Aside from a few persons he had met on a professional level at the hotel, the spa and the bar, no one knew him. So how in the hell did someone send a package to him or was the name mistaken?

    "Here it is, sir." The lady pointed to a neatly wrapped square package. "Please sign here beside your name to claim the package." She slid a register towards him on the counter.

    "May I ask when this package arrive?" Jerry collected the ball pen from the lady with trembling hands and scribbled something that looked like a signature.

    "Three to four hours ago, sir."

    "Who delivered it?"

    "It was delivered by a courier agent. Is there a problem, sir?"

    "No. There''s no problem at all." Jerry rechecked the name on the parcel and saw his false name written in full with an initial at the end that made his blood run cold.

 Chapter 133 - 133: The Annual Beauty Conference

    The initial JM referred to his real name, Jerry Morgan and only someone from Salvine City, who had his current address would send him this.

    So far, only Tyson amongst all his friends knew his location. But what if Tyson had been compromised by someone dangerous looking for him?

    "Here you go, sir." The lady picked up the brown package and handed it over to him.

    "Thanks." Jerry faked another smile and left for his hotel room.

    Inside the safety of the hotel room, Jerry dropped the package on the round centre table and quickly armed himself with a gun. He did a frantic sweep around the room, ready to blow out anyone''s brain who was hiding inside the room.

    When he found nothing out of place, he hurriedly picked up his travel backpack and stuffed it with a few of his clothes, toiletries, all his cash and credit cards, and travel documents. He changed to a black hoodie and jean trousers, paired with running shoes.

    He was about to leave the room when his eyes fell on the package again. His instinct told him that it was something dangerous and he believed it.

    "Somethings are better left untouched." He left the package untouched and cautiously opened the door. He surveyed his surroundings to ensure no one was waiting for him outside, before sneaking out, taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Jerry successfully made it out of the hotel and hailed a cab. He got in and closed the door, releasing a sigh of relief.

    "Take me to the airport."

    "That will cost you five dollars, sir." The chubby-looking cab driver turned to face him.

    "Sure. Just move."

    "Aren''t you forgetting something, sir?" The cab driver asked gesturing out the window.

    "What?" Jerry followed his eyes only to see a familiar face walking out of the hotel premises, holding the same package he left in his hotel room.

    "What the hell!" Jerry''s widened eyes turned to look at the driver as he tried to pull out his gun. But something sharp hit him on the side of his neck and the last thing he saw before his vision blacked out was a man entering the front passenger seat of the cab while the lady holding the package joined him in the back seat.

    -

    -

    By sunrise the next day Amelia was back to a busy work schedule. But today''s job description was kind of different. She was attending her first ever, Beauty South Chardin conference held in the heart of Salvine city.

    This conference was an annual conference poised to provide beauty businesses all around the south region with valuable insights into introducing and strengthening their various brands.

    Over three hundred beauty brands within the south region would be in attendance and Amelia was eager to meet with some of the renowned icons in the beauty industries and share ideas with them. It would also serve as a platform to create more awareness for her new cosmetic line which was to be launched the following day.

    Amelia arrived at the Ivory South Gates event centre around 9:00 AM, with her team of marketers and resource personnel.

    Adorned in a classic beige pantsuit and white inner shirt, with matching stiletto heels and handbag, Amelia made her way to the conference banner backdrop posing briefly for the paparazzi with her employees and some other brand owner she was familiar with. She gave a brief interview about her brand and allowed her head marker to handle the rest.

    Afterwards, she allowed her team to set up inside the magnificent conference showroom while she made her way into the conference meeting room.

    Amelia wasn''t expecting to run into Joanna as she elegantly made her way to take a seat in the front row. But there she was, looking all glamorous in her sky blue fitted pant suits and white inner shirt discussing with another brand owner.

    "Is this a joke?" A crease appeared on Amelia''s forehead. She recalled that Joanna was one of the top perfumers in the country. And perfumes were also featured alongside beauty products.

    On a normal day, she would happily sit beside Joanna and have a blast. But with Joanna''s current stand against her marriage, she didn''t feel like being close to her.

    Amelia scanned the room for other empty seats. But she didn''t like their location. She observed that the first four rows were already occupied except for the only empty seat in front and beside someone she once called her best friend.

    She thought about going to the back to look for another empty seat to avoid any form of unnecessary confrontation but then she wasn''t known to back out from a fight especially when she was not in the wrong.

    Stifling her anxiety, Amelia casually strolled to the empty seat and sat down.

    "Excuse me, this seat is already t... Amelia..." Joanna''s forehead furrowed, as though someone had just spilled drink on her exquisite suit. She didn''t bother to hide her displeasure at the sight of Amelia, making the lady beside her curious.

    "It''s nice to meet you too, Joanna," Amelia said softly, her aura shifting between polite pleasantry and impassivity. She gave Joanna a fleeting smile and focused her attention on the speakers who were being introduced to take their seats on the elevated stage.

    "I was going to say this seat is already taken," Joanna said in a caustic tone, disgusted by Amelia''s presence. "So if you don''t mind me saying, kindly find somewhere else to sit."

    "I think I''m comfortable here," Amelia replied without sparing Joanna a glance. "Moreover, it''s, first come, first serve."

    "I was hoping you would say that." Joanna''s gaze narrowed at Amelia, a look of disdain framing her face. "But I''m not surprised. Taking what doesn''t belong to you obviously runs in the blood."

    Armelia could feel anger coursing through her veins, the urge to reply to Joanna overwhelming her sense of reasoning. But she took a deep breath and pushed out all the negative energy, maintaining her indifferent disposition.

    "Can you imagine the rudeness," Joanna complained bitterly to her new friend seated beside her.

    "It''s okay, Joanna. She can sit here. Edith is already running late and the program is about to commence. I''m sure Edith will find somewhere else to sit."

    "Fine!" Joanna replied between clenched jaws. "Please can we swap seat?"

    From the corner of her eyes, Amelia watched as Joanna changed her sitting position with her friend while cursing under her breath. She completely ignored her and her new friend who was trying to poke nose, focusing her attention on the event moderator.

    "And for our special guest speaker with a vast knowledge in the business world..." The female event host announced cheerfully, "... Let''s make welcome, one of the youngest and biggest key players in the gold and mining industry, who happens to be one of our biggest sponsors, he is the chairman and CEO of Andex Group international..."

    Amelia''s jaw dropped.

    "...Mr Blaze Anderson."

 Chapter 134 - 134: The Beauty Conference

    Blaze was greeted with a standing ovation, amid wild cheering and clapping as he appeared from behind the stage, smiling and waving like a dignified ruler about to address his subject.

    He elegantly made his way to his seat looking dapper in his sleek, custom-made, well-fitted grey suit, that captured his well-built structure leaving the audience made up of mostly ladies drooling over him.

    Under the spotlight, he exuded an intimidating and domineering aura, that left the other speakers comprising both male and female falling behind his shadow.

    As Blaze sat down, he swept his gaze across the hall in search of his wife. He spotted her on the left wing of the front row, staring right back at him, a captivating smile spreading across her face. Their feeling for each other was quickly expressed through their gaze, but it only lasted for a few seconds as Blaze looked away, focusing his attention on the event host, who had also taken her seat three meters away from him.

    Amelia was in complete awe as she continued to stare at her charming husband wondering why he didn''t mention that he would be attending the program earlier at breakfast. She had no clue that Blaze was one of the major sponsors of the program.

    So many questions popped up in her head as she wondered what Blaze was going to say. She wondered if he would directly or indirectly make any reference to her as his wife, especially with the way so many ladies were annoyingly drooling over him.

    Amelia couldn''t explain why she felt like pepper spraying so many flirtatious eyes ogling at her husband. She felt envious hearing too many side comments from young ladies who assumed Blaze was still single. She was tempted to go over to them and tell them to back away from her husband or suffer her wrath. But then, wouldn''t that be considered a psychopathic woman approach to fighting for her man''s attention?

    Moreover, they haven''t made their marriage public yet even though there were a few speculations about the possibility of the two of them being together, based on her recent change of name. Yet, it wasn''t official.

    Pushing all her anxious thoughts to the pit of her stomach, Amelia decided to focus on learning something innovative she could take back to her company rather than daydream of Blaze, who seemed business-minded at the moment.

    "Please, I would like everyone to take their seats. The program is about to begin." The event host announced, giving the audience a few minutes to settle down before continuing her welcome address.

    "Once again, permit me to welcome you all to the year''s Beauty South Chardin conference, tagged, ''Redefined''."

    A round of applause erupted in the air and soon died down as the event host continued speaking.

    "As part of the organizing committee, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants for availing themselves of this opportunity to join this impactful program. We are inspired to see such a diverse group of experts coming together from different countries and fields of knowledge, ready to share their experience and knowledge in connection to beauty and longevity. I would encourage everyone to please give their maximum attention to the issues discussed and write down your questions which will be addressed towards the end of the program. Now without further ado, let''s get into the business of today."

    The event post turned to her first speaker, a mature woman known for her iconic contribution to the cosmetology world.

    "Mrs Jones, what is your take on the word ''beauty'' as regards our theme Redefined?

    "Thank you, Miss Gale. Beauty as we all know begins from the moment you decide to be yourself and make a positive impact in your world. It''s such a..."

    The first speaker''s voice trailed as Amelia''s attention was diverted to the infuriating conversation between Joanna and her new friend.

    "Isn''t Mr Blaze Anderson so handsome? I can''t take my eyes off him for even a second." Joanna''s new friend, Pamela cooed dreamingly, ogling at him.

    "Oh please... he isn''t that handsome." Joanna scoffed, even though she thought otherwise.

    "Are you kidding me? Please do not tell me you are that blind to see that sexy god seated up there. He is so gorgeous for one man. I can even feel the invisible power radiating from him."

    "Whatever!" Joanna hissed. She brought out her phone from her handbag and started texting Tina while Pamela kept on being more infuriating.

    "I bet he looks way hotter with his clothes off. Imagine gazing upon those beautiful biceps and those perfectly sculptured abs. Imagine being held close to that sturdy chest, the masculine scent of wood and mint filling your nostrils ." Pamela whispered to Amelia''s hearing, licking her lips.

    Amelia''s breathing slowly became heavy as anger coursed through her veins like an angry serpent causing her muscles to tense and her fist to clench.

    "Can you spare me all those boring details? Keep them to yourself. I''m not interested." Joanna snapped at her friend as she kept tapping away on her phone, chatting away with Tina, giving the latter an update on the things happening at the conference.

    "Are you telling me if you have a chance to warm Mr handsome''s bed, you wouldn''t grab it with both hands?" Pamela nudged Joanna on the side, not planning on giving up her girlish whims.

    "No," Joanna flashed her an irritated glare. "I wouldn''t. Moreover, he''s unavailable."

    "What do you mean unavailable? The last time I checked he was still single."

    "Not anymore." Joanna leaned forward to eye Amelia, who remained quiet, pretending not to overhear their conversation. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Are you trying to say he''s in some kind of relationship?" Pamela''s brows furrowed.

    "Not some kind of relationship darling. He''s married."

    "Married!" Pamela''s jaws dropped. "How! When?"

    "I believe recently."

    "Recently!" Pamela eyed Joanna suspiciously. "I have been following every celebrity marriage for the past couple of months, and the most recent was that of veteran actor, Cassandra Hilton with her overseas base oil and gas mogul lover. There was nothing on Blaze Anderson or any Andersons for that matter. So how can that be possible?"

    "Haven''t you heard of the term private marriages?" Joanna sneered, bored by Pamela''s shallow thinking. "Not all celebrities or successful men and women enjoy disclosing their private life to the world. Moreover, when last did you hear of any gossip concerning Mr.Anderson."

    Pamela paused to think. "I can''t recall."

    "Exactly my point. He''s one of those few wealthy men who doesn''t like people poke-nosing in his private affairs."

    "Were you invited to the marriage?" Pamela asked, her excitement evident in her voice.

    Joanna''s face palmed her forehead. "Did you forget the part where I said the whole affair was private?" She asked staring incredulously at Pamela.

    "Then how come you know so much if you didn''t attend?" Pamela ignored the sacrament in Joanna''s tone.

    "Trust me, I know."

    Amelia sat on her chair venting inwardly not believing that Joanna could sell her out like this to a lousy lady like this talkative Pamela, all in the name of beefing her.

    ''Wasn''t Joanna taking this whole misunderstanding to the extreme and wouldn''t her actions be considered an infringement on my private life?'' Amelia pondered in her heart. She could tell Joanna was doing all of this to get a reaction from her.

    "No, I won''t give her that luxury of my time. I won''t make a fool of myself. Moreover, she hasn''t said anything about me."

    Amelia inwardly encouraged herself and tried to focus her attention on the third speaker. But, Pamela''s infuriating voice seemed to be the only voice echoing in her head, irking her to the bone.

    "Since you know so much about this secret marriage, then I''m guessing you will know who this lucky bride is right?"

    Joanna shrugged.

    "Tell me." Pamela pleaded, the thought of creating an internet sensation with her live stream about the handsome Blaze Anderson and his mysterious wife, exciting her.

    Amelia''s heart started pounding as she finally tilted her head to the right to look at Joanna who was pretending to look elsewhere.

    "Don''t say anything, Jay. Don''t do it."

    Amelia heard a desperate voice echo in her head, her heart pounding.

    Joanna fantasized about the thought of exposing and disgracing Amelia for the backstabber that she was. But she recalled Tina''s desperate plea asking her not to do anything that would jeopardize Blaze''s image, stressing that the latter could be ruthless when crossed. "I''m sorry, I can''t say."

    "Ugh! Such a bummer!" Pamela pouted.

    Amelia released her breath which she didn''t realize she was holding all this while.

    "But I''m guessing you will find out soon enough because nothing hides under the sun forever," Joanna added, passing an indirect message to Amelia.

    "Yeah!" Pamela leaned back in her seat feeling very disappointed. She remained quiet for a while as though processing the information she had just gathered. "Whoever this bride is, must be the luckiest lady in the world."

    "Lucky!" Joanna scoffed.

    "Why?" Pamela''s eyes brightened again. "Aren''t you happy for the bride?"

    "I couldn''t care less?" Joanna rolled her eyes.

    "Is that jealousy I perceive in your tone?"

    "Me! Jealous? Never. I don''t take what doesn''t belong to me?"

 Chapter 135 - 135: Unofficial Announcement

    "She didn''t just say that."

    Amelia gnashed her teeth in rage, the turmoil in her heart taking a dangerous turn as she observed Pamela''s alarmed reaction from the corner of her eyes.

    "Are you trying to say this mysterious bride stole Mr handsome from some other lady?" Pamela lowered her voice even further leaning towards Joanna.

    "You will be surprised at the extent some selfish people would go to claim other''s possession." Joanna sneered as she tilted her head briefly to look in Amelia''s direction before facing forward.

    Pamela also followed Joanna''s stare, realization slowly dawning on her. She had been wanting to find out from Joanna why the latter had been hostile to her former best friend. It was unlike the pair who had been inseparable for years. She also remembered a friend telling her that Amelia had remarried after divorcing her scum of a husband and this marriage happened recently. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''Could it be that Joanna was indirectly talking about Amelia or someone close to her?'' Pamela pondered excitedly. ''This is going to make one hot gist for my fans.'' She bubbles within redirecting her attention back to Joanna.

    "Women can indeed be cruel to themselves." Pamela shook her head in fake sympathy, hoping to spur Joanna into revealing more information. "I can''t imagine someone doing that to a fellow sister. That is completely heartless. If I were the other lady, I would be completely shattered and heartbroken."

    "Tell me about it." Joanna released a deep suppressed sigh.

    "I wonder..." Pamela paused as the event host called on Mr Anderson to give his input on the topic and share his insight on innovation and how it has helped in the beauty and business world.

    A hush fell in the room as everyone was eager to capture every word that came out of his mouth.

    Amelia felt her tense muscles slowly relax as Blaze''s deep and gentle voice caressed her wounded heart, erasing the anger burning in her soul. She closed her eyes temporarily to push out Joanna and Pamela''s insightful words, focusing solely on her husband''s pleasant voice. And like magic, it worked.

    Opening her eyes, Amelia was stunned to see Blaze staring directly at her as if trying to reassure her that everything was okay. She smiled and he smiled back at her before turning his face away.

    "Innovation is critical to the heartbeat of any successful corporation in the industrialized world especially in the beauty industries." Blaze continued speaking, wowing the audience with his rich baritone voice.

    "The beauty industry has always been at the forefront of innovation, constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing needs and desires of consumers. From groundbreaking product formulations to cutting-edge technologies, innovation plays a pivotal role in shaping business, scaling impossible margins and redefining the essence of beauty."

    "Through data-driven insights and advanced technologies, we can now customize product recommendations, develop tailored skincare regimens, and provide personalized consultations. These, not only create a deeper connection between consumers and brands, but it also fosters loyalty and customer satisfaction. Take, for example, a new and revolutionary brand like LiLa Savvy..."

    "What!" Amelia''s jaw dropped as the spotlight shifted from Blaze to her, capturing her bewildered expression.

    Wild gasps erupted from every corner of the room as every pair of eyes turned to stare at her, wondering why the handsome Blaze Anderson was referring to a new cosmetic brand with a few years of experience and exposure when compared to other big names in the room.

    While muffled discussion ensued, Blaze dropped the second bombshell that left even the event host''s jaws dropping to the floor.

    "...owned and managed by one of the industry''s most intelligent, smart, tenacious and innovative woman I have ever met. Someone I am proud to call my beautiful wife, Mrs Amelia Anderson." Blaze said gesturing towards Amelia.

    "Your wife?" The event host, unintentionally blurted out, her gaze darting between Blaze and the beautiful young lady seated in the front row at the left wing.

    Amelia felt her heartbeat stop as she locked her gaze with her husband, her eyes widened like a saucer and her cheeks slowly turned beet red.

    "Miss Amelia Anderson, can you please stand up for recognition." The event host stated after apologizing off the microphone to Blaze.

    "So shameless."Joanna hissed under her breath, her voice barely above a whisper. She instantly regretted informing Tina that Blaze was on air at a beauty conference, knowing the latter would be heartbroken by this announcement.

    Amelia could feel her body trembling as she slowly rose to her feet. She felt the heat and cold waves travel up and down her spine, her knee threatening to give way, as she raised her right hand and waved politely to the right and left before taking her seat, amid wild cheers and applause.

    "So you are that mysterious wife and you have been pretending all this while, acting as though you weren''t eavesdropping on my conversation?" Pamela poked Amelia on the arm. "Tell me, how did you get him from....you know..." She winked.

    "Touch me, one more time and I will make sure you never use those hands again," Amelia said in a repressed voice, her lethal gaze shooting laser at Pamela, causing the latter to flinch.

    "Sorry, I was just joking." Pamela smiled feverishly, turning her face to look at Joanna who was also stunned by Amelia''s vicious reaction.

    "Now she thinks she''s untouchable." Joanna scoffed in heart, looking elsewhere as more gossip filtered in the air.

    "Mr Anderson is married! Unbelievable! When did this happen and how come no one knows about it?"

    "It''s probably one of those secret marriages. Moreover, he rarely talks about his private life except business."

    "How was she able to get close to him? Didn''t she recently divorce her husband who was caught sleeping with her younger sister? When did they date so quickly that they were already married? Isn''t it suspicious that she remarried less than a month after her divorce?

    "I don''t care how she did it. What irks me is the fact that she gets to marry my secret crush. It''s so unfair."

    "Well, I think she deserves to be happy after what her cheating ex did to her."

    Amelia paid less attention to the gossiping and focused on her husband who had resumed speaking. Although she had been dreaming of what it would be like for him to publicly introduce her as his wife, she didn''t expect he would make this revelation so soon and at such a public gathering that was being live-streamed in six different countries.

    "Permit me to be blunt at this point. What makes LiLa Savvy unique and stand out as one of the most competitive growing brands in this country is the way it has revolutionized two major business concepts. One is the direct-to-consumer business idea and the other is research and development strategies at improving products and services."

    A hush fell in the room as Blaze explained further, impressing everyone especially his wife, who had no clue that her husband had been researching her company all this while.

    "By leveraging e-commerce platforms, social media, and influencer marketing, this ingenious brand has been able to bypass intermediaries and establish direct connections with her target audience. This direct relationship not only enables her to attain real-time feedback, but it enhances swift product interactions, and the ability to cater to specific niche markets."

    Other speakers nodded in agreement with the relevance of customer-product interaction.

    "Also, while some brands may think investing massively in research and development might be a waste of time and resources, it is crucial for driving innovation in every beauty industry. Exploring new ingredients, conducting clinical studies, and pioneering groundbreaking technologies is something LiLa Savvy does best. That is why, tomorrow, at the official unveiling of her newly improved skincare line, Andex Group international alongside some leading industries in the country and beyond will be partnering with this reputable brand to take her to the next level of innovation."

    "Ah!"

    Wild gasps, followed by thunderous cheering erupted in the room as everyone except for a jealous few cheered Amelia, whose bewildered expression was a beauty to behold.

    "Thank you." Amelia''s voice trembled with excitement. Blaze had not only helped with creating awareness for her new cosmetic line that was set to be unveiled the next day, but he had also succeeded in making her the envy of every other brand seated in the room. Her name and brand seemed to be the only topic of discussion on everyone''s lips, as she caught so many brand owners stealing furtive glances at her every now and then.

    She could feel her phone which was on silent mode buzzing continuously, but she didn''t bother checking on any of her messages. She could see some people texting on their phones and she didn''t need anyone to tell her that the announcement had gone viral. Hopefully, all those young ladies trying to aim their hooks for her husband would now back off or answer directly to her.

    The rest of the topic discussions, questions and answer sessions went by in a blur as Amelia could barely contain her excitement. All the demeaning murmurs and gossiping didn''t affect her one bit as she kept her head held high, smiling all through the rest of the program. She didn''t even notice when Joanna stood up and left the conference room until something made her turn to the right.

    As the conference meeting finally came to a close, Amelia and a few notable brand owners were invited up the stage to take pictures with the speakers. She proudly took her position on her husband''s left-hand side smiling into the camera, as Blaze tenderly wrapped one arm around his waist and the other he kept to his side.

    Afterwards, Blaze left with his beautiful wife, holding hands, amid flashing camera lights and questions being thrown at them from a large number of reporters gathered outside the venue.

 Chapter 136 - 136: Resentment

    Over the years, the Beauty South Chardin Conference has always held its remarkable annual gathering of legendary beauty entrepreneurs and business icons. This gathering served as an enlightenment to beauty brands in the southern region of the continent and their client worldwide. It was aired by various media companies and live-streamed on the Internet, with millions of viewers all over the country and beyond.

    Consequently, when the handsome Blaze Anderson known for his private lifestyle, unofficially confirmed his marriage to Amelia Shawls, the first daughter, of Senator Gregory Shawls, the announcement was greeted with a groundbreaking ovation. It went viral within seconds, topping the chart of every search engine, as netizens sought to get more information about the couple, digging into their past and present.

    Beautiful pictures of the couple holding hands and walking out of the conference venue were uploaded by different bloggers. This was followed by millions of likes, comments and shares.

    While thousands of Amelia''s fans, congratulated her on hitting the jackpot, wishing her a happy married life, some anti-fans who supported her ex-husband castigated her for being a hypocrite.

    They claimed that she wasn''t as innocent as she painted herself to be, calling her a double face backstabbing lady for secretly practicing the same thing, she accused her ex-husband of.

    "Look at her...." Regina stared at the television, jealous and resentful of the way Blaze and Amelia were holding hands in public and walking into their car amid flashing camera lights. She wished she could go into the television and asphyxiate Amelia to death. "She thinks she''s on top of the world now, acting all classy and important."

    "Not for too long sister! Not for long. Her days of marital bliss are numbered. When we are done with her, she would wish she had died that night before her wedding." Pearl swore, hissing like a cobra as she stood up and walked towards the television.

    "What are you planning to do?" Gwen asked sharply, her head still bandaged but her face was no longer swollen, except for some fading bruise marks.

    "Turning off the television of course. I don''t want you to be affected by that tramp''s disgraceful antics."

    "Leave it. I''m not affected by her. I only feel sorry for her. She''s dining with the devil without even realizing it." Gwen sneered even though she was secretly envious of Amelia''s bubbling relationship. She had seen the way Blaze had acted protectively and possessively around her, giving the inclination that he may be in love with her.

    "Her downfall is going to be epic," Regina said, stroking Gwen''s hand, when she observed a hint of sadness flash across her daughter''s eyes. "Everything is already in motion and sooner than later all this media attention she is enjoying is going to turn into her worst nightmare. I promise you that."

    "Yeah! I can''t wait to gloat over her misfortune." Pearl grinned slyly.

    "Any word from Jerry?" Gwen turned to look at her mother, her heart still bleeding from his sudden disappearance. Seeing her step-sister all happy and with someone who loved her evoked a deep sadness in her eyes, making it turn moist.

    "No darling," Regina replied, lifting her hands to Gwen''s cheek and wiping away her streaming tears. "Your uncle is still searching for him but I will advise you to forget about him."

    "I can''t." Gwen looked down on her slightly protruded tummy, heartbroken by her revealed secret.

    Gwen had been very careful since the day she realized she was pregnant from a one-night stand. She planted the pregnancy on Jerry hoping to start a life with him and forget about her past mistake. So how the hell did his younger brother know that the child wasn''t Jerry? She hadn''t told a soul, not even her mother. How she hated her life right now and wished she could go back and make some corrections.

    "Please don''t tell me you are still in love with that jerk." Regina''s voice was laced with a hint of anger.

    Gwen shot her mother a sharp look before rolling her eyes and looking elsewhere. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "He betrayed you, Gwen." Pearl butted in, uninvited, taking her seat beside her niece on the bed. "He stole your money and ran away. As if that is not bad enough, that useless brother of his had you beating up even in your condition."

    "You don''t have to remind me about that. I remember everything that went down vividly." Gwen hissed, turning her face upwards to hold back her tears.

    Regina sighed.

    "If it''s about the baby, there are a lot of good men out there that can father your child. You still have your youth and you are very beautiful. Any man will be stupid to turn you down." She said softly.

    Gwen smiled bitterly at her mom''s last statement. Didn''t Jerry just turn her down after everything she had given to him?

    "I could even arrange one of the rich men for you that will love you and spend on you." Regina continued "Forget about that loser. All we have to do is get back every cent you''ve spent on him and then trash him."

    "Yeah!" Pearl concurred.

    "And end up just like you?" Gwen sneered.

    Regina''s gaze narrowed and darkened. She stood up and walked away from Gwen''s bedside, trying her best to contain her rage.

    "I''m sorry Mom. All I''m just asking is for a chance to sort out things with him before Uncle Matt hurts him. I promise I''ll get back my money from him but I need to know if there is hope for us."

    "Hope?" Regina chuckled bitterly, her back on her daughter. "Just focus on getting better and leave hope for the hopeless. I need some air." With those harsh words, she left the room leaving Gwen crying in her aunty''s arms.

    -

    -

    Meanwhile, at the Capitol, the senator kept receiving congratulatory messages and antagonistic calls from his political friends and business partners over the secret marriage of his daughter.

    One of such friends, who happened to be Amelia''s godfather, even called him to express his anger, accusing the senator of being very heartless, for not inviting him to his goddaughter''s wedding.

    Although Senator Shawls was against the marriage, he couldn''t bring himself to reveal that Amelia married a man he disapproved of. He couldn''t tell anyone that his son-in-law was a ruthless psychopath, with a killer instinct. He couldn''t confide in anyone that his home was divided because of this unsanctioned marriage. He couldn''t even bring himself to tell anyone that he didn''t get the sole privilege to willingly give his daughter away to her new husband.

    All the senator could do was accept the congratulatory message and swallow the bitter pill of Amelia''s betrayal, while planning to dissolve the marriage and get his daughter.

    After a while when the calls became too infuriating to receive, the senator was forced to switch it off, venting angrily inside his office. He sat down on his executive chair, fuming, his face contoured like rumpled paper. His rage could be compared to that of a steamroller flattening everything in its path.

    The intercom in the office rang, forcing the senator out of his excruciating thoughts.

    Heaving a sigh, he picked up the intercom.

    "Didn''t I say I don''t want to be disturbed?" He boomed over the intercom.

    "I''m sorry sir but, Engineer Van Cobalt is here to see you." The secretary said in a trembling voice.

 Chapter 137 - 137: Resentment 1

    The senator pinched his forehead, gritting his teeth.

    "Send him in." He dropped the intercom.

    A few seconds later, the doorknob turned and it was pushed open by one of the senator''s security guards in front of his door.

    A middle-aged stout man, with silver-grey hair and neatly trimmed beard made his way into the office, a captivating smile lining his mature face.

    "Gregory!"

    "Hey, Van!" The senator stood up, extending his right hand forward, forcing a smile. "It has been a while."

    "Precisely, a month and a few days since after my goddaughter''s last marriage."

    "That long, huh!"

    They both shook hands warmly, laughing before they took their seats opposite each other.

    "When did you come into town?" The senator asked, dialling his secretary again and ordering her to get his guest some snacks and drink.

    "About three days ago."

    "Yet you didn''t bother to check up on me." The senator accused.

    "It''s not like that Greg. I''ve been very busy."

    "Aren''t we all?"

    Van chuckled. "You remember that contract I was biding for?"

    "The second bridge contract project?"

    "The same one." Van confirmed.

    "What about it? Don''t tell me it was finally awarded to you after everything." Senator Gregory''s eyes lit up with excitement.

    "I got it."

    "Wow! Congratulations brother. This is good news." The senator clasped his hands joyfully.

    "Thanks. But that is not the reason why I came here. I''m not happy, Greg." Van sat up, leaning his hands on the well-polished mahogany table.

    "Please don''t tell me is about, Amelia." A crease lined Greg''s forehead.

    "It has got everything to do with her. What is happening, brother? I haven''t even gotten over the shock that the person I saw getting married to Jerry was Gwen. Neither have I gotten over her divorce and now she''s married to Blaze Anderson. Tell me what is happening in your home." Van demanded, his expression stern and void of humour.

    Senator Gregory let out a long and depressing sigh, lowering his face and massaging his aching forehead.

    "Is it that bad?" Van was troubled to see his friend acting all hopeless all of a sudden, the wrinkles on his face, making him look ten years older.

    "Everything is falling apart Van." The senator tried to hold his emotions together even though it felt like a boulder hanging around his neck. "My family is falling apart and I feel completely at a loss."

    The door was pushed open and the secretary walked in, holding a tray of snacks, a bottle of red wine and two glasses. She dropped this on the desk and was about to serve the wine. But Van stopped her, asking her to excuse them.

    When the secretary closed the door behind her, the senator continued with his heartbreaking story.

    "Everyone is out there congratulating me for my first daughter''s marriage to a man I do not approve of and I can''t say a damn thing about it because I don''t want to ruin her image."

    "Wait a minute? You are not aware of the marriage?" Van was stunned.

    "No! I didn''t know she remarried, neither did I get the chance to hand her over to her new husband. I was left completely in the dark about everything until she had already done it."

    "My goodness! My goddaughter did that to you?"

    "That is not the most painful part. If Amelia had chosen any other man in this entire world aside from that ruthless son of Presley Anderson, I wouldn''t have been this upset. I would have even given her my blessing to carry on. But the man she chose is bad news. You won''t believe he came down to my own house during a my surprise birthday party had me, my wife, my brother and even son-in-law beaten and shot."

    "What!" Van blinked twice, not believing what his ears were hearing. "Impossible!"

    "Believe it alright. I''ve been bedridden for days after that trauma. If it hadn''t been for my wife and Matt, I don''t know what would have happened to me. And to think my beloved daughter brought all of this injustice to my home is breaking my heart apart."

    Van leaned back on his chair, his face a little pale from shock and his interwoven hands resting on his chest.

    "Have you made any arrest or taken this young man to court for assault?" Van asked after a brief moment of silence.

    "I wanted to but Matt thinks taking the matter to court would impact negatively on our family image since Amelia is involved. He promised to handle it his own way."

    "No!" Van shook his head. "I think taking the matter up with the law enforcement agency is the best. Adopting other means might spiral into something ugly."

    "How ugly can it get when that psychopath has already taken my daughter from me and turned her against her family." Senator Gregory banged his clenched fist on his desk in frustration. "That young man has crossed every line by poisoning Amelia''s heart against her family. You won''t believe Amelia watched this monster torture her youngest sister and Jerry, making them spend a horrific night behind bars for a crime they did they did not commit."

    "She did what!" Van''s jaws dropped.

    "Now you are beginning to understand my pain. Amelia is the only key to my happiness. The only reason I recovered after Fiona''s death was because of her. And now, this psychopath dares to steal my princess, making a caricature of my family." The senator stood up, clenching and unclenching his fist as he walked to his floor-to-ceiling window. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I will destroy him. I will make him pay for this insult and I will take my daughter back, no matter the consequences." Senator Gregory vowed.

    Van stared at his friend''s backside in silence, processing everything he had heard. He shook his head after a while.

    "No. This is all wrong. This doesn''t sound like the Amelia I know. Something is off somewhere and we need to get to the root of the matter before we take drastic actions. Does Amelia still use her old contact?"

    "No, why?" The senator turned to look at him.

    "I need to speak with her. I believe I can reason with her."

    "It''s a waste of time. She won''t listen to you. If she can watch that rascal, shoot her uncles, and her ex-husband and almost break her stepmother''s neck, including hitting me hard on the head and still do nothing, you can''t change her mind."

    "But I can try." Van insisted.

    "Suit yourself." The senator returned to his table and sat down. He picked up his phone and searched for Amelia''s number. "Here." He gave his phone to Van to copy the number.

    "Judith is planning to set up a meeting between Amelia and me at her home. Maybe you can tag along and help me talk some senses into her."

    "When?"

    "This Saturday, by 4:00 PM."

    "I''ll be more than happy to accompany you."

 Chapter 138 - 138: Tell Him...

    After Amelia left the conference venue, she drove down with her husband to her company first, to pick up some important documents and set the ball rolling for the unveiling event, before leaving with him to pick up her dress at KVibes

    All through the drive down to KVibes, one of the biggest fashion houses in the southern city owned by her dearest friend Kayla, Amelia''s phone kept buzzing non-stop with a lot of calls and text messages. She hardly had a moment of break as she kept receiving one call after another, smiling and accepting congratulatory messages, her fingers interlocked with those of her darling husband, -who had canceled his entire schedule for the next two days just for her

    While some of the calls came from her wide range of friends and well-wishers, others were from some legendary beauty companies and other business establishments offering her their maximum support for the launching of her new cosmetic line.

    At the end of one of such business-related calls, Amelia could barely keep her excitement to herself as she threw herself into her husband''s awaiting arms, showering every inch of his face with lots of kisses.

    "Oh, Blaze... thank you... thank you....thank you...you are the best."

    "The best?" Blaze raised an eyebrow at her, his lips and face covered with Amelia''s red lipstick mark.

    Amelia nuzzled him on the tip of his nose, giggling at his funny-looking face.

    "You are the best when you want to be good. Thank you for everything you''ve done for me. Words are not enough to express how grateful I am."

    "You are welcome, sweetheart. As long as you are happy, then I''m happy." Blaze welcomed a passionate kiss from her until another call entered her phone.

    "Ugh!" He grunted, not wanting to release her at that intimate moment.

    "Hold on." Amelia broke from the kiss and received the call without checking the caller''s name.

    "Hello," Amelia said softly still holding Blaze''s loving gaze, enthralled by his charm.

    "My sweet baby girl, how are you?"

    "Fine..." Amelia drawled, a crease appearing on her forehead as she peeled the phone from her ear to check who the unfamiliar raspy voice belonged to. Sadly the number was not registered in her phone. She placed the call on loudspeaker and asked in a slightly stern voice.

    "Who is this?"

    Blaze became curious about the caller who had disrupted her mood.

    "Don''t tell me you have forgotten my voice so soon, or is it because of my scratchy throat? Wait a second, somebody wants to say hi. Maybe that will jingle your memory."

    Amelia and Blaze both listened as they overheard the same person with a slightly masculine voice encourage another person to talk.

    "No..."

    "Just say hi to her. That''s all."

    "No, I won''t until I see her face-to-face."

    Amelia looked up at Blaze, her heart slamming widely against her chest and her eyes widened in shock, as she instantly recognize the voice of the other person.

    Blaze also recognized the senator''s rigid voice over the phone bluntly refusing to speak with his daughter. He felt his own countenance slowly turn cold, forcing him to look away from Amelia.

    "Dad!"

    Amelia called in a slightly jittery voice, as she removed the conversation from speaker mode, and raised the phone to her ear, her eyes lowered.

    "..."

    "Dad, please talk to me."

    There was silence again from her dad''s end except for the caller reprimanding her dad for not speaking and calling him a stubborn mule.

    ''Wait a second. Only one person was bold enough to call her father a stubborn mule.'' Amelia thought to herself.

    "Uncle Van!"

    "Hey, baby girl. You got it right."

    "Hi!" Amelia said in a super thrilled voice, turning her face away from Blaze to look at the window, her heart pounding in her chest.

    "Uncle Van!" Blaze echoed in his heart. He quickly sent this name to Echo through a coded text message, instructing him to find out who Uncle Van was and how he was related to Amelia.

    "It''s so good to hear your voice darling. I have been meaning to talk to you after I heard about Jerry''s scandalous affair with your sister and the divorce. But your number was never reachable. How have you been?"

    "Surviving and taking each day one step at a time."

    "Hmm... that''s good to know. I just saw you on television. I never knew you remarried."

    "Yeah, I did." Amelia felt a bit awkward talking to her uncle in Blaze''s presence. She didn''t want him to misinterpret anything she said so she chose her words carefully, lowering her voice. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Are you happy?"

    "Yes."

    "Does your husband treat you right?"

    "Yes." Amelia''s gaze lowered as she recalled several instances when Blaze had treated her unfairly.

    "Do you love him?"

    Amelia could feel her heart about to leap out of her chest as she slowly tilted her head to look at Blaze only to find him staring back at her. She quickly looked away, wondering if he could overhear her conversation. She shifted to the end of the seat close to the window to give them a little distance, her behaviour making Blaze chuckle inwardly.

    Unknown to her, every one of her conversations was been recorded and forwarded to Blaze in real-time. If he didn''t want to listen directly to her conversation, he could read the conversation dialogue over his phone.

    "Amelia, are you there?"

    "Yes, uncle."

    "You haven''t answered my last question. Do you love this man? Because your father told me a lot of negative things about him and how he had warned you to stay away from him. But I am being open-minded here. You know I will always stand for you as long as you are happy."

    Amelia could feel her eyes gathering tears as she recalled how Van had been emotionally available for her and her father after the death of her mother. "I know, uncle."

    "So tell me, are you in love with him? Because only love can make people act stupidly."

    "Maybe," Amelia whispered almost inaudibly, her hands trembling. She didn''t notice the look of shock on Blaze''s face as he read her last reply, his heart thumping erratically.

    "Speak louder Amy or are you in a place where you can''t talk freely?"

    "Yes."

    "Oh... Can you give me a call on this number later on when you''re free to talk?"

    "Okay, I''ll do that."

    "All right my dear. It''s so nice to talk to you again. Take care of yourself for me okay and stay away from trouble."

    "Uncle Van, wait."

    "Yes, my dear."

    "Are you with Dad?"

    "Yes, I''m in his office and I''m looking directly at him. You need to see his face. It''s as swollen and red as an overripe tomato about to rupture."

    Amelia chuckled, a drop of tears escaping her moist eyes.

    "Please can you tell me this for me?"

    "Sure! Anything."

    "Tell him..." Amelia paused, her overwhelming emotion suffocating her senses, as more tears streamed down her face. "...tell him that I''m sorry for hurting him and for every pain he has felt over the past couple of days because of me. Tell him...I love him so much and I miss him a lot...and...he means the world to me. Tell him, I''m going to make things right. All I need is his patience and understanding." She said before ending the call.

 Chapter 139 - 139: Hello, Jerry

    Blaze could feel his heart aching as he watched Amelia slowly bring down her hand, her grip on her phone tightening. He observed the way her body shook as she wept silently, keeping her back to him.

    He was tempted to go down to the senator''s office and have the old slimy geezer thoroughly dealt with for making his wife cry. But wouldn''t that complicate things for him seeing how much she cared about her infuriating father?

    Blaze hated the fact that Amelia cared so much for a weak father who couldn''t man up to his responsibility and fix his home. A father who couldn''t tell an evil child from a good child. A father who couldn''t tell his harlot of a wife was banging his younger brother. A father who couldn''t protect her from his many enemies. A father whose fate was already sealed based on his past injustice to Presley Anderson.

    Nevertheless, amid this hatred, lay a budding excitement. An excitement that was slowly consuming his pounding heart.

    Amelia had just confessed to her uncle that she may be in love with him.

    Blaze didn''t know if this was true or if she was simply trying to defend her actions of marrying him. But whatever the case, it felt great hearing it from her own lips. At least, he wasn''t alone in this.

    The car slowly came to a halt by the roadside opposite, KVibes.

    "Sir, we are here," Fred announced, staring at the boss through the rearview mirror. His eyes widened a little at the sight of the lipstick marks on his boss''s face.

    "Thanks... Leave the engine running and wait outside the car."

    "Yes sir." Fred politely turned around and said. "Sir, your face." He gestured with a slightly trembling finger.

    "I know," Blaze said dismissively. He waited for Fred to leave the car before cleaning off the lipstick marks on his face.

    Taking a deep breath, Blaze moved closer to Amelia and placed his hand on her shoulder, stroking it tenderly.

    "Amy...please don''t let this get to. Don''t let it ruin your happiness."

    Amelia, nodded her head, as she wiped her flowing tears with the back of her hand.

    "If you want to get it off your chest, I''m here for you," Blaze said softly, still stroking her shoulder.

    Amelia shook her head, her back still on him.

    "Can you at least look at me? I want to see those beautiful eyes of yours."

    Amelia hesitated a little before slowly turning to face him her head lowered.

    Blaze tenderly lifted her chin up with two of his fingers, staring into her moist eyes.

    "You are a born fighter and a very courageous, might I add extremely beautiful young lady."

    Amelia smiled amid more tears.

    But Blaze wouldn''t let her shed anymore as he gently wiped them off with his thumb, tenderly stroking her cheeks.

    "Don''t let them see your weakness in your tears. Show the world how great and unbeatable you are. You''ll always have me as a friend to support you and as a husband to stand by you. I can''t tell you to forget about your family since they form an integral part of your life. But you must not let any of them get to you, especially now when the battle is about to begin. I can promise you this, once the battle is over, all those who have offended you will regret their actions. They will come begging at your feet, asking for your forgiveness? You''ll be the one to have the last laugh. So no more tears, okay."

    Amelia nodded her head, "okay." She blinked back her tears as Blaze softly brushed his lips against hers before releasing her chin. He brought out his handkerchief and dried her reddened eyes.

    "Thank you, Blaze, for everything. You are a good man." Amelia said genuinely.

    Blaze stared into her eyes silently before replying. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I''m not good man but you''re welcome."

    "Let me be the judge."

    Amelia smiled as she opened her handbag and brought out her makeup kit to retouch her face. She took one look at her reddened eyes and sighed.

    "If you don''t mind, I can send someone to help you pick up your dress and bring it home. I wouldn''t want Kayla to see you looking sad and start asking questions. What do you say?"

    Amelia knew Blaze was right. Kayla was very observant and would bombard her with questions.

    "I think that''s a good idea. I''ll quickly send a message."

    "Also I was hoping we could stop at my mom''s and enjoy a peaceful lunch there. How does that sound?"

    "Awesome!" Amelia''s smile widened. "I missed her so much."

    "I know," Blaze called Fred''s attention back to the car and within seconds, they were in motion again.

    "By the way, I have a surprise for you after lunch. "We''ll be traveling out of town to see someone who is patiently waiting for you."

    "Who?" Amelia quirked her eyebrows up.

    "You find out soon enough."

    *****

    Jerry had no clue how long he had been out or where the hell he was.

    On two different occasions, he had opened his eyes only to feel his body floating as if he were in the sea or on air. But before he could make sense of what was happening, he was systematically knocked out with some kind of painful tranquillizer.

    At the moment, everything felt dark around him. He couldn''t tell if it was day or night. But he knew he was awake. He was seated on some kind of chair and bound to it. He could neither move his leg nor his hand but he could turn his neck left and right.

    His eyes were open but it was as good as shut because he couldn''t see a thing. His throat felt parched and his heart was slamming widely against his chest like a rabbit caught in a snare. His whole body ached as though he had been sat upon by an elephant. But this was nothing compared to what awaited him, especially after recognizing the same lady from the elevator back in the city.

    One thing was certain. The people who adopted him were working for Blaze Anderson and they were bad news. The last time he was electrocuted. Who knows what will happen to him this time?

    With him on the run, no one was going to come to his rescue. Not even his family who had no clue where he was staying.

    Just then, Jerry picked up the voices of people approaching. He closed his eyes and held his breath as the heavy sound of boots stomping on the ground drew closer. He thought he heard the sharp clinking of heels on the floor until a soft textured voice pierced through the denseness of his thoughts.

    "This looks weirdly familiar. Except the last time, I was the one tied to a chair in a skimpy dress, sold out by this douchebag I almost married."

    "Hello Jerry."

 Chapter 140 - 140: Interrogation

    "Amelia!"

    Jerry echoed in his heart, his chest tightening, as a wave of guilt and horror washed over him. The freezing air around him seemed to have dropped a few degrees lower as he felt a cold shiver run down his spine, causing more goosebumps to appear on his skin.

    ''If Amelia was here- where ever the hell this place was, - then her husband must also be beside her.'' Jerry''s pounding heartbeat quadrupled.

    As if in response to his thoughts he heard that cold dangerous and vicious voice echo inside the room they were in.

    "Take off his blindfold and untie him."

    "Yes, sir."

    Jerry winced in pain as a pair of hands roughly untied something at the back of his neck and removed the shackles binding his hands behind the chair. The thick rope which held his body in place was also released giving him the freedom to move his body at will.

    He squinted as his eyes were assaulted by the overhead bright white light illuminating the room when his blindfold was taken off.

    Massaging each of his hurting wrists intermittently, he closed his eyes temporarily to adjust to the brightness of the room and slowly opened them, his breathing heavy and raspy.

    "Aren''t you a sight for sore eyes?" Amelia asked, scowling at the man seated before her, disgusted by his presence.

    Every being in her wanted to launch forward and shred his face to bit for daring to raise his filthy hands on her father. But she kept her cool, especially after promising Blaze that she wouldn''t allow her emotions to get the best of her while interrogating Jerry.

    "Amelia..."

    Jerry''s lips moved but no words came out of his mouth. He was scared of calling her name out loud, terrified of what the dangerous devil standing beside her would do to him.

    "So you think you can run away and start life afresh after the mess you''ve created back in the city?"

    "No..." Jerry shook his head, his eyes darting between the couple standing in front of him like two immovable mountains. They were both glaring at him like hungry tigers who were about to have their fleshy taste of sweet revenge.

    Jerry''s eyes darted towards the open unguarded door, the thought of escaping his nightmare clouding his thoughts.

    His hands had been set loose, his legs were free, and the door was open and unguarded. Aside from the unarmed couple standing before him, only three dangerous-looking bodyguards were standing at various strategic positions.

    What were the odds that if he made a run for it, he wouldn''t be caught? Probably one out of ten chances.

    Every instinct in Jerry told him to get up and run. But for some weird reason, he couldn''t stand up. His butt felt as though it was glued to the chair, and his leg felt as though there was no energy left in it.

    As if reading his thoughts, Jerry heard Amelia''s sweet voice echo in the room.

    "Go ahead. Make a run for it."

    Jerry''s trembling gaze slowly tilted to look at her, his body trembling like an autumn leaf in the wind.

    "Go on. Take this golden opportunity. It will only be given to you once. The door is open. Your legs and hands are no longer bound. No guards in this room will stop you. So, take the bold step and make a run for it while you can."

    A devilish smirk slowly framed Blaze''s lips as he watched Jerry almost wet his pants, as he fought not to look in his direction.

    Jerry shook his head, his lips trembling as he stuttered. "I... I''m s...sorry." He knew what awaited him outside the door if he dared to run. Probably one hundred armed dangerous men with machine guns ready to take him down. He would rather take his chances and plead to Amelia''s conscience knowing she was his only ticket out of this place alive.

    "Sorry! You are a coward." Amelia spat out between clenched jaws. "Nothing but a slimy, Lily-livered and spineless coward."

    The sound of approaching men forced Jerry''s eyes back to the door. He watched in grave silence as two armed men dressed in black combat outfits entered the room, carrying two armless chairs. These chairs were set side by side, five metres opposite him. He heard the door slam shut, closing his window of escape. His twitching eyes darted back to the dangerous couple as they leisurely sat down beside each other as if they were about to be served dinner at a fancy restaurant.

    Amelia slowly crossed her long legs and focused her attention on him.

    "You know, I always thought you were a good man. I thought you were one of those few who would do anything to sacrifice for their lovers. I was even foolish enough to think you loved me. You didn''t just have me fooled alongside the majority of my family members, but you wanted me dead. So I asked why. Why do you hate me this much? What did I ever do to deserve the injustice meted against me? Why did you want me dead?"

    "I...it''s not..."

    "Shh..." Amelia brought a finger to her lips her expression stern. "Let me make one thing clear to you before you cough out any rubbish from that stinking mouth of yours. All I want is the truth and nothing more or less. I will start by asking you a simple question and in turn, you must give me a simple reply. No explanation is needed. If you insult me or my husband..." She placed her hand on Blaze''s arm resting on his crossed legs. "... by lying to our face, I will make sure the nice fellow standing beside you hurts you very well."

    Jerry slowly cocked his head sideways to look at the gruff-looking hefty man grinning at him devilishly. He watched the man slowly slip on a brass hand knuckle, kissing it at the centre.

    Jerry''s breath hitched as he quickly avoided the scary man''s gaze, reverting his attention to the only subtle face in the room, his body trembling more vigorously as though he was about to have a seizure.

    "But if you tell the truth..." Amelia continued talking in her calm and calculated voice, soothing Jerry''s spiked nerves. "...I will ensure no one in this room hurts you. Do you understand?" Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Yes." Jerry nodded his head.

    "Good. Now let''s start again."

    "Have I done anything wrong to offend you in the past?"

    "No," Jerry whispered.

    "What about my father and my late mother, have they done anything to offend your family?"

    "No."

    "Okay. At least now I know I owe you nothing. Now back to that pre-wedding night before the abduction. Were you aware I was going to be abducted when you asked me to meet up at the restaurant?"

    Jerry nodded his head slowly, lowering his gaze, tears of regret streaming down his face.

    "Aside, from you, who else was in on it."

    "Everyone."

    "Be specific."

    "Regina, Gwen, Matt Desmond and Pearl."

    "Is that all?"

    Jerry gulped down the lump in his throat as he tried to steady his ragged breathing. "Your father''s head of security, Lin Fox. S...she was the one who provided us with the abductors."

    "What about my father?" Amelia asked, just to clear every doubt in her conscience."

    "He knew nothing?"

    "And Nana?"

    "She knew nothing too."

    "Good. So all six of you planned to have me abducted, assaulted and murdered, right?" Amelia''s softened voice took an eerie and threatening turn.

    "No."

    "No, what?" Amelia spat out.

    Jerry felt his heart quicken as the hefty gross beside him moved some inches closer.

    "N...nnn...not everyone. I swear..." Jerry stared pleadingly at Amelia, his actions infuriating Blaze who had given Amelia his words not to hit Jerry unless he deviated from the truth. "I had nothing to do with that."

    "Really! You expect me to believe that crap?" Amelia sneered.

    Jerry shrunk in his seat, as the gruff man lifted his fist in the air, ready to descend on him.

    "I... I didn''t know they were going to assault you or even hurt you. I swear on my life." Jerry said, sniffling.

    "Then what do you know?"

    "Lin only told us that she would take care of things. I didn''t ask for the details because I...I was too scared to find out."

    "You were too scared?" Amelia chuckled bitterly. "Scared about what exactly? That I would somehow find out that you were involved or the fact that you were already sleeping with Gwen behind my back. How about a little something to spur you."

    As those words left Amelia''s mouth, the hefty man beside Jerry brought down his clenched fist on the side of Jerry''s face knocking him out of his chair.

    A piercing screech escaped Jerry''s throat as his body hit the floor with a loud thud. He raised his hand to his stinging cheek, wiping off the blood coming out from his nose with the back of his hand while coughing out blood and two broken teeth.

    "No..." He cried out as two men picked him off the floor and forced him to sit down and face the couple.

    Although Amelia felt nauseous at the sight of blood, she sucked in her breath and asked again.

    "Did you know that I was going to be assaulted and murdered that night?"

    Jerry nodded in reply, not daring to look up at her, as the blood coming out of his nose dripped on his white t-shirt.

    "Use your words."

    "Yes."

    "See, that wasn''t so difficult. You and the rest of my family wanted me dead so that you could make away with my inheritance and settle your family''s financial crisis. But guess what, while you were busy running away from your responsibilities after scamming your so-called brainless wife, your younger brother has succeeded in bringing you back to the pit where you belong. Now, before I hand you over to those looking for you, I have one last question to ask?"

    Jerry slowly looked up, cupping his bleeding nose.

    "Did you hit my father on the head and accuse my husband of doing that?"

    Jerry''s eyes widened in horror as he slowly darted in Blaze''s direction.

 Chapter 141 - 141: Apprehensive Aunt

    "Did you hit my father on the head and accuse my husband of doing that?"

    Jerry''s eyes widened in horror as it slowly darted in Blaze''s direction, who was staring right back at him.

    There was something sinister and grotesque about those narrowed darkened grey eyes that made Jerry shrink ten times deeper in his seat, trembling like a jellyfish being tossed around by the wave. It was as though a thousand pointy knives were aimed at him, ready to slice him into bits.

    "I think, since this issue involves my husband, I will let him decide how to handle it. My business with you is over. I''m sure your confession will go a long way to coax others into telling the truth." Amelia casually stood up, ignoring the look of dread on Jerry''s face. She turned to leave when Jerry''s piercing voice stopped her.

    "No... please...have mercy on me." Jerry quickly fell to his knees, stretching out his bloodied hands towards Amelia. "Don''t leave me with him. I don''t want to die. I''m going to be a father. Have mercy." He wept bitterly.

    "Mercy!" Amelia snapped her head backwards, her inflamed eyes shooting laser.."You dare ask me for mercy after everything you''ve done to me, my father and even my husband? You even dare to use an unborn child you called a bastard as a bargaining chip. You must really have some nerves."

    Before Jerry knew what was happening, another fist landed on the other side of his cheek, sending him flying sideways and falling to the floor. He grunted in pain, holding his dislocated jawbone as Amelia vented her rage.

    "Maggots like you only deserve to be eaten slowly alive. You deserve to rot in the deepest part of hell for all eternity and I''m going to make sure people like you don''t exist in this world. Welcome to the beginning of your penance and retribution, asshole." Amelia spat on the floor and walked away.

    "Keep him comfortable, before the lawyers arrive," Blaze said standing up. "I want all the transactions to run smoothly without a hitch. Afterwards, cut off his tongue and chop off all ten of his fingers..."

    "No..." Jerry cried out, but a kick to the stomach silenced him as the boss kept talking calmly.

    "Make it look a bit messy like a mafia''s work but let him live. When the job is done, drop him off at the Shawls'' gate."

    "With all pleasure, boss." The two hefty men waited for Blaze to join his wife outside before swinging into action, ushering Jerry into his hell on earth. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    *****

    The long-awaited day finally arrived with a mixture of excitement, anticipation and a hint of dread for Amelia. She carried on her usual morning routine trying to keep the event of the previous evening at the back of her memory. But something else was eating up her peace of mind, making her jumpy at any sound.

    Earlier, she had woken up with a start, screaming out her lungs and sweating profusely, forcing Blaze, -who was downstairs, working on his laptop - to sprint up in a heartbeat.

    "It was just a dream." Blaze had said, holding her close to his chest and stroking her hair. But this dream, no nightmare felt so real like daylight, making it difficult for Amelia to close her eyes until it was morning.

    Currently, she was getting ready to leave the villa for the day''s event. Her beautiful dress was on point and the makeup and hair were perfect. She had already worn her shoes and jewelry. All that was left was to simply pick up her clutch from the table dresser and leave the bedroom. But, that same warning bell that had been ringing all morning in her head after that nightmare kept prompting her to pick up her phone and dial her auntie''s number.

    "If I call her, what am I going to say to her?" Amelia queried her thoughts as she stared at her beautiful reflection on the vanity mirror. "Aunt Judith, I had a nightmare. Sarah is going to get shot. Don''t let her out of your sight."

    "Amelia, are you not done?" Blaze''s voice echoed from behind the partly closed door.

    "Give me a few more seconds," Amelia replied, tilting her head to look behind as Blaze strolled into the room, looking as handsome as ever in his black tuxedo.

    "What''s keeping you, beautiful." Blaze came up behind her, tenderly stroking her long slender neck while admiring her pretty reflection on the mirror. "You seem a bit tense. Is something the matter?"

    "No..." Amelia let out to a deep sigh. "I guess I''m just apprehensive about the unveiling. I don''t want to disappoint my fans and customers. I really want it to be a success." Amelia lied, not wanting to dwell on the nightmare.

    Blaze slowly helped her stand up and made her turn around to face him. "Is that all?" He asked softly, admiring the way the elegant orange silk satin dress, complimented her fair skin tone and accentuated her curves.

    "Uh-huh!" Amelia nodded, pouting cutely.

    "Then you have nothing to worry about." He said, stroking her flushed cheeks while staring at those dreamy hazel eyes. "Trust me, everything is going to be fine. Everyone is going to love this new product. You know why?"

    Amelia shook her head, beaming.

    "Because it''s created by one of the most talented, outstanding, smart, resourceful, hardworking and the most beautiful cosmetologist in the entire world."

    "You do know how to make a girl blush," Amelia said chuckling.

    "At least, you are smiling now. That''s all I want." Blaze whispered, kissing her on the tip of her nose. "Shall we go or do you want me to carry you downstairs."

    "Don''t worry, I can walk by myself." Amelia picked up her clutch, and left the bedroom with her husband, forgetting all about her nightmare.

    Just like Blaze predicted, the unveiling of LiLa Savvy''s new skincare products went on seamlessly without a hitch.

    The event was attended by, Blaze''s family members, most of whom had traveled far and wide to support Amelia. It was also attended by celebrities in the fashion, entertainment and beauty industries, a few politicians linked to the Shawls family, and some of the biggest major players in the business world.

    Also in attendance, were all of Amelia''s friends, and fans, who eagerly supported the brand in their own unique ways.

    Sadly, none of Amelia''s direct family members were there to support her. The only person who was supposed to attend the event was her aunt Judith.

    Unfortunately, Judith was running late, because she had to drop her daughter off at the airport first before making it down to the event.

 Chapter 142 - 142: Apprehensive Mother

    The airport was a little chaotic, filled with unseen faces hustling and bustling with their luggage to reach their destination. The sounds of people chatting, intercoms blaring, and suitcases rolling were enough to drown someone''s misery. But none of these could be compared to the emotional sight of tearful family members saying their goodbyes to their traveling lovers, children or friends.

    One of such endearing sight was between Judith and her only daughter, Sarah.

    This wasn''t the first time she had seen her daughter off to the airport or watched her board a plane. But something about today felt very weird. She almost cancelled the trip at the very last minute, if it hadn''t been for her son''s intervention.

    All through the long drive to the airport, amid the frustrating afternoon traffic, Judith kept lecturing her daughter about safety and self-awareness in a strange city.

    Even after they arrived at the airport and checked in her luggage, Judith still had one or two more advice to give. When it was finally time for her to let go of her daughter, Judith became all emotional, acting like a clingy mother who was about to lose her only child to the pleasures of the world.

    "Make sure to give your dad and me a call once your plane touches down at the airport, okay," Judith stressed as she hugged her daughter one last time.

    "Okay Mommy, I''ll call you and Dad." Sarah kissed her mom on the cheek, excitement bubbling in her voice.

    "Also, remember, it''s your first time in Mega City. I do not know anyone there and I''m only allowing you to go on this trip because your auntie thinks you are ready to experience the unknown part of the world alone. Do not get cozy with strangers. Keep your pepper spray close to your side and avoid any deserted area."

    "Yes, mum. Can I go now?" Sarah pleaded, staring backwards as the long line at the boarding gate slowly reduced.

    "I''m not done, just wait a little bit." Judith pleaded, her heart pounding widely in her chest as if something bad was about to happen.

    "Please darling, do not take your safety precautions likely. There are a lot of weirdos out there, with demented minds. I know you to be a very smart girl but even smart girls could be fooled. Once you arrive at the city, go straight to the music camp and when you get there, also give me a call. Alright?"

    Judith stressed, almost pulling her ear while holding onto one of her daughter''s hand. She didn''t feel like letting go of her daughter even when she could hear the flight attendant calling all passengers for the stipulated flight to make their way to the boarding gate for the last time.

    "Mom, you do know I''m an adult right?" Sarah replied to her mother''s question with a question, frowning. "Stop treating me like a five-year-old. I can take care of myself."

    "I''m sorry." Judith heaved, releasing a sigh. "I''m just worried that''s all."

    "It''s a musical festival, Mom. I''m not going to a battle camp. I''ll be fine, so stop worrying." Sarah kissed her mother again on the forehead. "Now go and be there for Aunt Amelia. She needs you more than I do."

    "I''ll wait until your flight leaves." Judith insisted, forcing a smile.

    "Goodbye, Mom. I love you." Sarah waved enthusiastically as she picked up her hand luggage and hurried off to join the diminishing queue in front.

    "I love you too, darling." Judith waved back at her daughter, tears gathering in her eyes. She watched the flight attendant admit the last passenger before shutting the boarding gate.

    After watching her daughter''s aeroplane take off from the floor-to-ceiling window, Judith let out a sigh of relief and headed for the exit terminal, where her car was waiting to take her to the unveiling event.

    Thankfully, Judith was able to make it down to the event just in time for the photograph session. She stood beside her niece, greatly impressed by her success and the large turnout of people, inwardly saddened by Gregory''s absence.

    The exhilarating photograph, interview and entertainment session took another three hours taking Judith''s mind off her daughter''s trip entirely. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    However, as the sun began to set, bringing a close to the day''s event, with no calls from her daughter who should have landed at her destination more than five hours ago, Judith began to panic.

    She hurriedly said her goodbye to Amelia, who was still busy with some guest and left for her car, dialing Sarah''s number.

    -

    -

    Five hours, twenty minutes Earlier...

    After Sarah successfully boarded the plane, she excitedly made her way to her seat only to find out that a pretty-looking young dark-skinned lady had already taken her spot.

    The dark skin lady - who was dressed in a flattery playsuit that complimented her skin tone, with matching boots and a cat ear wireless headset attached to both her ears, - seemed to be on another planet as she was nodding to whatever music she was listening to.

    Sarah double-checked her boarding pass to ensure she hadn''t made a mistake with the seat row and number. But there it was stated in black and white; 24C.

    "Hello," Sarah said politely, smiling at the lady while admiring her beautiful headset and her neatly packed curly hair. But the lady whose eyes were closed, didn''t hear her calling as she kept nodding her head to the rhythm of her music.

    "Excuse me, you''re on my seat." Sarah increased her voice a little, attracting a few people''s attention.

    When the lady didn''t respond, Sarah forehead furrowed l. So she decided to tap her gently on the shoulder.

    "Excuse me...."

    The dark skin lady opened her eyes only to reveal a captivating sky-blue eyes that had Sarah hypnotized for a few seconds. She brought down her headset to her neck.

    "Is something wrong?" The lady asked in a soothing and sweet voice that had Sarah''s heart melting.

    "Umm...yes...umm..." Sarah smiled feverishly as she pointed to the seat. "That''s my seat."

    "It is..." The pretty lady''s eyes widened and she looked towards her right. "Isn''t this 24D?" She asked innocently.

    "No...it''s 24C." Sarah corrected, beaming, well pointing to the seat number. "The next is 24D."

    "Oh... I''m so sorry." The lady politely shifted to the next seat making room for Sarah to have her rightful seat.

    "It''s okay. We all make mistakes." Sarah opened the overhead compartment directly above her seat and kept her hand luggage before closing it and sitting down. She listened to the flight attendants give the routine directive about safety inside the plane before fixing her seat belt for takeoff.

    When Sarah looked to her right-hand side, she noticed the lady had fixed back her headset and wasn''t paying attention to the flight attendant who had advised everyone to buckle their seat belt. So she tapped the lady on the arm.

    "We are about to take off. Buckle your seat belt."

    "Oh thanks, again." The lady fixed her seat belt before turning to look at Sarah who was also staring at her.

    "I''m Toshiba Helmet by the way. What''s your name?"

    "Sarah Wales Hunt."

    "It''s nice meeting you Sarah." Toshiba extended her hands towards Sarah.

    They both shook hands together and instantly started talking.

    While they where in the middle of an interesting conversation about a musical artist the air hostess brought their snacks and juice. In the process of serving them Toshiba mistakenly struck the glass of pineapple and orange juice on Sarah''s clothes, forcing her to leave her temporarily to go change at the convenience.

    When Sarah returned the air hostess had already cleaned the seat of the mess and served a fres snacks and juice.

    "I''m so sorry." Toshiba apologize for the one hundred time.

    "It''s fine. It was a mistake." Sarah waved her hands dismissively.

    They resume talking happily and eating ,forgeting about the little accident. They spoke alot about music, their favorite music artist, college, their girlish fantasies and lots more.

    While they chatted, Sarah didn''t notice the devilish glint in Toshiba''s eyes, as she drank her orange juice which had been discreetly drugged.

    After almost three hours in the air, the plane finally touched down with Sarah acting a little bit drizzy and delirious. She willingly followed Toshiba''s lead, who also admitted she was going to the music camp.

 Chapter 143 - 143: Abducted

    Toshiba was really helpful as she managed to guide Sarah through the security checkpoint at Mega City International Airport, posing as her genuine friend. She helped her pick up her luggage and led her through the exit of the airport arrival terminal to an awaiting yellow cab by the driveway.

    "I need to call my mom," Sarah said weakly, the burning heat inside of her intensifying, making her want to rip her clothes off.

    "Let me have your handbag. I''ll help you bring out your phone and dial her number, okay." Toshiba continued in her sweet voice, pulling the handbag off Sarah''s shoulder. She guided her into the rear seat of the cab and got in before quickly closing the door, her heart pounding.

    "It''s so hot in here. Turn on the air-conditioning." Sarah pleaded, pulling at her jacket.

    "Yeah. I feel the same way too. The weather is really hot. How about you take off your jacket? I can help you." Toshiba offered, eyeing the cab driver from behind the back windshield, nonverbally asking him to hurry up with putting their luggage into the car trunk.

    The weird-looking cab driver with a funny-looking moustache and afro hair, completely ignored Toshiba, his narrowed devilish eyes glaring at the young pretty lady beside her, with a predator instinct. He closed the trunk with a noisy bang and made his way around to the driver''s door. He got into the car, adjusted the rearview mirror so that he could continue to look at the pretty girl behind and started the engine. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Toshiba, my phone. Call me..." Sarah''s voice trailed, as her head fell on Toshiba''s lap, her eyes closing.

    "Don''t worry, princess. Everything will be alright. Mommy is here to take care of you." Toshiba cooed stroking Sarah''s honey blonde hair softly.

    The car drove for another ten and a half kilometres before making a left turn into a deserted street where a black BMW was packed by the corner.

    The driver quickly alighted from the car and helped Toshiba transfer the unconscious Sarah to the back seat of the BMW.

    Afterwards, both the driver and Toshiba removed their disguises to reveal their true identities. They toss these disguises into the back seat of the cab alongside all of Sarah''s belongings.

    "Where is her phone." The former cab driver whose real name and identity was no other than the elusive Lorenzo Alejandro, the elder brother to Gabriel Alejandro (the same kidnapper who Amelia stabbed to death during her escape.)

    "It''s inside her handbag." Toshiba, -whose real name is Ivy Le Blanche, (the fiance to Gabriel Alejandro.)- said.

    "Get it."

    Ivy hurriedly ransacked Sarah''s bag and brought out her smartphone. She handed this to Lorenzo who immediately brought out the SIM card and broke it in half before smashing the phone with a rock and tossing the damaged phone into the car.

    "Tidy up and join me in the car quickly," Lorenzo ordered, handing Ivy, five litres of can gasoline.

    "Okay." Ivy beamed sweetly, ignoring the vicious look on Lorenzo''s face. She quickly poured the gasoline all over the cab and set it ablaze before joining Lorenzo in the front passenger seat of the BMW, now packed some safe distance away from the blazing cab.

    "I did a great job just like before, right?" Ivy turned to look at the side of his hardened face as he started the car engine.

    "Wait until we get our main target before you seek my commendation," Lorenzo said dryly. He took one last glance at the unconscious beauty before driving off, leaving a trail of dust and an inferno behind.

    -

    -

    Senator Shawls returned home from work, looking downcast and drained of energy. This wasn''t because he had a lot of work to do at the office.

    In fact, he didn''t do anything productive today other than sitting down alone in his office, brooding and watching the live television broadcast of Amelia''s success.

    The sight of Maria Anderson taking the spot of a mother figure at the event made the senator''s heart bleed. It made him think about his late wife and how she would have been proud of Amelia''s success. He was also stunned by the large turnout from the Anderson family making him doubt his earlier assertion that Blaze may be deceiving his daughter.

    But the one thing that broke his heart further was when Amelia covered up for him and the rest of the Shawls family who didn''t attend the event. It made him feel more miserable with himself for allowing his anger to prevent him from giving his daughter his maximum support.

    At the door, the butler was there to receive him. But the senator noticed something apprehensive and odd about the old butler''s expression.

    "Welcome back, sir." Sam collected the senator''s briefcase with slightly shaky hands.

    "Thank you, Sam. You seem off today. Is something wrong?" The senator walked past him, heading straight for the mansion minibar.

    Sam hesitated before replying, following the senator behind.

    "Not really sir."

    "Then why the long face?" The senator snapped, barely having the patience to rack his brain over an old employee. "Is my wife back from the hospital?"

    "No sir. She called to inform me that she''ll be spending the night with Madam Gwen."

    "What about my mother?"

    "She''s fine sir. She spent most of her day sleeping inside her room."

    "Did any of my brothers come around?"

    "Yes sir, Your brother, Mr Matt, was here a few hours ago and left shortly before you arrived."

    The Butler dropped the senator''s briefcase on one of the stools and helped him fix his favourite drink of dry martini.

    The senator lazily sat down on one of the swivel chairs, massaging his forehead while waiting for his drink. His head was banging and his eyes were heavy as a result of overthinking and sleepless nights. He smiled in appreciation as Sam handed him a glass of his favourite mixture and took a sip to relax his nerves.

    "Why did Matt leave before I returned?" The senator thought aloud not intending it as a question but the apprehensive Butler quickly responded.

    "Because, he had to address some ugly incident, sir."

    "Ugly incident!" The senator''s eyes widened. "What ugly incidents are you referring to?" He demanded in a slightly desperate tone as he stared into the old man''s gloomy eyes.

    "Did something happen to Amelia?"

 Chapter 144 - 144: Missing

    "No sir." Sam shook his head. "At least nothing that I''m aware of. I saw her on television and she looks perfect to me."

    "Oh...okay..." The senator heaved a sign of relief, taking another gulp of his drink.

    "So what ugly incident did Matt have to deal with?"

    Sam fidgeted, as he struggled with words, doing his best not to offend the senator.

    "Sir, please, before I say anything I must first beg for your forgiveness. I know you are under a lot of stress due to Madam Gwen''s hospitalization and Madam Amelia''s decision to stay away from the family. I regret making things any more difficult for you."

    "Can you go straight to the point and stop wasting my time, Sam." The senator rebuked harshly. "If you have something to say, spit it out before I lose my temper."

    Sam gulped down his saliva feverishly, beads of sweat crowding his forehead, as his body started trembling.

    "It has to do with, J...Jerry Morgan."

    The senator, who was in the process of taking another sip of his drink, impulsively spat out the drink in his mouth on Sam''s face and the table counter.

    Sam flinched, taking a few steps backwards, wiping his face with his hand.

    "What did you say?" The senator boomed, rising up to his feet, his loud voice attracting some of the mansion servants to the lounge area.

    "Jerry Morgan." Sam took more steps backwards from the table, his heart slamming widely against his chest at the senator''s viciousness.

    "Where is he?"

    Sam''s lips quivered. But no words came out of it. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Where, God damn it?" The senator''s iron grip around the slender glass he was holding tightened causing it to shatter, spilling its contents on the table counter and the polished marble floor. The shards of broken glass cut into the senator''s palm, causing his hand to bleed. But he felt nothing due to the adrenaline pumping inside his system courtesy of the new lies fed to him by Matt and Regina about Jerry.

    "We found him outside the mansion gate looking bloodied and lifeless. According to the security men at the gate, he was dropped off by two dangerous-looking masked men driving a black tinted SUV." Sam explained in a trembling voice, his widened eying staring in horror at the blood coming out of the senator''s hand and mixing with the spilled wine on the table.

    "Upon closer inspection, the security personnel at the gate observed that all ten fingers of his hands had been cut off. There were some gory flesh injuries on his face and deep knife cuts on his chest and back."

    "What!" The anger on the senator''s face slowly dispersed and was replaced with horror and shock, as he slowly fell back on his seat, staring blankly at the butler who was still talking.

    "We quickly informed Mr Matt since he is in charge of the house security and he came down and took care of things. Before he left with Mr Jerry for the hospital, he made all of us promise not to bother you with the disturbing information until he came back. But I couldn''t keep it away from you, sir."

    The senator nodded slowly, too stunned to say anything.

    The Butler quickly attended to the senator''s bleeding palm, seeing that he was a bit calmer.

    "Did he say which hospital he was taking Jerry to?"

    "No sir. He didn''t say."

    The senator picked up his phone and dialled Matt''s number. After speaking with the latter briefly on the phone, he stood up and left the mansions for the hospital.

    -

    -

    Every attempt made by Judith, her husband and even her son to contact Sarah was met with a dead end. Her phone was simply unreachable. And at some point, it said switched out.

    Acting like a mother on the verge of insanity, Judith hurried back to the airport late in the evening to make inquiries about the flight that her daughter boarded.

    The family of three, made up of the father mother and son, were received by a friendly airport security personnel and handed over to the right department in charge of all flight-related issues.

    The sympathetic mature woman on duty, went through the flight schedule for the day, confirming to the alarmed family that the said flight Sarah boarded had safely landed at its destination. It was also confirmed that all passengers were safely accounted for. But other than that, she couldn''t give any other concrete information about Sarah''s whereabouts so she handed the traumatized family to the airport police department.

    At that moment, Judith had already flooded her husband''s shirt with her tears while hoping against hope that someone would give her information relating to the whereabouts of her daughter.

    The police officer in charge started with his routine interrogation, trying to gather as much information as he could about the missing passenger in question. However, as the questioning continued with any hint of Sarah''s mysterious whereabouts, Judith finally snapped.

    She abruptly stood up and started banging her fist on the interrogating office''s desk.

    "Enough of the stupid question and tell me where my daughter is."

    "Madam, please be patient."

    "Patient!" Judith yelled at the top of her voice, her streaming tears clouding her vision. "My patience has thinned out. I cannot wait for one more second. My daughter could be in danger as we speak. Help me, please. I beg you." She went down on her knees.

    "Madam, please stand to. We are doing everything we can?"

    "No, I don''t see you doing anything other than asking me more questions while my daughter could be in real danger."

    "Sweetheart..."

    Judith slapped her husband''s hands away from her.

    "Don''t Hilary! I want my daughter."

    "Mum please..." Michael stood up to console his mother, he pulled her up, into his arms and held her close. "We''ll find her. Moreover, Sarah is a smart girl. Let''s remain positive."

    "For how long?" Judith''s voice cracked, her body trembling in her son''s arm.

    "Madam do not worry," The Officer said standing. "We are doing everything within our power to find her. We cannot report a case of a missing person until after twenty-four hours. But we have already contacted the local police authority at Mega City with a description of your daughter and the information you have provided us. They will get back to us in the next twenty-four hours or less."

    "No!" Judith freed herself from her son and picked up her handbag. "I can''t wait any longer. We have to take a flight. We have to go down to Mega City and search for daughter and we have to do that now. Sarah might be in danger."

    "Madam, please allow us to do our job."

    The officer''s words fell on deaf ears as Judith marched out of the room, with her son and husband running after her.

    "Honey, wait..."

    While Hillary ran after his wife, Michael quickly placed a call to his aunt, knowing only she could talk some sense into his mother.

 Chapter 145 - 145: Missing 1

    Seated beside her husband in the living room and sharing a glass of red wine with him, Amelia recounted her successes, while watching the recap of the day''s event on television. She was elated and full of smiles as she spoke passionately about some of the high moments of the events, ranging from the huge investment recorded by the company to the large volume of products sold in one day.

    Blaze was simply enthralled as he watched her express her excitement animatedly. He admired the way her sparkling eyes reflected the overhead light, making them twinkle like stars in the night sky. He watched the way her full pink lips moved slowly, parting and closing captivatingly as she spoke. He listened to the softness and sweetness of her voice, which felt like a gentle melody, coaxing his senses and feelings with a deep longing for her touch.

    "Blaze!" Amelia''s voice echoed through his thoughts.

    "Yes." He looked up to meet her gaze, completely lost.

    "I was saying thank you for everything you''ve done to ensure the success of today''s event. You made my day."

    "This is all you, my dear. Nevertheless, you''re welcome."

    "How about a toast?" Amelia said moving closer to him. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Sure!" Blaze refilled her wine glass to the brim, before refilling his.

    "Are you planning to get me drunk?" Amelia eyes him suspiciously.

    "Something like that." Blaze wiggled his eyebrows playfully, making her chuckle.

    "Okay...to success!" Amelia raised her glass in the air. "May all our hard work always be rewarded and our dreams realised."

    "To friendship and partnership filled with lots of exciting moments, tolerance and..." Blaze hesitated a little before changing his intended statement. ".... greatness, may we never grow cold towards each other. Cheers!"

    They both clinked their glasses and sipped their drink, eyes locked on each other.

    Heat crept up to Amelia''s face, making her cheeks redden as Blaze''s lustful gaze intensified. She looked away, blushing really hard, the wine making her feel slightly lightheaded.

    Unable to hold back his feelings anymore Blaze gulped down his remaining drink and put the empty wine glass down on the stool. He moved closer to Amelia, forcing her to look up.

    "You look incredibly beautiful tonight and I can''t take my eyes off you," Blaze said, collecting her wine glass from her hand. He helped her finished up her drink and drop the glass on the stool.

    "Are you flirting with me, dear husband?" Amelia asked, facing him squarely, her eyes brimming with mischief.

    "Maybe," Blaze replied, stroking her soft golden brown curls and tucking it neatly behind her eyes. "Is it working?"

    "Why don''t you kiss me and find out?" Amelia whispered in a sexy voice, biting down on her lower lips flirtatiously.

    "With all pleasure."

    Blaze gently lifted her and made her sit on his lap, facing him. He snaked his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to his chest until there was no space between them. "But I plan on doing more than just kissing." He nuzzled her on her flushed cheeks, making her giggle.

    "I''m all yours for tonight." Amelia raked her fingers through his sleek brown hair, ruffling it a bit. She trembled a little as Blaze traced a finger up the slope of her back to her nape.

    "Just for tonight?" Blaze brushed his lips sensually against hers, tasting the wine on her lips and soaking in her warm minty alcoholic breath.

    "Maybe tomorrow night if you play nice." Amelia cooed in a sexy voice.

    "Then I will be called Mr Nice Guy from henceforth so I can have you every night," Blaze said in a husky voice, claiming her lips before she could say anything.

    Amelia gently wrapped her arms around his neck, her heart racing and her core tingling as Blaze kissed her deeply, his tongue twirling rhythmically with hers.

    Just then, her phone, which was on the side of the couch beside her started ringing.

    At first, Amelia ignored the phone, lost in the warmth and temptation of Blaze''s arms. However when the caller persisted, dialling her number a second time, the infuriating sound buzzing, she hissed inwardly and tried to pull away from Blaze.

    "Ignore it." Blaze pleaded in a muffled voice, not wanting to let go of those delicious lips.

    "Wait!" Amelia forcefully pulled away from the kiss, her breathing heavy. "Let me just see who is calling. I may not take the call."

    "Alright. Hurry up." Blaze groaned as she stretched to pick up her phone.

    "Michael!" Amelia was surprised to see the caller''s name.

    "Who is Michael?" Blaze''s husky voice was laced with a hint of jealousy.

    "It''s aunt Judith''s son. Why is he calling me at this odd hour?"

    "I don''t know. You can either take the call to find out or call him back later." Blaze suggested, feeling a bit impatient to continue from where they stopped.

    But before Amelia could make up her mind, the call disconnected.

    "I think I''ll call him back later." Amelia dropped the phone and resumed kissing Blaze.

    Then came the annoying ringing phone, interrupting them a third time. Blaze was tempted to pick up the phone and smash it on the floor. However, he didn''t make a fuse or stop Amelia when she reached out to grab the phone, neither did he stop kissing her. Rather he trailed his lips down the slope of his slender neck, giving her room to talk.

    Amelia swiped the phone screen, biting down on her inner lips to suppress a moan as she said.

    "Michael, you better have a good reason for calling me at this odd time."

    "I''m very sorry, Aunt Amelia. I didn''t know who else to call. It''s mom."

    Amelia picked up the panic and tension in Michael''s voice. She could also hear the distant voice of Judith''s husband and some other people in the background.

    "Where are you and what is wrong with your mom?"

    Blaze instantly stopped what he was doing, when he observed the way her body suddenly stiffened and the tiny trace of panic in her voice.

    "I''m at the airport, with Dad and Mom. It seems Sarah has gone missing and we''re trying to convince Mom to remain calm and let the police find her."

    "What!" Amelia sprang up to her feet, almost tripping over the stool behind her if it hadn''t been for Blaze''s highly sensitive reflex. "Sarah is missing!" She half screamed, her widened eyes staring at Blaze in horror.

    "Missing!" Blaze''s forehead furrowed.

 Chapter 146 - 146: Missing 2

    "How?"

    "When?"

    "Where?"

    Amelia asked, placing the conversation on speaker mode for Blaze to hear. She held her pounding chest with one hand and the phone with the other, horror clearly written on her furrowed forehead, as she listened to Michael''s quivering voice.

    Blaze gestured for her to take a deep breath and calm down.

    "After Sarah''s airplane left the airport, she was supposed to arrive at her destination within a space of three hours or less. However, after waiting for more than five hours without a single call from her as promised, we became worried. So, Mom and Dad tried calling her severally. At first, her line was not reachable but after several trials, we were notified by the electronic voice that it was switched off, something Sarah would never do."

    "Oh my god..." Amelia exclaimed.

    "We are currently at the airport trying to locate her but the police official attending to us said we can''t file a missing person complaint until twenty-four hours have elapsed. Mom is on the verge of losing it. She''s not listening to anyone and I''m scared she will do something drastic if we don''t stop her. Please aunt I need your help. Please call Mom and talk to her."

    "Stay calm, Mike, I''m coming right away. I''ll call you when I''m there." Amelia hung up and dashed for the door forgetting that she was indecently dressed.

    "Amelia. Where do you think you''re going?" Blaze ran after her and stopped her.

    "The airport. I have to go there right now." Amelia said, looking a bit disoriented.

    "You can''t go to the airport looking like this." Blaze gestured at her tempting pyjamas.

    "Oh... I''ll quickly go upstairs and change." She spun around, ready to sprint upstairs but Blaze stopped her again.

    "Amy, hold on a second and take a deep breath. Nothing is going to happen to your cousin. She''ll be fine."

    "You don''t know that for sure, right?"

    "I''m being optimistic."

    "There is no time for that right now. We have to be realistic. My cousin is missing and for all we know, she could be in danger. I know this because I''ve seen it happen."

    "You''ve seen it happen? When?"

    "It doesn''t matter right now."

    Amelia snatched her hand away from Blaze and sprinted upstairs to her bedroom.

    "Amelia, wait!" Blaze followed closely behind her, confused about her last statement. "Amelia..." He entered her bedroom and made his way into her walk-in wardrobe only to see her scattering her clothes on the hanger looking for something suitable to wear.

    "How about this?" Blaze picked out a pair of jeans and a cream cardigan to protect her from the cold night.

    "Thanks." Amelia quickly undressed in front of Blaze, unperturbed by his presence, her eyes moist and her hands trembling, as she wore her clothes.

    "Amy, you know you can trust me right?"

    Amelia nodded without looking up.

    "Then tell me how you know that your cousin will be all in danger."

    "I dreamt all about it this morning, alright,..." Amelia stressed, her tears falling.

    "The nightmare!" S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Yes. Someone abducted her in that dream just like they abducted me. She was crying for help but no one came to her rescue. When I finally found her, she had been shot in the chest. There was blood everywhere; on the floor, on my blouse, on both my hands..." Amelia opened both her palms as if she could see the blood. "... and I couldn''t do anything to stop it. I failed her. I''ve failed her, Blaze." She broke down in tears, falling to her knees as if her dream had finally come to pass.

    "Hey!" Blaze pulled Amelia up to her feet and held her in his arms. "You didn''t fail her. Like I said before, what you saw was nothing but a dream. It hasn''t come to pass and it won''t under my watch. We will find her and together we will bring her back home, okay."

    "Okay." Amelia nodded her head.

    "Alright, if you''re ready, let''s go."

    Amelia quickly wore her running shoes and said.

    "I''m ready."

    On the way to the airport, Blaze made several calls, contacting some agents he had in Mega City, giving them all the necessary information to commence a city-wide hunt for Sarah Wales Hunt. He also contacted the airline authority at Mega City and Salvine International Airport, giving them details of Sarah''s profile, to match her with all three hundred and twenty-seven passengers that boarded that flight.

    By the time Blaze and Amelia arrived at the airport, they had already discovered a disturbing piece of information that Sarah met a friend in the airplane, who might be responsible for her disappearance.

    However, details about this mysterious friend were yet to be forwarded to Blaze''s mail, keeping him in suspense.

    "Aunt Amelia." Michael, who was waiting for them at the entrance to the airport with two security men keeping him company, hurried forward to receive his aunt.

    "Oh, Michael..." Amelia left Blaze''s side to receive her cousin, who was a few inches taller than her. They embraced briefly before talking almost at the same time.

    "Thank you, Aunt Amy, for coming on such a short notice."

    "Where is your mom?"

    They both chuckled feverishly at the same time before Amelia said.

    "You''re welcome and that''s what families do for each other. Where is your mom?"

    "She''s sleeping in one of the VIP waiting rooms."

    "Sleeping?" Amelia raised an eyebrow.

    "Yes. She was making a lot of trouble and the officers thought it was in her best interest to rest while they did their job. So she was given a sedative to sleep."

    "Oh...okay. I''ll check up on her later. But in the meantime, where is your dad?"

    "He''s currently with the police officer handling the case. Good evening Mr Anderson, and thanks for coming around." Michael acknowledged Blaze''s presence.

    "You''re welcome. Let''s go to your dad."

    "Sure. This way."

    As they made their way into the airport arrival terminal, taking the escalator that led towards the admin section, Amelia received a call from a private number.

    She brought the phone screen to Blaze, who asked her to receive the call and put it on speaker.

    "Hello..." Amelia said.

    There was a deafening silence from the other end followed by a sharp cry from Sarah.

    "Sarah!" Amelia screamed.

    "Sorry, Amelia. She can''t talk to you right now." A deep, cold and creepy voice said, laughing.

 Chapter 147 - 147: The Threat

    Amelia instantly froze like a deer caught in headlights as Sarah''s sharp cry kept echoing in her head like a warning siren.

    All the colour drained from her face, turning it pale. She stared at Blaze with widened eyes and open mouth, her heart slamming widely against her chest as though it was about to leap out.

    She recognized the voice of the man on the other end. It was the same creepy voice that had been tormenting her for the past weeks, both in her dream and in the physical. It was the voice of a creepy stalker, a mysterious predator and a ruthless hunter who was out to get her as promised. And now this person had her cousin in his trap.

    "Aunt Amelia, that was my sister''s voice. That was Sarah''s voice I heard on your phone." Michael cupped his mouth, tears of horror gathering in his eyes.

    But before he could say anything, Blaze motioned for him to keep quiet. He quickly led Amelia away from prying eyes into an empty room, courtesy of Pascal''s quick thinking, while the phone conversation continued.

    "Yes, Michael. It is indeed your sister''s voice. Would you like to hear her sing some more?" The creepy voice from the other end started laughing, his resonating voice making Amelia''s hands tremble vigorously.

    "He knows Michael''s name too?" Amelia echoed in her head, her body trembling even more vigorously.

    Blaze quickly collected the phone from Amelia seeing that she was about to drop it. He carefully wrapped his arms around her to keep her from collapsing as he could see her knees wobbling under her weight. He gestured for her to continue speaking to engage the caller so that they could pinpoint his location.

    "W...who are you and w-what do you want with my cousin?" Amelia heard herself speak, her mind in disarray, as memories of the night she was kidnapped and almost assaulted flooded her thoughts.

    "I''m sure you know the answer to that first question sweetheart. I know you have been dreaming about me all this while, wondering when we will be together."

    Amelia shook her head, tears streaming down her eyes as she kept her gaze locked on Blaze who was trying his best to soothe her while keeping his awoken monster at bay.

    "Guess what, I''ve been dreaming about you too. As for your second question, I have no interest in your cousin whatsoever. She is just a pawn that I intend to use to lure out my queen from her fortress. Do you like chess, Amy?"

    Amelia shook her head, her lips quivering.

    Blaze nodded giving Amelia a hint of a reply.

    "Yes," Amelia whispered.

    "It looks like we have a lot of things in common then and I can''t wait for the two of us to be together."

    "What about my cousin? Please don''t hurt her." Amelia begged, sniffling and wiping her tears with the back of her hand.

    "I promise you, my love, as long as you remain a good girl, I will ensure that no harm comes to your cousin except for the little cut on her right arm. Once I have you in my arms, your cousin will be sent back to her mother in one piece."

    "No..." Amelia cried out cupping her mouth.

    "Did you just say no to me?"

    Blaze shook his head, giving her a sign to quickly apologize.

    "No... I''m sorry." Amelia said.

    "Now that is a good girl. Go home and dream about me this night. Tomorrow morning by 6:00 AM, you will get a wake-up call from me and a list of instructions. Do as I say and your cousin will get to live another day. But if you do anything contrary to test my patience, I will mail a part of her every single day to you until there is nothing left but bones."

    Michael who was also listening to the conversation immediately slumped on the floor after hearing the last statement.

    Amelia on the other hand was almost going into a shock, as the caller concluded his threat with a face-lapping message.

    "By the way, tell your dick head of a husband that this call is untraceable and there is nothing he can do to stop me from making a martyr of you. Sweet dreams, my love."

    As the call disconnected Amelia passed out.

    ********

    Desmond stepped out of the hospital for a smoke and to get rid of his trauma. His hands trembled as he brought out a pack of cigarettes and a fancy lighter from his pant pocket.

    "This is sick," He said to himself, his voice quivering and beads of sweat dripping from his forehead. He wiped the sweat with his sleeve and took out a stick of the cigarette. He was still in the process of lighting the cigarette when he observed a black Rolls-Royce phantom escorted by two sleek SUVs drive into the hospital premises.

    The senator emblem in front of the Rolls-Royce told Desmond that his elder brother had just arrived.

    "Shit!"

    Knowing how much his elder brother despised smoking, Desmond quickly threw the already-lit cigar on the floor and crushed it under his boot. He hid the pack of cigarettes and lighter in the flower pot by the entrance and quickly sprayed his mouth with a minty mouth spray.

    Taking a deep breath, he left to welcome his brother, who had already stepped out of the car, looking like a presidential candidate who had come to visit the hospital against his wish.

    "Good evening, big brother."

    The senator barely acknowledged his younger brother as he walked past him, scrunching his already crumbling face at the smell of cigarette fumes. He was boiling in rage and disgusted to see his brother falling back to his old addiction of smoking. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The senator was escorted by his most trusted head of security Lin Fox, cladded in combat attire and armed to the teeth. She was closely followed by a handful of very intimidating and athletically built bodyguards. She acknowledged Desmond''s presence with a slight tip of the head, before focusing all her attention on her primary task of guarding the senator.

 Chapter 148 - 148: Unknown Enemy

    "Where is Matt?" Senator Gregory demanded in a deadpan tone as Desmond hurried after him, jogging at some point to catch up with the senator''s long strides.

    "He is currently with the doctor at the emergency room where Jerry is been attended to?"

    "Have Jerry''s parents been released from the police custody?"

    "No, brother."

    "What the hell are you people waiting for?" The Senator paused at the hospital entrance, snapping his head sideways to glare at his brother.

    "I...I was...umm... planning to call.... umm..." Desmond''s uncoordinated behaviour and stuttering further pissed the senator.

    "Speak and don''t wait my time, goddamnit." The Senator boomed, scaring the old security man standing by the hospital entrance door.

    "Matt... He''s the one in charge...o...o...of everything."

    "Then lead the way." The senator let out a frustrated sigh as Desmond hurried forward.

    As the senator and his entourage made their way through the hospital lobby towards the emergency department, they became the centre of attraction to both patients and hospital staff who marvelled at the presence of a government VIP in their midst.

    Inside the emergency room, the doctor was speaking in a low voice to Matt, who was looking stressed out and horrified by the turnout of the event.

    Prior to this very moment, Matt had been daydreaming of all the possible negative things he would do to Jerry for his deception, betrayal and his younger brother''s assault on Gwen. Maybe beating him up severely and threatening him with death was all he planned on doing.

    Never in his wildest dream did he envision something as animalistic and sick as all the things done to Jerry''s body.

    "Which of the Mafia group did Jerry offend?" Matt pondered in his mind, barely listening to what the doctor was saying until the door to the room was pushed open.

    Matt and everyone in the room aside from the unconscious patient turned around to see the senator and a few people walk in.

    "Sir, please you can''t be..."

    "That is the senator you are talking to young woman and the patient you''re attending to is his son-in-law. Show some respect." Matt rudely cut off the nurse, who was trying to do her job.

    "I''m sorry sir." The nurse timidly lowered her head and took a few steps backwards allowing the senator passage.

    Senator Gregory acknowledged Matt briefly as he stepped closer to the bed, gritting his teeth in fury. His vicious gaze slowly melted at the sight of what was left of the handsome man he once knew as Jerry Morgan.

    The same handsome man who had succeeded in putting his two beautiful daughters against each other with his lies. The same man, responsible for pushing Amelia to turn against the family. The same man, indirectly responsible for Gwen''s current condition.

    The senator couldn''t believe what was left of this impressive young man. The half-bandaged unconscious man lying on the bed and strapped to different beeping devices didn''t look like Jerry a bit, making the senator question his thoughts.

    "You''re sure this is Jerry?" The senator asked Matt, just to clarify his doubts.

    "In the flesh brother. Don''t mind his disfigured bandaged face. He is still the same man."

    The senator shook his head, letting out a sigh of pity. He regretted the fact that Jerry was still legally married to Gwen. Otherwise, he wouldn''t be this bothered.

    "I need everyone in this room to excuse us briefly except for the doctor." Gregory gestured, impatiently. He waited briefly until Lin gave the all-clear signal, before bombarding the doctor with different questions.

    "What happened to him?"

    "We can''t say for sure what really happened to Mr Jerry, sir. But we did treat him for, multiple stab wounds..." The doctor explained, adjusting his reading glasses on the bridge of his nose as he read from Jerry''s hospital folder. "...burns, fractured bones, all ten fingers amputation, broken knee joint, crude total glossectomy, inflammation..."

    "What was that last thing you said before inflammation? Glosse... what?" The senator asked, heart drumming in his ears at all the scary things the doctor was mentioning.

    "Glossectomy, sir. This is the surgical amputation of the tongue and in Mr Jerry''s case his whole tongue was removed surgically using crude method."

    "What!" The senator boomed. "What animal would do such a thing?"

    "It beats me." Matt''s furrowed brows deepened.

    "And I believe that animal is passing a message across to us," Desmond added from behind, still fidgeting. He was given a warning glare by Matt and he immediately excused himself out of the room.

    "Is he going to survive all of these?" The senator asked looking completely lost.

    "Yes sir. I''m afraid to say this but whoever did this to him wanted him to live as a handicap."

    "Hmm... this is unfortunate. Thank you, doctor. Please give us a second while I talk things through with my brother."

    "Okay, sir."

    After the doctor shut the door behind him, Senator Gregory turned to face Matt.

    "What in God''s name is happening, Matt?"

    "I honestly don''t know brother. I''m still trying to figure it out." Matt replied in all sincerity.

    "Have you said anything about this to my wife yet?"

    "No, I haven''t." Matt lied through his teeth.

    "I would like you to keep it that way. I''ll personally speak to her and then Gwen once she has been discharged from the hospital."

    "Okay, brother."

    "Also, watch out for Desmond, I think he has resumed smoking and you know what that means."

    "I don''t need to be reminded, brother. I guess seeing Jerry like this took a toll on him. But you have nothing to worry about, I''ll take care of him."

    "What about Jerry''s parents? Desmond told me you haven''t released them yet."

    "No, I haven''t."

    "What are you waiting for?" Senator Gregory asked in a repressed voice. "You want things to blow out in our face before you do that? We have no excuse for keeping them locked up anymore. Jerry has been found. Please have them released immediately."

    "I''ll speak to the chief of police once I leave here." Matt stifled his inner consuming rage focusing his attention on the beeping heart rate device.

    "When you release them, including the younger brother." The senator stressed the last part knowing that Matt was still holding Benjamin captive for what he did to Gwen. "Inform them of Jerry''s situation and have them brought over to see Jerry for themselves. With the current situation of things, we need to assure them that we do not have a hand in Jerry''s condition. We cannot escalate this matter until we find out who is responsible and why they are trying to frame us, okay?"

    "Sure. I''ll take care of things just as I always do." Matt said, a dangerous glint flashing across his eyes as he looked up to meet his brother''s worried gaze.

    "If you were to take a wild guess, who do you think is responsible for Jerry''s condition?"

    Matt scanned Jerry''s bandaged face before replying.

    "Based on information I''ve gathered, concerning who Jerry had been secretly conducting business with, this looks like the work of a drug mafia group. Jerry has been secretly laundering their money for years using his family company as a front. I believe this is one of such transaction gone wrong. Jerry knew he was in trouble that was why he disappeared without a trace. But with this set of people, nowhere is safe. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The Senator became even more panicky at the thought of associating with drug mafias.

    "Do you think they are trying to pass a message across like Desmond blurted out a few moments ago?"

    Matt clenched his fist behind him, masking his anger under a worried expression. He thought briefly before responding.

    "Let''s not get our hopes high, brother. If anyone tries to threaten our family, Lin and I will take care of them."

    "All right then, I''ll leave you to take care of this. I''ve got an early schedule tomorrow plus I''ll be visiting Judith later in the day to see Amelia and talk some senses into her."

    "I wish you good luck, brother." Matt''s smile turned into a devilish grin as the senator left the room.

    "If only you knew..." He let out a wicked chuckle as he dialled Regina''s number.

 Chapter 149 - 149: Unknown Enemy 1

    After resuscitating both Micheal and Amelia, Blaze got in contact with Hilary (Michael''s father.) and alerted him discreetly, about the situation of things. Both men spoke briefly for a few minutes and agreed that it was best to keep the information contained for Sarah''s sake and Judith''s sanity.

    Hilary suggested getting a renowned tracker to help them discreetly locate the kidnapper. This idea was supported by Blaze, who also offered to take charge of the entire rescue operation.

    Although Hilary was reluctant to leave the rescue of his daughter in the hands of Blaze, he didn''t have an option, especially with his wife acting all hysterical.

    Before leaving to rejoin Amelia, Blaze reassured Hilary of his commitment to rescue Sarah. He promised to use all the resources at his disposal to locate her and Hilary believed him.

    After the meeting was concluded, Hillary reached out to his distraught son. He consoled him and encouraged him to remain positive, stressing that his sister would be found.

    "What about mom? What are we going to tell her?" Michael asked, his eyes gloomy.

    "Leave your mother to me. I will find a way to manage her. Just don''t tell her anything about what you''ve heard over the phone. Okay?"

    "Sure, Dad."

    Hilary patted his son on the shoulder trying to keep his own emotions in check for the sake of his family. "Let''s go get your mother and return home."

    Both father and son left for the VIP waiting room upstairs where Judith was peacefully sleeping.

    After speaking extensively with the airport police officers in charge of the case, Blaze also left the airport with his heartbroken wife.

    The ride back home was silent, shrouded by a melancholic atmosphere, reflecting Amelia''s agony and Blaze''s suppressed rage. He cradled her in his arms like a bruised infant, watching her chest rise and fall, an occasional sniffle reminding him of the pain caused by the bastard, who had dared to threaten her.

    So far, none of his top hackers have been able to trace the mysterious caller''s locations. The bastard phone call was untraceable and every attempt at locating Sarah was met with a dead end.

    The only information Echo and his team of hackers were able to get within the short period of time given was the picture profile of the dark-skinned lady Sarah befriended on the flight. Sadly, it was later discovered that the lady used a false name and probably a human realistic face mask to disguise her real identity, bringing them back to ground level zero.

    "Blaze..." Amelia whispered, her silent tears fall down her reddened cheek.

    "Yes," Blaze replied in a softer voice, looking down to meet her gaze, which was still lowered.

    "Have you been able to locate her?"

    Amelia''s question hit Blaze on the chest like a boulder falling from the sky, making him feel incompetent at the moment.

    "No, but are searching. We will them soon."

    "What if he hurts her before you do?" Amelia lifted her moist reddened gaze to his.

    "We just have to stay positive and believe he won''t hurt her."

    "But you can''t trust the words of a madman. He already hurt her and he might do it again just for fun."

    "Hey...Take your mind off those ideas and focus on only positive thoughts. He won''t hurt her. Okay."

    Amelia bit down on her lower lips, nodding her head without responding. She closed her eyes and tried to evoke beautiful memories. But all she could think about was Sarah and all she could hear was her sharp cry begging for help.

    When Blaze arrived home with his wife, he took her straight to her bedroom and made her lie down after taking medication to relax her nerves. When he was certain she was fast asleep, he went downstairs, into his noise-proof study, closing the door behind him.

    Going behind the desk, he sat down and opened his laptop screen. He logged into his dark web account, - where he was known as the dark Phoenix - and opened up a chat made up of ten dangerous people, around the globe.

    These were the same people who secretly stood by him when his father died. They were like his brother in the underworld, ready to bleed by his side, no matter the cost.

    [A daredevil had just crossed my path by threatening my wife and insulting me. He currently has my wife''s cousin sister, hostage. I need him found, alive, ASAP. Point of abduction; Mega city.]

    Immediately Blaze tapped the enter button on the keyboard, messages started pouring in as though his brothers from hell had been patiently waiting by their system.

    -

    -

    Amelia awoke to a startling shrill, reverberating on all four corners of the enclosed room. She sat up, covered in perspiration and breathing heavily, her grip on the bedsheets tightening. Her widened eyes scanned the room for the person who was screaming or was it in her head?

    Just then, the door to the bathroom opened and Blaze walked in, wearing only a sweatpant and towel drying his wet hair. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Hey, you''re awake." He leisurely made his way to the bed and climbed on it, smiling softly.

    From the look of horror in Amelia''s eyes, Blaze knew she had been awoken by another nightmare.

    "Another scary dream?"

    Amelia nodded.

    "Do you want to talk about it?" He asked sitting opposite her.

    Amelia shook her head, swallowing the lump in her throat and unintentionally moistening her lips as she stared at him.

    She watched as some of the water draining from the tip of his wet hair slid down his neck to his broad shoulder blade and further down his well-built chest and perfectly chiseled abs, before disappearing into the waistline of his sweatpants.

    Amelia''s open lust aroused Blaze. His voice became husky as he spoke while reaching out to stroke the side of her face.

    "Everything is going to be fine. Okay?"

    "Okay," Amelia whispered leaning towards his touch.

    Then without warning, she lurched herself forward, wrapping her arms around his neck and holding him tight as if someone was about to separate them.

    In response to her innocent action, Blaze wrapped his arms around the curve of her waist and pulled her even closer. He was enamored by her tenderness and vulnerability, as different erotic thoughts crossed his mind. But he knew she was simply seeking refuge and not sexual company.

    Taking in a deep breath to stifle his desires, he stroked her back tenderly, wishing they could remain like this for the entire day.

    Sadly, this morning tenderness was about to be cut short by the mysterious caller with a large appetite.

    Amelia was still soaking in the coldness of her husband''s skin and the fruity fragrance of his shampooed head when her phone started ringing.

    Instantly, she broke away from him, her horrid eyes turning towards the phone on the bed stand.

    She took one look at her phone screen and his gaze turned cold.

 Chapter 150 - 150: Tic Tok....

    "Hello..." Amelia said after swiping the receive button.

    "Hello, my queen. Did you sleep well?" The cold, creepy and spine-chilling voice of the mysterious caller rapped in Amelia''s ear.

    "Go to hell...." Amelia was tempted to say, her entire body trembling with her suppressed fury. She kept her gaze on Blaze, doing her best to hold back her tears from falling.

    "Yes."

    "Good. Did you dream about me?"

    "No." Amelia spat out.

    "Don''t worry, my darling, you will after I''m done imprinting myself all over you." He let out a guttural laughter.

    "I need to speak with my cousin and ensure she''s fine."

    "Don''t worry. She is fine."

    "I need to hear it from her lips?"

    "You will after you complete my first task."

    "And what is that?"

    "You have thirty minutes to leave the house, take a cab and go to the city museum, alone. There, you will meet the young man on the night shift, with whom I have secretly dropped a brown parcel for you. Introduce yourself as the white bunny, collect the brown parcel and wait for my call. Failure to get to the destination and receive the parcel before the stipulated time elapsed will cost your cousin a beautiful slash on her pretty face. Your time starts now."

    The call instantly disconnected leaving Amelia completely disoriented. She instantly sprang up from the bed, her whole body trembling as though she was about to have a meltdown.

    Blaze, who had been busy all night, preparing for this anticipated move, swiftly swung into action, taking Amelia by surprise. He brought out a perfectly arranged red, two-piece jogging tracksuit and a pair of sneakers.

    "Here, quickly put them on." He said, also changing to a black tracksuit.

    As Amelia dressed up, Blaze gave her a series of live-saving instructions that she must follow in case they got separated for a short while.

    "Amy, I know you are scared but I need you to trust me on this. I know how people like this operate and in other to beat them at their own game, you have to play by their rules. This means, we will do everything he says, which may include you leaving the city on an airplane to an unknown destination."

    "What!" Amelia paused, lacing her shoes, her widened eyes staring helplessly at Blaze.

    But Blaze quickly averted her gaze, unable to bear the hurt in her eyes. He quickly helped her complete the tax of lacing her shoes.

    "I will be with you every step of the way even though you might not see me physically. Listen for my voice in your head and stay true to yourself. Call out whatever you see, faces, colours, action and anything other thing that can give me a hint on how to get the bastard. All I need is just one chance to spot him and I can assure you the rest will be history." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Blaze stood up, also helping Amelia up to her feet. He checked the time on his wristwatch and said.

    "According to his instruction, you have twenty-seven minutes left to pick up the parcel. Lance with take you to the main Street area where a taxi I have arranged is waiting for you. Do whatever he tells you and do not give him the pleasure of your tears." Blaze said wiping Amelia''s streaming tears with his thumb.

    "Blaze..."

    Blaze didn''t give her any chance to say anything as he claimed her lips in a passionate kiss, the mere thought of letting her go killing him slowly.

    As much as he was acting calm and composed on the surface, he was a complete wreck within. Saying goodbye was something he hated and dreaded, especially when it involved someone he loved dearly.

    "I''ll see you on the other side." Blaze ended the kiss with a solemn promise before they both left the room.

    -

    -

    Twenty-five minutes to the end of the deadline, Amelia arrived at the museum gate. She made her way briskly to the security post and smiled feverishly as a stout security guard in his security uniform and a black hat approached the locked gate, scrutinizing her from here to toe.

    "Young lady, are you lost or isn''t it quite early to visit the museum?"

    "Good morning..." Amelia forced a smile, trying her best to act natural. "Please are you the security guard on night duty?"

    "Who is asking?" The man narrowed his gaze suspiciously at her.

    Amelia almost bit her tongue as she said, "White rabbit."

    "Oh... so that joker guy wasn''t kidding after all." The man chuckled assessing Amelia again, this time with a lustful glint in his eyes. "He never said you were such a beauty."

    "Do you have a parcel for me or not?" Amelia asked in a repressed tone, the fleeting thought of punching the man in the face through the space in the iron gate crossing her mind. She checked her wristwatch and found out she had only two minutes left.

    "Sure sweetheart. I''m coming." The security guard grinned as he left for his office and returned with a small rectangular shaped parcel and a card. "Here..." He slid the parcel and the card to Amelia through the iron bar spacing.

    "When that joker is done with you, feel free to contact me on that number."

    "Sure. You will be contacted, Mr..." Amelia narrowed her gaze as she read the name on the man''s name tag. "Lazarus Igar."

    "That is my name." The guard blew kisses to her, as she hurried back to the cab waiting for the next call.

    Buzz! Buzz!!

    The parcel Amelia was holding started vibrating causing her to jerk. She cautiously opened the package with the help of the kind cab man, whom she suspected was working for Blaze.

    "It''s a phone and a bus ticket," Amelia said, picking it up cautiously. On the screen of the phone was displayed a private number, giving her a clue about who was calling. She took in a deep breath and said.

    "Hello..."

    But instead of the cold and creepy voice from earlier, she heard her cousin''s quivering voice.

    "Aunt Amelia..."

    "Sarah!" Amelia half screamed, a mixture of excitement and horror bubbling in her voice. "Are you all right? Did he hurt you? Where are you."

    "I''m fine, that is all you need to know for now."

    Amelia could sense the tension in her cousin''s quivering voice from miles away. So she asked.

    "Is he there with you?"

    "Yes."

    "What is it doing?"

    "Staring at me with a gun pointed to my head."

    "What!" Amelia gasped. Before she could ask any more questions, she had the stalker''s voice.

    "Your first wish has been granted. Now, quickly walk away from the cab and hurry down to the bus station on foot. You have five minutes to get there before you miss your boss. Tic Tok...." The call disconnected.

 Chapter 151 - 151: The Scary Journey

    It was a race against time as Amelia hurried down the cobblestone path of the museum driveway to the main street, holding nothing but the small cell phone she found in the parcel and a bus ticket.

    The sun was still rising and as such there were very few people jogging along the path, minding their own business.

    When Amelia got to the main road, she paused, breathing heavily, her head snapping to her left and then to the right, unsure of where to go. For a girl who had never commuted on a bus in her entire life, she felt completely lost.

    "Turn right."

    Amelia heard Blaze''s voice in her head. It was as soft and calm as the gentle whisper of nature. Her breathing quickened as she looked around for any sign of him. But aside from the early risers and commuters, there was no sign of him. She slowly lifted her right hand up as if to scratch her ear while looking for any sign of a wireless ear plug.

    "Amy, it''s me. I can see you from where I am, but you can''t see me. I need you to focus baby. You are doing great so far."

    Blaze''s clear voice echoed in her ear again, confirming the possibility of a wireless device somewhere in her ear or maybe her head.

    ''How and when did he fit this device into her? Was it before she left the villa or while she was asleep?'' Amelia pondered, her lips curving in a faint smile as she stared ahead, beyond the busy road, as if she could see him.

    "I will be guiding you every step of the way. Don''t say anything or try to communicate with me. Just follow my voice and stay calm if I go radio silent. Now, turn right and hurry to the next intersection. Take another right turn and you will see the bus up ahead. Go now. I''m delaying the bus for you."

    Amelia nodded, expelling every negative thought. She turned to her right and sprinted off following Blaze''s direction.

    Up ahead she could see the bus stop. It seemed the bus was having a little malfunction as it came jerking every now and then when the driver tried to move.

    "Wait!" Amelia sprinted forward, waving her hand to the bus.

    The crease on the bus driver''s face deepened as he saw another passenger flanking him down. He was already running late and his bus was having a possible electrical malfunction. He stopped and waited for Amelia to get in.

    "Thank you, Sir." Amelia plastered a sweet smile on her face as she gave the bus driver her ticket and left to take her seat in the back row, away from all the bus passengers gawking at her as if she were an alien.

    The driver started the bus again, anticipating another jerking movement. But to his dismay and excitement, the bus started moving without a hitch.

    Amelia kept her head lowered, staring at the phone screen, her fingers white and shaky as she waited patiently for the call that never came. Her mind drifted for a while as she thought about her life, her family, all her achievements and how everything could come to an end at just the snap of a finger.

    Pushing all her negative thoughts aside she lifted her face and stared blankly at the side of the glass window. But instead of the busy street of the city, she was surprised to see trees and rolling mountains passing by in a blur. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Just then, the phone she was holding rang, causing her to jerk in shock. She took in a deep breath and received the call.

    "Hello."

    "Take off every accessory on you, including wristwatch, wedding ring, earrings, nose ring, hairpins and drop them on the bus seat." The cold and somewhat harsh voice of the stalker echoed in her ears.

    "Okay." Amelia did as instructed while the caller stayed online. She felt like crying as she removed the hand bracelet Blaze gifted her and dropped it on the seat. She didn''t feel like parting away with it, at least not yet. She also removed her wristwatch and dropped it on the seat. Thankfully, she wasn''t wearing her wedding ring.

    "Done "

    "Good. Your bus will be arriving at Oatal County in the next hour or more. When it stops, exit the bus and make your way across the street. A black sedan will be waiting for you directly opposite a drugstore. Get inside the rear seat of the sedan, change to your new clothing and drink the juice the driver would offer to you."

    "What juice?" Amelia''s eyes widened in alarm.

    "Don''t worry, I''m not planning to kill you just yet. The juice contains a little something that will help you relax throughout the rest of the journey. By the time you wake up, we will finally be together." The call ended again, leaving Amelia more miserable than before.

    An hour and twenty minutes later, the bus arrived in the heart of Oatal County. All the passengers filed out one after the other with Amelia at the back of the queue staring right ahead her heart threatening to leap out of her chest as she sighted the black sedan across the road.

    The busy Oatal main street was a hive of activity, with people of all ages hurrying to and fro, each with their own destination in mind. The air was filled with the sounds of traffic and conversations as Amelia hurried across the road. She cautiously approached the black Sedan opposite the drugstore praying earnestly in her mind that this wouldn''t be the end.

    Taking a deep breath, she opened the backseat of the car and slowly got inside, her hand still holding the door open, as she checked out the afro hair driver wearing a dark shade.

    "Shut the door." The driver of the car said in a deadpan voice, without looking backwards.

    Amelia observed the feminine texture of the driver''s voice who was pretending to sound like a man. She closed the door and listened to the clicking sound of the driver activating the central lock. She spared one quick glance at the medium juice box on the seat before returning her attention to the driver.

    "You have a few minutes to take off your entire clothing, and change to the black one-piece suit beside you."

 Chapter 152 - 152: The Scary Journey 1

    Amelia nodded and did as she was told, unperturbed by the driver''s intense gaze from the rearview mirror. After all, they were both women and there was nothing to hide.

    When Amelia was done dressing the driver instructed again.

    "Drink from the juice box beside you and buckle your seat belt."

    "Why are you doing this?" Amelia asked softly, hoping to melt the driver''s hardened mind. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Do not ask me stupid questions, lady. Drink from the juice box and buckle your seat belt." The driver ordered harshly.

    "I can tell you are a woman pretending to be a man," Amelia said, ignoring her instructions. "I can also perceive your lavender perfume, masked by that pungent masculine cologne. You don''t have to continue with this task. You can let me go and tell me where my cousin is."

    "I said drink the juice and buckle your seat, now." The driver said between clenched jaws, trying her best to contain the bubbling rage.

    "Listen to what I have to say first," Amelia replied stubbornly, unafraid of the consequences.

    "I know I haven''t done anything wrong to you. My cousin hasn''t done anything to you either. So, why are you doing this? Why are you working for such a sick and demented man when you could do something better with your life? Do you know the trouble you could get into for kidnapping someone? Walk away now and give up the location of my cousin. I promise to change your life for the best"

    "I will give you ten seconds to drink your juice and put on your seat belt. If by the time I''m done counting down, you are yet to comply with my instruction, I''ll put a bullet in your forehead. Then we will know who is more demented. 10..."

    "I''ll give you one more choice to walk away now and tell me where my cousin is."

    "9, 8, 7..." The driver raised his silencer up to show Amelia that she wasn''t kidding.

    At the same time, Amelia caught sight of the driver''s dark skin wrist, before she could cover it properly. It''s set off an alarm bell in Amelia''s head.

    "It''s you. You were the one who spied on me the last time, taking pictures of my nudity. I also believe you are the lady called Toshiba, who deceived and kidnapped my cousin."

    "3, 2..."

    "Karma will come calling very soon." Amelia picked up the juice box and emptied the whole content into her mouth, pushing it down her throat as the driver turned around pointing the gun at her face.

    "There... I have drank it. Are you still going to shoot me in the head?" Amelia shot her a vicious glare, daring her to pull the trigger.

    "Bitch!" The driver leaned closer and struck Amelia on the temple with the base of her gun, knocking her out instantly. She started the car and zoomed off to her next drop-off point, where a chartered helicopter was waiting to pick her up.

    Over the next few hours, Amelia was transported by air and then another car ride before she arrived at her destination, which happened to be an underground facility, surrounded by a lot of trick wires.

    But due to the effect of the drug and the blow to the head, she remained unconscious for a few more hours before finally slowly regaining consciousness.

    "Aunt Amelia."

    Amelia heard the voice of Sarah, calling her desperately. "Sarah!" She replied weakly struggling to open her eyes, squinting at the blinding overhead fluorescent light. Her head was banging really bad and her throat was parched making it difficult for her to swallow her saliva.

    "Oh thank goodness! You are alive." Sarah said, kissing her dear auntie on the forehead. "I thought that evil lady had killed you when they brought you here."

    Amelia managed to open her eyes, the drowsy effect of the drug she had consumed earlier still potent in her system. She forcefully pushed herself up into a sitting position, her body swaying a little. She held her head which had a bandage wrapped around it. She scanned her new environment, taking notes of the automated vault-like door, keeping them prisoners.

    The room they were locked in was very spacious with no pieces of furniture or decoration, except for the big-sized bed on which she was seated and a small television mounted on the opposite wall.

    "Aunt Amelia," Sarah called again touching the back of Amelia''s left hand.

    Amelia flinched, turning sharply to glare at Sarah. She held Sarah''s moist gaze for a while as if doubting her own eyes before she finally blurted out.

    "Sarah! Oh my goodness!" Amelia threw her arms around her cousin. Both women wept for joy in each other''s arms before the back-and-forth question began.

    "Did they hurt you?

    "No, they didn''t." Sarah shook her head, sniffling.

    Amelia pulled away from her cousin to access her thoroughly, ignoring her own trauma, as she searched for any form of injury on her cousin''s body.

    "I''m fine." Sarah chuckled. "He kept his word and didn''t touch me except for this."

    Sarah lifted up her dress to reveal a neat slash on her thigh.

    "Oh God... I''m so sorry Sarah. I got you involved in all of this. It''s all my fault."

    "It isn''t your fault, Aunt Amelia. I shouldn''t have trusted that evil witch." Sarah said eying the door.

    "Toshiba?"

    Sarah shook her head. "No, that''s not her name. They are very discrete about their identity."

    "Who are they?"

    "A scary-looking masked man and the lady who kidnapped me and also did this to you." Sarah gently touched Amelia''s bandaged head.

    "Ouch!" Amelia hissed. "It''s still hurts."

    "I can tell. You were looking pretty pale when they brought you here. I even thought you were..." Sarah shook the thought out of her mind. "...thank goodness you are okay."

    "You said the man wears a mask?" Amelia asked wondering if Blaze could still hear her.

    "Yes, he wears a black scary tiger mask. I have never seen his face. But he always talks about his brother. He claimed you killed his brother."

    "I killed his brother..." Amelia froze, her chest tightening as she recalled the man she had stabbed to death when he attempted to assault her.

    "Did you kill anyone?" Sarah asked in a quivering voice.

    Amelia nodded her head, tears rolling down her cheeks. "He was going to rape me. So I defended myself."

    "Then he deserved it," Sarah said, hugging her aunt.

    Click!

    Both ladies instantly froze as the vault-like door to the room was unlocked from the outside. They held each other tightly as the door was slowly pushed open.

 Chapter 153 - 153: Lorenzo Alejandro; You Are A Coward

    The tension in the air morphed into one of surprise as, a young man in his mid-thirties, with brown eyes and a well-built athletic body, strolled into the room, smirking at the two frightened kittens. He made his way slowly to the bed, towering above his prey, his darkened and unreadable gaze scrutinizing Amelia from head to her bare toes.

    "You!"

    Amelia slowly let go of Sarah, her jaw dropping upon recognizing the man before her.

    "Hello, Amelia." Lorenzo''s side lips curled up in a smirk.

    "I know you."

    "You know him," Sarah whispered, in a trembling voice.

    Amelia nodded pushing Sarah to stay behind her.

    "Hmmm... Interesting. Do tell." The young man said leisurely, a creepy smile spreading across his lips.

    "You worked as a bartender at Diamond Star." Amelia paused, ransacking her brain for the name Kayla had mentioned to her when they were fooling around. "Manuel."

    Lorenzo''s smirk deepened. "I''m truly flattered that you still remember me. I never knew I made such an impression on you."

    "What happened? You were really nice and friendly."

    "You happened, Amelia." Lorenzo''s gaze turned predatory as he glowered at Amelia with an unquenchable thirst in his eyes. "I only took that bar tending job for a day just to study you and your friends. For weeks, I have watched you from afar, taking advantage of those who hate you and waiting for the right moment to strike. You took something precious from me and I want that it back. A life for life."

    "So you are the brother to a rapist, a kidnapper and an assassin. So pathetic." Amelia part in his direction. "I can see the poisonous blood runs deep in the family." She matched Lorenzo''s ominous glare with a scowl.

    "Tough! I like that. Allow me to formally introduce myself to you. I''m Lorenzo Alejandro, the elder brother to Gabriel Alejandro - the man you murdered in cold blood. Now tell me, what do you think I should do to the woman who took the only family member I have left?"

    Amelia could feel Sarah''s grip tightening around her waist as Lorenzo leaned forward his right arm stretching towards Amelia.

    "Your brother got what was coming to him the moment he kidnapped me, hit me hard and tried to rape me. Were you expecting me to sit still and let him have his way without a fight?" Amelia''s body shook as tears clouded her vision. "Even a dying dog will fight for a chance to live."

    Lorenzo paused, holding Amelia''s crumbling composure for a few seconds before deciding not to touch her yet. He stood up straight, his cold gaze never leaving her.

    "You right..."

    Amelia waited for him to complete his statement and when he didn''t she asked.

    "Right about what?"

    "Even a dying dog deserves a chance to fight for their freedom. Your fate had already been sealed the day you stabbed my brother to death. I''m going to give you that chance to fight for your life before I end you. Come with me." Lorenzo stretched his hands towards her.

    "No..." Sarah cried out holding Amelia even tighter almost choking her.

    Amelia loosened Sarah''s grip a little, stroking the back of her hand and reassuring her that everything was going to be fine.

    "What about my cousin? You promised you would set her free once you have me?"

    "Yes!"

    "So what are you waiting for? Set a free."

    Lorenzo chuckled, the humour not reaching his eyes.

    "Not yet silly. I said your cousin will be set free after I''ve had you..." He drawled, his glistening brown eyes drinking in her feminine beauty which was perfectly captured by the one-piece leather suit. "...to my heart desire. If you fail to please me in bed as much as I want, I will kill your cousin and I''ll still kill you. Either way, my brother will be avenged. Now come to me."

    "No...Please... don''t hurt my aunt."

    "Lorenzo Alejandro, you are a coward," Amelia said between clenched teeth, batting her lashes to push back the tears that were threatening to fall. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Aunt Amelia, please don''t provoke him any further," Sarah begged, but her pleas fell on deaf ear.

    "A coward who sends a woman to do his dirty job. A coward who hides under a shitty mask threatening people simply because he has no balls to face them. A coward who isn''t man enough to keep his promise. You only show your strength in front of an unarmed in helpless woman. If you have any dignity left in you, give me a weapon and see if I wouldn''t send you six feet below like I did your rapist of a brother."

    A pin dropped from a mile away could be heard as a deadening silence rained for the next few seconds. Lorenzo held Amelia''s unyielding glare, his hunger to break her and make her eat her words, fueling his rage.

    The only thing Amelia could hear was her heart drumming in her ears as she waited for Lorenzo to take her up on her daring offer or attack her.

    "Bold, fearless and tenacious, all the qualities, I admire in my dream woman. Now I see why Ivy was forced to hit you in the head while contemplating killing you. You really know how to get on someone''s nerves. But since you are eager to taste blood, I will give you the opportunity to face your nemesis in a fist fight."

    Lorenzo pointed to the opened door, as Ivy who had been standing by the door and listening to all their conversation strolled in, smiling grimly.

    Amelia was disappointed to see the beautiful face of the dark-skinned lady who had been working for an animal. She was a young pretty girl probably in her early twenties, with cute bangs. She was casually dressed in a tank top paired with sweatpants and white sneakers.

    "Let me formally introduce you to Ivy, known to Sarah as Toshiba and you..." Lorenzo pointed to Amelia. "...as the photographer. She is my late brother''s fiancee. They were going to get married in the next three months but you took that away from her. Can you imagine what she wants to do to you right now with her beautiful fist?"

    Lorenzo turned his head to Ivy.

    "Teach her the importance of silence and bring her on her knees to my room. If the cousin gives you a headache, break one of her limbs."

    "With pleasure," Ivy replied grinning slyly, as she marched forward intending to make Amelia bleed.

    "Ivy, don''t let him use you. He is a lunatic. You can..."

    "Amy, move to you right in Sarah''s direction and keep your head down" Amelia froze as she heard Blaze''s voice in her head, as clear as running water. She acted on impulse as Ivy reached out to grab her hair.

    Lorenzo turned around to leave when he spotted the silhouette of emotionless figure, standing at the door with a gun pointed in Ivy''s direction.

    "Ivy, lookout..." Lorenzo screamed as he dived to the side.

    Bang! Bang!!

 Chapter 154 - 154: Rescued

    Everything happened like a flash of lightning, taking Lorenzo by surprise.

    The masked men dressed in black holding automatic firearms, appeared in the doorway like ghosts seeking retribution.

    Lorenzo didn''t know how these men gained access to his highly secured sanctuary. He had been very discrete and careful while conveying Amelia to this place. There were a lot of trick wires surrounding the facility, making it impossible for anyone to come close without getting blown up. So how the hell did they locate him?

    There was no time for Lorenzo to ponder on these questions as he screamed at the top of his voice.

    Sadly, before Ivy could realize what was happening, two deadly shots were fired, in her direction.

    As Ivy spun around to look at Lorenzo in slow motion, one of the bullets hit her directly on her temple and another hit her on the chest, sending her falling backwards on the bed, hands sprawled, with blood oozing from the punctured wound.

    Dazed, with nowhere to run, Lorenzo did the only logical thing that came to his head. He launched himself forward, hoping to grab Amelia by the neck and use her as a human shield.

    However, he didn''t get to make it halfway close to Amelia when he was taken down with two crippling shots in both legs, causing him to cry out in horror.

    Amelia and Sarah both kept their heads down shaking, terrified by the cry of anguish and pain.

    Amelia could feel Ivy''s motionless arm resting on her back. She knew the young lady had been shot and she silently wept for her.

    At that moment, she could hear a lot of boot-shuffling movements. Ivy''s hand that was resting on her back was removed. Someone in the room was speaking to Lorenzo in a deep low voice and in response, Lorenzo was cursing and swearing.

    Then Lorenzo''s voice turned muffled as if his mouth were duct-taped.

    After a while, there was complete silence in the room. But Amelia could feel the dominating aura of someone close to her. She remained faced down on the bed, holding her cousin''s sister protectively, her body still trembling as she waited patiently for Blaze''s voice to tell her what to do next.

    "Amy..."

    Amelia heard Blaze''s soft voice call unto her. She didn''t respond or react as usual as she waited for the next directive. But when she felt his gentle touch on her arm, stroking her tenderly, she slowly lifted her face from the bed to look in his direction.

    "Blaze!"

    "It''s over, sweetheart. You''re safe." Blade said, crouching beside the bed.

    "We are safe!" Sarah also lifted her head up to scan the entire room. She observed the gory sight of blood stains on the bed sheet, and on the floor, a few meters from the bed. "They are gone, Aunt Amelia. We are safe...." she screamed for joy, hugging her dear aunt who had come all this way just to rescue her.

    "Yes, we are." Amelia wept for joy, her eyes locked on Blaze who was still staring right back at her. "Thank you."

    "You''re welcome," Blaze whispered to her.

    Blaze stood up straight, as one of his men walked into the room.

    "Boss, we are ready."

    "Take Sarah to the second chopper. I need to talk to my wife."

    "Yes, boss. Miss Sarah." The hefty-looking man smiled softly at her pointing towards the door.

    "Thank you, Uncle Blaze." Sarah briefly hugged him before following the friendly man out of the room. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Blaze stretched his hand towards Amelia and lifted her up to her feet.

    "You were really brave and courageous, and I''m so proud of you."

    Overwhelmed with her emotions and the tears she had been holding back all this while, Amelia threw herself into Blaze''s open arms, crying her heart out and holding him close with no plans of letting go.

    "I was so scared that I wouldn''t see you again. I thought they were going to kill me."

    "That will never happen," Blaze whispered, consoling her. He pulled away to scrutinize her bandaged head stroking it tenderly. "I''ll make him and all those responsible for this pay dearly with their lives."

    "You were with me all the way?"

    "Yes."

    Amelia observed a little dark circle under Blaze''s eyes. "You haven''t slept since yesterday right?"

    "How can I sleep when someone is threatening my wife? I have to take care of business first then sleep can come later. Here..." Blaze brought out her hand bracelet from his pant pocket.

    "Ah!" Amelia gasped. "You found it! I thought I''d lost it forever." She extended her left hand as Blaze gently wore the bracelet around her wrist.

    "For as long as we are together I''ll make sure you never lose anything again." Blaze lifted the back of her left hand up and planted a kiss on it.

    "Oh Blaze, you are so sweet and I love you so much." Amelia blurted out before she could stop herself.

    "What!" Blaze felt his heart pounding in his ears as he held her alarmed and embarrassed gaze.

    "I....I... I meant to say like you." Amelia gulped down the lump in her throat. "I like you so much."

    Blaze chuckled, smiling to himself as he replied. "I like you too....very much." He whispered, kissing her passionately until they were both breathless.

    "Let''s leave this sick place."

    "Okay..." Amelia scanned the room briefly, her alarmed eyes taking notes of the blood-drenched bed sheet and the blood stains on the marble floor.

    "Is he dead?" Amelia asked as they left the room, with Blaze holding her close and guiding her through the winding pathway.

    "Not yet. I still need him alive to get some information. Afterwards, I will slowly send him to his maker."

    "What about the young lady? Is she dead?"

    "Yes."

    "Such a waste." Amelia shook her head while massaging her chest.

    "It''s not your fault, Amy. I wasn''t going to let her hurt you more than she had already done. She was already doomed from the moment she started working for him. Moreover, you gave her several opportunities to walk away but she bluntly turned down your offer."

    "Yeah!" Amelia released a sigh. "I hope he suffers twice as much."

    "He will." Blaze reaffirmed in a lethal voice.

    Blaze and Amelia made it out into the open where a helicopter was already waiting for them.

    Amelia could see Sarah from the distance waving enthusiastically. She turned to face Blaze.

    "Thank you for rescuing my cousin and me. You are one in a million."

    "You''re welcome, my dear." Blaze kissed her on the forehead, taking her by surprise.

    "Let''s go. You still have a meeting with your dad later this evening. But I have changed the venue."

    "Where?" Amelia looked up at him quizzically.

    "Our home."

 Chapter 155 - 155: The Implant

    Fatigued and completely exhausted, Amelia slept all through the flight back to Slavine City. By the time she knew what was happening around her, they had already arrived safely home, with Blaze carrying her like a child in his arms.

    "Hi..." Blaze dropped her on their bed, smiling sweetly at her.

    "Hey..." Amelia''s lips curved in a brief smile, her shimmering eyes taking note of her familiar surroundings. "We are home, already?"

    "Yes."

    "So soon?" She frowned, recalling she had just closed her eyes a moment ago.

    "It''s been five hours since you closed those pretty eyes." Blaze pinched her nose making her giggle a little.

    "What about Sarah?"

    "She''s back with her family."

    "Ugh!" Amelia pouted. "I wanted to see her reunite with her mom. I can''t believe I slept all through."

    "That''s because you were very tired and you needed lots of rest after everything you went through," Blaze said stroking her soft textured hair. Nevertheless, you will get to see your aunt later today when she comes along with your dad and his friend."

    "Oh... I forgot about that. Thanks."

    "You''re welcome." Blaze kissed her briefly on the lips and stood up straight.

    "Would you like to rest a little while or do you want me to fix you a warm bath?"

    Amelia pushed herself up into a sitting position wincing a little as she massaged her bandaged head.

    "I think a warm bath will be fine."

    "Alright, I''ll go fix the warm bath. Afterwards, we''ll have to check your head and see if the bruise is deep."

    Amelia nodded. "Thanks."

    Blaze smiled in reply and left her side for the bathroom.

    Five minutes later, he came out, both sleeves folded to the elbow.

    "Your bath is ready, sweetheart."

    Amelia blushed at the pet name. "Thanks." She pushed herself up, her knees wobbling a little. But Blaze was quick to keep her steady on her feet, catching her by the waist.

    "Do you want me to help you undress?"

    Amelia''s blush deepened.

    "No, I can manage." She said looking up into his eyes. A crease appeared on her forehead as she stared into Blaze''s tired face.

    "You look stressed."

    Blaze smiled. "Don''t worry, I''ll be fine. All I need is a cold shower, a nice meal and a good sleep."

    She hesitated a little before saying.

    "I think a warm bath will do you more justice than a cold shower. What if you join me? I''m sure there''s space for two."

    "Hmm...Are you sure about that?" Blaze''s longing gaze bored deeply into her eyes searching for a reason to object.

    "It''s the least I can do to say thank you for everything."

    "I''ll take you up on that offer some other time when you''re much stronger." He planted a kiss on her lips and pulled away from her. "When you''re done meet me at the dining table, downstairs. I''ll be waiting for you."

    Amelia watched Blaze leave the bedroom, her inner longing for him more than she could explain. Her smile lingered as she got into the bathroom and closed the door.

    Forty-five minutes later, she came downstairs to the dining room section only to meet Blaze already eating with a strange fellow.

    "Hey, you''re finally here." Blaze dropped his spoon and stood up to receive her. He kissed her briefly before introducing his guest, who was already done eating.

    "This is Dr Martins, a very good friend, a renowned scientist, a general medical practitioner and a specialized dental surgeon."

    "Hello, Dr Martins." "Amelia extended her right hand for a handshake."

    "It''s nice to meet you, again. Mrs Anderson." He shook her hands, politely.

    "Again!" Amelia raised her eyebrow not recalling seeing this face before. "Have we met?"

    "Yes ma''am...."

    "But we can talk about that later." Blaze interrupted pulling out a chair for Amelia to sit down. "Dr Martins would quickly take a look at your head injury and see if it''s infected."

    "Okay." Amelia nodded, still curious to know how she had met this strange doctor. She winced in pain as the doctor gently removed the bandage around her head. He inspected the bruise and said.

    "Thankfully, it is not very deep. I''ll give you some medications and ointment to reduce the inflammation."

    "Okay, doctor."

    Amelia remained still as the doctor rounded up his business on her head before putting on a fresh bandage to avoid infection.

    "There... as good as new."

    "Thank you, doctor."

    "What about the implant, can she eat with it or does it have to be removed first," Blaze asked.

    "Implant?" Amelia cocked her head in Blaze''s direction, a little bit lost.

    "I''ll explain to you in a few minutes." Blaze parted her on the back of her left hand before directing his gaze to the doctor.

    "I will leave that decision to her. But I don''t think the implant will pose any harm if she eats with it."

    "Thank you, Martins. Kindly wait for us at the lounge while I talk to my wife in private."

    "Sure." The doctor stood up and left the dining room as Amelia turned her curious expression to Blaze.

    "Soo..." S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I''ll start with Dr Martins," Blaze said pushing his plate of half-eating food aside and resting both his elbow on the table.

    "Martins was here last night when I reached out to him for an urgent procedure. After we left the airport, I knew that bastard was planning to isolate you and take you captive and I wasn''t going to let that happen. So I came up with the full-proof strategy to track you and also communicate with you at the same time."

    "Yeah... I''ve been meaning to ask you. How were you able to communicate with me even after they made me take off all my accessories and clothes which I felt you bugged?" Amelia asked feeling a bit excited.

    "An advanced and sophisticated microchip Implant."

    "An implant?" Amelia''s eyes widened. "Where? My ears?" She asked, her voice bubbling with excitement.

    "Here." Blaze leaned forward and brushed his thumb against her lips.

    "My lips?" Amelia was confused. She had seen her face a few minutes ago after bathing and she didn''t notice any deformity in her lips.

    "No. Inside your mouth, and precisely the concealed part of your lower dentition, which happens to be the last place the fool would check for a microchip audio bug."

    "Ah!" Amelia gasped, her jaws dropping.

    Blaze nodded, taking note of Amelia''s bewildered expression. He chuckled as she picked up her phone on the dining table and turned on her camera to look inside her mouth.

    "You''re not going to find it that way, honey. It is perfectly concealed."

 Chapter 156 - 156: Its The Little Things That Matter.

    Amelia ignored him as she used her tongue to check both sides of her lower dentition eager to spot an abnormality. But aside from a tiny questionable bump on the inner part of her left lower dentition, everything felt intact.

    "Was it surgically implanted?" Amelia asked after a few futile efforts to see the mysterious implant.

    "No, dear. It was not a surgical procedure." Blaze explained patiently. " Rather, it was an advanced non-surgical painless procedure, that took Dr Martins roughly an hour to conclude while you were asleep and well sedated."

    "Get out of here..." Amelia dropped her phone to look at Blaze squarely. "So you gave me a sleeping medication to rest my nerves and drugged me again to carry out a non-surgical procedure on my inner jaw."

    "I wouldn''t call that drugging you." Blaze corrected. "Dr Martins is a professional and the sedative was given in minimal doses to avoid any form of pain or discomfort while you slept. Nevertheless, I know I shouldn''t have done this without your consent and for that I''m truly sorry. We didn''t have much time to come up with a better plan."

    "Are you kidding me?" Amelia half screamed in excitement. "You think I''m angry after everything you''ve gone through for me? Tears of joy gathered in Amelia''s eyes, confusing Blaze a little. She fanned her tears with her hands batting her lashes to push them back. "You are a f*cking genius honey and I''m... I''m so overwhelmed. Come here..." She pushed her chair backwards as she stood up and gave Blaze a most deserving kiss. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Thank you," Amelia said softly as she pulled away from the kiss, her forehead resting on Blaze''s.

    "You really need to stop telling me thank you. You make me feel like I''ve done something huge when I haven''t done much."

    "Well... It''s the little things that matter." Amelia nuzzled the tip of his nose before taking her seat.

    "So, do you want Dr Martins to remove the implant or do you want to eat first."

    "Let''s see... I haven''t eaten all day except for some god-forsaking juice that was meant to knock me off. I think I will eat first to my satisfaction and remove the implant later."

    "Splendid! Let''s eat."

    -

    -

    Meanwhile, at a popular VIP lounge in the heart of the city known for its best wines and pretty exotic ladies, Matt sat alone in one of the private VIP booths, sipping from his glass of expensive wine and staring blankly at his phone, waiting for it to ring.

    The relaxing jazz music playing in the background did nothing to ease his growing tension. His gaze was narrowed and his thoughts were as black as the dark-themed booth where he was lounging.

    It has been over ten hours since he last spoke to Ivy who assured him that Amelia was history. She promised she would call him again when the job was done. This was supposed to be over five hours ago and yet no feedback.

    Also, the contracted bikers gang whom he has paid a fortune to teach Blaze a bitter lesson for his insult and pin the attack on his elder brother were yet to give him a confirmation of the successful hit.

    "He was about to take another sip of his drink when his phone came alive, buzzing on the table."

    "Finally!" A devilish grin spread across his face as a private number flashed on his screen. He picked up the phone leisurely and swiped the receive button.

    "Is it done?" Matt asked, thinking it was Ivy.

    "Excuse me?"

    Matt''s face scrunched even deeper as he heard another person''s voice that sounded very familiar. "Lin?"

    "Yes, what do you mean by the earlier question?" Lin asked from the other end, curiosity brimming in her lowered voice.

    "It''s nothing," Matt said between clenched jaw. "What do you want and why is your voice low?"

    "I''m calling to inform you that your brother and his friend Engr Van just arrived at Judith''s house."

    "So?" Matt scoffed, taking a sip of his drink.

    "Surprisingly we met some heavily armed men who I think are working for Mr Blaze Anderson. We found a chopper within the premises and we have reasons to believe that Blaze Anderson and Amelia are inside that house."

    "What!" Matt almost spat out the wine in his mouth. But when he recalled how much he spent just to get one glass he swallowed the drink.

    If the biker''s gang attack was successful, alongside Amelia''s second abduction, Blaze would be too busy trying to clean up his mess and figuring out who was responsible for the attack.

    "Did you see either of them?" Matt sat up in his seat, his heart pounding.

    "No. But I have reasons to believe that they are inside and whatever they will be discussing wouldn''t be in our favour."

    "Can you get inside and eavesdrop on them."

    "That''s where the problem is. We weren''t granted entry into the premises except for the senator and his friend, who went in unprotected. And there''s another thing, the senator has been acting really weird ever since he left the office today. He keeps texting on a new phone he recently acquired without my knowledge. I think he knows something and he has been very discreet about it. You need to call him right now and get him out of Judith''s house before it''s too late."

    The call disconnected leaving Matt in a state of panic and confusion. He hurriedly dialled his brother''s number and to his surprise, the call was rejected. He tried three more times before he got the electronic voice message, stating that the senator''s number had been switched off.

    "Shit!" Matt jumped to his feet and dialled Regina''s number.

    "Hello..."

    "Where are you right now?" Matt asked impatiently between gritted teeth.

    "Gwen and I just arrived at the mansion from the hospital."

    "Quickly, go now to Judith''s place and inform your husband that Mom has just passed out."

    "What! But I''m looking at her right now. She''s in the sitting room watching the television."

    "Do it, god dammit and stop telling me what you know." Matt angrily ended the call. He hurriedly finished his drink, picked up his car keys and dashed out of the lounge while making different desperate calls.

 Chapter 157 - 157: Repentant Father

    The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies. Rather, it comes from those you trust the most. It is a painful reminder that trust should be earned and never taken for granted.

    For as long as he could remember, Senator Gregory had always believed in his brothers. He trusted them with his life, with his family, with his business and everything he stood for. He was always been supportive of their goals and visions. He was there for them when they faced their various challenges in life. And he never failed to carry them along in his business prospects.

    For once it never occurred to the senator that his brothers were the ones behind his multiple failures in life. It never crossed his mind that they would ever turn around and betray him. But all that changed after he received an anonymous video of his runaway son-in-law, who abandoned his pregnant wife to be assaulted by his younger brother.

    At first, the senator didn''t believe the authenticity of the video due to its anonymous nature.

    The man in the video, who was seated in a dimly lit room with an overhead light shining directly on his slightly bruised face not only looked like Jerry Morgan but sounded very much like him.

    Everything Jerry said about his life, his deceitful marriage first to Amelia and then to Gwen, his money laundering business and his current abscondment from his marital responsibility checked out perfectly.

    However, when Jerry talked about Amelia''s abduction and how he and the entire family aside from the old woman had planned everything, Senator Gregory felt something snap in his chest.

    Locked up in his office, he replayed the video, over and over again until the agony of the truth began to creep slowly into him, shattering his heart into a million pieces.

    Listening to Jerry indict every member of his family in the abduction and attempted assassination of Amelia felt like relieving a nightmare from a horror movie. It felt like a thorny vine wrapping slowly around his heart and squeezing his soul out of his body.

    In addition to Jerry''s numerous crimes, he also confessed to being the one responsible for knocking the senator out cold, after Amelia tried to expose them with the email sent to his laptop which was later re-edited.

    But the part that left the senator completely stunned and even more horrified was the indictment of his head of security, Lin Fox in the scandalous crime.

    The senator couldn''t believe that someone, he had trusted his life to since his appointment would partake in such a heinous crime.

    After a few minutes of sitting still and reflecting on the truth he had just learnt, the senator decided to take certain necessary precautions to avoid escalating the issue until he had enough solid proof to take immediate action. He carried on as if nothing had happened, going about his duty for the day.

    With the help of his most trusted friend, Engr Van, he discreetly acquired a new phone with which he tried to communicate with Amelia. But instead of Amelia, he ended up speaking to her husband, who was less infuriating and disrespectful than the last time.

    Later that same day, after the senator and his friend arrived at Judith''s place, he willingly agreed to the new change of meeting venue without carrying Lin Fox along as always.

    Unbeknownst to his security team who were waiting patiently outside Judith''s mansion premises, the senator, alongside his friend and Judith, boarded the helicopter Blaze sent to pick them up and left for his villa.

    -

    -

    Amelia and Blaze were in the middle of an interesting conversation while eating when the head servant approached them politely and informed them of the guest who had just arrived.

    "They are here already?" Amelia asked dropping her spoon, her eyes darting towards the entrance to the dining room.

    "Yes, madam. I ushered them into the sitting room."

    "Awesome." Amelia picked up her napkin on the table and dabbed her lips. She could barely contain her joy at the thought of seeing her father after their last altercation. She was eager to make peace with him after expressing her disappointment and pain.

    "Offer them some refreshment. We will be with them shortly." Blaze said dismissively with a wave of his hand.

    "Yes, sir." The head servant bowed politely and left.

    "Wow! I can''t believe my dad came down to your house after everything that happened the last time between you two. How did you do it?"

    "I can be very persuasive, you know," Blaze said, winking at her. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Yeah right!" She eyed him, chuckling. "So how did you persuade him?"

    "I sent him a video."

    "A video! What video?" Amelia arched her brow.

    "A full confession from Jerry indicting himself and the rest of your family members who were involved in your kidnap and attempted assassination."

    "What! You told him already?" Amelia''s forehead furrowed.

    "I had to, especially after today''s attempted attack."

    "Attempted attack?" Amelia was even more puzzled. "Are you by any chance referring to today''s episode with Lorenzo?"

    "No." Blaze released a sigh, as he pulled his chair away from the table to face Amelia. "For some years now, I''ve always considered your father an enemy due to his involvement in the death of my father."

    "But Blaze..."

    "Wait, I''m not done talking." Blaze cut Amelia off seeing how protective she was about her father. "I used to think your father was the enemy until recently."

    "So you think someone else is behind the death of your father?" Amelia asked hoping he would say yes.

    "I can''t say for sure until I''m done with my investigation."

    "But you won''t hurt my father, right?" Amelia said, her heart beating really fast.

    "That is what I''m trying to prevent," Blaze answered objectively. "I have no plans of hurting an innocent man until proven guilty."

    "Then I will prove to you that my father is innocent," Amelia said with determination.

    "Until then, let''s focus on the reason why I sent your father the video."

    "Okay."

    "Early today, after Lorenzo got you on that bus ride to Oatal County, I got a call from a very good friend of mine, informing me of an attempted biker''s gang hit. The plan was to mess me up and destroy my properties."

    "What!" Amelia''s jaw dropped, almost touching the floor.

    "Fortunately I had friends in high places, one of them being the biker''s gang godfather. He was able to call them off before they started a war. As restitution for their mistake, they sent me their apologies with compensation and the name of the person who had contracted them."

    "Who contracted them," Amelia asked, a name already echoing in her thoughts.

    "One of your uncle''s."

    "Matt?" Amelia said in disgust.

    "The very same one and he was going to make your father take the fall."

    "That bastard! I can''t believe we are related by blood." Amelia clenched her fist in rage.

    "If it makes you feel any better there is always a black sheep in every family. Their weakness is jealousy, greed and pride."

    "I hope Matt suffers a miserable life for everything he has done to me and my father," Amelia said, standing up, her heart heavy and her fist clenched.

    "Don''t worry, darling." Blaze rose to his feet and took Amelia''s clenched fist into his hands, stroking them tenderly. "His time will soon come. His days are numbered."

    "Have you told my dad about his affair with my stepmother?" Amelia asked looking up at Blaze with sullen eyes, embarrassed by her disgraceful family.

    "No. I don''t think we should tell him directly." Blaze said thoughtfully. "We could leave him clues to figure out the truth all by himself."

    Amelia released a sigh. "I think that is a better idea. Thank you."

    "Are you ready to go meet with your dad?" Blaze asked gesturing towards the door.

    Amelia hesitated before asking.

    "What about Dr Martin? Isn''t he waiting for us too?"

    "Yeah!" Blaze faced palmed his forehead. "I completely forgot.

    "Do we have to remove the implant tonight?"

    "It all depends on you. We could remove it this night or tomorrow morning or anytime you like."

    "I think I''d like to keep it a little bit longer as long as it doesn''t have any negative effects on my well-being."

    "No, it doesn''t. According to Martins, it can last between five and ten years, before needing replacement or repair."

    "Cool. I''ll let you know when I''m ready to get it off. But in the meantime, I would like to see my aunt and dad first before you join us. Can you give us like five minutes to talk alone?"

    "Sure. Take all the time you need. I''ll see Dr Martins off."

    "Thanks, honey." Amelia gave Blaze a feathery kiss on the lips before exiting the dining room.

    Back in the living room, Judith and Van were happily chatting away, enjoying some delicious treats. But Senator Gregory kept to himself brooding over his thoughts. His head was lowered, and his heart was heavy as he waited patiently for Amelia and her husband to join them.

    ''What am I going to say to her? Where am I going to start from? I have failed her as a father and I failed my late wife. Will she ever forgive me?'' the senator queried his thoughts in agony.

 Chapter 158 - 158: Father-Daughter Reunion

    Back in the living room, Judith and Van were happily chatting away, enjoying some delicious treats. But Senator Gregory kept to himself brooding over his thoughts. His head was lowered, and his heart was heavy as he waited patiently for Amelia and her husband to join them.

    ''What am I going to say to her? Where am I going to start from? I have failed her as a father and I failed my late wife. Will she ever forgive me?'' the senator queried his thoughts in agony.

    "Amy!"

    Judith''s thrilled voice forced the senator to look up. He slowly rose to his feet, his trembling hands placed behind his back as he watched Judith and Van make their way forward to welcome his daughter.

    Amelia''s smile widened as she ran into her aunt''s outstretched arms.

    "Hello, Aunt Judith. It''s so good to see you."

    "Me too, my sweet child." Judith embraced Amelia warmly, tears of joy flowing down her cheeks.

    "I''m so sorry for what happened to Sarah and the stress you were made to go through. How are you, now?" S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I''m fine, my sweetheart. You''re the one I should be asking that question after everything you did trying to save Sarah. She told us how bravely you stood up to that evil man from the pit of hell. I''m so glad he didn''t execute his evil plans on either of you. Thank you so much, my darling."

    "You''re welcome, aunty. It''s the least I could do for my sister."

    "How is your head?" Judith said examining Amelia''s bandaged head. "Does it still hurt?"

    "Not much. The doctor has already checked it and attended to you."

    "Thank you so much, Amy." Judith embraced Amelia again. "My family and I, are forever indebted to you and your husband."

    "You''re welcome, aunt."

    "Enough with all the emotional drama before you women flood this entire sitting room with your tears." Van teased from behind.

    "I think someone is jealous," Judith replied, releasing Amelia, who was laughing.

    "Me, jealous? Maybe a little." Van gestured playfully, causing another ripple of laughter from the women.

    "Hello, sweetheart." Van stepped forward, with arms opened wide.

    "Hi, Uncle Van," Amelia said, embracing him. "Welcome to my home."

    They both exchanged warm pleasantries before Amelia turned to her father whose guilty conscience prevented him from coming closer.

    "Gregory, what are you doing there? Aren''t you going to say hello to your daughter?" Judith flashed him a displeased look.

    Gregory swallowed his anxiety and guilt as he stepped forward while Amelia watched, the smile on her face disappearing.

    "My baby..." The senator called her in a trembling voice. "My angel, my beautiful princess..."

    Tears welled up in Amelia''s eyes as she continued to stare at her dad saying nothing. He stopped in front of her, hands clasped together, lips trembling and tears of guilt streaming down his face.

    "I do not know where to begin to say sorry for everything. I have disappointed you greatly. I have disappointed your late mother too by failing to protect you. I have been blinded by my love for my brothers. Because of my ignorance, you''ve been made to go through a whole lot of pain and trauma alone. I am such a despicable father. Can you ever forgive me?"

    The senator was about to go on his knees but Amelia quickly stopped him and wrapped her arms around him, crying like a baby on his chest.

    "You really hurt me, daddy. You really hurt me so much. I could take anything but not your rejection. You hurt me when you threatened to cut me off. You hurt me when you failed to trust me. But I love you too much to be mad at you."

    "I love you too my angel." Senator Gregory kissed her deeply on the forehead and hugged her every tighter. "Please forgive me. I promise to make it all up to you. I promise to listen to you going forward. I promise to protect you even with my dying breath."

    "I forgive you Dad on two conditions..." Amelia pulled away from her dad, holding his distraught gaze.

    "Anything, sweetheart." The senator replied wiping her flowing tears with his thumb.

    "Promise you will never doubt me again."

    "I promise." Senator Gregory swore raising his right hand up as a sign of his resolution.

    "Promise you will also accept Blaze Anderson as my husband and let go of your hatred for him."

    "I promise." The senator nodded his head.

    "Then I forgive you." Amelia hugged her father again, her joy half complete.

    "Aww! So beautiful." Judith dabbed her flowing tears with her handkerchief while Van teased her quietly.

    From where Blaze stood, hidden and watching the father-daughter bonding, his heart ached with so much grief.

    The man standing down there had been directly or indirectly involved in the death of his father. He was the reason why he almost lost his mother out of heartbreak. He was the reason his family lost everything. The reason why he was forced to make a deal with the devil to rise again. The reason he embarked on this revenge journey. He was the only one left on touched amongst the greedy fold. He may not have known the games his brothers were playing behind his back. But for years, he stood behind them, protecting them and shielding them from the law. He deserves to suffer greatly for his transgression.

    "What are you doing, Blaze?" He queried his thoughts angrily, his eyes burning with fury and his fist clenched. "You are losing focus. You are getting soft. That man took everything from you and your mother. He took the chance for you to experience your father''s love. He''s the reason why you have been cold for years. He may not have known but he approved it. He deserves to suffer as much as those responsible. Why are you holding back? What is stopping you from taking the necessary action?"

    Blaze''s darkened gaze shifted to Amelia, his ire melting just by the mere sight of her, crying.

    "Shit!" He gritted his teeth in agony. "Why do I care so much for her? Why did I have to break my own rules? She was supposed to be my weapon against him. The perfect pawn to destroy him. Why did I let myself get carried away. I wasn''t supposed to fall in love with her. What if I went after him for his crime? Will she ever forgive me? Will she you ever look at me the same way. Will she ever love me?"

    Blaze jolted out of his thoughts when his mobile phone started buzzing in his pocket. He quickly brought it out and saw that it was a call from Amelia. Staring back downstairs he noticed they were all seated and talking freely.

    Taking a deep breath, Blaze pushed all his thoughts to the pit of his stomach and made his way downstairs to join them.

    "Oh, there you are..." Judith was the first to spot Blaze approaching. She stood up alongside Van and the senator while Amelia left her father''s side to receive her husband.

    Blaze carefully kept the laptop he was holding on a tool beside a double-seater couch before receiving his wife.

    "What kept you so long, sweetheart," Amelia asked, brushing her lips against his, her hazel eyes sparkling with so much affection.

    "I didn''t want to interrupt your bonding time with your family." Blaze forced a smile, trying to keep his formal composure before the senator who was staring at him. He briefly exchanged warm pleasantries with Judith and Van before turning to the senator.

    "Senator Shawls!" Blaze gestured to the seat opposite.

    "Mr Anderson, I want to thank you for..."

    "There is no need for that senator. This is not a courtesy call." Blaze rudely cut him off, making Amelia''s face dampen a bit. "I will advise you have your seat so that we can get straight to business. We have limited time here."

    "Certainly." The senator forced a smile as he took his seat, giving Amelia, who was seated close to her husband''s a reassuring smile that he wasn''t offended.

    Blaze opened his laptop and keyed in his password to unlock the system, before returning his gaze to the senator who was curious to know what he was doing.

    "How well do you know your brother senator?" Blaze asked, .

    "Which of my brothers are you referring to?" The senator asked looking puzzled. "I have two of them."

    "Matt Shawl? How well do you know him and he''s business dealings."

    The senator released a sigh. "If you had asked me this question prior to today, I will tell you that Matt is every sourceful and talented young man with multiple experience in oil and gas business, a little bit of gold mining, security and property management. Sadly after listening to Jerry''s confession and some of the things you told me. I guess I do not know my brother very well."

    "Then I guess it''s time to enlighten you." Blaze opened a selected folder on his laptop and tapped on a saved video. He give the laptop to Amelia to take it to her father.

    "I would like you to watch that short video and tell me how best you think I should deal with your brother."

 Chapter 159 - 159: Disrespected

    By the time Regina arrived at the Wale''s estate, darkness had already blanketed the sky. But thankfully, the high voltage street lights that illuminated the driveway made navigation to Judith''s mansion seamless.

    "Ma''am, there is traffic up ahead." Regina''s driver reported, slowing down the car''s speed.

    "Traffic? Where?" Regina lifted her head from her phone, to look at the windshield. She was stunned to see some fleet of neatly parked cars in a single file outside the gigantic iron gate that led into the mansions premisses.

    "What in God''s name is happening here? Are they having some kind of party or something?" Regina asked.

    "I can''t say for sure, ma''am. But I will go and find out."

    "Please do and be fast," Regina said returning to her chat with Tylor.

    The driver pulled over behind the last car. He kept the engine running as he stepped out of the car to interact with the driver of the next car. He had barely taken a few steps away from the car when he was approached by one of the senator''s security men, who recognized him on the spot.

    "Mr Lewis, what are you doing here?" The security man asked, removing his hand from his gun on his waist holster.

    "I brought the madam. She wants to see the senator urgently." The driver replied politely.

    "The senator is in a meeting and no one is allowed into the premises in the meantime. Can''t she call him?"

    "She tried severally but his phone is switched off."

    "Wait here. Let me get in contact with my boss." The security man left briskly and returned within the next few seconds with Lin.

    "Where is she?" Lin asked impatiently, a crease lining her smooth forehead.

    "She''s inside the car." The driver gestured to the parked car behind the black SUV.

    "Give me a moment alone with her," Lin said before walking away.

    Regina was in the middle of a private call, laughing softly when the rear seat door was suddenly thrown open.

    "Excuse me." She abruptly peeled the phone from her ear, her eyes shooting daggers at the person who had dared to intrude on her privacy without respect.

    Lin completely ignored her caustic glares as she climbed into the car and slammed the door shut. "We need to talk."

    "I''ll call you back," Regina said into her phone mouthpiece and ended her call, her lethal gaze pinned on Lin. "Young woman, have you lost your mind? Don''t you have regard for me any longer?" S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "What are you doing here?" Lin asked harshly, her voice dripping with anger and frustration.

    "That will be none of your bloody business young woman. If you do not understand the first meaning of the word respect, then I want you to get the hell out of my car."

    Lin chuckled, as she leaned back on the seat, taking off her black gloves and tossing them to the side. She picked up a glass of wine Regina was initially drinking from the wine glass holder in the centre seat of the car and slowly raised it to her lips while Regina watched in horror.

    "You wouldn''t dare," Regina growled while Lin smirked wickedly.

    "Cheers!" Lin gulped down the entire content in one swallow while ignoring the burning sensation at the back of her throat. She smirked her lips noiselessly, a satisfied grin creeping into her eyes.

    "You have good taste, Gina."

    "Gina! You dare call me by my first name? Are you mad?" Regina snarled in a repressed voice, suppressing the urge to strike Lin in the face.

    "I''m not mad. But I just dared you. What are you going to do about it?"

    Regina''s hands balled into a fist, her nose flared as she scowled at Lin.

    "You mannerless thwart. I can see you have no respect?"

    "Respect!" Lin let out a scornful laugh. "Respect is earned, honey. Only fools think it can be given on a platter of gold. Now, let''s try this again. What do you want?"

    "You must really have some nerves to ask me that stupid question after what you just did." Regina''s voice quivered with rage, her head steaming like a pressure cooker about to explode. She completely forgot the reason she had come to Judith''s place as she turned on Lin.

    "Do you know who I am? Do you know I can destroy you with just a snap of my finger?"

    "Remind me, who are you again?"

    "What!" Regina''s pupils dilated.

    "Oh, I remember." Lean leaned closer, her warm alcoholic breath fanning against Regina''s flushed face. "You are the slutty mistress of the senator who forced her way into a happy union just to destroy it with her lies."

    "Did you just call me a slut, you insolent b*tch!" Regina lifted up her hand to slap Lin but the latter caught her hand in mid-air with her iron grip, her inflamed gaze shooting dagger.

    "What were you trying to do? Hit me!" Lin tightened her grip around Regina''s wrist making the latter whimper in pain.

    "Let go of my wrist. You''re hurting me."

    "If you ever in your miserable life raise your hands in my face, I will make sure I break at least two of your pretty fingers." Lin hissed, pushing Regina''s hand away.

    "Get out of my car," Regina yelled, while massaging her hurting wrist, especially the part where the bangle around the wrist had dug into her flesh, bruising her soft skin.

    "Sorry honey, not until you tell me the purpose for which you have come or you might as well turn around and get the f*ck out of this place." Lin spat out, picking up the bottle of wine on the second holder and pouring herself a drink.

    "Wait until I call my husband?" Regina picked up her phone, pretending to dial her husband''s number.

    "By all means, call him. I can even help you make a video of me bullying you just to stir him a bit." Lin cackled, taking a sip of her drink this time and savouring the richness.

    "So it has finally come to this. We get you to do us a small favor and now you think you can turn around and disrespect me in this manner." Regina''s body trembled as she fought hard to hold back her threatening tears. As if dealing with Gwen''s hospitalizations, Matt''s abusive sexual torture and his threat were not enough headaches for one person, now she had to deal with this.

    "Point of correction, madam high and mighty, the only person disrespecting herself right now is you. You are the one who doesn''t know when to talk and when to keep her mouth shut. The one currently interfering with my business right now and stressing the hell out of me."

 Chapter 160 - 160: Disrespected 1

    Lin angrily dropped her wine glass in the glass holder, some of the wine spilling on the seat, messing the side of Regina''s expensive dress.

    Regina gasped, at the purplish red wine stain on her designer dress. "Look at what you''ve done?" She half screamed.

    But Lin didn''t seem bothered about the wine stain as she continued expressing her inner rage.

    "You know what, you must really have some guts to challenge me after what you did to us. We were supposed to work as a team. We were supposed to share the bounty equally. But what did you and your greedy brainless daughter do? You cheated us and tried to steal from us. Now look at how low you have fallen. Didn''t they say karma is a b*tch?

    Regina felt Lin''s words hit her on the face like a dirty slap. She gnashed her teeth until her gum began to hurt.

    "I don''t blame you. I blame myself for getting involved with a rotten egg like you. After all, you are the reason why Amelia is still alive and threatening to destroy us all. But don''t think for a second that I will allow you to disregard my position as the senator''s wife. It is a title I have earned irrespective of what you think. But since you lack manners, can you at least have the decency to get the f*ck out of my car."

    "Decency." Lin drawled sizing Regina from head to toe with a condescending look. "Such a beautiful word coming from the woman who is f*cking her husband''s younger brother and ninety percent of his friends, must be the joke of the century. Tell me, how do you think the senator will react when he finds out that his big-breasted milk factory has been very generous to his friends."

    Regina''s eyes widened like a saucer, her heart slamming widely against her chest. No one knows about her affairs except Pearl and Matt. She quickly wiped the surprised look on her face and acted as though Lin was fabricating stories.

    "Blackmail! Is this what this is all about? You are trying to blackmail me for something I have never done? You must be a joker if you think for a second that I will succumb to your threat."

    Instead of getting offended, Lin let out a wicked laugh that slowly crumbled Regina''s wall of defence.

    She leisurely brought out her phone from her side pocket and unlocked it. She''s scrolled down to an app where she stored password-locked videos and audio conversations. A devilish smirk curled up the side of her cheek as she watched Regina from the corner of her eyes panicking.

    "How about this?" Lin turned her phone screen to Regina, pressing play on a video.

    "No..." Regina shook her head, her chest tightening and her stomach twisting angrily as her eyes fell on a video of Matt pounding her from behind on her matrimonial bed.

    Lin chuckles wickedly. "What about this?" She didn''t give Regina any break as she slid over to another video showing Regina having a threesome with two of the senator''s political friends.

    "And this?" She showed another video of Regina giving Tylor Young a blow job.

    "Do you want me to continue?" Lin slid to another video, forcing Regina to cup both her ears as her shameful cries of pleasure echoed within the car.

    "Stop!" Regina cried out, lowering her gaze. "Please."

    "You see, that wasn''t so hard," Lin said closing the video. "Maybe you should start treating me with a little more respect since I can destroy you with the snap of my own finger. Now, can you tell me what you want here?"

    Regina nodded without looking at Lin, who was glaring condescendingly at her. She picked up her handkerchief and dabbed at her tears before responding.

    "Matt sent me."

    "To do what?" Lin asked impatiently, opening the side door.

    "He wants me to get my hus..." Regina choked on her words, her guilt tearing at her heart. "He wants me to get the senator out of Judith''s house."

    Lin scoffed. "And you think I haven''t been trying to do that for the last one hour since he got in there?" Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Matt wants me to tell him that his mother collapsed," Regina said, finally looking up to meet Lin''s disgusted stare.

    "Be my guest." Lin made a move to climb out of the car but Regina quickly stopped her.

    "Lin..." Regina called softly and in a friendly voice.

    "What?" Lin shot her a vicious glare, slapping off Regina''s hand that tried to touch her.

    "I''m sorry I was rude to you. I''ve been going through a lot and my emotions were all over the place."

    "Save that bullshit for someone who cares." Lin hissed, her hand still on the door handle as she waited for Regina to offer her a deal.

    "Please Lin, we don''t have to fight within ourselves. I understand that you hate me right now for my greed and selfishness. But please, can we keep this between us? I still love my husband."

    "Love?" Lin snorted, closing the door to avoid eavesdroppers. "The woman I saw in that video passionately giving her all doesn''t understand that word, love. You are only here because of the senator''s money and his influence. I bet if he loses everything today, you will ditch him for the next rich guy. But who am I to judge you? After all, we are both in the same boat."

    "Exactly." Regina nodded her head. "That is why I must beg you to delete those videos before they ruin me."

    "If I delete them, what do I get in return?" Lin asked, her eyes brimming with mischief.

    "Anything that doesn''t include money because I don''t have it right now except the allowance my husband gives me."

    "I don''t need your money," Lin said, her eyes boring into Regina''s. "All I need is for you to set up someone."

    "Who?"

    "Your husband''s best friend, Engineer Van Cobalt."

    "How do you expect me to do that?" Regina asked, eying Lin.

    "Do what you do best. Seduce and sleep with him."

    "What!" Regina''s bulging eyes almost popped out of its socket. "Are you out of your mind? Do you have any idea what my husband will do to me if he finds out?"

    "Your husband is not going to find out anything except you tell him. We just need a good leverage over that old fool in case things go sour and we need a deflection."

    Regina thought briefly before asking. "Does Matt know about this?"

    "I haven''t spoken to him yet about it. But I''ll let him know as soon as possible."

    Regina released a sigh. "Okay. If I do this, do you promise to delete the videos?"

    "Yes," Lin replied, grinning inwardly.

    "Every one of it?"

    "Yes, I''ll delete everything saved on this device in your presence."

    "Then, it is a deal." Regina extended her hand towards Lin, which the latter shook.

 Chapter 161 - 161: Traumatized

    Senator Gregory felt like a man standing at the edge of a precipitating hill with a boulder tied around his neck, as he watched his brother''s display of complete wickedness. He couldn''t believe that the same responsible Matt he had shared breakfast with earlier today, alongside his mother was the same Matt on the video smoking god knows what like a pro, amid terrifying and ruthless-looking biker''s gangs. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''When did Matt start smoking and talking like a hooligan?'' The Senator was at a loss for words.

    But the smoking wasn''t the part that left the senator gasping for air. Rather, it was Matt''s last instruction to the biker''s gang shortly after he gave them a huge amount of money.

    ''I want this attack pinned on my elder brother.'' Matt had said. ''Let him take the fall and suffer the consequences alone.''

    As if that video alone wasn''t enough to give a man a cardiac arrest, the senator listened to Matt''s last audio conversation with Ivy three hours prior to her death. He was asking if Amelia was history."

    Engineer Van was also in a state of shock, unsure of what to say after watching the video and listening to the audio message with his friend.

    The only person who spoke at the end of the video was Judith.

    Judith spent more than five minutes cursing, swearing and raining hail on the entire Shawls family, for what they have done to her daughter, her niece, and her late sister.

    "Now that you have seen a glimpse of who your brother really is and what he is capable of, how do you propose I deal with him and the rest of your family members who have dared to cross part with me and my wife? Mind you, I do not take forgiveness as an option."

    Amelia felt her heart skip a beat at Blaze''s last statement. It almost felt as if that statement was directed to her father. She tilted her head sideways to look at Blaze who seemed more focused, glaring at her father and her heart sank.

    Senator Gregory kept his head lowered, beads of sweat dripping from his forehead. His whole body trembling and his weakened heart was threatening to collapse. It seemed as if someone had turned the heat up in the well-ventilated room causing him to struggle for air. He adjusted his tie again and again, unbuttoning the first two buttons of his shirt.

    "Water!" The senator whispered, massaging his chest.

    "Dad!" Amelia sprang to her feet, hurrying across to where her father was seated and dropping to her knees.

    "Water!" The senator lifted his face, anguish, guilt and so much pain suffocating him.

    "Someone get me a glass of water," Amelia screamed while helping her dad to lean backwards on the couch and rest his head. She helped him remove his tie and unbutton his shirt while her aunt picked up a News magazine from under the table and started fanning him.

    Unable to take in the agonizing sight before him, - which reminded him of how his father acted before he slumped and went into a cardiac arrest, - Blaze stood up and walked out of the sitting room. He made his way out of the mansion and informed his head of security to have the senator flown back to Judith''s house when he was feeling much better. Afterwards, he retired to his bedroom to work.

    When the senator finally regained his composure, he was disappointed to see that Blaze was no longer seated with them in the living room.

    "Amy, is your husband coming back?"

    "I don''t think so, dad. But don''t worry, everything is going to be fine. I think you need to go home and rest. Tomorrow is another day," Amelia said, standing up. "Let''s go."

    "But we haven''t finalized anything." Senator Greg lamented also standing. "If you don''t mind I still want to talk to your husband, please."

    "No, Greg." Van objected, rising to his feet. "You are not in the right state of mind for this. This whole revelation has taken a toll on you. Amelia is right. We need to go."

    "But..."

    "Don''t argue with us, Greg." Judith reprimanded him in a harsh voice. "Let go. You need to rest."

    "Rest! How can I rest, when my roof is on fire?" The senate asked in a broken slightly raised voice. "How can I rest after everything I''ve just learnt? My own brothers are trying to destroy me? My wife, my second daughter, my sister-in-law and my head of security are all a part of this wicked scheme to take everything away from Amelia. They even tried killing her. Why? How can they do this to me after everything I''ve given to them? Do you know what this will do to Nana if she learns about it? It will kill her."

    "Dad. It''s okay." Amelia wrapped her arms around her father, trying her best to console him. "Nana doesn''t have to know about anything. We will take care of the situation. Everything will be fine."

    "Nothing is going to be fine, Amy. Not anymore."

    "Trust me, it will be once we are done purging the family." Amelia reaffirmed optimistically, patting the back of her father''s left hand.

    "This is what we are going to do. Firstly, you will put Nana on the first available flight tomorrow morning for an urgent health treatment plan which I will be discreetly managing. I don''t want her getting involved in any of the crisis that is about to unfold."

    "Okay."

    "Secondly, concerning everything you''ve learnt tonight, you will not say a word about it to anyone. Carry on as if nothing has happened until tomorrow evening''s monthly Thanksgiving feast, where every member of the family, including their spouses and children will be present. Invite Lin and tell her to bring her plus one to the family feast. At the peak of the party, Blaze and I will show up uninvited. There and then, we will confront them with the truth."

    "Brilliant!" Van said nodding his head.

    "I like the plan too." The senator concurred.

    "They won''t know what hit them this time." Judith clasped her hand happily.

    "And lastly..." Amelia continued sternly. "...avoid eating anything in that house, especially anything offered to you by your wife so that you don''t get poisoned or drugged like before."

    "Like before?" The senator''s eyes widened in horror. "How do you mean?"

    "We''ll talk about all of that later. Goodnight, Daddy." Amelia said shoving her father towards the door.

    "

 Chapter 162 - 162: Talk About The Kettle Calling The Pot Black

    After returning to the mansion upon learning that his mother fell off her wheelchair and passed out, Senator Gregory was greatly relieved to find his mother still breathing.

    Aside from a scrapped knee, twisted wrist bumped forehead and slightly dislocated hip joint, the doctor assured the concerned family members gathered outside the old woman''s room that she would be fine.

    "Can I sleep in Grandma''s room and keep her company for the night?" Gwen offered in a pleasantly sweet voice. Hoping to put a smile on her father''s scrunched face.

    "That sounds like a terrific idea my darling. But you only got discharged from the hospital today. You still need your rest for you and the baby. I''m sure your father wouldn''t mind." Regina said, staring lovingly at her husband.

    "Not at all. Do exactly as your mother has spoken, sweetheart. Go to bed. Your mother and I will take care of the rest." The senator manage to say, while battling an inner war of guilt and rage.

    "If you both insist." Gwen pouted as she made her way grudgingly towards her father.

    "If it makes you feel any better, Madam Gwen, your grandmother is currently under sedative. She needs plenty of rest and no disturbance. I''m sure tomorrow morning, you can come to her room and check on her."

    "Okay. I''ll just retire to my room."

    Gwen stood on the tip of her toe as she leaned closer, and planted a kiss on her father''s cheek.

    "Goodnight Daddy."

    "Goodnight my angel." Senator Gregory replied in his usual cheerful voice even though it lacked a bit of warmth.

    "Goodnight Mom." Gwen blew kisses to her mother before sauntering towards her bedroom.

    Regina on the other hand kept observing her husband, taking notes of his varying emotions which were dancing between warmth and cold. She could tell something was off with him. Maybe Amelia had confided in him. But if she did, why hasn''t he said anything?

    Regina was bent on finding out the truth tonight while sleeping with her husband.

    "Senator and Mrs Shawls, permit me to take my leave now. I''ll be here first thing in the morning to check up on my patient."

    "Okay, doctor. Thank you for coming." The senator walked the doctor down the stairs towards the foyer speaking privately to him about his mother''s condition.

    Regina quickly dashed into her bedroom and changed into a sexy nightgown before coming out to meet her husband who was still downstairs, addressing Nana''s nurse. She was tightly stunned to see the nurse on her knees weeping hysterically as the senator angrily lashed out at her.

    Even though Regina had used the nurse sometime ago for her dirty business, she didn''t care if the nurse was fired.

    "I want you to go back to your quarters, pack your miserable things this very night and get out of this mansion within the next thirty minutes. If after thirty minutes, you are still here, I will make sure I have you arrested." The senator said wagging his forefinger threateningly at the nurse.

    "Madam, please help me beg the boss." The nurse crawled on her knees towards Regina as she later made her way to her husband.

    "Do not let him send me away. I swear I didn''t do anything to Nana. I just stepped out to get her water and came back only to find her on the floor. Someone else must have pushed her and not me."

    "Enough!" Regina snapped angrily at the lady. "Stop right there and do not touch me with those filthy hands. How dare you open that stinky mouth and beg me after what you did to my mother-in-law. We gave you everything and this is how you repay us? By hurting the very woman who puts food on your table."

    The nurse shook her head, crying even harder.

    The senator could tell the nurse was telling the truth on this matter. He could tell that she had been framed for his mother''s condition. But, Regina was the same person who employed and recommended her. So, there was no point keeping her around since she might be working with them. Also, he wanted to make his heartless wife fall prey to her illusion of control until the day of reckoning.

    "I don''t blame you." Regina continued, shaking her head. "I blame the agency who recommended you to us. You home nurses are all the same. You lie, steal, manipulate, and sometimes try to hurt your employers. But guess what, it ends tonight. "

    Senator chuckled inwardly as he stared at his wife from behind, calling out the exact qualities that define her. Talk about the kettle calling the pot black.

    ''How did I get entangled with this woman again?'' The senator pondered. ''A drunken one-night stand that led to pregnancy and an adorable child.'' He shook his head bitterly, recalling how heartbroken his wife felt after learning that he had a mistress who also had a girl child for him.

    "You should be grateful that my husband hasn''t arrested you." Regina voice echoed through the senator''s thoughts. Now if you know what is good for you, you will go back to your quarters, pack every single thing you brought to this house and not the ones we gave to you and, get out."

    Regina yelled, standing beside her husband.

    "But I swear on my late mother''s grave, I didn''t do anything." The nurse wept bitterly, feeling completely helpless. "Please don''t send me away. I have no place to go to. It''s already late in the night and my family lives hundreds of kilometres away from this place."

    "Does it look like I care?" Regina shot her a nasty look. "Sam..." She yelled at the top of her voice.

    "I''m standing right here Madam." The butler came forward.

    "Get the security to throw this thing out of our house."

    "Yes ma''am."

    "Sir... please..." The weeping nurse turned to the senator, sensing her mistake of trying to beg a she devil.

    Without saying a word, the senator turned around and walked away, climbing the stairs slowly while his wife trailed behind him.

    "Sweetheart, are you still mad at me for coming to get you at Judith''s place?" Regina asked in a sultry voice as she slipped her arm around his.

    The senator struggled with his chaotic emotions as he tried to reply in a civil voice.

    "You embarrassed me by coming down there and quarreling with the head of security."

    "If you hadn''t switched off your phone, I wouldn''t have come over. Moreover, it''s your mother''s health we are talking about. You wouldn''t forgive me if anything had happened to her."

    The senator released a frustrated sigh as he stopped in front of his bedroom. He turned to look at his wife, whose hands were now wrapped sensually around his waist and her big boobs brushing against his chest.

    "It''s fine. I am no longer mad at you. Now go to bed. I''m very tired." S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Okay, darling. Lead the way." Regina cooed, moistening her lips, her eyes brimming with lust.

    "I meant you should go to bed in your room." The senator said harshly as she freed himself from her hold. "I''m very tired and I need to sleep."

    "But I need you, baby. You''re hardly around and I''ve been so lonely of late. I want you tonight. I miss you. I want you to make love to me and you can start by kissing me right here." Regina purred, as she tried to kiss him.

    "Regina!" The senator called rather harshly, his sharp voice snapping her out of her delusion causing her to freeze.

    "Stop behaving like a child. We are not teenagers. I said I''m very tired and I need some rest. Go to bed and hug your pillow if you are that needy. Good night." He stormed into his room and slammed the door shut in her face.

 Chapter 163 - 163: Hello, Van

    Regina felt raw anger course through her veins like an angry viper as she stood in front of her husband''s bedroom, fuming. She couldn''t believe that he had just asked her to go and hug a pillow as if she meant nothing to him.

    Something was up and Regina could feel it in her bone. Amelia must have said or shown something to her father prompting his awkward behavior.

    "I have to do something." Regina echoed in her thoughts as she turned around and hurried to her bedroom.

    Closing the door behind her, she quickly retrieved her phone from her bed and dialed Matt''s number.

    "What are you doing calling me at this hour? Aren''t you supposed to be with your husband getting information?" Matt demanded in a caustic voice from the other end.

    Regina could pick up the sound of a booming rock band coming from the background. This simply meant Matt hadn''t returned home.

    "Where are you?"

    "That is none of your goddam business, Gina. Why are you calling me when I gave you an assignment to get information out of my brother."

    "Well, your stupid brother kicked me out of his bedroom after all my attempts at seducing him. You needed to see the look of disgust in his eyes. Something is definitely wrong. Amelia and Judith must have gotten to him and we need to act fast."

    "What about his friend? Weren''t both of them together tonight?"

    "Yes, they were. But Van left for his hotel after the meeting."

    "I think it''s time you go and see him?"

    "When?"

    "Now!" Matt boomed.

    "Like right now?" Regina''s eyes widened. "It''s late and you do know your brother is around."

    "Does it look like I give a shit?"

    "But Matt..."

    "Shut the f*ck up and listen, woman. I''m dealing with some important business right now and I can''t do anything. Get dressed and get your ass moving out of that house. Take the secret passageway out of the mansion and go to his hotel. I will ask Lin to arrange everything for you. All you have to do is just show up."

    "Do I have to sleep with him?" Regina asked in a disgusted voice.

    "How else do you plan on blackmailing him if you don''t sleep with him?" Matt answered her question with an infuriating question.

    "Fine!" Regina said between clenched jaws, her face flushed with rage.

    "When you get to his hotel room, Lin will be there to capture everything live on video. Make sure you get every single detail of Greg''s discussion with Amelia from him before you leave his hotel room. I want to know what they are planning so that I can be prepared."

    "What if my husband wakes up and finds out that I''m not in the mansion?" Regina asked in a repressed voice.

    "Aren''t you the master manipulator? I''m sure you can figure that part out. Now get to work."

    The call instantly disconnected, leaving Regina more miserable than she felt the first time. She paced around the room thinking of what perfect disguise to wear to avoid being recognised by anyone.

    When a brilliant idea finally hit her. She rushed into her walk-in wardrobe and quickly dressed up in black leather tight-fitted pants and a top. Then you threw on a black leather trench coat, paired with a knee-length block-heel black boot. She completed her slaying look with a long copper curly wig and dark shades. Putting a modest change of clothes in her handbag, she quietly left her bedroom and made her way downstairs, occasionally looking over her shoulder.

    When she was certain no one had seen her, she quickly entered the mansion''s inner drawing room and closed the door behind her. She carefully made her way to one of the majestic wall art frames and pressed a hidden button on it.

    The picture slid aside to reveal a secret passage door. She opened this door with the special with special combination Matt had earlier given her and walked into the dimly illuminated passageway.

    As she closed the door behind her, the picture frame returned to its original position.

    Taking a deep breath she hurried down the path until she arrived at the exit point which led into a tunnel.

    At the entrance to the tunnel, a car was already waiting for her. She got into the rear seat and said to the driver.

    "Take me to the Hyttar five-star hotel."

    "Yes ma''am." The driver nodded and zoomed off into the dead of the night.

    -

    - Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Engr Van woke up the following morning with a migraine and body ache as if a truck had climbed over him. His throat felt parched and his lips felt dried. He winced, massaging his forehead as he lazily turned to his side. He tried to stretch his hands but was met with a soft and tender obstruction.

    "Huh!" He quickly withdrew his hand and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes only to find a nude woman in his bed. Her copper-curly hair was sprawled on the white sheet and covering the exposed side of her face.

    "What in God''s name?" He yelled as he sat up, only to find out that he was equally nude.

    "No! This cannot be happening!" Van staggered out of the bed, picking up a pillow to cover his exposed dignity.

    "Not so loud, honey. Come back to bed." The fair lady on the bed said in a sultry voice stirring a little, unashamed of her exposed body.

    Van''s terrified eyes scanned his hotel room for his boxers or any piece of his clothes. He was stunned to find litres of clothes everywhere, with half-eaten food, an empty bottle of wine and two glasses. It looked like a madhouse from a nightmare.

    "What in God''s name happened here?" Van lamented as he hurried towards the other side of the bed to pick up his boxers. He quickly slipped in on before picking up his pants and shirt. "Who are you and how did you get into my hotel room?"

    "That question isn''t necessary right now baby. You were a monster last night and my core is dripping for more of you." The naked lady finally turned to her back, pushing the sheets up to cover her naked body. "Come back to bed and give me one more ride for the road."

    Van froze in the process of wearing his pants, his eyes widening like a saucer and his face turning pale.

    That voice! He recognized the voice. He heard the voice last night after he said goodbye to his friend. He thought he heard the same voice in his dream doing the abominable.

    "It can''t be." Van shook his head, his mouth still hanging open as he came closer to look into the lady''s face.

    "Hello Van!" Regina''s lips curled up in a wide devilish grin as she slowly took off her long curly wigs to reveal her real face, her blonde hair falling softly on her shoulders.

    "Regina!" Van gasped, his shirt falling from his hands.

    "Yes, baby. We need to talk?"

 Chapter 164 - 164: Blackmail

    Van''s bulging eyes almost popped out of their sockets, his pounding heart threatening to leap out of his chest as he stared at his friend''s evil wife, the sight of her nude body causing his blood to freeze.

    "Y...you! H....how! W...why!" Van struggled with words, heat and bile shooting up to his flushed face at the thought of what may have happened between the two of them.

    "There is no need for you to be dramatic, honey," Regina said, maintaining her firm and sultry voice. "You know I''ve always had my eyes on you. Greg is such a boring man. But you are fire and thunder combined." She said licking her lips.

    "D...did we..."

    "Of course, we did, honey," Regina said climbing out of the bed and holding the bedsheet up to her chest. "We did it on the couch, on the floor, in the bathroom and finally on the bed."

    "No!" Van shook his head stepping backwards as Regina slowly approached him, oozing an air of dominance and supremacy. "I could never do that! I could never betray my friend. I could never cheat on my wife."

    "But you did, sweetheart. And you don''t have to call it cheating." Regina grinned as Van''s back hit the wall. "We made love and it was so beautiful, something your skinny wife can never give you in the next decades to come."

    "You''re lying!" Van said between gritted teeth, his hands balling into a fist and his body trembling with ire. "You are a bloody liar! Get out of my room this instant." He pointed to the door. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Or what?" Regina let go of the bed sheet. The sheet fell in slow motion, revealing her banging sexy body which was still very much in good shape thanks to plastic surgery. She placed both her hands on the wall behind him trapping him, her twinkling eyes brimming with mischief.

    "What are you doing!" Van screamed, shutting his eyes. "Cover yourself up."

    "Why?" Regina drawled, creasing his bare chest with her big pillowy breast. "Don''t you find me attractive any longer?" She grinned wickedly. It felt good to watch a man cower in her presence for once and not the other way around.

    "Regina, please, you are my best friend''s wife for goodness sake. Think about our respective family." Van pleaded as he tried to push her away without hurting her, his eyes still shut.

    But Regina was just getting warmed up, her core, still feeling bruised from last night''s wild encounter due to the steroid Lin shot into Van''s system.

    "Did you think about our families when you were pounding me last night over and over again like a robot?" Regina asked, grabbing him by the ball and squeezing it, making him groan in pain.

    "Regina..."

    "Regina what!" She cut him off, squeezing harder and causing him to crouch and groan louder.

    "You are as repulsive as your friend. Now be a good boy, pick up the sheets and cover my body."

    Van nodded, beads of sweat falling down his face.

    "Good." Regina released her wicked grip and watched with so much pleasure as he picked up the sheet and quickly covered her body while using one hand to massage his hurting balls.

    "Come with me." She extended her hand towards him, her lips curved in a satisfied smile. She led him back to the bed and asked him to sit.

    When he was finally seated, his gaze lowered and his body trembling with guilt and shame, Regina picked up the television remote on the round table and powered on the television.

    "Watch!" She simply said and pressed play on the remote.

    The erotic cries of two passionate individuals entangled in a wild sexual adventure filled the room, drowning Van in an ocean of chaos.

    Van was beyond mortified as his gaze fell on the television screen.

    "As you can see, this is not a game. You almost ruptured my womb last night but for a good cause." Regina powered off the television before turning her lethal gaze to Van.

    "Now I''m going to be very explicit with you. My husband, your wife and your grown-up kids don''t have to know anything about this as long as you give me what I want. All I need to know is what you and my husband discussed with Amelia at Judith''s house yesterday evening. I also need to know if Amelia''s husband was present during the conversation."

    Van tilted his head to look at the devil seated beside him.

    "So you did this to me just to blackmail me for information you could have simply gotten from me by asking?" His voice was laced with a blend of anger, resentment, and bitterness.

    Regina scoffed, rolling her eyes at him.

    "We both know that you wouldn''t have told me anything if I asked you. So what is it going to be? Tell me the truth or I send the video right now to your wife and my husband."

    "But if you send the video to your husband, it will also ruin your reputation. Is that what you want?" Van said in a vicious voice grabbing her by the wrist roughly.

    "Do you want us to test that theory?" Regina stood her ground unwavering in her composure. She was used to pain and his tight grip around her wrist felt like a joke compared to all the torture she had encountered in the hands of her many clients seeking sexual satisfaction.

    "You are evil."

    "I know. So stop wasting my time and start talking. I have to be home before 9:00 AM to join my family for breakfast."

    -

    -

    It was already 9:00 AM when Gwen lazily came out of her bedroom and made her way to her grandmother''s bedroom. She knocked briefly on the door and waited. When she didn''t get any response, she turned the doorknob and pushed it slightly open.

    "Good morning, grandma." She said in a cheerful voice peeking through the door and hoping to see her granny seated in her wheelchair and sipping her morning tea.

    However, to her astonishment, her grandmother was nowhere in sight.

    "Grandma!" Gwen called, entering the room, her startled gaze falling on the already-dressed bed, without any sight of her grandmother.

    "Nana!" She called out in a raised voice, panicking. She checked the bathroom and the balcony, but her grandmother was nowhere to be found. Even the old woman''s drugs which were usually by the side of her bed were gone including her walking stick and some of her priceless artefacts.

    "Nana!" Gwen hurried out of her grandmother''s room and down the stairs. She checked the sitting room, the dining room, the garden, the terrace, and all the places her grandmother enjoyed sitting out. But still, she couldn''t find the old woman.

    "Is she dead?" Gwen queried her panicked thoughts.

 Chapter 165 - 165: Guilty Conscience

    Without speaking to the servants who were watching her act a little bit crazy, Gwen hurried to her father''s bedroom and started knocking repeatedly on the door but got no response. She tried to open the door but it was locked.

    "Huh!" Gwen was stunned. It was unlike her father to lock his bedroom door. Where did he go to? Today is a Sunday and he doesn''t work on Sundays.

    Snapping out of her worrisome thoughts, she hurried to her mother''s bedroom door and did the same thing but it was also locked.

    "Where the hell is everyone!" Gwen yelled at the top of her voice. She hurried down the stairs just in time to see her mom coming out or was it sneaking out of the inner drawing room?

    "Mom!"

    Regina, who wasn''t expecting to run into anyone, flinched at the sound of her daughter''s voice.

    "Sweetheart, you scared me."

    "Why are you acting weird, sneaking around in your own house?" Gwen asked, crossing her arm over her chest while eying her mother suspiciously from head to toe.

    "What are you talking about? You were the one who sneaked up on me." Regina said in her defence, grateful that she wasn''t holding her bag, which was carefully stashed away in the drawing room.

    "Whatever. Where is dad and grandma?"

    "Aren''t they at the dining table, eating?" Regina asked, looking a bit confused.

    "I''m the one asking the questions, Mom." Gwen snapped her finger irritably. "Stop giving me a headache by replying to my questions with more questions."

    "Sorry, honey. If they are not at the dining table, then they should be in their respective bedroom. Go and tell Sam to get breakfast ready while I call them."

    Gwen pinched her forehead in frustration.

    "Neither of them are in their bedrooms. I''ve checked." She half screamed.

    "Seriously!" Regina''s eyes widened. "Have you checked...."

    "Everywhere?" Gwen completed her mother''s statement in a repressed voice. "Yes."

    Just then, Sam approached the mother and daughter cautiously. He greeted both of them politely and told them breakfast was served.

    "Where is my husband and my mother-in-law?" Regina demanded arrogantly, her eyes shooting daggers at the mature man.

    "The senator left for the airport with Nana. Didn''t he inform you?" Sam asked, making Regina''s face crinkle even harder.

    "Are you stupid? Who are you to ask me such a silly question?"

    "I''m sorry, ma''am." Sam kept his gaze lowered. "I only saw the senator go to your bedroom and knock on your door. So I assumed he informed you."

    "He was at my bedroom door!" Regina''s eyes widened.

    "Mom, what is wrong with you?" Gwen demanded, hands akimbo. "You are still acting weird."

    "Nothing," Regina replied sharply, taking a deep breath to compose herself. "Nothing is wrong with me." She returned her attention to Sam.

    "I must have been in the shower when he was knocking. I guess I didn''t hear him. Did he go alone or was any of his brothers here with him."

    "He went alone, ma''am. Although a doctor was waiting for him outside the mansion when I helped carry the suitcase."

    "The suitcase!" Regina felt a cold shiver run down her spine.

    "You meant Nana''s suitcase right?" Gwen asked, ignoring her mother''s questionable behaviour. From the way her mother was acting lost, confused and easily spooked, one thing was clear to her. Her mother didn''t sleep in the house. She must have gone out using the secret passageway.

    "Yes, Madam Gwen. It was Nana''s suitcase alone."

    "Oh... that''s good to know." Regina nodded her head, exhaling. "Was Nana feeling alright when my husband took her out or was she still unconscious?"

    "She was awake but looking very weak. The senator had to carry her to the car."

    "Hmm... Is she finally going to die?" Regina mused inwardly, a sly grin curling up her lips.

    "Did you say something, ma''am," Sam asked.

    "No. What time did they leave?"

    "Around 6:30 AM, ma''am" replied Sam.

    "That is rather early if you ask me," Regina noted.

    "I can''t believe Dad didn''t bother informing me of this urgent trip. He would have at least allowed me to say goodbye to Nana." Gwen let out a frustrated sigh as if she really cared about the old woman.

    "You don''t have to feel sad, my dear. Your dad must have good reasons."

    "I doubt Uncle Matt or Desmond knows about this sudden trip." Gwen hissed.

    "I doubt that too."

    "Will that be all ma''am?" Sam asked seeing the two women were done with their interrogation.

    "Yes...you can leave." Regina shooed Sam as if he was an annoying buzzing bee. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Sam bowed politely and left.

    "I have to inform your uncle about your dad''s decision quickly," Regina said, walking past Gwen and climbing up the stairs.

    "Aren''t you with your phone?" Gwen eyed her mother''s empty hands, following closely behind her. "It''s unlike you to move about without your most priceless accessory."

    "Not now, Gwen." Regina rebuked sharply, increasing her pace. But Gwen was bent on knowing where her mother was coming from.

    "I know you didn''t sleep in this house last night," Gwen said in a hushed voice as her mother came to stand in front of her bedroom door fumbling the inner pocket of her dress for the keys.

    Regina flashed her a nasty glare.

    "Stop talking nonsense and go downstairs for your breakfast."

    "I''m not feeling hungry yet." Gwen followed her mother into her room and locked the door behind her.

    "So tell me mom, where are you coming from? One of your rich boyfriend''s hotels." Gwen said wiggling her brows playfully as she sat on her mother''s bed.

    "Gwen I do not have time for this. There are more pressing matters at hand. We stand at the risk of being discovered. Amelia and your father got into an altercation yesterday at Judith''s house after she confronted him with the truth. That is why he has been sullen since last night. It is our job to ensure he doesn''t believe anything she has told him."

    "How do you know he doesn''t believe her already," Gwen asked, doubting her mother.

    "Because your uncle is a genius and according to my source, she also accused your father of collaborating with us to ruin her and her husband," Regina said beaming proudly as she dialed Matt''s number.

    "Really!" Gwen''s eyes lit with excitement and a bit of curiosity. "Who is this source of yours?"

    "It''s a secret," Regina said clicking her tongue playfully, raising her phone to her ear.

    "Good morning genius. Are you aware that your elder brother has taken your mother to the airport on a trip?"

    "Yes, he told me. Where are you?" Matt asked in a cheerful voice.

    "Where do you expect me to be? In my husband''s house of course and in my bedroom." Regina cooed sweetly eyeing her daughter who was making annoying faces at her.

    "That''s very good because I''m coming to you right now. I want you."

    "No." Regina said frowning. She had barely recovered from last night sexual marathon.

    A sudden knock on the door caused the mother and daughter to flinch.

    "He''s here, isn''t he?" Gwen stood up from her mother''s bed, scowling at her as she left for the door. She opened the door and hissed, brushing past Matt without even greeting him.

    "Insolent brat." Matt sneered as he let himself inside Regina''s bedroom and shut the door.

    -

    -

    Amelia and her husband were at the Salvine police headquarters, having a closed-door meeting session with the commissioner of police when she received a call from a strange number.

    "Please, excuse me while I take this call," Amelia said politely to the commissioner of police, before sliding the receive button. She brought the phone to her ear and said.

    "Hello,"

    "Amelia, there is trouble. I am completely ruined."

    Amelia''s forehead furrowed, attracting her husband''s questioning stare.

    "Please, who is this?" She asked, not recognizing the broken voice of the caller.

    "Is your godfather, Engineer Van Cobalt."

 Chapter 166 - 166: Used And Abused

    "Uncle Van..." Amelia''s eyes widened in alarm. "Hold on a second." She nonverbally communicated to Blaze with her eyes that they needed to speak outside while rising up to her feet.

    "Commissioner Clement, please excuse us briefly. We will be right back." Blaze said also standing up.

    "Take your time, Mr Anderson. I''ll be waiting for you right here when you''re done." The grey-haired bulky man seated opposite them replied giving the couple a reassuring smile.

    "Thank you." Blaze pulled his chair backwards and escorted his wife out of the office. He led her into the empty waiting room while she resumed her conversation over the phone.

    "Talk to me, Uncle Van," Amelia said in a slightly panicked voice. "Are you all right? What''s the matter and why are sounding this way?"

    "I''ve done something terrible, Amelia. I have messed up big time. Your father will have my head for this. He will never forgive me and I don''t think you or your husband will, either."

    Amelia felt her pounding heart do a fatal somersault at the thought of Van betraying her. A cold shiver ran down her veins, causing her body to stiffen.

    "What did you do, Uncle Van?" She asked in a trembling voice, her hand shaking.

    "Babe, let me have the phone," Blaze said, collecting the phone from Amelia''s trembling hand. He placed the call on loudspeaker and said in a harsh tone.

    "Where are you, Mr Van?"

    "Mr Anderson, please you have to forgive me. I am very sorry. I didn''t mean to..."

    "Mr Van, take a deep breath and tell me where you are," Blaze said calmly as opposed to the storm already brewing inside of him at the thought of Van betraying their trust.

    "I am in my new hotel room."

    "Are you alone?"

    "Yes."

    "Is this line secured?"

    "I''m not very sure but I recently purchased this phone from the hotel gift shop."

    "Then I don''t think we should talk on the phone. Send me your address and I''ll send my men to pick you up."

    "But you would..."

    "I don''t care what you''ve done," Blaze said cutting the traumatized man off. "Whatever happens, we could always find a way around it. Just remain calm and do exactly what my men tell you. everything will be fine." Blaze ended the call before looking up to his troubled wife.

    "What could he have done wrong?" Amelia asked.

    "I don''t think you should trouble yourself with that, dear. So far, everything has been working according to plan. Your Nana is out of the picture and your father is on his way back to the mansion. Whatever Van may have done can be addressed later. Let''s just focus on the business at hand while my people bring him over to us. Is almost noon and soon it will be time for your family''s Thanksgiving. We have to be ready."

    Amelia released a sigh. "Okay. I just hope whatever he may have done can be redeemable."

    "It will be." Blaze patted her on the shoulder, reassuringly. "Let''s go back to the commissioner and round up our meeting."

    -

    -

    Two hours later, at a highly secured guest house...

    Amelia listened in horror and mortification as her godfather, narrated his encounter with Regina, starting from when he woke up to find her naked in his bed and every other thing that transpired.

    Van was looking completely disoriented both in his appearance and expression, like a man who had just lost everything he valued in life. He trembled with fear as he told the angry couple how Regina threatened to use the sex video to destroy him if he didn''t comply.

    While Van was busy sharing his nightmare, Blaze wasted no time in taking precautionary action. He made several calls and sent some secret agents to the hotel to get information on everything that transpired in Van''s hotel room.

    "What exactly did you tell her?" Amelia asked, her tone and expression oozing with venom.

    "I told her exactly what she wanted to hear. I couldn''t bring myself to betray you any further than I had already done. Please, I need you to forgive me." Van pleaded, going down on his knees before his irked goddaughter.

    "I would never in a million years think of taking that vile woman to bed if they hadn''t spiked my drink. I have no memory of the things I did except what I saw on the video and it looks pretty bad. I was used and abused beyond my imagination. I can''t even begin to imagine what my wife or children would think about me if they ever laid eyes on that video. I am completely ruined. Your father might even put a bullet in my head if he sees it. I don''t know who else to turn to except you."

    "It''s okay uncle." Amelia stood up from her seat, tears of anguish and hatred clouding her vision as she made her way to Van. She forced him up to his feet and made him sit down. "I won''t let that happen. I won''t let your wife or children see that despicable video. My husband and I would try and get it back from them."

    "Just to satisfy my curiosity, what exactly did you tell Regina?" Blaze asked in a deadpan voice, his narrowed and blazing gaze making Van''s body quiver.

    "I told her that Amelia accused the whole Shawls family, of ganging up and trying to get rid of her. I told her that Amelia showed her father proof of her liquidated trust fund asset that Gwen sold behind her back and made away with the money. I told her that the senator countered Amelia''s claims saying she fabricated those numbers just to destroy her sister."

    "I told her that Amelia swore to get back every cent taken from her even if it meant destroying whatever she shared with the family in the past. And when she asked specifically if you..." Van pointed to Blaze with his trembling forefinger. "... were present at the meeting, I told her that we didn''t see you because you couldn''t stand the senator. I also told her that Amelia accused the senator of trying to sabotage your company. I told her the meeting was inconclusive because Amelia stood up and walked out on her father."

    "Are you sure that is what you told her?" Blaze asked, a little bit of doubt lacing his tone.

    "I swear with everything I hold dear. That is what I told her and to my surprise, she believed me. It was as if I was confirming all that she already knew."

    "Then you have nothing to worry about for now. As my wife has already assured you, I will ensure that video never sees the light of the day. Nevertheless, you would have to reconcile your conscience with your friend and your family. That I cannot do for you."

    Engr Van nodded his head, while Amelia remained seated beside him consoling him with kind words.

    "I''m so sorry I got you into this, uncle. If you hadn''t come to me, none of these would have happened. But if it''s any consolation, you should know that you are not the only man Regina has abused or blackmailed into doing her bidding. My father happens to be one of her victims too."

    "What!" Van turned sharply to look at his goddaughter, his jaw-dropping. "How?"

    Amelia looked up to her husband and he shook his head.

    "I''m afraid I can''t tell you anything right now uncle for safety reasons. I''ve already gotten you into enough mess as it stands. But you will learn the truth in future and you will know the kind of woman the witch is."

    "I will advise you to return to the state," Blaze suggested after a brief moment of silence.

    "You want me to go back home?" Engr Van was alarmed. "But I have an ongoing project here. I can''t just abandon it."

    "Don''t worry about that," Blaze said standing up in readiness to leave. "I''ll have some people sort it out for you while you take the credit. Your presence here has been compromised and you have become a liability. It will be in your best interest to leave today. Go back home and keep a low profile until everything is sorted out. You will thank me later."

    "What about my friend?" Van lamented turning to face Amelia. "Won''t he think I abandoned him at the most crucial moment?"

    "No, he won''t because I''ll be there to explain things to him," Amelia said reassuringly.

    "Okay, I will just have to return to the hotel and get my stuff," Van said forcing himself up.

    "It''s already taken care of," Blaze said causally. "All you have to do is just go with the young man waiting for you outside the door."

    "What young man?" Van asked shifting his gaze to the door.

    The door to the main guest room opened and a young man with dirty blonde hair and a bewitching grin stepped into the room holding Van''s traveling luggage.

    "Mr Van, this is Tim, one of my specialists. He''ll ensure you get home safely. Leave your phone behind and do not try to communicate with my wife or the senator. If we need you, we''ll contact you." Blaze said sternly.

    "Okay!"

    Blaze stole one glance at his wife and said. "I''ll let you two say your goodbye. Meet me in the car, darling when you''re done."

    "Okay." Amelia smiled in appreciation.

    "Mr Anderson..." Engr Van called as Blaze was about to step out of the room.

    "Yes." Blaze tilted his head backwards, already wearing his aviator sunglasses.

    "I''m trusting my goddaughter to you. Please take care of her and do not break her heart."

    Blaze''s gaze shifted to Amelia, who was staring back at him, blushing.

    "I''ll do my best." He smiled and left.

    -

    -

    Senator Gregory returned home to see his younger brother''s car packed outside the mansion by the water fountain. He briskly made his way into the house, where he was received by the butler.

    "Sir, welcome back." Sam greeted politely.

    "Thank you, Sam." The senator said taking off his coat and handing it over to Sam.

    "Is my brother in the sitting room waiting for me?" The senator asked casually, wondering why Matt didn''t come to join him at the airport like he promised.

    "No sir."

    "Where is he, at the dining room?"

    "I''m afraid not sir?" Sam fidgeted a little, wondering why Matt hadn''t come out after spending more than an hour in the madam''s bedroom.

    "Then where is he? I saw his car parked outside." The senator tried to hold back his anger, especially after everything he had learned about Matt''s betrayal.

    "I''ll quickly go get him, Sir," Sam said and attempted to hurry away but the senator stopped him. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I didn''t ask you to go get him. I simply asked where he is."

    "A...a...a...at Madam''s bedroom?"

    "What! My wife''s bedroom! What is he doing there?" The senator observed the way Sam was trembling and decided to go investigate himself.

 Chapter 167 - 167: Drama Queen

    Luckily for the cheating couple, Gwen had just stepped out of her room to grab something downstairs when she heard her father''s slightly irked voice speaking to Sam.

    "Shit!" She tiptoed to the upper floor glass railing and peeked downstairs to confirm it was really her dad.

    Upon confirmation, she quietly hurried over to her mother''s bedroom and knocked lightly on the door, why dialing her mother''s phone number.

    Thankfully, Matt had just concluded his adultery business with Regina and was just unlocking the door when he heard the knock and Gwen''s hushed voice, calling for her mum.

    "The little brat." Matt opened the door, ready to berate Gwen for being a nosy little shit. But the words that came out of her mouth made his blood freeze.

    "Greg is here and he''s coming upstairs," Gwen said in a hushed repressed voice, disgusted by her supposed father.

    "F*ck!" Matt cursed under his breath, not expecting his brother to arrive so soon.

    "Quickly, go to your father and stall him while I inform your mother. Make sure he doesn''t climb upstairs until you see me." Matt said before re-entering Regina''s room and closing the door quietly.

    "F*cking pussy!" Gwen cursed under her breath. She was tempted to walk away and let her father catch Matt in the act. But knowing how that may impact negatively on her mother, she had no choice but to do as Matt had said.

    Just then, she heard her father''s approaching voice. Without giving it a second thought, she hurried away from her mother''s bedroom towards the stairs.

    "Daddy!" Gwen chanted excitedly like a little child who was seeing her father for the first time after a long trip. She hurried down the stairs at neck-breaking speed, her eyes brimming with excitement and her arms outstretched.

    "Gwen, slow down." Senator Gregory, who was already halfway up the stairs called out in a panicked voice, raising his right hand in the air to stop her.

    "Huh!" Gwen pretended not to hear her father. She intentionally missed two steps and faked a fall.

    "Gwen!" The senator was quick to catch her before she could stumble down the stairs.

    "Ahh...." She shrieked at the top of her voice as her father caught her in his arms. "My ankle! It is twisted." She cried out falsely in pain, lifting up her right leg.

    "Oh no!" The senator lamented holding her steadily. He temporarily forgot about Matt and his wife as he focused on his daughter.

    "Sam, hold her in place while I check her leg." The senator instructed his butler who was standing beside him looking confused and disoriented.

    "Yes sir," Sam moved closer to hold Gwen''s hand but the latter slapped him off screaming.

    "Don''t touch me with those filthy hands." She yelled, holding onto the rails with both hands while her father bent down to examine her leg.

    The senator had barely touched the presumed injured ankle when Gwen squealed like a mouse fighting to save its life from the jaws of a hungry cat.

    "Oh, the pain! The pain!" Gwen placed the back of her right hand on a forehead dramatically. "It hurts! It''s broken. Don''t touch it."

    "Stay still before you fall." The senator quickly stood up holding Gwen as she almost lost her grip. "Will you stop behaving like a baby and put yourself together? Why were you even running like that in the first place? Are you a child?" He rebuked harshly, coupled with the raging storm swirling inside of him.

    "I didn''t mean to Daddy. I''m so sorry. Please don''t be mad at me. My ankle hurts so badly." Gwen forced out more tears, gnashing her teeth as if she was really hurting.

    "It''s okay. Sorry." The Senator carefully lifted Gwen into his arms and took her downstairs, to the sitting room. He instructed Sam to get the first aid kit while he examined the injured ankle thoroughly.

    However upon close examination with Gwen acting all hysterical in pain, the senator observed something that told him Gwen was faking the whole pain scene. It prompted him to his earlier quest and it became clear to him that something was going on upstairs that she didn''t want him to find out.

    Checking the time on his wristwatch, he decided to play along with Gwen''s game attending to her leg while he waited to see how long it would take either his wife or Matt to come downstairs.

    -

    -

    Meanwhile, back inside her bedroom, Regina was sprawled on her bed, nude and utterly exhausted. Never in her life has she done such a marathon from satisfying a man on steroids to pleasing another monster with a large appetite.

    At the moment, all she wanted to do was rest for a while on the bed before going to the bathroom to soak herself in a warm bath.

    "Regina, get your ass out of that bed." Matt boomed in a suppressed voice as he quickly picked up her scattered clothes and undies on the floor.

    "Leave me alone, Matt. I''m tired." Regina said weakly, turning her face to the side to glare at him. "You have bruised me really hard and I need some rest."

    "Your husband is here and he is on his way to your bedroom, b*tch. Either you get that ass moving or I will strangle you to death." Matt threatened, hurling her clothes in her tired face.

    "Wait a second! Did you say, my husband?" Regina speedily climbed out of her bed, eyes widened in horror.

    "You heard me right." Matt hissed, looking away from her dangling big breast that was luring him towards her for a second round of pleasure.

    "Shit!" Regina forgot the fact that she was nude or that she was in a lot of pain. She quickly removed her clothes from the bed and arranged it.

    Matt, temporarily hypnotized by Regina''s banging body watched in pleasure as she horridly arranged her bed, cleared the floor and sprayed some fruity air freshener around the room before dashing for the bathroom.

    Regina was in the process of opening the bathroom door when she discovered that Matt hadn''t moved away from where he was standing. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "What are you still doing here?" Regina asked angrily. "Do you want Greg to kill the both of us? Get lost already." She screamed before disappearing into the bathroom and slamming the door shot.

    Snapping out of his own lust, Matt carefully made his way out of Regina''s bedroom and sneaked into his mother''s empty room. He tidied himself up and sprayed some of his masculine cologne to mask Regina''s scent on his body, before making his way downstairs to join his brother.

 Chapter 168 - 168: The CCTV Footage

    Senator Gregory carried on like nothing was amiss. He continued to act the part of a fool as Matt came to him, cooking up different bullshitting stories. He observed from the corner of his eyes as Matt gave Gwen a thumbs-up while pretending to access her broken ankle.

    "Bro, have you had breakfast yet because I''m starving?" Matt said after a few minutes of discussion.

    "Yes, I have. I ate with Mom at the airport before she boarded her flight. Why don''t you go to the dining, Sam already informed me that the table has been set for a while now."

    "That sounds like a great idea," Matt said, standing up. "Gwen, why don''t you join me? I wouldn''t like to eat alone." S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Sure uncle." Gwen carelessly put her hurting bandaged foot on the ground, forgetting she was supposed to limp or scream out in pain.

    "Is your leg feeling better?" The senator asked wearing his calm and loving expression.

    "Ouch!" Gwen swiftly wore back her mask of pretense. "I don''t think I can walk up to that dining table all by myself."

    "That''s why you have an awesome uncle, darling. Let your uncle attend to you while I go take a shower upstairs." The senator kissed Gwen on the forehead before leaving for his bedroom.

    Senator Gregory was on his way upstairs while his wife was coming down the stairs, pretending to be mad at him for his cold behaviour the previous night.

    Regina walked past her husband, shoulders held high and face turned sideways as if he meant nothing to her.

    "Gina!" Senator Gregory called, stopping in his tracks while staring at his wife back, who had also stopped moving.

    "What!" Regina replied coldly without looking at him.

    "Aren''t you even going to greet me?"

    "Why should I?" Regina cocked her head backwards, eying him from head to two as if he meant nothing to her.

    "Really!"

    "Well since someone thinks I should hug the pillow because I am nothing to him, then he should know that he doesn''t deserve my respect any longer."

    "Okay. Point taken." The senator turned around to leave when Regina''s sharp voice stopped him.

    "Is that all you going to say? Aren''t you at least going to apologize to me for hurting my feelings last night?" Regina lamented, pretending to be broken. "You haven''t touched me for like a year plus now, all because of work and more work. And last night, when I came to you because I was in dire need of my husband, you told me to go hug the pillow and slammed the door in my face. Tell me, is that what marriage is all about? Don''t I mean anything to you? Don''t you love me anymore?" She said squeezing out a few tears.

    The senator chuckled inwardly, the fleeting thought of giving the heartless and ruthless conniving woman a dirty slap, crossing his mind. But if he did that, it would ruin his plans for the night.

    ''Hang in the Greg. You can do this. Just do what she wants you to do. When the time comes, you will put her in her place.'' Senator Greg released a sigh and climbed down to meet his wife. He slowly wrapped his hand around her waist and pulled her closer.

    "I''m sorry, my love. I was in bad shape last night and I needed some space to cool off. Can you forgive me?"

    A cheerful smile spread across Regina''s face as she lifted her hand to ruffle her husband''s smooth textured hair. "You know I love you so much and I can never stay mad at you, my love." She leaned closer to kiss the senator but he quickly avoided her lips as he kissed her lightly on the forehead.

    "I need to go upstairs and take a shower right now. My mom''s health condition has really taken a toll on me. I need some time to cool off. Can you please be patient with me just for today?"

    "If only you promise to make love to me tomorrow when you come back from work," Regina said batting her lashes flirtatiously at him.

    "Nothing will give me greater pleasure to give you exactly what you deserve." The senator said smoothly, stroking Regina''s chin while holding her flirtatious gaze.

    "I can wait." Regina cooed, blushing like a teenager in love.

    "Our family members will soon start arriving for the Thanksgiving feast. Why don''t you go downstairs and be a good hostess? I will join you soon."

    "Sure thing, darling."

    As the senator turned around to leave, Regina smacked him on the buttocks, winking before hurrying down the stairs, smiling sheepishly. She failed to see the viciousness in her husband''s narrowed eyes as he left for his bedroom.

    An hour later, the senator returned downstairs. However, instead of joining the rest of the family in the sitting room and lounge area, the senator went straight to his home office. He quietly assessed it and locked the door behind him to avoid disturbance.

    Going around the table, he sat down on his executive seat, assessing the entire office. He had a feeling that the office was bugged. So he pretended to work on the computer system on his table while in actual fact he was reviewing the installed CCTV footage in his house.

    Upon reviewing three hours earlier, the camera captured Matt entering the house and going straight into Regina''s bedroom. He watched Gwen leave her mother''s bedroom and act rudely to her uncle.

    Although there was no CCTV footage inside any of the bedrooms, the senator, was able to deduce the time Matt spent inside his wife''s bedroom, which slowly made his blood begin to boil. He also saw everything Gwen did outside her mother''s bedroom before the dramatic fall down the stairs.

    Slowly balling his hands into a fist, the senator vowed under his breath, between clenched jaws.

    "Matt, so help me God, I will kill you if I find out that you were sleeping with my wife under my roof."

 Chapter 169 - 169: The Family Interrogation

    It was a vibrant evening filled with laughter merriment and good music.

    The opulent mansion banquet hall with brilliantly illuminating crystal chandelier cast a warm glow on the long beautifully decorated rectangular table filled with assorted food, expensive bottles of wine, silver and golden dishware, colourful cocktails and mouth-watering dessert.

    Members of the Shawls family comprising of; wives, husbands, children, in-laws and extended relations gathered together in their usual monthly fashion to celebrate another Thanksgiving feast. They were all looking elegant in their carefully selected Sunday''s best.

    As usual, Regina stole everyone''s attention in her designer velvety blue dress and dazzling accessories. She ensured everyone was comfortable and enjoying the evening while they awaited the senator and Gwen who were yet to show up.

    The sight of Judith and her husband seated at the table made Regina''s stomach twist. But she did her best to contain her disgust, knowing Judith''s days of poke-nosing in the family affairs were numbered.

    When the senator finally arrived with his youngest daughter by his side, walking slowly with the aid of a walking stick, everyone at the table rose to welcome them.

    "Please, you don''t have to. Take your seat." The senator said, beaming as each member of his family took turns, greeting him and asking after Gwen''s wellbeing.

    "Honey..." Regina left her seat to receive her husband with a glass of champagne in her right hand. "...you look handsome as ever." She leaned closer and kissed him on the cheek before handing him the glass.

    "Thank you, darling. You look gorgeous as well." The senator received the drink without taking a sip.

    "More gorgeous than me, daddy?" Gwen asked in a jealous tone as she carefully wiped her mum''s lipstick stain on her father''s cheeks.

    "You both look equally stunning, darling." Senator Gregory replied, maintaining his cheerful expression. He pulled out a seat and helped Gwen carefully sit down before taking his own seat at the head of the table.

    The feasting commenced after the senator shared the grace. He ate only the food Sam served him and drank only the wine Sam handed to him.

    The dinner was lively with lots of engaging activities as everyone seated at the table took turns, expressing what they were thankful for amid loud cheering and laughter.

    As the dinner slowly approached its climax, the senator stood up and addressed everyone in a solemn voice.

    "My dearest family, I want to thank you all for making time to attend this memorable monthly gathering regardless of the challenges we have all been facing, individually and collectively. Our matriarch would have loved to attend today''s event. But unfortunately, things didn''t go according to plan. Nevertheless, she extends her warm regards to us all."

    A brief cheer erupted but died down almost immediately as the senator resumed speaking. He spoke briefly about the relevance of family, brotherhood, sacrifice, trust and commitment, before narrowing it down to the events of the past week.

    "Yesterday, after speaking at length with my daughter, Amelia and listening to her accusations, I realized that there is a lot I do not know about this family. A lot has been happening right under my nose..." The senator paused briefly, lowering his gaze to his wife who was staring at his brother. "This can no longer continue."

    A hush fell in the room as most of the extended family members except Judithand her husband, exchanged curious glances, wondering what the senator was talking about. But in the case of the guilty culprit, they shifted uneasily in their seat, exchanging silent glances and nonverbal communication.

    Just then, the door to the banquet room was pushed open, causing every pair of eyes in the room to turn towards that direction.

    Wild gasps erupted in the room as Blaze and Amelia, cladded in elegant and matching black attire majestically walked into the banquet room, holding hands. They were looking like royalty as they strode purposefully towards the banquet table exuding a domineering and intimidating aura.

    "What are they doing here?" Regina''s horrified gaze shifted to Matt, who was equally perplexed by their presence.

    "Good evening, everyone. I hope I wasn''t too late for the party." Amelia said in a sweet voice, her glistening eyes taking note of the shocked and paled faces of all those who had soiled their hands with greed.

    "Sir, do you want me to..."

    "Sit down, Lin." The Senator cut her off before she could complete her statement. "I will handle this." He was about to address the couple when Matt jumped to his feet, taking matters into his hands.

    "Amelia, what is the meaning of this?" Matt demanded in a slightly alarmed but furious voice, his gaze narrowing at Amelia while carefully avoiding Blaze. "Why have you come down here? Do you intend to cause trouble like the last time?"

    "Matt..."

    "Dad, allow me," Amelia said signalling her father not to interfere.

    "I''m no troublemaker, Uncle Matt. I came here because I care a lot about this family. You can be rest assured that I do not have any ulterior motives except to clarify certain misunderstandings and set the records straight. So if you don''t mind, please sit down because we have a lot of things to discuss."

    "Never!" Desmond banged his fist on the table standing up. "I will not sit down here and watch you make a caricature of us one more time. I will advise you and your husband to peacefully leave this place right now or I will be forced to call the police."

    "You will call the police on your niece?" Amelia snickered. If only her uncle knew that the police were waiting outside to escort some of them to jail.

    "Sit down Desmond and stop talking rubbish." The senator rebuked his younger brother to his dismay.

    "But Daddy, have you forgotten what Amelia''s husband did to you the last time? He was the one who struck you on your head. He was the reason why you were bedridden for days."

    "And do not forget that he almost strangled me to death," Regina said looking up to her husband pleadingly.

    "Moreover Amelia made it abundantly clear the last time that she''s no longer a member of this family," Pearl said, scowling at her

    "And you are?" Amelia let out a chuckle. " Don''t make me laugh, Pearl. I was guessing by now you would know your place in the family."

    "Amelia, please we were having so much fun before you came. I know you hate this family so much for the things you claim we did to you. But for the sake of this Thanksgiving occasion, kindly let us celebrate in peace. We do not want trouble. That is why you were not invited in the first place." Regina pleaded, standing up beside her husband whose countenance seemed very off.

    "On the contrary, stepmom, my husband and I were invited," Amelia replied confidently.

    "By whom!" Desmond queried in alarm.

    "That would be me." Senator''s Gregory deep and commanding voice echoed in the room.

    "What?" Regina cocked her head sideways to look at her husband. "You invited them and you didn''t think I should know about it?" She asked in a betrayed tone.

    "Excuse me?" The senator shot his wife a vicious glare that sent a chilly wave down her spine. "Do I need to seek your permission before inviting my daughter to her home?"

    "T...t...that''s not what I meant, honey." Regina fumbled with her words, her body trembling as her eyes darted between father and daughter. "I would have made a seat available for her if you had told me."

    "There is no need to quarrel about this." Matt''s said stepping away from his seat and asking his wife to stand up. "They can both have my seat and that of my wife. I just remembered I have somewhere to be. If you will all excuse me."

    "Sit down Matt." The senator commanded.

    "But brother, I really have to be..."

    "I said sit down." The senator boomed causing a chill to run down Matt''s spine.

    A deafening silence reigned for the next few seconds as Matt and his wife slowly took their seat.

    Matt could already see the way Blaze was grinning devilishly from behind and he knew something terrible was about to happen. He looked in Lin''s direction but the latter seemed to be fighting her own demons as her gaze was elsewhere.

    The senator called on the butler and asked him to bring extra seats into the room.

    When everyone was finally seated, the senator resumed his earlier address S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Earlier I told you all that a lot of things have been happening in this family that needs to be addressed. But before I go on to reveal some of the disturbing things I''ve learned about some of us, I would give each and every one of you involved in any sort of crime the chance to come clean. Failure to confess your crime will be met with dire consequences."

    The senator turned to Gwen and said,

    "Sweetheart, do you have something to say concerning the abduction and attempted murder of your sister?"

    "What!" Everyone seated at the table gasped in shock.

    "Me!" Gwen placed her hand on her chest, eyes widened. "Dad, how can you say such a dreadful thing? I could never hurt my sister."

 Chapter 170 - 170: Confession 1

    The senator''s direct question and Gwen''s shaky response created a sizzling tension in the air as everyone waited breathlessly to know what would happen next.

    All those who participated in the crime began to slowly panic. None of them had prepared for this sudden twist of events and with Amelia and her husband present, they all knew a shit show was about to take place.

    "Why hasn''t anyone alerted us to this intrusion?" Lin whispered to her partner while operating her phone under the table.

    "I have no idea. The lines seemed jammed." Her partner replied after several attempts to communicate with their men outside.

    "That''s because all calls coming in and going out of this Mansion have been jammed," Lin said between gritted teeth. She couldn''t even communicate with Matt or Desmond through text messages except by talking out loud across the table. "This is a f*cking setup. We need to get the f*ck out of here before things get messy."

    "How?" Lin''s partner looked at her as if she had lost her mind. "We cannot do anything while the senator is seated. Moreover we declared our guns and weapons. There is no way to fight off the opposition."

    The senator''s stern but calm voice broke through the murmuring as he said.

    "Today is a day of second chances. So I''m going to give you one last chance to come clean. Gwen..." Senator Gregory''s sky-blue eyes bore into those of his daughter''s. "....did you have anything whatsoever to do with the abduction and attempted murder of your elder sister?"

    Gwen felt as though she was about to have a heart attack as all pairs of eyes in the room fell on her. Her body began to tremble and beads of sweat crowded her forehead as her quivering gaze shifted to her mother and uncle for help.

    "Look at me, young woman, and answer the question. Did you..."

    "Greg!" Regina abruptly stood up, cutting her husband off. "What is the meaning of this? Did Amelia put you up to this? Is that why she has come down here to cause trouble?"

    "Sit down, Regina." The senator growled in a suppressed tone.

    But Regina wasn''t about to allow her husband to intimidate them as she bluntly replied to him.

    "No, I won''t. I won''t allow you to harass my daughter or any member of this family just to please your heartless daughter."

    "Watch your mouth, Regina." The senator warned, wagging a finger at her.

    "Or what?" Regina said, challenging him. "Will you hit me just to please your daughter? Go ahead, Nana is not here to stop you. Hit me and satisfy your conscience."

    ''Good girl.'' Matt smiled to himself. ''Keep him engaged and deflect him from his mission while we find a way out of this place.'' He turned to his wife and said.

    "Remember what I told you the last time and how I got that bullet wound shot."

    "Yes."

    "Well, something worse is about to happen if we do not get out of here. I need you to create a diversion so that we can leave this place with the kids before that madman seated beside Amelia is set loose on us."

    "What should I do?" Matt''s naive wife asked.

    "I need you to choke on your food."

    "What!"

    "Just do it and don''t be dramatic," Matt said harshly, pulling close a plate of spicy hot stew.

    "What if I choke to death." His wife eyed her husband suspiciously. She knew about his many affairs and how he called her a hippo behind her back.

    "You won''t choke because I''ll be here to take good care of you."

    ''Yeah right.'' Matt''s wife hissed inwardly. She carefully pushed the plate of the hot spicy stew to her husband with a smile framing her thick lips.

    "Why don''t you choke on your food instead while I take care of you? Since I''m very huge, you won''t be able to carry me out of this place if I pass out. But if you pass out, I will be able to carry you."

    "What!" Matt''s jaw dropped.

    "Whenever you''re ready, honey. Just give me a sign." She plastered a charming smile on her face before returning her attention to the arrogant and shameless Regina, who was currently spewing thrash while challenging her husband to hit her.

    Seeing her husband remain calm even after all her attempts to provoke him and force him to exit the banquet hall, Regina decided to adopt another approach.

    "Sweetheart, please, let''s not quarrel because of this. Gwen has already answered you the first time. She had nothing to do with her sister''s claim. Moreover, we have been through this before. There was never a kidnap. All of these are lies aimed at destroying this happy family. Please, send her away before she causes further harm." Regina tried to touch her husband but the latter avoided her touch.

    "Very well, we will do this the hard way, since no one is ready to come forward with a confession. But have this at the back of your mind, there will be no forgiveness."

    The senator turned to Amelia. "Entertain us, my dear." He said and took his seat, his expression void of empathy.

    Amelia nodded her head, her lips curling up in a wicked smirk as she raised her phone to her right ear.

    "Come in."

    "Huh!" Lin and her partner both exchanged questioning glances. They swiftly picked up their phone to call for reinforcement. But before the call could connect, the network in the room was jammed again.

    "Who are you talking to?" Regina''s horrified gaze shifted to Amelia, her alarmed expression betraying her.

    "You''ll see."

    Just then the banquet room door opened and more than a dozen men dressed in black suits and ties, entered the room causing everyone in the room to panic. They all strategically positioned themselves in the banquet room, surrounding the agitated family.

    "This men here will not act unless I tell them to," Amelia said reassuringly. They are specifically here to ensure order. So, I will ask every one of you to sit back and enjoy the show." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I can''t wait." Judith beamed excitedly, rubbing both her hands together as she watched some young men in casual outfits roll in a table containing different computer gadgets. The lights in the room were dimmed and a video was projected on the white wall.

    "This is not good." Desmond looked towards Matt who was staring blankly at a plate of food before him. "Really, Matt. All you can think of right now is food?"

    "Ah ..." Everyone in the room gasped as Jerry Morgan''s slightly bruised face came up on the white wall.

 Chapter 171 - 171: Confession 2

    "Impossible!" Regina cried out.

    "Jerry!" Gwen cupped her lips with both hands.

    "Is this video streaming live?" Matt demanded looking in his brother''s direction without getting the slightest response.

    "How did they get him?" Desmond demanded.

    The murmuring and exclamation continued for a few seconds until Gwen suddenly rose to her feet, standing up straight on her bandaged leg, forgetting to lean on her walking stick.

    "Where is my husband?" Gwen yelled pointing her finger at Amelia, while moving away from her seat, ignoring her mother who was trying to get her to sit down. "What have you done to him? Did you kidnap him all this while we have been looking for him?"

    "Kidnap. Such a fancy word. Why don''t you listen to what he has to say first before you go all sentimental." Amelia said in an aloof voice.

    "Gwen, I can see your twisted ankle has magically gotten better." The senator said in a harsh tone, indirectly informing her that he knew she was faking it.

    Gwen thought about continuing with her act. But everyone including her disappointed mother was staring at her bandaged leg. It would only appear stupid to continue with the pretence.

    "Oh, Dad. It all thanks to you." She smiled sheepishly, wishing the ground would open and swallow her whole.

    The senator flashed her a disappointed glare. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Get back to your seat. You and I have a lot to talk about."

    "Y...yes Daddy." Gwen lowered her head as she returned to her seat beside her mother.

    "You are such a disgrace," Regina muttered under her breath while pretending to sympathize with her daughter. But there was no time to reprimand her daughter as Jerry''s quivering deep voice echoed inside the room, silence all murmuring.

    "My name is Jerry Morgan and I am here to confess to the crime involving the abduction and attempted assassination of my ex-fiancee, Amelia Shawls Anderson, on the eve before her wedding to me."

    "What!"

    "Good lord!"

    "Sweet heaven!"

    "Is he for real"

    Different exclamation erupted from different sides of the table. But it was replaced by another wave of silence as Jerry vomited the next words.

    "This crime was not carried out by myself alone. It was spearheaded by five members of the Shawls'' immediate and extended family plus the senator''s head of security. Lin Fox."

    "Lin Fox!" Matt''s wife exclaimed out loud, causing her husband to almost choke on his saliva.

    All pairs of eyes seated around the table turned to the dark-haired lady in a pink dress, whose face was flushed with rage.

    "Lies!" Lin half screamed standing up. She turned to the senator, wearing a confused and pleading expression.

    "Senator, I swear, I have nothing to do with this."

    The video was temporarily paused as Lin tried to untangle herself from the sticky web spun by Jerry.

    "The man in that video is a scoundrel on the run for so many crimes. He is a filthy liar. You saw what he did to go Gwen. He can''t be trusted. He would say anything to save his neck even if it means discrediting others."

    "So true." Matt concurred out loud, his thoughts in chaos as he wondered why Blaze wasn''t attacking the senator after the successful biker gang hit. "For all we know, Jerry could be confessing under gunpoint."

    "Exactly my thoughts." Desmond supported his brother. "I can vouch for Lin. She is a credible woman and a highly trained professional, big brother. She has served you and this family for more than half a decade. You can trust her words."

    Amelia scoffed out loud, amused by her uncles.

    "Amelia, this is not funny." Matt reprimanded harshly. "You can''t..."

    "That is enough, Matt." Senator Gregory said in a deadpan tone, while his cold gaze remained fixed in Lin''s direction. "Sit down, Lin."

    "Please sir, you have to listen to me. I will never concede to such a hideous crime. I''m being framed."

    "I said sit down." The senator boomed, slamming his fist on the table.

    Blaze looked sideways to one of the men in black standing a few meters behind Lin and the man in question stepped forward. He leaned closer and whispered in a lethal voice.

    "You have five seconds to sit down, lady or I will be forced to break your legs in front of these good people."

    "Huh!" Lin shuddered tilting her head backwards, her heart slamming in her ear as her gaze fell on a pair of beastly brown eyes narrowed at her.

    "Sit."

    Lin didn''t bother arguing. She knew this man meant business and she wasn''t about to lose her legs over this. She decided in her heart that she would remain in denial as long as others kept their mouth shut.

    Lin had barely sat down when Desmond jumped on his feet, his panicked eyes on the projected video. He was afraid his name would be called next.

    "I have something to say, brother."

    "Sit down, Desmond." Matt shot him a deadly glare.

    "No, Matt. I need to clarify some things before we all get roped into this mess."

    "What are you talking about, darling?" Desmond''s confused and alarmed wife asked, looking up her him. "You aren''t part of those Jerry is referring to, are you?"

    "I...I...I"

    "Sit down, Desmond." The senator barked furiously.

    "Brother, please, do not do this. We are a family."

    A shot was fired into the air, causing everyone in the room to freeze.

    Matt almost peed himself as Blaze who had been silent all this while observing everyone spew rubbish stood up, a silver gun with a smoking nuzzle in his hand. He tilted his head to his wife.

    "You may continue, sweetheart."

    "Thank you." Amelia smiled briefly at him before turning to her uncle who was still standing frozen.

    "The time for talking is over. I need everyone to sit down and allow Jerry to do the talking."

    As those words left Amelia''s mouth, one of the men in suit standing behind Desmond, placed a hand on his shoulder, forcing him back to his seat.

    The video resumed playing, taking most of the extended family members seated by storm.

 Chapter 172 - 172: Confession 3

    A fog of silence descended in the room over the next few seconds as Jerry''s video-taped confession came to an end. Nobody looked at anybody else. Nobody said a word. Everyone remained mute, lost in their own chaotic thoughts. The rising oppressive tension was broken only by the ticking magnificent wall clock in the room.

    "Unbelievable!" Someone on the table finally expressed his shock, forcing every pair of eyes in the room to turn to look at him.

    "This is the height of wickedness." The mature man, who happened to be a distant cousin to Nana, said staring in Gwen''s direction. "How can anyone be so cruel to their own family member."

    "It beats my imagination." Judith hissed out loud, prompting murmuring amongst other members of the family.

    Matt kept his head lowered, his face hardened into a mask of fury, eyes burning with an inner fire as if he were silently battling demons from another world. Sweat trickled down his back with every scrape of a chair against the pristine polished marble floor as time seemed to crawl at snail''s speed.

    "Please, tell me this is not true." Lilian, Matt''s wife pleaded, her horrified eyes fill with woe.

    "It''s all lies. I am being framed." Matt replied, his perplexed expression betraying him.

    "Then why are you sweating profusely?" Lilian demanded, her rising tone laced with bubbling anger. "An innocent man fears no accusation."

    "Allow me to think woman." Matt snapped angrily at her. "I have just been accused of a grave crime before the entire family. Do you expect me to remain calm?"

    "Then say something to defend yourself." Lilian spat out holding back her anger.

    "I will."

    The senator lifted his right hand in the air and the murmuring seized.

    "Gwen..." The senator''s deep masculine voice echoed through the eerie silence. "What do you have to say for yourself? Will you remain in denial or come clean and confess to your evil ways for a lesser punishment?"

    Millions of tiny goose bumps jumped out from Gwen''s trembling arm, like oil from a sizzling frying pan. She kept her gaze lowered, staring blankly at her paled trembling hands. Her pounding heart kept skipping a beat, the threat of a heart seizure imminent. She could feel her father''s narrowed laser beam eyes boring a hole through the centre of her head, making her gasp slowly for air.

    "Gwen!" The senator roared, forcing her and her mother who were seated on either side, to jump out of their chairs like spooked kittens.

    But before either Gwen or her mother could step further away from the table, they were stopped by an immovable human wall and made to take back their seat.

    "Leave them out of this?" Matt finally found the courage to challenge his brother, seeing how frightened his mistress and illegitimate daughter were. He stood up, looking at his brother dead in the eyes. "I won''t have you harassing them or any member of this family any longer."

    "Is that so?" The senator reverted to his neutral tone, exercising control over his emotions. "Then maybe you should tell me why you want your own niece dead."

    "Why would I want to harm someone I call my daughter even after she had her husband shoot me under this very roof? Matt retorted back at his elder brother while sparing Blaze a quick glance. He couldn''t see Blaze''s eyes through the black shades the latter was wearing. But he could tell Blaze was glaring dangerously at him.

    "Why would I want to hurt the child I carried in my arms when she was just a tiny baby? How could you ever believe such a ludicrous confession? Can''t you see through the lies? For all we know, the man in that video may not be Jerry Morgan. He could be someone made to look like Jerry just to support Amelia''s falsified tales of abduction and attempted assassination."

    Matt grew confident by the second as he commanded everyone''s attention including those of his panicked wife.

    "If Amelia has the real criminal-minded Jerry Morgan, let her bring him here into this room and let him cough out these lies he is parading as the truth." Matt sat down, feeling justified with his speech.

    "Bravo, Uncle Matt," Amelia said clapping her hands. "For a moment there, you almost had me convinced. "But guess what, the truth is never hidden under the sun. What you and your cohort did will not go unanswered. But for the sake of clarity. Let me reassure you that the man we all heard, talking in that video is the real Jerry Morgan. Unfortunately, he cannot make it here to this family gathering because he already has a previous appointment with his former investors. So, do yourself a favour and come clean now while you can to avoid more heartbreaks."

    "You are nothing but a child, Amelia," Matt said, picking up his glass of wine and quenching his thirst. "You and your husband don''t scare me one bit."

    The senator remained mute as he watched his brother make a bigger fool of himself.

    "Is that so?" Amelia asked in an aloof voice, crossing one leg over the other. Her countenance was calm and unaffected.

    "Yes." Matt was vehement in his response. "I will never confess to a crime I didn''t commit not even if your husband and his thugs threaten to shoot me in the head."

    "Alright, since you and the rest won''t confess. How about we get a confession out of you without spilling blood." Amelia said, a devilish smirk dancing at the corner of her lips.

    "What do you mean?"

    "Watch!" Amelia pointed forward and another video was projected on the white wall

    The sound of electrifying rock music at a notorious biker''s gang den bounced off the wall in the room as Matt was captured on video walking into the club dressed like a ruthless kingpin.

    Matt''s face instantly turns pale, his wide open, showing a lot of the sclera at this sight. He felt his heartbeat stop, his jaw-dropping as watched the video in complete horror.

    In the displayed video, Matt made his way into the inner room where a scary-looking man, whose entire body was covered in hard-core tattoos, was smoking weed and puffing out smoke through his mouth and nostril.

    "Do you care for some?". The scary man in the video offered Matt a stick of the best neatly wrapped weed. Matt took the weed, lit it up and started smoking the substance like a pro.

    "You smoke!" Lilian''s opened mouth formed a perfect O, tears streaming down her reddened cheek as her eyes darted between her husband and the video. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 173 - 173: Arrested

    Matt could feel a tightening in his chest making his breathing laboured. He slowly loosened the tie around his neck, his pounding heart threatening to leap out of his chest as the next scene that sealed his fate unfolded.

    "I want Blaze Anderson thoroughly dealt with and his property destroyed." Matt heard himself say in the recorded video. "And when you are done with the hit, make sure you leave evidence that pins the attack to my elder brother, Senator Gregory Shawls. I want him to take the fall."

    "Sweet lord!" Someone seated at the table exclaimed out loud.

    But another airing video showed all six of the accused, including Jerry seated inside the mansion''s inner living room. They were all brainstorming on how to silence Amelia forever while deliberating how to evenly distribute the money realize from the sales of her trust fund.

    "No..." Gwen froze in her seat, her alarmed gaze shifting between her terrified mother and her bewildered uncle. "They had the house bugged with cameras?" She trembled in her seat.

    As if that video alone wasn''t enough evidence to destroy Matt and the five completely, another audio discussion between Matt and the late Ivy was played to everyone hearing.

    In the audio message, Matt instructed Ivy to ensure Amelia dies this time and as a bonus, take care of Judith''s kidnapped daughter.

    "So all this while, you were the one behind Sarah''s kidnap?" Judith screamed at him.

    "You are a monster, Matt and you will rot in hell for this." Hillary patted his wife on the arm.

    "I...I...I...." Matt stuttered, words failing him

    "You what? Cat got your tongue?" Amelia asked mockingly.

    "..."

    "Or do you want me to expose a more intimate video?" Amelia asked narrowing her riled gaze to her fidgeting stepmother, who was now staring pleadingly, terrified of stepdaughter''s arsenal.

    Lilian stood up unexpectedly, taking the stunned family members by surprise. She grabbed Matt by the neck of his jacket collar and dragged him up to his feet.

    Before Matt knew what was happening, Lillian''s wide chubby palm came in contact with his right cheek.

    Smack!

    "Lillian!" Matt yelled, his spinning eyes seeing stars.

    Smack!

    Lillian gave him another fiercer slap on his left cheek.

    "You heartless rotten piece of shit."

    "Well deserved." Amelia clapped her hands, brimming proudly at her uncle''s wife.

    "How dare you hit me?" Matt lost all control of his temperament as he charged at his wife, ready to beat her blue and black before the family. But before he could execute his mission, a strong hand caught his raised hand from behind and twisted it to his back, making him shriek in pain. He was forced to his knees before his angry wife.

    "You are evil..." Lilian screamed spitting in Matt''s face, her cheeks flushed with turmoil and her eyes glistening with tears.

    "...and I hope you burn in hell for your crime."

    "Mom, take it easy." Matt''s disappointed son and daughter came to stand beside their mother. But Lilian, who had stolen the centre of attraction, had some things to get off her chest.

    "For years, I have put up with you and your shenanigans. For years, I have tolerated your freelancing and extramarital affairs. You and that miserable wretch..." She pointed at Regina. "...call me a hippo behind my back. You laugh at me and call me stupid while you carry on with your greed. I was ready to take any shit but this is the last straw. I am done giving excuses for your sorry ass."

    Lilian dramatically took off her ring and threw it at Matt''s face, almost blinding him in the process.

    "I''m taking my children and I''m returning to my parents. This marriage is over. You can keep your house, your money and everything you own because we would not suffer with you for a crime we did not commit."

    "But honey..."

    "Don''t you dare honey, me " Lilian removed one of her flat shoes and threw it at her husband''s face.

    She turned to the senator''s wife, who was already on her knees beside her husband sniffling and pleading silently.

    "And as for you shameless woman, always cozying up to my husband, making fun of me behind my back, I hope you get everything you deserve."

    "I''m sorry." Regina croaked.

    "Sorry for yourself." Lilian retrieved her other pair of shoes and stormed out of the banquet room holding her two children by the wrist. Luckily for her, no one stopped her.

    Desmond who was too shocked to say anything tried to call Lillian back, but his own wife continued from where Lillian stopped.

    "Oh no, you don''t...." Desmond''s wife turned on him, hitting him on the head with her handbag while hurling insults at him.

    Before the room could turn chaotic, Blaze invited the heavily armed police into the room.

    The sight of policemen in uniform with rifles in their hands forced everyone back to their seats except for the culprits who were now on their knees begging.

    "Officer, please do your job and arrest those criminals," Amelia said pointing at all the accused.

    "No!" Gwen cried out, crawling to her father''s knees. "Dad, please don''t let them take me. I will confess."

    "Is too late for confession." The senator avoided her touch.

    "My love, please..."

    "Who are you calling your love?" The senator boomed at his heartless wife, his hands itching to slap some senses into her.

    "You ganged up with my brothers and my security head to kill my own daughter. How wicked can you be? After everything I did to make you my wife simply because I wanted Gwen to have her legitimate right in this family. Is this the thank you I get in return?"

    "I''m sorry." Regina cried helplessly.

    "No, Regina, you are not sorry. You are only sorry because you got caught on camera. It makes me wonder what else you have been doing behind my back." S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Regina shook her head, words failing her.

    "Don''t worry, by the time I''m through with you, you will wish you never entered this family in the first place. Officer..." The senator looked up to the squad leader. "... Take this poisonous snake out of my sight."

    "Yes, senator..."

    The rest of the family watched in silence, as all accused persons were slowly escorted out of the mansion in handcuffs. They were all crying except for Lin, her partner and Matt.

 Chapter 174 - 174: Taking Charge

    After the culprit had been taken away, Senator Gregory assembled his remaining frightened family members and spoke to them calmly. He acquainted them with his plans to address the matter discreetly to avoid any form of media publicity.

    The senator discouraged any one of them from planning to involve external lawyers in the matter, stressing the implications and consequences of doing that. He finally reassured them that the accused would be set free after they had all been made to pay for their crime, depending on their willingness to confess, level of involvement and repayment plans.

    At the end of the brief meeting, the senator discharged everyone except his daughter.

    "Take a walk with me, my dear." Senator Gregory said, stretching his right hand towards Amelia.

    "Sure, Dad. Just give me one minute." Amelia turned her attention to Pascal, who was standing behind her.

    "Where is my husband?"

    "He left with the detective handling the case. I''m sure he''s outside waiting for you."

    "Okay, go to him and inform him that I need a moment alone with my father. If he can''t wait, let him go ahead. I''ll take one of my dad''s cars home."

    "Okay ma''am, I''ll be right back." Pascal left briskly while Clay remained.

    "All right Dad, let''s go," Amelia said, smiling at her dad, who nodded in response.

    The father and daughter slowly made their way out taking a short spiral staircase. They strolled out onto the elevated open terrace, which oversaw one-third of the mansion premises.

    The distant rear and headlights of cars leaving the mansion made the senator release a sigh of regret. He stood silently for a few seconds, listening and watching, wishing he could turn back the hands of time and stop his brothers from going astray.

    "Dad!" Amelia called softly, touching the back of his left hand lightly. She could see the agony in his wrinkled face and the pain in his eyes. If only she could take this all away and make him the happiest father alive. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I failed them..." The senator said in a broken voice while fighting back his tears from falling.

    "No, you didn''t," Amelia said, hugging him, equally emotional.

    "Yes, I did. I was too busy working that I failed to see what my brothers had become. It''s like I don''t even know them anymore. I don''t even know what is happening in my own home. I''m a failure as an elder brother, a father, a husband and even as a son."

    "Don''t speak like that, Dad." Amelia rebuked harshly, pulling away from her father to look into his eyes. "No one is perfect. You may not have paid attention to the things happening in your home but that doesn''t make you a failure. When we fall, it''s our ability to rise again that counts and not our mistakes."

    The senator''s lips stretched in a thin smile. "You are a good daughter and I''m sorry I disappointed you."

    It''s okay, Dad. Have a seat. You look really tired."

    "Where do we go from here?" The senator asked, taking his seat on one of the wooden chairs. "Despite what I said to reassure other members of our family, I haven''t quite figured out what to do with those ungrateful bunch."

    "It''s very simple, Dad. They will be prosecuted after interrogation. They need to learn from their mistakes and know that every action has a consequence."

    "I completely agree with you, Amelia. But they are still family and we can''t let them suffer the same fate as hardened criminals."

    "Dad let''s not talk about this now. You are not in the right frame of mind. Whatever I say to you right now may sound unfair and unjust. But you weren''t the one who nearly escaped death twice because of the same family''s wickedness. Moreover, if you knew half of what I already know, you won''t be this sentimental."

    "What are you not telling me?" The senator turned to face his daughter squarely. "You know I''m on your side right and you can tell me anything."

    "Yes, I do. But this is not the right time to talk about it. Let''s address this matter one at a time, starting with you taking a compulsory three-day casual leave."

    "Casual leave?" The senator''s eyes widened.

    "Yes, You''ll be taking a casual leave starting from this night. You won''t be sleeping in this mansion. I have already arranged for you to spend the night in a VIP guest house. Afterwards, you''re leaving the city on the first flight tomorrow to the island to clear your head. When you return from your leave, I will update you on everything we need to do."

    The senator was left speechless for a while, shocked by his daughter''s crisis management skill. Here he was thinking she would be devastated just like him after the arrest. But she seemed to be in perfect control of her emotions. This made him feel more miserable at the thought of Gwen not emulating the good traits of her elder sister.

    Inhaling and exhaling repeatedly to calm his pounding heart, the senator said.

    "Amy, I know you are looking out for me even though it should be the other way around. Nevertheless, you don''t expect me to take a leave when my roof is on fire."

    "I''m not asking you to take a leave, Dad. I''m telling you." Amelia said sternly leaving no room for negotiation or refusal. "You can leave everything to me including, putting this mansion back in order and getting you a new security operative. You mean so much to me and I can''t afford you having an emotional breakdown. I have lost my mother to the cold hands of death. I do not plan on losing my father either. So don''t argue with me."

    The senator sighed. "Fine, I will take the leave. Thank you."

    "You''re welcome."

    "About your pregnant sister."

    "What about her." Amelia''s tone turned caustic, making her father hesitate before speaking.

    "I know she is as guilty as the rest of the others. But for the sake of her unborn innocent child, can we make an exception towards her?"

 Chapter 175 - 175: The Blaming Game

    Amelia felt her heart stiffen as memories of everything Gwen had done to destroy her replayed in her mind. She bit down on her lower lips to stifle her bubbling rage as she responded to her father''s question.

    "Gwen stopped being my sister after she stabbed me in the back and tried to kill me with the rest of the family. Also, I don''t want to discuss this matter right now. I need you to follow my bodyguard to the car waiting for you outside while I speak to the house staff."

    The senator released a frustrated sigh. "It''s like I don''t have a say in this matter."

    "You do, Dad." Amelia stood up forcing a smile. She helped her father stand up and hugged him temporarily. "But try not to get too emotional about it. Every one of them needs to learn from their mistake or they will do it all over again. Go now and rest your head. It''s going to be a long night."

    The senator sighed, nodding his head. "It''s really going to be a long one."

    "I love you, daddy." Amelia released her dad, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

    "I love you too, my dear child." The senator kissed her on the forehead.

    "Now go with him. I''ll speak to you in three days when you are feeling much better and relaxed."

    "Thank you, my child."

    The senator left with Clay, while Amelia returned to the mansion to address the entire staff who had been rounded up by the butler following her instructions.

    Ignoring some of the hostile looks directed to her by some staff loyal to Regina and Gwen, Amelia addressed all of them calmly and authoritatively. She didn''t give anyone any room to express themselves or plead on behalf of their former bosses.

    Rather she directed the butler to get everyone''s bank account number. She promised to pay them six months'' wages, stressing that they all had until the following morning to evacuate the mansion or get arrested. The only person who wasn''t relieved of his job was the old house Butler, whom Amelia found very useful.

    After Amelia left the mansion, she was surprised to see her husband still waiting for her in the car. It warmed her heart to know that despite his vendetta against her family, he still stood by her till the very end.

    -

    -

    Meanwhile, at the police station, all six of the arrested offenders were detained in six different cells for the night. They were denied their legal rights to one telephone call and left to wallow in silence until the following day.

    By 9:00 AM the following day, each of the detainees was escorted to different interrogation room. They were each made to wait for another three hours in the air-conditioned room, battling with their individual demons before interrogation began.

    Amelia and Blaze arrived at the police station just in time to witness the interrogation procedure. They were led to the main interrogation room and given a seat in another room, overlooking the entire process through the two-way glass window

    The first person to be interrogated was Matt. As expected, he denied the entire allegation levied against him even with the overwhelming evidence. He claimed the person in the video was not him but a look-alike set up by his enemies to frame him.

    The next person to be interrogated was Lin. But despite every effort to break her and get the truth out of her, she remains unwavering in her stance, claiming she was being sabotaged.

    Desmond also towed the part of his brother but when he was told that his brother had given up his name as the mastermind behind the operation to save his neck, he started singing like a parrot, telling the interrogators everything they wanted to hear. He pushed the entire blame to Matt, Lin, Jerry, and Gwen, leaving Pearl''s name out, as a result of his secret affair with her.

    Desmond went as far as betraying Matt by giving the interrogators information they weren''t preview to, throwing more light on Matt''s obsession with the senator''s late wife. It almost painted a picture of adultery as if Matt had an extramarital affair with the late senator''s wife before the birth of Amelia. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    This revelation took Amelia unawares, making her almost lose her mind. The thought of her mom cheating on her dad and her being Matt''s biological daughter felt like a nightmare she would never recover from. It left a sour taste in her mouth despite Blaze''s assurance that they would conduct an immediate paternity test when her father returned from his trip.

    The interrogation procedure continued with Amelia physically present and absent-minded, her thoughts solely on Desmond''s nauseating revelation.

    Just like Desmond, Pearl wasted no time accepting a deal to save her head. She corroborated Desmond''s story while adding a few touches of her own shifting the entire blame to Matt, Jerry, Desmond and Lin as the ones behind the whole operation. However, despite every measure taken to threaten her to give up her sister, Gwen remained adamant in her lies, claiming Regina and Gwen were both victims of the main architects behind the crime.

    In the case of Regina, she refused to comment on all the questions thrown at her choosing death rather than opening her mouth to expose and destroy herself.

    Finally, Gwen made the interrogators lose their patience as she kept crying non-stop, claiming she was forced into betraying her sister by Jerry and her uncles.

    At the end of the interrogation, Lin and Matt were made to watch their partners in crime betray them, giving up their names as the main culprits. Then they were taken to another interrogation room where they were both tortured to their breaking limit until the truth slowly began to come out.

    However, Matt opted for death rather than comment on his relationship with Amelia''s mother or Regina.

    In Regina''s case, she was made to watch some videos of her many sexual escapades with most of the senator''s friends including her brother-in-law. She was given two choices to either confess or have the video released to the senator.

    Seeing no way out of her hell hole, Regina finally confessed to her involvement in Amelia''s kidnap and attempted assassination, while pleading that the videos be kept away from her husband.

    At the end of the interrogation process which lasted for roughly three days, it was finally time for all the accused to appear before the judge in a discrete scheduled court section

 Chapter 176 - 176: Sentimental

    The long drive from the airport down to the courthouse felt like the journey of a lifetime for Senator Gregory. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    All through the flight back to the city, he had been thinking of his brothers and how to convince Amelia to go easy on them. He had earlier spoken to his mother and was forced to lie to her about the condition back at home.

    Senator Gregory didn''t mind if Lin and all her criminal-minded subordinates were given a lifetime imprisonment for their crime. But the thought of sending his brother to prison for anything more than three to six months was unimaginable. If Matt could survive staying for six months, Desmond wouldn''t last for a month in prison.

    "Dad..." Amelia nudge her father in the arm, her gentle smile easing the tension on his face. "Everything is going to be alright."

    "So you keep saying." Senator Gregory said in a soft tone while admiring Amelia''s vibrant look. She was cladded in a well-fitted grey pantsuit, with hair neatly styled into a ponytail and butterfly reading glasses that gave her the distinctive look of a no-nonsense attorney.

    "That''s because I meant everything," Amelia replied patting his interlocked hands.

    "You said they all confessed."

    "Yes."

    "Including your stepmother?"

    "Yes."

    A hint of disgust flashed across Amelia''s eyes but was gone before her father could notice it.

    "Did they show any sign of remorse for their wrong?"

    "None that I know of. They were more focused on making deals to lessen their punishment rather than showing remorse for their actual crime."

    "I''m sure deep down they are truly sorry."

    "You''re not in their mind, Dad. So stop thinking for them." Amelia replied patiently trying her best not to get angry with her father.

    So far, she had updated him with everything she had done and he seemed very impressed with her work, especially on the part of organizing a new and proficient security team headed by a young man who introduced himself as Ron at the airport. She also updated him on the changes she had made at the mansion and at his office, which left him almost speechless and highly impressed.

    The only thing that seemed to be troubling the senator was the court judgment and how it would impact the life of his brothers. He seemed eager to let go of the past and build a better future with them. The only hindrance in his way was his aggrieved daughter and her unforgiving husband.

    "Amy, I know this may sound annoying to you." The Senator said in a gentle tone, taking note of a shift in his daughter''s facial expression. "But please hear me out before you get angry."

    Amelia pinched her forehead in frustration. She thought her father would be more practical and rational after three days of rest. But it seemed nothing had changed. He was still biased and sentimental.

    "Dad, if it''s about pardoning them, just know that my answer remains no. They need to learn from their mistake otherwise they will do the same thing again, maybe worse."

    "Just hear me out first before you come to any conclusion." The Senator pleaded.

    "I''m listening." Amelia looked sideways, her angry gaze focused on the tinted window as moving cars and buildings passed by in a blur.

    "I''m not saying you should completely forgive them. They need to suffer a little for their crime."

    "A little?" Amelia tilted her head to look at her dad.

    "They are still part of our families. We do not discard family members when they err. We correct them with love. To err is human and to forgive is divine."

    Amelia bit down on her lower lips to stop herself from grinding her teeth in rage as she asked her father an important question.

    "If they had succeeded that night, would you still show them mercy? If you had found out that I was raped and murdered in cold blood, would you forgive them so easily?"

    "Amelia..."

    "Just answer the question." Amelia cut her father off.

    The senator lowered his head, fighting with his inner conscience as he ransacked his brain for an answer.

    "Wow! You''re seriously thinking about it." Amelia said in a betrayed voice, anger rising in her tone.

    "Ma''am we have arrived at the courthouse." The newly employed driver of the Senator announced.

    "Give us a few minutes," Amelia said, without peeling her gaze from her father.

    "Amelia, please, don''t make me look like the bad person here. I condemn everything my brothers and the others did to you. But don''t make me choose between lives. You and them are all I have in this world. If I condemn them to death today, I could never live with my conscience."

    Amelia released a slightly depressed sigh. "You can be rest assured that I am not condemning anyone to death. Rather I am giving them a chance at liberation from their evil ways. They don''t seem to understand the full weight of what they have done. But after spending some years alone behind bars, I can assure you they will come out as changed individuals."

    "Years!" The senator exclaimed. "But..."

    A ringing phone interrupted the father and daughter conversation.

    Amelia ignored her father''s alarmed expression as she unzipped her handbag and brought out her mobile phone, only to see it was a call from her husband. She excused herself as she received the call.

    "Babe, where are you? The judge is done with his close meeting section and the court proceedings are about to begin."

    "We just arrived. We are coming in now." Amelia ended the call and turned to look at her father. "It''s time, Dad. Like I said earlier no one is being condemned to death. Just look on the bright side."

    The senator nodded his head, releasing a sigh. He stepped out of the car as the new driver held the door open. He waited briefly for Amelia to join him before they both strolled into the court, holding hands.

    Inside the courtroom, Senator Gregory was surprised to see two of his extended family members, including Judith and her husband. They were all seated on one side of the courtroom.

    On the other side was Amelia''s husband, seated in a relaxed position with legs and arms crossed, like a presidential executioner. He seemed quite comfortable seated alone and only acknowledged his wife as she stepped into the courtroom without sparing the senator a glance.

    "Amelia, you will be sitting with me, right?" The senator pleaded. He couldn''t bear the thought of Amelia sitting beside her dangerous-looking husband who could be the reason behind her hardened heart.

    "But Dad...."

    "Please."

 Chapter 177 - 177: Im Here For You

    Amelia let out a sigh as she turned to look at Blaze, who was now staring directly at her as if asking her what the problem was. His gaze was gentle and filled with so much love, that it made Amelia''s cheeks give off a warm pinkish glow.

    She blinked twice at him and it seemed he understood her as he smiled reassuringly at her while giving her the okay signal.

    "Thank you." Amelia''s lips moved without saying anything and he gave her a short nod of the head, meaning you are most welcome.

    Turning to look at her father whose face was slightly flushed with jealousy, Amelia said in a rather cheerful voice.

    "All right let''s go and sit down."

    The senator looked at Blaze whose attention was now facing forward and shook his head. He could tell his daughter was deeply in love with him, seeing how his mere presence or voice affected her behaviour. He wanted to believe that Blaze loved Amelia as much as he loved his late wife. He couldn''t bear the thought of him hurting her ever.

    "Dad..." Amelia pulled at her father''s arm, jerking him out of his thoughts.

    "Yes. Thank you, my dear."

    Amelia and her father had barely settled down when the bailiff''s high-pitched voice reverberated in the room.

    "Introducing the honorable Judge Emmanuel Addams of the High Court of Justice. All rise."

    Everyone seated rose to their feet, a cloud of tension hanging over the room as the judge strolled majestically to his seat, oozing an air of supremacy and order. His olive brown eyes scanned the entire room briefly taking in those in attendance before he finally settled down.

    Senator Gregory could feel his heart pounding in his ears and his knees wobbling as he held on to his daughter''s arm leaning on her for strength.

    Amelia in response, smiled and patted her father''s arm. It almost felt as though they had switched positions with her acting as the father figure and her father acting like the scared daughter who was about to lose everything.

    From where Blaze was standing, he occasionally stole glances at the father and daughter, impressed by the way his wife was coordinating herself. For the past three days, neither of them had rested and they seemed to be working as one voice. He couldn''t wait for the court proceeding to be over so that he could finally take his wife home and wrap her up in his arms for the rest of the day.

    "You may all be seated. Thank you." Judge Addams said in a calm and friendly voice, breaking the tension in the room.

    As everyone gradually settled in, the courtroom door was suddenly pushed open, forcing everyone to turn backwards.

    "Sorry..." Harriet, Desmond''s wife apologized and quietly closed the door behind her before hurrying over to take a seat behind her brother-in-law. She was dressed in a simple dress with no makeup and no jewelry almost as if she was mourning. Her eyes were red and slightly swollen as if she had cried on her way down to the courthouse.

    The Judge stared curiously as the gloomy-looking woman hurried to get a seat. He could tell that she was related to one of the accused and he almost felt sorry for her.

    "Who invited her?" Amelia turned to look at the two older men seated behind her. She had clearly made her stance about not getting any other family member involved in the process to avoid drama.

    "I''m sorry Amelia." One of the old men popularly called Uncle Lazarus apologized. "She wouldn''t stop calling me and asking me questions. So I may have told her that today was the court proceeding." Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "You may have told her or you invited her," Amelia said between gritted teeth, knowing how much Harriet loved her husband and would do anything to plead his case.

    "I hope I''m not intruding," Harriet said, stopping the old man from having to explain himself any further. She sat down beside her husband''s paternal uncle, a smile of appreciation tugging on her lips as she patted him on the hand before turning to face Amelia

    "Hello, Amelia."

    "Hi, Aunt Harriet." Amelia did her best to sound calm.

    "Today''s proceeding is going to be very swift because I''ve been reliably informed that the accused have pleaded guilty to their crimes for a lesser sentencing. Is that right prosecuting counsel?" The judge asked looking up from the documents before him.

    "Yes, Your Honour." The prosecuting lawyer replied standing up.

    "Very well, let''s make this process snappy. Bring in the accused."

    "Yes, Your Honour." The court police officer left to carry out the judge''s instruction.

    "Amelia, please don''t be mad at Uncle Lazarus. I wanted to be here for my husband." Harriet apologized, fresh tears falling from her eyes.

    "It''s fine." Amelia turned her head forward, trying her best to remain calm. She almost regretted sitting beside her dad, knowing how overbearing Harriet could be.

    "You look really beautiful by the way. I''m sure your husband is taking good care of you."

    Amelia gritted her teeth.

    "Thanks."

    "Have you spoken to your uncle since that night?" Harriet asked leaning closer to Amelia''s ear.

    "I have," Amelia replied drily.

    "I know he''s sorry for what he did. He''s a good man though misguided sometimes. His children really miss him. The bed is cold without him. I''m sure you will understand."

    Amelia''s hands balled into fists, her fingernails digging into her flesh, as rage coursed through her veins like an angry viper.

    The senator seeing how angry his daughter was quickly responded in her place.

    "Harriet, please remain calm and wait for the judge to read out the sentences. I''m sure everything will be fine in the end."

    "I hope so because I cannot live without my husband. Three days away from home is already a nightmare for me and the children." Harriet sniffled, dabbing at her flowing tears with her handkerchief.

    Amelia chuckled bitterly but didn''t say anything. She tilted her head backwards in her husband''s direction, wishing she could vaporize from her seat and be with him.

    Blaze who had been staring at his wife all this while could tell she was no longer comfortable seated beside her father. When she turned back to look at him, it only confirmed his worries that she was being harassed by her so-called family members.

    Without giving it much thought, he stood up and walked over to where his wife and her father were seated.

    "I hope you don''t mind me joining you," Blaze said, he''s loving gaze on his wife without looking at the senator who was alarmed by his presence.

    Before Amelia could cough out a reply, Blaze took his seat beside her taking her free right hand into his and stroking it lovingly.

    "I''m here for you."

    Amelia was enamoured by his action. It struck every chord of warmth in her heart, making her float on a cloud of happiness. A heavenly smile slowly replaced her frown, causing her cheeks to turn beet red.

    "Thank you."

    "We are in this together," Blaze said smoothly before casting a vicious warning glance at the woman harassing his wife.

    Harriet and the two old man quickly looked the other way afraid of being burnt alive by the handsome devil''s gaze.

    Judith chuckled but didn''t say anything.

    The senator kept his firm hold on Amelia''s left hand as if he wanted to pull her away from her husband. This made Amelia laugh in our hearts. It was almost as if her father and husband were fighting a cold war trying to gain her affection.

    The sound of an opening door, followed by the rattling of chains and handcuffs forced. everyone to look forward.

    All six accused, still dressed in the same party ware from the Thanksgiving family gathering, were escorted into the courtrooms in handcuffs.

    At the sight of her husband who was looking a bit out of shape from loneliness and depression, Harriet let out a sorrowful cry.

    "What have you people done to my baby?"

 Chapter 178 - 178: Apology

    All pairs of eyes seated in the courtroom turned to glare at the noisy Harriet, who was up on her feet and attempting to run to her husband.

    "What do you think you''re doing, Harriet?" Uncle Lazarus demanded angrily, pulling at her left wrist. "Sit down."

    Before anyone else could reprimand Harriet, Desmond''s broken voice reverberated in the room, his sunken eyes widening in excitement.

    "My love!" Desmond screamed for joy, lifting both of his handcuffed hands. He wasn''t expecting to see his wife after the way she reacted that night before the arrest. He thought he had lost her forever after watching Lilian verbally end her marriage.

    "Order!" Judge Addams struck his gavel against the sound block, his eyes flared and nose crinkled. "I will have order in my courtroom." His icy gaze darted between the husband and wife.

    The court police officer standing close to the accused, poked Desmond with his black-coated wooden baton on the side

    "Put your filthy hands down and close that hole in your face."

    "Sorry." Desmond apologized and did as he was told while the judge lectured his wife. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "What do you take this place for? Your living room, where you can do as you please. You will either sit down and keep that mouth shut or I will have you thrown out of this courtroom."

    "I''m sorry, your honour." Harriet cupped her face, crying silently as she sat down.

    "Let this be a warning to everyone seated here." The judge continued speaking, his expression stern. "I will not tolerate this kind of behavior again. Anyone who interrupts me or speaks out of term will be held in contempt. And that includes all six of you." He pointed at the accused who were already standing inside the witness box.

    A wave of silence fell in the courtroom. Even Harriet who was initially sniffing was forced to swallow her sniffle. She couldn''t bear the thought of being thrown out of the court without hearing her husband''s sentence.

    Amelia''s gaze swept across her supposed family, most of whom were glaring at her. If looks could kill, she would be dead in the next second due to the way Matt, Lin and Pearl were scowling at her.

    Regina kept her head lowered, ashamed to look at her husband. But Gwen kept her broken and pleading gaze at her dad, communicating unspoken words of regret and forgiveness.

    Senator Gregory turned to the side to look at his daughter. He was slightly stunned to see her maintaining the same rigid and unrelenting expressions.

    ''How can she remain this cold after seeing them looking this way?'' The senator pondered in his heart. He thought of whispering something to her, but the Judge''s voice broke through the thick fog of silence.

    "Based on your confessions and the evidence presented, all six of you pleaded guilty to the crime of abduction, attempted assassination, forgery and unauthorized sales of liquidated trust fund assets belonging to Mrs Amelia Shawls Anderson."

    The judge briefly admonished the accused before saying.

    "I have always believed in a fair trial where everyone is allowed to prove their innocence. Irrespective of the detailed confession and evidence presented, this case can still go to trial if any of you think you are innocent of the criminal charges presented. With that being said, do any of you have something to say before I read out your sentences? Please signify by raising your hands."

    To the judge''s delight, five of the accused lifted their hands except for the lady in pink, whose hardened face was in direct contrast to her choice of colour.

    "Alright, let''s hear you first." Judge Addams pointed to Desmond, who was the first to raise his hands.

    "Thank you, Your Honour, and I''m sorry for my earlier outburst," Desmond said genuinely.

    The judge nodded his head in acknowledgement, giving Desmond the go-ahead signal.

    "I would like to plead to my kind and considerate niece," Desmond said tilting his gaze to Amelia, whose expression was deadpan, just like her husband. "I know I failed you the moment I encouraged and partook in a crime I am now ashamed to say. I am guilty of what I did and I regret my wicked actions. I believe every man deserves a second chance to rewrite their wrong. That is why I am asking for your forgiveness, Amy. I''m sorry for everything I did and I promise to be a better uncle to you. A better brother..." His gaze shifted to the senator whose eyes were already teary. "...a better husband to my lovely wife and a better father to our children."

    Harriet nodded her head vigorously as more tears rolled down her cheeks.

    Amelia almost felt sorry for Desmond. However, when she recalled how he was so quick to shift the blame to others to save his neck, she decided in her heart that he still needed to suffer for his crime to learn from his mistakes. Moreover, if Harriet knew that he was having an extramarital affair with Pearl, would she be this forgiving?

    "The next person beside him." The judge pointed to Matt.

    "I have something to say to my brother," Matt said in a repressed tone, before tilting his head to look at the senator, his gaze frigid and devoid of remorse.

    "Everyone has a dark secret embedded in the deepest part of their heart. You''re not perfect neither are you innocent. You are as guilty as every one of us standing here. So do not get so comfortable because you will soon be exposed. And when that day comes, I want you to remember this, you are the very reason why I became this Matt you now detest."

    The senator''s jaw dropped in shock.

    "What in God''s name is he talking about, Dad?" Amelia asked, her tone brimming with curiosity and perplexity.

    The Senator shook his head. "I have no idea."

    However, Blaze thought otherwise. He observed the way Matt stole a glance in his direction before reverting to his brother. Something within him told him that whatever Matt was insinuating was somehow tied to Amelia''s late mother and his late father.

    Matt had virtually chosen death rather than comment on Desmond''s speculation of his affair with the late Fiona Wales Shawls.

    ''Something isn''t right. I have to dig deeper.'' Blaze concluded in his heart as the judge called on Gwen to speak next.

 Chapter 179 - 179: The Sentencing

    "Amelia, I beg you in the name of God or whatever you hold sacred," Gwen said, clasping her two cuffed hands, tears streaming down her flushed cheeks. "Forgive me. Forgive us. Let go of your hatred for us. You have punished us enough. We have all learned our lesson. Have a heart."

    Amelia chuckled bitterly. ''Did Gwen really say that? How ironic for someone who wanted her own sister dead to steal her man and her fortune.''

    "I admit we all made a mistake." Gwen continued, staring at her father. "But we can change our ways. All we ask is for a second chance to do what is right. Don''t let the innocent child suffer for the sins of their parents. Please drop this case and let us settle out of court. We are still your family for goodness sake."

    "Family indeed." Amelia scoffed looking away. She remained indifferent even when her father tried talking to her. Her mind was already made up and there was no going back no matter how much any one of them cried.

    Finally, Regina and Gwen both took turns apologizing and pleading for Amelia and the senator to show mercy.

    After listening to all five accused statements which confirmed their guilt, the judge asked the prosecuting counsel if his client had anything to say before the sentence was read out. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The attorney turned backwards to look at Amelia and her husband.

    "Amelia, please, you have heard them plead, especially Desmond and your sister." The senator pleaded on Amelia''s right-hand side. "We can decide to end the case right now."

    "Sweetheart, the lawyer is waiting for your response," Blaze said calmly but firmly, pulling Amelia''s gaze away from her father''s sentimental ones. "Let''s finish what we started and go home."

    "Amelia, please, have..." Harriet''s voice caught in her throat when Blaze flashed her a dangerous look.

    "Hmm..." Amelia let out a sigh.

    "Whatever you decide honey, you have my support," Blaze said, seeing she was battling with her conscience.

    Amelia nodded her head, sparing him a thin smile.

    "Counselor, does your client have anything to say?" Judge Addams asked impatient voice breaking through the prevailing tension.

    "No, Your Honour," Amelia responded standing up. "I have nothing to say except to wish all of them exactly what they wish me."

    "Amelia!" Senator Gregory was stunned by her frigid response.

    A muffled gasp escaped Harriet''s mouth, but she immediately covered her mouth afraid that the judge might send her out.

    "Very well, Mrs Anderson, you may sit down." Judge Addams said, glaring at Harriet and the senator briefly before moving on to the accused.

    "After listening to the defending and prosecuting counsel statement and going through this case thoroughly, here is my judgment as agreed by both parties."

    "For the premeditated act of abduction, attempted assassination, forgery, sabotage, illegal operations, misuse of office and breaking of trust, breaking of the oath of confidentiality and finally theft, here are my sentences according to your level of involvement."

    "Miss Lin Fox, as the executor of the crime and for gang-related attempted murder amongst other alarming charges, you are hereby sentenced to twenty- five years imprisonment without parole and with hard labour."

    "What! But this is not right. I did..."

    The judge struck his gavel repeatedly, silencing Lin''s outburst.

    "One more word Miss Lin and I will be forced to increase your sentence."

    "Twenty, five years!" Gwen gasped, looking at her mother, suddenly feeling lightheaded and nauseous.

    "In addition to your sentence, Miss Lin," the Judge continued. "You will be made to forfeit your house, and your cars, and all the money in your account will be frozen until your debt owed Mrs Anderson is completely paid."

    "What! You can''t do that." Lin shrieked. Those were her hard-earned money and had nothing to do with Amelia. "No one will take what is mine, you hear me, you f*king pussy. No one will take what is mine."

    "That is it, five more years have been added to your sentence. Take her out of my courtroom." The judge barked and Miss Lin was dragged out of the courtroom screaming and hurling curses at Amelia, the senator and the entire Shawl family.

    When order was restored, the judge continued reading the sentences.

    "Mr Desmond Shawl, Regina Shawls and Pearl Lumbar..." The judge called out their name before looking up from the reading glasses hanging on the bridge of his nose. He observed the way all three were panicking. "All three of you have been sentenced to three years imprisonment each without parole."

    Muffled gasps escaped their mouth but none of them were bold enough to interrupt the judge for fear of increasing their sentences.

    Even Harriet, who almost collapsed after hearing her husband''s sentence, remained still, shaking her head and crying silently. Compared to Lin thirty years imprisonment, three years was a gift.

    "Also you all will be made to pay a fine of one hundred million dollars each to Miss Amelia Shawls Anderson as composition of money stolen from her."

    "As for you, Miss Gwen Shawls, you will remain incarcerated at the city correctional facility for six months. Afterwards, you''ll be allowed to apply for parole with restrictions and community service. You are also to pay the sum of two hundred million dollars to Mrs Amelia Shawls Anderson. Please take note failure to pay up the compensation fee will attract stringent jail sentencing."

    Gwen broke down in tears as she recalled that she had no more money in her account to pay up her debt.

    "Finally, Mr Matt Shawl, you are hereby sentenced to fifteen years imprisonment with hard labour for ten years."

    "Ah!" The senator felt his chest tighten. He thought Matt would get the same sentencing as the others even though he considered three years unimaginable for them.

    "Fifteen years! Amy, that is too much. He will not survive it." The senator whispered, looking at his daughter, pleadingly. "Let him do three years like the others, please."

    "No, Dad. He deserves more than that." Amelia said in a hushed voice without batting her lashes. "You should be thanking me for convincing my husband to reduce the initial sentence from thirty to fifteen."

    "Seriously!" The Senator was flustered with rage. "Thirty years?"

    "Dad, please. It''s already decided. Moreover, you heard what he said to you. He''s not sorry for anything he did." Amelia felt her father''s hand slip away from hers. She observed his mood gradually turn from sour to furious.

    Thankfully, her husband didn''t interrupt their discussion, he seemed more focused on the judge who was still reading out the sentences.

    In addition, to Matt''s prison jail term, he was required to pay Amelia the sum of five hundred million dollars to Amelia or lose his ownership of TKL oil and gas company.

    At the end of the sentencing, the court was adjourned and the prisoners were escorted out of the courtroom amid wailing and cursing.

    Amelia said her goodbye briskly to her dad and quickly followed her husband before Harriet or anyone could drown her ears in their pitiful cries.

 Chapter 180 - 180: Moving On

    With her scheming family behind bars and the events of the court proceeding put behind her, Amelia channeled all her energy into her business, setting new goals and visions for herself.

    We the help of Blaze, the matter about her paternity was also sorted out. It was confirmed that Senator Greg Shawls was her biological father and not Matt. However, the mystery behind Matt''s secret relationship with her late mother remained an unsolved puzzle.

    Amelia didn''t bother going after this matter with her father as she was afraid of what she would discover. She decided that some secrets were better left unknown.

    After resuming work at her company, Amelia made it a compulsory routine to check up on her father at least twice a week and her aunt, once a week. She didn''t object to her father''s plans to visit his incarcerated daughter and brothers. But she didn''t accompany him on those visits no matter how he tried to coax her.

    She also made it a routine to spend every weekend with her mother-in-law, who never for once stopped showering her with praises and gifts.

    Also, in the absence of a psychopathic stalker trying to hurt her or kidnap her, Amelia resumed her weekly hangout with her girlfriends -who were super thrilled to have her back.

    She didn''t hear from Tina again even though the latter had now become an Internet sensation thanks to her leading role in the latest blockbuster movie.

    During her spare time, Amelia also decided to take up cooking classes. She made it her mission to learn all of Blaze''s favourite foods, wowing him every time she made something new to tickle his taste buds.

    Their unexpressed love for each other seemed to blossom with every new day, making Amelia doubt her existence without Blaze in the picture.

    For six straight weeks, Amelia lived a fulfilling life. A life, free of worries and heartache. A life, where every day was a new adventure waiting to be explored.

    But as the saying goes, nothing good lasts forever.

    It all started with a craving for salty snacks that slowly progressed into a hunger for high-calorie food.

    For someone particular about her appearance and weight gain, Amelia''s sudden interest in cheeseburgers, grilled steaks, fries and yogurt, amongst others came to her as a surprise.

    At home, she ate the regular food, opting for more spicier condiments. At work, during lunch break, she feasted on anything grilled and also spicy. She found herself always going for oily food, instead of her usual low-carb diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.

    Amelia didn''t take this as anything. Of late, she had been working her ass out, especially with the expansion of LiLa Savvy. A new branch of the company was set to open in the fall and she wanted everything to be perfect.

    Hence, when the hunger pangs came, she didn''t fail to give her body what it wanted.

    Moreover, aside from the hunger pangs, occasional fatigue and slight migraine, nothing seemed amiss in her body.

    Friday, after work, was the usual girls'' hang out. Amelia was looking forward to this particular gathering, especially with the news of Kayla''s recent proposal. She couldn''t wait to hear the gist of how this new hotshot billionaire went down on one knee at the airport and proposed to her friend after barely a month of dating.

    After shutting down her laptop and putting it aside, Amelia pushed her executive chair backward and stood up. She picked up her phone and her handbag in readiness to leave. She was about to take one step when suddenly everything started spinning around her. Her knees suddenly felt wobbly as if they were about to give way.

    "What the hell." She fell back on her seat, massaging her slightly aching temple.

    "I guess I must have overworked myself today again."

    Amelia thought as she picked up a bottle of water which she always keeps handy. She uncapped the bottle and took a sip. She drank a few more before bringing the bottle down.

    Next, she unzipped her handbag and brought out a pack of dark chocolate. She tore open the wrap and took a bite of the chocolate. She took a second bite and a third until she completely consumed the entire bar of chocolate.

    "I must be hungry again." She said to herself. "But then, didn''t I eat some fried sweet potatoes and egg sauce about three hours ago?"

    Amelia''s ringing phone jerked her out of her thoughts. She picked up the phone from the table and checked who the caller was. A smile slowly appeared on her face as she swiped the receive button.

    As she brought the phone to her ear, the sound of jamming pop music was the first thing that greeted her. This was followed by the excited squeal of her friends, who seemed to have started the party without her.

    "Where are you, Amy?" Stacy asked in a slightly raised voice due to the loud music in the background.

    "I''m about to leave the office."

    "What!"

    "What did she say?" Amelia heard Nicole''s giggly voice over the phone.

    "She said she was still at the office." Adrianna''s voice came up. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "She is still at the office at this time?" Kayla complained next. "It''s already 7:30 PM."

    "I still don''t understand why the wife of one of the richest men on Earth will still want to work," Nicole said. "If I had her husband, I would never work for my entire life"

    "I hope you girls know that you''re on speaker right?" Stacy said in a mischievous tone.

    "What! She can hear us?" Nicole cried out dramatically.

    "I heard every single word, Nicole," Amelia said, laughing.

    "Well, I didn''t say anything bad. The truth still remains that you are overworking yourself. You need a break. Hurry down to the club. This outing won''t be fun without you."

    "I''m on my way. Don''t start the party without me." Amelia said standing up. "Love you, girls."

    "We love you too." The girls chanted before Amelia hung up. She noticed her eyes were no longer spinning and her knees were no longer tired.

    "I''ll be needing more of those dark chocolates," Amelia said picking up her handbag. She strolled out of the office and was surprised to see her secretary still working on her toes.

    "Cancel my scheduled meeting for tomorrow morning and take the rest of the weekend off. We both need to rest." Amelia instructed.

    "Yes ma''am. Thank you, ma''am."

    "You''re welcome," Amelia replied with a smile before strolling down to the elevator.

    Inside the elevator, she dialled her husband and they started talking in their usual playful tone.

    Blaze was out of town on a business trip and Amelia was missing greatly. Her cheeks were flushed with a red glow as she strolled out of the building to her awaiting car laughing at something Blaze said.

    Lance, held open the rear door for her and beaming politely.

    "Good evening ma''am,"

    Amelia nodded in acknowledgement while she continued with her conversation over the phone. She slid into the back her eyes falling on a pack of Pringles she had asked Pascal to purchase. She held her phone in place with her shoulder while she popped open the Pringle pack and started munching on the salty crunchy flakes.

    "Don''t stay out late, okay," Blaze said smoothly, his tone laced with a deep longing.

    "I promise I won''t."

    "Don''t get drunk either."

    "Yes, daddy." Amelia giggled.

    "Take care of yourself and have fun with the girls. Call me when you get home."

    "I will. Talk to you later." Amelia blew kisses over the phone before hanging up.

    "Hmm...tasty." She popped more Pringle flakes into her mouth while browsing through her Instagram page on her phone. She scrolled through some funny videos and pictures until a particular live-streaming video caught her attention. It was a video posted by Joanna.

    Although they were no longer friends, neither one of them had unblocked themselves on Instagram. Hence Amelia could view Joanna''s status and recent update.

    However, it wasn''t the lavishness in the video that caught Amelia''s attention but the hashtag under it. It simply read.

    [Celebrating with my BFF, Tina Stevens on her recent Golden Star Award nomination.

    #Movie genius

    #Slaying queens

    #Fashionista

    #Party

    #Diamond Star bar.]

    "Diamond Star bar?" Amelia''s brows pulled together in disgust.

    This was the same place her girls were hanging out. It was their special hangout spot for almost two years now. She couldn''t believe that Joanna would stoop so low to bring another group to this same joint on the same day when the girl usually met. Is she trying to pick a fight?

    Amelia thought briefly about the streaming video and decided to alert the girls to be on their guard.

    Fifteen minutes later, she arrived at the bar just in time to see Tina stepping out briefly, her mobile phone pressed to her ear. She was looking really bubbly and elegant in a skimpy red dress that had a lot of eyes turning.

    Unlike Amelia who was still dressed in her work clothes and looking a bit exhausted, Tina was full of life and energy.

    Acting as though she didn''t see her, Amelia, strode past her when Tina''s sharp voice forced her to stop.

    "Amelia Anderson, is that you?"

 Chapter 181 - 181: Rivals

    After her last encounter with Amelia at the food Mart, which left has shattered for days, Tina swore to make Amelia pay for all her heartache. She secretly reached out to Amelia''s aunt, Pearl, using the affection of a con artist. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Through this con artist dating Pearl, Tina was able to dig into Amelia''s past life and a little bit of her present life. She discovered that Blaze was never a part of Amelia''s life until after the unsuccessful assassination attempt.

    This discovery supported her theory that Blaze and Amelia were never lovers when they became man and wife. It explained the reason behind their secret marriage. It simply meant their marriage could be based on a contract since the two were never friends in the first place. And knowing Blaze very well, Tina knew there would be stringent conditions to the contract.

    All she had to do was find out what these conditions were and make sure Amelia broke them. When that happens, she would take her man back.

    When Joanna had first suggested a girl''s night outing at the Diamond Star bar to celebrate Tina''s recent achievement, the latter didn''t think much about it.

    However, when Joanna reminded her that it was the same place her formal girls'' group usually hung out every Friday evening, she agreed to the outing.

    It had been a while since she had seen Amelia face-to-face and the thought of meeting her rival filled her with so much anticipation.

    As planned, Joanna and her girls'' squad were the first to arrive at the bar, all dressed in sexy outfits that screamed elegance and luxury. They settled for a VIP booth, three tables away from the spot where Amelia and her girls usually sat.

    It didn''t take long for Joanna''s table to become the centre of attraction due to the presence of the highly celebrated iconic movie star, Tina Stevens and her pretty ladies. They had almost all the men in the VIP section fawning over them, gifting them expensive bottles of wine.

    But Tina didn''t entertain any of the distractions. She remained focused, patiently waiting for Amelia to show up.

    An hour later, Adriana and her friends arrived at the bar. They didn''t notice Joanna and her girlfriend at first. But after a few loud and attention-seeking gestures, they noticed them.

    Worried about a possible confrontation, Kayla opted for the girls to go somewhere else. But others kicked against the idea, stressing that it would make them appear inferior to Joanna and her new girlfriends.

    Over the next thirty minutes, neither of the proud girls group interfered with each other business, until Tina left her table, pretending to receive a call.

    Tina approached Kayla''s table with an air of confidence and slight arrogance. She said, ''Hi,'' and even offered to buy them a bottle of wine when she observed that they hadn''t made their order.

    Her mockery gesture was rejected on the spot and she was politely asked to go to hell.

    Tina left them, laughing her heart out after indirectly telling them that they looked like bored old housewives.

    The satisfaction derived from the look of disgust on their faces felt rewarding. But they weren''t the ones she was interested in. Amelia was the main target.

    Taking a stroll out of the bar, Tina placed a call across to her date, who was also on his way to the club. She was in the middle of a hilarious conversation with him when she spotted a familiar face coming her way.

    Still dressed in her work clothes, Amelia was looking fatigued and dull. She was nothing compared to Tina''s vibrant look.

    Amelia was closely followed by her two hostile-looking bodyguards, making Tina reconsider approaching her. She waited to see if Amelia would spot her.

    To Tina''s delight, Amelia''s eyes flickered in her direction. But then she looked away as if she didn''t recognize her.

    This behaviour emboldened Tina to approach Amelia. She called out in a sharp voice that was loud enough to attract the attention of some people hanging outside the bar.

    "Amelia Anderson, is that you?"

    Tina waited patiently to see if Amelia would ignore her as before, with people watching.

    However, to Tina''s excitement, Amelia stopped and slowly spun around, a polite smile stretching across her lips.

    Even her bodyguard didn''t try to interfere like before. They seemed rather tamed albeit their expression said otherwise.

    "Hello, Tina."

    "I knew it was you even though I had my doubts," Tina said triumphantly as if she had just won a jackpot. "You look different but in a good way. So, how are you?."

    Amelia scoffed inwardly as she observed the way Tina was scanning her like an X-ray machine, a look of jealousy, hinting at her tone. She adjusted the bag she was holding to her other arm and said softly.

    "As you can see, I''m doing great."

    "What about your ..."

    Before Tina could ask about Blaze, Amelia cut her off.

    "It was nice running into you. Do have a good evening." Amelia turned around and entered the bar.

    "So rude. We will see where this takes you." Tina hissed, her narrowed gaze trialling Amelia until she completely vanished out of sight. She made a few more calls and waited patiently for her date to arrive before they both into the bar together.

    "Look who finally decided to show up after almost an hour late," Kayla announced dramatically, standing up, a glass of an orange cocktail in her left hand.

    "Amy!" Nicole and the others chanted excitedly, also rising to their feet, their thrilled voice drowning the cool background music and boisterous chats from other booths.

    Joanna craned her neck to look but regretted it instantly as Amelia caught her in the act.

    Looking away, Joanna whispered something to her girls and they all tilted their heads backward to look at Amelia, a hint of mockery lacing their gaze.

    "You look good, Amy." Adriana''s sweet voice forced Amelia''s case away from the other booth.

    "Thank you."

    "Mr Anderson has been doing quite a number on you, girl. You look so sweet." Nicole pecked Amelia on either side of her cheeks.

    The girls all took turns embracing Amelia, each one of them cracking her ribs up with their witty remarks.

    When it got to Kayla''s turn, she happily flaunted the big diamond rock on her finger in Amelia''s face, while swaying her hip from side to side rhythmically.

    "I finally got a ring on my finger."

    "OMG!!!" Amelia exclaimed, taking Kayla''s left hand to examine the ring properly. "This is huge and beautiful, Kay."

    "I know, right?" Kayla''s smile widened, her cheeks giving off a pinkish-red glow as if her fiance was about to propose again. "It still feels like I''m dreaming. I''m so happy."

    "You deserve it my dear and I''m so happy for you." Amelia pulled Kayla to herself for a warm embrace. "Congratulations, sweetheart."

    "Thanks, dear."

    Just then, Tina slowly sashayed past the excited girls, arms interlocked with those of a tall and handsome gentleman, with a hypnotic smile.

    The man stopped in front of Amelia, a look of recognition framing his face.

    "This face... Do I know you, young lady?" The you man asked.

 Chapter 182 - 182: Rivals 1

    Amelia accessed the young handsome man before her, with distinctive greyish blue eyes and a commanding aura. He didn''t need any introduction because she recognized him instantly as the chairman of PrimMax Media Company, one of the biggest Media establishments in the country. She was about to speak when Tina rudely cut her off.

    "I don''t think you know her, sweetheart. You must have seen her posing beside her husband who happens to also be my very good friend, Mr Blaze Anderson."

    Amelia chuckled, inwardly as she calmly spoke, without sparing Tina a glance.

    "We met at the Asara Royal Gala, at Fiztburg city about three years ago, Mr Derek Jones. I was the lady seated beside your beautiful late wife, Dr Susan Jones. By the way, accept my condolence."

    "Amelia Shawls!" Mr Jones''s eyes widened in surprise. "Is that you? My goodness! Suzy never stopped talking about you."

    Tina''s jaw dropped, her arm sleeping away from her date. ''What just happened?''

    "I''m sorry, I never reached out to you after she passed on." Amelia said smiling, while her friends exchanged impressed glances at one another.

    "It''s fine. To be honest, I didn''t want to speak with anyone that reminded me about her. But, I''m so thrilled to see you again after all those years. So you are married to Blaze Anderson."

    Amelia nodded in reply, has gentle gaze shifting to Tina who didn''t bother masking her scowls.

    "Ahem!" Tina cleared her throat, barely able to contain her jealousy and anger. She had brought this fool down here to show off to the girls as her new catch. How in the world was she supposed to know that Amelia knew him this well?

    "Sweetheart, do you intend to sit down here and catch up with your old acquaintance or join me at my table." Tina''s soft, yet caustic tone was laced with enough venom to strike Amelia dead on the spot.

    "Oh, I''m sorry baby. I got carried away. She used to be..."

    "I''m not interested." Tina cut him off, instantly regretting inviting him.

    "I''m sorry." Mr Jones said stroking her arms. He turned to Amelia and said briefly. "It was nice meeting you, Amelia. Do enjoy your evening."

    "You too, Mr Jones and Tina please take good care of him." Amelia casually took her seat as she watched Tina dragged her date down to her table, fuming.

    "Did I tell you that you are the master at everything face-slapping?" Stacy praised Amelia as she perched beside her. "Look at the way you dealt with Tina without breaking a sweat."

    "You deserve an Oscar award." Nicole chimed.

    "But you just ruined a couple''s perfect night." Adrianna lamented amusingly, cracking everyone up.

    "Well, she asked for it after the way she insulted us a while ago. Can you imagine her addressing us as cheap and bored-looking old housewives?" Stacy scoffed.

    "She said that?" Amelia''s pupils dilated in shock.

    "Not directly. But we got the message." Kayla hissed. "I couldn''t be happier that her plans to show off her new catch backfired this time around."

    "What exactly is there to show off." Stacy sneered. "The man used to be someone else''s husband. That invariably makes her second fiddle. I''m sure he even had kids right?"

    "Two. A boy and a girl." Amelia replied.

    "So what are we saying? Is she ready to be a stepmom to the man''s kids?"

    "I seriously doubt that," Adrianna replied shaking her head. "I''m sure she''s there for the man''s money. If another guy comes along, she would dump his sorry ass." S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Can we stop talking about, Tina?" Amelia pleaded. "It''s getting boring. Moreover, we didn''t come here because of her."

    "So true." Kayla concurred.

    "Can someone pass me a drink?" Amelia eyed the untouched yellow cocktail drink on the table. "All this talking is making me thirsty."

    "Here, I ordered your favourite drink," Stacy said, handing Amelia the glass of yellow cocktail drink with a slice of lemon perch at the top round edge of the glass.

    "Thank you, sweetheart." Amelia accepted the glass. She took one sip of the sweetened alcoholic cocktail drink and savoured the flavour in her mouth before gulping down the entire content as though she was dehydrated.

    "Easy girl. That is not water." Stacy chided playfully, laughing her heart out.

    "Someone is planning on getting wasted tonight for you know who." Nicole wiggled her brows at Amelia while taking a gentle sip of her drink using a straw.

    "Nah! Blaze is out of town. I have the room all to myself." Amelia said, picking up the slice of lemon on the top of her glass and squeezing the juice into her mouth. Her face contoured as the acidic sour taste hit her taste buds.

    "Ugh! What a bummer. I was planning on getting you drunk tonight. But I wouldn''t want you hitting on your bodyguard thinking he is your husband." Kayla whispered the last sentence as if Pascal and Clay who were seated four tables away from them could hear their conversation.

    Everyone on the everyone on table burst out laughing.

    "Don''t worry, I have no plans of hitting on any man because he won''t last a second if my husband finds out. But I will take another glass of this deliciousness." Amelia said, raising her empty glass.

    Kayla lifted her hand and signalled the waiter, who came down to their table in a heartbeat.

    A dull pain arose on the left side of Amelia''s lower abdomen, making her brows furrow slightly.

    Thinking it was because of the salty Pringles she had eaten without drinking water, she also requested a bottle of water.

    The young-looking male waiter, with cheerful brown eyes and tousled sandy blonde hair, politely took their orders and left to get their drinks.

    "So tell us again, Kayla, how did Dylan propose to you?" Adriana asked dreamily

    "Well, as you all already know, Dylan and I have been friends ever since we met at my cousin''s lavish engagement party. Last weekend, he invited me to a runway show outside the city and afterwards, we spent the weekend together."

    "Hmm... It must have been a very explosive weekend." Amelia winked and giggled at Kayla''s flushed expression.

    "I bet it was." Nicole concurred, chuckling.

    "How come she came back in one piece?" Stacey asked grinning.

    "Can we please move away from the explosive weekend and go straight to the proposal?" Adriana said rolling her eyes at Nicole. "At least she is still alive and breathing after the explosion."

    Everyone roared with laughter as the young waiter returned with their drink.

    "So... After we arrived at the city airport, Dylan being a gentleman went to get our luggage. After picking up our luggage, we were on our way out of the airport, chatting when suddenly he bent down as if to fix the lace of my sneaker which by the way wasn''t undone. I was about to ask him what was wrong when I noticed that he was already on one knee and looking up at me with a red velvet ring box in his hands."

    "Oh my gosh!" Nicole cupped her mouth

    "Shh!" Adriana placed a finger on her lips, her eyes brimming with anticipation.

    "Then he said those magical words to me..." Kayla continued. "...leaving me completely speechless and frozen. I thought I was hallucinating until he opened the box and I laid eyes on this beauty." Kayla raised her finger for everyone to see, her twinkling eyes reflecting the different colourful LED lights in the bar.

    "Aww!"

    "I feel like crying right now."

    "This is so beautiful."

    Everyone seated around the table had something lovely to say.

    "I can already picture the remaining scenario in my head." Stacy gestured animatedly. "Camera lights flashing from excited onlookers, people chanting and telling you to say, yes. You staring hopelessly at the ring, with eyes teary and mouth opened..."

    "My mouth was not opened." Kayla nudged Stacy on the arm chuckling.

    "None of that matters because our baby girl is about to get married. It''s going to be one enchanting fairy tale wedding." Nicole cooed by Kayla''s side.

    "Yeah, and we are going to slay like before," Adriana said, taking a sip of her bourbon. But the silence that followed her comment made her realize she had made a mistake. "What I was trying to say..."

    "Don''t sweat it, darling." Amelia waved her hand dismissively. "The most important thing is that I didn''t get married to a jackass." She picked up the bottle of water and quenched her thirst. But the dull pain still lingered.

    At some point it felt as if the pain was increasing, making her unbutton her jacket.

    Attributing the pain to stress and the wrong combination of snacks she had eaten, Amelia waved off the pain like her migraine and fatigue. She was here to have a good time with her girls and nothing was going to stop her.

    Picking up her second glass of yellow cocktail drink, she slowly sipped it, while laughing at her friends'' humorous discussion.

    "Girls, in our usual fashion, let''s raise a toast to Kayla, starting with Adriana." Stacy picked up her glass of drink.

    "To Kayla, may you have the most beautiful fairy tale wedding ever." Adrianna chanted, lifting her glass.

    "May that scumbag who cheated on you live the rest of his day in regret," Nicole said, also raising her glass in the air.

    "May no one steal your shine or take your spot as the bride." Amelia also raised her glass, her tone firm, creating mixed feelings among the ladies.

    "May Dylan love you unconditionally and may your marriage be blessed with lots of kids." Stacy''s last statement dampened Amelia''s heart. If only she wasn''t in a contract marriage with Blaze, nothing would give her more joy than to have a child of her own with him as the father.

 Chapter 183 - 183: Abdominal Pain

    Amelia''s thoughts slowly drifted as she clinked her glass with her friends. She pictured what it would be like to have a real family with a man who loved her. A man who would always be there for her, come what may. A man who would never hurt her feelings. A man who was ready to start a family with her.

    Blaze checked out some of her list, but their relationship was already defined from the beginning. It had no future even if she wanted it. She knew what she felt for him. But she doubted if he felt the same way for her even though he showed the possibility.

    ''Why is love so complicated? Why can''t people just say how they feel without overthinking it? Why is life so unfair?'' Amelia sighed inwardly.

    -

    -

    Meanwhile, at the other table, Tina could barely focus on anything Joanna and the girls were saying. She was angry. No, she was beyond livid.

    Although Derek had apologized repeatedly, stressing that he was never into Amelia, like Tina accused, she was far from sated. She doubted she would continue her relationship with him after this night except he was ready to dance to her tune.

    The gleeful laughter coming from Amelia''s table occasionally made Tina tilt her head backward. She perched her ears up, eager to know the reason behind the humour.

    ''What is so funny? Why are they laughing? Are they talking about me? Are they laughing at me behind my back?'' Tina queried her thoughts in anguish, occasionally forcing a smile whenever Joanna made a comment directed at her.

    ''If only this stupid dick head didn''t know Amelia. Now all of Amelia''s friend knows that I am dating a widower. How lame.''

    "Tina, is anything the matter?" Joanna asked, observing her best friend''s tense posture. She hadn''t said much after introducing her date to the girls and it was unlike her to be quiet.

    "Yeah, I''m fine," Tina replied nonchalantly, picking up her glass of champagne and raising it to her lips.

    Joanna knew her friend was lying. She hadn''t been herself after leaving Amelia''s table with her new boyfriend. She didn''t know what Amelia and her gang said to get on Tina''s nerves and she needed to find out.

    Rising to her feet, Joanna excused herself to use the convenience, giving Tina a nonverbal signal.

    A minute after Joanna left, Tina also stood up and excused herself.

    Amelia''s pain seemed to have doubled as she shifted slightly in her chair, biting down on her lower lips to suppress the pain. The pain was new and alien to her, making her second guess the probable cause.

    Picking up her phone, and unlocked it with her complicated pattern security lock, she scrolled to her browser and opened it. She typed ''what are the causes of lower abdominal pain'' on the search engine and a list of possible reasons came up.

    "Digestive issues, menstrual craps or reproductive issues." Amelia read in her mind.

    ''It can''t be menstrual cramps because I had my period more than three weeks ago, even though it was kind of scanty.'' Amelia thought. ''It can''t be reproductive issues either. I bet it is digestive issues.''

    Amelia narrowed her search, going through the different digestive issues listed.

    She realize she did feel a little constipated and bloated. Probably she had a lot of gas in her stomach. Or could it be an irritable bowel syndrome as a result of combining different food and snacks?

    "Please tell me you are not working again." Kayla''s forehead furrowed at the way Amelia was concentrating on her phone screen.

    "Me! Working?" Amelia closed the app and put her phone aside. "Never. I was just going through some stuff on the internet."

    "Yeah right." Nicole rolled her eyes. "You are such a workaholic."

    "By the way, Amy, you''ve changed a great deal. You''re looking more fuller and sexier on the...you know." Kayla gestured at Amelia''s inviting cleavage, wiggling her brows. "What is the secret?"

    "You read my mind, Kay. I have also been meaning to ask her." Adriana said, eyeing Amelia''s full chest.

    "What are you two talking about?" Amelia asked, chuckling.

    "Your boobs." Kayla coughed twice when Nicole poked her on the side making her giggle.

    "Amelia would never do a breast enlargement if that is what you''re asking," Stacy answered Kayla''s indirect question.

    "A breast what?" Amelia''s eyes widened. "You know I don''t fancy plastic surgery. These babies here are natural and they are...."

    Amelia paused, biting down on her lower lips as a sharp pain shot up from the centre of her lower abdomen. Her face twisted as she gritted her teeth, her grip on the glass in her hand almost shattering it.

    "Amelia..."

    "I''m fine," Amelia said sharply, cutting Stacy off before the latter could raise an alarm. She set her glass of wine down, a reassuring look on her face "I guess I ate something my body doesn''t like."

    "Are you sure?" Kayla asked, doubt lacing her tone. "It looks a be serious from your expression."

    "I''m very sure. So what were we saying again?" Amelia asked trying to change the topic when another piercing pain made her gasp for air. She clenched her stomach with one hand, and with the other tapped Stacy on the thigh to make room for her.

    "I think I urgently need to use the convenience," Amelia said, standing up. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I''m coming with you," Stacy said.

    "Me too." Kayla stood.

    "And me." Nicole offered, picking up her phone.

    "Girls, don''t be ridiculous. I''m fine." Amelia said between clenched jaws. "I just need to do a major. Except you all are willing to stick around for the stench."

    "Eww!" Adriana crinkled her nose as if Amelia had just passed out a pungent gas.

    "You girls should just chill. I''ll be very quick." Amelia''s features stiffened as another bolt of extreme pain twisted her navel. She crouched, taking sharp breaths to stifle the pain.

    "That''s it. We are going together and don''t bother arguing. Now move before you mess yourself up." Stacy teased, taking Amelia''s right arm.

    Amelia''s bodyguard quickly hurried over to her table, when they observed the slight commotion.

    "Ma''am, are you alright?" Pascal asked.

    Amelia nodded, holding her breath to stifle the pain which was getting unbearable by the second.

    "It''s nothing serious? She just needs to use the convenience." Stacy replied Pascal before leading Amelia away.

    Inside the ladies, Tina was busy expressing her frustration to Joanna when the convenient door was forcefully pushed open, startling them.

    The sight of Amelia, looking all flushed on the face, with her right hand slung over Stacy''s shoulder and her left hand holding her stomach stunned Joanna and Tina.

    Amelia who had been gnashing her teeth all this while, opened her mouth to say something to Stacy when all of a sudden, a greenish-yellow liquid mixed with half-digested food erupted from her mouth like water shooting out of a geyser.

    "Eww!" Joanna cried out taking some steps backwards and covering her nose in disgust, as the pungent liquid hit the tile floor with a sickening splash.

 Chapter 184 - 184: Unsolicited Help

    Amelia cupped her mouth with both hands, her eyes widened in horror at the mess on the floor.

    "Oh, dear! Are you al..."

    Stacy didn''t get to finish her statement when Amelia quickly pulled away from her and dashed into one of the empty toilet cubicles, slamming the door behind her, with a loud thud followed by a click sound.

    "Shit! Amy!" Stacy ran towards the toilet cubicle Amelia had entered and tried opening the door. Sadly, it had been locked from the inside.

    "Amelia, open the door, please." Stacy banged on the toilet cubicle door repeatedly but got no response.

    "Amy..." Stacy pinned her ear on the door.

    The sound of Amelia retching, followed closely by a splattering sound told Stacy that she was vomiting again.

    Stacy instantly began to panic as she started banging the door even harder.

    "Amy, please, open the door. Let me help you."

    Tina and Joanna both exchanged stunned glances, immobilized by the mess on the floor and Amelia still vomiting only god knows what.

    Tina almost felt sorry for Amelia. But in truth she was happy. Very happy to see Amelia embarrass herself.

    While Joanna saw Amelia''s trauma as a disgusting situation and a deserving payback for trying to mess with her bestie''s emotions, Tina saw an opportunity.

    It was an opportunity to take back what was stolen from her.

    An opportunity that may catapult her straight into Blaze''s arms if she played her cards right.

    An opportunity she was willing to grab with both hands.

    A brilliant idea popped into Tina''s head and she swung into action without giving it a second thought.

    Instead of stepping backwards and making disgusting faces like her friend, Tina stepped forward, bracing herself for the nauseating stench. She held her breath as she walked past the gooey vomit on the tiled floor, which looked like something an alien would cough up.

    "Wait for me!" Joanna called after Tina, hurrying behind her, her heels clicking on the tile floor. She thought Tina was about to flee from the nauseating scene. But to her surprise, Tina locked the door from inside.

    "Why are you locking us in?" Joanna panicked, unsure of what her friend was doing.

    "We need to contain this," Tina said.

    "How?" Joanna shot her a displeased stare.

    "By making sure no one comes in to see this mess," Tina explained, her mind calculating like a robot on what next to do.

    "How is that any of our f*cking business?" Joanna sneered.

    "We can''t leave them like this, Jay. Let''s help." Tina pleaded, hurrying over to Stacy, who was now crying as she continued to bang on the door, afraid that Amelia might pass out on her own.

    "What do you want?" Stacy barked at Tina.

    "Yes, please help me ask her," Joanna said in a repressed voice hissing.

    "I want to help." Tina almost bit her tongue in the process of saying those words.

    "We are fine. We do not need your help." Stacy rolled her eyes at her before resuming banging on the door.

    "Have you seen what I''m saying?" Joanna pointed at Stacy''s sully attitude. "Please let''s go before we embarrass herself any further."

    "I''ll help clean up the mess on the floor. Keep knocking. I''m sure she will open the door any moment from now." Tina said as if she didn''t hear Stacy''s blunt rejection.

    "Say what now?" Joanna scrunched her face as if someone had given her a fierce slap on the cheek.

    "I''ll be quick." Tina hurried past Joanna and checked the other toilet cubicles to confirm they were all alone.

    Thankfully, there was no one to witness the embarrassing scene except all three ladies.

    Ignoring Joanna, who was still frozen by the door, gawking at her as if she had lost her mind, Tina entered one of the toilet cubicles and returned with a roll of tissue paper.

    "Jay, instead of standing there help me get some toilet tissue and less clean up this mess together."

    "Are you kidding me?"

    "They are our friends, Jay." Tina pleaded.

    "What stupid friend are you talking about?" Joanna demanded, her eyes shooting daggers at her friend, unsure of what games she was playing.

    "Hey, watch your mouth." Stacy pointed threateningly at Joanna.

    "No, you put your stinking mouth." Joanna retorted, challenging her. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "If you won''t help, then I''ll do it alone. Just don''t pick a fight with Stacy." Tina said as she kicked off her heels, holding her breath.

    To Stacy and Joanna''s shock, Tina went down on her knees, tore out a large chunk of tissue paper and started mopping the vomit.

    "Eww! Stop that, Tina!" Joanna cried out, cupping her nose and scrunching her face in disgust.

    "What the hell!" Stacy''s dilated pupils almost popped out of her eye socket. She froze momentarily forgetting about Amelia until she heard a click sound.

    Turning the cubicle door knob, Stacy let out a sigh of relief as it moved freely. She pushed open the door and let herself in.

    "Amy!"

    Stacy''s pounding heart almost dropped on the floor when she found Amelia seated on the bare toilet floor with her back against the toilet wall, looking completely drained of energy.

    The top part of her camisole and her jacket were covered in vomit and her face was looking slightly pale.

    The part that made Stacy even more horrified was the way Amelia''s right hand was still clenched to her tummy. Her face was also twisted in agony, showing that she was still in a lot of pain.

    "I''m so sorry." Amelia managed to say in a weak voice, her body trembling as she covered her face with her messy hands in shame.

    "Oh, Amy....don''t be." Stacy hurried inside and closed the door behind her to prevent Joanna and Tina from seeing Amelia in her lowest state.

    "I should be the one saying sorry. How do you feel now." Stacy helped Amelia take off her jacket and used the jacket to wipe her camisole, her face and her hands.

    "It hurts," Amelia said crying while gnashing her teeth in pain. "My stomach hurts."

    "Shh! Don''t talk too much. Save your energy. I will get help." Stacy put her hand in her pocket only to discover that it was empty.

    "Shit!"

    "What!" Amelia asked weakly.

    "I left my phone on the table."

    "Me too." Amelia started to cry, leaning her head on Stacy''s chest.

    "Oh dear, please don''t cry. We will find a way." Stacy said reassuringly, stroking Amelia''s hair, even though she had no clue what to do. She couldn''t leave Amelia all by yourself with those two witches outside who were acting weirdly.

    A knock on the door startled them both.

    "Amelia, I just texted your father and your husband. Help is on the way. Hang in there." Tina''s soft voice echoed from behind the door.

    "What!" Amelia and Stacy both exchanged alarmed gazes.

 Chapter 185 - 185: Perfect Timing

    A few minutes ago, when Stacy joined Amelia in the toilet cubicle, Tina, who had been putting on a show just to get the right witness, whispered her plans to Joanna.

    Even though Joanna was not comfortable with this idea, she decided to play along just for her bestie''s sake.

    Tina instructed Joanna to go out of the convenience and wait four minutes before going to call Kayla and Amelia''s bodyguard for help.

    After, ensuring the convenience door was quietly locked again, Tina quickly tidied up and washed her hands before drafting a compelling message. She scheduled the text message to deliver after three minutes and forwarded it to the senator, -whose contact she got indirectly from Pearl - and Blaze''s official mobile number. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Thereafter, she approached the toilet cubicle door and knocked twice.

    "Amelia, I just texted your father and your husband. Help is on the way. Hang in there."

    "What!" Amelia and Stacy both exchanged alarmed gazes.

    "You did what!" Amelia''s weak voice vibrated from behind the toilet door, forcing Tina to take a few steps backwards as she saw the door knob turn.

    Though weak and still in a lot of pain, Amelia managed to lift herself off the floor with Stacy''s help.

    Stacy pushed open the door and helped Amelia out, holding her firmly around the shoulder.

    "What did you do?" Amelia demanded furiously, her fragile voice dripping with venom.

    Tina repeated her earlier statement in a serene voice while trying to hold her breath, repelled by the conspicuous greenish-yellow stain on the top part of Amelia''s camisole.

    "How dare you!" Amelia''s body shook with rage, her legs a bit unsteady as she moved threateningly towards Tina, intending to give her a dirty slap.

    Tina impulsively moved backward as Stacy managed to keep Amelia away from her.

    "Amy, take it easy. Don''t hurt yourself." Stacy pleaded in an exasperated tone, her icy glare on Tina.

    "How dare you contact my husband and my father without my consent? Who do you think you are? Are you crazy?" Amelia demanded, biting down on her lower lips and stifling the excruciating pain twisting her navel.

    "No, I''m not crazy, Amelia," Tina replied, holding Amelia''s riled gaze. "I was only trying to help."

    "Help who?" Amelia yelled, her weak voice rumbling with fury.

    "I''m sure she was trying to help herself." Stacy hissed. "So pathetic."

    "Stay out of this, Stacy. This is none of your goddamn business." Tina warned, unwilling to tolerate Stacy''s insult.

    "For your information, Miss Sussy home wrecker, Amelia is my business. You meddling in her affair is also my business. So I will talk to you however I please as long as you fail to mind your own business." Stacy''s inflamed eyes shot daggers at Tina.

    "You know what, I''ll pretend like I didn''t hear you call me a homewrecker. If I were you, I''d be more concerned with helping my friend clean herself up." Tina gestured at Amelia''s messy camisole. ".... instead of instigating her to violent and worsening her state." She lectured.

    "Maybe if you get the hell out of our face, I will be able to focus on my friend." Stacy hissed.

    Ignoring Stacy''s last insulting comment, Tina turned her attention to Amelia, who was looking really sick and pale.

    "Amelia, I''m sorry if my actions pissed you off. But this is not the time to argue. You do not look well. I''ve already cleaned the mess you made on the floor. I also sent Joanna to get your friends and your bodyguard. I only contacted your husband and father in case things escalated. I have no ulterior motive whatsoever."

    "I''m sure you don''t," Amelia said sarcastically, her entire body shaking from the tremor tormenting her from within. "But guess what, I didn''t ask you to do any of that. So stop trying so hard to make yourself look like a saint because we both know who you really are, a wolf in sheep''s clothing."

    Tina gasped as if Amelia''s words had just knocked out the air in her lungs. She blinked twice, squeezing out a few drops of tears, while inwardly hurling curses at Amelia. She turned her face sideways, a sly grin framing her lips as another bolt of pain hit Amelia, causing the latter to let out a tiny sharp cry.

    "Amy..." Stacy''s heart hammered against her ribcage as Amelia let go of her arm, almost falling forward on her face. She swiftly caught Amelia by the waist, but at the same time lost her balance on the slippery tile floor because of both their heels.

    Stacy fell on her butt with a gasp while Amelia landed on her, twisting her left arm in the process.

    "Shit!" Tina seeing her second chance quickly rushed over to Stacy''s aid.

    "Amelia, are you hurt?" Stacy overlooked her own trauma as she focused on her friend, who was reeling in great agony.

    "Make her sit up," Tina suggested, taking off Amelia''s stiletto heels.

    Both ladies temporarily put aside their grievances as they both helped Amelia sit up.

    "Sweet heaven! She is burning up." Tina cried out as her hand came in contact with Amelia''s skin.

    "Stacy..."

    "Shh!" Stacy cut Amelia off, mopping the sweat on her forehead. "Save your strength. You will be alright."

    "Get some water," Stacy ordered Tina while holding Amelia''s head to her chest.

    "Now she wants my help. Pighead." Tina cursed in her heart as she hurried to the door. "It should be five minutes by now. Where are you, Jay."

    Just then Joanna arrived with backup. "Tina." She banged at the door repeatedly.

    "Perfect timing." Tina beamed enthusiastically. She unlocked the door from the inside and opened it wide.

    "Where is she?" Kayla asked in a trembling tone. "Her husband is on the phone."

    "Over there, with Stacy. She is in a real bad shape," Tina replied in a slightly raised voice to ensure Blaze heard her.

    "Thank you, Tina." Kayla and the others rushed inside.

    "Where do you think you are going." Tina blocked Pascal from entering, closing the door behind her, a twinkle dancing in the corner of her eyes. "Are you planning to look at your boss''s indecently dressed wife?"

    "What! No." Pascal''s face was flushed with embarrassment. "I just wanted to make sure she''s okay."

    "Don''t worry, we will take care of her. Just get the ambulance. I don''t think she''ll be able to walk in her current state" Tina spoke with authority before disappearing into the convenience.

    Thirty minutes later, an ambulance arrived at the Diamond Star Club and Amelia was discreetly carried away.

 Chapter 186 - 186: Medical Examination

    Amelia woke up to the strong smell of hospital disinfectant and different blends of perfume, invading her nostrils. She tried to swallow her saliva, but it felt like a sharp needle piercing the walls of her throat.

    The room felt silent apart from her heavy breathing and the beeping sound of different medical devices taped to her body. It was an indication that she was in the hospital and she was still alive.

    "But what happened? How and when did I get to the hospital? Did I pass out?" Amelia ransacked her memory as she tried to slowly open her eyes. The bright overhead lights assaulted her eyes, making her squint.

    Then she had shuffling of feet and whispering voices before someone said out loud.

    "Hey! She''s waking up."

    Amelia felt a warm touch on her arm.

    "Yes, I can see it too. She is trying to open her eyes."

    "Not so loud."

    "Sorry"

    "Thank goodness."

    "Quickly, go and get the doctor."

    Amelia heard several familiar excited voices all speaking at the same time. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''Wait a second, were they here the whole time?'' Amelia pondered as she tried to make out the faces of the blurry images all around her. She squinted in an attempt to sharpen the blurred images before me.

    "Princess."

    Amelia heard a deep, soft and affectionate masculine voice rap in her ear. She felt his warm hands softly stroke her forehead. She felt his warm kiss on her cheek, evoking a serene smile on her face.

    "Dad!" Amelia''s voice came out a bit raspy and weak. It was barely audible but her father, who was peering down her face heard her loud and clear.

    "Yes... it''s me, my baby." Senator Gregory could barely contain his joy as he showered Amelia''s forehead with lots of kisses.

    "You got all of us really scared." Aunt Judith''s maternal voice came next, forcing Amelia''s head to turn the other way.

    Amelia closed her eyes and opened it again. This time, she could clearly make out her aunt''s loving face and her father''s tired-looking face. Her eyes flickered about a little as if she was looking for someone else.

    "Your husband is on the way. When I last spoke to him, he had already boarded a flight. He will be here before dawn." Aunt Judith explained, a knowing smile glistening in her eyes.

    Amelia nodded, a faint smile of appreciation framing her dry lips.

    "How do you feel, my child?" The senator asked stroking her hair. "You gave us quite a scare last night."

    Amelia opened her mouth to speak but the only inaudible word that came out was, "water."

    "What did you say." The senator lowered his ear to her lips.

    "Water," Amelia said, moistening her dry lips.

    "She wants water." Senator Greg said sitting up and pivoting his head to the back.

    "Get her water quickly." Aunt Judith reaffirmed.

    "On it," came Stacy''s thrilled voice.

    "Shouldn''t we wait for the doctor to arrive first?" Kayla''s worried voice echoed next.

    "Speak of the devil."

    A mature-looking female doctor, with greyish black short hair and a warm smile framing her face, strolled through the opened door. She was draped in an immaculate white coat, with a stethoscope hanging down her neck. She was closely accompanied by two female nurses.

    One of the nurses was holding a tray containing different intravenous medications, syringes of different sizes and some gloves. The second nurse was holding a folder containing different test results from the lab.

    "Doctor, she''s asking for water. Can we give her a little?"

    "Certainly. But let the nurse take care of that." The doctor replied with a polite smile.

    "Thank you." The Senator watched as one of the nurses gradually raised the head of the bed using the bed controls while ensuring that Amelia''s head was properly positioned with pillows.

    Amelia was given water through a straw. As she slowly sipped the water from the glass, her eyes moved around the room taking in the faces of all who were present and beaming affectionately at her.

    Aside from her girl squads, her father, her aunt, and Pascal, Amelia was stunned to see Tina seated alone on one of the double couches in the room, smiling at her.

    "What the hell! What is she doing here and why did the girls let her hang around?" Amelia queried her troubled thoughts.

    "Please I would like everyone to wait outside. I need some time alone with the patient." The doctor pleaded.

    "Can''t my father and aunt stay?" Amelia pleaded, her gaze shifting to the friendly doctor.

    "I''m afraid not, my dear. I need to examine you."

    "Don''t worry sweetheart, we will all be outside waiting for you." Aunt Judith said, standing up.

    "Be strong, my princess." Senator Gregory kissed her on the forehead before leaving her beside.

    The doctor waited for the last person to exit the room and shut the door before focusing her attention on Amelia.

    "Hello Mrs Anderson, I''m Doctor Ashley Walker, the resident female gynaecologist, and consultant in this hospital. I''m going to be examining you and asking you a few questions. I would appreciate it if you are completely open with me and be rest assured that whatever we discuss here is confidential." The doctor said reassuringly, her honey-brown eyes brimming with motherly care.

    "Okay. Thank you, Dr Ashley." Amelia returned the gesture. "But please, may I ask how long I''ve been unconscious?"

    The doctor checked her black leather wristwatch and replied.

    "Judging from the time you were brought in at the emergency unit, I''ll say approximately seven hours."

    "Seven hours?" Amelia''s eyes widened.

    "Yes, my, dear. You were in a lot of pain and your temperature was relatively high when my team of doctors arrived at your location. They had to sedate you and arrest your temperature before bringing you down here."

    "Really!"

    "Yes. It was pretty serious. But I''m glad you are awake. So how do you feel?" The doctor asked examining her eyes.

    "Tired, and a bit drowsy," Amelia replied.

    "Okay, the drowsiness is a result of the drugs we gave you earlier. But the fatigue has been traced to something else which I''ll be explaining in a few moments."

    The doctor signaled the nurses to make Amelia lie down flat on her back. She removed her stethoscope around her neck and attached the earpiece to her ears. Using the chest pieces, she listened to Amelia''s heart rhythm and took notes.

    "Do you remember what happened the last time you were conscious?"The doctor asked taking her vitals.

    Amelia looked up briefly and said. "My stomach was hurting really bad."

    "Okay. Did you experience any other strange symptoms?"

    "Yes. I have been experiencing occasional migraine of late. Sometimes I feel a little bit dizzy especially when I''m stressed from work. I had diarrhea some days ago but I took something to take care of it. I also feel a bit nauseous sometimes and then I vomited while I was at the at the bar convenience."

    "When last did you experience your monthly flow?" Doctor Ashley asked casually.

 Chapter 187 - 187: Good And Bad News

    Amelia''s heart skipped a beat at the doctor estion. "About three weeks ago." She replied wondering what the doctor will ask next.

    "How was the flow? Was it heavy or light?"

    "Oh my goodness! Why all these questions? Please! Please!! Please!!! p me not be what I''m thinking" Amelia prayed earnestly in her heart.

    Doctor Ashley observed the panic in Amelia''s eyes and added. "You have nothing to fret about, Mrs Anderson. These are just normal procedural questions."

    "Okay."

    "So how was the flow?"

    "It was kind of light," Amelia replied, her heart pounding in her ears.

    "Have you ever had allergies before?"

    "None that I''m aware of." Amelia shook her head.

    "How about rashes, itching or difficulty in breathing?" S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "No." Amelia shook her head

    "Okay, I''m going to examine your lower abdomen." Doctor Ashley slipped on a pair of plastic hand glove. "Tell me exactly where it hurts."

    "Alright." Amelia''s body began to tremble as she watched the doctor slowly lift up her hospital gown to expose her body while one of the nurses unfolded the movable hospital bed screen, to cover the patient''s exposed body.

    As the doctor, pressed two of her fingers on Amelia''s lower abdomen, moving it sideways and increasing the pressure, Amelia twisted, wincing in pain.

    "There... It hurts over there."

    "Okay. Sorry, dear." Doctor Ashley picked up her pen a made a few notes on Amelia''s hospital folder, well the nurses tended to Amelia. She wrote down some prescriptions and gave them to one of the nurses to get from the pharmacy. Then she administered some intravenous medication through Amelia''s cannula.

    Afterwards, Doc Ashley picked up some of the test results from the hospital laboratory and scanned through them. A cosmic smile framed her lips as she looked up to meet Amelia''s troubled gaze.

    "Mrs Anderson, you have no reason to be alarmed. As a matter of fact, I have a little bit of bad news and good news for you."

    "Good and bad news." Amelia was more alarmed than ever, her twitching gaze darting between the doctor''s soft eyes and the folder she was holding.

    "Yes." Doctor Ashley said proudly. Which would you like to hear first?"

    "I guess the bad news." Amelia swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat. She asked the nurse to help her into a sitting position as she braced herself for a shocker.

    "Good choice." Dr Ashley said in a jovial tone. "Based on the series of tests we carried out on samples taken from your body, it was diagnosed that you are suffering from severe food allergy and intolerance."

    "Allergies! Intolerance! How come?" Amelia asked, completely stunned. "I have never shown any of those irrespective of whatever I eat."

    "That brings me to the good news." Doctor Ashley said beaming.

    "Huh!" Amelia looked at her in more confusion.

    "How can my food allergies bring about good news?"

    "That''s because it''s a food allergy and intolerance instigated by hormonal changes in early pregnancy."

    Bang!

    Amelia felt an invisible hammer from above fall on the centre of her head. She instantly went pale, her jaw-dropping. Her widened eyes almost popped out of her sockets as they stared blankly at the doctor as if she were some kind of alien.

    "W-what do you mean by early p-pregnancy"

    Doctor Ashley''s face furrowed. This was not the reaction she was expecting from Amelia. Most married women would scream their lungs for joy upon receiving such good news. Why was this case different?

    "What I''m trying to say is that you are pregnant, Mrs Anderson "

    "P...p... pregnant." Amelia stuttered, tears clouding her vision. Cold sweats broke up on her forehead and her throat suddenly turned dried.

    "Yes." Doc Ashley replied calmly. "You are seven weeks plus pregnant. Isn''t that good news?"

    "No!" Amelia cupped her mouth to prevent herself from screaming while shaking her head. "This is not good news. I can''t be pregnant."

    Doctor Ashley exchanged confused glances with the nurse.

    "Please wait outside, Nurse Debra while I speak to the patient alone." Dr Ashley instructed the nurse.

    "Yes, doctor."

    The young nurse was about to leave when the doctor added. "And do not say a word about this to any of the family members or friends."

    "Okay, doctor." The nurse quietly left and closed the door behind her.

    "Mrs Anderson..." Dr Ashley attempted a motherly approach. "I understand you''re experiencing a lot of emotions right now and being pregnant can sometimes be scary..."

    "Please stop saying that I am pregnant because I''m not. I have been very careful. Probably my blood samples were mixed with that of a pregnant woman." Amelia paused, blinking back her tears to prevent it from falling "Please take a fresh blood sample and run the test again. You will see for yourself that the result you are holding is wrong."

    Dr Ashley let out a soft chuckle.

    "Mrs Anderson, I''m afraid to tell you this, but we do not make that kind of mistake here. We are professionals and we are very thorough at our work. We also reconfirm every lab test result to ensure efficiency and accuracy."

    "You are pregnant and this is the reason behind your severe food allergy. But if you insist on another blood test, I will oblige you that request. Feel free to sue me and have my license revoked if it comes out negative."

    "So you mean I''m really pregnant."

    "Yes."

    "Oh God! This can''t be happening." Amelia raised her hand to her head, tears trickling down her face.

    "Oh.. my dear, please don''t cry." Dr Ashley patted Amelia on the shoulder. I am here for you both as a doctor and a friend. You can talk to me." She said, pulling a seat close to Amelia. She sat down, holding Amelia''s broken gaze and stroking her hand.

    "I do not know what to say." Amelia sniffed, wiping her tears with the back of her hands.

    "How about you tell me why you are unhappy with this piece of information? You''re married and most married people want kids. I have spoken to your husband over the phone and he sounds like a great man who loves his wife."

    "You spoke to Blaze?" Amelia''s breath hitched, her chest tightening.

    "If you are referring to Mr Blaze Anderson then yes. He was desperate to know what was wrong with you. We spoke on your friend''s phone."

    "He already knows?" Amelia''s face almost turned white with fright.

    "Concerning your food allergy and intolerance, yes. But in the case of your pregnancy, my answer would be no. I haven''t told him you''re pregnant yet."

    Amelia released her breath which she didn''t know she was holding all this while. "Please, doc, he must never know I am pregnant."

    "But why?" Dr Ashley raised an eyebrow in both confusion and suspicion.

    "It''s not what you think." Amelia quickly corrected the doctor''s impression. "I would never cheat on my husband. He is the only man I have ever slept with and if I''m pregnant then it should be for him."

    "Then what is stopping you from telling him."

    "It''s complicated and I can''t tell you. I''m sorry."

    "It''s fine. But I hope you''re not planning to terminate the pregnancy because I won''t encourage you on that path."

    Amelia lowered her gaze, staring blankly at her open palm.

    "I don''t know for now. I just need time to clear my head."

    Dr Ashley released a sigh of frustration. She stood up and patted Amelia on the back of her hand.

    "Take your time and think this through. I promise I won''t say a word about the pregnancy to your husband or anyone. I will also caution my nurses from doing likewise. But if you want my candid advice, I will encourage you to open up to your husband. Do not keep this secret for too long. Otherwise, it might impact your marriage negatively."

    Amelia nodded her head as she lifted her gaze back to the doctor. "Thank you."

    "You''re welcome, my dear. I''ll give you something to make you rest for now."

 Chapter 188 - 188: Illusion

    Some hours earlier...

    Blaze was busy checking out a newly acquired gold mining field with his team of engineers and some private investors, at the interior part of Oak town, - a settlement hundreds of kilometres away from the city - when he received a disturbing message from Tina.

    The message simply said Amelia was in bad shape and needed help urgently, with detailed information about her location. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Puzzled by the absurdity of the text message, Blaze put a call across to Amelia.

    He waited breathlessly as her phone rang, expecting to hear her sweet voice. But after three trials with no response, he instantly knew something was wrong.

    Frustrated and slightly agitated at the inability to access the listening device implanted in Amelia''s bracelet due to distance and bad network reception, Blaze quickly dialled Pascal''s number.

    But before the call could connect, he got an incoming call from Pascal.

    Listening to the way Pascal''s voice quivered while telling him that something was wrong with Amelia, made Blaze''s heart take a fatal leap.

    When he tried to speak with Amelia through one of her friend''s mobile phones, all he could hear was her piercing cry of anguish and the panicked voices of her friends all speaking at the same time.

    Like a madman running against time, Blaze sprinted out of the field, leaving his engineers and investors in utter confusion. He was closely chased by his personal assistant, Marcus, who had overheard a tiny bit of the conversation.

    "Go back and take charge until you hear from me," Blaze commanded in a slightly trembling voice as he boarded the chopper.

    "Okay, sir." Marcus stood helplessly on the ground as he watched the helicopter take off. "Oh god please let nothing happen to the boss''s wife." He prayed earnestly in his heart before returning to the field.

    During this one-hour flight to the central part of Oak town, Blaze was constantly updated on her wife''s condition by Pascal, Judith and Stacy through chats and messages.

    When Blaze arrived at his destination, he spoke at length to Stacy, who gave him a rundown of what happened. Afterwards, he spoke to Judith, who seemed to be in possession of Amelia''s entire stuff, including her tracking bracelet. Then, he spoke at length with the doctor before boarding his awaiting private jet.

    ***

    After more than nine long hours of flight, Blaze''s private jet touched down at the airport at about 5: 55 AM.

    The world was still in the early stages of waking up, with the first hints of dawn painting the sky in soft hues of pink and orange.

    On the tarmac, not too far from the jet, was a sleek black Roll Royce, with a professional-looking chauffeur already positioned at the rare door awaiting his boss.

    The chauffeur was surprised to see his boss looking a bit casual but stylish in his well-fitted t-shirt and rugged cargo pants paired with hiking boots, giving him a military officer vibe.

    "Good morning, sir," The chauffeur quickly opened the door, as Blaze came closer

    "Take me to the general hospital right away," Blaze said coldly, as he climbed inside the car, barely acknowledging the chauffeur.

    "Yes, sir." The shuffle quickly shut the door and hurried over to the driver''s seat. He got in and quickly zoomed off in the direction of the Salvine General Hospital.

    -

    -

    Tina kept pacing up and down by the entrance to the hospital, the cool morning breeze making her body shiver and her teeth chatter. Her eyes were filled with untold panic and her body kept trembling, not entirely from the cold but from her guilt.

    Her mind was slightly unsettled and her heart pounding as she thought of all the worst possible case scenarios of someone discovering her plot.

    Earlier, while she was inside Amelia''s room, - pretending to care like the rest of Amelia''s friends and family, - she placed her phone on audio recording and hid it under the couch she sat on.

    But after the doctor temporarily excused everyone out of the room to examine Amelia, Tina was hoping to retrieve her phone after the medical examination.

    Sadly, when did Doctor left, the nurse in charge informed everyone that Amelia was asleep again and didn''t need any form of disturbance.

    This left Tina handicapped and slightly agitated at the thought of her recording phone being discovered by one of Amelia''s bodyguards or friends.

    She decided to hang around for a while, pretending to nap on one of the hall benches just like the others, one eye closed and another open, observing and waiting patiently for the right opportunity to retrieve her phone. But after almost three hours of pretending, she became frustrated and decided to take a stroll out of the hospital.

    It was already dawn and she could hear the gentle chirping of birds, and the quiet hum of the city slowly waking up. She could even see the first hint of sunlight peeking through the darkness, announcing the beginning of another beautiful day.

    Just then the sound of an approaching vehicle made Tina halt. She flipped her head sideways just in time to see a sleek black Roll Royce pull over in front of the hospital''s main building.

    "Who is that?" Tina pondered, gawking at the car, her eyes glistening with anticipation and her heart pounding as a name came into her mind.

    At that very moment, the rear door of the car was pushed open from within and she saw a black fashionable man''s hiking boot step out of the car in slow motion.

    Her mouth fell open, and her heartbeat quadrupled as the neatly trimmed and smooth copper-brown hair of a man came into view.

    "Blaze..." Tina''s breath hitched and her lips trembled as Blaze stepped away from the car, oozing an enigmatic, sexy and domineering aura.

    She watched him with bated breath as he slowly turned his head sideways, his naturally icy grey eyes emitting a subtle glow as they fell on her. She observed the way his full sexy lips slowly curled into an enchanting smile as he called out her name in slow motion, hitting every musical note of the syllabus in her name.

    "Ti-na."

    ''Wait a second, is all of this happening in my head or did Blaze just smile lovingly at me?''

    Tina didn''t wait to process her desperate illusion as she called out Blaze''s name and ran towards him in slow motion, arms open wide and a bewitching smile framing her face.

 Chapter 189 - 189: Fantasies

    Blaze wasn''t expecting to see Tina when he arrived at the hospital. He thought she had already left the previous night after alerting him of his wife''s condition.

    Although he was still sceptical about her involvement in Amelia''s sudden food allergy and intolerance, the doctor had already assured him that there were no incidents of foul play involved.

    But that didn''t explain why she was still hanging around, especially when Amelia didn''t warm up to her.

    "Tina," Blaze called her hoping to ask her a few questions when all of a sudden she started running towards him, beaming like a lost puppy who had just found its owner.

    Before Tina could lunch herself into him, Blaze put his right hand forward, with a low growl.

    "Stop right there."

    Tina froze on the spot, her outstretched arms hanging awkwardly in the air. She blinked twice, wondering why he was no longer smiling at her.

    "What the hell do you think you''re doing?"

    Blaze growled in a half-repressed voice, irritated by her questionable action.

    "N...Nothing."

    Tina''s initial excitement wilted slowly. Her hands fell limply to her sides, as she

    searched Blaze''s eyes for any form of emotion.

    Sadly, there was nothing in those icy grey bottomless pits. Not even a flicker of lust for a man who had once ravished her sexy body. The only thing those frosty orbs emitted was a dangerous aura, one that made her tremble slightly like a dry leaf in autumn wind. This made her take two steps backwards as she explained further, justifying her action.

    "I was only trying to welcome you back with a simple hug. Or is hugging a friend now a crime?"

    Blaze lifted his hand to massage his throbbing forehead as he suppressed the urge to rebuke Tina harshly.

    "It is not wrong to hug a friend. But, I do not appreciate such gestures. Please, don''t do that again."

    "Fine,"

    " By the way, what are you doing? Didn''t you return home after last night?" Blaze asked, taking note of her party outfit, which was screaming for attention.

    "No. I''ve been here all night like the others." Tina said proudly, expecting Blaze to be grateful. But to her disappointment, the furrow on his forehead deepened as he asked.

    "Why? The last time I remember you and my wife aren''t friends or family members. So why hang around?"

    "Are you really asking me that question?" Tina pouted angrily.

    "If I didn''t see Amelia as my friend or you for that matter, would I bother texting you or calling for help? If I didn''t consider her my friend, would I bother informing her family? How can you ask me such a hurtful question after everything I have done to prove myself?"

    Blaze released a sign of frustration. He didn''t travel thousands of kilometres just to come down here for this emotional blackmailing.

    "You know what, Tina, let''s talk about this later. I''m here to see my wife and not you. So if you don''t mind." Blaze gestured for her to excuse him.

    Tina suppressed the urge to scream in his face. She swallowed the indirect insult and said.

    "I''ll take you to her. Follow me."

    Before Blaze had any time to object, she hurriedly ran into the hospital, her heels clicking noisily on the marble floor.

    Blaze shook his head and let out a sigh before strolling into the hospital premises, barely noticing the receptionist nurses who were ogling at him. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Tina paused before the elevator, taking a deep breath to suppress her anger. She needed Blaze to see her as a selfless heroine and not a jealous wreck. She needed him to grow fond of her. She already had the banging body. Now all she needed was the right attitude.

    Inhaling and exhaling to release her negative energy. Tina smiled as she picked up his intoxicating scent of wood and musk behind her.

    "She''s in room 10, on the 8th floor," Tina said, pressing the elevator button while sparing Blaze a quick glance.

    "Thanks," Blaze said blankly, avoiding her gaze.

    The elevator dinged and the door slid open, granting them access inside.

    Blaze waited for Tina to get in first before following behind her. He punched in the eighth floor on the inner control panel and watched as the door slowly slid shot before the elevator started ascending.

    He didn''t bother to look at Tina when she moved backwards standing a few inches to the left behind him. Neither did he engage her in any form of conversation.

    His mind was more preoccupied with the state of his wife. He hadn''t slept in the last eleven hours thinking of her. All he wanted to do now was to cuddle her in his arms and kiss her, after ensuring she was fine.

    While Blaze waited breathlessly for the elevator ride to come to an end, Tina prayed for it to freeze, midway.

    Enclosed in this rectangular box with him, so close and yet so far away, Tina felt her emotions and lust spiralling out of control.

    She greedily feasted her eyes on Blaze''s backside, watching with unfathomable pleasure as his powerful biceps flexed with such Achillean strength every time he moved his arms.

    It evoked memories of their past love life when he would hold her so passionately in his arms, kissing and nibbling at her sensitive parts. She imagines what it will be like to relieve those memories again here in the elevator, with no one to interrupt them.

    The fleeting thoughts of moving closer to him and wrapping her arms around his waist from behind made her core tingle, eliciting a suppressed moan which she masked with a cough.

    If only he could turn around and see what he was indirectly doing to her.

    Ding!

    "Curses!" Tina mused under her breath as the elevator door slid open, putting an end to her fantasies.

    Blaze didn''t bother waiting for Tina as he took a long stride towards the left wing, after spotting Amelia''s family members and friends up ahead. His face lit up with a warm smile as Judith stood up and hurried over to him acting the part of a mother figure.

    They briefly exchange warm hugs, making Tina almost die of jealousy from behind.

    Didn''t she just try to hug him and he almost strangled her with his eyes? How come he''s giving free hugs to Amelia''s aunt and even her friends who were obviously lusting over him?

    "The nerves."

    Tina decided she wasn''t going to hang around and watch this repulsive show of affection. She decided to leave and find a way to retrieve her phone.

 Chapter 190 - 190: Impersonation

    After Blaze was done thanking Amelia''s family and friends for hanging around and helping out with his wife, he quietly made his way into Amelia''s room alone with the nurse''s approval.

    The sight of his peacefully sleeping wife, dressed in a hospital gown with some beeping gadget and hanging drip-taped to her body, made Blaze''s heart sink.

    Even though he had seen her in this state before, this time around everything felt different. She had become a part of him and the mere thought of her experiencing pain greatly affected him.

    Taking a deep breath, Blaze slowly and quietly approach Amelia''s bed, his subtle grey eyes taking in her serene face. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    She was looking so beautiful and innocent in her sleep, almost like a sleeping angel.

    Bending over, Blaze kissed Amelia tenderly on her forehead, stroking the loose trend of hair away from her face. He observed the dry patches of tears on her slightly reddened cheek, his heart dampened at the thought of her being in more pain.

    "I''m sorry I wasn''t here for you, my love," Blaze whispered catching himself off guard at the use of the last two words.

    Thankfully, she was deep asleep and couldn''t hear him profess whatever he felt for her.

    "I promise I won''t leave you again," Blaze said, adjusting the sheet covering from her chest downwards.

    After ensuring that everything around her was working perfectly, Blaze quietly pulled a chair close to her bedside and sat down.

    -

    -

    Five minutes after Tina left the eighth floor, brainstorming on how to discreetly retrieve her phone, a brilliant idea came to her mind. She quickly retrieved a patients coat at the sixth floor and threw it on before heading for the first floor.

    When she arrived at the first floor, she politely approached the reception desk, where she introduced herself as Stacy.

    After making a few inquiries about the hospital janitors, she was later directed to a mature woman in a blue, unisex overall uniform.

    The woman happened to be the head of all the janitors in the hospital.

    Luckily for Tina, the woman was very kind and understanding after she shared her pathetic story with her.

    "Don''t worry, my dear, I''ll personally clean that room and help you retrieve your phone without alerting your best friend or her husband." The woman promised before leaving with her cleaning gadgets.

    Two hours later, Tina who had gone out to a nearby hotel to freshen up and change, returned with high hopes. She briskly made her way to the janitor section where the woman from earlier was waiting patiently for her.

    "Christiana..." Tina called moving closer to the lady who didn''t recognize her in her new disguised look.

    "Miss Stacy, is that you." The mature woman as, looking at her suspiciously.

    "Yes, it''s me," Tina replied, taking off her dark shades.

    "Oh it''s true." The woman smile open recognizing her. "The scarf and the sunglasses glasses made you look different."

    "Did you find my phone?" Tina asked impatiently irritated by the woman''s nosy attitude.

    "Yes, I did." The woman slid her hand into her long brown coat pocket and brought out Tina''s iPhone.

    "Ah!!! You really found it!" Tina''s eyes widened in excitement as she quickly snatched the phone from the woman, almost scratching the poor woman''s flesh with her long nails.

    "Careful." The woman smiled, massaging her wrist where Tina''s nails almost bruised her. She was happy that the young lady had been reunited with her expensive gadget.

    Tina tried to power on the phone but noticed that it wasn''t coming on.

    ''Probably the recording had drained the phone battery.'' She thought.

    "Is something wrong with the phone?" The woman asked, observing the frown on Tina''s face.

    "I don''t think so," Tina replied putting the phone away in her handbag. "Did anyone see you while you were retrieving the phone?"

    "No. I was very careful and discreet."The woman explained.

    "What about my best friend and her husband? Were they still inside the room?"

    "Yes. Your best friend was still sleeping and her husband was seated beside her. He didn''t seem to care about my presence until I came closer to his wife''s bedside."

    "Good!" Tina beamed. "What about the bodyguard?"

    "He was looking at me most of the time. But trust me, he didn''t notice me picking the phone because it was at the corner. Also, I was extremely cautious."

    "Thank you so much." Tina dug her hand into her handbag and brought out some cash. She counted twenty pieces of a hundred dollar bill and placed it inside the woman''s pocket. "That is for your troubles."

    "But I didn''t do this for money." The woman said shaking her head as she brought out the money from her pocket, slightly overwhelmed by the amount. This was equivalent to her monthly income.

    "Thank you, Miss Stacy but I can''t accept this. It is simply too much."

    "You''ll hurt my feelings if you reject my kind gesture," Tina said, pouting. "Moreover, I''m not paying you for a job well done. I''m simply saying, thank you."

    The woman smiled. "Thank you so much. Feel free to contact me if you need my help in the future."

    "I sure will. Have a beautiful day." Tina patted the lady, and took down her phone number before leaving.

    -

    -

    Amelia slowly fluttered her bleary eyes open after nine long hours of sleep. Her highly sensitive nostril picked up the distinctive scent of a familiar masculine cologne, forcing her to turn her head sideways.

    Warmth slowly crept up her face, colouring her cheeks with a faint rosy pink and a gentle smile tugged at the corner of her lips as her hazel eyes fell on her husband.

    He was seated on an armless chair and resting his head on the edge of her bed. One of his hands was interlocked with hers while the other was nestled under his head. He seemed to be deep asleep or so she thought.

    Lifting her other hand, Amelia gently placed it on his smooth textured hair making him stir and lift up his head.

 Chapter 191 - 191: Amelias Guilty Conscience

    "Hey!" Blaze''s face lit up with a soft, captivating smile that radiated warmth, as he rose to his feet.

    Pascal quietly exited the room to give the couple some privacy.

    "You''re finally awake." He said, his deep voice husky laced with immense happiness.

    "Hi!" Amelia''s voice sounded croaked as she tried to speak. "You came."

    "Of course, I did." Blaze bent over and kissed her first on the forehead before planting a gentle kiss on her dry lips making her cheek glow and her lips curve in a faint smile.

    "Your work..."

    "Shh..." Blaze cut her off, seeing the guilt in her eyes. "None of that matters. You are my priority and I''m here for you." He said perching by the side of her bed, holding her right hand tenderly in his.

    Amelia''s eyes glistened with tears at those words. "Thanks." She blinked back her tears, squeezing his hands tenderly.

    "You don''t have to thank me, my dear," Blaze said stroking her hand. "I should be the one saying thank you for being strong for us. I was really scared after I heard your voice yesterday. You were in a lot of pain and I couldn''t do anything to take it away. I''m so sorry I wasn''t there for you."

    "You don''t have to be," Amelia said softly as she raised her hand to stroke his flushed face, amazed to see him looking so emotionally vulnerable. "I''m okay."

    Blaze nodded and kissed her on the hand. He leaned closer so that their face was just a few inches apart while stroking her hair backwards. "Tell me, how do you feel?"

    "Better, now that you''re here," Amelia whispered, evoking a cosmic smile on his face. She giggled a little as he nuzzled her on the tip of her nose.

    "Me too." Blaze kissed her again on the lips.

    "You know I threw up right and I''ve only rinsed my mouth with water." Amelia reminded him slightly embarrassed by his kisses.

    "Really!" Blaze raised an eyebrow. "How come you taste so good."

    "What!" Amelia chuckled. "You''re kidding right."

    "No," Blaze said, kissing her deeply this time.

    "Can you help me set up?" Amelia asked when their lips parted.

    "Sure." Blaze helped her into a sitting position by adjusting her bed head and the pillow behind her back. "Are you comfortable?"

    "Yes. Thank you, sweetheart."

    "You''re welcome. Would you like anything else?"

    Amelia nodded. "Water."

    Blaze quickly retrieved the bottle of water and glass by the bedside. He poured some of the water into the glass and raised it to her lips.

    "I can drink by myself." Amina lifted I had to collect the glass but Blaze moved it away from her grasp.

    "Let me..." He said and she pouted. "Please."

    "Just this once." Amelia accepted the water from him, her glistening eyes filled with so much love as she held his magical gaze.

    Just then, a knock on the door disrupted the attender moment, making Amelia''s heart skip a bit.

    Pascal opened the door from outside to let the doctor and some nurses in.

    At the sight of Dr Ashley, Amelia felt her heart almost leap out of her chest.

    All this while, she hadn''t thought about her pregnancy or anything else. She had been so carried away with Blaze''s affection that she forgot she was keeping something huge away from him.

    "Good day, Mrs Anderson. I can see you up and smiling now that your husband is here." Dr Ashley said jovially as you approached the couple.

    "Good day, doctor." Amelia laughed feverishly, while Blaze stood up to receive the doctor.

    They all exchange brief pleasantries before Dr Ashley gets down to business with Blaze

    "How is the pain? Is it subsiding?" Dr Ashley asked, taking Amelia''s improved vitals.

    "Uh-huh." Amelia nodded averting the doctor''s gaze, her body trembling slightly.

    "Let''s examine you." Dr Ashley turned to Blaze. "Would you like to wait outside while I examine your wife?"

    "I don''t mind staying," Blaze said, without moving from his spot.

    "Very well." Dr Ashley smiled politely and got back to her work, giving Amelia a reassuring wink. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Oh God, please, help me remain calm." Amelia prayed earnestly in her heart as she closed her eyes.

    After the examination was over, Amelia listened to the doctor talk briefly about her food allergy and all the foods she should avoid for now. She watched as Blaze meticulously took notes on his phone as if he were writing an important examination.

    "Dr Ashley, I would like to see you in private when you are less busy," Blaze said as the doctor rounded up her activities.

    "In private!" Amelia felt a cold shiver run down her spine at Blaze''s request. Her drumming heart threatened to leap out of her chest as the doctor said,

    "Certainly, Mr Anderson. You can come down to my office in the next one hour when I''m done with my ward round."

    "Thank you. I''ll..." Blaze paused when he tilted his head to look at Amelia. He was shocked to notice how pale she had become.

    "Baby, are you alright?" Blaze asked, walking up to her and taking her trembling hands into his.

    Amelia simply nodded, words failing her as she tried not to look in the doctor''s direction.

    "But you''re sweating and your hands are cold," Blaze noted in a slightly panicked voice, his gaze shifting to the doctor for an explanation.

    "I''m sure it is nothing." Dr Ashley came to Amelia''s rescue smiling at her while giving her a sign to start calm.

    "I just gave her some drugs now and I believe she is responding positively to it. Although she hasn''t eaten anything since last night. I''ll suggest she eat a little and lie down. But if she doesn''t feel like eating, you don''t need to worry. The IV fluid going into her system will seek that out."

    Blaze wasn''t completely convinced until Amelia patted him on the back of his hand and reassured him that she was fine.

    Before Dr Ashley finally left the couple alone, she informed Blaze that Amelia would be placed on compulsory bed rest for the next one week to enable her to recover properly.

 Chapter 192 - 192: A Caring Mother

    The room fell silent after Dr Ashley left, giving Amelia enough time to compose herself before her extremely observant husband. She inhaled and exhaled controlling her breathing while praying in her heart that Dr Ashley would keep to her promise.

    "Sweetheart, if you are uncomfortable here, I could make all the necessary arrangements to transfer you to a private hospital where only the best doctors will attend to you."

    "No!" Amelia said sharply, taking Blaze by surprise. But she quickly corrected her wrong impression by explaining further.

    "What I meant to say is that I am comfortable with the way Doctor Ashley attends to me. She is very compassionate, meticulous and friendly. I like her and I don''t think I want any other doctor except her."

    "Okay, then Dr Ashley it is," Blaze reassured her. "I will make sure she only gives you the best."

    "Thank you, darling." Amelia pulled his chin closer and gave him a peck on the cheek.

    "You''re welcome." Blaze beamed. "So tell me what would you like to eat, excluding anything seafood, peanut or caffeine? I could go out and get you something nice."

    "I''m not sure I want to eat anything right now.".Amelia replied even though she was feeling hungry. She was afraid the smell of food with trigger her nausea and make Blaze suspicious.

    "Help me lie down."

    "Sure." Blaze did as requested before asking again.

    "How about fruits?"

    "Maybe an apple," Amelia suggested.

    "An apple it is." Blaze was about to stand up when a knock on the door temporarily made him pause. Thinking the doctor might have forgotten something, Blaze said, "Come in."

    The door was pushed open but instead of the doctor, Maria Anderson showed up by the doorway looking slightly traumatized.

    "Mom!" Blaze''s jaw dropped at the sight of his mother.

    "Mom!" Amelia whispered, surprised to see her mother-in-law.

    "Oh, my sweetheart." Maria dropped everything she was holding by the door and rushed over to Amelia''s bedside in a heartbeat. She shooed her son away as if he meant nothing to her and took over his spot beside Amelia, her eyes glistening with tears.

    "I''m so sorry, for not being beside you my darling. I had no idea you were hospitalized." Maria said in a quivering tone, taking Amelia''s right hand gently and planting a kiss on it.

    "It''s fine, mom. I''m glad you''re here." Amelia said smiling.

    "Thank God you are alright. I couldn''t stop worrying on my way here. I was so scared when I couldn''t reach you on the phone." Maria said, sniffing while wiping her flowing tears.

    "You don''t have to be scared, Mom and please don''t cry. You know I can''t bear to see your tears." Amelia said, stroking Maria on the arm.

    "Okay, my sweetheart." Maria kissed Amelia on the forehead. "I promise I won''t cry again." She animatedly wiped her tears making Amelia chuckle softly.

    A bright, infectious grin spread across Blaze''s face as he observed the way his mom and Amelia bonded like two inseparable twin sisters. He was curious to know who told his mom about Amelia''s condition.

    "By the way, Mom, how did you find out that Amelia was here?"

    Maria snapped her head sideways shooting her son a nasty glare. "You must really have some nerves asking me that question after keeping my daughter''s condition away from me." S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "But Mom...."

    "Don''t, Mom me." Maria cut her son off sharply. "I didn''t come here for you. I came here for my daughter. So please move aside."

    "Seriously!"

    "Look up my face..." Maria said putting up a straight face. "...does it look like I''m kidding?"

    "No."

    "Good."

    Amelia chuckled. It was always fun watching Blaze and his mother act like boyfriend and girlfriend anytime they were arguing or quarrelling.

    "But Mom, if Blaze didn''t tell you anything, how did you find out that I was here?" Amelia asked, to satisfy her husband''s curiosity.

    "Have you forgotten what today is?" Maria replied to Amelia with a question. "Is our special mother and daughter bonding day like every other weekend. You are supposed to come to the mansion as early as 6:00 AM for our morning workout."

    "Oh... that''s true."

    "So when I tried calling to remind you, your line was switched off which was unlike you. I tried your husband''s number but his line was also switched off. After waiting a few hours and trying again with the same story. I drove down to the villa. When your head housekeeper said you didn''t return home since the previous night, I started to panic. I called everyone I knew who until your aunt Judith picked up and explained everything to me."

    "Ugh! So sorry you had to go through all that stress."

    "It''s nothing." Mariah waved her hand dismissively. "What matters is that you are alright."

    "Yes."

    "So have you eaten anything?" Maria asked, signaling Pascal, who was now standing inside the room, to bring her bags. "I brought some food from home."

    "She wants an apple and I was about to go out and get it before you arrived," Blaze explained, feeling left out.

    "You want an apple, my darling?" Maria continued to ignore her son, still mad at him.

    "Yes, mom." Amelia nodded, feeling sorry for her husband.

    "Here are the bags ma''am," Pascal announced as he came closer.

    "I''ll take them." Blaze signaled Pascal to excuse them after collecting the bags from him. He looked inside one of the bags and was stunned to see assorted fruits.

    "Can I have my bag?" Maria stretched out her hand towards him, her stare cold.

    "Mom, please I''m sorry. I was going to inform you later today. I didn''t know you were trying to reach us." Blaze said handing her bags.

    "I don''t..."

    "Mom please," Amelia interjected, cutting Maria off. "Forgive him for my sake."

    Maria released a sigh. "Fine, I''ll forgive you this once because of your wife. But the next time you do this, don''t expect me to go easy on you." She stood up and hugged Blaze before focusing on Amelia.

    As all three chatted happily while enjoying fruits together, Maria brought up an unsettling issue about Amelia''s presumed saviour.

    "I''ve been meaning to ask, how did Tina get involved in all of this?" Maria said, taking another bite of her apple.

 Chapter 193 - 193: Let The Games Begin

    Seated opposite the vanity mirror in her bedroom and listening to an audio recording. Tina''s eyes widened in shock at the dialogue between Amelia and the doctor.

    "Pregnant!" Her eyes blazed with an unquenchable inferno as she glared at her reflection, gritting her teeth.

    "How can she be pregnant?" Tina abruptly paused the video, hyperventilating. She clasped her head with both hands, different agonizing thoughts jabbing at her already battered heart. Her eyes glistened with threatening tears as she thought of how thrilled Maria would be if she found out that Amelia was pregnant.

    "No, I can''t let this happen. I can''t let her have his baby. He''s mine and I have to do something about it." Tina said with determination, angrily wiping the tears that dared to escape her eyes.

    She stared at her piqued reflection for a while, so many evil thoughts hatching in her mind. Her eye fell on the paused audio recording.

    ''What if there is more?'' She pondered and pressed play.

    Just like she thought, there was more and this time around the anger in her eyes was slowly replaced with a sinister thrill.

    "Finally!"

    Tina screamed, raising both hands up as if thanking an unseen being for speedily answering her prayer. Her eyes sparkled with the thrill of a hungry cat that had finally spotted a rewarding prey after days of searching.

    "Whoever said patient wasn''t rewarding?" She exhaled, all her worries melting like wax, as the audio recording slowly came to an end.

    "The game is about to begin and you have just been served, Amelia. This time around, I''m not going to let you win. If I can have Blaze, you definitely won''t either."

    Tina let out a malicious laughter that echoed within her room. She smiled at her beautiful reflection, tucking her hair behind her ear as picked up her phone and dialed Remy''s number.

    A click on the other end, followed by Remy''s girlish worried voice, broadened Tina''s smile.

    "Thank goodness you finally called. I have been worried sick since we spoke the previous night. I''ve been trying to call you all morning but your phone was switched off. What happened?" Remy demanded

    "You worry too much sweetheart."

    "Sweetheart! Wow! Someone seems to be in a good mood. Do I have some juicy gist for me?"

    "Trust me, Remy, this is more than juicy." Tina chirped excitedly while admiring her pretty coloured nails.

    The thought of digging these pretty babies in that stinking vomit from yesterday made her stomach churn. Thankfully, her sacrifice didn''t go to waste.

    "Tell me everything and do not leave out a single detail," Remy said euphorically from the other end.

    "I''ll fill you in when I stop by the studio, later this afternoon."

    "Afternoon?"

    "Yes, I haven''t slept all through the night watching over that tramp. I need my beauty rest for the next five to six hours."

    "What about today''s photo shoot? Dexter will be mad."

    "Dexter will survive without me for a day and the photo shoot can be done tomorrow. Take an excuse for me. Tell the produce err I caught a flu or something."

    "Fine. You know you owe me one."

    "How come I''m the one always owing you? Aren''t you ashamed? You are supposed to show some level of responsibility."

    "But you are my boss."

    "Yeah right. Now you want to play the boss card. So predictable." sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "That''s why you love me so much," Remy replied smugly.

    "Keep dreaming." Tina scoffed. "By the way, I need you to go to the fruit market and pick up the most irresistible set of fresh fruits. Preferably apples, bananas, grapes and oranges. Have them beautifully packaged in a fancy fruit gift basket and keep them handy. I''ll pick it up at the car park by 3:00 PM. Don''t keep me waiting."

    "Is that all, Her Excellency?"

    "While you are at it, pick up some pack of chocolates, muffins, cookies and any other irresistible snacks you know couples love," Tina said picturing Blaze''s expression when she handed him the gift. "I need to make a good impression."

    "Do you also want me to pick up some men''s underwear and lady''s lingerie?" Remy asked in an exasperated tone.

    "Don''t get cocky with me young man or it''s your ass on the line. Meet me with those items at the parking lots by three. Don''t keep me waiting." She hissed and hung up, putting her phone on flight mode.

    At quarter past two, Tina quickly got ready for her hospital visit. She chose an elegant blue halter neck flare jumpsuit for the perfect killer attire and paired it with matching stiletto heels.

    Styling her hair in a low chignon, with playful curls dangling at the side of her face, she completed her captivating look with a pair of shimmering diamond earrings.

    As Tina scanned through her perfume collection, a wicked idea came to her head. She picked up one of her strong perfumes and sprayed just the right amount.

    Taking one last look at her vibrant and enchanting self, Tina blew a kiss to her reflection before exiting her bedroom.

    -

    -

    With the help of her mother-in-law and her best friend Stacy, Amelia was able to freshen up before, visiting friends started arriving.

    "Son, why don''t you go home, shower and probably rest? You look really exhausted." Maria suggested, observing the dark circles on his eyes

    "There won''t be any need for that mom. I can manage." Blaze replied while watching Amelia chat with Stacy.

    "I''m not asking you to go home, son. I''m telling you. Amelia will be safe under my care while you''re gone or don''t you trust your mother."

    "Of course, I trust you, Mom. But..."

    "No buts." Maria insisted. She took a quick glance at her wristwatch and said. "It''s already 3: 15 PM. If you leave now, you can return in the next Six to seven hours looking well-rested and fully recharged to spend the entire night watching over your wife. Moreover, your wife''s father and Aunt are on the way, including more of her friends. She has a lot of people to care for her. You need not worry."

    Blaze sighed feeling a bit hesitant. He thought briefly about what his mom said earlier concerning Tina and asked.

    "What if Tina shows up again? I don''t trust her around Amelia."

    "Leave her to me. I can manage on my own. Now go say goodbye to your wife and leave."

    "Fine."

    Before Blaze left Amelia''s room he instructed Lance and another new guy he employed -who were both standing in for Clay and Pascal, - to be extra vigilant and never leave Amelia all by herself with any visitor. He also instructed them not to take in any form of gifts except the ones verified by him.

 Chapter 194 - 194: Where Did He Go?

    Tina''s exotic red car pulled up by the parking lot, missing Blaze Anderson''s departing car on the other lane by a whisker. She stepped out of the car, shoulder raised and head held high, looking all glamorous like an A-list model about to walk the ramp.

    Picking up the fruit gift basket and a fancy shopping bag from the rear seat, she slammed her door shut with her heels and sashayed down the walkway that led towards the hospital''s main building.

    As Tina passed by, her glistening blue eyes hidden under her designer wide-rim sunglasses, heads began to turn and eyes gawk in admiration.

    "Joe!" A red-haired chubby woman, whose husband was escorting her out of the hospital, called out to her shamelessly gawking husband.

    Tina chuckled, sparing the completely lost man a captivating smile while leaving him floating on the cloud with a bitterly enraged wife by his side.

    "I''m standing right, here, Joe." The woman screamed at her suddenly deaf husband, slapping him on the back of his head, as the latter''s eyes trailed the sexy goddess into the hospital building.

    "What did I do wrong, honey?" The man turned to face his angry wife.

    "You shameless dog. I am carrying your baby or do you want to go after her?"

    "Who?"

    "The lady you were shamelessly staring at."

    The quarrelling couple''s voice at the entrance trailed as Tina slowly made her way to the elevator, commanding everyone''s attention, both hospital staff, sick patients and visitors.

    A nurse, a potbellied truck driver in uniform and an old woman were already waiting in front of the elevator when Tina arrived.

    The old woman, who had an asthmatic condition sneezed twice, as she inhaled Tina''s strong and intoxicating perfume.

    Tina immediately took three steps backwards acting as if the woman had a contagious viral flu.

    "Hey, watch it." Someone said behind her, causing her to freeze. She flipped her head backwards, only to lay eyes on a handsome-looking mature man staring at her. He was effortlessly cladded in a faded denim shirt paired with matching pants and sleek white sneakers that gave him a captivating Playboy look.

    He was holding a bag, containing different transparent cups of ice cream.

    Something about those exotic and vibrant golden eyes with a hint of copper made Tina freeze on the spot. It reminded her of someone she knew from somewhere.

    "Where have I seen the face?" Tina mumbled under her breath.

    "Did you say something?" Hilary asked, wondering why the young lady was looking completely lost while staring at him.

    "Have we met before?" Tina asked directly, staring behind the man to see if he was with someone.

    "I don''t think so," Hillary said impatiently, checking to see if the ice cream he was holding was still intact. "Please be more careful next time." He said and left for the elevator.

    Shaking off the weird feelings of recognition, Tina followed behind the mature man who was now standing in front of the elevator. She followed him inside when the door opened and said.

    "Please help me punch the eighth floor."

    "I''m going to the eighth floor as well," Hillary replied, pressing number eight on the control panel while wondering if this young lady was one of Amelia''s friends who came by earlier.

    He observed the captivating fruit basket she was holding and the shopping bag, which were appealing to the eyes. He thought about asking if she knew Amelia but decided against it.

    A deafening silence fell on the enclosed box as the elevator started ascending until Tina broke the ice.

    "By the way, I''m Tina Stevens and I''m here to see my sick friend, who is currently staying at the VIP ward."

    Hilary turned around to look at Tina squarely.

    "Will that your friend be Mrs Amelia Anderson?"

    "Yes! How do you know?" Tina asked taking off her sunglasses.

    "Because I am her uncle," Hilary said chuckling.

    "Her uncle?" Tina raised her eyebrows in confusion.

    According to her research, Matt and Desmond were the only biological uncles Amelia had. And these two men were currently behind bars.

    Reading the confused expression on Tina''s face, Hillary explained further.

    "Not directly her uncle. I''m actually married to her late mother''s sister."

    "You are Aunt Judith''s husband!" Tina exclaimed, cupping her mouth.

    "Yes, and I''m guessing you are the same Tina who called to inform my wife about the incident yesterday, right?"

    "That is me!" Tina replied, grinning from ear to ear, finally recognize his face which she saw in a picture.

    "Wow! It is such an honour to meet you, Tina." Hilary said, extending his hand towards her. "Thanks for helping."

    "The honour is all mine." Tina happily shook his hand, blushing.

    Ding!

    The elevator bell announced their arrival on the eighth floor, bringing an abrupt end to their familiarization.

    "Let go. I''m sure Amelia can''t wait to see you." Hilary said, offering to help her carry the fruit basket.

    "Me too. Thanks." Tina smiled feverishly taking a deep breath as she stepped out of the elevator, wondering how Blaze and Amelia would react when they saw her.

    As they both approached Amelia''s room, Tina observed something strange. The bodyguard standing outside the door wasn''t the same person she met this morning. He seemed more grouchy and ill-mannered as he placed his hand forward asking her to stop.

    "Welcome back, Mr Hilary. Please, I need to check what you are holding as protocol."

    "Is just some cups of ice cream," Hillary said, showing the bag to the bodyguard who in turn scanned it with an advanced hand scanner.

    "Wow, Blaze is not taking any chances with his wife." Tina echoed in her mind, maintaining a plastic smile on her face. Thank goodness, I have retrieved my phone.

    "What about the fruit basket?" The bodyguard asked, eying it suspiciously. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "It belongs to Miss Tina. She is Mrs Anderson''s best friend." Hilary said casually, failing to the Tina''s right eye twitch at his statement.

    "You can go in, Sir." The bodyguard said, knocking twice before opening the door slightly for Hillary. "But, Miss Tina, please wait here while I get confirmation from the madam."

    "Madam, my ass." Tina wanted to say. But she smiled and said. "That won''t be a problem."

    "Don''t worry it''s just protocol." I''ll see you inside." Hilary said, before disappearing behind the door.

    ''Shoot! I forgot to get his number.'' Tina hissed under her breath as she watched the bodyguard speak into the phone.

    "Okay. Thank you." The bodyguard hung up. "Miss Tina, you have been cleared."

    "Thank you." Tina tried to lift the fruit basket off the floor when the bodyguard added.

    "Leave the basket and shopping bag outside. We will take care of it."

    "Wait, What! But I bought it for her and not you. Why don''t you simply scan it like you did the ice cream?" Tina said in a repressed voice, trying her best to keep her composure.

    "I''m simply following orders, ma''am. It''s either you go in without these items or you don''t go in at all. Your choice."

    Tina gritted her teeth. "Fine." She brushed past The bodyguard trying to get in when he stopped her again.

    "Hold on, I''m yet to scan your handbag."

    "Seriously! Do I look like a suicide bomber?" Tina lost her patience.

    "I wouldn''t know ma''am. I''m simply doing my job." The bodyguard replied dryly, giving Tina an impatient warning stare.

    Taking a deep breath to calm her rage, Tina said softly. "Very well, satisfy your curiosity."

    Afterwards certifying that Tina wasn''t a danger to the boss''s wife, the bodyguard, let her in.

    However, when Tina stepped into the room, she froze by the entrance at the sight of Maria Anderson, whose expression was anything but friendly.

    As if Maria''s presence wasn''t already bad news, there was no sign of Blaze anywhere in the room.

    "Where did he go? The restroom."

 Chapter 195 - 195: Trigger

    "Don''t just stand there, come in," Judith said softly, beckoning to Tina, who timidly nodded and slowly advanced, like someone walking on a tightrope.

    Tina''s heart was pounding erratically in her chest as she observed the way Maria''s eagle eyes scanned her from head to toe like an X-ray machine. She could tell the mature woman was greatly displeased with her dressing from her admonishing gaze.

    Thankfully, aside from Maria''s somewhat hostile look, and Amelia''s unreadable expression, Judith and her husband were smiling at her.

    Tina had barely gotten within fifteen feet of Amelia''s bed when the latter''s highly sensitive nostrils perceived something harsh, choking and unsettling.

    Amelia''s nose crinkled and her face scrunched at the strong and intoxicating smell coming from Tina. It felt as though she was doused in a blend of patchouli, and tonka bean with a hint of vanilla.

    Unfortunately for Amelia, she had just eaten some of Maria''s spicy home meal which the chef brought earlier and now, it seemed everything was doing a flip-flop in her stomach.

    ''What the hell did she spray?'' Amelia hissed inwardly as she tried to hold her breath.

    Tina stopped six feet from Amelia''s bed, managing a feverish smile. Before she could say anything, Judith beat her to it.

    "You''re looking really dashing, Tina. Are you going to a party?" Judith asked, admiring her exquisite outfit.

    "Oh no, I''m coming from the studio where we just had a photoshoot section." Tina lied between her teeth. "I was going home but decided to first stop by the hospital and check on Amelia."

    "Aww! How thoughtful. You know if you had come earlier, you would have met your other friends. They left not quite long."

    "It''s okay. I came here for Amelia and not them." Tina tilted her head to face Maria, who hadn''t said a single word even though has chilly gaze spoke volumes.

    "Good afternoon, mom."

    "Excuse me." Maria raised an eyebrow at Tina''s last word, her voice void of any empathy or emotion.

    Remembering her last unpleasant encounter with Maria, Tina quickly corrected herself.

    "Sorry. I meant, Mrs Anderson. It''s good to see you here. You look lovely as always."

    "Hmm..." Maria sized her up condescendingly. "I''m sure you didn''t come all the way here just to tell me that."

    Tina chuckled feverishly her hand tightening around the handle of her handbag as she shifted her gaze to Amelia.

    "Hi, Amelia. I can see you are...." Tina paused, her eyebrows raised in alarm. ".... Are you all right?"

    Everyone''s attention quickly shifted to Amelia, whose face was now beet red from fighting to keep her nausea at bay as Tina''s suffocating scent dealt with her mercilessly.

    "Amelia!" Maria''s voice raised in panic as she abruptly jumped to her feet, snatching one of the nylon bags beside the table and emptying all the contents on the floor, before bringing the empty bag to Amelia''s face.

    "Showtime!" A sly glint flashed across Tina''s eyes as everyone sprang to their feet in confusion and panic.

    Amelia retched, her whole body trembling violently, her knuckles turning white from her grip on the bed before everything she had eaten for the entire day came out in full force.

    "Oh my goodness!" Judith exclaimed out loud, sprinting to the other side of the bed and stroking Amelia''s back as she emptied her stomach into the bag. "Quickly baby, get the doctor."

    "Okay." Hilary sprinted for the door while Tina came closer bending down to pick up the spilled items on the floor.

    "You, wait outside." Maria barked, her eyes inflamed, causing Tina to flinch.

    "But, I wanted to help pick..."

    "Now, Tina!" Maria yelled while Lance hurriedly came forward to escort Tina outside.

    Outside Amelia''s room, Tina watched as some nurses and two doctors rushed inside to arrest Amelia''s situation. She almost felt sorry for Amelia knowing she was the one responsible for the trigger. But then, this was the plan.

    Unfortunately, the targeted audience was missing in action.

    Thinking briefly, Tina brought out her phone from her handbag and dialed Blaze''s number, while taking a few steps away from the other bodyguard whose scary gaze was all over her.

    Blaze didn''t pick up on the first ring. But when she tried the second time, he picked up the call.

    "Hello, who is this?" Blaze''s deep and cold voice filled Tina with a sensual chill.

    "You didn''t save my number?" Tina pursed her lips, her tone laced with a hint of disappointment.

    "Tina! Why are you calling me?" Blaze asked impatiently.

    Tina could hear running water in the background, making her second-guess his location.

    "Where are you?"

    "I asked you a question. Why are you calling me?" Blaze demanded in a slightly raised voice.

    Tina gritted her teeth. "I''m at the hospital with your wife. But never mind. You seem too irritated to hear my voice or listen to what I have to say about her condition." She rolled her eyes and hung up, knowing he would call back.

    As anticipated, her phone started ringing almost immediately.

    A wicked smirk danced across her lips as she waited for it to ring for a while before picking up.

    "What do you want?"

    "Don''t you EVER, hang up on me again. Do you understand?" Blaze boomed from the other end.

    Tina trembled, gulping down a lump that had formed in her throat as she nodded her head as if he was standing in front of her with his hand wrapped around her neck in a choking grip.

    "I didn''t get a response." Blaze''s viciously dangerous voice made Tina almost pee on herself.

    "Yes..." Tina managed to say, regretting hanging up on him. "I understand."

    "Now, what were you saying about my wife?"

    "She''s vomiting again? I think it''s Gt f severe this time."

    "What! Why! What happened?" Blaze half screamed in panic.

    Tina''s face scrunched in disgust at the way Blaze''s voice suddenly softened at the mention of his wife.

    "I don''t know. One minute, I was in her room, saying hi and the next minute, she was vomiting all over the place."

    "Isn''t my mom there with her?"

    "She is and your mom really looks stressed. You should come down quickly. Where are you?" S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I''m coming."

    The line suddenly disconnected showing that Blaze had hung up on her.

    "So far, so good." Tina hurriedly rushed towards the convenience to retouch her makeup.

 Chapter 196 - 196: Malice

    Blaze had just gotten out of the shower when he received Tina''s call, informing him that Amelia was having another vomiting episode.

    Without a care about his look and status, Blaze threw on what he could lay his hands on without towel-drying his wet hair or body. He dashed out of the Villa in a heartbeat and climbed behind the wheels of one of his fastest spot cars while dialing his mother''s number.

    The line kept ringing but Maria didn''t take her calls which only worsened Blaze''s anxiety.

    With heart racing and adrenaline coursing through his veins, Blaze revved the car engine like a car race driver about to start a high-octane speed car race. He put the car on gear and sped out of the villa premises, startling the house staff who had all come out to see the boss running off like a madman.

    Speeding at 120km/hr, Blaze swerved his car to the left and the right, overtaking other motorists on the highway until he entered the service lane that led straight to the hospital.

    In less than twenty-one minutes of taking Tina''s call, Blaze arrived at the hospital. He got out of the car and sprinted into the hospital building, causing a lot of heads to turn.

    "Oh my goodness!"

    "Who is that sexy-looking guy!"

    "He is so hot!"

    "More like wet!"

    "Why is he such in a hurry."

    "Maybe his wife is in labour."

    Different comments filtered through the air as Blaze passed by. But he ignored every attention directed towards him, his heart pounding as he tried his mother''s number again, pressing the elevator button.

    Two visiting ladies, who couldn''t get enough of staring at the handsome-looking man in damp clothes, hurried behind him, giggling sheepishly to themselves as the elevator door opened.

    Blaze got in and so did the ladies ogling at him. He pressed the eighth floor and the door slid shut, without them saying where they were going.

    Completely ignoring the two ladies whispering and giggling behind him like childish clowns, Blaze tried his mother''s number for the third time.

    "Hello, handsome. Coming from a pool party?" One of the ladies dares to speak in a flirtatious voice, her breath reeking of alcohol.

    "We too are coming from a friend''s birthday party that ended tragically. We could party here in the hospital if you want to." The other lady said, laughing.

    Just then Blaze''s call connected.

    "Mum."

    "Baby, let me call you back later. I''m busy." Maria said in a slightly harsh voice before hanging up.

    "Shit!" Blaze cursed.

    "What is the matter? Is your mum sick?" The first lady came from behind, placing her hand on his shoulder. "I can help...Ah!"

    In one split dangerous spin, Blaze grabbed the young lady who had dared to touch him by the neck, pushing her back forcefully against the wall.

    "Ah!" The other lady let out a frightful gasp as she scurried to the other end of the elevator, her body trembling and her face white with horror.

    "Do you have a death wish?" Blaze growled like a bloodthirsty monster hungry for its enemy''s blood.

    The unfortunate lady struggled violently, hitting his hand as his grip tightened, gradually snuffing out the air in her lungs.

    "Please!" The second lady cried out.

    Ding!

    The elevator bell announced their arrival, the door sliding open.

    "Do this again and you are dead." Blaze released his hold on her neck and dashed out of the elevator without bothering to see the lady pass out in shock as her body fell on the elevator floor.

    Tina, who had just come out from retouching her face, was completely swept off her feet as she saw Blaze bouncing out of the elevator.

    His narrowed and darkened grey eyes seemed to give off a dangerously sparkly glow that lit Tina''s heart as he took long strides towards her.

    His damp white t-shirt clung to his athletic and well-defined body like a limpet, displaying his hot and sexy abs.

    His sleek wet hair...

    "Blaze!" Hilary called from behind Tina snapping her out of her thoughts.

    "What is he doing here?" Judith, who was waiting outside with her husband and the two bodyguards asked. "Didn''t Mrs Anderson warn that no one should inform him about anything?"

    "Then how did he find out? How did he come here so fast?" Hillary asked.

    "Could it be Tina? Did she inform him?" Judith pondered out loud.

    Both their gaze shifted to Tina who was standing a few meters away from them.

    Watching Blaze briefly acknowledge her before hurrying over to them to confirm their suspicion.

    "Mrs Anderson will be pissed." Judith shook her head in pity, now understanding why Stacy and Amelia didn''t warm up to Tina, even after her heroic action.

    "What happened to my wife?" Blaze demanded as he approached Judith.

    "It''s nothing serious, Blaze. She just vomited. But she''s fine. The doctor is currently attending to her." Judith explained, calmly.

    "And my mom?" S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "She''s inside with her. She was the only one allowed to stay back. I''m sure they are rounding up by now."

    "But why did she vomit? I thought the doctor assured us that she was fine after giving her those drugs." Blaze asked, feeling a bit confused and angry.

    "These doctors are human, Blaze." Tina crept up behind him. "They can be wrong sometimes. A second opinion is best. Probably they need to run other tests on her in another facility to ensure there is no underlying ailment or...." Tina left the last part hanging, making everyone''s imagination run wild.

    "Or what?" Blaze glared dangerously at Tina, picking up a hint of malice in her tone.

    For Judith on the other hand, an idea flashed through her mind that made her eyes widen in excitement. ''Could it be? Oh God, that would be the best news ever.''

    "I think Tina is right," Hilary said after a few moments of silence. "I don''t see anything wrong with what she has eaten so far. The doctors should probably run another test on her."

    Just then, the door to Amelia''s room opened. The nurses stepped out first, followed by the doctor and Maria talking and laughing.

    "Mom!" Blaze came forward, his eyes brimming with hope at his mom''s relaxed state which was in contrast to the information Tina fed him.

    "Blaze! What are you doing here? Aren''t you supposed to be home sleeping?"

    "How is Amelia?" Blaze asked, directing his quizzical gaze to Doctor Ashely while giving his mom a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

    "She''s fine. There is no reason for alarm. She just vomited. No big deal. It comes with her condition."

    "Condition!" Tina''s eyes widened. "Do they already know she''s pregnant?"

    "Food allergy and intolerance is something that doesn''t go away immediately. But in a couple of days, her body will become stable." The doctor added.

    ''Hmm... Nice one doctor. We will see how long you can hide this secret.'' Tina smiled to herself.

    "Can I see her now?"

    "Sure, but she''s sleeping. We gave her something to relax her body."

    "Thank you, doctor." Blaze planted a kiss on his mother''s forehead before disappearing into the room to check on his wife.

    "Mrs Anderson, remember everything I told you. Make sure you comply accordingly to avoid such episodes." Dr Ashley said.

    "Alright. I''ll do exactly that. Thank you so much, doctor."

    "You''re welcome." Dr Ashley smiled and left.

    "Who called my son." Maria suddenly spun around, her chilly gaze on Tina, who was now smiling feverishly.

    Hilary and Judith, both exchanged glances, sensing trouble.

    "I did, mom." Tina voiced out, intentionally addressing Maria as Mom.

    Like a bull seeing red, charging blindly and uncontrollably, Maria stormed over to where Tina was standing.

    "How many times have I told you to stop calling me, mom?"

    Tina braced herself as Maria raised her right hand up. She held her breath as Maria''s hand came down fiercely across her cheek.

    Smack!

 Chapter 197 - 197: Stop Trying

    The sound of the slap echoed in the quiet hallway, followed by a sharp piercing cry as Tina instinctively brought her hand to her face, feeling the heat radiate from the angry red mark that blossomed on her fair skin.

    Dr Ashley and the nurses, who were already retreating to their various stations spun around in astonishment, puzzled by the scene ahead of them.

    Some visiting patients from other VIP rooms, who had heard Tina''s sharp cry came out to see what was happening.

    "Granny, isn''t that the woman with the strong perfume that almost made you choke outside the elevator." A man dressed in truck driver uniform and standing outside VIP room seven asked, beckoning on someone inside the room.

    The old woman from earlier peeked through the partially opened door, holding her inhaler firmly in her hand. "Yes, she is the very same one. Was she the one screaming?"

    "I guess so." The man replied, grinning in satisfaction.

    Hilary and Judith, who were temporarily frozen by Maria''s anticipated outburst hurried over to Maria to stop her from striking Tina a second time.

    "Do I look like your mother?" Maria lashed out angrily between clenched jaw as Tina covered her face with both hands crying wolf to attract more attention. "Are you too blind or stupid to know who gave birth to you? Or are you simply trying to get on my nerves? Answer me?"

    Maria raised her hand, ready to strike Tina again but Judith and her husband quickly intervened while the doctor and nurses hurried down to help out.

    "Mrs Anderson, please, forgive her. She made a mistake. She didn''t mean to offend you." Judith said pleadingly, while her husband tried to pull Tina away from the enraged mother.

    But Tina had other plans up her sleeve and was not ready to be carried away without actualizing her goal for the day.

    "What did I do wrong?" Her broken and quivering voice reverberated in the hallway, earning her compassionate stares from the little crowded gathering in both directions.

    "All I did was call my best friend''s husband to inform him that his wife was unwell. Is it a crime to care? Is this what I get in return for my help?"

    "You still have the mouth to talk right?" Maria struggled to break free from Judith while wagging her four finger at Tina.

    "Honey..." Judith eyed her husband while trying to placate Maria.

    "Tina, please, just come with me. Don''t make things worse for yourself." Hilary begged, trying to pull Tina away, but the latter seemed to have a death wish as she continued talking while crying dramatically and smearing her makeup.

    "No... I need to know what else I''ve done wrong so that I can make amend. I can''t take this animosity anymore." Tina said, wriggling her arm out of Hilary''s hold.

    Dr Ashley, who was about to intervene paused on her track, eager to know the reason why the friendly and loving mother she had been talking to earlier would suddenly turn into a tigress.

    "What you have done wrong?!" Maria laughed bitterly, rage coursing through her veins like an angry viper. "You must really have some nerves to ask me that question.

    "Maria..."

    "No Judith." Maria sharply cocked her head in Judith''s direction. "Do not interfere. Allow me air my mind."

    "Okay." Judith raised her hands in surrender giving Maria some space to express her anger.

    Taking a few steps towards Tina, with the latter standing her ground, unafraid of another assault, Maria clenched her fist by her side, resisting the urge to strike Tina again.

    "You have no shame, Tina." Maria sneered, sizing her from head to toe in disgust. "I thought a young and sensible lady like you would have some degree of self-respect. But I guess I''m wrong. Only a fool such as yourself would test the depth of a river with both feet."

    "I''m not a fool," Tina said under her breath, between clenched teeth, anger surging through her veins like molten lava. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Maria scoffed at her daring reply, seeing through her invisible mask of jealousy.

    "Insanity is the last resort of insecure people with a crumbling position trying to appear confident."

    Tina resisted the urge to talk back at Maria knowing that such a daring act could foil her plans. She stood her ground, staring into Maria''s inflamed eyes as the latter lashed out at her.

    "Didn''t I warn you the last time that you should stay away from my son and my family? What makes you think you have the right to show your face here after everything you did to hurt my son? What makes you think you can meddle in my son''s affairs now that he''s happily married? You think I''m not aware of all your verbal and physical attacks on my daughter-in-law, trying to turn her friends against her while claiming she stole your man."

    "Ah!"

    Muffled gasps rose among the onlookers, who were startled by the older woman''s revelation.

    "That is not true and you know it." Tina cried out, taking a few steps backwards, her messy mascara streaking down her flushed cheeks. She observed the way people were staring condescendingly at her with contempt and tried to make herself look like the victim.

    "All I have ever done is try to redeem my past mistake. I agree I have had little misunderstanding with Amy just as all friends do. But we settled our differences. I will never do anything to hurt her. Her father and her husband can bear me witness that all I''ve done so far is look out for her.

    "That is the problem. Stop looking out for her. Stop trying." Maria yelled at the top of her voice attracting her son''s attention. "She does not need your help. My son and I do not need your help. Is that so difficult for you to understand?"

    Blaze was partially stunned and piqued to see the number of people standing by the hallway and watching his mom and Tina quarrel.

    "Stop coming here." Maria continues lashing out, unaware of her son''s presence. "Stop pretending like you care. Stop buying gifts because all of them will end up in the trash. Stop calling my son. Stop trying to throw yourself on him. Have some dignity. Go and find another man and stop trying to steal another woman''s husband."

    "Mum!" Blaze thundered from behind, his cold, deep and powerful voice silencing everyone.

 Chapter 198 - 198: High Expectation

    One by one, those hanging along the hallway quickly dispersed, terrified by the ominous and viciously enraged young man standing outside room ten.

    Seeing Maria freeze at Blaze''s rebuking glares made Tina smile in her heart. This was exactly what she was hoping for, - to create tension between mother and son.

    Since she couldn''t get Maria to like and forgive her, the only option left was to break the bond of trust between mother and son.

    Breaking the deafening silence with her sniffles, Tina said in a trembling and broken voice.

    "I''m sorry for everything I''ve ever done to hurt you. But I''m not a husband snatcher. I''m only trying to do what is right for a friend."

    With that, Tina dashed off in the direction of the convenience, crying out her heart along the way.

    As Blaze watched Tina run away, a part of him felt guilty for her pain. He shifted his gaze to his mother, who was still in shock due to the way he raised his voice at her.

    "Mom..." Blaze''s voice softened a bit as he gently approached her, angry at himself for letting his emotions get in the way.

    Immediately, Blaze came within arm''s reach, Maria impulsively lifted her hand and delivered a fierce slap across his cheek, taking him by surprise.

    "Ah!" Judith gasped, eyes widened and mouth hanging open.

    Even the bodyguard, standing watch outside Amelia''s room was shocked to the bone by Mrs Anderson''s action. He quickly lowered his head afraid of what the boss might do if he caught him watching.

    Blaze''s expression turned lethal as he stared into his mom''s inflamed and moist eyes, anger coursing through his veins like a wildfire consuming everything in its path.

    "Honey, I think we should go out and get something to eat," Hillary said, beckoning on his wife.

    "Yes...yes, we should," Judith replied, hurrying over to her husband. They both quickly left as they had no intention of interfering in the misunderstanding between mother and son.

    "You slapped me." Blaze managed to say in a repressed tone, gritting his teeth.

    "Yes, I did." Tears of pain and regret flowed down Maria''s face as she spoke in a greatly pained voice.

    "The next time you raise your voice at me like that, I won''t forgive you."

    Maria wiped her tears with the back of her hand and walked away, disappearing into Amelia''s room and closing the door quietly behind her.

    Blaze stood motionless at the same spot, anger curling hot and unstoppable in his gut, like a blazing inferno that wanted to burn him from the inside out. He glared viciously at the blank white wall in front of him, fist clenched and muscled stiffened like iron.

    This was the first time his mother had ever struck him and he saw the pain in her moist eyes.

    Her hurting words, her tears and his promises to his dying father to never make her shade a single tear of regret, felt like dagger jabbing at his heart.

    Blaze turned to look at the door, his eyes red and moist with fury. He knew his mom would be crying behind that door and he was the reason for her pain. He gnashed his teeth, his veins threatening to explode from pent-up anger.

    A part of him wanted to walk out of the hospital and find somewhere to cool off. But the two women that mattered most in his life were in that room and he couldn''t bear the thought of Amelia waking up and seeing his mother crying.

    Pushing his pride and anger aside, Blaze walked up to the door and knocked twice before pushing the door open. He signalled the bodyguard waiting inside to go out before shutting the door behind him.

    As suspected, his mom''s head was resting on the edge of Amelia''s bed and he knew she was crying.

    Gritting his teeth, he clenched and unclenched his fist to release his guilt and frustration before slowly approaching her.

    As he stared at his peacefully sleeping wife, warmth crept into his heart melting his ire.

    Tilting his head back to his mother, he called softly.

    "Mom."

    "..."

    "Mom," Blaze called again, placing his hand on her shoulder.

    "Go away," Maria said in a broken voice without lifting her head.

    Blaze went down on his knees beside her.

    "I''m sorry, mom. I didn''t mean to raise my voice at you."

    "..."

    "I know I messed up big time, mon. I broke the promise I made you Dad today and I''m so disappointed in myself."

    "Don''t..." Maria lifted her head to reveal her reddened and teary eyes. "Don''t bring your father into this. Let him rest in peace. Probably, I should join him than watch my only child disrespect me before a woman who insulted me."

    "Mom, please don''t talk like that," Blaze said, taking his mother''s trembling hands while holding back his own tears. "You know I can afford to lose you. You are all I have in this world."

    "No!" Maria shook her head. "I''m not all you have." She freed one of her hands from Blaze''s hold and took one of Amelia''s sleeping hands into hers. "You have your wife. And all I want from you is to love her just as you love me. Is that too much to ask?"

    Blade shook his head, lowering it. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I don''t want to see anyone come between the two of you. I don''t want you to hurt Amelia. She loves you, dearly."

    Blaze lifted his remorseful gaze to look at his mother as if shocked by her words.

    "Yes," Maria gently stroked her son''s right cheek. "She does. I''ve seen it in her eyes. I''ve seen the way the both of you look at each other. It reminds me of the beautiful love I shared with your dad before he left me forever. It''s true love and I don''t want you to take it for granted. Once lost, it is difficult to get back."

    "Mom..."

    "Shh!" Maria placed her forefinger on Blaze''s lips. "All I ask of you is to stay away from that Tina lady. I don''t want you around her. I don''t want her around your wife. She is bad news. Haven''t you noticed that every time she comes around your wife, bad things happen? She wants you back and Amelia is an obstacle in her way. Open your eyes, son. Keep her far away from you and your home. Focus on your wife and love only her. That is all I ask."

    Blaze nodded, "okay, mum."

    Maria leaned closer and kissed him on the forehead before hugging him dearly. "Thank you my son and I''m sorry for hitting you."

    -

    -

    Meanwhile, inside the convenience, Tina celebrated her little success. She was slightly disappointed that the fruit gift basket didn''t find its way into Amelia''s room after all her meticulous plans to spy on the couple.

    But she was glad that Blaze rebuked his mother for her.

    Now all that was left was for him to come to her and tell her how sorry she was for his mother''s abusive approach. Then she would activate stage two of her plan.

    After retouching her face and covering the handprint with makeup, Tina walked out of the hospital with high expectations.

 Chapter 199 - 199: Your Wife Is...

    After reconciling with his mother, Blaze left Amelia''s room to see the doctor.

    Fortunately for him, she was in her office.

    "Mr Anderson, I was expecting you." Dr Ashely said beaming, as Blade made his way inside, escorted by a nurse. "Please have a seat."

    "Thank you."

    Blaze pulled out one of the chairs opposite the doctor''s desk and sat down. He waited for the nurse to leave and shut the door behind her before questioning the doctor.

    "What happened Dr Ashley? I thought you assured me that my wife was fine. Why is she still vomiting?"

    Dr Ashely smiled while maintaining a professional composure.

    "As I explained before, there is no reason for alarm. Nausea is one of the many symptoms or signs to show that a patient suffering from a food allergy or intolerance has been exposed to something their body perceives as harmful. It doesn''t necessarily mean that it could be a food the patient had ingested. It could be anything that mimics food sensitivity take for example your wife''s case. What she ate had nothing to do with her vomiting. Rather her nausea was triggered by the slightly harsh perfume of her visiting friend."

    "Harsh perfume from her visiting friend!" Blaze repeated the doctor''s last statement in complete shock.

    "Yes, Mr Anderson. Most perfumes are made from plant extract and plants are the main source of our food. So, they can also cause a trigger amongst other things."

    "Hmm...I never knew." Blaze replied in a daze, his gaze shifting sideways as he recalled the entire day''s event when he was with Amelia.

    He remembered that Amelia had been so lively and energetic, chatting and even eating the food and fruit his mom gave her. She didn''t vomit afterwards or show any sign of discomfort.

    He recalled when all her girlfriends and father came to visit. There was no episode of vomiting either.

    The only visiting friend that came in his absence was Tina and she was also the one who informed him that Amelia was vomiting.

    How come Tina had been present on two different occasions when Amelia had this traumatic crisis?

    Could this be a coincidence or was it intentional?

    "Are you by any chance inferring that the last lady who came visiting might have triggered my wife''s nausea?" Blaze asked, his expression turning cold, as he slowly understood the reason why his mom went nut with Tina

    "I am not blaming her for your wife''s condition, Mr Anderson." Dr Ashely explained calmly seeing the way Blaze''s expression had turned dangerous. "It may have been done out of ignorance. But when visiting a sick patient, especially one with an allergic condition, one should always be mindful of the kind of fragrance they wear or the food they eat in the patient''s presence. A subtle approach is better in this case."

    Blaze nodded his head. "Thank you, doctor." He paused before adding. "Is there anything else you would like to inform me about my wife? I would hate to find out that you overlook certain details which are relevant to her health."

    At this statement, the doctor''s heart skipped a beat. She shifted uneasily in her chair under Blaze''s intense scrutiny while slowly taking off her reading glasses. She cleared her throat before replying.

    "Your wife is..." She paused, staring at Blaze''s expectant face, her conscience pricking her at the promise she had already made to Amelia.

    "She''s what?" Blaze asked, encouraging the doctor to complete her statement.

    Dr Ashely nodded, moistening her lips and swallowing her saliva as her throat suddenly turned parched. She broke out in cold sweat and she thought of the risk of lying to the dangerous-looking man before her.

    But she had given Amelia her words and breaking the young woman''s trust was something she couldn''t bring herself to do.

    "She is...p....pretty strong and brave. I can assure you that there are no underlying ailments. You have nothing to be afraid of."

    "Very well." Blaze rose up to his feet, his mind made up about Tina. "Thank you, doctor." He extended his right hand towards her.

    "You''re welcome." Dr Ashely shook her, plastering a smile on her face even though she was trembling within.

    As Blaze exited her office, Dr Ashely released a sigh of regret, her heart throbbing even louder.

    "Ashley, what have you gotten yourself into?"

    -

    -

    Blaze returned to Amelia''s room after leaving the doctor''s office. He met his mother still perched beside Amelia, staring lovingly into her sleeping face while humming a song.

    A warm smile crept up his face as he made his way towards her and hugged her from behind.

    "Who is this grown man acting like a child?" Maria teased.

    "It''s your one and only." Blaze playfully pecked her on the cheek before taking a seat on the edge of Amelia''s bed.

    "How did it go with the doctor?" Maria asked, smiling. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "It went well. At least now I know the reason why Amelia vomited."

    "And?" Maria raised her eyebrows quizzically.

    "I will ensure it doesn''t repeat itself."

    "Good. Because anyone who tries to mess with my daughter-in-law, including you, will have me to contend with."

    Blaze chuckled at his mother''s threats.

    "I''m not laughing. I''m serious. Amelia is currently my baby. And you know how mothers are with their babies." Maria stressed.

    "I know. Amelia is so lucky to have you, Mom."

    "Is actually the other way around son. I''m so lucky to have her and soon I''ll have tiny feet running around me."

    "Ahem!" Blaze cleared his throat noisily, the smile vanishing from his face.

    "What?" Maria eyed him. "Or isn''t it high time you give me a grandchild?"

    "Mom please, let''s not go there," Blaze said yawning.

    "Why? Don''t you want to have kids with Amelia? I know she will make a great mother."

    "Mom please, can we drop that topic and focus on my wife getting better? We are not ready to have children. At least not now."

    "Then when? Is it when I''m all old and can''t carry my grandchildren on my back?" Maria flashed him a disapproving glare. She was thinking by now Amelia would have gotten pregnant. But she also feared that the couple may have changed the contraceptive pill she switched.

 Chapter 200 - 200: High Expectations 1

    Blaze let out a frustrated sigh without giving his mom a reply. He massaged his throbbing head, yawning a second time, while cracking his stiff neck.

    "You look tired, son. You need to rest." Maria said after observing him silently for a while.

    "No, I''m fine. I can manage." Blaze replied, standing up and moving around the room to awaken his tired body.

    "You know you are human, right? Every human needs their rest. If you keep pushing yourself this way, you will break down." Maria persisted softly, not wanting to push too hard.

    "I don''t want to leave her side again," Blaze explained patiently. "If I go home, I won''t be able to rest knowing she is here and anything can happen just like before."

    "Who said anything about going home?" Maria asked, knowing her son would not leave his wife''s presence again. She gestured at the double-seater couch behind him.

    "You can lie down over there while I sit here. Three hours or more nap will do you a lot of good. The doctor said Amelia will be asleep for at least six or seven hours. Take that time to rest too. Please."

    "Fine." Blaze walked over to his mother and bent over in front of her. He kisses her on the forehead, saying. "Thanks, mom. You''re the best."

    "You too, my darling." Maria watched her son stroll over to the couch and lie down. She watched him slowly close his eyes, an enchanting smile framing his lips. Her shimmering eyes fell on his phone and car keys on the table in front of him.

    ''What if someone like that tramp tries to disturb him with a phone call?'' Maria thought briefly.

    Without giving it much thought, she stood up and quietly strolled over to the table. She picked up his phone and switched it off before returning to her seat beside Amelia''s bed.

    After watching her two children sleep for a while, Maria decided to also rest her head.

    -

    -

    The Bloom & Berry cafe, - located on the first floor of the Duchess building, across the street from the city general hospital - was renowned for its exquisite homemade baked pastries and unique brand of coffee. In addition to their tasty menu was the magnificent view of the busy street through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

    After leaving the hospital with high expectations of Blaze''s call, Tina decided to take a table at the Bloom & Berry cafe, to wait for him.

    Knowing Blaze and his bad temper, Tina believed he would be leaving the hospital within a short while to look for a place to cool off. If that happened, she wanted to be physically and emotionally available for him to talk to.

    Seated on a table close to the floor-to-ceiling window, Tina took in a deep breath, the unmistakable aroma of freshly baked apples and pie crust wafting through the air, tickling her senses.

    A bubbly waitress came down to her table, smiling politely as she said.

    "Good day Juujuuma''am and welcome to the Bloom & Berry Cafe? May I please take your order?"

    "Sure." Tina picked up the menu on the table and slowly browsed through it as if she were reading a fashion magazine making the waitress wait unnecessarily.

    "I''ll have some of your delicious apple pie, some chocolate cookies and a cup of coffee with cream."

    "Yes ma''am."

    The waitress was about to leave with Tina''s order when the latter called her back and said.

    "Please make that order two. The other cup of coffee should be black with no cream or sugar."

    "Will that be all ma''am?" The waitress asked, her smile already diminishing. "I would like some muffins and bagels as a takeaway." S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Very well ma''am. I''ll be back with your order."

    As the waitress left Tina''s table, she picked up her phone and scanned through for any missed calls or text messages. Her forehead furrowed slightly when she found none. She checked the time on her phone and observed that it had already been forty-five minutes since the last encounter with Blaze.

    "He should be done with his mom by now. What the hell is taking him so long to call?" Tina hissed. She put a call across to Remy and spoke to him for a while.

    Afterwards, she spoke to Joanna updating her with the recent development of her mission while keeping the part of Amelia''s pregnancy away from her.

    The meal arrived in no time but she decided not to eat until her anticipated guest arrived. She kept her gaze on the window, watching different people go in and come out of the hospital from across the street. She was hoping to spot Blaze coming out of the hospital building in any second.

    "Ahem."

    Someone cleared his throat, making Tina turn her head sharply, only to see a young and averagely handsome man standing beside her table, a friendly smile framing his round face.

    Tina didn''t know when he came up to her or why he was smiling at her, as she sized him from head to toe.

    Cladded in a plain blue cheap-looking long-sleeve shirt with black pants and a black striped tie hanging down his neck, he resembled a clerical officer who just relocated from the countryside to work in the big city.

    "May I help you?" Tina asked, sarcastically, her pretty face contoured in disgust.

    "I''m Dr Reich. I recognize you from a movie I''ve watched. you''re an actor right?"

    "Are you here for an autograph?" Tina scoffed, replying his question with a question.

    "Oh no. I saw you not quite long after leaving the hospital. You seemed a bit flustered."

    "And how is that any of your bloody business?" Tina bared her claws like an angry kitten, ready to scratch his face.

    "Easy. I''m not here to make trouble. I think you are very beautiful and I was wondering if I could join you, and get to know you better." The doctor said nervously.

    "Join me?" Tina let out a throaty laugh that made the man more nervous than he already was.

 Chapter 201 - 201: Crushed Hope

    "Take a good look at me." Tina gestured at her beautiful self from head to toe. "And take a good look at yourself. What do you see?"

    The doctor''s lips curled up in a captivating smile as he took this rare opportunity to drink in Tina''s gorgeous appearance.

    "I see a beautiful and elegant-looking young lady with a great sense of humour and a young man hoping for a chance to dine with her."

    Tina scoffed, shaking her head in pity.

    "You know what, it''s okay to dream big? That will help you work harder in the future to buy yourself a nice pair of suits that would make you more presentable."

    "But in the meantime, I''ll advise you to look for someone that falls within your strata. Someone who looks as miserable as you do." Tina said softly while her eyes scanned the cafe, ignoring the look of astonishment and humiliation in the doctor''s eyes.

    "Probably someone like that waitress over there. I''m sure she''ll be more than happy to dine with you. As for me, I''m already taken. My rich and influential boyfriend will be joining me anytime soon." She pointed to the empty seat opposite her, sparing the stunned doctor one last ridiculing glance.

    "Have a nice life, loser" She hissed, redirecting her attention back to the window

    The doctor stood, immobilized by Tina''s side for a split second. He was a certified medical surgeon earning a reasonable income. He had just completed a stressful medical procedure and had come out to clear his head. He looked at his simple work attire.

    Was it looking that bad to warrant this level of insult?

    Shrugging his shoulders, he politely apologize and left to sit on the table behind Tina.

    "Fool." Tina hissed, her patience slowly wearing thin.

    As she waited, seconds slowly turned into minutes and minutes turned into hours. The steaming coffee on the table turned cold and the freshly baked pie before her lost its scent.

    Tina''s initial cheerful expression slowly turned sad and then gloomy before finally transforming to pure rage.

    She couldn''t believe that Blaze didn''t dim it fit to call her after watching his mother humiliate and assault her.

    Not even an apology text message from him.

    "How cruel. I won''t take this kind of insult." Tina picked up her phone on the table and dialled his number.

    [The number you have dialed is currently switched off. Please try again later.] The automated electronic voice rapped in her ears, making the muscles on the side of her neck stiffen.

    "Switched off!" Tina muttered under her breath between clenched jaws.

    "Hey, you..." The doctor from earlier - who had been observing her with so much amusement while enjoying his meal with a new friend, - stopped by her table on his way out.

    Beside him was the same waitress who had served Tina''s table. She had closed her shift for the day and was ready to leave with her new doctor friend.

    "Can I help you?" Tina spat out, her narrowed eyes shooting warning flares.

    "Not really. But it seems your rich and influential boyfriend stood you up." The doctor taunted, gesturing at the empty seat opposite her with cold pastries and coffee lying untouched.

    "And how is that any of your f*cking business?" Tina sneered, her icy voice laced with venom.

    "You are absolutely right. It is none of my business. But thanks for your advice earlier. As you can see, this beautiful young lady by my side is nothing short of a rare gem." The doctor said, raising the waitress''s right hand to his lips and planting a soft kiss on it.

    Tina scoffed. "Birds of a feather. You both complement each other."

    "So does loneliness and pride compliment each other." The doctor said in a caustic voice.

    Tina''s jaws dropped. But the doctor was not done giving her a taste of her own medicine.

    "As the saying goes, not everything that glitters is gold. Some are invaluable and others which sometimes, tend to sparkle more are nothing but mere trinkets; cheap, worthless and useless. Have a good evening."

    The waitress walking beside the doctor almost felt sorrow for the young lady as she turned back to steal a glance at her face which had turned red with fury. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Bitterly enraged and mortified by the number of people in the cafe staring at her, Tina picked up her handbag and brought out some money for both uneaten food. She dropped the money under one of the plates, stood up and stormed out of the cafe swearing and cursing under her breath.

    ***

    Over the next two days, Amelia received only the best treatment from both the hospital staff and her family. Her diet was strictly monitored by her husband and very vigilant mother-in-law.

    Visiting family and friends were properly scrutinized before they were granted access to her bedside.

    The name Tina was backlisted and banned from coming anywhere close to Amelia''s hospital room. No one heard from her and no one saw her.

    Unbeknownst to everyone, Tina was indirectly checking on Amelia''s progress all thanks to her new janitor friend.

    By the evening of the third day, Amelia was discharged from the hospital under strict conditions that she was to remain on compulsory bed rest for the next five days. Her oral medication was personally delivered to her by Dr Ashley, who had taken time and certain precautions to avoid exposing Amelia''s pregnancy.

    "Amy will be coming to stay with me for these five days," Maria announced as Blaze and Amelia both prepared to leave.

    "What!" Both of them unanimously replied, the perplexed expression making Maria chuckle.

    "Why do you look so surprised? Didn''t the doctor say you are to be on compulsory bed rest for the next five days? Do you think I will allow you to go back to the villa to be all by yourself while your husband goes to work? Never? I am going to take care of you for these five days and ensure you do not work even on your laptop."

    "But Mom I can manage by myself," Amelia said in slight panic, afraid of Maria discovering the truth.

 Chapter 202 - 202: Entrapment

    Over the past two days, Amelia had observed something different and troubling about her mother-in-law. It alerted her to the possibility that her mother-in-law could be fishing for the truth behind her pregnancy. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    It all started with her innocent food craving.

    Amelia had simply asked her husband to get her a specific brand of yoghurt.

    Blaze didn''t find the request odd because Dr Ashely had approved of yoghurt as safe for his wife.

    Maria on the other hand found this request odd and suspicious. This was the same brand of yogurt she craved while she was pregnant for Blaze. It has all the complete nutrients needed for a developing child.

    From that very moment, Maria started paying more attention to her daughter-in-law, a growing but hidden excitement in her eyes. She would innocently recommend a meal and watch her daughter-in-law devour it like a hungry mama bear.

    Keeping her discoveries to herself and away from the couple, Maria became extra observant and vigilant around her daughter-in-law, taking note of everything including Amelia''s burp and fart.

    She gradually started testing out different theories without Amelia''s knowledge while checking out her boxes of expectations.

    Whenever Amelia wanted to use the bathroom, Maria would always offer to help out, even though Amelia continuously turned her down, claiming she could do everything by herself.

    On one faithful evening, Maria stumbled on Amelia''s dressing, and innocently joked about her glowing skin and her fuller breast.

    From that very moment, Amelia became extra conscious of exposing her body around her mother-in-law.

    ---

    Back to the present...

    Maria strolled over to her beautiful daughter-in-law, who was still seated on the bed with legs hanging down, already dressed in a creamed cardigan and loose pants. She gently tucked Amelia''s lush brown hair behind her ear, a contagious smile spreading across her lips.

    "Don''t you want to come and spend some quality time with this old woman?"

    Amelia pouted cutely. "I want to but..."

    "But what?" Maria raised her eyebrows, her shimmering eyes holding Amelia spellbound.

    Blaze chuckled to himself, seeing how Amelia had become tongue-tied. "Welcome to my world of emotional blackmail."

    Maria briefly cast her son a warning glare before focusing on her daughter-in-law.

    "Do you think I''m blackmailing you to come over and stay with me?"

    "No." Amelia shook her head.

    "Then why don''t you want to come?"

    "Because...because..." Amelia''s gaze shifted to Blaze who was busy laughing while gathering her remaining stuff into a bag.

    "I''ll miss my husband." Amelia finally said forcing Blaze to look up, his expression filled with perplexity and a deep excitement.

    "Aww! How cute." Maria smiled, seeing the raw chemistry on display between them.

    "Have you forgotten that your husband also has a room at the mansion? He is welcome to spend the entire five days with you. Isn''t that right son?" Maria asked innocently while staring pleadingly at her son.

    Blaze chuckled and nodded. "Yes, mom. Nothing will give me greater pleasure than to spend the entire five days wherever my wife is."

    "You see, your husband has also agreed to come over."

    Amelia broke up in cold sweat, a shiver running down her spine as she suddenly felt trapped. She lowered her head, her heart drumming in her ears as she pondered.

    ''How am I going to get out of this entrapment?''

    "Alright, since you won''t come to me, then I''ll come to you. Will that make you happy?" Maria asked, slightly worried by the way Amelia''s hands were trembling.

    She couldn''t understand why Amelia had been secretive about her condition or why Dr Ashely hadn''t said anything about it.

    Everything she had observed about her daughter-in-law pointed to the fact that she might be pregnant. The only thing left to do was to carry out a pregnancy test and to do this, she needed to be very close to Amelia.

    "You want to come to the villa?" Amelia asked, her voice laced with a hint of panic.

    "Yes. Since you don''t want to come to the mansion and stay with me. Then I''ll come to your home and stay with you. I just want to be beside my daughter-in-law and ensure she''s resting like the doctor ordered."

    "Babe, I think we should go to Mom''s," Blaze suggested, knowing how much his mother loved staying in the mansion due to the peaceful scenery.

    Amelia nodded reluctantly. "Okay."

    "Is that a yes?" Maria asked in a thrilled voice lifting Amelia''s lowered head.

    "Yes, mom," Amelia forced a smile.

    "Yay!" Maria let out a joyful cry like a child receiving her Christmas gift early. She embraced Amelia tenderly and whispered into her ears. "I promise to make these five days memorable for you."

    A knock on the door interrupted the mother-daughter bonding time.

    "Come in," Blaze called out, signaling Pascal to open the door.

    "Aunt Judith," Amelia called out happily, rising to her feet.

    "How is my favorite niece doing?" Judith hurried over to embrace Amelia.

    "I''m fine."

    "I can see."

    Both women chuckled before they were interrupted by a deep masculine voice.

    "Dad!" Amelia cried out in excitement, running into his arms and jumping in them.

    "Hello, princess." Senator Gregory showered his daughter''s face with kisses, an action that Blaze found infuriating.

    "Mom, I''ll take these things downstairs. Keep an eye on my wife." Blaze said, acting as if Amelia''s father was a threat.

    "Okay, son." Maria smiled, knowing her son still bore grudges against the senator even when she had decided to let go of the past all for the sake of Amelia.

    Amelia didn''t notice her husband leave the room as she was engulfed in a happy chatter with her Dad and aunt.

    Maria partook in the discussion after exchanging pleasantries with the senator and Judith.

    "By the way Amelia, I completely forgot to give you this." Judith brought out Amelia''s diamond bracelet from her handbag.

    "My bracelet." Amelia collected it from Judith beaming as if it was a new gift given to her. She kissed it tenderly and was about to strap it around her wrist when her mother-in-law stepped forward.

    "Weren''t you having some allergic reaction on your skin yesterday when you tried wearing that leather wristwatch to keep track of time?" Maria pointed to the fading mark on the back of her left wrist.

    "Oh, I forgot." Amelia frowned, staring at the diamond bracelet in her hand.

    "Let me keep that for you. I will give it back to you when your allergy is gone."

    "Okay." Amelia handed the bracelet to her mother-in-law without a fuss.

    They all continued chatting until Blaze returned and announced that it was time to leave.

 Chapter 203 - 203: Unrest

    After leaving the hospital with his mother and wife, Blaze stopped by the villa to pick up some of his important personal and work stuff. He also had the housekeeper pack up a small travel bag for Amelia with some of her clothes and personal items, before leaving for his family mansion.

    When they arrived at the mansion, Maria took Amelia by the hand and led her to her new bedroom which had been fixed to meet with her taste.

    The bedroom, screamed of feminine elegance, with rich textures and delicate details bathed in the soft glow of a chandelier and adorned with plush, luxurious fabrics.

    Beaming to herself, Amelia strolled over to the king-size bed, lined with soft textured white bedsheet. She slowly sat on the plush bed while stroking the luxuriously smooth and gentle sheet against her skin.

    "This place is paradise, mom." Amelia complimented.

    "I''m glad you like it," Maria said, taking a seat beside her daughter-in-law. "I can''t wait for the both of us to spend quality time alone together. There is so much I want us to do."

    "Me too," Amelia replied, her face flushed with excitement at Maria''s continuous show of maternal love.

    "Amy..." Maria''s face turned all serious as she spoke. "I want you to know that I will always be here for you. Aside from being my son''s wife, I already see you as my own daughter. I love you dearly and I hope you can learn to trust me as a daughter would trust her mother. Whenever you feel you need someone to talk to, come to me. Your secret will always be safe with me, okay."

    Amelia felt the weight on her chest lessen at Maria''s words. She smiled and hugged Maria before replying. "Okay, mom. Thanks."

    "Alright!" Maria stood up. "It''s time for you to take a warm bath. I''ve already asked the maid to prepare the bathtub for you. Go and take your bath and when you''re done, join us downstairs for dinner.

    "Okay, mum." Amelia waited for Maria to leave the room before she hurried to the door and locked it from inside.

    Then she hurried over to the wall-mounted mirror and took off her clothes. She examined her tummy properly to see if there were any noticeable changes.

    To her relief, her tummy was still flat. The only noticeable changes were her abdomen, which felt a bit larger, and her thighs which looked slightly swollen. She also noticed that her breast was fuller just like her friends and her mother-in-law had observed.

    "Would Blaze notice any of this?" Amelia pondered out loud.

    A sudden knock on the door followed by the twisting of the door knob made Amelia almost jump out of a skin.

    "Why is the door locked?" Amelia heard her husband''s unmistakable voice outside the bedroom door. "Amelia." He called out, knocking louder.

    "I''m coming." Amelia swiftly wore her clothes and ran to the door, almost tripping over the small coffee table in the room.

    She unhooked the latch and turned the key before opening the door with a creaking sound.

    "Hey!" She smiled staring at Blaze dreamily.

    "Hey, you." Blaze brushed his lips against hers. "May I come in?" He asked seeing the way Amelia was standing so protectively in front of the door. It made him wonder what she was up to.

    "Sure." Amelia moved away from the door and watched him walk in rolling her small travel bag.

    "Why did you lock the door? It''s unlike you." Blaze pointed out, dropping the suitcase by the inner door to the closet.

    "Let''s just say I''m still trying to get used to this place. I''m unfamiliar with the servants and I do not want someone entering my room while I''m undressing.

    "Fair enough."

    "By the way, have you had your shower yet?" Amelia asked changing the topic.

    "No. I''m planning to do so in my bathroom but I can join you if you want me to." A mischievous smirk curled up Blaze''s lips as he slowly approached her.

    Amelia''s face reddened. "I''ll pass. See you at dinner." She said and quickly hurried into the bathroom closing the door behind her.

    Blaze chuckled before leaving the room.

    -

    -

    After taking a warm rejuvenating bath, and changing into another cardigan, paired with leggings, Amelia joined her mother-in-law and husband downstairs in the dining room.

    The heavenly aroma of grilled chicken, chilli pasta and spicy soup greeted her nostrils as she stepped foot in the dining room.

    "Hello, sweetheart. You''re looking refreshed." Maria said beaming as Amelia approached the table.

    "I feel refreshed, mom. It''s good to be back home." Amelia replied smiling, while scanning the assorted delicacies spread across the table. "Are we having a feast?"

    "Yes, darling." Blaze stood up to receive his wife. He gently planted a feathery kiss on her lips before pulling out a seat for her beside his mother.

    "Where are the guests?" Amelia asked looking at her husband, who had already taken his seat beside her.

    "You''re looking at them," Blaze replied patting her on the back of her left hand.

    "Just the three of us to eat all this food?" Amelia''s eyes widened in alarm.

    "Yes, dear. Mom went all out just for you." Blaze replied while serving Amelia the spicy soup which he knew was her favorite.

    "It''s a feast to welcome you back home," Maria explained, holding Amelia''s bewildered gaze. "I had the chef prepare all your favourites in case you lose your appetite for one of them."

    "Aww!" Amelia beamed cutely. "That is so thoughtful of you, Mom. Thanks a lot for everything. But I''m afraid most of this food will go to waste. I don''t intend on eating that much."

    "It''s fine. Whatever is left will be taken care of by the mansion staff. Let''s dig in."

    Dinner was eaten amid lively chatter and laughter, as the family of three bonded happily.

    After dinner and spending quality time in each other''s company, they all retired to bed for the night.

    Snuggled in her husband''s protective embrace, Amelia felt a sense of peace and belonging. She felt a deep connection that transcended words, making her feel safe and loved.

    But amid this serene and loving environment was a lingering fear. A persistent and unsettling feeling of unease like a shadow lurking in the corner. A dreadful reminder of what the future held for her, especially now that she had broken one of the rules in her contract marriage or was it two rules?

    Amelia sighed inwardly. She still couldn''t believe that she was pregnant after all measures taken to avert it.

    ''What if Blaze found out? Would he be mad at her? Would he blame her? Would he end the contract marriage with her? Would he ask for a pregnancy termination or would he accept full responsibility for the pregnancy?''

    "Babe, are you all right?" Blaze''s deep sexy voice broke through Amelia''s reveries.

    Amelia''s body stiffened at this question, her heart drumming loudly in her chest. She hadn''t anticipated him to be awake. She thought he was asleep all this while.

    Blaze on the other hand, who had been observing his wife''s uneasiness ever since they got to the bedroom, became more curious. He lifted his hand and pressed a button by the bed head turning on both night lamps.

    "Babe..." He propped his head up with his hand and slowly made her face him while stroking her hair softly, pushing it behind her ears to see her face clearly.

    "What''s the matter? Why aren''t you sleeping? Is something bothering you? Are you in pain?"

    Amelia averted his gaze as she shook her head, wishing she could melt into the sheets and disappear from the room right now.

    The night lamp cast a warm and gentle glow on her flushed face and her lowered gaze, a signal that told Blaze that something was amiss.

    "Amy, you know you can tell me anything right?" Blaze said moving closer to her while staring longingly into her face.

    Amelia nodded her head, her heart pounding even louder. She kept her trembling hands to herself, afraid of spooking him any further.

    "Then talk to me. Unburden your heart and tell me where it aches. There is no problem that can''t be solved when we put our heads together. You can trust me."

    Amelia lifted her gaze to look at him, her shimmering eyes staring into his subtle one.

    ''Could she really trust him with her feelings? Could she trust him with the news of her pregnancy?''

    Amelia''s lips moved slightly but no sound came out from her throat. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Blaze became even more worried than before. He sat up and made her do the same while taking her slightly cold hands into his and holding them gently.

    "How about I ask you a question and you simply nod if it is related to what is bothering you," Blaze suggested seeing that she was having some trouble expressing her emotions.

    Amelia nodded, her lips curling in a faint smile.

    "Does it have anything to do with my mom?"

    Amelia smiled at the mention of Maria''s name. She shook her head, blinking back her tears which were threatening to fall. She couldn''t understand why she was suddenly feeling so emotional giving Blaze more reasons to be worried about her.

 Chapter 204 - 204: I Love You

    "What about your dad?" Blaze asked recalling the senator and Amelia talking earlier in private before they parted ways at the hospital.

    Amelia shook her head again in response.

    "Does it have anything to do with your friends..." Blaze paused before adding. "...or Tina?"

    Amelia rolled her eyes in response making Blaze chuckle. He knew Amelia didn''t like Tina one bit and didn''t bother hiding her disgust.

    "What about me, is it something I have done or said?"

    Amelia blinked twice at this statement. She bit down on her inner lower lips, her gaze dropping as the tears she had been trying to hold back fell down her flushed face like little droplets of rain.

    Blaze''s shoulders slumped a heavy sadness etched on his face at her reaction. He couldn''t believe he was the reason behind her unknown pain. But what had he done and where had he gone wrong? He couldn''t remember ever doing anything to hurt her.

    "Hey...." He leaned closer, wiping the tears on her cheeks with his thumb.

    "Please, don''t cry." He said wrapping her up in his arms and cuddling her like an infant. He kissed her on the centre of her head and said.

    "I''m sorry in any way I may have offended you either by my words or actions. I will never intentionally hurt you, because you are very special to me. Nevertheless, I''m not perfect. So please, tell me where I have aired so that I can make amend." Blaze pleaded, stroking her hair. He listened to her sniff before a tiny sound came out of her throat.

    "I love you." Amelia croaked, her voice barely above a whisper but Blaze heard those faint words which knocked the air right out of his lungs.

    He pulled her away from his chest, his hands still holding her firmly. His heart was drumming so loudly that he felt it was about to explode with unfathomable joy. He stared affectionately at her lowered gaze, desperate to look into those magical eyes.

    "What did you say?" Blaze asked softly, wanting to confirm what he heard and ensure it wasn''t his heart voicing out his feelings.

    Amelia felt she was about to pass out from embarrassment. Her heart was drumming erratically inside her chest, threatening to leap out. It had taken all her courage for her to say those three magical words. Asking her to repeat them felt like asking her to jump into fire the second time. But what was there to lose, her dignity? She had already lost it since the day she lost her purity to him.

    Moreover, she needed to know if he loved her enough to father a child with her. If he didn''t, then what was the point of telling him that she was pregnant for him? sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Amy..." Blaze lifted up her chin to look into her eyes. "Did you say that you love me?" He asked softly, stroking her cheeks with his thumb.

    Amelia swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat as she held his hypnotic gaze. There was no anger, no disgust and no judgment in those enchanting silvery grey eyes. All she saw was raw and undiluted love, mirroring her exact feelings, if not more.

    Amelia blinked back her streaming tears and slowly nodded her head while exhaling through her mouth.

    Blaze gently cupped her face with both hands, his thumbs wiping her flowing tears. He leaned forward, stopping only inches away from her face, his warm breath fanning against her flushed face. He kissed her briefly before reciprocating the feeling.

    "I love you too, Amelia Shawls Anderson.

    Amelia''s teary eyes gleamed with the same excitement as a child seeing fireworks for the first time. "You do?" She asked not believing her ears.

    "Yes." Blaze kissed her again on the lips, his eyes, aglow with thrill. "I have been in love with you ever since the day we made love by the lake. I have just been too scared and stupid to tell you how I feel because of the condition I gave. I''m glad that you are the brave one amongst the two of us"

    "Oh, Blaze..." Amelia threw her arms around Blaze''s neck and hugged him dearly. She pulled back looking into his eyes. "Thank you."

    "For what?" Blaze arched his brows, smiling like a teenager with a crush.

    "For loving me," Amelia said chuckling.

    "I should be the one saying thank you for accepting and tolerating a hothead like me."

    "I love you, so much." Amelia nuzzled him on the tip of his nose.

    Blaze snaked his hand around her waist pulling her closer until there was no space left between them.

    "Not as much as I love you." He said in a deep husky voice before claiming her lips.

    Lost in the heat of the moment and the warmness of his arms, Amelia completely forgot about the main reason for her heartache

    The night slowly rolled by, drowned in their passionate moans and cries of pleasure as Blaze made love again and again to his beautiful wife, losing himself completely to her.

    By dawn of the following day, the streaming sunlight from the slightly patted maroon velvety curtains cast a soft glow on the nude bodies of the lovers, entangled in each other''s arms.

    Amelia had never felt so much pleasure in all her life as she slept like a baby, snoring softly until she was awoken by the tender kisses of her husband, who couldn''t get enough of her.

    "Good morning, my love," Blaze whispered into her right ear while nibbling on her ear lobe, making her giggle. It felt good to finally express how he felt without holding back or feeling caged.

    "Good morning, sweetheart." Amelia slowly turned around to face him, slightly stunned to see him wide awake and panting for her.

    Even though she was slightly drained from the intense lovemaking from the previous night, her slutty body was aroused by the hunger in his eyes.

    "Did you sleep well?" Blaze asked, stroking her side.

    "Like a baby all thank you." Amelia said pinching the tip of his nose. "How long have you been awake?"

    "Long enough to know that I want more of you," Blaze said in a deep husky voice that made Amelia giggle.

    "Don''t you have work this morning to attend to?"

    "Work can wait." Blaze climbed over his giggling wife, resting his weight on both his arms. "All I want to do right now is eat you for breakfast." He tickled her on the neck making her laugh out loud.

    "What if I get pregnant?" Amelia asked playfully.

    "Pregnant!" Blaze''s expression suddenly went cold, taking Amelia by surprise.

 Chapter 205 - 205: Blazes Stance

    "You are not planning on getting pregnant, right?" Blaze asked, his expression serious and his voice tinged with a hint of foreboding.

    "I...I...No..." Amelia said laughing feverishly. "Why would you even say that?" She pinched his nose playfully. "You already told me you didn''t want children right?"

    "Right?"

    "And you''re not planning to have kids in the future?" Amelia asked, her heart pounding as she tried to slip out from under Blaze''s scrutiny. But he seemed to have her trapped between his arms with no plans of letting her go.

    "I don''t know, Amy. I don''t think this is the right time to talk about kids. We just professed our love for each other last night. Let''s get to know each other first and see what we like and can tolerate. Let''s define our relationship. Let''s take things one step at a time. Let''s not jinx this moment. Okay."

    Amelia forced a smile on her face, even though her heart was aching. "Okay."

    "Can I kiss you now?"

    "No." Amelia rolled her eyes.

    "Did you just roll your eyes at me?" Blaze furrowed her brows playfully.

    "Maybe." Amelia giggled.

    "Then you should be punished," Blaze said, showering her face with feathery kisses, while tickling her on the side, making her giggle even more. He loved the sound of her cute laughter and the way her almond-shaped hazel eyes sparkled like a million twinkling stars.

    "Have I told you that you have the most beautiful pair of eyes?" He asked,

    "No." Amelia stopped laughing, as she stared passionately into his eyes, temporarily forgetting about her worries.

    "Well, you have the most mesmerizing pair of eyes I have ever seen. The way the colour changes when light falls on it always leaves me completely breathless. I love the way the golden and something green tones pop up in the light. It is like the reminiscence of an ever-changing landscape filled with wonder and adventure. It is filled with such richness and depth that can never be completely explored. It''s like a magical mirror I want to stare into every single day."

    "Aww! All this for me?" Amelia''s smiles deepened. No one had ever complimented her eyes the way he just did.

    "I could write a book, describing your eyes and the way it makes me feel," Blaze said genuinely, kissing the bridge between her eyes. "I can''t believe any man will be so stupid and blind to let an angel like you slip through his fingers."

    Amelia''s eyes slowly turned moist.

    "I love you so much, Blaze."

    "Not as much as I love you." Blaze softly brushed his lips against her before claiming them in an intense kiss that completely stole her breath away

    Amelia felt her body tremble under him as she felt his hand slowly trail from her side, up to her soft and pillowy breast, stroking the pink cherry on the centre. It made her back arch and her toes curl while eliciting a deep moan from her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him deeper until they both ran out of air.

    Freeing her lips temporarily to allow her to catch her breath, Blaze''s lips slowly trailed down the slope of her neck, resting briefly on her collarbone before continuing its descent.

    "Blaze..." Amelia cried out his name, gasping for air as his warm wet lips climb up the tender slope of her mounds drawing circles around her cherry before taking the hardened nipple into his mouth, nibbling and sucking on it.

    She grabbed his ruffled hair in a desperate attempt to pull his lips away from her breast when she felt two of his fingers slide into her wet and dripping core.

    "Ah!" She lets out another sharp gasp for air, followed by a deep moan, fuelling Blaze''s monstrous needs.

    "So wet and so sweet." Blaze hungrily claimed back her lips, while she angled her legs and hips, giving him full access into her honey-coated world.

    Time seemed to fly by as the two love birds got lost in each other''s arms, their body pressed against each other like iron to a magnet. The heat generated from their intimate union caused sweat to leak from their skin, soaking the sheets underneath them.

    As they both arrive in paradise together, Blaze''s body collapses on her, his heat almost smouldering her. He showered her face with more kisses before climbing off her to go use the shower.

    Completely drained and exhausted, Amelia slept off almost immediately. She didn''t know when her husband got ready for work or when he left the room after covering her nude body and kissing her on the forehead.

    She only opened her eyes when the intoxicating rich and savoury buttery aroma of freshly baked waffles, alongside the spicy, slightly sweet and refreshing citrusy aroma of ginger tea wafted through the air.

    Stirring a little, Amelia moved her lips, moistening them as if she were already eating the meal.

    Maria chuckled as she placed the tray on the nightstand before sitting on the bed beside her sleeping daughter-in-law.

    "Wakey... wakey sleepy head." Maria cooed patting Amelia on the shoulder.

    Amelia fluttered her sleepy eyes open, yawning a little.

    "Mom."

    "Yes, baby." Maria could barely keep her excitement after seeing her son leave the mansion in such a cheerful mood, whistling like his younger teenage self. She knew this was all Amelia doing and she loved her more for it.

    "Good morning."

    "Good morning my darling. I can see my son succeeded in tiring you out when he was supposed to let you rest."

    Amelia''s face turned reddened as she pushed herself up into a sitting position, pulling the sheet up to her chest.

    "I''m not that tired, Mom," Amelia said looking sideways, slightly embarrassed.

    "It''s okay." Maria chuckled. "I won''t comment any further."

    "By the way, where is Blaze?"

    "He has already left for work."

    "Ugh! I didn''t get to say goodbye." Amelia pouted. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Don''t worry, he''ll soon be back. In the meantime, I brought you breakfast. I need you to eat and take your medication. Afterwards, you can shower and rest for a while before joining me in the garden."

    "Okay, mum. Thanks."

 Chapter 206 - 206: Unscheduled Appointment

    At the Andex Group International, Blaze was seated with a comfortable ease, his body relaxed and unhurried. His face was calm and unruffled, with a slight smile framing it. His long legs were crossed, one over the other like a hot male model striking a pose. One of his arms was casually resting on the armrest while the other held up a document he was verifying.

    "This will do." Blaze finally spoke up after three minutes of deafening silence. "infirm the engineers to report at the field. I want operations to commence immediately.

    "Yes Sir." Marcus took notes on his iPad.

    "I also need you to send the budget to the finance department. I want funds released immediately. I''ll be sending some of our investors to the project sight on Friday. So we cannot delay the drilling process."

    "Consider it done, sir."

    "I''m counting on you. You will be my eyes and ears all through the execution of the project until my wife fully recovers."

    "You have nothing to worry about, sir. I will deliver."

    Marcus watched his boss in silence as the latter scribbled down his signature on the document he was reading earlier alongside other documents neatly stacked on his luxury executive desk.

    Marcus could hardly believe that the man seated opposite him was the cold and dangerously intimidating Blaze Anderson.

    He seemed a different man today; cheerful, full of life, smiling, and radiating happiness.

    ''What happened to the boss, Marcus pondered, intrigued by his boss''s happiness. ''Could this be the handiwork of the boss''s wife?''

    The intercom on the desk rang out cutting into Marcus thought.

    Blaze picked up the receiver without peeling his gaze from the document he was signing.

    "I''m listening."

    "Good day, sir. I''m sorry to disturb you, sir. You have an awaiting call on line two from the receptionist desk." Blaze''s secretary''s voice trembled from the other end as she spoke.

    "What is it about?"

    "A visiting guest with no formal appointment, claiming to be your friend, sir."

    Blaze paused what he was doing, looking up. "Who is this so-called friend?" He asked, a frown etching across his face.

    "She introduced herself as Miss Tina Steven, sir and according to Miss Lara, she is making a spectacle downstairs insisting we call you."

    Blaze''s expression slowly turned cold, his grip tightening around the phone handle. He recalled apologizing to Tina for the way his mum treated her, in the text message he sent her two days ago. He also remembered informing her to give him and Amelia some space for the time being. Could it be that she didn''t get the message or she was too blind to read the writings on the wall?

    Leaning back on his seat, he paused briefly before deciding.

    "Send her up to my office." He dropped the receiver, with a loud bang causing Marcus to jerk in shock.

    Marcus shifted uneasily on his seat as he watched Blaze''s pleasant countenance turn sour. He made a wild guess about who this so-called friend was and what this person wanted from his boss.

    "Sir, if you do not want to see this fellow, I could take care of him." Marcus offered choosing his words carefully to avoid upsetting his boss any further.

    Blaze chuckled grimly, his gaze sharp, cold and lethal.

    "It''s a she and you don''t have to worry about her. I''ll take care of her myself." He said and resumed his earlier activity. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Marcus didn''t bother asking any further as he knew who this she was. He couldn''t understand why Tina was persistent in getting a man who detested her when there were thousands of men out there who would do anything to have her.

    ''What a shame.'' Marcus shook his head, sighing inwardly.

    "Here..." Blaze neatly put his ball pen aside. "Get to work and drop this folder with my secretary on your way out." He pushed the signed document and folder towards Marcus.

    "Yes, sir."

    -

    -

    Meanwhile, in the reception waiting room, Tina was no longer raining insults on the slightly agitated receptionist. She had been pacified and was currently seated all by herself, waiting patiently for the receptionist to give her some good news.

    She had tried severally to contact Blaze. But it seemed he had somehow barred her line from reaching him after he sent that apology text message which wasn''t enough for the hassle she went through just for him.

    All she needed was just one moment alone with him without his annoying mother or his tramp of a wife interfering.

    Today, she hoped to plant the first seed of mistrust in Blaze''s heart. She had a strong feeling that Amelia was yet to mention her pregnancy to him and she hoped to leverage this opportunity to sell herself as a more trustworthy friend and potential lover.

    Dressed to kill, in a vibrant billowy sleeve button-down yellow jumpsuit with a deep V-neck that flaunted her sexy cleavage and a golden pendant hanging down her slim neck, it would take only a blind and sterile man not to notice her or lust over her.

    While patiently waiting, she browsed through her Instagram page, a hypnotic smile spread across her face at the recent trending video of herself during a celebrity magazine photoshoot.

    Although her phone had been buzzing with a lot of calls from different brand influencers, entertainment gossip magazines and even successful top shots - who wanted to date her, she damned all of this for the chance to reunite with the only man she truly loves. And if it takes playing dirty to get what she wanted she would do it again and again without blinking.

    If she could get Blaze into her pants, then taking him from Amelia would be like taking candy from a child.

    The sharp clicking sound of an approaching pair of heels against the polished marble floor, caused Tina to look up from her phone. Her sharp and beaming gaze fell on Lara, the pretty young receptionist who had now been humbled by her higher superior for daring to roll her eyes at her.

    "Any luck with reaching him?" Tina asked sarcastically as though she was the boss in charge

    "Yes, ma''am. Mr Anderson will see you now." The receptionist replies politely, plastering a smile on her face.

    "Really!" Tina''s eyes lit up in excitement, making the receptionist raise her brow. "I mean, yeah. Good one" She gracefully stood up, picking up her designer blue handbag which complimented her sleek blue stiletto heels.

    "Lead the way."

    "Sure, ma''am."

    The receptionist turned around and headed for the elevator with Tina following closely behind her while commanding a lot of attention and admiration to herself.

    "The boss''s office is on the..."

    "Last floor." Tina completed the receptionist''s sentence proudly. "This isn''t my first time here like I said earlier. I know my way around."

    "Very well, ma''am. Please keep your visitor''s tag on at all times." The receptionist pressed the elevator call button, maintaining her polite smile while smiling an indirect message across to Tina.

    "I will remember that," Tina said and walked into the elevator as the door slid open. "You can go back to your work now. Let me take it from here."

    "Yes, ma''am." The smile on the receptionist''s face disappeared as the elevator door slid shot. "Arrogant b*tch." She cursed under her breath before returning to her front desk.

 Chapter 207 - 207: Dramatic Display Of Affection

    The long ride to the twenty-eighth floor, left Tina daydreaming and reminiscing on her past love life with Blaze. She stared at her gorgeous appearance on the mirrored glass wall, beaming to herself as she pictured Blaze lusting over her sexy body.

    "He won''t know what hit him." Tina smiled to herself as she adjust her full and sexy boobs pushing out more while smacking her lips.

    "I need to remind him of everything he is missing. Amelia wouldn''t stand a chance against me when she started getting fat and bloated from her pregnancy."

    Ding!

    The elevator door slid open and Tina majestically made her way through the cozy and air-conditioned hallway to the large and impressive secretary''s office.

    The sight of a pretty woman with a sleek high ponytail and bangs, seated behind a magnificent office desk, and tapping away on her laptop made Tina briefly stop and stare.

    Tina concluded that the secretary was looking too pretty and posh to work close to Blaze, especially with those pepper-red lips of hers. She decided in her heart that if she were to become the future Mrs Tina Anderson, her first duty as the wife of the handsome chairman and CEO would be to fire this secretary and employ an older woman or preferably a man.

    Already aware of Tina''s presence, the secretary looked up from her computer screen, a polite smile etched across her lips while masking her surprise at the way almost half of the lady''s breast was on display. She couldn''t help but feel sorry for the young pretty lady knowing how her boss detested indecent dressing both from clients and staff within the company premises.

    "Good day Miss Tina Steven. Mr Anderson is waiting for you."

    "Of course he is," Tina said sneering as she strutted by, swaying her hips from side to side.

    Ignoring Tina''s condescending look, the secretary resumed her work on her laptop.

    When Tina got close to the door of Blaze''s office, she lifted his right hand, in readiness to knock when the door suddenly opened automatically.

    "Wow! This is new." Tina smiled to herself. She took in a deep breath to expel every negative energy before taking a bold step into the office.

    She was completely blown away by the opulent surroundings which screamed of luxury, elegance and comfort. From the interior furnishing to the state-of-the-art decor, it felt as though she had stepped into another realm. It was nothing like she remembered the last time she came to visit as Blaze''s formal girlfriend. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Are you going to stand there moping or would you come in and have a seat?" Blaze demanded impatiently, his voice cold and void of any emotion.

    Tina''s slightly stunned gaze travelled to where he was seated behind his desk in a relaxed posture with both arms and legs crossed. She observed the coldness in his eyes as he scanned her from head to toe. This wasn''t the expression she was expecting knowing how sexy and inviting she looked.

    But it didn''t dampen her spirit knowing how Blaze could sometimes mask his true emotions when he was angry.

    "Hi," Tina slowly sashayed to his desk, smiling sweetly at him while portraying an innocent girl look. "I''m sorry I didn''t inform you before coming down. I know how busy you can be sometimes. The truth is that I tried calling but for some reason, your line wasn''t connecting. So here I am."

    Blaze''s expression remained unchanged as he spoke.

    "Are you going to stand there all day, wasting my time or are you going to sit down and tell me exactly why you are here?"

    Tina pouted cutely as she slowly took one of the seats opposite him, staring into his cold and unreadable gaze.

    "I got your message and to be honest I felt insulted by it."

    Blaze arched his eyebrows at her.

    "I believe you''re about to tell me the reason why."

    Tina nodded, lowering her gaze while bringing out her scented handkerchief, in readiness for a dramatic display.

    When she looked up again, her eyes were already teary.

    "I know I made a huge mistake in the past by letting you go and hurting you in the process. If I could, I would turn back the hands of time and never let you go. But since you are happily married, I have decided to accept my fate for the sake of your happiness. What happened a few days back really broke my heart. All I did was call to inform you when I noticed that Amelia was unwell and I got shredded for that." Tina sniffled, dabbing at her tears.

    "The second time when I tried calling you again to inform you about her second vomiting episode, your mom assaulted me, calling me or sorts of horrible names. I left the hospital traumatized expecting you would at least call to say something to me. But all I got was a message saying you''re sorry and that I should stay away from your family. Tell me does that sound fair? Don''t I deserve at least a little appreciation for all my efforts?"

    Blaze remained silent for a while staring at her infuriating emotional display. After all, she was a born actor even though this felt like terrible acting.

    An idea popped into Blaze''s head and slowly the side of his lips curled into a wicked smirk.

    "What kind of appreciation would you like Tina?" Blaze asked in a calm but vicious tone.

    Tina dabbed at her tears, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips as different wild ideas crossed her mind. She thought about Blaze ripping off her entire clothes and making love to her on his desk. This made her cheeks reddened and her core tingle.

    "Money, jewelry, or maybe an appreciation dinner for two?" Blaze asked playing the strings of her sexual fantasies.

    "I don''t want your money or jewelry." Tina could barely hide her flushed face as she looked sideways smiling.

    She was about to say something when she heard the sound of a chair scraping on the floor. She lifted her face just in time to see Blaze standing up and walking around the table.

    ''Wow! That quick! He must be losing his mind over my sexy look. This was bound to happen. They didn''t call me a slay Queen for nothing.'' Tina beamed in her heart, moistening her lips.

    "Are you going somewhere?" She asked pretentiously while holding her breath in anticipation of what was to come next.

    Her heart was drumming erratically inside her chest as he came in front of her and sat on his desk towering over her. She quickly lowered her gaze, heat rising to her face and her body trembling for his touch

    "I''m not going anywhere. I simply wanted to come closer to you. Tell me, did you come to my office, dressed in this sexy outfit just to tell me all of this." Blaze grabbed her by the chin and forced her to look up. "Or is there something else you want from me?"

 Chapter 208 - 208: Fanning His Flames

    Tina was slightly terrified by the vicious look in Blaze''s eyes which resembled that of a hungry monster about to devour its prey. His touch on her skin felt like red hot coal setting her whole body ablaze. Her breath hitched and her heartbeat quadrupled with immense panic and unfathomable desire.

    At this point, Tina didn''t care if Blaze rough-handled her or did anything to hurt her. All she wanted was to feel him deep inside of her. She was horny and her core was dripping wet just for him.

    "Blaze...I... I want..." Tina swallowed the lump that had formed inside her throat while biting down flirtatiously on her lower lips and leaning closer.

    "You want what?" Blaze watched on with disgust, at the way Tina was shamelessly flaunting her needs before him while claiming she wanted to be just friends with him and his wife. He was infuriated by the untamed lust in her eyes as she stared hungrily at his lips wishing for something she could never get.

    "You," Tina whispered as he leaned closer to her face, her hands itching by her side to grab him and never let go.

    ''It happening. It''s really happening.'' Tina''s breathing became laboured as she felt Blaze''s hot breath against her flushed face. She slowly closed her eyes and parted her lips in readiness for the breathtaking kiss.

    "What makes you think I would ever leave my beautiful wife to be with a cheap, slutty and shameless woman like you? Blaze growled in a deep repressed voice.

    "What!" Tina''s closed eyes snapped open in shock. Her breath caught in her throat and her gaze widened as she stared into those cold and terrifying silver-grey orbs.

    ''How did he succeed in turning her on only to transform into this vicious bloodthirsty monster she was staring at now?'' Tina trembled vigorously under her spine-chilling gaze.

    "You think you can come down to my office and try to seduce me with this repulsive body of yours?" Blaze''s grip around Tina''s jaws tightened almost crushing it.

    "Blaze! You''re hurting me." Tina panicked as she tried to free her jaw from his iron grip.

    "Get your disgusting self out of my office, before I rip you apart with my bare hands." Blaze boomed between clenched jaws, pushing her with such fierce force that caused her and the chair she was sitting on to tumble backwards.

    Luckily for Tina, the marble floor was well polished and aside from a slightly twisted left wrist and slight head trauma due to the fall, there were no scraped knees or elbows.

    With eyes widened like a saucer and heart pounding in her chest, Tina watched in horror as Blaze walked back to his seat and sat down, his dangerous gaze fixated on her.

    Tina''s lips quivered as she tried to say something but words failed her at the moment. She slowly picked herself up from the floor, massaging her hurting head and wrist.

    Her entire frame was trembling like a fish out of water. She dusted the invisible speck off her attire while adjusting the neckline in a futile attempt to cover her exposed boobies.

    Tears of rejection, hurt and regret streamed down her flustered face as she cautiously approached his desk to retrieve her handbag.

    "This is not fair and you know it." Tina finally managed to say, her voice low and croaky. She carefully picked up her handbag and took a few retreating steps away from his desk clutching to the handle.

    "If you didn''t want me, all you had to do was tell me to leave then humiliate me this way."

    "Get out!" Blaze boomed, banging his clenched fist on his desk, causing Tina to almost jump out of her skin. But she wasn''t about to leave without fulfilling her mission.

    "Fine, I''ll go. But have this at the back of your mind, there is no such thing as a perfect woman. I''m not perfect. Neither is Amelia or any other woman for that matter. Everyone lies to protect what they believe in."

    Blaze gritted his teeth, resisting the urge to go over and choke the life out of Tina for daring to mention his wife''s name.

    "I may have lied about my feelings for you just to get close to you." Tina continued talking, tears flowing like a stream from her reddened eyes.

    "You want the truth, then here it is. I love you, Blaze Anderson. I made a mistake all those years back and I want to make it right with you. I don''t care if you hate me, now. I deserve it and I''m ready to wait until you forgive me and accept me back. At least now you know the truth. I''m not going to pretend anymore like your wife, who is lying about her condition just to keep you caged as a husband."

    "What did you just say about my wife?" Blaze rose to his feet, his eyes inflamed and his fist clenched, a warning signal for Tina to get out of the office.

    But instead of leaving, Tina took a few steps forward while fanning his flames.

    "You heard me right," Tina said maliciously. "Your wife is lying to you about her condition and you are falling like a fool. Open your eyes and see that she''s only using you to get whatever she wants." Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Blaze slowly moved around his desk, his brows pulled together, his fist clenched, his narrowed gaze shooting invisible flares in Tina''s direction.

    Each long and purposeful stride he took towards Tina was fuelled with the fury of a wounded beast.

    But still, Tina remained transfixed on the same spot unafraid of what he was about to do to her. She was ready to suffer as long as it came from his hands.

    "What did you just call me?" Blaze growled.

    Swallowing her fears, Tina said,

    "I called you a f..."

    Smack!

    Blaze unleashed an ear-deafening and resounding slap across Tina''s face, temporarily blinding her eyes and eliciting a piercing cry from her throat.

    "Ahh!"

    Tina fell on the ground trembling, her hands impulsively going to her stinging cheek as she cried out in great agony. It felt as though a car had run over her face leaving behind a damaging bold and reddened print on her fair skin and a cut on her lower lips.

    "The next time you insult me or lay any form of allegations against my wife, I''ll personally send you to hell." Blaze spat out while restraining himself from inflicting any further damage on her. He strode back to his desk and picked up his intercom receiver.

    "Send two security men to my office to come and pick up the trash, NOW." He boomed and dropped the receiver before returning to his seat without any care or remorse for what he had just done.

    In less than a minute after the call, the automated sound of an opening metal door, followed by stomping boots forced Tina to look up.

    "Throw her out and make sure she never steps foot into this company ever again," Blaze ordered coldly.

    "Yes, sir." The two men picked Tina up by the arms and legs while she struggled for them to let go of her.

    "I''m not lying. Amelia is keeping a secret away from you. She is lying to you. Follow the trail. The doctor knows. Dr Ashley knows..." Tina''s voice trialled as the door closed leaving Blaze more angrier than he already was.

 Chapter 209 - 209: True Love

    Amelia spent more than half of the day indoors, eating, sleeping and eating again. She only made a few calls to her company putting her operation manager in charge in her absence while receiving updates on the company''s progress report.

    Afterwards, she decided to join her mother-in-law, who had been busy all noon, working in the mansion''s extensive garden.

    She slowly made her way down the stairs and through a hallway that led out of the mansion''s side door.

    Veering right, she followed down a pavement that wound its way towards the garden.

    The sight of majestic trees which stood tall, with their leafy canopies, creating a verdant, shaded haven, filled Amelia with a sense of tranquillity and happiness. She paused on her track and looked up with eyes closed, breathing in the heavenly fragrance of nature with the partly shaded sun casting a warm glow on her pretty face.

    Moving forward, she listened to the magical sounds of birds chirping harmoniously in the trees above. The gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze created a soft, soothing sound that filled the garden with a sense of peace and calm.

    "Good day, ma''am."

    "It''s good to see you, ma''am."

    "You look lovely today ma''am."

    Different servant dressed in garden aprons and wearing thick gloves on their hands, greeted her enthusiastically as she walked by.

    Amelia briefly acknowledged them while asking about the whereabouts of her mother-in-law.

    "She is in the greenhouse planting some flowers." One of the servants pointed to another pathway on the left.

    "Thanks." Amelia smiled in appreciation and followed the directions.

    Up ahead was a magnificent structure bathed in the warm, filtered light of the sun, illuminating a tapestry of lush greenery and colourful plants.

    Enchanted by the beauty before her, Amelia hurried down the path and into the glass structure, her eyes widened with excitement and her mouth hanging open by the magical wonder around her. The air was alive with the subtle fragrance of blooming flowers and the earthy aroma of moist soil.

    Standing hypnotize on one spot, Amelia didn''t see her mother-in-law slowly creep up from behind her, a mischievous smile framing her lips. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Hello."

    "Ahh!!!" Amelia screamed turning around sharply as Maria broke into fits of laughter. "Mom, you scared the hell out of me."

    "You should see your face." Maria crouched, laughing her heart out.

    Intoxicated by her mother-in-law''s laughter Amelia joined in, intrigued by Maria''s sense of humor.

    "I''m sorry, my love. I couldn''t help it." Maria took off her dirty hand glove before giving Amelia a warm hug.

    "It''s fine, mom."

    "So what kept you indoors all this while? I''ve been waiting for you to join me." Maria said slipping back her gloves.

    "I guess I was still feeling a bit tired," Amelia said truthfully, causing Maria''s forehead to furrow a bit.

    "I think I need to have a word with my son."

    "No Mom, you don''t have to," Amelia said blushing. "I love him the way he is."

    "Hmm... Always defending him. Okay. I rest my case. I won''t interfere." Maria moved over to where she was working before while beckoning Amelia to join her.

    Amelia was about to pick a fresh hand glove from the table and join her mother-in-law when the latter stopped her.

    "No. Today you sit and watch. When you are all better, we could plant other flowers together." Maria gestured at the freshly baked cookies wrapped in a transparent plastic wrap and a jar of freshly squeezed orange juice, on another clean table.

    "Help yourself with something sweet while you watch."

    "Okay, mom." Amelia didn''t bother arguing with her mother-in-law knowing she wouldn''t win against her. She helped herself to some snacks and sat down while Maria continued transplanting the remaining sprouting rose plants.

    "It''s so beautiful and peaceful out here, mom. I could sit down here for the entire day without getting bored." Amelia complimented while watching the way Maria meticulously treated the flowers with so much love as if she was tending to a child.

    "I know right? This has been my sanctuary ever since I lost my Prince charming." Maria said without looking up.

    But Amelia could feel the sadness in her voice.

    "I''m so sorry, mom."

    "Don''t be, my dear." Maria looked up giving Amelia a reassuring smile. "What Presley and I share transcends time and this world. Even though he''s not here right now, he''s always in my heart."

    "You must really love him." Amelia pointed out.

    Maria chuckled. "What we had was beyond love. It was something only the gods could experience. Even when we quarrel, we could never stay away from each other. We loved each other so much that when he''s hurting, I''m also hurting. He was my soulmate and my life. I consider myself blessed to have experienced true love with him."

    "True love."

    Amelia echoed those words in her heart as she stared at her mother-in-law dreamily. Her thoughts invoked her previous night''s encounter with Blaze when he reciprocated his love for her. It filled her with so much happiness and a sense of belonging. And at the same time, it brought her sadness when she looked down at her tummy.

    ''Is true love meant for everyone?'' Amelia pondered in her heart.

    "There....all done," Maria said proudly as she watered the plant before putting the watering can aside. She turned to look at her daughter-in-law who had suddenly gone quiet and was staring down at her open palm.

    "Is something wrong, my dear?"

    "No," Amelia replied almost immediately, looking up. "There''s nothing wrong.

    Maria raised an eyebrow and Amelia chuckled.

    "Everything is fine, mom. I just have one question and I need you to be as honest as possible to me."

    Maria took off her garden gloves and dusted her palm before joining Amelia on the bench where she was seated.

    "Talk to me."

    "If a man tells you he loves you but has certain conditions you must adhere to, can that be considered as love?"

    Maria let out a sigh as she placed her hand on Amelia''s shoulder, her gaze subtle and filled with maternal affection.

    "True love it''s not a selfish kind of love where only one person profits and the other doesn''t. It is an unconditional affection characterized by commitment, respect, trust, emotional intimacy, selflessness and acceptance. Both partners must prioritize each other''s well-being and happiness otherwise it is not love. A man who puts conditions before his heart while claiming to be in love is confused and doesn''t know the first thing about love."

    Amelia''s gaze lowered, tears clouding her vision as she thought about Blaze''s condition and the precious fetus growing in her womb.

    "Amy..." Maria was slightly alarmed as she lifted Amelia''s chin only to find tears falling from her eyes. "What''s wrong."

 Chapter 210 - 210: Confirmation

    Amelia shook her head in response, batting her lashes to push back her tears.

    "That doesn''t look like nothing to me," Maria said softly, wiping Amelia''s flowing tears with her thumb. "Something seems to be upsetting you. Talk to me, my dear. You can trust me. Your secret is safe with me."

    Amelia stared into her mother-in-law''s sea-green eyes which reflected so much warmth and sincerity. She knew she could trust her with any secret.

    However, the current issue is very complicated. It was a legal matter bonded by law and trust.

    Not only was Maria unaware of their contract marriage for one year, but she knew nothing about their signed agreement about having kids.

    Taking advantage of her mother-in-law''s desire to have grandchildren felt selfish and Amelia knew Blaze would never forgive her if he discovered that she tried to use his mother against him. She decided she would rather tell him first before breaking the news to his mother than earn his hatred.

    "It''s really nothing, mom. All this talk about the magical love you shared with your late husband got to me." Amelia lied, forcing a convincing smile. "You know how much of an emotional wreck I can be sometimes."

    "Yes, I know." Maria sighed, seeing that her daughter-in-law hadn''t been honest with her. "Nevertheless, if you ever find yourself in any difficult situation, always know that I am here for you. You can count on me for my utmost support."

    Amelia smiled genuinely and hugged her mother-in-law tightly. "Thank you, mum."

    "You''re welcome." Maria kissed Amelia on the cheeks before releasing her. "Eat up so that we can take a stroll around the garden." sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Okay." Amelia beamed as she resumed munching on the delicious cookie and drinking from her glass of juice.

    Maria left Amelia briefly to wash her hands by the fountain in the middle of the garden. She decided not to question Amelia any further but to allow her to be until she was ready to talk.

    In the meantime, Maria had everything in place to carry out a discreet pregnancy test on her daughter-in-law. She was determined to check the last box of her investigation list and confirm her suspicions.

    After eating her fill of cookies while enjoying the beautiful sound of nature all around her, Amelia joined her mother-in-law for a walk around the garden.

    Chatting freely and laughing at each other''s jokes, both women had barely spent ten minutes together when Amelia felt the urgent need to use the restroom.

    "Mom, I need to use the restroom. I''ll quickly hurry into the mansion. I promise I won''t take long." Amelia said.

    "You don''t have to go into the mansion to ease yourself, sweetheart," Maria replied beaming. "When I told you that this garden used to be my love nest, didn''t it occur to you that I might have a sanctuary where I can rest my head or share an intimate moment with my sweetheart?"

    Amelia shook her head, chuckling and blushing.

    "Come with me." Maria led Amelia to the far end of the extensive gardens where a captivating and portable cedar garden room stood tall.

    "Welcome to my sanctuary here in the garden." Maria pointed to the miniature manor surrounded by lots of colourful and beautiful flowers.

    "Wow! This is beautiful." Amelia exclaimed, her eyes widened and her jaw-dropping.

    "I thought you were pressed?" Maria raised an eyebrow, a glint of excitement flashing across her eyes.

    "Oh yes. I completely forgot."

    "Go ahead. You don''t want to mess up yourself."

    Amelia giggled as she made her way into the cozy manor. She located the cozy bathroom with ease and within two minutes, she was done relieving herself.

    However, when she tried to flush the toilet, she observed that the flush valve wasn''t working properly.

    "Are you done?" Maria asked from behind the restroom door.

    "Yes, mom. But I''m having some problems flushing the toilet. It seems something is broken." Amelia lamented from behind the door.

    "Don''t worry, darling. Wash your hands and come out. I''ll take care of it."

    "Okay," Amelia replied innocently without suspecting a thing.

    After Amelia left the restroom for the cozy sitting room, Maria quickly entered and shut the door behind her. She brought out the pregnancy test strip she was hiding inside her trouser pocket and deep the correct end into the toilet, her heart pounding in her chest erratically.

    Holding her breath, she observed as two thick red lines slowly appeared on the strip, confirming her suspicions.

    "Yes! Yes!!" Maria cupped her mouth to prevent herself from screaming out loud. "She''s pregnant. My Amelia is pregnant."

    "Oh my goodness!"

    Maria fell on both her knees, her hands raised above her head in gratitude to a supernatural being as tears of joy streamed down her face.

    "Oh, thank you, Lord..." She broke down in tears. "Thank you so much for this gift. You know how long I''ve been waiting for this. Thank you for doing this for me. Finally, I''m going to be a grandma. Oh, Presley, I wish you were here." She sat on the floor, leaning her back on the door while resting her head on her raised knees as she wept her heart out.

    When she thought about how she had secretly swapped Amelia''s contraceptive pills for vitamins, the guilt of her actions weighed down heavily on her chest.

    Looking up to the ceiling with her hands clasped, she prayed.

    "Please Lord, forgive me for what I''ve done. Forgive me for my desperation. Do not let my children hate me for this. Give them the spirit of acceptance and love. Help them to cherish and love each other unconditionally. May their love for each other never run cold."

    "Mom." Amelia''s sharp voice echoed from the sitting room.

    "Yes, honey." Maria quickly rose to her feet, neatly disposing of the test strip. She wiped her tears with both her trembling hands and cleared her voice.

    "Have you been able to fix it?" Amelia asked, her voice drawing closer as she made her way back to the restroom, her face etched with worry.

    "I am almost done."Maria effortlessly fixed the flush valve she had earlier tempered with. She checked her face in the mirror and decided to take a shower to mask her reddened eyes. "Give me a few minutes darling, I need to take a shower."

    "Okay, don''t be long," Amelia said, before returning to the sitting room.

 Chapter 211 - 211: Doubt

    It was already 6:20 PM when Blaze arrived at the mansion, looking a bit downcast. His earlier encounter with Tina had left a sour taste in his mouth and doubt in his heart. He had barely been able to focus on work after he had her thrown out of the company premises.

    Even though Tina had said a lot of things maliciously, Blaze couldn''t help considering her last statement about Amelia''s condition and the fact that she may be hiding something from him.

    Different heart-wrenching thoughts crossed his mind as he researched about her condition and a possible link to a terminal illness. He couldn''t help but worry knowing fully well that her mother also died of a terminal disease.

    ''She is lying to you. Follow the trail. The doctor knows. Dr Ashley knows.'' These words kept echoing in Blaze''s heart, stifling his senses and fueling his rage. He needed answers. He had to be sure Amelia wasn''t sick. He needed to know she wasn''t hiding anything from him.

    "Good evening sir." The mansion butler received Blaze''s briefcase and suit jacket by the entrance, a polite smile framing his wrinkled face.

    "Where is my wife?"

    "She''s upstairs, resting." The butler replied.

    Blaze felt his heart skip a beat as he froze on a spot.

    "Have she been resting all day?" He demanded, after reading that increased sleeping and drowsiness can be signs that someone''s system is shutting down.

    "Not entirely, sir. She spent most of the afternoon with the madam in the garden. She also spent a few minutes swimming at the indoor pool. It hadn''t been long since she retired upstairs to rest." The butler patiently explained while wondering why the young master was spooked.

    "Oh... Has she had dinner?"

    "Not yet, sir."

    "Hmm..." Blaze resumed on his path, climbing up the curved stairs. "Where is my mother?"

    "The madam is in the kitchen with the chefs, making arrangements for dinner."

    "What about Eugene? Has he arrived yet?" Blaze asked checking the time on his golden wristwatch.

    "Yes sir. He arrived thirty minutes ago. He''s currently in his bedroom."

    Blaze arrived in front of Amelia''s bedroom, his heart pounding in his chest. He retrieved his briefcase and suit jacket from the butler before signaling the latter to leave.

    Taking in a deep breath, he slowly turned the doorknob and quietly pushed it open.

    The soft and relaxing scent of jasmine, reminiscent of blooming spring flowers, greeted Blaze''s nostrils as he stepped foot into the cozy bedroom. His longing eyes fell on the king-size bed where Amelia was snuggled under the sheet, sleeping peacefully.

    Closing the door quietly behind him, he slowly made his way to the bed, putting his briefcase and jacket aside. He stood still for a while, staring into her serene sleeping face.

    Her face was turned sideways and her silky golden brown hair was beautifully scattered on the pillow.

    The way her fair skin glowed under the light, made Blaze temporarily forget about his worry as he reached slowly to touch her.

    Amelia stirred a little before opening her eyes when she felt her husband''s passionate touch.

    "Hey!"

    "Hello, beautiful." Blaze sat on the bed, beside her, his loving gaze drinking in her natural beauty.

    "You''re back," Amelia said softly as she turned to face him, a hypnotic smile spread across her face.

    "Did you miss me?" Blaze asked lowering his gaze and nuzzling her on the cheek.

    Amelia giggled like a child being tickled as she welcomed a passionate kiss from him.

    "I missed you so much." She said in a muffled voice, parting her lips and giving him more access.

    When Blaze broke away from her lips, they were both panting to catch their breath.

    Amelia sat up to examine her husband thoroughly. She noticed something odd about him and said.

    "You look stressed, sweetheart. Did you have a rough day or too much work?"

    "Maybe. But I''m fine now that I''m with you. Tell me, how do you feel?"

    "I feel fine," Amelia said stroking his face.

    "Did you vomit today?"

    "No." Amelia frowned.

    "Was there any form of drowsiness, shortness of breath, fatigue or pains anywhere?"

    Amelia felt her heartbeat quicken as she replied. "No. Where are all of these questions coming from? Do you think I''m sick?"

    "I''m just worried. That''s all." Blaze masked his fears with a smile. He hated himself for allowing Tina''s words to get to him.

    "You have nothing to worry about sweetheart. I''m perfectly fine. Okay."

    Blaze nodded. "Okay. I''m sorry."

    "It''s fine." Amelia pulled him by the collar and gave him a reassuring kiss.

    "So tell me, how did you spend your day?" Blaze asked.

    "It was the best day ever."

    Blaze listened to Amelia share her exhilarating day with him while looking out for any strange changes in her body but found none. He joked briefly about her fun day''s experience with his mother. Then it occurred to him that she wasn''t wearing her bracelet.

    "I noticed you''ve not been wearing the bracelet I got you. Did you by any chance misplace it?"

    "Oh no. It is with mom. I was having some skin reactions due to my allergy. So Mom suggested that I shouldn''t wear it for the time being. Is there a problem?" sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "No." Blaze shook his head. "I was just curious. That''s all."

    "Alright curious cat, it''s time to get you off these clothes so you can take a shower," Amelia said pulling Blaze by his tie.

    "As long as you join me." Blaze gingerly lifted her up amid her cute laughter and carried her into the bathroom.

    -

    -

    After receiving the highest humiliation in her entire life all for the sake of a man she loved, Tina vowed to destroy every glimpse of hope and happiness between Blaze and Amelia. She vowed that she would not rest until she split up the couple.

    Thankfully, aside from Blaze''s secretary, no one else got to witness her shameful departure. She was discreetly removed from the building through a secret elevator that led straight to the parking lot.

    Afterwards, she was given a final warning to never show her face on the company premises.

    Instead of returning to the studio or home, Tina drove down to one of the five-star hotels in the city and checked into their presidential suite.

    There, she discreetly attended to the wound Blaze had inflicted on her face while plotting her next move.

    By the following day, she purchased a new smartphone using the false identity of a random individual.

    With this new device, she created a new email account with the name and address of the same random individual.

    Next, she forwarded the edited audio conversation between Amelia and Dr Ashely to Blaze''s email and that of Amelia''s father. She also forwarded a picture of Amelia with a young man holding hands like lovers and strolling out of a restaurant. This picture speculated the possibility that Amelia might be having an extramarital affair which had gotten her pregnant.

 Chapter 212 - 212: Stop!

    After having a gratifying shower with his beautiful wife - who was feeling quite stronger this morning, - Blaze slowly got ready for work, with Amelia helping him dress.

    Cladded in a thick white knee-length bathrobe, with her damp hair let down and her face still looking flushed from the intimate moment she just shared with her husband, Amelia slowly fixed Blaze''s shirt button, while giggling at his silly remarks.

    "Is it your plan to stop me from going to work today?" Blaze asked in a deep and husky voice, his arm sensually wrapped around Amelia''s slim waist.

    "How do you mean?" Amelia innocently looked up from the buttons she was almost done fixing. "If I didn''t want you to go to work, will I be helping you dress?"

    "That is the point." Blaze pulled her closer with one hand while the other slowly fondled with the knot of the belt holding her robe in place. "While you''re busy dressing me up, all I want to do is undress you and have you all over again."

    "Don''t be silly." Amelia slapped his mischievous hands away from her belt. "You have an early meeting scheduled for 7:00 AM and you are already running late. Don''t let me distract you any further. I''m already feeling guilty as it is." Amelia resumed fixing his button before going for his silky black tie.

    "But I love the distraction." Blaze pouted like a child who had just had his balloon popped, as he leaned closer to kiss her.

    "Stop it..." Amelia leaned backwards laughing while pushing his lips away.

    "Please, just one harmless kiss." Blaze pleaded in a sexy voice.

    "No."

    "I promise I won''t ask for more."

    "No."

    Amelia''s cute laughter, her blushing cheeks and the way her soft exposed skin radiated a warm glow under the light as she leaned backwards felt like an irresistible magnetic field pulling Blaze closer to her.

    The more he tried to restrain himself, the more he craved breathlessly for her.

    "Mr Anderson, what has come over you?" Amelia tried in vain to push her husband off her as he trapped her between the dresser behind her and his powerful arms.

    "You, my darling. You have succeeded in casting a spell on me. Only a kiss would free me temporarily."

    "Fine!" Amelia blocked his lips from hers with her palm. "One kiss and that is all you get. No more games."

    "I promise."

    Amelia exhaled, her heart bubbling with immense happiness and love. She removed her hands from his lips and allowed him to plant a gentle kiss on her lips.

    "Is the spell broken?"

    "Not yet." Blaze tilted his head sideways as he parted her lips with his tongue and plunged in deeper, eliciting a moan from her.

    "Blaze..." The tie Amelia was holding dropped from her hands as she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer.

    "Almost there..." Blaze whispered in a muffled sexy voice, his tongue twirling with her, while his wandering hands slowly went under her bathrobe, trailing her smooth soft thigh until she felt the soft, plump curves of her butt cheeks.

    "Stop!" Amelia broke away from the kiss, panting and pushing him away.

    "Ugh! I was almost closed."

    "That is enough," Amelia said in a reprimanding voice. "It''s time to get ready for work, now."

    "Yes ma''am."

    Amelia chortled at the way Blaze gestured before her like an obedient student. She watched with great intrigue as she crouched down to pick up his tie, his gaze fixed on hers.

    "Here."

    "You fix it," Amelia said eyeing him suspiciously.

    "Please."

    "No monkeying around."

    Blaze let out a hearty laughter. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I promise, no monkey business."

    "Fine. I''ll hold you to your words." Amelia snatched the tie from his hands and got closer.

    This time around, Blaze corporate, keeping his his hands to himself as she skillfully fixed his tie and helped him where his jacket after fixing his cufflinks.

    "There..." Amelia patted him on the chest as if dusting an invisible speck. "...you look so handsome as always."

    "Not as beautiful as you look." Blaze kissed her on the tip of her nose making her giggle.

    "By the way, I forgot to mention this to you. Henry would be arriving in town today against the upcoming GMVC awards night."

    "Awesome!" Amelia''s face lit up in excitement. "Will he be coming here?"

    "Yes," Blaze said reaching out for his briefcase and phones.

    "Can I go and pick him up at the airport?"

    "Let Eugene and a driver do that. I don''t want you stressed. Moreover, he isn''t coming with his disguise today. There will be a lot of media attention on him."

    "I don''t mind. I promise I''ll stay in the car. I just want to go out and welcome him."

    "If you insist. But do not stress yourself. Okay." Blaze walked up to her and kissed her on the forehead.

    "I promise I won''t." Amelia welcomed another brief kiss on the lips. She watched as Blaze strolled over to the bedroom door, her heart pounding with a sense of uneasiness.

    "Blaze..." Amelia called out to him as he placed his hand on the doorknob.

    "Yes, my love." Blaze tilted his head to look at her, a smile framing his face.

    "I love you so much more than words could say." Amelia said, hiding her trembling hands behind her back.

    The smile on his face broadened. "I love you, more." He blew kisses at her and left the room.

    Amelia slowly walked to her bed, and sat down, her heart pounding even louder as if something bad was about to happen. She slowly massaged her chest, taking in sharp breaths as she tried to shake off this weird feeling.

    "Tell him. Tell him, now."

    Amelia heard a faint voice echo in her head, a grim feeling washing over her. She froze for a while goosebumps appearing all over her body.

    "Yes, I have to tell him. I need to tell him." She nodded, tears trickling down her eyes.

    "I can''t keep it any longer. He loves me. Love conquers all, right? Surely he will understand it wasn''t intentional." Amelia said massaging her aching forehead. She suddenly felt nauseous and ran into the bathroom. But when she tried vomiting nothing came out, except for saliva

    Looking up at the mirror and staring at her reddened face, she said to herself. "You can do this, Amelia. You can do this. He will get angry for sure. But he will understand. You didn''t plan for this at all. It just happened. So tell him."

    An idea popped into her head and before she could stop herself, she ran out of the room and down the stairs at the speed of light.

    "Blaze," Amelia called out, hoping he was still inside the mansion. But when she got down to the bottom of the stairs with no response, she hurried out of the mansion ignoring the fact that she was wearing nothing under her bathrobe.

    "Blaze!" Amelia shouted as she ran out of the mansion almost knocking down the butler who was greeting her. She could see Blaze''s departing car from the distance close to the iron gate which was sliding open.

    "Wait!" Amelia screamed, running down the interlocked concrete ground on her barefoot, her arms stretched out as the breeze blew her loose hair across her face.

    "Stop!" Amelia fell on her knee, slightly scrapping them, tears streaming down his face as she watched the taillight of the car disappear out of sight.

    "Stop!"

 Chapter 213 - 213: The Email

    Maria woke up, feeling slightly under the weather. She had gone to bed the previous night with a heavy conscience after she tried speaking to Blaze the previous night but failed.

    Blaze had been so into his wife that breaking their chemistry the previous night was impossible. Neither of them had finished their dinner before going upstairs to their bedroom.

    So Maria decided to confess her crime to her children when it was daybreak.

    Unfortunately, she slept in and only woke up when she heard Amelia''s voice shouting her son''s name.

    Startled, thinking something bad had happened, Maria ran out of her bedroom and down the stairs, following her daughter-in-law''s screaming voice.

    "Oh God, please, don''t let anything bad happen." Maria, still dressed in her night robe with her hair let down, hurried out of the mansion. She observed the mansion Butler and some servants crouched behind someone crying, who sounded just like Amelia.

    "What is happening here?" Maria demanded while massaging her aching forehead. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Good morning, Madam." The house butler and the other servants greeted with their heads lowered as they made room for the madam of the house to come close to her daughter-in-law.

    "Amelia." Maria hurried towards her daughter-in-law, who was still kneeling on the concrete floor crying. She hurried to where Amelia was and knelt beside her why signaling the butler and servants to leave.

    "What is wrong, my dear? Did you and Blaze quarrel?"

    Amelia shook her head while leaning on her mother-in-law''s chest still crying and sniffing.

    "Then what happened? Talk to me." Maria pleaded in a quivering voice while stroking Amelia''s hair and soothing her.

    "I was going to tell him." Amelia managed to say as she hiccupped, trembling in her mother-in-law''s arms.

    "Tell him what?"

    Amelia shook her head in response while holding tightly to Maria''s robe, her body shaking.

    "Alright, let''s go inside. You are not dressed properly and you crying out here doesn''t look good. People might think something else happened."

    Amelia nodded and allowed her mother-in-law to pull her up to her feet.

    "Sweet heavens. You''ve bruised yourself." Maria exclaimed observing Amelia''s bleeding right knee.

    Amelia only spared her bruised knee a glance, unperturbed by the stinging pain. She was more traumatized by the fact that she didn''t get to speak to Blaze before he left. She stared backwards to the gate as if planning on running after the car. But Maria''s kind words and soothing touch forced her to face the reality of the moment.

    "Don''t worry my dear, whatever it is, we can always address it. Come, let''s go inside and attend to that injury before it gets infected."

    Amelia nodded and followed Maria back into the mansion while limping a little.

    Inside the mansion, Maria personally attended to Amelia''s injury while Eugene got her some aspirin and water.

    "Sister-in-law, drink this. You''ll be fine, okay." Eugene said holding out the glass of water to Amelia and two white capsules in his palm.

    Amelia nodded while wincing as Maria cleaned her injury.

    "I tried calling Blaze but it wasn''t connecting. so I reached out to the driver and he said your husband is currently on a conference meeting call." Eugene explained further while wondering what was so urgent that Amelia needed to say only to her husband.

    "Why don''t you go to the office and see him?" Maria suggested, looking up. She had tried questioning Amelia but the latter seemed unwilling to share whatever was aching her heart.

    "Yes. That is a good idea." Amelia finally spoke up. "I''ll go to his office. I''ll see him after his meeting."

    "Eugene will take you there," Maria said, giving her nephew the signal to go and get ready.

    "Sure thing, mom." Eugene left the sitting room while Maria helped Amelia up to her feet, ignoring the warning signs in her depreciating health.

    "Careful and don''t stress that knee. Just take things slowly. Everything will be fine." Maria assured Amelia.

    "Thanks, mom. I will explain everything to you when I get back." Amelia kissed Maria on the cheek.

    "It''s okay." Maria patted her on the back. "Go and get dressed now. When you and your husband return, there''s something I need to tell the both of you."

    "Alright, mom." Amelia hurriedly left for her bedroom to get ready.

    -

    -

    Meanwhile, at the Andex Groups International, Blaze arrived at the office still engrossed in his conference call. He received a written note from his secretary informing him that all the managers of the various departments we already seated in the conference room and awaiting him.

    Dropping his briefcase on his desk, he picked up his laptop and left for the conference room.

    The meeting began earnestly with a detailed slide show presentation made by the operation manager, a tall but chubby man in a brown bespoke suit and neatly trimmed hair.

    He informed everyone of the recent development regarding the newly acquired gold minefield and how it was set to take the company to the next level of production and innovation.

    While the presentation was ongoing, Blaze decided to check his email for fresh updates from Marcus, who was currently in the said gold mining field, standing in for him.

    There was nothing in his inbox from Marcus except an unknown account with the username Jack_123.

    When Blaze clicked on the message, it read.

    [Your wife is cheating on you. See attachment below.]

    Blaze''s calm expression turned frigid. His finger froze on the touchpad, and his heart began to pound in his ribcage as he read those words over and over again, unable to digest them.

    His eyes narrowed at the attachment below, a storm brewing from the pit of his stomach as he clicked on the first attachment.

    A picture of Amelia holding hands intimately with a young man whose face was turned sideways came into view. Both of them seemed to be exiting a restaurant, oblivious of their surroundings as they were staring at each other smiling.

    Blaze didn''t recognize the man in the picture immediately as rage and jealousy blinded his eyes, numbing his senses and making him only see red. His breathing became laboured and ragged. His hand resting on the table balled into a fist and his body trembled with unfathomable fury as he clicked on the second attachment.

    Instantly, the audio recording came to life with Dr Ashely''s cheerful voice reverberating in Blaze''s ear.

    [You are pregnant, Mrs Anderson.]

    "What!" Blaze boomed, silencing the ongoing presentation as every pair of eyes in the conference room turned in his direction horrified by the monstrous look in his eyes.

 Chapter 214 - 214: The Email 1

    The conference room fell silent as a graveyard. A pin dropped on the fall could be heard from a mile away. No one dared to cough, sneeze or even breathe as they stared at the young chairman, whose countenance resembled that of an awakened angry beast.

    "Everyone, leave," Blaze growled in a half-suppressed voice as he paused the playing audio recording.

    No one in the room moved a muscle as they were all frightened, unsure of his order.

    The operation manager who was still standing, frozen, managed to clear his throat and ask in a stuttering voice.

    "You want us to l...l...leave the conference room, sir."

    Blaze''s gaze turned sinister, both his fist clenched and his bloodthirsty gaze narrowed at the operation manager.

    "Are you deaf?" Blaze growled between clenched jaw, his deep and terrifying spine-chilling voice cutting through the air. "I said you all should get lost, NOW." He thundered, banging his fist on the table.

    Immediately, the sound of a chair scraping against the marble floor drowned the room as everyone scrambled to their feet and hurried out of the room, with some of them leaving their personal gadgets behind out of fear.

    When the last person left the conference room, shutting the door behind him, Blaze clasped his head with both hands, his heart drumming loud in his ear and his temple throbbing.

    It felt as though someone had submerged his head underwater making it difficult for him to breathe. He loosened the tie around his and unbuttoned his suit jacket while trying to gulp in air into his lungs.

    He tried to inhale and exhale to calm his spiralling emotions. But all his attempts proved ineffective as the very thought of the only woman he had ever fallen in love with, cheating on him felt like a deadly blow to his heart.

    Abruptly standing up, Blaze started pacing up and down, his fury evident in his restless movement as he tried to calm his spiked nerves.

    Different agonizing questions clamoured for attention in his mind, as he tried to make sense of what he had just heard and seen.

    "My Amelia pregnant and cheating on me? No! Impossible!"

    Blaze felt as though his world was about to collapse. His jaw locked, and a vein throbbed visibly on his forehead as he glared dangerously at the blank screen of his laptop which was currently in sleep mode.

    Who was the man in the picture?

    When was this picture taken?

    Is Amelia really cheating on him?

    But how and when?

    He had always had her on twenty-four hours of surveillance. If she was seeing some other man, he would have found out. Or was this an old picture from her past life with a past lover?

    But how does it explain Dr Ashely''s statement about her pregnancy and why did Amelia keep this kind of huge secret away from him?

    Blaze took his seat again and tapped on his laptop touchpad to awaken the screen. He clicked on the initial paused audio and listened to the entire edited conversation between Dr Ashely and Amelia. His features hardened as the audio recording came to an end.

    "So Amelia is really pregnant?" Blaze''s eyes flashed a deadly glint as he reopened the picture of Amelia and the unknown lover.

    "Wait a second!" Blaze''s eyes widened as he zoomed in on the picture of Amelia''s supposed lover.

    The man''s curly jet-black hair, his stylish blue jacket, his customized EM branded wristwatch and the dimple on his left side cheek struck Blaze like a lightning bolt.

    "Henry!"

    Blaze zoomed in further on the picture to one hundred percent, his heart pounding really fast as he used some image sharpening tool to brighten the picture. He recognized his best friend even in his favourite disguise.

    "No way! Henry and Amelia." Blaze said between clenched jaws. He picked up his mobile phone which had been on silent mode and tapped on the screen only to discover several missed calls from Amelia, Eugene, his mother and even Henry.

    ''Why were they all trying to reach him?'' Blaze pondered. ''Has Amelia said anything to mom? Has she spoken to Henry already? Is that why she was so excited to pick him up at the airport?''

    Blaze felt like punching a hole through something as a raging fire, consumed him from within.

    ''Think, Blaze,'' He heard his voice of reasoning echo like a warning bell in his head. ''Don''t just jump to conclusions. Get your facts straight before taking action.

    Blaze stood up and picked up his phone and laptop. He decided against calling Amelia to avoid any form of confrontation without solid proof.

    Dialling Echo''s number, he dished out orders while making his way out of the conference room.

    "I just forwards a file to your mail. Find out who the hell Jack_123 is and how this person got hold of my wife''s private conversation with her doctor and my email address." Blaze paused briefly as a memory flashed across his mind.

    "Also put a tracker on Tina Stevens. I need to know what she is up to and where she has been in the last forty-eight hours. Find out if she is in collusion with the Jack guy. I also need to see the hospital video footage from the day my wife was admitted to the day she was discharged. I need to know all those who entered and exited her hospital room."

    "Yes, sir." A male voice replied from the other end.

    "And one more thing..." Blaze paused, his heart aching as he said. "Find out if my wife is having an extramarital affair and with who."

    "Yes sir."

    Blaze ended the call as he stormed towards his private elevator, a deadly glint in his eyes. His phone started ringing and when he saw that the call was from Amelia, he ignored it.

    The ride down to the parking lots only took a minimum of one minute and within seconds, Blaze was already seated in the rear seat of his Black Bentley, a murderous look in his eyes.

    "Where to, sir?" Blaze chauffeur asked, putting the car on reverse as he felt his boss''s volatile and aggressive energy dominate the car. He noticed the boss''s mobile phone ringing in his hand and couldn''t help but wonder why the boss was not taking his calls.

    "Take me to the city general hospital," Blaze commanded in a deadpan voice.

    "Yes, sir." The chauffeur immediately stepped on the gas pedal, zooming out of the company premises.

    -

    -

    On her way to Blaze''s company, Amelia kept trying his number, her heart pounding erratically in her ribcage as she waited breathlessly for him to take his call. She listened to his number ring continuously while she bit down on her nails in anticipation.

    Sadly, just like every previous trial, he didn''t take his call.

    Amelia looked up to Eugene with tears clouded eyes as if to say, he is intentionally not taking my call.

    "Probably the phone is on silent mode and he is still in the meeting," Eugene said reassuringly, troubled by the panic and hurt in his sister-in-law''s eyes.

    "Yeah...maybe." Amelia dropped the phone on the car seat and looked out the window, blinking her eyes severally to push back her tears.

    "Don''t worry, he will call you back "

    Amelia nodded without looking in Eugene''s direction. Her heart was heavy and her thoughts were shrouded in fear of the unknown. She watched as the morning streaming traffic passed by in a blur, her hands trembling and her face slightly paled from different scary thoughts.

    She could feel it in her bones that something bad was about to happen, that is if it hadn''t already happened. Blaze not taking her calls even after the intimate moment they both shared earlier this morning was a bad sign.

    Amelia was certain that by now, Blaze must have seen her many missed calls and those from his mom and Eugene. It felt odd that he hadn''t even returned his mother''s or Eugene''s calls, knowing how important his family meant to him.

    The sudden sound of a ringing phone made Amelia flinch as she snapped her head to look at Eugene, her eyes widened in alarm.

    "It''s your phone. It''s ringing." Eugene said in a thrilled voice as if to say I told you so.

    "Blaze!" Amelia stared at the ringing phone, her heartbeat quadrupling.

    The phone screen was faced downward. So she couldn''t tell who it was even though she had a strong feeling that it was her husband returning her calls.

    "What are you waiting for? Answer it." Eugene urged her, a hypnotic smile stretched across his face.

    "Okay." Amelia nodded, beaming. She took in a deep breath as she picked up the phone.

    However, when her gaze fell on the caller, her smile slowly turned into a frown.

    "It''s not Blaze." Amelia sighed.

    "Then who is it?" Eugene''s forehead furrowed.

    "It''s my dad." Amelia let out another deep sigh as she swiped the receive button.

    "Hello, dad."

    "Amelia, where are you?"

    A frown was etched on Amelia''s face as she observed the panic and urgency in her father''s voice. ''No hello, no, how are you. How strange.''

    "I''m on my way to see my husband? Why?"

    "Baby, if you''re in a car, I need you to turn around and come straight down to the mansion right now."

    "What!" Amelia''s jaw dropped. "Why?" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "There is no time to explain over the phone, baby. Come down immediately and I will explain everything to you."

    "Dad, I''m afraid I can''t. I need to see my hus..."

    Amelia''s father didn''t let her complete her statement as he explained in a greatly troubled voice.

    "It''s about your husband and an email I just received that might ruin your marriage."

    "An email? What email?" Amelia''s face turned white, her hands trembling even more vigorously.

    "I will explain everything to you once you arrive. But please, do not go to your husband right now. I think whoever sent me this email must have also sent it to him and knowing who your husband is, it might get out of control. I don''t want you getting hurt."

    "I''m coming." Amelia ended the call and turned her attention to Lance, who was watching her from the review mirror. "Turn around and take me to my father''s mansion right now."

    "Yes, ma''am."

    "Blaze is not going to like this." Eugene warned.

    "We will be quick." Amelia assured him even though her mind was in complete chaos.

 Chapter 215 - 215: Double Black Out

    When Amelia''s car drove into the Shawls mansion premises, she was partly thrilled and partly sad to see her father waiting patiently for her. He was already dressed for work except for his suit jacket and his tie.

    Three bodyguards cladded in black well-tailored suits paired with white inner shirts and black shoes, were strategically positioned beside and behind the senator.

    Amelia''s shimmering eyes brimmed with love and warmth as she watched her father hurry over to her car when it came to a halt.

    "Eugene, please wait inside the car. I won''t be long." Amelia pleaded, patting him on the back of his left hand.

    "Okay." Eugene nodded and Amelia alighted the car as her father opened the door.

    "Dad...." Amelia threw herself into her father''s arms, embracing him tenderly before pulling away to look into his worried eyes. "What email where you talking about?"

    "Let''s go inside, first." Senator Gregory said while checking out the young man who was seated inside the car and also staring at him.

    Following her father''s quizzical gaze, Amelia said, "That''s Eugene, Blaze''s cousin."

    "Oh...hello Eugene." The senator briefly waved at him before escorting his daughter into the mansion.

    "The boss is not going to like this." Pascal, who had driven the SUV alone, decided to update his boss about Amelia''s unplanned visit and her current location through text message.

    Inside the mansion sitting room, Amelia observed the way her father was scrutinizing her from one to two as if he was searching for something.

    "Dad, what''s wrong? Why are you staring at me like that?" Amelia asked while checking the flare part of her long-sleeved peplum top for any conspicuous stain.

    "Amy, I know I can never take the place of your mother in your life. But you know you can trust me right?" Senator Gregory left his seat and came to sit beside his eldest daughter, taking her slightly cold hands into his.

    "Of course, Dad. Why would you even ask me such a question?" Amelia pouted, not liking where this was going.

    "Because I just found out something troubling and I need to confirm with you first before I know what to do next."

    "What did you find out? Just tell me already. The suspense is killing me."

    The Senator took in a deep breath before asking.

    "Are you pregnant?"

    "What?!" Amelia''s eyes widened in horror as she pulled her hands away from her father, standing up abruptly. "Where did you get that information from? Who told you?"

    "Hold that thought." The senator reached out for his iPad on the coffee table with shaky hands and unlocked it using his security pattern while Amelia watched him in horror, her widened eyes clouded with imminent tears.

    The senator opened the picture sent to him first while beckoning on Amelia to sit down.

    "Do you know this young man in the picture?"

    Amelia slowly sat down, her entire body trembling as she squinted her eyes to ascertain who the man in the picture was.

    "That''s Henry," Amelia replied, recognizing him immediately in his disguise mood.

    "Who is Henry?" The senator''s panic intensified, scaring the shit out of Amelia.

    "He is Blaze''s best friend. B....but...h...how did you get this picture." Amelia stuttered, her breathing becoming laboured by the second.

    The Senator knew he wasn''t handling the situation properly, seeing the way his daughter was now hyperventilating with guilt boldly written on her forehead. He tried to calm her down first but unfortunately, Amelia was the complete opposite of calm as she demanded in a slightly raised voice, rising to her feet the second time.

    "Just answer my question, Dad, and stop treating me like a child. How did you know that I am pregnant and where did you get this picture from?"

    "One Jack_123 sent this to my email last night, alongside this audio recording." The senator swiped to the next file and tapped play before looking up to his daughter.

    As Amelia heard Dr Ashely''s unmistakable voice reverberate in the silence that prevailed, informing her that she was pregnant, alongside her own alarmed voice saying, no, her already pale face turned ashen white and her vision instantly blacked out.

    "Amy!" The senator jumped on his feet just in time to catch his daughter as she slumped into his arms, losing consciousness. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    -

    -

    Meanwhile, back at Anderson''s residence, Maria, who had managed to take her bath amid a head-splitting migraine and an unbearable ache in her chest, slowly changed into a simple gown before trudging back to her bed and sitting down. She picked up her phone and dialed her son''s number, tears streaming down her flushed face. She waited as it rang, but sadly, he didn''t take his call.

    She could feel the entire room spinning as she reached out to take her blood pressure drug and a glass of water which was on the nightstand.

    Suddenly, a strange force knocked out the air from her lungs, squeezing her heart in the process. She gasped for air, letting go of the glass of water and the sachet of her blood pressure drug in the process.

    The glass of water hit the marble floor with a loud shattering sound, spilling its contents, as shards of glass flew in different directions, some of them cutting into Maria''s bare feet.

    Luckily for Maria, a maid had just come to her room to inform her that breakfast was ready when she heard the shattering sound.

    "Ma''am, are you alright?" The maid called from behind Maria''s closed bedroom door.

    Maria, who at this point was struggling to breathe, one of her hands clutching at her chest managed to dial her son''s number again, tears of horror and despair flowing down her reddened cheek. She fell back on her bed, still clutching her chest while struggling to say a word as the line finally connected.

    "Mom... Are you there? Speak to me." Blaze said in a calm but slightly impatient voice from the other end.

    "Ma''am!" The maid knocked repeatedly on the door and decided to go in and find out what was wrong with the madam.

    "Oh god! madam!" The maid sprinted over to Maria''s bed screaming.

    Maria, thinking this was the end pointed towards a folded piece of paper beside a small portable camera on the nightstand.

    But the maid was too preoccupied screaming for help, barely noticing what Maria was pointing to. She carefully lifted Maria''s bleeding leg from the broken glass on the floor, while shouting for help.

    Completely exhausted, Maria''s hand fell on the bed as she slowly closed her eyes, giving into the darkness.

    "Somebody talk to me! Mom!" Blaze screamed from the other end, his initial calm voice now laced with panic.

    The terrified maid picked up Maria''s phone, crying.

    "Sir, the madam has passed out and her leg is bleeding." She had barely completed her statement when the call disconnected.

 Chapter 216 - 216: Confronting Dr Ashley

    Approximately twelve minutes before the SOS call...

    Dr Ashley had just arrived at the hospital a few minutes ago and was busy at her office accessing a patient file, in preparation for a surgical procedure.

    Slipping on her lab coat and hanging her stethoscope on her neck, she picked up the file she was reading earlier and headed for the door when it was suddenly pushed open almost hitting her in the face.

    "Excuse me! How dare...Mr Anderson!" Dr Ashley, who was about to reprimand the mannerless intruder who didn''t know how to knock found herself frozen and speechless at the sight of Amelia''s husband.

    The way his eyes blazed as he glared dangerously at her with a predatory intent made a cold shiver run down her spine.

    "I''m sorry, doctor. I tried to stop him." A young-looking nurse appeared behind Blaze, fidgeting.

    "It''s okay, Nurse Ariel. Go back to your station. I''ll handle this."

    "Yes, doctor." The nurse scurried off, happy to be as far away as possible from the angry-looking man, while wondering what the good doctor had done to attract such a dangerous man to her office.

    "We need to talk right now," Blaze said between clenched jaws as he walked past the doctor, taking a long stride to her desk as if he owned the hospital.

    "This is not good." Dr Ashley muttered under her breath as she slowly closed the door, a million and one thoughts running through her mind all at the same time. She watched as the calm but angry-looking young man pulled out a seat opposite her desk and sat down, crossing his legs, one over the other, while resting his interlocked hands on his lap.

    ''Probably Amelia has told him about her pregnancy and he has come here to vent his frustrations.'' Dr Ashley pondered as she made her way slowly to her seat, dropping the file and her stethoscope on her desk. She took in a deep breath and sat down, plastering a placid smile on her face.

    "You''re welcome Mr Anderson, even though I wasn''t expecting you. I would like to plead with you that whatever we need to discuss should be done quickly because I have to be in the theatre in the next..." Dr Ashley took a quick glance at the time on her leather wristwatch. "... ten to fifteen minutes."

    "I have no intention of spending more than five minutes here," Blaze said, his face a mask of fury and his eyes narrowed to slits.

    "All I need are answers and depending on your response, you might never be able to work in this hospital or any other medical establishment in this country. And as a bonus, you might end up in a wheelchair for the rest of your life. So it will be in your best interest to tell me the truth and nothing less. Have I made myself clear?"

    Dr Ashley broke out in cold sweat, her eyes widened like a saucer, and her jaws dropped as she processed Blaze''s threat while looking into the devil''s eyes. She could tell he meant business and she wasn''t willing to test the troubled waters.

    "Crystal."

    "Good. First question, is my wife pregnant?" S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Dr Ashley nodded, her body trembling as she finally understood why Amelia had been so scared of her husband. The man is indeed a nightmare.

    "I need to hear your words, doctor. Do not test my patience." Blaze growled in a repressed voice.

    "Yes, she is."

    "How many weeks or months?"

    "Seven...no eight weeks and two days according to my calculation."

    Blaze''s heart kept slamming against his ribcage as he did a mental calculation to determine where and when this pregnancy might have taken place.

    "Did she know about it before you discovered she was pregnant?"

    "I can''t say for sure but it seemed she didn''t realize she was pregnant until I told her." Dr Ashley explained truthfully.

    "Is the pregnancy responsible for all her vomiting episodes amongst other symptoms?"

    "Partly. She does have a food allergy and intolerance, which was instigated by her pregnancy."

    Blaze gritted his teeth in rage.

    "Why did you keep it from me even after I asked you severally if there was any other underlying issue?"

    At this point, Dr Ashley could feel her walls crumbling as her heart began to ache with regret and the guilt of betrayal.

    "I''m sorry, Mr Anderson. I know I haven''t been completely honest with you. I know I may have overstepped my boundaries but I had reasons to. As a doctor, when a patient is distressed by an information, I''m obliged to advise and provide psychosocial care through counselling and patient confidentiality."

    Blaze''s deadpan expression remained unchanged as the doctor explained further.

    "When your wife first found out that she was pregnant, she was greatly traumatized by it. From her reaction and her explanation, it was obvious she didn''t plan for it. She was even considering terminating the pregnancy but I advised her against that, knowing the negative impact it could have on her reproductive system. She pleaded with me not to say anything to you until she was ready with a decision and I gave her my words."

    "Hmm..." Blaze chuckled bitterly. "You gave how your words. How thoughtful."

    "I''m sincerely sorry sir." Dr Ashley pleaded, clasping both hands. "Please pardon me."

    Looking sideways, his heart aching worse than before, Blaze asked.

    "Did she say anything about who might be responsible for the pregnancy?"

    "Yes, sir," Dr Ashley said confidently, causing Blaze to snap his head back at her.

    "Who?" Blaze boomed in a low suppressed voice.

    "You, sir. She said you were responsible for her pregnancy."

    Blaze let out a bitter mockery laughter that shook Dr Ashley to the bone.

    "I''m telling the truth, sir."

    At that moment, Blaze''s phone started ringing again. Thinking it was Amelia just like the previous missed calls, he ignored it as he asked.

    "Who was around when you and my wife were discussing this issue?"

    Dr Ashley shook her head. "No one." But when a vein bulged out from the side of Blaze''s stiffened neck, she explained further.

    "When I first told her that she was pregnant, one of my nurses was around in the room but I discharged her knowing that this was a private talk."

    "Did you or your nurse by any chance reveal this information to anyone?"

    "No, sir. We will never do such a thing. I can vouch for myself and the nurse in question. We always prioritize patient''s confidentially."

    "Don''t tell me ..."

    Blaze''s phone started ringing again, interrupting him.

    Holding back his fury, he picked up the phone only to see that it was his mom calling. Taking a deep breath to stifle his rage, he swiped the receive button, and brought the phone to his ear, expecting his mom to lash out angrily at him for not returning her previous missed call.

    But surprisingly, his mom didn''t say a word.

    "Mom... Are you there? Speak to me." Blaze waited for his mom to talk while Dr Ashley took this few seconds of freedom to gulp in enough air into her lungs while hoping for the best.

    When Blaze heard the distant cry of someone from the background screaming madam, he instantly knew something bad had happened to his mother.

    Without saying a single word to the doctor he stood up and dashed out of the office while speaking into the phone.

    "Somebody talk to me. Mom!" Blaze got to his car just in time when he heard the lousy voice of a maid saying the madam had passed out.

 Chapter 217 - 217: Distressed

    Blaze didn''t wait for the maid to complete her explanation as he hung up and sprinted towards the elevator, almost bumping into a male nurse and a patient in a wheelchair who came out into the hallway unexpectedly.

    "Hey watch it, sir." The male nurse quickly rolled his patient out of harm''s way.

    "Sorry," Blaze said without turning back to look at the mature woman in the wheelchair scowling at him. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    A sense of helplessness and dread suddenly overwhelmed Blaze as he reached the elevator in time while dialling the hospital emergency number with trembling hands.

    Pressing the elevator call button repeatedly, with his phone pressed to his ear, Blaze started praying silently for his mother, his reddened eyes filled with horror.

    It felt as though history was about to repeat itself as memories of his father collapsing from a cardiac arrest, shortly before his death, shrouded his mind, causing goosebumps to appear all over his body.

    He couldn''t believe he had allowed his anger to cloud his thoughts, thus preventing him from learning about his mother''s poor health before things got out of hand.

    He felt like punching himself in the face for being so reckless with his only surviving parent, who meant the entire world to him.

    "Why the f*ck is it taking so long to come up?" Blaze hissed angrily, almost punching the elevator call button.

    Unable to wait for the elevator to arrive, Blaze decided to take the emergency stairs, while waiting for the call to connect.

    "Hospital emergency line, please how may..."

    "Please, send help. My mom is a type one diabetic and she just passed out at our home. I have no idea of her current state because I''m far away from her. Send the ambulance immediately." Blaze said in a slightly raised and trembling voice, giving the feminine voice on the other end of the phone full details of his home address.

    "I will dispatch an ambulance right away, sir. But please can I get the number of someone close to her? We need to know her current state."

    "Okay." Blaze thought briefly before giving up the mansion Butler''s number, knowing that Eugene might have stepped out of the mansion for the gym.

    Scaling down sixteen fleets of stairs without breaking a sweat, Blaze arrived at the hospital reception in less than two minutes. He hurried out of the busy hospital reception, barely acknowledging some familiar faces of hospital staff who were greeting him.

    Outside the hospital building, Blaze could hear the departing blaring sound of the hospital ambulance siren as he sprinted across the driveway towards the hospital parking lot, while dialling Eugene''s mobile number.

    Blaze was too preoccupied, trying to get to his car that he did not notice a tinted BMW,: neatly packed on the right wing at the first row opposite his car. Neither did he notice the disguised driver behind the wheel, staring delightedly at him.

    Luckily for Blaze, Eugene picked up on the first ring.

    "Hey bro, we''ve been trying to reach you all morning. What happened to..."

    "Where the hell are you, Eugene?" Blaze demanded in a slightly raised voice as he got into the car signaling the driver to move.

    "Where to sir?" The chauffeur asked, pulling out onto the driveway while wondering why the boss was looking so agitated as opposed to his cold but calm self.

    Blaze peeled the phone from his ear and said.

    "Home. Drive like your life depends on it."

    "Yes, sir."

    "Hello...big bro, are you there?" Eugene''s voice echoed from the phone speaker.

    Blaze brought the phone back to his ear. "You haven''t answered my question. Where are you? Are you still at the mansion or have you gone to the gym?"

    "No. I... I''m with Amelia. Why are you..."

    "I said where not who?" Blaze thundered impatiently between clenched jaw.

    "Bro, please don''t get angry for what I''m about to say. I know it might piss you off but just hear me out first." Eugene pleaded.

    "I''m listening." Blaze''s anger flared, replacing his initial anxiety knowing that whatever Eugene was about to say wouldn''t be pleasant.

    "Earlier, after you left the mansion, sister-in-law was trying to catch up with you. She was greatly distraught when she couldn''t get to you. She was even crying and bruised her knee in the process of chasing after your car."

    "She did!" Blaze''s forehead furrowed, unaware of this.

    "Yes. It seemed she had something important to say to you. We even tried calling you but you never took your calls. So Mom suggested that sister-in-law and I should go to your office to see you in person. We were on our way to your company when sister-in-law got a call from her father asking her to come urgently. So we are currently at the Shawls mansion. She''s inside discussing with her father while I''m outside waiting by the car."

    Blaze''s rigid countenance turned explosive upon hearing that Amelia was currently with her father while his mother was lying unconscious back at home. Something told him that the senator might be aware of his daughter''s condition and had kept it a secret just like her. He resisted the urge to lash out angrily at his cousin for going with Amelia to her father''s, seeing that she had tried reaching out to him first.

    At least, if he had returned, his mother''s earlier calls, he would have known that she wasn''t feeling okay. Also, if he had returned his wife''s call, he would have known what she wanted to discuss and probably things wouldn''t have turned out this way.

    "Big bro, are you still there?" Eugene asked when Blaze fell silent.

    "Yes. Did Amelia say anything to you or mom?"

    "No, she said she wanted to talk to you first before she spoke to Mom."

    A sigh of relief escaped Blaze''s lips as he said,

    "I received a call not quite long ago that mom passed out."

    "What!" Eugene half screamed over the phone. "When did this happen? She was perfectly fine when we left her. Is she alright? Is it serious?"

    "I don''t know, Eugene." Blaze gritted his teeth in deep agony. "I wasn''t there when it happened. However, I have alerted the Hospital emergency department and I believe the ambulance should be at the mansion as we speak. Please go into that mansion and inform my wife about Mom''s current state. I need you both back at the mansion."

    "Okay, big bro. You can count on us. We''ll be with you shortly."

 Chapter 218 - 218: Distressed 1

    Seated behind the wheel of a rented black BMW and dressed in a double-breasted loose-fitting male check suit, with a copper brown neatly trimmed wig to perfect her disguise, Tina was greatly intrigued to see Blaze right in the place she wanted him.

    He had made the costly mistake of hitting her and now it was her turn to deal a fair blow where it hurt the most- his prized love life.

    After forwarding the email to Blaze and the senator the previous night, Tina decided to come down to the hospital, knowing Blaze would come seeking answers.

    Tina arrived at the hospital, thirty minutes before Blaze did. She took a seat at the hospital reception, pretending to have an early appointment with a doctor. She waited patiently until she saw Blaze walk through the hospital reception door, looking like a loose beast on the hunt for blood. She instantly knew that the doctor was a goner as well as Amelia who had kept such a secret from her husband.

    Satisfied with the success of her first mission, Tina left the hospital and returned to her car to wait for Blaze.

    About fifteen minutes later, she observed the hospital ambulance driving out of the premises, while blaring its siren loudly. She was wondering who had been involved in an accident so early in the morning when she saw Blaze running out of the hospital like someone being chased by a ghost. He was looking slightly agitated compared to the angry and dangerous-looking man who entered the hospital a few minutes ago.

    She watched as he got into his car in a hurry while talking over the phone.

    Intrigued and a little curious, she decided to follow his car at a safe distance as it left the hospital premises.

    -

    -

    Meanwhile, back at the Shawls mansion, Eugene had just stepped out of the car to go inside and inform Amelia of Maria''s condition when he saw the senator running out, carrying an unconscious Amelia in his arms. He was closely followed by an elderly man in uniform, who was screaming to the senator''s driver to start the car.

    "What the hell!" Eugene''s pupils dilated in horror, fear crippling his heart.

    Pascal, who was initially standing by the side of his car waiting for Amelia to show up sprinted over to the senator in three long strides, with Eugene running behind him.

    "What happened to her, sir," Pascal demanded in a slightly raised voice, looking at the senator accusingly as he observed Amelia''s unconscious pale face.

    "Isn''t it obvious that she fainted?" Senator Gregory said impatiently, beads of sweat crowding his forehead, as he hurried past Amelia''s bodyguard towards his car.

    "Is this some kind of cruel joke? First, mom and now Amelia?" Eugene asked, anger and frustration rising in his tone.

    The senator spared Eugene a quick glance, wondering which mom he was referring to. Nevertheless, he didn''t bother seeking answers as he was more concerned about reviving his daughter.

    "Please we need to take her to the hospital urgently. I have already tried getting her to wake up but she isn''t responding. Help me open the door." Senator Gregory said pointing at the rear seat door while holding his daughter dearly to his chest.

    "Why don''t we take her car instead?" Pascal suggested, pointing to Amelia''s sleek car.

    "Does the vehicle we ride in matter right now or my daughter''s life?" Senator Gregory frowned at Amelia''s bodyguard''s insensitive suggestion.

    "I guess it doesn''t." Pascal apologized and helped the senator open the rear door to his latest edition Mercedes Benz.

    "What really happened in there, sir?" Eugene demanded while helping the senator guide Amelia''s head into the car. "Did she have a seizure or something?"

    "No. We were talking and then she collapsed." The Senator replied, not willing to explain any further as he got into the car, placing his unconscious daughter''s head on his lap. "Move this car." He barked at the driver behind the steering wheel.

    "I''m coming with you, sir." Pascal got into the front passenger seat of the senator''s car, displaying the senator''s security aide who was already seated. He knew Blaze would have his head if anything happened to his wife under his watch.

    "Me too." Eugene tried to climb into the car but discovered that there was no space for him at the back because of Amelia''s current lying posture. "I''ll be coming with our car from behind." He said, helping the senator shut the car door before sprinting back to his car.

    "Follow that automobile," Eugene said to Lance before dialling Blaze''s number.

    Unlike before, Blaze picked up on the first ring.

    "Are you guys on your way, I''m already close to the mansion," Blaze said.

    "Big bro, I''m sorry to be the bearer of bad news but Amelia just collapsed."

    "What! How!" Blaze screamed from the other end, forcing Eugene to peel the phone away from his ear to prevent his eardrum from exploding. He placed the call on speaker mode and explained.

    "Her father said one minute, they were talking and the next minute, she collapsed. I guess he must have said something distressing to her. But he didn''t say anything further as he is currently disoriented."

    "God, this is not happening." Blaze lamented. "Eugene stay beside her and keep me posted while I follow up on Mom. Once I''ve ensured that Mom''s condition has been stabilized, I will come to you wherever you are."

    "Okay, bro. Take things easy. I''ll see you later."

    -

    -

    Three hours later, Henry strolled through the Salvine International Airport arrival terminal, looking completely captivating in his Western attire.

    He captured the attention of a lot of women and other passengers who couldn''t help staring and admiring him even though they had no clue of his identity.

    Although he wasn''t wearing any disguise this time around, it was difficult to recognise him on the spot in his cowboy hat, which covered a reasonable amount of his face and his dark sunshade.

    Staring at the crowd ahead, who were busy waving at their respective friends and family, who had just arrived, Henry couldn''t help but wonder where Eugene or Blaze''s driver was. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''They were supposed to be waiting for him at the arrival terminal or were they running late?'' Henry pondered.

    He decided to put a call across to Blaze again while pulling at his sliver black hand luggage. The call connected but Blaze didn''t pick up.

    Next, Henry tried Amelia''s number but the call was diverted. He tried Maria''s number but didn''t get any success. Finally, he tried Eugene''s number and almost went nuts when the latter told him that Maria was currently in a critical state at the hospital.

 Chapter 219 - 219: Gloomy

    Blaze sat before his mother''s doctor, head bowed and shoulders slumped in defeat.

    The events of the last three hours had left him feeling tragic, his world now shrouded in complete darkness. His face was a mask of gloom, his eyes reflecting the brokenness within and his spirit crushed under the weight of the doctor''s words.

    His phone was ringing every now and then but he didn''t bother taking any of his call. He was too demoralised to speak to anyone when his mother was lying lifeless in the intensive care unit, strapped to a live support machine.

    "But h...how..." Blaze said in a trembling voice, fighting the urge to shed tears at his mother''s volatile state.

    "H...how could it have happened?" He looked up at the doctor, his eyes reddened and twitching. "She was looking healthy yesterday night. She ate very well and we all had a great time as a family. How could everything change in less than twenty-four hours? How could she have low blood sugar without any symptoms? Tell me, how?"

    Doctor Steven released a sigh as he slowly took off his reading glasses and dropped them on his desk while keeping his gaze fixed on Blaze. He was also having a hard time coming to terms with his friend''s condition. Watching her resilient and undefeatable son crumble slowly before him, felt like a dagger in his stomach.

    "Hypoglycemia unawareness as the name implies takes most diabetic patients unaware. There are no warning signs to show that your blood sugar has dropped. Surprisingly, you find yourself craving more food which is one of its symptoms, amongst others. If she had been brought to the hospital before she lost consciousness, we may have been able to prevent her from falling into her diabetic coma. Nevertheless, we are doing our best to make sure she recovers from that coma."

    "This is all my fault," Blaze said between gritted teeth, his heart heavy with grief. "She tried calling me but I never took her calls because of my stupidity. It''s all on me and I will never forgive myself if anything happens to her." S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Nothing will happen to her." Doctor Steven countered Blaze''s negative confession.

    "I hope so doctor. I really hope so because I can''t afford to lose her. She''s all I have left in this world. You have to help me. You have to promise me that she would come out of this alive and well?"

    Dr Steven sighed. He couldn''t give such assurance because he wasn''t God neither did he have any mystical healing power.

    Putting aside his professional ethics of the doctor-patient relationship, doctor Steven stood up and walked over to where Blaze was seated. He placed his hand on Blaze''s shoulder and spoke in a fatherly tone.

    "Blaze, I know this is hard to take in, but you need to put yourself together. You need to be strong for your mother. You won''t lose her as long as you stay hopeful. Right now all she needs is our prayer, care and love. Your mom has always been a fighter. I''m positive she will come out of this alive and stronger. Okay."

    Blaze nodded, lowering his head and burying his face between his palms.

    Releasing another sigh, the doctor said. "You can stay here for a while and gather yourself together while I go check and other patients."

    Blaze nodded again, without lifting his head.

    Releasing another sigh and shaking his head, doctor Steven quietly left his office, giving Blaze some space to ease his heavy conscience.

    The office fell silent as Blaze remained in the same gloomy posture until his phone started ringing again.

    Lifting up his head, Blaze slowly reached out for his phone to check who the caller was. When he discovered that it was Eugene calling, he received the call.

    "Hey bro, how is mom?" Eugene''s voice was low as if he was talking in a call-restricted area.

    "She''s in a critical state," Blaze said, gnashing his teeth as a single tear fell from his reddened eyes.

    "What! Is it that bad?"

    "Let''s not talk about it now. How is Amelia?" Blaze asked, stifling any more tears from falling.

    "She is fine. It didn''t take long for her to regain consciousness when we arrived at the hospital. But the doctor said we should avoid exciting her any longer because of..." Eugene paused as if he was contemplating completing his statement.

    "Her pregnancy?" Blaze asked, gritting his teeth further until his jaw started aching.

    "You know about it?" Eugene asked in a slightly alarmed voice.

    "Is her father there with her?" Blaze asked without answering Eugene''s question.

    "Yes."

    "Did she say anything to him?"

    "Yes, they spoke briefly after she was given some medication to help her sleep."

    "What did they talk about?"

    "I have no idea, big bro. Sister-in-law asked me to wait outside, saying she needed to talk to her father alone."

    Blaze clenched his fist until his knuckles turned white.

    "Send me the address of your current location," Blaze said before hanging up.

    -

    -

    Before Amelia succumbed to the drowsiness of the medication she was given, she succeeded in alleviating her father''s fears of infidelity in her marriage. She told her father in confidentiality, everything concerning her contract marriage to Blaze and the conditions governing their marriage. She told him confidently that Blaze was responsible for her pregnancy as he was the only man she had ever slept with. And she assured him of her plans to make things right with Blaze, seeing that she had fallen in love with him.

    Seated beside his sleeping daughter with her head lowered and heart heavy, Senator Gregory remained gloomy after learning the bitter truth surrounding his daughter''s marriage to a man who detested him.

    He couldn''t believe that Amelia sacrificed her happiness and her body all for the sake of exposing his brother''s treachery towards her. He felt guilty for not seeing his brothers and wife for their greedy dark side.

    And now, because of his negligence as a father, his daughter''s life could be ruined if Blaze decided that he didn''t want a family with her.

    Just then a knock on the door snapped the senator out of his excruciating thoughts. He tilted his head backwards, only to see Eugene peeking.

    "Is she still asleep?" Eugene asked and the senator nodded.

    "She has a visitor," Eugene said pushing the door wide open to reveal a young handsome man in Western attire with curly blonde hair and blue eyes staring back at him.

 Chapter 220 - 220: Jealousy And Rage; The Catalyst For Disaster

    "Who is he?" The senator stood up as the strange-looking young man walked in, holding a hand luggage in one hand and a cowboy hat in the other hand.

    Before Eugene could answer the senator''s question, Henry beat him to it.

    "Good day, Senator. It''s a pleasure to finally meet you. I am Henry Gordon, a very good friend of your daughter." Henry said, putting his suitcase aside as he walked up to the senator, his right hand stretched towards him for a handshake, and a polite smile framing his face.

    "Henry Gordon! As in the same Henry who is the best friend to my daughter''s husband?" The senator asked, taking Henry''s hand in a firm handshake while scrutinizing him from head to toe, wondering if he was the same man in the picture.

    "The very same one, sir. I feel humble that you know me that well. Amelia must have said good things about me." Henry''s lips curled up slightly, his gaze shifting to Amelia, who was looking so peaceful like a sleeping beauty in her slumber. "By the way, how is she?"

    "My daughter.is fine and thanks for asking. But please permit me to ask you a question." Senator Gregory said, masking his anxiety with a warm smile. "Does your friend know that you are here?"

    "Blaze!" Henry raised a brow and the senator nodded. "No. Blaze doesn''t know that I am here. He doesn''t even know that I have arrived in town because he has not been taking his calls. Eugene is not even sure of his current location. But he did say Blaze might be on his way here, right, Eugene?" He asked, his quizzical gaze shifting to Eugene.

    "Yes. We spoke like forty minutes ago and he asked for this hospital address before hanging up. I''m guessing he should be here any moment"

    "What!" The senator''s pupils dilated in horror.

    Henry''s forehead furrowed at the senator''s weird exclamation.

    "Is something the matter, senator?"

    "Mr Henry, thank you for coming but I think you need to leave right now." Senator Gregory said gesturing towards the door.

    "Excuse me?" Henry frowned. "Have I done or said something wrong?"

    "No. But please leave. It is for your own good."

    "My own good? I don''t understand what you mean by that statement senator. Is something the matter?"

    "Let''s talk outside."

    The urgency in the senator''s voice and the panic in his eyes told Henry that all wasn''t well.

    "Uncle, what''s wrong?" Eugene asked, worried by Amelia''s father''s weird behavior.

    "Nothing Eugene. But please stay here with my daughter while I speak to Mr Henry outside." Senator Gregory pleaded.

    Eugene''s shoulder slumped, a crease appearing on his forehead. He didn''t like the way everyone was treating him like a kid, always excusing him out of every conversation. But he didn''t argue with the senator. He simply nodded and watched the two men leave the room, with Henry picking up his belongings.

    Outside Amelia''s room, Senator Gregory led Henry to the far end of the hall to prevent Amelia''s bodyguard from eavesdropping on them.

    "Senator, may I ask what all of this is about? You are acting a bit strange." Henry noted when they stopped moving.

    "Are you aware that my daughter is pregnant?" Senator Gregory said in a hushed voice as if someone was straining to listen to them.

    "Pregnant!" Henry''s eyes widened like a saucer. "Amelia is pregnant!"

    Seeing the surprise in the young man''s eye, the senator said, "I will take that as a no." He brought out his phone and scrolled over to his gallery while Henry watched him in confusion.

    "Do you recognize this picture?" Senator Gregory tapped on a picture, zooming in.

    Henry took one glance at the picture and smiled. "Yes, I do. But how did you get this picture? I didn''t remember either of us taking this picture or asking anyone to do so."

    "Well, there''s a problem Mr Henry." Senator Gregory placed his hand over Henry''s shoulder, his head slightly lowered as he explained things in a hushed voice.

    "Someone took a picture of you and my daughter while you were both coming out of a restaurant. This picture alongside an audio recording exposing my daughter''s pregnancy, points to you as her lover and the man responsible for it."

    "What!" Henry''s jaw dropped, his eyes almost bulging out of its socket and his free hands flying to his chest in utter bewilderment. He was in disbelief for a moment thinking the senator was making an expensive joke. But the seriousness in the senator''s eyes told him that he meant business.

    "That''s preposterous! Who would do such a thing? Amelia and I are simply friends and nothing more. I have never touched her inappropriately, talk less of sleeping with her or getting her pregnant. What sick and demented person would spread such rumours and lies?"

    "It beats my imagination how people can be so callous while trying to defame an innocent young woman." The senator paused for a minute as if contemplating before adding."Moreover, my daughter has explained everything to me. She has confirmed her pregnancy to me saying Blaze is the one responsible for it and I believe her one hundred percent."

    "Me too." Henry concurred with the senator''s last statement. "Amelia is a virtuous woman and only a moron will believe such lies."

    "Although, there is a slight problem. Amelia hasn''t told her husband about her pregnancy as we speak."

    "She hasn''t told him?" Henry was double stunned, now fully understanding the senator''s dilemma.

    "No, she hasn''t." The senator shook his head, his gaze dropping. "I''m afraid he may have seen this picture and listened to this audio message. If that has already happened then things could get complicated with you around and my daughter currently asleep."

    "Oh...I see..." Henry finally got the picture, nodding his head slowly.

    "It is in my opinion that you leave for now and let me address this issue with Blaze. When everything is sorted out, I will personally call you to come around." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Okay, let me have your number."

    Unknown to both men - who were busy exchanging numbers and shaking hands, with their backs turned to the hall entrance, - Blaze slowly made his way through the entrance door, his countenance sullen and gloomy. He had just spotted Pascal in front of one of the hospital rooms when he noticed two familiar figures up ahead.

    Their current posture with the senator shaking hands with Henry while patting him on the shoulder, painted a compromising picture that fuelled Blaze''s initial jealousy and rage.

    And like the saying goes: jealousy and rage are the perfect catalyst for disaster.

 Chapter 221 - 221: The Consequence Of Jealousy

    *****

    To my avid readers, thanks for all your support and encouragement. Your insightful comments, your votes and your gifts keep me writing.

    I would like to crave your indulgence before you read this chapter and a few others going forward.

    The male lead is a temperamental young man going through a series of emotions based on loss, betrayal and heartbreak. His irrational behaviour, though questionable, is his weakness. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    But like crude gold going through different stages of purification, the male lead will overcome his weakness and learn his lesson eventually.

    Please, do not completely write him off. Give him a chance at redemption. He will make you smile in the end.

    Thanks.

    *****

    "I''ll wait for your call, s..." Henry was saying as he picked up his suitcase and cowboy hat, in readiness to leave when he suddenly froze.

    "What''s wrong?"

    Senator Gregory followed Henry''s frozen gaze to the hallway entrance, his heart skipping a beat at the sight of his son-in-law.

    "Oh no. He is already here."

    "I think he might get the wrong idea." Henry whispered.

    "I think so too. Quickly go through the back door while I try to sort things out with him." Senator Gregory gestured to the door behind them, shoving Henry on the shoulder.

    "No." Henry shook his head while dropping his briefcase and hat by the corner. "I don''t think running away right now is a good idea, senator. It will paint a negative picture making me look guilty of a crime I didn''t commit."

    "That''s true. So what do you suggest we do?" Senator Gregory asked, staring at Blaze who was slowly advancing towards them like a prowling hungry jaguar preparing for the kill.

    "Stay back and let me face his fury," Henry replied while moving forward.

    "I''m right behind you."

    "No, senator." Henry put his hand backwards, stopping the senator. "Please stay back. My friend has a bad temper and I don''t want you getting hurt in the process. We are young and our bodies can take any hassle but not you. Let me handle this alone."

    "Are you sure?" The senator hesitated.

    "I''m positive." Henry gave him a reassuring thumbs up.

    "Okay." Senator Gregory quickly dialled the number of his security aides while Henry moved forward to confront his friend.

    Upfront, Blaze was breathless with anger and blinded with jealousy. All he saw was the duo conspiring against him, feeling his heart with betrayal and a thirst for revenge.

    Every sense of rationality in him evaporated into thin and was replaced with a venomous thought to maim and destroy.

    "Welcome, Mr Anderson! The madam is in here." Pascal said in an attempt to distract his boss. But his greeting fell on deaf ears as Blaze barely acknowledged him or his comment about Amelia.

    Some nurses and patients, who were loitering the hallway stopped on their track, their eyes brimming with anticipation of a possible showdown.

    When both men were only five metres apart, Henry tried to reason with his friend.

    "Bro, I know how you feel right now. And I know how awkward this situation looks. But you have got to trust me, man. I will never do anything to betray you. I swear."

    "Trust you?!" Blaze growled in a semi-repressed tone, charging forward like an unleashed beast. "I trusted you, bastard."

    Blaze grabbed Henry by the collar of his shirt, almost choking the life out of him.

    "Is this how you pay me back for my loyalty?"

    "I didn''t do anything," Henry said in a strained voice as he struggled to free his collar from Blaze''s asphyxiating grip.

    "Do I look like a fool to you?"

    Blaze roared as he reared back his arm and struck Henry fiercely in the face, sending the latter falling backwards with a broken jaw and bleeding nose.

    "Ah!" Wild gasps escaped the opened mouths of all those standing and watching in horror.

    "Do you think, I wouldn''t find out?" Blaze pounced on Henry before the latter could pick himself off the floor and gave him two more devastating punches in the face.

    "Someone do something. He''s going to kill that young man." A mature lady patient cried out in terror, at the way the other man was receiving the beating of his life without fighting back.

    Pascal stood like an electric pole, his eyes twitching and his hand itching to go and help out. But he knew the repercussions of interfering.

    However, Senator Gregory who had initially given Henry his word, couldn''t stand by anymore and watch Blaze beat the crap out of his innocent friend.

    "I trusted you with my wife and this is what you do to me?" Blaze raised his hand a fourth time to strike Henry in the face when someone caught his arm in mid-air.

    "That is enough, Blaze. Stop this foolishness and get a grip on yourself. You are behaving like a child. Your friend hasn''t done anything wrong."

    "Get your filthy hands off me." Blaze roughly freed his hand from the senator''s grip, the force of the pull, making the senator lose his bearing.

    "Ah!" Another wild gasp escaped everyone standing by as the mature man fell on his butt with a sickening thud and a piercing cry.

    Instantly, the scale of vengeance blinding Blaze fell from his eyes as he briskly got off Henry to help his father-in-law.

    At that very moment, the senator''s aide and some alerted security men came running through the hallway with some doctors.

    Though bleeding through his nose, his mouth, his broken lips and his bruised temple, Henry quickly picked himself off the floor to help the senator stand up, while wincing in pain.

    "Senator, who did this to you?" The senator''s head of security demanded while trying to help Blaze and Henry lift him off the floor.

    "Ah! Stop! Put me down." The senator screamed in agony, gnashing his teeth as pain shot up to his brain like a knife twisting in his side when he tried to stand.

    "Stop it, all of you. You are making it worse. Can''t you see his hip joint is dislocated?" One of the doctors, who quickly arrived at the scene said in a reprimanding tone while signaling them to slowly put him down.

    "Get the stretcher." Another doctor signalled two nurses who nodded and ran off to carry out his instruction.

    The commotion in the hallway attracted some other patients who were inside their room including Eugene.

    "Big Brother, uncle, Henry, what happened here?" Eugene demanded in an alarmed voice, his widened eyes almost bulging out of the socket, at the sight of Henry''s bloodied face and Amelia''s father on the floor groaning in pain.

    But no one answered him as they were too busy concentrating on the senator who was screeching in great agony as the team of doctors carefully transferred him from the floor to the stretcher.

    "Sir, you are in a pretty bad shape. We need to stop that bleeding before it gets worse. Please follow me." One of the doctors stopped Henry from following them, as they rolled the senator out of the hallway to the emergency ward.

    Henry simply nodded before turning to Blaze, who had suddenly gone quiet as though someone had turned a bucket of cold water on his head.

    "Bro, you disappoint me. You should know I would never betray you. Pray nothing happens to Amelia''s father otherwise, she will never forgive you."

 Chapter 222 - 222: Regret And Agony

    Blaze left the hospital with his head lowered and his heart heavy after receiving the disheartening report of his foolishness.

    Aside from Henry, who was currently receiving treatment for his partly bruised face, the senator''s case was more serious.

    Although the fall wasn''t deemed to be serious enough to cause a dislocation of the hip joint, it so happened that the senator had once had a hip replacement surgery due to rheumatoid arthritis, some years back.

    Consequently, during the fall, the senator''s hip ball joint came out of its socket again. But this time around, it was accompanied by a minor fracture.

    Due to the severity of the injury and to prevent other complications, the senator was taken for an immediate surgical procedure before he was certified out of danger.

    Sadly, for the next couple of months, he won''t be able to walk again except with the aid of a wheelchair or crutches.

    After leaving the hospital premises, without bothering to check on his wife to know if she was awake, Blaze discharged his chauffeur and climbed behind the steering wheel of his car. He slowly pulled out of the car parking lot and drove off with no particular direction in mind. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Alone on the road with his thoughts suffocating him, Blaze drove for hours, his face etched with despair and his grip on the steering wheel so tight that his knuckles turned white.

    The busy city and traffic passed by in a blur as he navigated through different winding roads that led out of the city and into a lonely route.

    The road stretched ahead, seemingly endless and empty, with no other vehicles or people in sight.

    Aside from the steady rhythm of the engine humming, the rhythmic swish of the tyres on the asphalt, and his heart pounding loudly in his chest, there was complete silence all around him.

    Upon getting to an isolated intersection, he stepped on the brake pedal bringing the car to an abrupt halt. He placed his head on the steering wheel as his whole body trembled in anger like a chihuahua standing on a block of ice.

    Still holding the steering wheel with an iron grip, he banged his forehead severally on it, honking the car horn in the process.

    When he couldn''t take the agony inside the enclosed space anymore, he climbed out of the car, leaving the door open, as he fell on his knees and let out a sickening cry of great despair.

    -

    -

    Back at the hospital, Amelia awoke only to find Eugene seated by her bedside. His head was leaned backwards on the chair and his eyes were closed.

    Amelia could tell he was sleeping and decided not to disturb him. She slowly sat up on her bed and reached forward to pick up her phone from the bedside cabinet when he suddenly opened his eyes, stopping her in the process.

    "You''re awake." His eyes lit up with a mixture of sadness and excitement.

    "I''m sorry, I woke you up. I didn''t want to disturb." Amelia smiled weakly, her body slightly tired from being in one position.

    "It''s fine, I''m here for you," Eugene said standing up. "How do you feel?"

    "Well rested."

    "Do you want me to get you anything like water, food or snacks?"

    "Water will be just fine." Amelia smiled in appreciation as Eugene reached out for a bottle of water and a glass before serving her.

    "You''re such a gentleman." Amelia complimented as she took slow sips of her water.

    "I do my best." Eugene beamed proudly. "How about food?"

    "I think I''m okay for now. I don''t have an appetite." Amelia returned the empty glass to him. She pulled the pillow up leaned back on the bed before turning to face Eugene.

    "How long have I been asleep?"

    Eugene briefly checked the time on his wristwatch. "I would say roughly eight hours."

    "Eight hours!" Amelia''s eyes widened.

    "Yes, the doctor said you needed lots of rest."

    "Oh... What about my father, has he returned home?"

    Eugene''s heart skipped a beat at Amelia''s innocent question.

    "Your dad..." He raised his right hand to scratch his head as he thought of what to say.

    Eugene knew telling Amelia that her dad was currently hospitalized in the ward below would cause a melt on her part or worsen her condition. So he thought of a white lie to tell that could be redeemable later on.

    "Your dad got an urgent call from his office. He left without telling me much but I''m sure he will be sending someone to you."

    "He left without saying a word to you?" Amelia raised a brow in suspicion causing Eugene to fidget a little. "That is unlike my dad. But don''t worry, I''ll call him now." She reached out to pick up her phone when Eugene impulsively stopped her with another statement.

    "But your husband came around."

    "He did!"

    Amelia who was about to pick up her phone paused in her tracks, her eyes flashing with a mixture of happiness and anxiety.

    "Yes."

    "When?"

    "He was here while you were asleep." Eugene lied a little. Even though Blaze had come to the hospital, he never entered her room before he left abruptly without talking to anyone.

    "Where is he now?"

    "He stepped out briefly but he''ll be back soon." Eugene slowly felt comfortable in his lie while praying Amelia would not hate him when she discovered the truth.

    "Did he say anything to you?"

    "No."

    "Did he talk with my dad?"

    "I can''t say for sure because I stepped out to ease myself." Eugene cleared his throat. "Are you sure you don''t want to eat anything?"

    His attempt to change the topic failed as Amelia waved her hand dismissively before firing another question.

    "Was he looking angry or sad?"

    "I can say for sure. You know your husband. He is not the smiling type and it''s difficult to tell when he''s angry or happy." Eugene picked up an apple with trembling hands and bit into it, in an attempt to mask his nervousness as food always calms him down.

    However, his agitation didn''t go unnoticed by Amelia who could tell he was not being completely honest with her. She decided not to ask him any more questions about Blaze as she finally picked up her phone.

    The light in her eyes dimmed a little as she observed there were no missed calls from her husband after her several attempts to call him earlier.

    Pushing her worries to the pit of her stomach, she decided to dial Maria''s number.

    "Who are you calling?" Eugene craned his neck to look at her phone screen

    "Mom," Amelia said calmly without looking up from her phone to see the fright in Eugene''s eyes.

    "Sister-in-law, you know the doctor said you shouldn''t stress yourself, right?"

    "How does calling mom amount to stress?" Amelia looked at him innocently.

    "U...umm...mom doesn''t know that you''re in the hospital." Eugene managed to tell the truth this time around.

    "Oh! Okay, I''ll call my aunt." Amelia shrugged.

    "That sounds like a brilliant idea." Eugene let out a sigh of relief. He quickly used this opportunity to remove the senator''s phone from where he had kept it and excuse himself to call for backup.

    Outside, Amelia''s ward, Eugene dialled Blaze''s number and waited as it rang without him picking up.

    However, when he dialled a second time, Blaze answered the call with a low, "I''m listening."

    "Big bro, where are you? Your wife is awake and is asking me a lot of questions. I can''t continue lying to her. Please come quickly before I shit in my pants."

    "I''m coming." The call instantly disconnected.

 Chapter 223 - 223: Contingency Plan

    Seated opposite the bar stand in the living area of her hotel presidential suite, still cladded in her male disguise suit, Tina drank directly from a bottle of whisky, her hands trembling and her countenance in disarray as she watched a video on her iPad.

    It was a video of Blaze punching the hell out of the legendary and famous blockbusters superstar, Henry Gordon - who also happened to be one of the VIP guests at the GMVC awards night, which was in the next two days.

    "F*ck me!" Tina dropped the bottle of her whisky, her eyes widened like a saucer. She quickly paused the video and picked up a small untraceable phone she recently acquired some days back.

    Punching in a secured number, she dialed the number, holding her breath as she waited for it to connect.

    The call connected in no time and the slightly rude voice of a lady on the other end rapped in her ear.

    "Who is this?"

    "It''s Lady V."

    "I thought we said no calls except it''s urgent."

    "This is urgent!" Tina hissed like a snake, grabbing her bottle of whiskey and taking another gulp before barking into the phone.

    "What the hell happened in that hospital? Weren''t you paid to give me good news?"

    "Good news!" The other lady sneered. "What is your definition of good news? Didn''t you see the video I sent you? Didn''t everything happen the way you wanted it? Your target is currently hospitalized. Her husband took the bait and is raging like a bull. The strangely popular lover had the crap beaten out of him and worst of all, the innocent senator might end up in a wheelchair. Isn''t that good enough for you?"

    "No!" Tina screamed, a vein bulging by the side of her neck. "Henry was not supposed to get involved."

    "No names." The other lady growled.

    "Fine!" Tina hissed. "The actor wasn''t supposed to be in the picture. He is a f*cking celebrity and a movie icon for goodness sake. He is not some washed-up loser. He is supposed to be giving awards in two days. How the hell is he supposed to do that with his face looking like that? Do you have the slightest idea what you''ve done?."

    "Excuse me! Did you..."

    "I paid you to do a simple job." Tina gritted her teeth, cutting the lady off. "How can you f*ck this all up for me. You were supposed to capture the bastard in the picture that was messing with that b*tch. He was supposed to take the fall and not the actor."

    "Are you don''t talking?" The lady from the other end asked in a repressed voice.

    "Don''t get smart with me, you f*cking psycho. I paid you a good amount of money to give me a clean job."

    There was a pause on the other end as if the lady was contemplating what to say. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Yes. You paid me well to do a good job and that is exactly what I did. You instructed me to follow and keep the senator on my radar. You asked me to capture every single thing I saw. I risked my ass going into the hospital posing like a nurse just to get your video. And now our business is concluded."

    "What!" Tina''s jaw dropped.

    "Whoever was in that picture has got absolutely nothing to do with me. But from what I heard during the heated argument between the husband and the lover, it seems the maimed actor is the same man in that picture?"

    "Impossible!" Tina picked up her second phone with a trembling hand and unlocked it with her security pattern. She scrolled over to her gallery and tapped on the picture she forwarded earlier to Blaze and Amelia''s father.

    "I''m looking at the current picture and there is no resemblance between this man and that actor.

    "Aren''t you an actor yourself? I''m sure you are conversant with the word, disguise."

    "No..." Tina shook her head, standing up, tears streaming down her reddened face. She heard a suppressed groan from the other end followed by the revving sound of a car engine.

    "Listen, ma''am, I''ve done what you asked me to do and I have given you proof of my job. However, the actor who got involved in the whole mess is none of my goddamn business. That is entirely your own problem. I just did a profile on the husband of your target and he''s not a man you want to mess with. After the shit that went down in that hospital, I can assure you that there will be blood to pay. I''m currently on my way out of town and I will advise you to do the same. We never met, we never spoke and I do not know who you are. You can keep the balance and don''t ever contact me again."

    The call instantly disconnected, causing Tina''s face to turn beet red with fury and her eyes to shoot invisible flares.

    "Ahhh!" She screamed at the top of her voice and smashed the small phone angrily on the polished marble floor while panting heavily.

    Amelia was supposed to be the only one to take the biggest fall and not her father or Blaze''s currently hospitalized mother, who according to Tina''s source at the general hospital was in a critical state.

    A sudden knock on the door jolted Tina out of her depressing thoughts. She quickly wiped her face and kicked off her shoes before tiptoeing to the door. She listened as a feminine cute voice said,

    "Room service."

    Moving away from the door and mimicking a strong male voice, she said.

    "Check back later, I''m busy."

    "Okay, sir."

    Tina held her breath as she listened to the hotel staff''s retreating steps. She thought briefly and decided this was the right time to activate her contingency plan before things turned sour.

    Hurrying back to the bar stand, she picked up her phone and dial a number.

    "Hello, who is this?" A male voice said.

    "Hi, Freddy. Don''t tell me you do not recognize my voice."

    "Tina."

    "Your one and only."

    "My goodness, I wasn''t expecting your call."

    "Do you want me to hang up?" She slurred sexily.

    "Oh no. Talk to me, I''m all ears."

    A sly grin slowly formed at the corner of Tina''s lips as she slowly took off her wig while taking a seat on one of the double couches.

    "I''ve been thinking about what you said and I''m ready to play ball."

    "Are you serious?"

    Tina scoffed, "Come down to Ivy Bloom Hotel right now and meet me at the emerald presidential suite. Don''t keep me waiting." She ended the call before the man could say anything.

 Chapter 224 - 224: We Are Brothers

    The long drive out of town and away from the chaos in his life felt like a breath of fresh air in Blaze''s lungs. He was no longer looking like a deranged monster with no sense of purpose. His expression was calm even though it was filled with a lot of uncertainties.

    After receiving a call from Eugene, followed by another surprising call from Henry, - telling him that he was no longer mad and pleading with him to come back to hospital for the sake of his wife, - Blaze decided to return to the city.

    The long drive back to the hospital was filled with a lot of insightful thoughts especially after Blaze got a call from Echo - informing him that they had a lead on a possible suspect responsible for the email saga.

    No name had been given to Blaze yet but he trusted in the efficiency of Echo and his team of trackers.

    It was already sundown and darkness had blanketed the sky when Blaze pulled into the hospital parking lot.

    Turning off the car engine, Blaze leaned back his head on the car seat headrest and closed his eyes as the thought of facing Amelia and confessing what he did to her father, felt like a thousand acupuncture needles jabbing slowly at his heart.

    A knock on the side window of the driver''s door forced Blaze to snap his eyes open. He turned his head sideways only to see Henry''s bruised face staring back at him with a creepy smile curling up his bruised lips.

    Taking the car keys out of the ignition and opening the driver''s door, Blaze slowly stepped out of his car as Henry straightened up, still smiling creepily.

    The bright light from the overhead street lamp around the parking lot cast a warm glow on Henry''s bruised face. It illuminated the dark purplish bruises on his cut lips, the neat slanted cut above his right cheek, the bandage above his swollen black left eye and the white bandage holding his broken nose in place.

    Blaze also observed the hand luggage on the floor beside Henry, proof that he had spent his entire day in the hospital since he left the airport.

    "Are you planning to mug me?" Blaze asked, his attempt at humour failing miserably as the guilt of his actions weighed down heavily on his chest.

    "Maybe I should after what you did to my face." Henry''s smile broadened. He could see the guilt clearly written on Blaze''s forehead and he could feel the anguish in his eyes.

    "You look like shit, bro." Henry tried to make light of the awkwardness between them.

    "I look like shit." Blaze laughed between clenched jaw, tears falling from his slightly reddened eyes. "You should see your face."

    "Yeah! The nurses couldn''t stop drooling over me." Henry was moved by his best friend''s tears. The only time he has seen Blaze shed tears was when he lost his father.

    Seeing him do the same now told him that he was a broken man within, trying to act tough.

    "I''m sorry," Blaze said between gritted teeth pushing back his tears. "I messed up big time."

    "Yes, you did." Henry''s gaze turned serious. He placed a hand on Blaze''s shoulder. "Beyond friends, we are like brothers from different mothers. What affects you also affects me. And I will be the last person on Earth to ever betray you in such a manner."

    Blaze nodded, massaging his forehead. "I know. I was just too angry and stupid to see clearly."

    "And if I may add, brainless," Henry said, his smile returning.

    "That too." Blaze removed his hand from his face, his shimmering gaze subtle. "Can you ever forgive me?"

    "Come here..." Henry said embracing Blaze briefly and patting him on the back. "We are brothers. We fight and we make up. This only strengthens our bond. I bear no grudges but I will still punch you in the face when this is all over."

    "No problem."

    They both chuckled, patting each other''s back.

    Henry pulled away from Blaze and stared into his eyes. "I know you''re scared about Mom. But I want to reassure you that Mom is going to survive this. She''s going nowhere. We just have to be strong for her."

    Blaze nodded, "Thanks, man."

    "Also, I need you to make things right with your wife. Don''t lose her over some flimsy scheme, otherwise you might live to regret it. I can boldly vouch for her that she will never cheat on you."

    "Yeah!" Blaze released a sigh, his gaze shifting to the hospital building. "Have you seen her yet?"

    "Looking like this," Henry pointed to his bruised face. "Nah! She''ll freak out."

    Blaze smiled bitterly.

    "What about her father? Does she know anything about his condition?"

    Henry shook his head. "Not yet. She hasn''t been told anything about Mom''s condition either. Even her aunt who has been updated about the state of things, has been very helpful in distracting her. They are all waiting for you. Is better you tell her by yourself. Go now, let me not keep you waiting. I''ll talk to you tomorrow."

    "Okay. You can take my car and stay at the villa." Blaze shoved his car keys into Henry''s hand.

    "Are you sure about it?"

    "Positive." Blaze smiled genuinely.

    "Alright then, see you tomorrow." Henry waited until Blaze had entered the hospital building before leaving.

    Inside the hospital, Amelia had just finished eating the tasty spicy chicken soup she had earlier requested her aunt to get her. She was slowly sipping from a bottle of freshly squeezed pomegranate juice while listening to her aunt''s interesting story of an old friend she encountered recently when a knock on the door made her flinch slightly.

    "Blaze!" Amelia whispered, her eyes staring expectantly at the door while her heart was pounding erratically.

    "I''ll go get it." Eugene, who was also enjoying Judith''s company, stood up to get the door when it was slowly pushed open.

    "Blaze..." Amelia hurriedly climbed down from her bed, grateful that nothing was strapped to her body. She she dropped her juice bottle and sprinted across the room like a woman seeing her husband, who had just returned from the battlefield for the first time. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Judith gave Eugene a nonverbal signal and they both stood up and left the room quietly as Amelia jumped into her husband''s open arms.

    "Oh, Blaze! I''m so sorry." Amelia cried in his arms, her body trembling vigorously as she held unto him tightly.

    "It''s okay." Blaze pressed his lips on the centre of her head, overwhelmed by his own crippling emotions.

    "No, it''s not okay." Amelia pulled away to look into his face. "I haven''t been honest with you. I kept a big secret away from you and you had to find out in the most humiliating way. I know you''re very mad at me."

    Blaze nodded. "I was. I was really mad."

    "Oh baby, I''m so, sorry." Amelia tried to go on her knees but Blaze quickly stopped her. He pulled her back into his arms and held her so close as she poured out her heart to him, wrapping her arms around his waist.

    "I didn''t know when and how it happened. I took my drugs and we were very careful. I was confused when the doctor told me. And I was scared of disappointing you, knowing the conditions of our marriage. But I swear I''ve never cheated on you with any man. You are my first and you will be my last. I could never share my body or my heart with another."

    Blaze felt his chest tighten at Amelia''s last two statements. It dawned on him that he was the same jerk who took her innocence without her permission. How could he have thought that she would cheat on him with another man, talk less of his best friend? How could he have been so blind?

    Pulling Amelia away from himself, he crashed his lips hungrily on hers and kissed her so passionately knowing that he might not get this chance again after confessing what he did mistakingly to her father.

 Chapter 225 - 225: Impulsivity

    The air in the room was thick with anticipation, a palpable tension that made it hard to breathe as Blaze, now seated, held onto Amelia''s hands, his gaze twitching slightly. His heart felt like a lead weight inside his chest as he ransacked his brain, searching for the right words to say.

    It suddenly felt hot around him as if someone had turned on the heater instead of the air conditioner.

    "Blaze..."

    Amelia called softly, feeling a bit apprehensive by the troubled look in his eyes and the beads of sweat now crowding his forehead like someone with the weight of the world on his shoulders.

    "... what''s the matter, sweetheart? You said you wanted to tell me something important. Talk to me. I''m all ears." She freed one of her hands from his firm hold and gently stroked the side of his face.

    Gulping down the lump that had formed in his throat, Blaze inhaled and exhaled to calm his pounding heart.

    "You know I love you, right?" Blaze said, leaning to her gentle touch.

    Amelia''s heart skipped a beat at Blaze''s words. It was such a clich¨¦ statement that men use when they want to break a woman''s heart or reveal something ugly.

    "Yes..." Amelia replied, her calm voice laced with an edge of uncertainty. She smiled feverishly, an air of dread hanging around her heart.

    "And you know I''m not perfect right?"

    "No one is perfect." Amelia blinked twice to push back the tears that were threatening to fall. She was feeling completely overwhelmed with the intensity of the emotions coming from Blaze.

    Blaze blew out air slowly through his parted lips, as his breath became ragged and heavy.

    "I need you to make me a promise first before I say anything."

    "A promise?" Amelia''s brow arched in confusion.

    "Yes." Blaze nodded. "Promise me that no matter what I say, you won''t get over agitated or do anything that would affect your health negatively."

    "Oh, Blaze..." Amelia raised her trembling right hand to her forehead. "...now you''re scaring me. Tell me already. What happened? I can''t take the suspense anymore."

    "Just promise me first that you wouldn''t do anything to hurt yourself and complicate your current state. I won''t forgive myself if anything happens to you." Blaze lifted the back of her left hand to his lips and planted a kiss on it.

    Amelia stared long and hard at him before replying.

    "Okay, I promise."

    "Thanks."

    "So what is this about?"

    "It''s about the events of today." Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Okay," Amelia bit down on her lower lips, fear slowly creeping into her heart like a thorny vine wrapping around a fragile plant.

    "The reason I never took your calls or returned them was because of the email I received while I was having a meeting with my staff earlier today."

    Amelia''s gaze lowered, guilt gnawing on her bones as her mind painted a scary image of the scene and Blaze''s reaction. But Blaze slowly lifted her chin, desperate to look into her eyes as he continued talking.

    "I was so angry and devastated. I didn''t know what to say to you. I didn''t want to face you. I was scared of what I would do."

    "Because you thought I was cheating on you?" Tears slowly trickled down Amelia''s flushed cheeks as Blaze nodded.

    "But you should have known that I would never do such a terrible thing to you after all you have been through. I am not a loose woman, neither am I heartless."

    "I know, baby," Blaze said pulling her into his arms. "I was so stupid and blinded by my jealousy to think that way. I''m really sorry."

    "It''s okay." Amelia pulled away from his choking embrace, patting him on the chest. "Is partly my fault. I should have come clean about the pregnancy no matter what."

    "Yes."

    "Is that what you wanted to say?" Amelia asked, thinking this was the not-so-scary reveal.

    "No," Blaze said, gritting his teeth, his hands resting on his lap, balling into a fist. "It''s what I did while trying to get to the bottom of the truth."

    Amelia''s breath hitched and her hands suddenly turned cold. Her tears instantly seized as she asked in a slightly spooked but stern voice.

    "What did you do?"

    "Something I''m not proud of. Something I wish I could take back." Blaze said, meeting her sharp gaze.

    "What did you do, Blaze?" Amelia thought of the worst possible thing her temperamental husband could do when angry. "Please tell me you didn''t kill someone." Her hands started trembling afresh.

    "No."

    "Oh, thank goodness." Amelia released the breath she didn''t know she was holding.

    "But I did send someone to the hospital," Blaze said, causing Amelia''s eyes to widen.

    "Who?"

    "I''m really sorry, Amelia. I didn''t mean to. It was all a mistake. It happened so fast."

    "Who did you send to the hospital, Blaze?" Amelia grabbed him on the hem of his shirt.

    "Is it Dr Ashley?" Her voice quivered at the thoughts of Blaze harming the poor doctor.

    "No."

    Amelia''s mind worked like a fast-spinning wheel as she pictured all those involved in the email saga. She recalled that Henry was supposed to come into town today and immediately blurted out.

    "Henry!"

    "Him too. But he has been discharged."

    "Oh God..." Amelia exclaimed, abruptly standing up from the bed.

    "Amelia, you made a promise." Blaze also stood up, holding his hands out towards her as she slowly backed away.

    "Tell me, who is the other person?" Amelia cupped her quivering lips with both hands, her whole body trembling.

    "Please."

    "Just tell, me." Amelia''s voice came out in a muffled sound.

    "I''m begging you." Blaze cautiously moved towards her as she suddenly froze, her gaze shifting to the side before flashing back at him as if she just remembered something.

    It finally occurred to Amelia that she hadn''t heard from her father all day either by call or visitation. She remembered how Eugene had acted strangely anytime she made any comment referring to her father. She also recalled how her aunt had been so careful to distract her from thinking about him.

    "Please, tell me it''s not my father." Amelia pleaded, searching Blaze''s eyes for the truth. Her pupils dilated in horror and her mouth opened, forming a perfect hole as Blaze''s gaze dropped.

    "I''m sorry Amelia."

    "My dad!" Amelia came up to him. "Did you hurt my dad?"

    "It was a mistake, I swear."

    Amelia nodded her head vigorously, turning her back on Blaze, a cold shiver running down her spine as she staggered to the wall for support.

    "Amelia!" Blaze followed closely behind her thinking she was about to collapse. But she immediately put her left hand up, stopping him from touching her.

    "Where is he?"

    "Amelia, please, you have got to believe me, it was all an unfortunate accident."

    As those last two words left Blaze''s mouth, Amelia impulsively spun around like a bolt of lightning, her right hand connecting fiercely with Blaze''s cheek.

    Slap!

 Chapter 226 - 226: The Consequences Of Anger

    It is a true saying that the consequences of anger are far more grievous than what caused the anger in the first place.

    Blaze felt as though someone had ripped out his heart and left it under the scorching sun to wither.

    The stinging slap Amelia dealt across his face was nothing compared to watching the level of disgust, bitterness and resentment in her teary eyes. It broke his heart into a tiny million pieces leaving minimal room for repair.

    When he reached out to touch her, she shoved him backwards with all her might, hurling curses at him, her frail frame trembling vigorously.

    "Amy, I''m sorry."

    "You''re sorry!" Amelia screamed in his face, her raging hormones fueling her anger, making her act wildly. "You call hurting my father an unfortunate accident. You are so heartless. I know you hurt him intentionally. You''ve always wanted to do that for a long time because you blame him for the death of your father."

    "No."

    "Yes, you do and now you succeeded in your wicked plan of getting your revenge on him."

    "That''s not true and you know it."

    "I don''t know anything anymore. I don''t understand the man you''ve become. First, you thought I cheated on you after I gave you all of me. And now you''ve hurt my father, knowing fully well how much he means to me. How could you?" Amelia broke down in tears, covering her flustered face with both hands.

    "My love..." Blaze ditched his pride and arrogance aside as he went down on both knees stretching his hand towards Amelia but she slapped his hands when he touched her.

    "Don''t ever call me that." Amelia rebuked him fiercely. "You never loved me. You never truly did. All you ever cared about was yourself and how much I pleased you in bed."

    "No baby. Please don''t talk like that."

    "Let me finish," Amelia yelled at him, ignoring his humble posture and the brokenness in his eyes.

    "It''s partly your fault I kept my pregnancy a secret. God knows that I wanted to tell you as soon as I learned about it. I wanted to tell Mom. I wanted to tell my dad. I wanted to tell everyone around me. But I couldn''t because of the contract I signed. I didn''t want you to see me as someone taking advantage of you. But then I didn''t get myself pregnant. You did. So why does my dad have to suffer for it? Tell me why?" She screamed, punching him on the chest as he wrapped his arms around her thigh looking up pleadingly at her.

    "I''m so sorry Amelia. Please let me make it right. Let me take responsibility for my actions. I''m ready to do anything you want. Just say the word." Blaze begged.

    "Anything?!" Amelia scowled at him.

    "Yes baby, Anything."

    "Let go of me and stand up."

    Blaze did as Amelia instructed, keeping his hands to himself as he noticed the way she was glaring at him with disdain.

    "Where is my father?"

    "He is here in this hospital."

    Amelia bit down on her inner lips, more tears flowing down her face.

    "Where exactly?"

    "Four rooms away from this."

    "Okay." Amelia wiped her flowing tears with the back of her hands. "Take me to him."

    "Are you sure that''s what you want?" Blaze, asked, knowing it would only make things worse.

    "I have never been so sure in my entire life until now," Amelia said spitefully.

    "Okay. Let me take you first to the bathroom to wash your face." Blaze motioned to a closed door at the far end corner of the room.

    "I said take me to my father and stop wasting my time." Amelia sneered.

    "Okay, let''s go."

    When Amelia came out of the room, with Blaze leading the way, Judith and Eugene, quickly approached her, each one of them feeling guilty for not opening up to her.

    "Amy, I''m so sorry for not saying anything about your father. Eugene and Henry begged me not to. They were afraid it would have a negative impact on your health and that of your baby." Judith apologized, clasping both hands together.

    "It''s fine, Aunty." Amelia embraces her aunt briefly while holding back her tears.

    "Me too, sister-in-law. Please forgive me. I didn''t mean to tell you all those lies about your father. Here is his phone. I kept it safely for him after the incident." Eugene handed the mobile device to Amelia who smiled bitterly as she received it while sparing Blaze a brief resentful look.

    "Thank you, Eugene. You''re such a gentleman, unlike some people."

    Eugene smiled feverishly while staring at his cousin whose expression was blank and his body language unreadable.

    "Where are you going, Amelia?" Judith asked slightly worried about Amelia''s pale look.

    "I''m going to see Dad."

    "But he''s currently sleeping. The doctor said he won''t be awake for the next three to four hours." Judith explained in an attempt to dissuade Amelia from hurting herself any further.

    "I don''t mind. I just want to see him." Amelia replied signaling Blaze to lead the way.

    "In that case, I''ll come with you."

    Eugene and Pascal watched all three of them leave for the senator''s room, each man lost in their own troubling thoughts.

    The lingering smell of antiseptic, with an undertone of artificial fragrances, greeted Amelia''s nostrils as she stepped into room 9, where her father was currently bedridden.

    Just as Judith had rightly said, the senator was sleeping peacefully, partially surrounded by the sound of different beeping medical gadgets strapped to his body.

    His face was looking so peaceful and calm compared to the man who was squealing in so much pain during the accidental fall.

    Amelia quietly approached his bedside fresh tears streaming down her face as she took his right hand into hers and whispered.

    "Dad!"

    When she got no response, she carefully adjusted the pillow under his head and pressed her quivering lips on his forehead. She also adjusted the white sheet covering his body and ensured everything around him was working optimally. Turning to her aunt who was standing and watching her speechlessly she said.

    "I''ll stay here with him?"

    "Are you sure sweetheart? You know you need to be resting too."

    "Don''t worry, I''ll be fine." Amelia smiled faintly as she pulled an armless chair close to her father''s bedside and slowly sat down.

    Without looking in Blaze''s direction Amelia said coldly.

    "Mr Anderson, your presence is no longer needed here. Please leave."

    Blaze quietly left the room, knowing any attempt to reason with her right now would only make things worse for him.

    S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 227 - 227: Retribution Call

    Blaze walked out of the senator''s room, his expression dull and lethargic. It was evident in his slow steps, his slumped shoulders and his blank gaze. His heart was heavy with grief and the pain of rejection.

    He couldn''t believe that a day that started so great would end up with so much bitterness and heartache.

    Watching Amelia cry silently beside her father filled him with a sense of loss and hopelessness.

    But the most excruciating part of all was listening to her address him formally in that cold, emotionless and bitter voice as those she already considered him an enemy.

    Blaze didn''t blame Amelia if she saw him as an enemy. He knew he deserved her spite and anger. He should have been able to control his anger and jealousy. He should have known that she would never betray their love for one another.

    Moreover, If someone else had done such a thing to his mother, whether intentionally or accidentally, he wouldn''t have been so merciful as his wife. He would have demanded for that person''s head.

    "Blaze, wait up."

    Blaze heard Judith''s gentle voice call him from behind. He turned around to see her hurrying over to him, her gaze anything but friendly.

    "Judith, I''m so sorry. What happened between the senator and I was an accident and I didn''t mean..."

    Judith put her hand up, her expression stern. "I didn''t come here for your explanation. Although I''m highly disappointed in your actions, I haven''t given up on you just yet. Nevertheless, I won''t stand by and watch any man hurt my late sister''s only child again. She has suffered in the hands of worthless men enough. So whatever is happening between the both of you, you have to fix it before it gets out of hand."

    "Yes, ma''am," Blaze replied, a slightly terrified piercing look in Judith''s eyes.

    Taking a deep breath, Judith''s voice softened a little as she asked. "How is your mother, Eugene told me that she was in a critical state?"

    Blaze''s heart dampened even more as a replied. "She fell into a diabetic coma as a result of some complication in a health challenges." S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Oh dear. I''m so sorry to read that. Does Amelia know?"

    "No, and I don''t intend to tell her right now," Blaze said almost pleadingly.

    "I understand," Judith said, sighing. "Don''t worry. Your mom would be fine. Go to her. I''ll take care of my niece and my brother-in-law. Just make sure you come around even though your wife might not want to see you Let her still see your face and let her see your remorse in your actions and not words."

    "Thank you."

    "I''ll see you later." Judith patted Blaze on the chin slightly before returning to the senator''s room.

    "I have to fix this," Blaze concluded in his heart. "I have to make things right starting with the bastard responsible for all this chaos."

    "Big bro," Eugene called out, as he cautiously approached his cousin, whose head was lowered.

    Blaze looked up, snapping out of his thoughts. "Hey!" He forced a smile as he raised his hand and patted Eugene on the shoulder. "Thanks for being here for my wife."

    "It''s nothing, cousin. She''s family and family should stick together. Moreover, we can''t both leave her to herself, especially in her condition. Mom would never approve of that. One of us has to be here at all times. She needs to know that she''s not alone in this." Eugene said passionately as if Amelia was his wife.

    Blaze nodded, chuckling bitterly. He was impressed by how Eugene turned out to be an awesome young fellow just as Amelia had earlier complimented. "Thanks, Eugene and I''m sorry for getting you tied up in my mess."

    "It''s fine but you owe me big time."

    "Sure, consider anything you want yours."

    "Including the red Ferrari?" Eugene''s eyes widened in anticipation.

    Blaze chuckled knowing how much Eugene had been obsessed with that car ever since he acquired it.

    "Sure. You''ve earned it."

    "Yes!" Eugene threw a fist upward in the air, beaming like a child who just got an early Christmas package. He recalled something and said.

    "I forgot to mention. I called my mother earlier and informed her of your mom''s current state. I hope you don''t mind."

    Blaze''s forehead furrowed. "You shouldn''t have. I don''t want any other member of our family getting involved or worried."

    "I''m sorry I didn''t inform you first. You know how close and inseparable they both are. I figured my mother would find out later on and blame me for not telling her. Moreover, I begged her not to breathe a word about it to anyone and she agreed it was the best thing to do to avoid grandpa and grandma from panicking."

    Blaze released a sigh. "What else did she say."

    "She said she''ll be on the next flight to the city tomorrow morning."

    "Did she ask any questions about my wife?"

    "No, she was more concerned about Mom''s current state. But I''m sure she would ask after Amelia once she arrives. And just say you know, I haven''t said a word about Mom to Amelia. She is still in the dark."

    Blaze let out a sigh, massaging his forehead.

    "It''s best you don''t say a word about mom to her. With her father in the hospital and her looking so stressed, I don''t think it''s safe to add any more burden to her conscience. Let''s wait until both of them are discharged before we say anything."

    "Okay"

    Blaze was about to walk away when Eugene stopped him holding him by the wrist.

    "What about you big bro? Are you all right? Because you don''t look good." Eugene noted.

    "Don''t worry. I''ll be fine. It''s nothing." Blaze dismissed Eugene''s concerns with a wave of his hand.

    "I''m sorry about your fight with sister-in-law. I hope you both work things out because I feel you are both meant for each other."

    Blaze''s smile broadened. He pulled Eugene into his arm and hugged him for the very first time, leaving the latter in a complete daze.

    "Thanks for everything. I''ll see you later." Blaze patted Eugene on the back before leaving the hospital, after giving Pascal new directives.

    Outside the hospital building, Blaze made a brief call and in a few seconds, a sleek black exotic car pulled up in front of him.

    Blaze''s driver, Fred, stepped out of the car and briskly made his way around it to hand over the keys to Blaze.

    "Has Henry arrived at the villa?" Blaze asked, making his way around the car to the driver''s door.

    "Yes sir, Mr Gordon arrived over twenty minutes ago before I left the villa."

    "Okay. Find your way back to the mansion and get another car here in case Eugene or my wife needs anything." Blaze instructed, opening the car door and climbing in.

    "Yes, sir." Fred smiled politely.

    The smooth sound of the car engine revved to life as Blaze twisted the key in the ignition. He stepped his foot on the gas pedal and zoomed off while dialling Echo number.

    The line instantly connected on the first ring.

    "I got your earlier text message. You said you have a package for me?" Blaze said in a cold and sharp voice, his eyes void of emotion and only filled with the quest for retribution on whoever had dared to mess with his family.

    "Yes sir, we picked up some culprits who have some interesting tales to tell."

    "Who are they?" Blaze asked between clenched jaws, driving at a speed of 100 kilometres per hour, as he made his way to one of his storage warehouses, located at the outskirts of the city.

 Chapter 228 - 228: Retribution Call 1

    Blaze listened as Echo gave a detailed report of his findings.

    "One of the culprits is a janitor who works at the city general hospital where your wife was admitted some days back. The other is an elusive spy, who has been on our radar for the past few months. She was caught in the process of fleeing the city after we tracked her down to her secret hideout."

    "What about the person behind the email that was sent to me and the senator?" Blaze asked, speaking through his Bluetooth device, his breathing ragged and his nose flared.

    "Sir, we discovered that the email of the unsuspecting account user was hacked by our amateur target, who left her digital footprint behind, with a lot of breadcrumbs to follow. Also, it might interest you to know that you were being followed from the moment you left the office after getting the call about your mother''s health condition."

    "What!" Blaze''s fist clenched around the steering wheel, steam coming out from both ears like a pressure pot on a burning gas cooker.

    "Our ghost team alerted us to this new development. At first, we thought it was a rival mining company out to spy on you. However, upon closer inspection and with the aid of a tracking listening device we planted discreetly in the stalker''s car, we realized that it was just our same target disguised as a man."

    "Interesting!" A devilish smirk curled up the side of Blaze''s lips as a name flashed across his eyes.

    "She followed you into the hospital after your mom was admitted..." Echo continued with his report and she spoke briefly with the same janitor we have in our custody, asking the latter to spy on your mom''s condition. When you left the general hospital, she still followed you to the private hospital where your wife was admitted. There, she secretly kept in touch with her spy who was disguised as a nurse and filming the scuffle between you and Mr Gordon."

    Blaze was apoplectic with rage at Echo''s last statement. But he didn''t interrupt his report.

    "After you left the hospital she followed you for a while before returning to the hotel where she''s currently having a good time with a male guest. And here is the fun part, sir. We discovered that her male guest is a married man who goes by the name Ferdinand Bell. He also happens to be one of the judges of the GMVC movie award night. We have gained access to her presidential suite and we are currently filming the sexual escapade going on there.

    "Good. Just to satisfy my curiosity. The wretched tramp responsible for everything happening in my home right now is Tina Stevens, right?"

    "Yes sir. Do you want us to pick her up?"

    "No, let her enjoy her last moment of peace. I have other plans for her."

    "Yes sir."

    "But make sure you capture everything she does in that hotel room to the least dirty detail. I want both pictures and explicit video recording."

    "Yes sir."

    "This Ferdinand Bell..." Blaze thought briefly, a wicked idea popping into his head. "...is his family domicile in this City?"

    "No, sir. His wife stays abroad with their four grown-up children."

    "Good. Send her a VIP invitation to the GMVC awards night right now and put a call across to her to ensure she gets the invitation. Then book a first-class flight for her and have her lodge in one of the best hotels in this city when she arrives tomorrow. Inform her that she''s not to contact her husband as it is meant to be a surprise and wait for my further instructions."

    "Yes, sir."

    "I''ll talk to you later. I''m on my way to the warehouse."

    "Okay, sir. Draco and C team will be there to receive you."

    Blaze ended the call by pressing the button on the Bluetooth device in his ear, his jaw clenched so tight and veins bulging on his forehead. He couldn''t believe Tina would go to this extent just to ruin him after his last threatening warning.

    Maybe it was probably time for her to see the hidden monster in him since she had decided to poke her dirty finger in the devil''s right eye. He had been patient with her for old time''s sake. But now, she has bitten more than she could chew.

    This time around, he won''t spare her or her accomplices or anyone who tries to intervene on her behalf.

    -

    -

    Inside an expansive and brilliantly illuminated warehouse - packed with different industrial equipment and drilling machinery ranging in sizes and numbers - two women wearing breathable blindfolds over their heads were both tied to an armless chair backing each other in the centre of the hall.

    Both women were guarded by two fierce-looking men and a slender woman, all dressed in military-like attire, with a permanent scowl on their faces.

    One of the tied women was slightly chubby and advanced in age. While the other was slim, young and probably in her early twenties.

    It was difficult to see the expressions on their faces due to their blindfold. But you could smell the fear oozing from their restrained body.

    The mature woman had already wet herself twice after attempting to lie her way out of her mess during the first interrogation process and got slapped severely.

    The younger lady, on the other hand, was made to vomit the bacon and egg meal she had eaten earlier after she was given a fierce punch to the stomach for holding back the name of her recent employer.

    When Blaze stepped into the warehouse, advancing in slow motion like a Terminator, both fists clenched and his blazing eyes narrowed dangerously, the temperature in the room seemed to drop down by minus ten degrees, making both women shiver. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Take off their blindfolds and remove their restraints," Blaze growled, standing a few feet away from them towering over them like a looming shadow about to swallow them whole. He was unaffected by the smell oozing out from both women as he glared dangerously at them thinking of the best way to teach them a lesson they will never forget in a hurry.

    After his instruction had been carried out, both women were made to face him but none of them dared to look up as they trembled vigorously in their seats.

    A chair was brought forward and Blaze sat on it, crossing one leg over the other, his hands resting on his thigh and his lethal gaze locked on both women.

    "Do either of you know me?" Blaze''s voice, deep and terrifying came out as a growl each time he spoke.

    Both women remained silent, none of them bold enough to cough out a single word or even breath.

    "I will take your silence as a yes. And this also means you both know that I am not a man you want to mess with. Yet, here we are."

    "Sir, I didn''t...."

    Slap!

    The janitor was given a fierce slap on her right cheek for the seventh time by the lady guard for speaking out of term. She cried out, holding her stinging cheek with both her hands, while praying that the scary-looking man would grow a conscience and forgive her.

    Sadly, the last thing Blaze had in his mind was forgiveness. All he had was retribution for his enemies.

    Unperturbed by the janitor''s distressing cry, Blaze gave each of them two minutes to give him reasons why he shouldn''t have either of them buried alive, with scorpions.

    Like singing parrots, both women opened their mouths and exposed all their secret dealings with Tina, leaving no stones unturned.

    However, their confession didn''t go without severe punishment. Both women were mercilessly flogged almost to the point of passing out before they were handed over to the authorities and charged with criminal offences.

 Chapter 229 - 229: A Caring Daughter

    After sitting for more than two hours, watching her father sleep peacefully, fatigue and weariness crept into Amelia''s body forcing her to take a nap. She rested her head on the edge of her father''s bedside and closed her eyes as the beeping heart rate monitor sang her a rhythmic lullaby.

    Judith on the other hand decided to lie down on the plush couch in the room after failing to convince Amelia to sleep in the same spot.

    The room remained peaceful for a few more hours with both women sound asleep until Amelia felt someone''s hands tenderly stroking her hair. She lifted her sleepy face up to see who it was, a bewitching smile stretching across her lips when she met her dad''s loving gaze.

    "Daddy, you are awake." Amelia slowly stood up, pushing her chair backwards, the sound of the chair scraping on the tiled floor jolting Judith out of her slumber.

    "Yes. What are you doing here? Aren''t you supposed to be on your bed resting?" The Senator queried in a weak and tired voice.

    However, instead of responding to her dad''s question, Amelia started crying afresh while apologizing to her father. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Dad I am so sorry for everything."

    "Don''t say that sweetheart. None of these is your fault." The Senator spoke weakly, his voice dry and raspy but laced with tenderness, as he squeezed his daughter''s hand that was holding his.

    "On the contrary, it''s my fault." Amelia wiped her tears with the back of her hand as she leaned down and kissed her father on the forehead. "None of this would have happened if I hadn''t gotten involved with that insane young man. None of this would have happened if I hadn''t asked you to speak with him. I shouldn''t have gotten you involved in my affairs. I didn''t figure Blaze to be so heartless to the point of hurting you."

    "But it was an accident." The Senator said, recalling how Blaze had tried to help him stand up after the fall.

    "No..." Amelia shook her head. "It was intentional and I will never forgive him for this."

    Judith came from behind, her hand reaching for Amelia''s shoulders to console her.

    "Amy, you have to stop hurting yourself over this matter. Please, you need to consider your health and that of your precious child growing in your womb."

    "Exactly." The senator concurred with Judith''s statement, nodding his head. When he tried to push himself up into a sitting position thinking the injury had been taken care of, he let out a deep groan that shook Amelia to the bones.

    "Don''t do that, Daddy," Amelia said in a slightly jittery voice while helping her father lie back down with the help of her aunt.

    "You can''t sit up like that. You are still in the healing process. I already spoke with the doctor and he said you had a little fracture around your hip joint and considering the surgery they did years back it will take almost a week before you start sitting normally."

    "A week!" The Senator''s forehead furrowed. "But we have an urgent meeting with the Senate foreign relations committee by next Tuesday. I can''t miss..."

    The senator choked on his saliva and started coughing.

    "Take it easy, daddy." Amelia signalled her aunt to help her get water.

    When Amelia got the bottle of water with a straw in it, she brought it close to her dad''s lips and said, "Drink this."

    With tears in his eyes from the choking cough, the senator nodded and sipped the water through the straw, while Amelia lifted his head a little supporting it with a pillow.

    "No more talking," Amelia said sternly, blinking her lashes to push back her tears.

    "But..."

    "No but, either." Amelia gave the bottle of water back to her aunt, before focusing on her dad.

    "We will talk about your meeting later and you do not have to be present physically to partake in that meeting. Rest for now. The doctor will check on you in the morning."

    The Senator let out a deep sigh.

    "You need to rest too, my darling. You look really stressed."

    "Don''t worry about me. I''ll be fine. I''ll sit beside your bed and rest my head on it, like before."

    "That is not good enough." The senator shook his head. "You need to rest your back."

    "Why don''t you sleep on that couch?" Judith brought up her earlier suggestion again. "It''s as comfy as a bed. You''ll also be close to your father since you insist on staying in the same room with him."

    "I''m okay..."

    "Just do it for me, please..." The senator begged.

    "What about you, Aunt Judith? Where will you lie down if I take your resting spot."

    "Don''t worry about me. A chair is fine. Moreover, I''m not the one carrying a developing precious child in her womb. You and your baby need rest."

    "Fine!" Amelia rolled her eyes in frustration. "I''ll rest. Now close your eyes Daddy and sleep. If you need anything, I''m just a call away."

    "I love you so much, my precious angel." The senator''s eyes lit up with immense love.

    "I love you too, Daddy." Amelia pressed her lips on her father''s forehead before reluctantly leaving his bedside.

    When Blaze returned to check on his wife after first checking on his mother, it was already 3:00 AM. He met Eugene sleeping on one of the hallway benches in a seated position while Pascal remained vigilant.

    After encouraging his cousin to return home and rest properly, Blaze took Eugene''s spot and kept watch with Pascal.

    -

    -

    Following a nighttime of immense pleasure with her married lover who took her through uncharted waters of sexual fantasies, Tina rose early and quickly cleaned up. She changed into an elegant denim jumpsuit that perfectly accentuated her curves, pairing it with a high-heeled sandal.

    Hiding her hair under a jet black long curly wig, she picked up all her stuff and left the suite, leaving behind her snoring lover sprawled on the messy bed, with a brief note on the nightstand.

    At the hotel lobby receptionist desk, Tina made payment for all her hotel expenses using her lover''s credit card.

    Afterwards, she used the same credit card to pay the car rental service establishment asking them to pick up their vehicle at the hotel.

    Next, she strolled off to a boutique close to the hotel and shopped extravagantly with her lover''s credit card.

    Satisfied with her mission and unaware of the disguised people watching her every movement, she left the boutique, holding some flashy shopping bags, and bordered a taxi home.

 Chapter 230 - 230: Its Over

    Amelia didn''t know for how long she slept or what time it was when she finally opened her eyes. But the sight of some team of doctors and nurses leaving the room told her that, it was already daybreak.

    Suppressing a yawn that almost escaped her mouth, she pushed herself up into a sitting position, rubbing her bleary eyes.

    "Good morning, sweetheart." Judith smiled, walking up to her and hugging her briefly.

    "Good morning Aunt Judy. What time is it?"

    "11:00 AM"

    Amelia''s eyes widened. "I slept that long." She asked standing up, her gaze travelling to her father who was wide awake and staring amusingly at her. She observed the way his bed head had been adjusted to a comfortable angle that made it easy for him to eat and drink comfortably.

    "That''s because you were very tired. But I''m happy you did." The senator said, beaming.

    "Good morning Daddy." Amelia made her over to her father''s bedside and hugged him, before sitting beside him.

    "How are you feeling?"

    "Better and stronger than yesterday." The senator said convincingly, beaming. "How about you?" S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Well rested." Amelia smiled sweetly, stroking her father''s chin. "Have you eaten anything?"

    "Your auntie has already made sure of that."

    Amelia glanced in her aunt''s direction who was busy, sorting out the senator''s clothes that his driver brought earlier.

    "Thanks, Aunt Judy."

    "You''re welcome, darling. Why don''t you go and freshen up so that you can eat something? I''m sure you have some medications to take."

    "I do." Amelia nodded.

    "Then you should do that. I heard the doctor was supposed to discharge you today." The senator noted.

    "Yes. Let me go and freshen up. I''ll be right back in less than an hour." Amelia kissed her father on the cheek before standing up from his bedside.

    "Take your time darling. I''m not going anywhere." The senator teased and Amelia chuckled before leaving the room.

    However, when Amelia stepped out of her father''s room and shut the door behind her, the sight of her husband sitting on one of the hallway benches, made her initial smile evaporate into thin air.

    A consuming fire ignited in her eyes as she met Blaze''s soft and loving gaze. It made anger sizzle out of her, causing both her fists to clench and her eyes to narrow.

    Blaze, who had been waiting an eternity for his wife to come out of that room for the last eight hours without catching a glimpse of sleep, rose to his feet. He slowly approached her, his gaze subtle and apologetic.

    "What are you doing here?" Amelia demanded, her voice laced with venom. "To finish what you started?"

    "No my love, I.."

    "Don''t... you ever call me that again." Amelia spat out, her eyes blazing with raw fire. "You have made it clear to me by your actions that I mean nothing to you. Well, guess what, the feeling is now mutual. You mean nothing to me. So you can get lost for all I care."

    Blaze shuddered, his mouth still hanging open from his uncompleted statement. He couldn''t believe the words coming out of Amelia''s mouth neither could he accept them.

    "You don''t mean that. You are angry and I deserve your anger for what I did. But please, give me one more chance to correct my mistake."

    "That will only happen in your dreams because, this..."Amelia pointed between herself and Blaze. "... And every other thing going on between us is over from the moment you decided to lay your hands on my father."

    "Amelia, it was a mistake."

    "And so was my decision to get involved with you."

    "You can''t be serious." Blaze shook his head in denial. "You don''t mean it."

    "Watch me!" Amelia stormed past him when Blaze quickly cut her by the wrist. But she jerked her hand away and gave him a fierce slap across his face.

    The reverberating sound of the slap resounded in the hallway, attracting the attention of some nurses who were passing by. But none of them stood to watch due to Pascal''s scary glares.

    "Don''t you ever in your miserable life touch me again with those filthy hands," Amelia yelled in his face, her sharp eyes spitting fire.

    Ignoring his trampled pride and the humiliation Amelia was putting him through Blaze, didn''t lose his temper as he kept pleading.

    "If hitting me will atone for my mistake then please do it again and again because I won''t lose you. I love you so much."

    Pascal who was standing not too far away from the couple was stunned by the exchange between them. He was shocked at the way his boss was allowing the madam to manhandle him in public. It was as though they had suddenly switched personalities with Amelia being the fearless dictator and Blaze the obedient puppy.

    ''If this is what it means to be married, I rather stay single.'' Pascal mused under his breath feeling sorry for his boss.

    Amelia on the other hand was dumbfounded by Blaze''s reaction. She was expecting him to lose his temper and do something stupid like he had done in the past. But to her surprise, he was acting the opposite even with people passing by and watching him.

    ''Did he hit his head on a rock or something?'' Amelia shook this feeling away pretending not to be affected by it. She wasn''t going to give him the chance to manipulate her thoughts in his favour again, not after he had shown her his true colour.

    "I can see you''ve lost your mind. But get this straight, Mr Anderson, I don''t need you coming down here pretending like you care because you don''t. I don''t want to see your face because your presence reminds me of the mistakes I''ve made in my life. I''ve had it with men hurting me. Feel free to do whatever you like because I''m done with you. Now get out of my way, I need to use the restroom."

    Blaze''s gaze faltered. He held her angry gaze for a few seconds, searching for something to hold on to. But all he saw was bitterness and extreme anger.

    However, in the midst of that raging storm was a glimmer of hope that all was not lost. He held on tightly to that string of hope as he moved aside, letting her pass through.

    Amelia, who was practically holding her emotions together, hurried away and disappeared into her room slamming the door shut behind her.

    Blaze knew she would be crying behind those doors. He wished he could go in there and comfort her. He thought about leaving as she had requested. But when he recalled Judith''s advice, he sat back on the bench, deciding to wait until Eugene returned.

 Chapter 231 - 231: Sleeping Dead

    More than an hour later, Amelia came out of her room looking refreshed and changed. She wasn''t expecting to see her husband around after the way she humiliated him a while ago. But there he was, seated in the same spot like a persistent and stubborn donkey on a mission.

    He was looking completely drained of life as he sat there, staring blankly at the wall opposite, leaning his head on his fist. His posture was as though he was carrying the entire weight of the world on his shoulder.

    If Amelia didn''t know better, she would say something else was eating her husband up. Surely he wasn''t acting this way because of the things she said to him.

    "Why should I care?" Amelia mused under her breath, stifling every bud of sympathy sprouting in her heart. She hardened her face and walked past him, as though he were a statue, disappearing into her father''s room.

    Blaze''s hollow eyes trailed Amelia until she was out of sight. He released a sigh of frustration while massaging his throbbing forehead. His eyes were heavy and his body was tired.

    But the last thing on his mind was rest. Not with his mother lying lifeless in that hospital on a life support machine or his wife despising him for his foolishness.

    Rest would have to wait.

    The sight of Eugene approaching ahead brought a faint smile to his tired face.

    At least now he can go over to be with his mother while Eugene stays with Amelia.

    -

    -

    After leaving the Villa in a disguised look, Henry stopped by at the city general hospital to check on Blaze and his mother. He didn''t prepare himself for what he was about to see as he gained access to the intensive care unit where Maria was being held, introducing himself as her second son.

    Blaze who had arrived an hour ago was seated beside his mother, holding and stroking her frail hand. His head was lowered and his shoulders were slumped. He only lifted his head briefly when the door to the room was pushed open.

    Henry slowly walked into the room, his mouth hanging open and his eyes slightly widened at the sight of the once bubbly Maria, strapped to different beeping medical gadgets and tubes. She was like a sleeping dead.

    "Hey, bro." Blaze carefully dropped his mom''s hand before standing up to receive his friend.

    "Hey!" Henry shook hands with him briefly, patting him on the shoulder. "I''m so sorry, bro. I didn''t know it was this bad."

    "It''s okay. We can only hope for the best right?" Blaze smiled bitterly, his eyes reddened from silently shed tears.

    "Right."

    They both remained silent for a while watching Maria''s peaceful face, before exiting the room together to the reception room, where they both sat down.

    "How are you holding up?" Henry asked noticing the dark circle under Blaze''s dull eyes and his slightly unkempt look.

    "I managing."

    "You know, you don''t have to do this all by yourself, right? You need some rest too." Henry pointed out.

    "I know. I''ll go home to shower once my aunt arrives, Her flight is currently been delayed."

    "Oh, Okay. But just know that I''m here for you too." Henry reassured him.

    "I know. Thanks, man."

    "By the way, how did he go with Amelia yesterday?"

    "Not good." Blaze let out a sigh of frustration. "She can''t stand me right now."

    "Just give her time, she will come around," Henry said after listening to his friend share his pitiful story.

    "I hope so."

    "Have you told her about your mom?"

    "No." Blaze shook his head, a deep sigh escaping his lips again.

    "Why?" Henry''s forehead furrowed.

    "Because I''ve already stressed her enough by sending her father to the hospital. I don''t want her worrying about my mom''s condition. I want her to focus on her dad''s recovery while I take care of other things."

    "I don''t think it''s wise keeping this away from her. You know how inseparable Amelia is from your mom. You should tell her." Henry insisted.

    "And then what?" Blaze turned to look at Henry, tears gathering at the corner of his eyes. "Have her lose consciousness again. She is very fragile right now. I can''t bear to watch her suffer than she''s already doing. I''ve hurt her too much and I don''t want to add to it."

    "But this is not your fault?" Henry persisted. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "On the contrary, it is." Blaze''s voice quivered with agonizing grief, his face clenching and his muscles as tough as iron. "If I hadn''t been so foolish chasing after my own shadows and falling prey to the trap that b*tch had set for me, my mom wouldn''t have been in the state."

    Henry''s forehead furrowed as a name crossed his mind.

    "Please, don''t tell me this is all of Tina doing."

    "She is the tramp behind the emails." Blaze''s gaze darkened as he imagined all the things he would do to her and everyone she loved for putting his mom in this state.

    "Tina sent the emails to you and Amelia''s father?" Anger slowly coursed through Henry''s vein like an angry serpent, as the sting of Blaze''s earlier punches burned afresh under his skin.

    "She didn''t just send the emails, but she had us filmed while we were fighting. She had me followed and had my wife monitored just for her sick pleasure."

    Henry''s fuming gaze slowly shifted away from Blaze, as the events of the previous day flashed across his eyes, Amelia hospitalize, her father dislocating his hips and fracturing a bone, Blaze punching the hell out of him and now Maria in a coma all because of one person''s meddling.

    "Tina has gone too far. She needs to be taught a lesson." Henry finally spoke up in a vengeful tone.

    "I''m already on it." Blaze''s demeanour turned vicious and apoplectic as he made a solemn vow.

    "I''m going to take everything she loves and values away from her grasp slowly and painfully. I''m going to make her feel hurt like she had never felt in her entire life. When I am done with her she would wish she had never been born."

    "You have my one hundred percent support in this. I think it''s time to put her when she belongs." Henry said, standing up.

    "Are you leaving so soon?" Blaze asked, observing Henry''s vibrating phone.

    "Yes. Your wife called me earlier and she begged me to come down to the hospital to see her."

    "She did?" The anger in Blaze''s eyes suddenly melted and was replaced with warmness and hope.

    "Yes, she''s the one calling again." Henry showed Blaze his phone screen.

    "You saved my wife''s number as, ''My crush''." Blaze''s fist clenched, his eyes blazing afresh.

    "You had better calm that fire in your eyes man." Henry threatened amusingly. "Right now, I''m your best bet at getting your wife back. So you better treat me nicely or else..."

    "I swear, when this is over, I''m going to break your arm." Blaze returned Henry''s threat, the scowl on his face fading.

    "Not after I get back on you for my face." A wicked smirk curled up Henry''s lips.

    "Aren''t you going to pick up the call?" Blaze asked expectantly, hoping to hear Amelia''s soothing voice.

    "No." Henry drawled.

    "What!" Blaze brow knitted together in a scowl.

    "Payback is a b*tch, brother. Get used to it." Henry grinned wickedly as he made his way to the door. "Expect a beautiful package from me in a few hours." He winked before leaving.

 Chapter 232 - 232: GMCV Award Preparation

    [The excitement is building as Dream Light gets ready to roll out the red carpet for the thirty-seventh GMVC award. Comedian, Mario O''Bryan will be this year''s host. As always, the biggest stars from around the globe will be in attendance to celebrate this year''s best movies and actors.]

    The host of a celebrity talk show reported on television, snapping Joanna''s attention from her bestie who was busy with her final dress fitting.

    [The event, which is set to take place tomorrow evening, live, at the prestigious Premier Stars Event hall here in Salvine city has left the city buzzing with who the best overall male and female actors would be. There has been speculation that this year''s female nominees for best actor might either go to Martina Lorenzi in the sci-fi movie, Apocalyptic Reign; Worlds Apart or Tina Stevens in the blockbuster action movie thriller; Irrevocable...]

    "Babe, you are television again." Joanna chirped excitedly, barely able to contain her pride for her bestie and her current fame.

    "Talk about my glamorous life." Tina smiled to herself while admiring her gorgeous look on the tall standing mirror.

    "You look so beautiful and elegant, ma''am." The celebrity stylist affirmed, beaming at her work of creation on Tina''s body.

    "I know." Tina turned to the side, smacking her lips are the way the dress accentuated her curves. "This is to die for."

    "Men are going to lose their heads over you tomorrow evening." Joanna stood up to check out her friend while taking pictures of the beautiful dress.

    "What do you expect? They don''t call me hottie for nothing." Tina''s pride was above the rooftop.

    However, her smile slowly faded as she listened to the female journalist compare her to her archenemy and competition, Martina Lorenzi. How she detested that lady and her ability to sway fans in her favour.

    At the moment, the comments on Instagram and Twitter showed that Martina was gaining more popularity and votes by the second.

    This was the main reason behind her last-minute decision to grace the bed of that old fool. Aside from using him as a pawn in her game, he had earlier assured her of swaying the votes in her favour. And with every dirty thing she had done in that hotel room including allowing the old fool to eat directly from her honey pot, she was certain of winning this year''s award.

    "Do you think this Martina lady will win the award like last year?" Joanna asked, expressing her fears as she noticed the dark look in Tina''s eyes.

    "Not this year. The award is already mine. I have worked so hard for it and no one is going to take it away from me." Tina smirked with an air of confidence that left Joanna wondering how she intended to sway people''s votes.

    "I believe in you." Joanna pushed her fears to the bottom of her stomach as she took her seat. "By the way, are you aware that the elusive handsome billionaire movie genius, Henry Gordon is in town?"

    Bang!

    Those words fell like a hammer on the centre of Tina''s head, knocking off the air in her lungs and sending a cold shiver down her spine. She shuddered causing the stylist to mistakenly poke her with a pin.

    "Ouch!"

    "I''m so sorry ma''am." The stylist quickly apologized.

    "What happened!" Joanna jumped to her feet, ready to lend a helping hand.

    "Be careful with those sharp objects." Tina snapped at her angrily.

    "Did she hurt you?" Joanna assessed her bestie for any signs of injury.

    "Don''t worry, I''m fine. I guess we are done here."

    "Yes ma''am, I''ll take off the dress." The stylist signalled at her girls who were standing around to help her carefully take off Tina''s elaborately accessorized dress without ripping it off.

    Taking back her seat, Joanna repeated her question from earlier.

    "He is?" Tina managed to say while avoiding Joanna''s thrilled gaze.

    "Are you kidding me?" Joanna arched her brow at her bestie in bewilderment. "Girl, what planet have you been living in? Every single lady in the city is talking about him. They said he arrived in the City yesterday on the morning flight. But no one has been fortunate to see him and no one knows the hotel where he is lodged. Can you imagine what it will be like to have such information at your fingertips?"

    "I can''t imagine?" Tina''s eyes twitched in panic as she recalled Henry''s disfigured face from the beating he received at the hands of Blaze. She doubted if Henry would even show up with such a bruised face for the event.

    "I can''t wait to see him tomorrow evening. It would be the best award night ever to steal a glimpse of that handsome face." Joanna said dreamily.

    "Me too." Tina quickly excused herself to use the restroom after the dress had been taken off her.

    -

    -

    Amelia formally got discharged, after the doctor admonished her about the importance of rest, eating right and taking her vitamins. Instead of returning to her father''s room, she decided to take a walk with Eugene outside the hospital facility to clear her mind.

    They both made their way into a family restaurant close to the hospital with Pascal following closely behind them.

    The tantalizing aroma of a blend of different homemade meals greeted Amelia''s nostrils, feeling her with a sense of warmth and hunger. She wasted no time in placing an order after taking a secluded table for four.

    While she waited for her meal to arrive, Amelia decided to dial Henry''s number again.

    This time around, he picked up his call informing her that he was close to the hospital. But she quickly gave him her current location before dropping the call.

    When the food arrived, Amelia immediately dug in taking a spoonful of mashed potato into her mouth.

    Then a sudden thought hit her. She hadn''t spoken to her mother-in-law for the past two days, which was kind of odd.

    "What''s wrong, sister-in-law?" Eugene asked, noticing the frown on her face.

    "It''s weird. I haven''t spoken to Mom and she hasn''t called me either. I should call her."

    Eugene, who was about to take a forkful of spaghetti froze in mid-air.

    S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 233 - 233: Amelias Vow

    Amelia was in the process of picking up her phone to dial Maria''s number when Eugene blurted out.

    "I think Henry is here."

    "He is?"

    Amelia snapped her head backwards only to see a tall and smart-looking young man in plain blue jeans and a white tee shirt paired with a matching face cap and sunglasses walk through the door.

    His head pivoted to the right, scanning the face of the restaurant guest seated in that section before moving to the left where Amelia and the others were seated.

    "Over here." Amelia partially stood up, waving at him. A smile slowly stretched across his lips as he gingerly approached her secluded area.

    "Hello, Amy." Henry made his way around the table, acknowledging Eugene and Pascal briefly as he reached out to hug Amelia, who was now fully on her feet.

    "Still wearing disguises, I see." Amelia teased, her smile broadening as she pulled away from Henry to observe his slightly masked face.

    Aside from the face cap and dark sunshade that concealed the top half of his face, a realistic human hair fake beard and moustache covered his clean-shaven chin.

    Amelia instantly observed the bluish-black healing bruise on the top and bottom left side of his lips. She also noticed the healing bruise on the bridge of his broken nose which slightly extended sideways, disappearing behind his wide square shaped and super dark sunglasses.

    "How about we sit down?" Henry gestured to Amelia''s seat, seeing the frozen and agonizing look in her eyes.

    "Yeah!" Amelia mumbled, crouching back in her seat, her body slightly trembling with guilt and rage. She instantly lost her appetite for the food before her as she watched Henry sit beside her while scanning the silent faces of the two men before him.

    "This place looks cozy and I bet that pasta tastes delicious." Henry eyed the food Eugene was eating.

    "It is. You should try it." Eugene said, slightly relieved that Amelia wasn''t talking about Maria anymore.

    "Henry, can you please take off your face cap and sunglasses? I want to see your face." Amelia pleaded.

    "I don''t think that''s necessary, Amy. Let''s..."

    Henry didn''t get to finish his statement when Amelia cut him off.

    "Pascal, Eugene, can you both please take your meal to another table? I need to speak with Henry alone."

    "Sure thing, sister-in-law."

    "Okay, ma''am."

    Both men did as instructed, taking a table three tables away from where Amelia was seated.

    "It''s just the two of us now. You have nothing to worry about. I chose this secluded table keeping you in mind. Now may I please see what Blaze did to your face."

    "Amelia..."

    "Take it off or I''ll do it myself." Amelia''s stern voice which sounded a lot like Maria''s whenever the latter was angry, gave Henry no room for contemplation. He released a sigh as he slowly took off his face cap and sunglasses.

    "Ah!" A sharp gasp escaped Amelia''s mouth as her heart flung to her chest in horror at Henry''s bruised face.

    "Did Blaze do all of this to you?" She asked, her quivering voice laced with incredulity and anger.

    Henry quickly wore back his face cap and sunglasses, not intending to hurt Amelia any further with his healing bruised face.

    "It was a misunderstanding but we are good."

    "A misunderstanding." Amelia''s eyes widened with fury. "You call that level of violence and heartlessness a misunderstanding? Why are you defending him? You should be mad at him."

    "It''s not entirely his fault, Amy." Henry waved his hand dismissively to the male waiter who approached their table.

    "Then whose fault is it, mine?" Amelia was more furious than ever.

    "Of course not."

    "Yes, it is." Amelia narrowed eyes shot lasers. "He accused me of cheating on him. He accused me of sleeping with you. And now look at what he has done to your face."

    "Amy, I..."

    "He doesn''t deserve your forgiveness, Henry." Amelia didn''t give him any room to speak as she continued expressing her anger. "He doesn''t deserve your sympathy or mine for that matter. A man who behaves like a wild animal should be locked in a cage and left in the zoo. You should sue him for assault. He needs to pay. He needs to know that every action goes with a consequence."

    "Amelia, can you let me talk?" Henry reached out for her clenched fist resting on the table. "Just let me explain first before you jump to a conclusion."

    "I''m listening." Amelia turned her face away, pulling her clenched fist away from Henry''s hold. The corner of her eyes glistened with threatening tears that she refused to let it fall.

    "Have you ever stopped to wonder who sent those emails to your father and your husband?" Henry asked calmly. "Has it even occurred to you that someone out there with a heartless soul went that far to put an obstacle against you and your husband leading to other casualties?"

    Amelia''s heart started pounding vigorously as she turned to look at Henry her eyes widening with both alarm and a hint of vengeance.

    "You know something, don''t you?"

    Henry nodded, a sigh escaping his parted lips.

    "Who?" Amelia bit down on her lower lips, anger coursing through her veins like molten magma. "Who was responsible for the email? Who sent the email to my dad and my... Blaze." She demanded in a vengeful tone, a name coming to her head.

    "If I tell you, will you agree to give my friend a listening ear? Would you forgive him for his mistake just as I have? Would you give him a second chance?"

    Amelia''s face turned crimson red with fury.

    "Just give me a name?" Her voice slowly turned hoarse with an explosive storm raging inside of her.

    "You have to give me your word first that you will at least hear Blaze out."

    "Fine." Amelia spat out between clenched jaw. "Now give me the name."

    "Tina Stevens."

    "Tina?" Amelia''s eyes blazed with a holy fire, as a vicious demon slowly possessed her body.

    "Yes." Henry nodded.

    "How did you know she''s the one?"

    "Because your husband has not slept for the past twenty-four hours, searching for the person behind all of this crisis." S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Amelia''s breathing became heavy, her nose flared and his fiery demeanour apoplectic with rage.

    "It might also interest you to know that while all of this chaos was happening, Tina and her crew were busy filming the entire process," Henry added in an attempt to make Amelia channel her anger to the right source.

    "What!" Amelia pupil''s dilated with horror and indignation.

    Henry nodded his head in response affirming his initial words. "She was probably laughing her ass out as she captured Blaze beating the crap out of me."

    Amelia started panting like a hungry lioness as the words registered in her head.

    "Amy..." Henry was alarmed to see this side of her.

    "She has gone too far. I will make her pay for this." Amelia picked up her phone with trembling hands and dialled Stacy''s number while Henry watched, slightly at a loss for what she was about to do.

    The line connected on the first ring and Amelia asked.

    "Stacy, where are you?"

    "At the restaurant, why?" Stacy''s cheerful voice echoed from the other end of the phone.

    "How fast can you meet me at, My Fungi''s Diner located on the mainland, close to Silva Dabs Hospital?"

    "Umm... Give or take thirty minutes. Are you all right?"

    "No. I''ll hint you on everything along the way. Round up any of the girls you can. We need to go teach someone a lesson."

    Henry''s jaw dropped.

    "Yessss...." Stacy replied gleefully as the call ended.

    "Amy, I don''t think you should confront her. Your husband has other plans for her. Anything you say or do may ruin his perfect plans." Henry pleaded instantly regretting fueling her anger.

    "Don''t worry. I won''t say anything. But I will make sure she feels the full weight of my fury." Amelia vowed.

 Chapter 234 - 234: What Is Going On Here?

    After a busy day of dress fitting, shopping and making all the last-minute preparations against the big day, Tina decided to eat out with her friends and her elder military brother, -who just arrived in town, the same day to attend her huge awards ceremony.

    In an attempt to impress her brother and friends, she selected a VIP restaurant located in the heart of town.

    On her way to the restaurant, she received a call from Kayla asking if they could meet up to discuss something important.

    Without reading any meaning to Kayla''s sudden request to meet up, Tina gave her the address to the restaurant where she''d be dining with her brother.

    This restaurant, graced by only the elite in town, was known for its exceptional services, its rich intercontinental delicacies, its free WiFi networks and its magnificent ambience that left guests spellbound

    Since most of the tables were usually reserved for guests, - who called to book a reservation, - Tina was forced to accept the only round table located in the centre of the restaurant hall.

    The clattering sounds of dishware, the clinking of wine glasses and the gentle hum of excited people conversing in low voices, blended with the soothing jazz music coming from the localized band in the hall.

    Seated around the centralised table in the hall and chatting euphorically amid occasional laughter, wining and dining, Tina and her friends became the centre of attraction.

    Most of the guests in the hall seated close to her table would occasionally still a glimpse of her, smiling in admiration. A few of them who were fans of her movies, politely approached her table and offered to take selfies with her.

    Tina glowed amid the fame and attention, while celebrating her brother for making time to support her dreams.

    "To Kelvin." Tina raised her glass to him prompting others on her table to do the same. "For being the most heroic, patriotic and brave man I have ever met. You are more than one in a million. Cheers, big brother."

    "Cheers!"

    The clinking of wine glasses saturated the air, as Kelvin shook his head, laughing, amused by his younger sister''s never-ending theatrics to attract attention.

    "What so funny?" Tina eyed her brother suspiciously, putting down her glass of wine on the table.

    "Nothing. I was just thinking of how I''ve really missed you." Kelvin, a tall and athletically built young man in his early thirties, with a clean-shaven chin, neatly trimmed dark brown hair and captivating sky blue eyes, said softly.

    "Aww!" Tina beamed.

    "That''s such a cute thing to say." Joanna could barely mask her feelings for Tina''s handsome brother as she ogled shamelessly at him.

    "Hey Jay, eyes off my brother." Tina shot her a distasteful look.

    "How come you never told me you had such a handsome brother?" Jay ignored Tina''s initial remarks as she continued to shamelessly flirt with him.

    "That''s because he is off the market. He is in a pretty serious relationship. So eyes of him." Tina warned, baring her claws.

    "Wow, such a feisty and protective sister. I wouldn''t wanna mess with you." Joanna raised both hands up, causing a ripple of laughter.

    "Speaking of relationships, how did it go with your ex? Are you guys back together?" Kelvin asked, taking a sip of his wine.

    "That one!" Tina scoffed, rolling her eyes. "I''m so done with him. I''ve decided that there are other better men out there."

    Joanna raised her brow in surprise, stunned by her bestie''s words unsure if she heard her correctly. But she didn''t interrupt Tina as she ate her food silently while watching the exchange between brother and sister.

    "That sounds like a perfect idea. I''m happy you''ve finally come to your senses. But try not to mess up a good relationship in the future. Like they say, opportunity comes but once. Only the lucky ones have it twice."

    Tina huffed, sneering at her brother''s statement as she picked up her smartphone which was buzzing on the table.

    "Oh, it''s Kayla." Tina''s eyes brightened as she swiped the receive button to the right. "Hey Kay, are you here already?"

    "Yes, where are you seated?" Kayla asked in a pleasantly captivating tone, leaving Tina beaming from cheeky to cheek.

    "Just walk straight into the restaurant. I''m seated with some friends in an open space located in the middle. Look for the pretty blonde lady in a velvet sequin pink dress."

    "Okay, I''m on my way."

    The call instantly disconnected.

    "Kayla is on her way here?" Joanna asked in a disapproving voice.

    "Yeah," Tina replied nonchalatly, picking up her fork. "She wanted to see me and I asked her to join us."

    "I''m not comfortable with that. She is still friends with Amelia." Joanna expressed her concern looking backwards. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Who is Amelia?" Kelvin asked, noting the look of displeasure on his youngest sister''s face.

    "A cheap tramp, that is what she is." One of the ladies on the table spat out maliciously.

    Kelvin arched his brows in surprise at such ridiculing words.

    "A husband snatcher?" Another of Tina''s friends hissed.

    "A betrayer." Joanna joined in the contemptuous remarks.

    "A nobody, who doesn''t deserve our breath," Tina said between gritted teeth, bitterness and anger, lacing her voice.

    Remy, who was seated in the direction facing the entrance, suddenly froze as his gaze met an angry squad of beautiful women approaching, with Amelia in the middle.

    "Tina, I think that nobody is currently on her way to this table as we speak."

    "Huh!"

    All eyes shifted backwards, following Remy''s gaze.

    "Ah!"

    The sight of Amelia, dressed in a loose-fitting high-end flay gown, with her lush wavy golden brown hair cascading gracefully down her shoulders and a sinister look in her eyes made all the blood drain from Tina''s face. She instantly froze in her seat, eyes widened and jaw-dropping.

    "This is not good." Remy shrank in his seat as he wondered what Tina might have done this time.

    "I knew it was a bad idea to invite one of those witches," Joanna muttered under her breath as she stood up, ready to defend Tina.

    "What''s going on?" Kelvin demanded, turning to look at his sister, who had suddenly gone quiet.

 Chapter 235 - 235: Girls Fight

    "Sir, there''s a problem."

    "A problem?" Blaze''s forehead furrowed at Echo''s words, his phone pressed to his ear. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Yes sir, I think you need to see this. I just sent a live-streaming link to your other phone. I''ll hang on the line and wait for further instructions."

    "Okay."

    Just then, Blaze''s other phone beeped twice, indicating he had just received a new message.

    Picking up the phone from the bedside cabinet, Blaze quietly stood up and exited his mother''s room for the reception room, while opening the link on the phone.

    The last thing Blaze was expecting to see was his wife, whom he presumed was with Henry and her father back at the hospital.

    But to his bewilderment, there she was, slowly making her way through a fancy-looking restaurant, like an Amazonian force of nature, ready to discharge instant justice. Behind her were familiar faces of her friend, whose scrunched and vicious faces spoke volumes of an impending war.

    "What the hell!" Blaze instantly halted in front of the reception room door, his heart frozen solid. "What is she..."

    Blaze''s breath hitched, his eyes widening with unhinged fury as the live-streaming camera shifted to the table up ahead.

    "Where is this place?" Blaze demanded in a harsh tone, quickly making a U-turn and heading straight for the elevator.

    "The Opulent Silk located in..."

    "I know the place." Blaze cut Echo off.

    "Do you want us to intervene, sir?"

    "No. Keep videoing. I''m on my way." Blaze ended the call as he hopped into the elevator pressing the button for the lobby area.

    Just then, another call from Henry entered his phone.

    "What the f*ck did you say to my wife?" Blaze growled dangerously, his pulse thundering and heat rising under his skin like molten lava.

    "Calm down bro. I simply told her what she needed to know." Henry said in his usual calm and cheerful voice as if he couldn''t feel Blaze''s spine-chilling anger.

    "What she needed to know?" Blaze thundered. "Do you have any f*cking idea what you have just done? Do you even know where she is? She''s about to confront Tina for f*ck''s sake. How could you do this to me knowing her condition."

    Ding!

    Blaze didn''t wait for the elevator door to completely open as he bolted out of the door, almost running into a sick patient. He apologized without stopping as he headed outside the building towards the parking lots while listening to Henry''s calm explanation.

    "Relax bro, I know you have eyes everywhere and that is why I''m calling to inform you to stand down. Allow your wife to do her thing. Do not try to interfere in any way or you will jeopardize everything. Just trust her and trust me."

    Blaze reached his car on time but didn''t bother opening the door, his initial ire melting at Henry''s last statement.

    "Where are you currently?"

    "I am inside the restaurant, about to witness your wife deal with your ex. Make sure you remain at the hospital because I''m sending her to you next."

    "What?"

    The call instantly disconnected, leaving Blaze more furious and confused than ever. He contemplated briefly and decided to return to the hospital, after giving Echo new instructions.

    -

    -

    Back at the restaurant...

    "Isn''t that Amelia, the daughter of Senator Shawl and wife of the billionaire chairman Blaze Anderson?"

    "What is she doing here with those angry-looking ladies?"

    "Why is she glaring at Tina Stevens?"

    "I thought Tina posted on her Instagram that they were friends?"

    "This doesn''t look like a friendly reunion..."

    "I''m so capturing this...."

    The distant murmuring of excited guests filtered through the air, buzzing like bees in Amelia''s ear as she finally arrived in front of Tina''s table.

    Some of the guests seated close to Tina''s table could already sniff the trouble in the air.

    They quickly brought out their phones ready to capture as the four angry-looking ladies, standing behind Amelia, took strategic positions around the table like soldiers on the battlefront waiting for their commander''s order.

    "Amelia, you have no..."

    Joanna had barely completed her statement when she felt a hand clasp her shoulder with an iron bone-crunching grip.

    "Ouch!" Joanna cried out in pain, her voice ringing like an alarm bell in Tina''s head, making her tremble even more.

    "Sit down, b*tch and shut that hole in your face." Stacy barked, forcing Joanna back on her seat, with the chair scraping angrily against the marble floor.

    At this point, the restaurant manager and security were alerted and they came running towards the scene. However, when the manager received a strange call, he immediately stopped his men from acting, leaving the feuding guests to settle their differences by themselves.

    "Anyone who tries to interfere will get hurt." Kayla threatened, picking up a knife and fork from the table while giving them a, don''t f*ck with me vibe.

    None of the ladies on the table who were earlier badmouthing Amelia dared to cough or sneeze as they kept their heads lowered, not wanting to get hurt.

    However, Kelvin seeing his sister recoil into her shell while poking him with trembling fingers on his thigh decided to stand up for her in front of the assumed bullies.

    "I do not know who you ladies are or what you want with my sister. But I won''t stand here and watch you harass her. Please leave." Kelvin demanded angrily standing up, hoping to scare the ladies with his sturdy and intimidating look.

    "I will advise you to sit down, Mr fancy pants. We didn''t come here for you." Stacy warned, snarling at him.

    "And if I don''t?" Kelvin demanded in a half-repressed voice.

    At that same moment, Pascal appeared from nowhere, accompanied by Clay and two other hefty-looking men, with bloodthirsty looks in their eyes. All four surrounded the table, giving Kelvin a nonverbal signal to sit down.

    Kelvin flinched slightly, a warning bell ringing in his ear.

    "You were saying?" Amelia came up to Kelvin, fist clenched and gaze as cold as ice, sending a shiver down his spine. It made him weak in the knees as he saw the level of animosity and rage in her eyes which spoke volumes of a wrong deed done against her.

 Chapter 236 - 236: Girls fight 1

    "it will be in your best interest not to interfere. I have no business with you except your vile sister." Amelia cautioned, her voice as soft as silk but deadlier than a venomous snake bite.

    Swallowing his pride, Kelvin slowly sat down, his disappointed gaze shifting to Tina as if asking, "What have you done this time?"

    Amelia slowly moved past Kelvin, her lethal gaze locked on Tina who was about to pee herself out of guilt. She could see Tina''s eyes dating around as if searching for what to do next.

    Tina''s mind was spinning very fast like an automobile wheel as she thought of what to say or do to save herself. She knew she was f*cked up from the moment Kayla stepped into the restaurants with the gang. And since they have decided to involve muscle, shutting down her brother from acting, she decided to play the victim and make them the villain.

    "Amy, how could you say such hurtful words about me? How could you call me vile after everything I''ve done for you and my best friend?" Tina watched us as Amelia slowly picked up two partially filled glasses of red wine on the table, her heart racing on what Amelia intended to do.

    "If something is bothering..." Tina didn''t get to finish her statement as Amelia emptied both glasses of red wine on her newly revamped blonde hair.

    "Cheers to the scum of the century."

    Tina gasped and froze as the red wine, soaked into her hair scalp, streaming down her face, almost blinding her eyes in the process before disappearing into her designer dress.

    "Oh my goodness! What have you done?!" Tina cried out, as she hurriedly picked up the table napkin to wipe her face and her burning eyes.

    But Amelia was not done as she picked up the plate of vegetable salad Tina had eaten earlier and dumped it on her messy wet hair.

    "I think this colour suits a worthless piece of shit like you better. Wouldn''t you agree?" Amelia asked softly, a satisfied smile etched across her lips.

    A deafening silence fell inside the hall, with camera lights flashing from different directions as everyone waited breathlessly for Tina''s reaction.

    But instead of Tina, Kelvin spoke first.

    "Hey, I don''t think my sister deserves this level of heartlessness. This is inhumane and unfair. How could you treat a fellow lady like this?" S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Unfair?!" Amelia spat out between clenched teeth, her breath hot and fiery. "You think what I just did is unfair? Why don''t you ask your nauseating whore of a sister what she has done before jumping to a conclusion?"

    "What?" Kelvin''s glares flashed from Amelia to Tina, who was still picking vegetables out of her hair

    "Lies!" Tina screamed, baring her teeth, her reddened face contoured with rage and extreme bitterness. "How can you accuse me of such a horrible crime when all I have done is help you for the past couple of days when all you did was lie to your friends and even your husband?"

    Wild gasps erupted around the hall, with ridiculing murmurs following suit as Tina, now enraged by Amelia''s action rose to her feet, her hair looking like a poor fluffy white kitten drenched in a messy pool of red water.

    "How dare you come, acting wild and cynical when all I have done is...."

    Before Tina could even complete her statement, a loud, resounding ear-deafening crack caused her face to whip sideways.

    Slap!

    "Ahh!" Tina let a shrill cry of pain, her right hand flying to her stinging cheek. But Amelia didn''t give her any breathing space as she yanked her by the hair and gave her another fiercer slap on the other side of her cheek causing Tina to fall back on her seat.

    "That is enough!" Kelvin roared, rising to his feet. "I won''t stand here and watch you..."

    The remaining words were knocked out of Kelvin''s mouth by an iron fist from his left direction, sending him falling sideways on Joanna, - who let out a yelp of horror before they both crashed on the polished marble floor.

    This action sent a deafening chill through the hall, leaving every guest wondering why the restaurant manager and his security team were doing nothing to intervene.

    Pascal was about to grab Kelvin by the collar and teach him a bitter lesson for challenging his boss''s wife when Amelia''s sharp voice stopped him.

    "That''s enough!"

    "Yes ma''am." Pascal moved away from Kelvin, to stand protectively behind Amelia.

    Turn to the whimpering Tina, the air in the room suddenly turned glacier as Amelia leaned forward, her voice low and deadly.

    "I know what you did and this is far from over. You will hear from me very soon."

    Without sparing Tina or her bruised brother a second glance, Amelia turned to her girls and said,

    "Let''s go."

    "Bye-bye b*tch!" Kayla spat on Tina''s face as she strolled past her, a mocking look in her eyes.

    "I hope you rot in hell, tramp!" Adriana snarled, nudging Tina on the head before joining the others.

    "You will get what is coming, you dick-sucking slut." Nicole hissed, falling behind Amelia.

    As Amelia and her entourage left with their heads held high, no one dared to stop or challenge them. Not even the owner of the restaurant whose attention had been drawn to the incident.

    -

    -

    Within seconds of leaving the restaurant, Amelia''s exchange with Tina went viral, with thousands of views, likes, comments and shares.

    Just as Tina had rightly predicted and played her cards right, over eighty percent of the comments shared were in her favour.

    Most of the videos and pictures uploaded portrayed Tina as the victim and Amelia as the disgruntled wife of the billionaire CEO, Blaze Anderson seeking attention at the expense of an innocent actress.

    Netizens, bloggers, fans of Tina and media critics all had something nasty to say about the way Amelia conducted herself. She and her friends were tagged bullies, with most fans calling for justice on behalf of Tina.

    Meanwhile, at the Stevens manor, the entire scenario was completely different.

    For some weird reasons, Kelvin believed that his younger sister was at fault, for the humiliation they both encountered in public.

    Against his mother''s earnest plea, he demanded that Tina explained why she was being tagged a whore, by her ex fiance''s wife.

 Chapter 237 - 237: Good Friends

    "Amelia, we are all over social media."

    Stacy''s furrowed brows told Amelia that whatever she was looking at or reading on her phone wasn''t good.

    However, Amelia cared less. She already knew this would happen from the moment she stepped into that restaurant.

    "Let me see." Kayla leaned across and collected the phone from Stacy''s hand, anger still surging through her system. "Can you imagine this trash? They are calling us bullies."

    "Seriously!" Nicole''s eyes flared with undiluted rage as she perused through her phone, reading some of the trolling comments on Facebook and Twitter. "This is so unfair. If people knew who that rotten b*tch was, they won''t be this hostile."

    "It was bound to happen? We attacked her first, remember?" Amelia sighed looking out the limo window, watching the busy street pass by in a blur, her mind preoccupied with a lot of things.

    "I''ll make some calls right now for those videos and pictures to be taken down." Adrianna offered, retrieving her phone from her hand back.

    "No, leave it." Amelia peeled her face away from the window, her expression dark and unreadable.

    "Let it trend. Let people see me as the villain. Let them say every nasty thing they want about me. Let that wretch claim her temporal trophy. I promise you all this, it won''t last long. She just made one of her biggest mistakes by interfering in my affair. I will make her come crawling on her knees, begging unless my name is no longer Amelia."

    A tear drop escaped Amelia''s shimmering eyes, igniting Adrianna''s anger.

    "If only you had allowed me to touch that b*tch..." Adrianna fumed, clenching both her fists as if she had Tina''s head in her grasp, "...I would crush her with my bare hands."

    "You don''t even know how I had to restrain myself severally from hitting her." Nicole hissed.

    "Can you even imagine her claiming to be a saint when all she has been doing was trying to push a wedge between Amelia and her husband?" Kayla''s face contoured with anger.

    "You know what, all of this is my fault." Stacy lamented, lowering her head. "None of you saw the way that witch attacked Amelia back at the restroom before that vomiting episode. I saw everything and I knew she was pretending to be nice when she called for help. I should have insisted that she left after she followed us to the hospital. I shouldn''t have allowed her to sit with us in that room."

    "Hey, don''t beat yourself over this, babe." Amelia placed her hand over Stacy''s shoulder and pulled her to herself. "It''s not your fault. It''s nobody''s fault. This was bound to happen. At least now we know better." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Yeah."

    Everyone in the limo sighed.

    "What about your husband? Are you going to forgive him? At least, it''s not his fault. Tina did a very good job at convincing him and your father with those pictures and audio messages." Kayla said pleadingly, while others nodded.

    "Please, let''s not talk about him," Amelia replied harshly, waving her hand dismissively, her expression stern.

    A deafening silence engulfed the car for a few seconds before Nicole''s jovial voice rang out.

    "Girls, our friend just told her she''s going to be a mum and we are yet to celebrate her."

    "Exactly!" Adriana nodded. "This is supposed to be the best news ever."

    "Yeah!"

    "Let me be the first to say, congratulations," Kayla said reaching for Amelia''s hands. "We are super proud of you, soon-to-be mom."

    "Thank you, girls." Amelia''s fury melted into a warm smile.

    "We have to celebrate this amazing news," Stacy suggested.

    "I completely agree. We need to make it extra special for our girl." Kayla chirped happily.

    "We could even shut down this city if we want."

    "I know the perfect place where we can go to."

    "I''m taking care of the food and drink."

    "Every other bill is on me."

    Amelia chuckled, her heart warmed by her friend''s lively chatter and loving company.

    "Ma''am, we have arrived at the hospital." Kayla''s driver announced as the limo came to a halt.

    "Ugh! So soon." Nicole pouted. "Amelia, are you sure we shouldn''t come in and check on your dad?"

    "No girls. He should be resting by now." Amelia glanced over her watch. "Maybe some other time. I''ll give you girls a call."

    "Amy, what about Mr Gordon? When do we get to meet with that handsome tall drink of water?" Adrianna asked as Amelia was about to step out of the limo. She had no idea that Henry was in the tinted SUV behind them.

    "Soon, I''ll set up a meeting as long as you all promise to behave," Amelia warned teasingly.

    "I''m not making any promises!" Nicole raised her hand.

    "Me neither." Stacy high-fived Nicole.

    "Don''t worry, Amy, I''ll make sure they behave. Say hi to your father for me and please, stay away from trouble.." Kayla blew kisses as Amelia stepped out of the car with the driver holding the door.

    "Bye." Amelia stood there and waited until the limo drove off before turning around to look at Henry, who was now standing beside her.

    "I wouldn''t think of messing with you with those girls around."

    "You better not." Amelia mimicked a dangerous face that cracked Henry up. "By the way, thanks for not interfering and keeping your friend out of my way."

    "You''re welcome." Henry smiled, clearing his throat.

    "What is it?" Amelia raised a brow, eyeing Henry suspiciously, as she turned around to head for the hospital building.

    "Amy, before you go to your father I think you need to know something," Henry said stopping her.

    "If it''s about your friend, I don''t want to hear about it," Amelia said sternly.

    "It''s partly about him," Henry said scratching his head.

    "Then I don''t want to hear it." Amelia waved her hand dismissively, walking away.

    "Blaze doesn''t want you to know this because of the mistake he has made. But I think you should because it concerns someone you love so much."

    Henry''s words caused Amelia to freeze, her heart slamming widely against her chest as she slowly turned around to face Henry.

    "Someone I love so much." She asked softly, her slightly alarmed eyes searching Henry''s for an answer.

    Henry nodded.

    "Maria!" Amelia whispered, walking back to Henry, who nodded slowly again.

    "Is something wrong with her?" Amelia grabbed Henry by his shirt collar, her grip tightening and her eyes moist as she could see the sadness that laced Henry''s eyes.

    "How about I take you to her?" Henry, freed his collar from her grasp while motioning at the SUV, behind them.

    "Where is she?" Amelia''s body started trembling.

    "Let''s go into the car and I''ll tell you everything."

 Chapter 238 - 238: Im Here Mom

    By the time the Black tinted SUV arrived at the city general hospital, Amelia''s eyes were already reddened from crying excessively. She was furious with herself for being so insensitive and oblivious to her mother-in-law''s questionable absence.

    She didn''t wait for the car to park properly before hopping out of it and running as fast as her legs could carry her into the hospital.

    "Amelia, wait up." Henry jumped out of the car and chased after her while Pascal and Clay followed closely behind.

    As Amelia ran, tears blinded her vision, her aching heart felt as though it would collapse any second. But she persisted, pushing every fainting syndrome to the pit of her stomach.

    She made her way into the familiar hospital lobby area, Ignoring the surprised and alarmed gazes following her.

    Buzzing side comments, rapped in her ears as she made her way to the elevator, panting and crying silently.

    "Isn''t that the lady trending on social media?"

    "Amelia Anderson?"

    "Yes, she is the same one. She is still wearing the same dress, look..."

    "What is she doing in the hospital?"

    "Did you see her eyes? It seems she is crying."

    "Probably she lost someone?"

    "Who cares? She deserves whatever is happening to her after the way she and her tugs treated that actress."

    "Karma does work fast?"

    "Let''s not jump to conclusions. That actress might not be a saint."

    Henry felt sick to the stomach as he passed by, listening to all those sickening remarks. He was tempted to stop and punch at least one person in the face for their spiteful statement. But his focus was getting to Amelia and ensuring she didn''t faint again to avoid Blaze''s wrath.

    "Please..." Amelia kept pressing the elevator call button repeatedly, wiping her flowing tears with the back of her left hand.

    "Let me." Henry reached her on time and helped her press the elevator button.

    In less than a few seconds, the elevator down slid open.

    Amelia hurried in, followed by Henry and her bodyguards who prevented some nosy patients and visitors from riding with them.

    Henry punched the desired floor number and the door slid shut before it began to ascend.

    "Amelia, you promised me you wouldn''t cry. Please, you need to put yourself together. We can''t risk you having another health crisis." Henry pleaded, putting his hand over her shoulder and consoling her.

    "How come I never realized until now? Why would Blaze and everyone keep such information from me? Even my father? Am I that fragile?" Amelia felt anger surging through her veins.

    "I already explained earlier, Amy. We couldn''t break such information to you in your state. We all knew the impact it would have on you and the baby. Blaze even wanted you and your father to be discharged first before letting you know. He knew this would affect you greatly and he was trying to protect you."

    "How is this protecting me." Amelia bit down on her lower lips to stifle her tears from falling. "I know Maria is not my biological mother but she is more than that to me. What affects her affects me too. How could he not know that?"

    "He knows. But he loves you so much to see you undergo so much hurt."

    Ding!

    The elevator doorbell chimed as it slid open.

    "Amelia..." Henry caught her by the wrist, as she hopped out of the elevator in a hurry.

    "What? Why are you stopping me." Amelia''s forehead furrowed.

    "Please, I don''t mind going on my knees if you want me to."

    The desperation in Henry''s eyes pricked Amelia''s conscience.

    "Go easy on your husband. He is completely broken by his mother''s state and he''s at his most vulnerable point. Show compassion. That is all I ask."

    Amelia smiled bitterly amid tears. She nodded her head and followed behind Henry as the latter led the way.

    A doctor was busy accessing Maria''s reflexes and vital signs while speaking to Blaze when Amelia quietly walked in. Her right hand impulsively cupped her mouth as her gaze fell on Maria looking so pale and lifeless.

    "Ma''am, this is a restricted area. Please wait outside." The young female nurse attending to the doctor said politely, causing Blaze and the doctor to snap their head backwards.

    "Amelia!" Blaze''s eyes widened at the sight of her, his heart which felt dead before, drumming back to life.

    He instantly knew this was all Henry''s doing and he didn''t know whether to get excited or angry at the moment.

    He carefully approached her in two long strides, his hands reaching out for hers which to his surprise, she didn''t reject like before. His eyes which had been gloomy all this while lit up with hope and happiness that he couldn''t quantity.

    "Mr Anderson." The doctor called back his attention to his mother.

    "Yes." Blaze gently led Amelia to his mother''s bedside, his heart pounding real fast.

    The doctor raised his brows quizzically at Amelia as if to say, "She''s not allowed in here."

    "You can continue with your report, doctor. She''s my wife." Blaze explained patiently without picking an offense.

    "Oh... Forgive me Mrs Anderson for my short-sightedness. I''m Dr Bernard the neurosurgeon." He smiled warmly, with a brief nod of his head.

    "Nice to meet you." Amelia managed to say her voice cracking and hoarse.

    "Before you arrived, I was simply carrying out some checks on your mother-in-law due to her spiked heart rate. I believe the reason behind the abnormal heart rate is due to an infection which will the addressed immediately with strong antibiotics. Once the drug has been administered, her heart rate will be normalized. But you can be rest assured that her brain is not affected by this."

    "Thanks, doctor."

    The room went quiet, except for the beeping medical devices, as Blaze and Amelia watched the doctor administer the said medication intravenously to Maria.

    They listened as he gave the nurses on duty several instructions and thanked him again when he was done. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    When it was finally the two of them with no third party to nose around or interfere, Amelia pulled away from Blaze''s suffocating hold, her reddened gaze sharp and cold.

    "How come you never said anything? Why do you think it''s okay to keep such information away from me? Did you seriously think I wouldn''t find out?"

    "I''m sorry, Amy. I didn''t mean to." Blaze tried to touch her but she coldly avoided his touch.

    "Of course you didn''t. You never mean to do any of the things you''ve done. You just do them without any care of how it will affect me or anyone for that matter. All you care about is yourself."

    "I''m sorry." Blaze''s gaze lowered his eyes shifting to his mother''s pale face. His heart aching at the thought of his mother hearing him and Amelia quarrel in her subconscious. When he looked up again to face Amelia, the anger in her eyes had melted and was replaced with something warmer.

    As if she could read his thoughts, she said, "Let''s not fight in front of Mom. She could hear us and I don''t want her to be sad."

    "Okay." A faint smile etched across Blaze''s lips. "Thanks."

    Amelia wiped her flowing tears as she moved over to Maria''s bedside. She tenderly stroked Maria''s hair backwards and kissed her softly on the forehead. Then she took the seat beside Maria''s bed and softly spoke to her while stroking her hand.

    "I''m here mom. I''m not letting you go."

 Chapter 239 - 239: Sweet Aunt Vera

    After Blaze received a call from his aunt, he briefly excused himself from the suffocating silence in the room and left for the airport.

    An hour and thirty minutes later, he returned with his aunt and Eugene only to find Amelia nowhere in sight.

    "Where is your wife? I thought you said she was here?" Vera spared her nephew a quick look before approaching her sister-in-law''s bedside, her heart throbbing at Maria''s depressing state.

    "She was before I left or did she leave?" Blaze pondered, scratching his head. "I guess she must have gone to..."

    Blaze didn''t get to finish his statement, when the door was suddenly pushed open from outside, prompting all three of them to turn backwards.

    "Aunt Vera..." Amelia''s gloomy eyes lit up at the sight of Eugene''s mom. She hurried inside and shut the door quietly behind her, before throwing herself in vera outstretched arm in a warm embrace. "I have missed you."

    "Me too." Vera pulled away, pecking Amelia on either side of her cheek. "I was just asking your husband after you."

    "Oh, I had to use the restroom," Amelia said while acknowledging Eugene, without sparing Blaze a glance.

    "I''m sorry about Maria. Your husband told me everything including what happened to your father."

    "Everything!" Amelia''s eyes widened as she flashed Blaze an incredulous stare.

    "Yes, dear." Vera turned Amelia''s chin to face her. "And on behalf of that foolish young man standing over there and the entire Anderson family, please accept my deepest apology for your father. I can assure you that such irresponsible behaviour will never happen again."

    Amelia didn''t prepare herself for this level of apology. She didn''t even know how to respond to it. All she could do was plaster a believing smile on her face and nod her head, while anger simmered under her skin.

    "Concerning every other thing, we will talk about it later at home. In the meantime, let me be the first member of your husband''s family to officially say, congratulations. I hear you are going to be a mother very soon. Maria would be so proud."

    "Thanks, aunt Vera. You''re so sweet." Amelia eyes glimmered as tears rolled down her cheek. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Hey, no crying is allowed under my watch." Vera brought out her scented white handkerchief and dabbed Amelia''s tears dry before embracing her tenderly. "I''m so proud of you. Thank you for this precious gift."

    Blaze could only watch, guilt crippling his conscience as he recalled the way Vera lashed out furiously at him when he opened up to her. He smiled, seeing the way Amelia moulded into Vera''s motherly embrace, wishing he could steal a moment with her.

    "How are you holding up so far?"

    "I''m trying to keep my head above water."

    "That''s the spirit. Why don''t we sit down." Vera led Amelia to the seat by Maria''s bedside and pulled another chair opposite her.

    "Thanks, aunt."

    Both women sat down while Blaze and Eugene remained standing.

    "H-How was your flight?" Amelia managed to ask, pushing her suffocating thoughts to the pit of her stomach.

    "Delayed and a bit frustrating. But thank goodness I''m finally here." Vera let out a deep sigh as her gaze shifted to Maria. She took Maria''s hand into hers, stroking it tenderly. "She looks so peaceful, almost as if she''s in a deep sleep."

    "Yes," Amelia whispered, her voice laced with grief as she looked at Maria. "We''re all praying for her to wake up soon."

    "Oh, she will," Vera said reassuringly as if she had come with some sought of psychic healing power. "Is just a matter of hours or a few days. She won''t be sleeping that long after she listens to all the juicy gist I have just for her."

    Amelia chuckled knowing how much both women love chatting.

    "I''m sure she will. By the way congratulations on Naomi''s delivery. How is she and the baby."

    "They are both doing great. You should come and visit them."

    "I think I will." Amelia''s eyes brightened as an idea popped into her head. All she needed right now was a getaway from all this chaos in her life.

    Spending time with an amazing family blessed with adorable children sounded like the perfect place to be.

    Vera''s eagle-like eyes scanned Amelia from head to toe before she pointed out.

    "You look so stressed, my darling just like your husband. I think you both should go home and rest. Eugene and I would take it from here."

    "I''m fine. I don''t..."

    "I wasn''t making a request," Vera said sternly, cutting Amelia off. "I will see you both in the morning."

    Amelia sighed, feeling cornered. "Okay."

    "Young man, what are you still doing there moping around?" Vera snapped at Blaze like a military officer. "Come here and help your wife stand up or do you think being pregnant is an easy job?"

    "No ma''am!" Blaze moved briskly to where Amelia was seated while Eugene suppressed a chuckle.

    "Don''t worry, I can stand by myself." Amelia forced a smile on her face while refusing Blaze''s outstretched hand.

    "Let your husband assist you, my dear. He put you in that condition and it is his job to ensure that you are always comfortable. This is the best time to use him as your errand boy. Don''t go easy on him."

    Amelia could feel a setup at work. If she didn''t know better, she would say Vera was trying to fix her relationship since Blaze had told her everything. She decided not to be headstrong and just play along as she slowly accepted Blaze''s hand.

    "Thanks," Blaze whispered, as she gently helped her up as if she was heavily pregnant and couldn''t move.

    "We will see you tomorrow morning Aunt." Blaze beamed in appreciation while Vera gave him a nonverbal signal behind Amelia''s back.

    As Blaze drove them home, he occasionally stole glances at his wife from the rearview mirror. Her arms were crossed and resting protectively over her stomach while her face was staring at the passing neon-lit buildings and trees.

    The street lights casted fleeting shadow on her face and her gaze was completely blank.

    Amelia hadn''t said a single word to him since they left the hospital and the silence was becoming torturing by the second.

    Halfway through the journey home, Blaze could not take the silent treatment anymore.

 Chapter 240 - 240: The Recorded Confession

    "Amy, I said I was sorry for opening up to my aunt. She''s my second mother and I needed someone to talk to."

    "..."

    "Please, talk to me. You can''t remain silent forever. It''s just the two of us here."

    "..."

    "Do you want to go somewhere else? You don''t have to follow me home if you don''t feel like it."

    Amelia blinked severally to push back her tears but didn''t say anything.

    "Do you want me to take you to your father?"

    "..."

    "Your friend''s house?"

    "..."

    Feeling like he was about to explode from frustration and depression, Blaze slowly veered off the four-lane road, taking Amelia by surprise. He pulled over by the side of the road but left the engine running.

    Taking off his seatbelt, while Amelia watched with a hint of fear in her eyes, he turned to face her, tears welling up in his eyes.

    "Please, talk to me," Blaze said in a slightly raised voice, taking her interlocked cold and trembling hands in his. "Your silence is driving me crazy. I can''t...I can''t take it anymore. Just say something. Shout at me if you want to. Curse me. Hit me. Throw all shades of dirt at me but don''t remain silent. It''s killing me."

    Amelia watched quietly as tears slowly slid down his reddened face. She was tempted to raise her hands and wipe it away. But for some reason she couldn''t explain she remained frozen just staring at him, her heart pounding fast.

    Taking in a deep breath to calm himself, Blaze lifted his hand to stroke her flushed cheek.

    "I''m sorry for raising my voice at you."

    A teardrop fell from Amelia''s eye, hitting Blaze''s thumb. But he quickly wiped it away, still holding her hypnotic gaze.

    "Please tell me what you want and I''ll do it right now."

    "Take me home," Amelia whispered.

    "The villa?" Blaze asked calmly.

    Amelia shook her head. "The mansion. I want to sleep in Mom''s room."

    "Okay. Thank you." Blaze raised her cold hand to his lips and planted a warm kiss on it, an action that sent a warn tingling through Amelia''s fingers.

    Buckling back his seat belt, Blaze pulled back the gear level and stepped on the gas pedal heading straight for the mansion.

    When they arrived at the mansion, Amelia slowly made her way up the stairs and into Maria''s bedroom.

    Immediately she stepped foot into the dimly lit room, the lingering scent of Maria''s fruity perfume greeted her nostrils. The comforting warmth in the air enveloped her in a soothing embrace, relaxing her nerves and calming her broken spirit. Her glimmering eyes drank the tranquility in the room as she slowly made her way to the plush and inviting bed.

    Without taking her shoes off, Amelia climbed on the bed and pulled a pillow to her chest cuddling it, as weariness took over.

    After asking the chef to prepare Amelia''s best meal, Blaze stopped by his mother''s bedroom to check on his wife.

    When he knocked lightly on the door without a response he quietly pushed it open, making a minimal creaking sound.

    The sight of Amelia coiled up on the bed, sound asleep while still fully dressed in her outing attire made him sigh. He quietly made his way into the room and towards the bedside.

    Going down on his knees, he carefully removed her shoes without waking her up.

    Next, he disappeared into the bathroom to fix her a warm bath before appearing with his sleeves folded up. He was about to wake Amelia up when his eyes caught sight of a small fancy camera on the nightstand. He observed a folded note under the camera and reached out for it. He unfolded the note and read.

    "From mom to Blaze and Amelia. I have a confession to make. Please, you both should forgive me after listening to my confession on the camera."

    "Confession!" Blaze echoed the word out, unaware that Amelia was now awake and listening to him.

    Turning on the camera with a trembling finger, he accessed the playback function through the recorder''s interface and selected the last video recorded.

    The sight of his mom''s face staring directly at him through the recorded paused video made Blaze''s heart skip a bit. His hands hovered on the play button indecisively for a few seconds, so many scary thoughts crippling his soul.

    "What are you waiting for?"

    Blaze flinched, snapping his head backwards to look at Amelia who was now sitting up on the bed. He was shocked to see her wide awake.

    "I...I thought you were sleeping."

    "I was until your voice woke me up." Amelia''s gaze shifted to the camera recorder he was holding. "Let''s hear what is inside."

    "I don''t know if this is a good idea. How about I listen to it first before sharing it with you just in case it''s unpalatable." Blaze explained patiently.

    "Didn''t the note say it was meant for the both of us?" Amelia asked climbing out of bed and picking the note up from where Blaze left it

    "Yes, it does." Blaze nodded.

    "Then I want to hear it." Amelia patted her hand on the bed, signalling Blaze to sit beside her.

    "Okay, if you insist." Blaze slowly sat beside her, placing the camera recorder in her hand.

    They both held each other''s gaze silently as if giving one another strength for what they were about to hear and see.

    "Are you ready?" Blaze''s forefinger hovers over the play button.

    "Yes." Amelia''s voice was barely above a whisper as her heart kept pounding in her ears.

    Blaze pressed play and Maria''s voice instantly enveloped the stillness in the room.

    "Mom!" Amelia gasped interlocking her right hand with Blaze''s left for strength as she watched Maria writhe in pain while making her confession.

    [Blaze, you are not just a son to me. But you are my husband, my brother, my best friend, my support system, my peace and my joy.

    I know my desire for you to get settled may have pushed you into a temporal and uncommitted relationship. But I''m glad it did because I have never seen two people so perfect for each other.

    You made me the happiest woman alive the day you introduced me to the most amazing and beautiful young woman on earth as your wife.

    I couldn''t have asked for anything more special, more priceless, more adorable or more invaluable than you my daughter, Amelia.

    I consider myself blessed and fortunate to have the two of you in my life as my children. And I don''t think I will survive it, if you too ever split ways, especially because of what I did.

    Like every mother, I''m not perfect. My quest to expand our family and see my grandchildren before I die pushed me into inferring in your relationship.

    I discovered that you two didn''t want to have children and so I stopped that from happening. I knew Amelia was taking contraceptives so I switched it with vitamins hoping for the best...]

    "What!"

    Amelia gasped, her widened reddened tears filled eyes almost popping out of its socket as realization slowly dawned on her.

    It was hard enough watching her mother-in-law groan in so much pain. But listening to her say she was behind the unexplained pregnancy felt like a blow to the chest, knocking her breath away. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Blaze quickly paused the video as Amelia started hyperventilating while holding her chest.

    "Amy, breathe..." He helped her stand up to allow the free flow of air into her lungs while moving her away from the video recorder.

    "Take it slowly, breathe, in and out."

    Amelia followed Blaze''s direction, breathing slowly until the tightness in her chest loosened.

    "Mom knew...."

    "I''m so sorry." Blaze pulled Amelia into his arms, as she wept out her heart, the dilemma behind her pregnancy finally solved.

 Chapter 241 - 241: Heart To Heart Talk

    As the night slowly rolled by, Amelia got to understand and appreciate Maria''s interference in her marriage. She listened as Blaze shared intimate stories with her that he had never told anyone.

    Stories of how he came to be an only child of his parents.

    Stories of how his mother almost lost her life in the process of birthing him- the real reason behind his fears of having kids of his own.

    Stories of how Maria''s dreams of having more children were cut short after a ruptured ectopic second pregnancy that led to an emergency hysterectomy.

    He reaffirmed his love for Amelia, stating that a world with her in his life would destroy him.

    Finally, Blaze promised that he was ready to do whatever it took to earn her complete forgiveness and keep her as his wife forever.

    After listening to all her husband had to say and watching Maria''s confession to the end, Amelia thanked Blaze for his honesty and everything he had ever done for her.

    She empathized with him on his mother''s birth challenges and assured him that she bore no grudges against Maria''s desperate action.

    She apologized for withholding the truth about her pregnancy from him, promising to be more open and honest in the future.

    As regards his plea for them to remain a couple forever, she stated that she needed time to think critically and clear her mind before making any decision.

    She further explained that she didn''t want a long-term relationship born out of sentiment, pressure and regrets.

    She pointed out Blaze''s weaknesses, like his anger, insecurities and lack of trust, emphasizing on the need to work on them.

    She also bared out her anger concerning how Blaze treated her father with resentment, and how this hatred may have led to the unfortunate accident.

    She also stated that if Blaze really wanted a future between them, he must be willing to let go of his past vendetta for her father and treat him the way he would treat his own father if he were alive.

    Concerning her pregnancy, Amelia made known her desire to keep it, after reassuring Blaze that what happened to his mother during her child-birthing process would never happen to her.

    After all was said and done, they both agreed to give each other time to recover while maintaining a cordial relationship as husband and wife.

    By the following morning, Blaze awoke with a newfound determination to make things right.

    First of all, he set the ball rolling concerning his big plans he had for Tina later that evening.

    Next, he made some arrangements with one of the most renowned physiotherapists in the country, to come down to Salvine City on the next available flight.

    After speaking with the senator at length and apologizing for his ill manner behaviour, they both agreed to see and deliberate on a smooth recovery plan.

    Finally, he made some calls and employed the services, of the best gynecologist in town, to ensure his wife''s pregnancy was carefully monitored to avoid any form of complications.

    By the time Amelia got ready and came downstairs to the dining room, a sumptuous breakfast was already served on the dining table just for her.

    The tantalizing aroma of waffles, scrambled egg, raisin toast and beacon whiffed through the air, filling Amelia''s nostrils, and making her stomach growl in excitement

    By the side of her captivatingly garnished meal was a single freshly cut rose flower with a red ribbon tied to the middle of the stalk.

    Underneath the rose was a yellow folded note that instantly caught Amelia''s attention.

    "Good morning, ma''am." The butler greeted with a bow.

    "Good morning, Augusto." Amelia beamed in response, peeling her eyes away from the rose flower.

    "I trust you rested well." The butler pulled out a chair for her to sit on.

    "Yes, I did. Thank you." Amelia gracefully, sat down, her eyes darting around in search of Blaze.

    "Isn''t my husband having breakfast?"

    "I think he already ate something after cooking, ma''am?" Augusto reported.

    "He prepared this?" Amelia''s eyes widened at the tasty meal before her.

    "Yes ma''am."

    "Hmm..." Amelia''s lips curled up in a bewitching smile. "So, where is he now?"

    "He is currently with a visitor in his study."

    ''A visitor?'' Amelia raised a brow, her mind swirling slightly at the thought of who this visitor could be. But the Butler''s next statement put her heart at ease.

    "Mr Anderson said that you should please join him in the study when you''re done eating."

    "Okay. Thanks."

    Before Amelia started eating, she picked up the rose and inhaled the sweet fragrance, letting the petal caress her cheek softly. Then she read the handwritten note, a warm smile framing her flushed cheeks.

    "Good morning, my love. Enjoy your breakfast."

    "Hmm..." Amelia chuckled. "Let''s see how long you''ll be able to continue with this." She inhaled the rose fragrance again before diving into her meal, finishing everything on the plate like a hungry bear.

    After eating, Amelia headed for the mansion study, following behind the butler.

    When they got to the door, she knocked twice and heard Blaze''s deep but sharp voice asking her to come in. She turned the knob and slowly pushed the door open, only to find her husband standing behind his well polished mahogany desk.

    Seated opposite him was a mature-looking woman in a dark blue pants and white long sleeve shirt. Her grayish black hair was nicely trimmed giving her a young and elegant look. Her smiles were endearing and captivating, instantly capturing Amelia''s heart.

    ''Where have I seen this face before?'' Amelia pondered under her breath as she carefully assessed the woman.

    "Good morning, sweetheart." Blaze briskly made his way around the desk to receive Amelia while the mature woman rose to her feet.

    "Good morning," Amelia managed a faint smile as Blaze briefly hugged her before introducing her to the guest in his office.

    "Babe, I want you to meet Doctor Venessa Igar, a renowned and well-experienced..."

    "Gynaecologist." Amelia completed her husband''s statement, cupping her lips, taking him by surprise.

    "You know her?" Blaze asked, masking the excitement in his eyes.

    "Yes."

    "You do look familiar." Dr Vanessa interjected. "But please, forgive me I have a very poor memory." sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I''m Fiona''s daughter. Fiona Wales Shawls." Amelia said excitedly approaching the doctor, tears of joy welling up in the corner of her eyes.

    "Little Amelia!" Dr Vanessa''s eyes widened, her jaws dropping.

    "Yes...yes. Although, I''m not little anymore."

 Chapter 242 - 242: Winning Amelias Heart

    "Oh my goodness! Of course, you are not. You are a fully grown woman." Dr Venessa scanned Amelia from head to toe, tears pulling in her eyes as she recalled the loss of a dear friend.

    "Yes, I''m." Amelia chuckled amid tears.

    "I know this is unprofessional." Dr Vanessa''s eyes shifted to Blaze as if seeking his approval. "But, can I hug you?"

    Blaze give her a curt nod without saying anything.

    "Certainly." Amelia nodded as she took two steps closer.

    Both women embraced each other warmly leaving Blaze slightly lost.

    "I''m so sorry about your mother. I couldn''t bring myself to accept the fact that she left us so early."

    "It''s okay. That is in the past now." Amelia pulled away, wiping her tears with the back of her hand while ushering the doctor back to her seat.

    Blaze stood still for a moment, marvelling at his stroke of luck. He had no idea Amelia would know the doctor when he was busy doing his research earlier. This simply meant a big win for him, at winning his wife''s heart back.

    "So, what brought you here?" Amelia asked after they were both done exchanging pleasantries and catching up on old times.

    "Oh...your husband invited me over. He was just telling me about your pregnancy so far and some of the challenges you have encountered. He wants me to take charge and ensure you have a blissful pregnancy journey. I hope you wouldn''t mind me being your doctor from henceforth."

    "Are you kidding me? Of course not. I wouldn''t have asked for a better choice." Amelia replied beaming, sparing Blaze a brief appreciative glance.

    Blaze''s heart skipped a bit at the insignificant but captivating stare. It rendered him speechless for a few seconds, making him feel like a bird gliding in the wind.

    He just sat there watching the exchange between the doctor and Amelia without interfering while giving himself a pat on the back for a job well done.

    "This is excellent, news." Dr Vanessa clasped her hands excitedly. "That means I''ll be seeing you at my private clinic, tomorrow to have you registered for your antenatal care."

    "Okay! I can''t wait." Amelia''s shimmering eyes glimmered like a child who just received her favourite ice cream.

    "Let me not keep you waiting." Dr Vanessa stood up. "Your husband said you both need to be somewhere this morning."

    "Oh yes. Thank you for coming Dr Vanessa. It was such a pleasure having you in our home." Amelia stood up and embraced her again.

    "The pleasure is all mine."

    "Thanks for honouring my invitation, doctor Venessa. Do have an amazing day."

    "You too, Mr Anderson. Please take care of your wife for me and have an amazing day."

    "I will."

    Amelia walked Doctor Vanessa to the door before shutting it behind her. She turned to face her husband who had already left his desk to join her, her eyes brimming with accusation.

    "First you cook me breakfast, and then you give me a rose with a captivating note. And now this. Are you trying to bribe me, dear husband? Because this isn''t part of what we agreed."

    "No, I''m not trying to bribe you," Blaze said in a smooth silky voice that was dripping with so much affection. "I''m just trying to do what is right for my pregnant wife."

    "By researching about my past and bringing a doctor friend home to persuade me." Amelia raised her brows accusingly at him, heat curling up her spine at the closeness between them.

    "Your past. Why would I want to dig into your past? Shouldn''t I be interested in your present and future?" Blaze replied to her question with a question, the side of his lips curled up in a smirk.

    "Then how did you know that Dr Vanessa was my late mom''s gynecologist," Amelia asked eyeing him.

    "To be honest, I didn''t know. I was just looking for the best gynecologist to attend to my pregnant wife. I made some calls, did my research and everything pointed me to her." Blaze explained while drinking in his wife''s glowing morning beauty, wishing he could lean forward and kiss her.

    "Anyway, thanks. It was really thoughtful of you." Amelia patted him lightly on the chest and quickly retrieved her hand as if she had touched hot coal.

    "You''re welcome."

    "We should get going. Let''s not keep Aunt Vera and Eugene waiting." Amelia quickly turned away, to hide her flushed face.

    Umm...babe, wait." Blaze held her on the wrist. But withdrew his hand when she titled her head backwards, eyeing his firm grip.

    "I''m sorry. I was going to tell you that I called Vera earlier informing her that we would be coming a bit late."

    "Late! Why?" Amelia raised her brow while unconsciously stroking where Blaze had earlier held onto her.

    "I was thinking we should visit your dad first."

    The smile on Amelia''s face slowly faded.

    "I... I don''t think that''s a good idea. I don''t know if my father wants to see you." She turned her face sideways to hide the lingering hurt in her eyes.

    "I spoke to him earlier and he said I could come."

    "You spoke to him?" Amelia''s eyes shut up.

    "Yes."

    "And he said you could come."

    Blaze nodded his head.

    Amelia''s heart started pounding.

    "What do you want with him?" She asked protectively, uncomfortable with the idea.

    "I already apologized to him over the phone for what I did. But I wanted to do it face-to-face. I want to make things right but I can''t do that without your permission."

    "I don''t know." Amelia sighed, massaging her forehead. "Give me a minute while I speak to him over the phone." She excused herself and left the office.

    A few minutes later, she called Blaze over the phone and said she was ready to go.

    The ride down to the hospital was uneventful as Amelia mostly kept to herself, except for a few occasional remarks.

    When they arrived at the senator''s hospital room, they found him in a very jovial mood chatting away freely with a young nurse.

    They all exchanged warm greetings before the nurse excused them after ensuring her patient her taken all his oral medication.

    Amelia and her father spoke for a while while Blaze sat quietly observing the father and daughter, taking note of Amelia''s occasional glance in his direction. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Alright, Blaze comes closer. I want you to sit here..." The senator gestured, pointing at an empty seat by his bedside.

 Chapter 243 - 243: Winning Amelias Heart 1

    "Thank you, senator."

    Blaze humbly approached the Senator''s bedside and sat down, perched on the edge of the chair like someone sitting on hot coal. His arms were resting on his thigh and his heart was drumming loudly in his chest as he met Amelia''s intense gaze.

    It felt as though her eyes were an advanced X-ray machine scanning his deepest thoughts for anything offensive.

    "Senator Shawls, I can''t express how disappointed I have been in myself ever since my last disgraceful act that put you in this state. There is no level of excuse I would give to justify my unruly action. It was immature, pointless and senseless."

    The senator chuckled briefly but didn''t say anything to interrupt Blaze.

    "Saying I''m sorry is not enough for what I did, because it wouldn''t get you back on your feet at the moment. Neither will it take away the pains you''ve been through. Nevertheless...."

    "Let me stop you there." Senator Gregory interrupted Blaze, his eyes beaming with pride and affection.

    "I heard everything you said this morning when we spoke on the phone. So there''s no need to repeat yourself. I have already forgiven you and I bear no grudges."

    "Thank you, sir." A warm appreciative smile etched across Blaze''s lips as his gaze met Amelia''s stunned expression.

    "You have forgiven him?" Amelia snapped her gaze to her doubt lacing her tone.

    "Yes, dear. It was a mistake. To air is human."

    Amelia huffed but didn''t say anything.

    "Owning up to your mistake is always the first step in the right direction." The senator continued, turning this attention back to Blaze. "I know you didn''t intend for the accident that happened. However, these accidents occur for a reason. It opens our eyes to little things we sometimes overlook. It helps us see our mistakes and vulnerabilities. It enlightens us and helps us make better decisions in the future."

    Blaze nodded, agreeing to everything the senator said.

    "In all honesty, I''m happy this accident happened even though I do not find it palatable."

    "Huh!" Amelia furrowed her brows. "What are you trying to say, Daddy?"

    The senator smiled and patted his daughter tenderly on the cheek before explaining.

    "What I''m trying to say is this. Thanks to this unfortunate accident, I got to know that I will be expecting my second grandchild."

    "Oh!" Amelia chuckled, even though she didn''t agree with her father''s statement knowing that Gwen''s child wasn''t his but Matt''s.

    "Also, thanks to the accident, I got to discover that you both were practically strangers to one another when you entered into a loveless contract marriage for a year." The senator pointed out, causing Amelia to lower her gaze in embarrassment.

    Even Blaze felt slightly uncomfortable, especially with the term, loveless.

    "Senator, please accept my sincere apologies concerning this matter. It is true we did enter into this marriage as strangers. But over time, I have grown to love your daughter." Blaze''s hopeful gaze shifted to Amelia. "As a matter of fact, I''m crazily in love with her.

    Blaze watched Amelia turn her flushed face sideways. He smiled as he said.

    "I am hoping that with your blessings, we could correct our mistakes and do things the right way."

    Senator Gregory silently observed the couple before responding.

    "You have my approval to set the records straight as long as it''s what the both of you want. But you must first deal with this issue about your ex and her madness." The senator''s voice became all serious. "I won''t have a mad woman running around and threatening my daughter''s well-being. This has got to stop."

    "I''m already working on that, senator," Blaze replied grimly.

    "You better. And Amelia, I do not approve of your method of confrontation, yesterday. Are you aware of the number of calls I''ve been receiving since that incident? There are better and more civilized ways to deal with such problems."

    "I''m sorry, Dad. I was so angry and I wanted her to feel my pain." Amelia pouted, making Blaze''s fist clench.

    "I perfectly understand. But next time, do not confront such a malicious woman that way. The tables could easily turn around and you will become the victim."

    Amelia nodded, stroking the bed sheet, her heart heavy and dampened.

    "Now, back to the matter of your mother-in-law."

    Amelia lifted her eyes to look at her father. "What about her?" She asked.

    "Well, your husband and I have agreed that it is best if we were both in the same hospital so that we could reduce the stress of the back-and-forth movement."

    "But this is where you''re currently receiving treatment. You can''t just abandon it to start afresh." Amelia countered, her forehead furrowed.

    "I''m not abandoning my treatment to start afresh, dear. I''m simply relocating to the general hospital. I have already spoken to the doctor and he said it was allowed. My medical history will be transferred there too. So you don''t have to be worried. Moreover, I don''t want you moving up and down in your condition just to see either one of us. We are both your parents and I know you love and care for us. Being in the same facility would make things easier and it will give me a chance to also see Maria in person."

    Amelia''s shoulders slumped. "Fine. Since your mind is already made up, I guess there is nothing much for me to say."

    "Of course, you have a say. That is why we haven''t done anything until we got your permission."

    "We?!" Amelia eyed Blaze.

    "Did I say something wrong?" The senator raised an eyebrow.

    "No. It''s fine. You have my approval." Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Thank you." Blaze beamed in appreciation.

    "Thanks for understanding my dear." The senator pulled Amelia closer and kissed her on the head.

    "I''ll go start the arrangement while I give you two some time alone." Blaze slowly stood up, his heart filled with joy at the success recorded so far.

    "It''s alright. Thanks."

    As Amelia watched Blaze exit the room, a captivating smile lingered on her face which didn''t go unnoticed by her father.

    *****

    7:30 PM, same day...

    Outside the imperial Premier Star Event Hall, the air was filled with excitement and anticipation.

    Fans of different movie superstars gathered in their thousands behind either side of the barricades, screaming the names of the celebrity idols in excitement as guests started arriving one by one.

    The jaw-dropping display of elegance, glitz and glam left the fans reeling in euphoria.

    While the continuously flashing camera light made some actors and VIP dignitaries squint as they made their way through the awe-inspiring red carpet.

    However, for some attention-seeking famous beauty queens, this was the best time to showcase their luxurious custom-made shimmering attires, while striking killer poses for the enthusiastic paparazzi.

    When a white limousine appeared in from of the red carpet, everyone held their breath as the professionally looking chauffeur briskly moved around the car to open the rear door.

 Chapter 244 - 244: The Interview

    A handsome-looking man cladded in a sleek black well-fitted tuxedo paired with glistening polished black leather shoes and a luxurious golden wristwatch adorning his wrist, stepped out of the car first.

    "Who is that?."

    "Is he an upcoming actor?"

    "His face doesn''t look familiar. He is probably of VIP guest."

    "He looks like that guy who was punched in the face in that viral video."

    "I don''t think so."

    The deafening murmuring grew as the handsome young man straightened out his jacket, before extending his right hand into the car.

    As the fair slender hand of a lady took the man''s hand, the murmuring seized as if a spell had been cast on everyone. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Immediately the pretty face of the lady with the slander arm came into view, a diehard fan screamed at the top of his voice.

    "It''s Tina Stevens!"

    Instantly almost all the fans, went in a frenzy, screaming, crying and calling out her name.

    If anyone didn''t know who Tina Stevens was, the previous day''s viral video tripled her popularity scale chart by two hundred percent thanks to Amelia''s involvement.

    "Tina we love you..."

    "Tina I''ll die for you..."

    "Tina you are the best actress ever..."

    "Tina, you''re a Saint..."

    "Tina, sign my autograph..."

    "Tina..."

    "Tina..."

    The cry was endless, as Tina gracefully and slowly made her way down the red carpet, holding onto her elder brother''s arm, while waving and smiling at her fans.

    She was looking completely breathtaking in her strapless customize and accessorized luxury red gown with a high thigh slit and a deep V neckline that left little to imagine.

    Her long voluminous wavy blonde hair cascaded stylishly over her shoulder revealing a dazzling dangle pair of intricately designed diamond earrings adorning her earlobe.

    Behind Tina was her faithful assistant Remy and her best friend Joanna, both looking dazzling in their glamorous outfit.

    But the fan seemed to care less about them as the spotlight shone on Tina and her elder brother both looking like a matching couple made in heaven.

    "Miss Tina, you look incredibly gorgeous..." The event host complimented while bringing a microphone close to her lips. "Please tell the fans who you''re wearing."

    Tina could barely contain her excitement as she gave a detailed explanation of her entire outfit from head to toe, wowing the host and all those listening.

    "I can see your brother is here to support you..."

    "Not just my brother." Tina cut the host off. "My parents are also here, including some of my long-time friends. But my deepest regards go to my fans without whom I wouldn''t be here. I love you all."

    The screams from the background were deafening but the Host managed to ask the question that was on everyone''s lips.

    "What do you have to say about yesterday''s event? I heard from a reliable source that you were once friends with Mrs Anderson?"

    "You''re very correct. Amy like I fondly call her has been my best friend ever since I came back to this city."

    Tina maintained a captivating smile in front of the camera even though she was inwardly disgusted by the remark about being friends with Amelia. She knew this question would arise and she had already prepared an amazing reply that would leave fans talking for weeks.

    "Yesterday''s misunderstanding was an unfortunate encounter. My friend Amelia had always been insecure ever since she learnt that I was Blaze Anderson''s first love."

    The host''s eyes widened in shock at this juicy revelation. "Miss Tina, if I heard you correctly, you are telling our viewers and the whole world that you were once the girlfriend of the enigmatic and handsome billionaire chairman of Andex group international, Mr Blaze Anderson."

    "That is very correct," Tina said proudly, her smile broadening at the thought of Amelia watching this interview. "However, we weren''t just boyfriend and girlfriend. We were actually in a serious relationship and he did propose to me. But unfortunately, we had to go our separate ways when I chose my career over our relationship."

    "Do you regret choosing your career over your relationship?" The host asked, marvelling at the pretty lady before.

    "Leaving Blaze was the hardest decision I''ve ever had to make in my entire life. But I do not regret my career path. I''ve always loved acting ever since I was a child and I wasn''t going to give up those dreams for any man."

    "So quickly as we wrap up, what would you like to say to Mrs Anderson, if she was watching this interview."

    "I would simply say..." Tina turned to fully face the camera, her eyes brimming with pride, arrogance and someone else hidden in the background.

    "Amy, there is no need for you to feel insecure about your marriage. I have no interest in your husband like you wrongly accused me. What Blaze and I shared in the past is something you can never understand or destroy. I have left him for you to focus on my career. Please, stop the hating and false accusations. Do away with the bad energy. It''s not good for you, especially in your condition. I bear no grudges against you knowing you were acting purely on your surging hormones. Please stay safe and be strong. I love you."

    Tina almost bit her tongue as she said those last three words.

    "Thank you Miss Tina for honoring us with your presence. I wish you the best of luck in the award presentation."

    "Thank you." Tina proudly made her way into the hall, waving and blowing kisses at her excited fans as they chanted her name.

    However, has statement about Amelia''s speculated condition and her past relationship with Blaze started trending like wildfire.

    Within ten minutes of the interview, it slowly rose to the top ranking chart with millions of likes, and thousands of comments.

    People were calling Tina a goddess of love and forgiveness while trolling Amelia as a frustrated housewife.

    Different questions started popping up, with different netizen giving their own version of an answer.

    "How did Amelia become the wife of Blaze Anderson overnight?"

    "Where is her ex-husband Jerry Morgan?"

    "Where is her step-sister and other members of her family?"

    "Why has she been so secretive of late."

    "Is she feeling insecure because she stole someone''s man?"

    "Is it possible that Blaze Anderson and Tina Stevens were planning to get back together before Amelia''s interference?"

    "What condition was Tina referring to?"

    "Is it possible that Amelia is pregnant for her former husband or current husband?"

 Chapter 245 - 245: Ovation

    The ovation in the air was electrifying with fans screaming the names of their favourite celebs as more guests turned up for the event.

    Rumours were speculating all around that the highly celebrated and famous international movie superstar, Henry Gordon would be arriving any moment.

    Consequently, the tension around the barricades intensified mounting more pressure on security personnel.

    When a sleek black limited edition Roll Royce Phantom pulled over by the red carpet entrance, the crowd went wild thinking it was the anticipated celebrity. They held their breath as the posh-looking chauffeur, climbed out of the car and made his way around the vehicle to the rear door.

    The camera light started flashing aggressively, as the chauffeur slowly opened the door with a polite bow of his head.

    But to everyone''s astonishment, instead of the highly anticipated celebrity, a powerful figure effortlessly stepped out of the car.

    His cold and dangerously intimidating aura sent a wave of chill over the crowd, holding them spellbound for a couple of seconds. He was looking completely breathtaking, and stealthy in an all-black custom-made well-tailored suit, paired with black designer loafers and a golden Rolex wristwatch that glistened under the bright flashing light.

    "Who is that?" A man whispered from the crowd.

    "Shh..." A lady hushed the man, raising a finger to his lips. "Don''t you know the billionaire chairman and CEO of Andex Group international? He is not a man you should mess around with. I hear he could kill a man with the snap of his finger."

    "He is Mr Anderson?!" The first man''s eyes widened in horror as the lady nodded her head.

    "If he''s here, then his infamous villainous wife should also be here and you know what that means." Another lady murmured in a thrilled voice, her eyes brimming with anticipation.

    "A showdown." The second lady rubbed her hands together, grinning from cheek to cheek.

    Blaze gracefully straightened out his suit jacket, a devilishly charming smile etching across his face as he stretched his hand into the car, like a perfect gentleman.

    A hush fell over the crowd as a goddess draped in a show-stopping, sleeveless open-back black dress stepped out of the car, an enchanting smile framing her pretty face.

    Her luscious silky golden brown hair was held in a loose chignon, revealing her slender neck which was adorned with a simple but elegant crystal diamond necklace with matching dangle earrings.

    A wild gasp escaped everyone''s lips as the couple interlocked arms, looking fierce and intimidating like a power couple.

    They both shared a brief intimate kiss before the bewildered crowd, leaving so many jaws dropping and eyes almost popping.

    As if the presence of the enigmatic couple wasn''t enough to suffocate the crowd with excitement, the long-awaited celebrity, stepped out of the same car behind Amelia.

    Rocking a custom-made well tailored red jacket with black lapels that matched his pants, and fun accessories to give him that pop look, Henry stole the breath of all the ladies in the crowd including the men.

    Everyone completely forgot about Amelia being the villainous insecure housewife who bullied the celebrity actress, as Henry took her second free hand and dramatically planted a polite kiss on the back of her hand.

    Instantly, the crowd went wild with excitement; screaming, cheering, chanting words of praise and even carrying out overzealous gestures, like throwing red and white rose flowers to the trio.

    Both gentlemen with the lady in the middle majestically made their way into the hall smiling and waving at the euphoric fans who couldn''t get enough of them.

    ---

    Inside the brilliantly illuminated hall, with aesthetic state-of-the-art decoration that left a lot of guests marvelling, the euphoria in the air was electrifying.

    The event host, Mario O''Bryan and his partner and his partner Kelly May, kept guests laughing their hearts out with their hilarious jokes and comments.

    All seven judges responsible for the compilation of the names of the winning actors and actresses in the various categories of nomination were given the honorary VIP seating spot in the front row.

    Ferdinand was busy chatting away with his fellow judge colleagues, discussing upcoming projects, when Tina walked by with her brother and friends, looking flamboyant and sexy in her killer outfit.

    Ferdinand instantly forgot what he was talking about as his hungry eyes trailed after Tina, ogling at his round ass while unconsciously moistening his lips until his friend snapped him out of his lust with a single word.

    "Celestine!"

    "Why are you calling my w...." Ferdinand instantly froze in his seat, as his gaze met those of his wife glaring at him.

    -

    -

    A few minutes earlier...

    After a day of pampering, shopping and enjoying the best things life could offer, Celestine Bell was over the moon with excitement to see her husband.

    She arrived at the Premium Star event centre in a limousine, courtesy of the five-star hotel and her unknown benefactor who claimed to be an associate of her husband.

    Elegantly donned in a dazzling turquoise blue sequin dinner dress, Celestine was sure to steal Ferdinand''s breath away. She had already made plans for the night after the event to give her darling husband the best night ever.

    When Celestine made her way towards the front row following a steward''s direction, she couldn''t stop smiling to herself. She knew how much her husband loved surprises and this was going to be the best surprise ever.

    Sadly when she finally spotted her husband, he seemed more interested in a young actress who was passing by and minding her own business.

    -

    -

    "Hello Freddy, surprise." Celestine forced a smile that didn''t get beyond her throat while keeping her jealousy in check to avoid creating a scene.

    "C.... Celeste! W...what are you d...doing here, honey? A...aren''t you supposed to be home in Frost Fall with the kids." Ferdinand stuttered, slowly rising to his feet, his heart drumming loudly in his chest.

    "As you can see, I''m not in Frost Fall and the kids are fine. I came all the way here just to surprise you. The least I can get for my efforts should be a hug and a seat instead of these interrogating questions. Wouldn''t you agree, Honey?" Celestine maintained her plastered smile while speaking through gritted teeth.

    "Hey, please can you two sit down or find somewhere else to chat? You are obstructing our view." A chubby-looking lady in over embellished dress with loud makeup complained irritably while gesturing at the couple.

    "I''m very sorry ma''am. Will take our seat." Ferdinand looked down pleadingly to his colleague friend, who smiled knowingly as he stood up and said.

    "Is good to see you, Mrs Bell. You look astonishingly beautiful. You can have my seat."

    "Such a gentleman, thank you, Mr Duncan." Celestine smiled genuinely at her husband''s friend before plopping down on his seat.

    Ferdinand slowly sat down, his hands trembling and beads of sweat gathering on his forehead as he turned to look at his wife.

    "You look..."

    "Save it." Celestine snapped in a low voice as she leaned closer to her husband. "Who is that young lady you are staring at."

    "Which lady..." Ferdinand''s quivering voice betrayed him. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "The one in the red dress with the pretty-looking boobs. The one you couldn''t get your eyes off." Celestine, snarled, knowing her husband''s weaknesses for young girls. "Do you like her? Is she your new catch?"

    "Never, honey," Ferdinand said almost immediately while cursing his ill luck and he foiled plans for the night.

    "I could never betray you again, not after the last time. I made a promise to be faithful to my marital vow and so far, I have kept it. You can trust me."

    "Unfortunately I do not trust you." Celestine hissed, eyeing her husband suspiciously. "And you better not be lying to me, Freddy. Because if I find out that you''re messing around with any of these young actresses again, I will castrate you and shove your balls down your throat."

    Celestine vowed, sealing her promise with a kiss before turning her attention to the hilarious comedian on stage.

    Ferdinand gulped down the lump in his throat, knowing his wife wasn''t the type to joke around. He quickly pushed every thought of Tina out of his mind, while focusing on his wife and praying that she never finds out about his extramarital affair with Tina.

    ---

    Seated in the third row with other A-List celebrity actors and actresses, Tina could barely contain her excitement after learning that the votes for the best female actress, were now in her favour.

    On several occasions, she caught Martina, her rival in the movie industry, sneering disdainfully at her.

    Tina couldn''t care less if Martina''s eyes popped out from eyeing her as long as she got the award for the best female actress. Already, she was getting calls from big movie industries wanting to partner with her and she couldn''t ways to explore those juicy options

    "Babe, have you heard, Harry Gordon is here." Joanna cried out from behind Tina.

    "Impossible!" Tina''s eyes widened in disbelief. "I heard he was not coming."

    "Who told you that?" Joanna raised a brow.

    "I don''t know. But I just heard." Tina rolled her eyes, her heart pounding in her chest as she recalled Henry''s bruised face. She was sure he couldn''t heal completely in two days except he was planning to wear a mask.

    "He is here?" Joanna cried out tilting her head to the back, phone raised in the air ready to capture her idol and crush.

    "Where?" Tina also turned back, her eyes widened in horror. She could see a commotion by the entrance to the hall, as security personnel tried to clear excited guests from the aisle, who were already screaming his name.

 Chapter 246 - 246: Frozen

    Nothing prepared Tina for the sight behind her as she stood up like the rest of the guests, plastering a smile on her face, while craning her neck.

    She was expecting to see a handsome man with healing bruises on his face, that makeup couldn''t conceal. Or a man wearing a mask.

    However, instead of one man, she saw two handsome-looking young men with a pretty lady in their middle, majestically making their way through the entrance amid a loud ovation.

    Lots of people''s hands were in the air, trying to capture this beautiful trio.

    This made it slightly difficult for Tina to catch a glimpse of their faces until they were halfway through the hall

    "Impossible!"

    The world suddenly seemed to stop spinning, as Tina caught a glimpse of the men.

    She recognized Blaze on the spot thanks to his distinctive attractive features that she would kill for. She also recognized Henry even in his luxury designer red sunglasses that partially concealed his healing black eye.

    "Blaze and Henry together! Weren''t they supposed to be enemies after the fight?" Tina queried her panicked thoughts as she almost tripped over while standing on her tippy toes to see the face of the lady in the captivating black dress. But thanks to her protective brother''s reflexes, she was saved from an imminent wardrobe disaster.

    "Oh my goodness! The lady in black is Amelia." Joanna cried out, from behind Tina while zooming in on the pictures she had taken so far.

    "Amelia!" Tina raised her face again to see now that the trio were close to the front row.

    Just then Blaze, who had been acting like his wife''s bodyguard, moved aside revealing the goddess for everyone to see clearly.

    The sight of Amelia, looking ravishing in that black dress, with Blaze''s arm snaked protectively around her waist struck Tina like a bolt of lightning.

    She instantly froze on the spot, her mouth opened and her eyes widened.

    Time seemed to slow down, with all the chanting and screaming fading into the background. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Tina blinked severally, frozen and rooted to a spot. Her breath hitched and her chest tightened as she tried to make sense of the image before her. But none of it made sense.

    None of it felt real. It felt like a dream. A very bad dream that she had to wake up from. She had already taken care of Amelia. Her recent interview was supposed to keep Amelia''s head buried in the sand for a while.

    So how is it possible that she''s here looking at her best? How did she recover so quickly? Wasn''t she supposed to be at home, with her head buried in the pillow, crying her eyes out? Wasn''t Blaze supposed to be mad at her for cheating on him? Wasn''t he supposed to be enemies with Henry for messing around with his wife? Weren''t the couple supposed to be against each other When did they all make up?''

    As if on cue, Amelia sluggishly turned her head to her left side. Her eyes swept across the crowd of beaming faces as if she were searching for someone.

    When her gaze temporarily locked with Tina''s, her lips stretched slightly in a lazy aloof smile.

    Amelia''s taunting gaze lingered just enough for the camera to capture Tina''s paled face before redirecting her attention to her husband and following his lead.

    For an actress who knew how to fit into different roles at every point in time, Tina was completely caught off guard, and on camera moping at the couple.

    Suddenly it felt as if the walls of the hall were caving in on her.

    She closed her eyes and tried to carry out a breathing exercise. But nothing could ease the tightness in her chest.

    She felt breathless as if a violent force of nature had knocked out the air in her lungs. Her hands were shaking. Her body was trembling. Her stomach churned and twisted as if she was about to go all out on the floor.

    "This can''t be happening."

    Tina echoed in her thoughts, her head bursting with little balls of flames that were threatening to consume her whole.

    "Tina..."

    She thought she heard the faint voice of her brother and someone else calling her from a distance.

    "Is she alright?" Tina heard someone else ask.

    "Tina."

    Her brother''s voice became clearer, snapping her out of her excruciating thoughts.

    Then she felt his gentle touch on her hand, forcing her to snap her eyes open.

    When Tina looked around, she observed that aside from the patrolling security personnel, she was the only one still standing.

    Almost every pair of eyes in the hall was staring at her. Some with mockery. Others with concern.

    ''What the hell just happened to me? Did I just freeze in a hall filled with thousands of people?'' Tina was mortified.

    "Sit down, you''re making a scene." Kelvin pulled gently on her wrist, his forehead slightly furrowed. His mobile phone was buzzing and he could tell from the ringtone that it was his parents worrying.

    "Oh...sorry..." Tina quickly plopped down in her seat, her face flustered and her forehead covered with beads of sweat.

    The event host made a light joke about Tina''s aloofness, blaming it on her flamboyant red dress that needed extra attention. This caused a ripple of laughter around the hall.

    Tina was forced to lower her head in shame while causing Amelia and Blaze for putting her in this situation.

    The event of the day slowly kicked off with a brief opening remark given by the executive director of the Movie Academy Awards.

    During the speech presentation, Kelvin decided to interrogate his sister seeing that she hadn''t been herself since the arrival of her ex.

    "Little sis, are you all right?" Kelvin asked observing his sister''s slightly pale look.

    "Yes." Tina nodded, forcing a believing smile on her face.

    "Well, you don''t look good. It seems you have a lot on your mind bothering you. You can talk to me."

    "I said it''s nothing." Tina hissed looking sideways, her heart skipping a beat every now and then.

    "If you don''t want me here I could leave right now." Kelvin threatened, forcing Tina''s face back to him.

    "Fine. You can be so annoying." Tina rolled her eyes as she thought of the perfect lie. "I was having a stomach cramp. But I''m fine now."

 Chapter 247 - 247: The Awards

    "Stomach cramp!" Kelvin chuckled at her reply, seeing that she was lying. "Are you sure it has nothing to do with it..." He leaned closer and whispered. "... your ex."

    "What!" Don''t be ridiculous!" Tina sneered gritting her teeth, while stealing furtive glances at the couple in front. "I told you before, I am way over him. He''s already married and I don''t date married men. Please let''s drop this topic and focus on the show. You''re ruining my moment."

    Kelvin sighed and shrugged. "Okay, if you say so. But make sure you don''t create any more dramatic scenes. I won''t hang around for such."

    "Whatever!"

    Tina rolled her eyes, shifting her attention to the stage where a musical artist was already performing.

    She could barely focus or vibe to the pop music which had most guest shaking and nodding their head. She wasn''t even interested in anything Joanna or her other friends had to say.

    Her mind was a wreck filled with poison and Malice. Her heart felt like a desert wasteland tormented by Amelia''s scorching laughter and smiles. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    If only looks could kill, Amelia would be dead by now.

    Turning to her phone for comfort, Tina opened her Instagram account, hoping to see her pictures and interview still trending.

    But to her greatest dismay, instead of her pictures and videos, Amelia''s repulsive face was everywhere.

    Like a wildfire spreading through a forest, pictures of Amelia''s intimate posture with her husband and his best friend dominated the internet space.

    No one seemed to remember that some few hours ago, the same Amelia was tagged the insecure and disgruntled housewife who assaulted a top actress.

    Rather they saw her as a beauty goddess capable of swaying the coldest of hearts.

    Within the twinkle of an eye, she became the number one trending topic after appearing in a matching outfit with her husband and the movie legend Superstar who introduced her as his best friend and on a lighter note his first crush.

    This post was followed by millions of likes and comments, all idolizing Amelia as a keeper.

    When Tina searched for her previously trending interview, it was nowhere to be found. Someone had taken it down on all platforms, alongside other videos that painted Amelia in a bad light.

    Tina didn''t have to ask who, knowing how powerful and persuasive Blaze could be. She gritted her teeth, the fleeting thought of smashing her phone on the floor crossing her mind. But seeing that she was in public, she calmly inhaled and put her phone aside, focusing her full attention on the victory ahead.

    Following different musical artists'' performances and comedy skits, it was finally time for the first award presentation.

    The names of the nominees for this category were displayed on the huge backdrop projected screen, with dramatic music playing in the background that kept the audience in suspense.

    "For the best animated short film, we would like to call on Mr Williams to come up on stage and present the award..." The event host announced.

    The atmosphere in the hall was shrouded with anticipation and euphoria as the invited dignitary climbed up the stage and received the envelope from the auditing firm.

    He slowly opened the envelope while making funny comments to ease the tension in the room. As he brought out the slip containing the name of the winner, a smile spread across his face

    "And the winner is..." The light in the hall was dimmed.

    All the nominees for that particular category had their fingers crossed, with eyes raised and staring at the massive backdrop, for the winning film to be projected.

    "Pinito, the waltzing cow!" Mr Williams announced in a thrilled voice. "Congratulation"

    A shrill of euphoria rose in the air as the winning producer of the animated movie, hurried out of his seat towards the stage while the crowd cheered him on. He was closely accompanied by his wife, the cast and crew of that movie, to receive the award.

    Tina instantly forgot about Blaze and Amelia as her heart started racing with every award category called out one by one.

    However, when Blaze and Amelia were called out to present the award for the best costume design, Tina felt as though her heart was about to stop.

    She listened in agony as Blaze praised his wife before the entire audience, earning her more popularity than the awardee.

    Afterwards, Henry was called next on stage to present the award to the overall best male actor in a movie series.

    When Henry climbed on stage, the crowd went while with excitement thanks to his comical nature. He didn''t fail to crack the audience up when the event host made a funny remark of his bruised face.

    "As an actor, the key to success is learning to improvise when the director tells you to make it look real. Take, for example, getting punched in the face for crushing on your best friend''s wife. What do you think would happen next?" Henry''s gaze flickered through the crowd as if he was waiting for a response.

    But before the event host could come up with a reply, Henry said.

    "You get heavily paid and receive a peck on the cheek from your best friend''s wife. Your fairy tale comes to pass and everyone wins."

    Another ripple of laughter erupted in the hall before Henry finally announced the winner of that category.

    "And finally for the category we have all been waiting for...." The event host drawled, his gaze sweeping through the crowd until it singled out Tina and Martina. "For the overall best female actor in a movie series. The nominees are; Martina Lorenzi in the Sci-Fi movie, Apocalyptic Reign; Worlds Apart and Tina Stevens in the Blockbuster action movie thriller, Irrevocable."

    The loud cheering in the hall was amplified as different factions of both nominees chanted their favourite actor''s name.

    "To present this award, we call on our VIP guest all the way from Frost Fall, Mrs Celestine Bell."

    "Ah!" Celestine, who was busy chatting away with her husband, minding her own business, gasped in shock when she heard her name. She never dreamt that she would one day be honored with such a rare privilege.

    "Mrs Celestine Bell, please come up to the stage to present the award." The event host repeated as Celestine''s gaze darted from her husband to the stage, her eyes beaming with excitement.

    "Go ahead, honey. I''m so proud of you." Ferdinand applauded his wife even though his heart was skipping at the thought of his wife and side chick on the same stage.

 Chapter 248 - 248: The Raw Exchange

    The tension in the hall was palpable and suffocating as Mrs Celestina Bell slowly climbed up the stage escorted by two organizers of the event.

    People were cheering and chanting loudly, almost drowning her tiny voice as she spoke into the microphone.

    "Hello everyone." Celestine cleared her trembling voice away from the microphone, her brimming eyes locked on her husband for support. "Is an honour for me to be standing on this magnificent auditorium to present the awards to the overall best female actress in a movie series. But before I do that, please I''d like to crave your indulgence to shout out to my amazing children all the way in Frost Fall."

    The clapping and cheering intensified as Celestine called all her children''s names one by one.

    "Such lovely names for her children. It''s such a pity their father is a scumbag." Amelia hissed, a frown etching across her face as she pictured the horror on the woman''s face when the video was revealed.

    Feeling a bit guilty for the unfortunate wife as well, Blaze tried to reassure Amelia as he slowly interlocked hands with her.

    "We are simply doing her a favour. It will be good radiance to bad rubbish. No woman deserves to be cheated on or taken for granted by such a shrewd and despicable man. She''s a pretty woman and can find love elsewhere for herself and her kids."

    Amelia stole a side glance at her handsome husband, chuckling at his statement.

    "What!" Blaze tilted his head to look at her, his eyes brimming with so much love and affection. "Did I say something wrong?"

    "No. You are absolutely right. She deserves better. It''s just unfortunate she loves her husband and her family so much. It will really take a toll on her."

    "That is why I''ve made other arrangements for her and her children," Blaze said, stroking the back of Amelia''s hands lovingly.

    "Since she''s not working and depends on her husband''s income for survival, I figured the bastard would try to clip her wings like the last time and force her to stay married to him. But by the time she leaves this hall, all of her husband''s life savings, plus a bonus from me would be in her complete control. She won''t need the scumbag for anything else, other than to kick him in the nuts."

    "Wicked!" A sly smirk curled up Amelia''s lips.

    Blaze lifted the back of her hand to his lips. "Thanks again for agreeing to accompany us on short notice."

    "You should know I''m here because of Henry." Amelia rolled her eyes at him smiling.

    "Did someone mention my name?" Henry leaned closer, butting in the couple''s private conversations.

    "Can you be less annoying?" Blaze scowled dangerously at Henry.

    "Amelia, your husband is threatening me again?" Henry made a puppy pleading face.

    Amelia couldn''t stop herself from laughing at this two men, who were cracking her up.

    "You know my wife won''t be here to protect you forever, right?" Blaze smirked wickedly at Henry. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "What makes you feel I won''t?" Amelia arched her brow at her husband.

    "You see." Henry winked at Blaze. "My immunity is one hundred percent assured."

    The dramatic music coming from the stage forced the lively chatter to temporarily cease.

    "Here we go..." Amelia mused, tightening her hold on Blaze''s hand, her shimmering eyes glistening with anticipation.

    Two rows behind Amelia, Tina''s heart was drumming like a frantic, nervous bird trapped in a cage. She was certain the awards were coming to her, but something else was making her feel jumpy.

    Maybe it''s the fact that the woman standing on the stage was the wife of the man she f*cked two nights ago.

    Or was it the fact that Amelia and Blaze''s questionable alliance and presence made her feel miserable?

    Or could it be the fact that Henry just jokingly acknowledged before the crowd that he had a crush on Amelia which led to him getting beat up and paid heavily?

    None of this was making any sense to Tina and she couldn''t wait to get out of this suffocating place.

    "Finger crossed babe. I''m rooting for you." Joanna whispered from behind Tina, snapping her out of her excruciating thoughts.

    "Thanks." Tina looked up only to see the VIP guest pulling out a card from the envelope that had the winner''s name.

    "And the winner is..."

    The light on the stage dimmed as Celestine dramatically held everyone in suspense, her eyes sweeping through the crowd, beaming.

    Tina held onto her brother and her best friend for support, her eyes closed tightly, and her lips moving in an earnest prayer.

    "....Tina Stevens in Irrevocable," Celestine screamed into the microphone and the crowd went wild, chanting her name.

    "Tina! Tina!! Tina!!!"

    Overwhelming emotions swirled inside, bursting out in sparkly flares as Tina rose to her feet cupping her mouth, tears of joy and happiness flowing down her eyes. Her elaborately elegant dress trailed behind her, as the aggressively flashing camera lights revealed her enchanting and emotional expression.

    "We love you, Tina."

    "You are the best."

    "We know you''ll always make us proud."

    "Go get it, girl..."

    The ovation was wild.

    Many people stood up in honour of her, clapping and cheering, as she slowly made her way to the stage escorted by her brother, her friends, her parents, her assistant and the cast and crew of Irrevocable.

    But Blaze, Henry, Amelia and other VIPs in front amongst others, who felt Martina should be the winner kept their butts glued to their seats.

    "This is going to be fun." Amelia grinned wickedly as she watched Tina sashayed across the stage to receive her award from Celestine.

    The trailer of the movie, Irrevocable was been aired live on the huge backdrop, with millions of viewers watching this live broadcast.

    However, as Tina''s hands stretched forward, her finger brushing the gold award statue, an intimate conversation between her and Ferdinand came on air.

    Tina, completely nude, straddling Ferdinand, whose hands were cupping her full succulent boobs, replaced the earlier airing video trailer.

    Someone working behind the scenes, amplified the volume of the airing video so that even those hanging outside the hall could hear.

    "Consider the award yours, baby as long as you let me eat your pussy..." Ferdinand, now lying stark naked on the bed with his dick buried deep in Tina''s core, groaned in a deep guttural voice as Tina rocked him from the top like a pro.

    "Freddy?!" Celestine, who was about to hand over the award statue, froze, her heel rooted to the polished marble floor, her grip tightening around the base of the award as her head snapped upwards in horror.

    "Ah!" Wild gasps erupted around the hall with parents -who had kids seated by their side,- impulsively cupping their children''s eyes from seeing the raw exchange on screen.

 Chapter 249 - 249: Disgraced

    A dark and eerie cloud of silence shrouded the entire hall for almost thirty seconds, broken only by the sound of skin slapping against each other and the erotic cries of the two intimate lovers deeply engrossed in each other''s world.

    Tina froze on stage, her eyes widened and her mouth hanging open in shock as she gawked at the projected screen. Her hands which were initially stretched out to receive her award fell limply by her side, tears of impending doom streaming down her eyes.

    "This is not happening!" She echoed in her heart, her world suddenly tilting on its axis. Goosebumps appeared all over her trembling body, sending a cold shiver down her spine as she felt the piercing glares of everyone fixated on her.

    On the other hand, her lover, seated in the front VIP row, almost passed out on his seat in horror, watching his immorality with a young celebrity actress playing for the whole world to see.

    If Ferdinand could, he would vaporize into thin air. Watching his wife frozen like an ice sculpture on stage, staring at him having sex with another woman was worse than a bullet to his head.

    The event hosts were left completely speechless as their gaze darted between Tina, the airing highly rated pornographic video and the shameless head judge of the event.

    None of them could believe that a highly renowned judge and a celebrity actress; who was doing quite well in the field, would stoop so low to do something as despicable as this.

    They couldn''t help but wonder if he had slept with all the female award winners, making them question the integrity of all the results.

    Backstage, the atmosphere was chaotic as everyone was running helter-skelter, frantically looking for the source of the airing video to stop it.

    "Someone stop that video." The assistant manager of the event barked at his technical director and other teams of technicians.

    "We are trying, sir. But it seems someone has hacked into our system and they are in control of everything. Nothing is working." The technical director replied while angrily tapping on the keyboard, hoping one of the keys would respond to his command.

    "What do you mean nothing is working?!" The assistant manager growled, knowing his job was on the line. "Don''t just sit down there and give me that crap. Do something."

    "We could cut the fuse and kill the power switch in the hall. That will cut off the hacker''s access to the computer." A young technician suggested his eyes laced with fear.

    "And cause a wild spread panic and stampede in the hall filled with VIP guests and dignitaries that can sue us to death? Are you out of your f*cking mind?"

    "Sorry, sir."

    "I don''t need your stinking sorry. I need results. Someone, please stop that video before things escalate."

    Back on the stage, Remy, Joanna and a majority of the cast and crew of the movie, quietly began to exit the auditorium through the backstage.

    They knew what was coming next, and neither of them was willing to hang around and watch their careers being flushed down the toilet for associating with Tina.

    Amelia turned her face away, having watched this nauseating video before when Blaze initially showed it to her. She was surprised to see her husband staring directly at her, a satisfied grin dancing across his lips.

    "Do you want to get out of here?"

    "Please! I think I''ve heard and seen enough to make me throw up."

    "Henry..."

    "Already ahead of you, bro." Henry stood up, leading the way, while Amelia and Blaze followed behind.

    A few other VIPs and guests quietly left the hall, but the majority stayed back, hoping to see the strange twist of the event till the end. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Suddenly, as if a spell of silence had been lifted from the audience, everyone started talking at the same time, anger rising in the air.

    "Someone stop that repulsive video for goodness sake. There are children in the hall watching."

    A mature woman with grey hair, whose frail hands were recovering the ears and eyes of her five-year-old grandson screamed at the top of her voice.

    As if someone from the backstage heard the mature woman''s earnest cry, the video abruptly paused leaving an unforgettable image that will hunt Tina for the rest of her life.

    With the video paused Celestine snapped out of her frozen state.

    The sight of her husband''s head buried between the thigh of the young actress before her, knocked out a few screws of sanity in Celestine''s head. All she saw was red and blood as the award statue she was holding fell from her hand.

    "That is my husband!" Celestine cried out between gritted teeth, her inflamed eyes narrowed at Tina with a predatory snarl

    Tina could only shake her head, words failing her as she stared at the enraged wife of the judge.

    "He''s the father to our four beautiful kids." Celestine cried out, earning the sympathy of the audience, who started throwing all shades of curses at Tina.

    "Don''t you have a conscience? Is that how you go around sleeping with every man in the industry to grow higher?"

    "No!" Tina cried helplessly, shaking her head.

    "So why are you f*cking my husband?" Celestine yelled at the top of her voice, pointing at the paused video."

    "No! I didn''t." Tina raised both hands stepping backwards.

    "You are still denying it in my face, with the evidence on tape?!"

    "I...l...I can explain." Tina''s voice trembled, looking backwards to her brother for help.

    However, to her shock, Kelvin who was glaring dangerously at her, turned around and walked away not sparing her one single glance of pity.

    "Kelvin!" Tina cried out but all she got was his stoned back and people calling her all sorts of demeaning names. She turned in the directions of her parents hoping to get help from them.

    But again to her bewilderment, she found her mother lying on the floor, unconscious with her father and the event host trying to resuscitate her.

    When Tina turned back to look at Celestine, hoping to calm her down, all she saw was an enraged wildcat jumping on her with bare claws and a killer instinct.

    "I will kill you, wretched slut."

    Both women landed on the floor, with a loud thud kicking off the microphone out of its stand.

    With Celestine on top, pulling Tina''s hair scratching her face and unleashing blinding slaps, Tina didn''t stand a chance at fighting back. She could only scream for help while blocking Celestine''s wild attacks with her arms.

    Thankfully for Tina, some of the organizers of the event and security took pity on her and did their best to pull the angry wife away from her.

    However, as Celestine was being dragged away from Tina, she grabbed hold of Tina''s dress by the neckline, her eyes gleaming with a malicious instinct.

    As both women were pulled apart, a loud ripping sound greeted the ears of the organizers and entertained guests, who were cheering the wife on.

    Before Tina knew what was happening, her exposed boobs were dancing before the flashing camera with so many people jeering at her.

    Impulsively, she cupped her boobs with one arm while holding her torn dress with the other hand.

    "That suits you, better, whore."

    "Homewrecker!"

    "Stinking slut."

    "Rotten pussy..."

    "Rip her panties too, Celestine."

    The trolls and taunting were unending as Tina was quickly carried away through the backstage to avoid more people from attacking her.

 Chapter 250 - 250: From Grace To Grass

    During the commotion inside the hall, Ferdinand took the rare opportunity to slip out without anyone noticing him escape.

    Unbeknownst to him, someone was capturing him live on tape sneaking out like a thieving rat.

    When he arrived outside the hall, he was stunned to see a crowd of journalists and an angry mob of fans waiting for him, with lots of camera lights flashing in his face making him squint.

    "Mr Ferdinand, how long have you been sleeping with Miss Tina?"

    "Mr Ferdinand, did you alter the result to favour your mistress?"

    "Mr Ferdinand, who else have you been sleeping with?"

    "Mr Ferdinand, did you know your wife will be coming today?"

    "Mr Ferdinand, who else amongst the judges is part of your manipulative scheme?"

    "Mr Ferdinand...."

    "Mr Ferdinand...."

    The numerous questions coming from every corner, with different journalist shoving their microphones in his face, forced Ferdinand to retreat.

    He was about to turn around and head back into the hall to search another escape route when a lady''s shoe heels struck him above his left eyebrow, missing his eyes by a whisker.

    The sharp heel cut into his skin, causing blood to flow.

    Ferdinand staggered backwards, cupping the bruised left eye while yelling at whoever threw the shoe, thinking it was one of the angry fans.

    "Hey, watch it, you dimwit. You could have...." Ferdinand froze as he saw his wife charging towards him, with one of her high heel shoes, missing. "...honey."

    "You miserable, bastard." Celestine shrieks, her voice laced with venom and hatred. "You think you can run away from me after what you did? You think you can leave after disgracing our family?"

    All the journalists and fans surrounding the unfortunate man quickly shifted backwards to avoid getting hurt by the enraged tigress.

    "Baby, please, let''s not do this here in front of all this..."

    Celestine didn''t allow her husband to complete her statements as she pounced on him like a hungry leopard, pushing him to the ground and punching him in the face with all her might, while ripping his shirt off.

    But luckily for her husband, the security guards around came quickly to his rescue, pulling his distraught wife away from him.

    "What does she have that I don''t have, huh Fred? Her enlarged silicone boobs and fake ass. Is that all?"

    "Please, I made a mistake."

    "A mistake! You call this a mistake?" Celestine cried bitterly struggling for the two security women holding her to let her go.

    "I gave you everything. My youth, my life and my world. Is this what I get in return? You shamelessly suck another woman''s vagina with the same mouth you used to kiss me and our kids. Is this how you choose to repay me for my faithfulness to you all these years? Is this what I get for all the hard work I''ve put into this marriage?"

    A lot of young ladies, women and even a few men in the crowd were moved by Celestine''s heartbreaking words.

    While some of them wept alongside the broken wife, others threw all manners of objects at Ferdinand hurling curses at him.

    But Ferdinand was unmoved by their insult. He didn''t even care about his bruised face or his torn inner shirt, as he went down on his knees, begging his wife for mercy.

    "Please honey, I''m so sorry. Please, forgive me."

    "Don''t you dare call me honey you miserable piece of shit?" Celestine chided bitterly, tears streaming down her reddened face.

    "You promised me the last time that it wouldn''t happen again. I trusted you. I told my mom she could trust you. I gave you a chance to change your ways. How could you do this to me? How could you do this to our kids? Is it because she''s young and pretty? Am I that old and ugly?"

    "No baby. She means nothing to me. She''s just a fling. A dirty little fling and nothing more. Please, I love you so much." sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Eww..." Someone cried from the crowd

    "....and I''ll do anything to make this right," Ferdinand concluded hoping this would melt his wife''s heart like before.

    "I hate you." Celestine spat out while struggling to be set free. "I hate you so much. And I''m done listening to you."

    "Celestine..." Ferdinand''s pounding heart was threatening to leap out of his chest as his wife angrily removed her wedding ring from her finger. "Celestine please, don''t do this."

    "It''s over." Celestine threw her wedding ring at her husband''s face, earning her a lot of cheering and clapping from the onlookers gathered around.

    "Baby please." Ferdinand picked up the ring crawling on his knees towards her. But he got attacked again as Celestine aimed to kick him in the groin but missed.

    "Go back to your wretched mistress, you worthless scumbag. I''m done cleaning up after you." Celestine spat out. "You will hear from my lawyer."

    With those final words, she stormed away from the crowd to the awaiting limousine that brought her to the venue.

    -

    -

    Back at an undisclosed location, Tina was looking completely miserable. She had changed into a loose-fitting male denim trouser and a creamy cardigan, with different treated scratch marks on her bruised face.

    She was seated on a double couch in a moderately furnished living room belonging to one of the security guards at the event centre, who was currently hiding her in his apartment away from public view.

    Scrolling through her phone, Tina couldn''t stop her tears from falling. Just like she earlier craved, she was now trending all over social media, but for the wrong reasons.

    More videos of her intimate and forbidden sections with some directors, movie producers, and attractive male colleagues, most of whom were married, were all over the Internet, with millions of viewers and comments.

    This increased the number of disgruntled housewives who wanted a piece of her flesh.

    Bloggers and critics didn''t fail in escalating the issues by making caricatures of her entire career as if it was built on how wits rather than her pure talent.

    The majority of the movie companies and producers who initially wanted to partner with her, sent her emails, concealing their initial proposition while blacklisting her from future association.

    And to make matters worse, neither her mother, father, brother or even her friends were willing to speak with her at the moment.

 Chapter 251 - 251: From Grace To Grass 1

    If anyone told Tina that Remy of all people would also abandon her just like he did back on the stage, she wouldn''t have believed it.

    Remy not only bounced her call when she tried to reach him, but he sent her an apology text message terminating his appointment with her, - claiming he no longer felt safe working in the city and was relocating immediately.

    But Remy''s betrayal was nothing compared to the press released an hour after the catastrophic event.

    According to the Movie Academy Awards spokesperson, Ferdinand Bell was disclosed to have acted alone by switching the name of the real award winner with that of his mistress after the result collation. He was immediately fired and charged to court for a couple of criminal charges.

    Tina on the other hand was blacklisted on all future academy awards until further notice. She was stripped of all her earlier privileges as an A-list actor and also charged to court for tampering with Academy Award results.

    "I''m finished."

    Tina dropped her phone on the couch covering her face and crying out her heart.

    "Who did this to me? How did all of these get out of hand? I was so careful." S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Tina was so engrossed in her misery that she didn''t notice her benefactor already standing in the sitting room holding a glass of juice in his right hand.

    This hefty-looking man with a scar under his chin, who introduced himself as Carl, happened to be someone Tina had unknowingly ridiculed in the past.

    Ever since then, he had been obsessed with her, waiting for the day he would make her eat back her words.

    "Miss Tina, you need to stop doing this to yourself. Crying would only hurt your eyes and give you a headache. It won''t change what has happened. Moreover, nothing lasts forever." Carl gently put the juice down on the table while taking a seat beside Tina.

    "This whole setback is just a phase. Is going to pass. Trust me."

    "Is easy for you to say." Tina exposed her crying bruised face to Carl, slightly repulsed by his flat nose.

    "You are just a common security guard. You know nothing about a celebrity life. You''re not the one whose perfect life and career is on the line. I may never be given any major lead roles again in big or small movie projects. My acting days could be over even before it began."

    Carl chuckled inwardly slightly taking offense to Tina underrating him even in his own house. But he pretended not to be offended knowing she would be singing a different song by the time he was done with her.

    "Don''t be a pessimist, Miss Tina. People will soon forget about this once another scandal arises. Here drink this. It will make you relax and feel better."

    "I don''t want it." Tina hissed, turning her face away, and crying harder. "I don''t feel like eating or drinking anything. My heart is broken. Everybody hates me, including my family and friends."

    "What about me?" Carl was disgusted by her statement. "I don''t hate you. I don''t even care what people say about you. As a matter of fact, you are my biggest idol."

    "Of course I am." Tina sneered while assessing her surroundings, broken at how she had fallen from grace to grass. She would have gone to a hotel to lodge for the night but it was too risky. People could easily discover her and heaven knows what they will do to her.

    "You know what, I won''t try to convince you. After all, I''m just a security guard and not one of those hot rich dudes. Nevertheless, you should learn to be open-minded and not look down on people. I''ll be in the kitchen making you dinner if you need me."

    Tina almost felt remorseful for her behavior but she was too broken by her problems to care.

    After almost fifty minutes of wallowing in self-pity, Tina finally grabbed the glass of juice and drank the entire content.

    Over the next couple of hours, she had no clue of what she was doing as her benefactor devoured her, possessively imprinting himself all over her until she was completely drained.

    -

    -

    By the following morning, the entire Salvine city was buzzing with a lot of gossip.

    Everyone had something to say about the disgraced actress, amplifying the event that took place are the award ceremony.

    Hundreds of journalists gathered in front of the Stevens mansion awaiting to interview the disgraced actress. But sadly no one knew her whereabout after the previous night''s incidents.

    Inside the mansion, Kelvin was fuming with rage, listening to his mother beg him to allow his sister to return home.

    Ever since Eunice recovered from her unconscious state, she hadn''t stopped crying or pleading with her husband and her son.

    Although her husband was willing to allow Tina to come home so that he could deal with her personally, Kelvin who felt betrayed and lied to by his younger sister swore she would never step foot into the mansion.

    While the family of three were practically quarrelling within themselves, Eunice got a call from a strange number. At first, she ignored the call thinking it was one of the journalists trying to get information from her.

    However, after two more unanswered calls, she received a text message claiming that it was Tina.

    Excusing herself from the drawing room for fear of her eldest son, Eunice hurried towards the terrace to return the call.

    When she dialled the number, it connected on the first ring.

    "Hello, Tina, is that you?" Eunice''s voice trembled as she spoke.

    "Mom, please come and get me." Tennis''s weak voice echoed from the other end of the phone.

    "Oh my goodness, baby, where are you? Are you all right? Why is your voice sounding so low? Did someone hurt you?" Eunice asked in a heartbeat barely giving Tina room to speak.

    "Just come and get me."

    Eunice heard a scary male voice in the background, rebuking her daughter fiercely. This was followed by a tussle and a shriek of pure agony from Tina before the call instantly disconnected.

 Chapter 252 - 252: Retribution Call 2

    As the saying goes, revenge is a dish best-served cold.

    Watching Tina freeze on that stage with her atrocities exposed for the entire world to see had to be the best highlight of the night for Amelia.

    Amelia couldn''t have thought of a better punishment worthy of a woman who almost ruined everything for her.

    It felt gratifying to watch the same people who were previously cheering for Tina, hurl all manner of insults at her.

    Seeing all Tina''s friends, who escorted her to the stage, especially Joanna, cower in shame was simply rewarding.

    Amelia wasn''t bothered at all when she heard about the aftermath of the video scandal from her friends.

    She couldn''t care less if Tina''s entire family fell unconscious.

    After all, one good deed deserves another and vice versa.

    Amelia simply returned to taking care of her parents while her husband went about his affairs, delivering his own brand of justice to all who dared to mess with his family.

    With Tina currently where he wanted her, Blaze discharged an army of his wet workers to deliver an unforgettable message to all of Tina''s allies starting with her personal assistance.

    ...

    After narrowly escaping being mobbed by angry fans who recognized him as Tina''s personal assistant, Remy decided it was best to leave the country for his safety, pending when the dust settled.

    First, he sent Tina a message, terminating his contract with her.

    Next, he forwarded a letter of resignation to the movie studio he worked for, knowing his service would no longer be needed.

    He booked a train ride to the next City, online, from where he was planning to quietly leave the country.

    By the following day, Remy picked up a few of his important belongings and left for the train station in disguise.

    After successfully purchasing a first-class coach ticket and boarding the train, Remy finally relaxed, grateful to be leaving the city without a scratch.

    Twenty minutes into his journey, Remy was peacefully napping in his private sleeping accommodations when a knock on the door interrupted him.

    "Who is it?" Remy''s brows furrowed.

    "Room service." The voice of an angel cooed behind the door.

    "But I didn''t order any room service," Remy grumbled under his breath as he lazily stood up from the bed and made his way to the door. He yawned and stretched a little before unlocking the door.

    As he turned the door knob and open it wide, expecting to see the face of an angel that matched the sweet voice, he was greeted with a fierce punch in the face sending him flying backwards with a crashing thud.

    The sound of rattling metals, shattering glasses and displaced objects engulfed the luxury enclosure. But this was nothing compared to the pain that shot up Remy''s brain as he let out a pathetic cry.

    "Ah...what the f*ck, men. You broke my nose."

    Remy''s trembling hand impulsively flew to his face, cupping his bleeding nose. His eyes widened in horror as he watched a hefty-looking man and a slim-looking woman stroll into the room, shutting the door behind them.

    They were both dressed in casual attires like normal humans. But the sinister look in their eyes told Remy that he was in a lot of trouble.

    "Please I think, you are in the wrong room. You''ve probably gotten me mistaken with someone else. I haven''t done anything wrong. I swear." Remy quickly went on his knees knowing the people now seated before him didn''t come to socialize.

    "Are you sure, Remy?" The beautiful but lethal-looking lady asked, pulling out a pocket knife from her boot.

    Remy instantly broke down in a cold sweat, a chill running down his spine. If they knew his name, then he was in deep shit.

    "Please, I... I...don''t know who you people are. I...I... I swear, I haven''t done anything wrong to anyone. You''ve got to believe me?"

    "Then why are you running?" A wicked smirked curled up the lady''s lips, while her partner''s face remained stone cold almost giving Remy a heart attack.

    "Running!" Remy''s jaw dropped. "I...I wasn''t r..."

    Remy didn''t get to finish his statement when another punch landed on the side of his left cheek knocking him off his knees. He groaned and gritted his teeth spitting out bloodied saliva.

    "It will be in your best interest not to lie to me, Remy. Otherwise, I will unleash this bulldog on you." The lady warmed while the heft man suppressed a growl like a devil hound.

    Remy shook his head vigorously, scrambling back to her knees, his hand still cupping his bleeding nose. He couldn''t help but wonder if these people were Tina''s military brother''s colleagues sending him a message.

    "So tell me, why were you running?" The lady asked again, calmly.

    "I...I...was scared." Remy gulped down the lump in his throat.

    "Of what?" The lady raised her brow impatiently.

    "Of getting mobbed by angry fans."

    "Really!"

    "I swear." Remy''s entire body shook as the bulldog stood up. "I was nearly attacked yesterday when I went to a bar because of my ex-boss."

    "You ex-boss?" The lady''s lips curled in a wicked smile. "How typical of you to abandon her when she needs you the most. I thought you were her right-hand man."

    ''So I was right after all. That heartless Tina sent these people here to beat me up after everything I have done for her.'' Remy lamented but the lady''s next statement knocked the air out of his lung.

    "Tell me, did you both have fun messing with my boss''s wife?"

    "Boss''s wife!" Remy''s pounding heart quadrupled. "Which boss''s wife?"

    "Let me refresh your memory."

    As the word left the lady''s mouth, the bulldog unleashed terror on Remy.

    ....

    The previous night''s event has been nothing short of a nightmare for Joanna.

    Within a space of one hour, her entire life and career had been turned upside down by simply associating with Tina. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Pictures of her and Tina''s partying in different locations with a couple of married men were all over social media, making it impossible for her to step out of her home.

 Chapter 253 - 253: Retribution Call 3

    As if her image defamation wasn''t bad enough, Joanna''s boss of over five years called to officially inform her that his services were no longer needed in the company, effective immediately. She was asked not to bother coming down to the company, stressing that her stuff was currently been transported back to her home.

    While Joanna was still trying to digest the unfair termination of her employment, she received an eviction notice from her landlord with a court order giving her only two weeks to vacate the premises.

    As if that wasn''t enough to give her high blood pressure, her oil and gas mogul boyfriend of over two months, called to end his relationship with her over the phone while explicitly calling her a whore.

    Joanna clenched her chest, gasping for breath at all the bad things happening to her when she finally received another call that instantly made her pass out.

    It was a call from her bank stating that her investment of over four years had suddenly crashed due to unexpected inflation.

    ...

    Back at the Stevens mansion, Eunice was almost running mad with panic as she tried to convince her husband and son that Tina could be in danger.

    But none of them seemed interested in listening to her, especially after she stated that she heard a man''s voice over the phone.

    "Give it a rest woman." Rowland Stevens barked at his wife, unable to shake the image of that old fool''s head buried in his only daughter''s grey area. "I''m done listening to you whining about that useless daughter of yours. If you want to go out and kill yourself while finding her, be my guest."

    "Rowland!" Eunice cried out, staring at her husband helplessly. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Mom please let it be. Tina knows her way home." Kelvin sided with his father, his narrowed gaze as cold as ice.

    Just then, Kelvin received an emergency call from his commanding officer, which caused his face to turn white with horror.

    "Yes, sir. I''m sorry sir. Okay, sir. I''ll be taking the next available flight tomorrow morning to base, sir."

    Rowland, who was about to exit the drawing room tilted his head sharply toward his only son, his eyes widened in horror.

    "Son..."

    Kelvin ended the call, his hand trembling vigorously.

    "Dad, there is a problem."

    "What problem!" Both father and mother asked simultaneously.

    "That was a call from my commander."

    "Yes..." Rowland encouraged his son to keep talking, his right hand already on his chest.

    "I have been asked to report back to base tomorrow morning unfailingly."

    "But you''re supposed to be on leave for ten days. You''ve only spent roughly two days with us." Eunice complained, forgetting about Tina momentarily.

    "What else did your commander say?" Rowland asked knowing this wasn''t the reason for his son''s place look.

    "You remember that issue I told you about?"

    "Is it the one about the erroneous discharge of a firearm that killed your partner?" Rowland asked.

    "You killed someone?!" Eunice placed both hands on her head.

    "Shut up woman and let him talk." Roland barked at his wife, before turning to his son for a response.

    "No." Kelvin shook his head, tears pulling at the corner of his eyes.

    "The one with the drug smuggling?" Rowland''s breathing became laboured as Kelvin nodded his head.

    "Drugs!" Eunice whimpered, her forehead breaking in a cold sweat.

    "Let''s discuss this in my office." Rowland gestured for his son to follow him not wanting Eunice to be involved in whatever bad news he was about to break.

    "Rowland, don''t shut me out. I''m still Kevin''s mother." Eunice ran after them but was denied entrance into the office.

    "Tell me what did your commander say?" Rowland asked, unable to ease the tightness in his chest even with continuous inhaling and exhaling.

    "My team and I are being court-martialed tomorrow and my commander thinks we might be in serious trouble. He said if we were found guilty, some of us would be facing imprisonment and others including me would be sent to the battle zone in Icurus."

    "Good Lord!" Rowland gasped, plopping on the double seater behind him, his lungs threatening to collapse as he struggled to breathe.

    "Dad!" Kelvin hurried over to his father''s desk and picked up a paper bag, which he brought over to his father to assist him with breathing.

    Upon freeing his airways with sweat dripping from his forehead, Rowland turned to his son, his reddened eyes clouded with threatening tears.

    "Icurus is as good as the death penalty, Kelvin. I can''t afford to lose you. Is there any way out of this mess?"

    Kelvin thought briefly, his heart racing fast. "The commander said the general, stumbled upon some short video clips of the drug smuggling transaction, incriminating me and my team. If we can make that evidence disappear before the court martialing tomorrow, there might be hope for me. Maybe imprisonment for a year or two. But certainly not Icurus."

    "Who do you think we can call for this? Breaking into the military database to erase that file without being caught is not something anyone can easily pull off." Rowland pointed out.

    "But I know someone who can." Kelvin turned his face sideways, his expression turning grim as a name crossed his mind.

    "Who?" Rowland''s eyes lit up with hope.

    "An old friend of mine. His name is Echo. He''s an elusive hacker and can make that evidence disappear. But according to some of my Intel, he now works directly for Blaze Anderson."

    "Oh God! Tina!" Rowland clasped his head.

    "Exactly. From everything that happened so far, it''s obvious Tina has ruined us before Blaze. I haven''t spoken to him since Tina left him and I don''t think he will take my calls now." Kelvin''s shoulder slumped, looking up to his father for help.

    "I think it''s high time we see him and apologize to him for what your sister did to his wife," Rowland suggested after a deep thought. We could go through his mother.

    "That sounds like a better idea."

 Chapter 254 - 254: Married In A Flash

    Perched on the edge of the soft mattress, in a poorly furnished bedroom and looking like a terrified rabbit frozen by the sight of a prowling hungry wolf, Tina held her breath, tears streaming down her reddened swollen eyes.

    Her dishevelled hair fell loosely on her bare shoulders and face, covering the repulsive hickeys left all over her nude body by the heartless bodyguard who now claimed to be her husband.

    On her left ring finger was a tight-fitting cheap wedding band that had refused to come off.

    On the wall opposite was a picture frame of her dressed in a cheap wedding gown and smiling foolishly while entangled passionately with the flat-nosed ugly security guard.

    Tina had no memory of what had happened to her for the past twelve hours. But her body bore testament to a man''s savagery. She now knew that heartless monster security guard spiked her drink.

    Holding the bedsheets firmly above her chest, Tina listened for any form of movement outside the bedroom door.

    When she heard none, she slowly climbed down from the bed still holding the bed sheet, her breath rapid and her body trembling.

    She was about to take a step forward when the door was suddenly thrown open.

    Before her was the shirtless security guard, holding a tray containing a bowl of steaming soup, some toast and a glass of orange juice.

    Tina impulsively jumped back on the bed pulling the sheet to her neck as if he hadn''t seen her nudity. She was repelled by the ugly-looking keloid on his chest which made her feel sick to the stomach.

    However, she was stunned to see a lot of fresh scratch marks on his body. She couldn''t help but wonder if she did that.

    "I''m sorry about earlier. You pushed me."

    Carl spoke softly, his gaze warm and friendly as opposed to the monster who attacked her earlier when she reached out to her mum.

    "Stay away from me, you beast," Tina warned, her voice quivering.

    "A beast! That''s not a kind word to use on your husband?" Carl''s lips curled up in a wicked smile, his eyes filled with amusement, lust and hunger.

    "I''m not your wife, you maniac," Tina yelled, moving backwards on the bed as he slowly approached the bedside.

    "Of course, you are, my darling," Carl said putting the tray aside on the small round stool in the room.

    "You are my wife and I''ve shown you proof of our marriage certificate. You needed to see your face, you were so happy and crazy about me."

    "Shut up, you f*cking asshole," Tina screamed, hoping someone would hear her voice and come to her rescue. "You kidnapped me, drugged me and took advantage of me."

    Carl smirked, sitting down on the bed, masking the fury growing inside of him. He was trying not to lose his temper like the previous time.

    "Is that what your tiny brain told you? That I kidnapped you? Come on, baby, we both know the truth. I saved you from getting shredded by that woman and I brought you to my home to save you from the public who currently want to cut you to piece."

    "That''s not true. You are lying. There are people out there who still love me. I have friends. I have a family. You can''t take that away from me." Tina sneered.

    "How about we go out right now and test that theory? We could even call your friends right now and see if they will pick up." Carl stood up stretching his hand towards her but Tina didn''t move a muscle, knowing he was telling the truth.

    "Suddenly having cold feet?" S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "F*ck you" Tina spat out.

    "You''re welcome." Carl gently sat down on the bed, a wicked smirk curling up his lips.

    "If you must know, I did you a huge favour by marrying you. Not every man out there would marry a woman whose pussy is the screen lock of almost all the weirdos in town. The least I can get is thank you."

    "I''m not f*cking married to you, asshole." Tina raged on, throwing a pillow at him which he easily caught.

    "You tricked me into following you just to satisfy your animalistic desires. You''ve won. Now take me back to my family."

    Carl leaned closer, making Tina scurry backwards until her back hit the bedrest.

    "No Tina, I haven''t won. We only made love. I haven''t succeeded in making you fall hopelessly in love with me. But you will. This I promise."

    "You are sick in the head if you think I will ever love a beast like you." Tina spat in his face, the sting of his initial slap still burning her cheeks.

    "Yes, Tina..." Carl moved closer, trapping her between his powerful arms, his eyes glowing like a predator tasting fresh blood.

    ".... I''m sick. Very sick in the head. Only your love can cure me. Only you can heal the scar in my heart. You rejected and humiliated me in public once. But I won''t let you reject me this time."

    Tina whimpered, her gaze lowered and her body almost convulsing with extreme fear.

    Carl roughly grabbed her by the right arm, tearing the sheet off her body and forcing her to look into his eyes.

    "You are mine, Tina. Mine to love. Mine to hate. Mine to toy with. Mine to destroy if you ever try to leave me or sleep with another man. Your days of philandering are over. You are my wife. Get used to it."

    Tina gulped down the lump in her throat, more tears streaming down her reddened cheek.

    "Please, let me go. I''m sorry for whatever I did to you. But you can''t keep me here. I don''t love you. I never will."

    "Yes, you will, Tina. This marriage is until death do us part. We are going to love each other. We are going to have beautiful kids whom you will learn to love and adore. We will live a simple and satisfied life in the country home I''ll build just for you. No more flashy lifestyle. No more media. And I will be the one providing all your needs. Your days of destroying other women''s homes are over. It''s time to build yours. So the earlier you start adjusting to your role as a submissive wife, the better it will be for you."

    Carl roughly crashed his lips against Tina''s, kissing her passionately to his satisfaction before pushing her aside as if she meant nothing to him. He stood up from the bed and strolled toward the small television in the room. Inserting a video CD into the player, he turned on the television.

    As he waited for the video CD to start playing, he turned around to look at Tina, his voice gentle but his expression grim.

    "Enjoy your breakfast sweetheart. You will need all the strength to please your very hungry husband. Afterwards, you will need to call my mother-in-law and tell her everything is fine. If you play nice, we could visit your parents in three months after our honeymoon."

    "Honeymoon!" Tina''s already widened eyes threatened to pop out from the socket.

    "Yes sweetheart, I have already made all the arrangements for our special honeymoon in Frost Fall."

    With those cold words, Carl left the room.

    "Frost Fall!" The picture of Celestine and her four kids all holding a kitchen knife and pointing it at her, made a cold shiver run down her spine.

    The sound of laughter and clinking of glasses forced Tina''s eyes away from the door to the television.

    The sight of her looking all flushed in the same cheap wedding dress like the one in the picture and Carl in a cheap-looking suit, holding her hand made Tina''s stomach twist.

    "When did this happen?" Tina''s mouth hung open, her pounding heart threatening to leap out of her chest.

    ''Tina Stevens, do you take Carl Hoffman to be your lawfully wedded husband...'' a strange-looking man dressed in a clergymen robe was reciting the wedding vows to her in the video and she stupidly said, ''I do''.

    "This is not happening!" Tina covered her ears, as the man formerly proclaimed them husband and wife. But what followed immediately after the video left Tina gasping for air.

 Chapter 255 - 255: Bitterly Enraged Parents

    Outside the huge iron gate of the Anderson mansion, a brand new BMW was parked by the driveway.

    A professionally dressed driver was speaking to a security man from behind the gate. He had a sense of urgency in his tone and his steps as he hurried back to the rear end of the car.

    The side window of the back door slowly slid down and the scrunched face of Rowland appeared.

    "What did he say?"

    "Sir, he said that his superior had asked us to leave immediately."

    "What! Did you tell him who I am?" Rowland''s frown deepened.

    The driver''s voice trembled as he responded.

    "Yes, sir. I did."

    "Maybe I should go and speak with him in person." Rowland pushed open the door but his wife placed a hand on his arm to stop him.

    "Don''t, honey. Those men might harass you. They are simply following instructions. Why don''t you call Maria on the phone? At least she will know you are the one here and not me."

    "Dad, I think mom is right" Kelvin interjected from the front seat.

    Rowland gritted his teeth. "Fine." He picked up his phone and dialled Maria''s new mobile number that his wife had given him. But to his disappointment, he discovered that it was switched off.

    "What do we do now?" Rowland massaged his forehead in exasperation.

    "Sir, we are being given a warning signal to leave this premises." The driver interrupted the family''s conversation.

    "Take us out of here." Rowland hissed, slamming the door shut.

    "How about we try Blaze''s number?" Kelvin suggested running out of options. "We could beg to see him in person, man to man."

    "It''s worth a try." Eunice shrugged, batting her eyelashes to push back her threatening tears. She was scared of invoking her husband''s wrath by crying.

    Rowland tried the two different numbers Kelvin recovered online from Blaze''s official business page. But neither of them connected.

    "Do you have a personal mobile number?"

    "No Dad." Kelvin shook his head, his gaze lowering in defeat.

    "But I think Tina does." Eunice''s eyes brightened up. "She did say she was friends with Blaze and his wife."

    "Can you not mention your useless daughter''s name right now?" Rowland snapped at his wife, his narrowed eyes darkened, causing her to whimper and break into a sob. "I can''t believe you still believe any single word from that girl''s mouth after everything she has done to put us in this mess."

    "Dad please, go easy on Mom. Whatever Tina did is not her fault ." Kelvin turned to console his mother, his heart was in the chaos of tomorrow''s trip.

    "But she encouraged her." Rowland snarled, his breath hot and fiery. "After Tina came back and said she was going after Blaze, I told her not to. But your mother didn''t back me up. She encouraged her in her foolish fantasies. Now, look at us. We are the talk of the town. Our family name is ruined. We have become the laughingstock of the whole city. I cannot show my face at work or in public for the next couple of weeks or months. This is all your mother and sister''s fault."

    Just then, Eunice''s phone started to ring with the same strange number that Tina used to call her earlier, flashing on her screen.

    Frightened by her husband''s temper, she abruptly ended the call. However, when the call came again she decided to pick it up, thinking Tina was in real danger and needed her help.

    "Where are you?" Eunice spat out in a low and angry voice, turning away from her husband and cupping her voice.

    Rowland took one look at his wife''s annoying behaviour and knew it was Tina calling. He shook his head and reverted to his phone scrolling through his contacts and searching for anyone who knew Blaze closely.

    "Mom, I''m sorry for everything I have put you, Dad and Kelvin through. Please forgive me." Tina whimpered from the other end.

    "You didn''t answer my question you silly girl. I asked where are you?"

    "I''m fine, but I can''t come home right now."

    "You''re with a man right?" Eunice sneered wishing she could go into the phone and pull Tina by the ear. "I''m highly disappointed in you."

    "I''m sorry, mom." Tina sobbed harder.

    "You should be sorry for yourself. I can''t believe after everything I did to raise you properly, you will choose to sleep with a man old enough to be your father. You are such a disgrace." Eunice spat out. She was about to end the call when she recalled something.

    "Do you have Blaze''s private number, his wife or Maria''s number?"

    "Yes, I do. But Maria is in the hospital. Mum, I think she''s in a coma."

    "Coma!" Eunice screamed, the phone slipping from her hands.

    Kelvin and his father instantly stopped what they were doing, their alarmed gaze turning to Eunice whose face her turned white as though she had seen a ghost.

    "Mom, what''s wrong? What do you mean by coma? Who is in Coma?" Kelvin demanded, his eyes filled with dread.

    "Honey!" Rowland took his wife''s trembling hands. "Talk to us. You''re scaring me."

    "Maria!" Eunice managed to cough out, her chest heaving.

    "Yes!" Rowland''s eyes widened as he connected the name with a coma.

    "Please tell me that Blaze''s mother is not in a coma." Kevin''s hand flew to his chest.

    Eunice could only nod her head more tears streaming down her face.

    "Who told you that? Is it Tina?" Rowland''s panic intensified as he mentally calculated the possibility of ever convincing Blaze to help them.

    Eunice nodded again staring at the phone screen which had gone blank.

    "Stop the car at once." Rowland barked at the driver while turning squarely to face his wife.

    "What else did your daughter say and how did she know?"

    "I don''t know?" Eunice shook her head, her tears clouded her eyes looking at her phone. "I didn''t ask."

    "Call her back Mom," Kelvin suggested in a quivering voice.

    "Give me the phone!" Rowland snatched his wife''s phone and dial the same number that called her.

    Immediately the line connected, Rowland thundered into the phone. "Tina, how did you know that Maria is in a coma? Is this one of your lies to warm up to your mother? Because if it is, I swear I will break you into two with my bare hands."

    "I''m sorry Dad."

    "Shut up and just answer the bloody question you worthless disgrace of a child." Rowland thundered, causing his wife to flinch. He listened and heard a male''s voice in the background, consoling Tina which irked him the more.

    "I followed him to the hospital the day Maria lost consciousness and I had someone spy on them."

    "What!" Rowland boomed, the phone also slipping from his hand but Kelvin quickly picked it up, seeing there was no time for his parent''s drama.

    "Tina, do you know the hospital where Maria currently is?"

    "Kelvin, I''m so sorry."

    "Just answer the damn question, Tina. We need to see Blaze urgently." S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Yes, it''s the city general hospital," Tina replied sniffing from the other end.

    "If I need to talk to you, can we reach you through this phone?" Kelvin listened as he heard a male voice speak in the background.

    "Yes. You can." Tina replied.

    "Okay. Stay close to the phone in case we need you." Kelvin hung up and said to the driver.

    "Take us to the city general hospital right now."

 Chapter 256 - 256: Confronting Tinas Parents

    Blaze had just arrived at the hospital when he first received the call from the mansion butler informing him of Rowland Stevens''s visit.

    After checking on his aunt and his father-in-law, he was about to take his wife out for a late lunch when he was alerted of Rowland''s intended visit to the hospital.

    This completely ruined his mood, making it turned viciously cold and dangerous.

    "Blaze, what''s wrong." Amelia inquired, observing the sudden change in his countenance as they both exited the hospital building, heading for his car.

    "It''s Tina''s parents." Blaze exhaled slowly, trying to calm his caustic temper.

    "Tina''s parents." Amelia raised a brow in confusion, the name Tina leaving a sour taste in her mouth. "What about them."

    "They''re currently on their way to this place as we speak."

    "What?!" Amelia halted, her eyes narrowing and her nose flaring. "What do they want?"

    "Let''s talk inside the car, sweetheart." Blaze gestured forward, pointing to his Bentley, not wanting to create a scene outside the hospital.

    Amelia nodded and followed his lead into the car, her heart pounding with rage at the thought of another confrontation.

    "So what do they want?" Amelia now seat comfortably inside the car, spoke calmly, staring into Blaze''s somewhat cold but subtle eyes

    "Based on what the butler told me about thirty to forty minutes ago when they visited the mansion, it...."

    Amelia didn''t let Blaze complete his sentence when she interrupted him, her eyes glimmering with shock.

    "Wait a second, they''ve already been to the mansion?"

    "Yes."

    "When?" Amelia''s pounding heart tripped.

    "About thirty to forty minutes ago? The butler said they were there to see mom?"

    "Seriously!" Amelia couldn''t believe her ears, anger slowly poisoning her veins.

    "Are those people out of their minds? What makes them think they have the right to visit mom''s house after what their useless daughter did? Are they trying to get on our nerves?"

    "Don''t stress yourself about that, sweetheart. I''ll take care of them." Blaze parted Amelia on the arm, sensing her rising anger.

    "Why did they even go to the mansion in the first place to see Mom? Didn''t Tina tell them what she did?" Amelia didn''t relent in her questions.

    "I don''t think she did until a few minutes ago. But that shouldn''t bother us. I''ll have the hospital management throw them out once they arrive. Let''s just go for lunch." Blaze''s tone was dismissive as he brought up his phone, ready to dial a number.

    "Wait..." Amelia put her hand on top of his, her heart beating fast. "Are you saying they didn''t know that mom was in the hospital until recently?"

    "I think so, but none of that matters. The fact that Tina meddled in other people''s affairs leading to so many unfortunate incidents is enough to have her and anyone associated with her suffer the consequence of her actions."

    Amelia suddenly fell silent, her conscience pricking her.

    This wasn''t her. She wasn''t the type of person to watch both the innocent and the guilty suffer together. She would always give people a choice to do what was right.

    "Don''t you think we should hear them out first before we decide on anything?"

    "Sweetheart, don''t let Tina and her family issues bother you. She has created enough chaos in our lives as it is. If she hadn''t interfered in our lives, mom probably would not be in a coma and your father wouldn''t be in the hospital." Blaze tried to reason with his wife calmly.

    "We can''t hold Tina completely liable for our mess." Amelia pointed out with a deep sigh. "I wasn''t completely honest with you and you couldn''t control your temper. We are both liable for our parents'' condition as well as Tina. Nevertheless, it won''t be fair if we do not give her parents a listening ear. I''m not saying we should let them see mom. Let''s just hear what they have to say and if it doesn''t sound nice we could decide on what to do afterwards."

    Amelia watched her husband closely seeing the reluctance in his body language before adding.

    "Please, do this for me." She leaned closer and gave him a peck on the cheek brightening his dull mood.

    "Fine, if you insist. But if they say anything offensive, I won''t hesitate to throw them out and have them dealt with."

    "That''s okay by me." Amelia stroked Blaze''s arm smiling.

    Just then Blaze received a call from one of the security personnel stationed at the hospital Informing him that the Stevens had just arrived.

    "Tell them to meet me at the Woodlands private bar and restaurant," Blaze instructed before ending the call.

    Thirty minutes later, Blaze and Amelia arrived at the Woodland restaurant, holding hands like young couples on a date.

    They were led to the exclusive private lounge area of the restaurant, meant for only the chairman and owner of the restaurant, who also happened to be Blaze.

    As they stepped foot into the lounge, Amelia was completely blown away by the opulence all around her. It reminded her of the villa, almost as if she was home.

    Blaze observed her quietly, a smile spreading across his face as he watched her scrutinized her surroundings.

    The interior decoration of the lounge exuded timeless sophistication suitable for a memorable dining experience for two.

    The refreshing blend of wine mixed with a cool lavender scent and freshly prepared delicacy whiffed through the air, creating a tranquil atmosphere for dining and relaxation.

    From the ambient lighting illuminating the luxurious areas of the lounge, to the captivating artistic wall painting, living guest completely mesmerized, the lounge was nothing short of a mini heaven.

    "This place is beautiful." Amelia complemented turning around to face her husband, the brilliant LED light casting a warm glow on her flawless skin.

    "I''m glad you like it. It used to be our outdoor family dining location when my dad was still alive. I haven''t been here in a while."

    "Really! Your family owns this restaurant?" Amelia''s eyes glimmered with excitement.

    Blaze slowly approached her, his heart pounding with a deep longing to hold her in his arms.

    "Not just my family anymore." Blaze tenderly stroked her cheeks, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "It''s our family now. We own it together."

    Amelia''s cheek flushed at Blaze''s statement. She was impressed to hear him acknowledge her as part of the family.

    But when he leaned closer to kiss her, she turned her cheeks away.

    "Let''s sit down. Our guest will soon arrive." Amelia moved over to the six-seater rectangular dining table in the lounge instead of the plush leather sofa meant for relaxation.

    "Of course," Blaze hurried over to her side and pulled out a seat for her like a gentleman.

    Just then the manager of the restaurant came in, beaming politely.

    "Good day, Mr and Mrs Anderson. Is such a pleasure to have you here today. What would you like to start with? We have ..."

    "We will place an order after our meeting." Blaze cut the manager off impatiently. "In the meantime, get my wife a bottle of non-alcoholic grape wine. I''ll have a bottle of scotch. When the Stevens arrive, have them sent up."

    "Yes sir." The manager bowed politely and excused them.

    Five minutes later, the Stevens were ushered into the lounge by the manager. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Immediately they stepped foot in the lounge, the air in the room suddenly turned cold as if the temperature had dropped to minus two degrees.

    Blaze''s initial smile turned caustic and his aura turned chilly. A vicious scowl framed his handsome face as if he would make Tina''s family vaporize in the blink of an eye.

    Rowland and the rest of the family temporarily froze by the door.

    However, when Blaze cleared his throat impatiently, they slowly advanced.

    Rowland could hardly believe that someone he once prided on as his future son-in-law had transformed overnight into their enemy thanks to his foolish daughter.

    Although Amelia was displeased to see them, she almost felt sorry for them.

    They were all looking completely drained as if they hadn''t slept the entire night.

    Surely such magnitude of disgrace would keep any family sleep-deprived.

    "Mr and Mrs Anderson, thank you very much for agreeing to meet with us under the current circumstances. Let me start by apologizing on behalf of myself and my entire family for the trouble we might have put you and your pretty wife through."

    Blaze scoffed at Rowland''s attempt to win Amelia''s affection over with flattery words.

    "Why don''t you all sit?" Amelia offered, seeing that her husband wasn''t bothered if their guest remained standing all through the duration of the meeting.

    "Thank you very much, my dear. You are indeed very kind." Eunice smiled feverishly, as she took her seat close to her husband while averting Blaze''s cold and sharp gaze.

    "I just got to know from my daughter a few minutes ago that your mother is currently admitted in the hospital." Rowland started treading carefully observing as Blaze''s expression darkened.

    "Words are not enough to express how sorry I am for going down to your mother''s house without first asking questions. I know it''s not in my place to ask about her health. But I''m very positive she will be alright."

    "Save me the hypocritical bullshit and go straight to the point. Why are you here?" Blaze boomed between clenched jaws, causing Eunice to flinch.

 Chapter 257 - 257: Confronting Tinas Parents 1

    "Blaze, please, we are..."

    "Don''t you EVER..." Blaze growled in a repressed voice cutting Kelvin off. "...call me by my first name again."

    "I''m sorry, Mr Anderson," Kelvin heaved a sigh, frustrated by Blaze''s intermittent outburst which made talking in the meeting a nightmare. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "We came to discuss a very important matter with you. But first, we need to make things right concerning my younger sister''s misbehaviour."

    "What exactly do you intend to make right?" Blaze scoffed, his voice extremely terrifying.

    "To be honest, I have no idea what Tina may have done to you or your wife. After the episode with your wife at the restaurant, I spoke to my sister at length and she told me things that I now believe are lies."

    "Such a pity. You must currently feel like the most gullible fool of the century." Blaze snarled.

    "Mr Anderson, please, you don''t have to keep insulting us. We are not claiming to be perfect." Eunice cut in upset by Blaze''s continuous disrespect and insult.

    "Mum..." Kelvin shot his mom a displeased look.

    Even Rowland was disgusted by his wife''s choice of words, knowing her temperamental Blaze was.

    "Certainly Mrs Stevens, I can smell your imperfection and desperation from a mile away. You think I''m not aware of all the stunts you pulled, going through my mum and encouraging your daughter to seduce me even when you knew I was happily married."

    "Hmph..." Amelia scoffed recalling what Maria told her about Eunice.

    "Even if I were to ever consider listening to the garbage your husband and son are about to say, you, just like your worthless tramp of a daughter do not deserve my attention. I think we are done here."

    Blaze stood up, unable to tolerate the Stevens''s presence one more second.

    "I need you all to get up and get the hell out of this place before I have you thrown out." He barked loudly, forcing all three out of their seat, their body trembling.

    "Mr Anderson, please, forgive us." Rowland pushed his pride aside as he pleaded knowing his son''s life was on the line. "If you don''t want my wife here, I can send her away. Please."

    "I said get out." Blaze thundered, his gaze shooting lasers.

    "Please, I think you all should leave," Amelia interjected, holding her husband''s arms. "Just wait outside while I have a word with my husband."

    "Thank you, Mrs Anderson." Rowland plastered a smile of gratitude on his face before tilting his head to his trembling wife. He shot her one nasty glare as if he were about to strangle her with his eyes before walking out of the lounge with his equally enraged son following behind him.

    "I''m so sorry for everything." Tears streamed down Eunice''s eyes, as she hurried out of the lounge, knowing her husband was going to eat her raw if they missed the opportunity to save their son''s life.

    The air inside the lounge was saturated with Blaze''s highly inflammable rage that a lit match at the moment could cause a devastating explosion.

    Amelia knew she was the only person standing in the way of her husband and preventing him from going berserk on Tina''s family. She slowly stood up, still stroking his stiffened arm, her gaze subtle and full of compassion.

    "Sweetheart..." Amelia slowly made her husband face her, raising his chin up to look into his bloodshot eyes. She could see the raging storm swirling in those darkened grey orbs pulling her closer to him like a magnet.

    "I''m sorry for putting you in this position."

    "You don''t have to be s...."

    "Shh..." Amelia placed a finger on Blaze''s warm lips, her heart pounding. "You don''t have to say anything either. I can feel your pain. Let me handle this. You don''t have to say or do anything. You just have to trust me."

    Blaze gulped down the lump in his throat bobbing his head up and down like an obedient puppy being stroked on the head by its owner.

    Amelia leaned closer, her warm breath fanning against Blaze''s flushed face, almost suffocating him with desire.

    "Let me ease the tension. Let me take all the pain away." Amelia whispered brushing her lips against his, giving him the green light to kiss her.

    Blaze, who had been dying for the last couple of days to hold and kiss his wife, didn''t wait for a second invitation as he sensually wrapped his arms around Amelia''s waist, pulling her closer, until there was no space between them.

    "I love you so much, honey," Blaze whispered, savouring and tasting the blend of her grape wine and fruity lip gloss on her soft lips.

    "I know." Amelia didn''t reciprocate his gesture. She was in no hurry to use the L-word until she was certain she had completely taken possession of her husband''s body, mind and soul.

    Tenderly cupping her face with both hands, Blaze softly kissed her, tasting every bit of her slowly until the fire in him melted her like butter in his arms.

    Outside, Rowland kept his distance from his crying wife, afraid of losing his temper on her in public.

    Kelvin, on the other hand, reached out to his sister and cajoled her into confessing all she did, stressing that his life may depend on her complete honesty.

    As Tina opened up about all her crimes in her pursuit to get Blaze back, Kelvin put the call on speaker mode, for his parents- who were now standing beside him- to hear.

    Eunice almost passed out of shock as she listened to her daughter talk about the email and its ripple effects on Blaze and Amelia.

    "You did all of this just to get a man?" Kelvin was speechless at the end of Tina''s confession.

    "Tina, how could you?" Eunice held her banging forehead, her own misery more intense due to her culpability.

    "Mum, I''m sorry." Tina was crying from the other end.

    "Now you listen very attentively, Tina. It will be in your best interest that I do not lay my eyes on you for the time being." Rowland said in a bitterly enraged voice, tears pulling at the corner of his eyes. "Because if I do, I will commit a felony. I do not want to set my eyes on you anywhere near my home or my properties."

    "Honey..."

    "Shut up, Eunice." Rowland seethed, speaking in a low repressed voice. "Do not even cough out one more word, if you do not want me to transfer my anger to you. Your days of ruining this family just for the sake of pleasing your daughter are over. You can either stay married to me or leave to be with your daughter."

    "Mr and Mrs Stevens...." The manager of the restaurant politely approached the quarrelling family.

    "Yes." Rowland came forward, his eyes hopeful.

    "Mr and Mrs Anderson will see you now."

 Chapter 258 - 258: Confronting Tinas Parents 2

    Rowland''s scrunched face brightened up.

    "Thank you." He quickly turned to his wife with a final warning glare.

    "You are not to speak unless spoken to. And the only thing that must come out of your mouth is an apology and nothing more. Have I made myself clear?"

    Eunice nodded her head while wiping her reddened eyes, her heart completely shattered by Tina''s confession.

    When the family of three entered the room, they were slightly stunned to see Blaze laughing at whatever his wife was saying.

    However, his smile didn''t last for long as it suddenly disappeared when he tilted his head to look at them.

    "Please, have your seat," Amelia said calmly, observing them intently. She noticed they were usually humble, with the word guilt clearly written in their facial and body expression.

    "Thank you, Mr and Mrs Anderson, for giving us a second chance," Rowland spoke up, his gaze hovering over the couple. "Let me start by apologizing for my wife''s earlier behaviour and I promise it won''t repeat itself."

    "Apology accepted," Amelia replied, her tone businesslike. "I have a reason to believe that you have spoken to your daughter after you left here."

    "Yes, we have." Rowland lowered his gaze, his shoulder slumped.

    "I also have cause to believe that she has told you how she came between my husband and me, leading to so many ugly trends in our family."

    Rowland nodded, words falling him.

    Even Kelvin wasn''t bold enough to look Amelia in the face as he kept his head lowered.

    "In that case, I''m going to be very blunt."

    Amelia''s voice was soft but stern, her gaze sharp and cold.

    "I''m not the type of woman who disrespects her elders. But when someone spits in my face or challenges my parents, I won''t hesitate to tear them apart."

    Blaze smiled inwardly, his proud gaze fixed on his wife.

    "Mr Rowland, I''m not going to pretend like I care about you or your family. To be completely honest, I detest your presence. The only reason you are seated here before my husband and me is because I believe in fair hearing. But do not take my simplicity for granted. My bark is worse than my bite."

    Blaze chuckled inwardly, having tasted both sides of the coin.

    "Point taken Mrs Anderson."

    "Now back to the matter at hand." Amelia continued her gaze shifting to Eunice. "It beats my imagination to see a young woman who is lucky to have a mother lead such a wayward lifestyle. Which mother in her right senses would push her daughter to go after a married man or destroy another woman''s home? Now look at how things have played out."

    Amelia slowed her breathing as anger rose in her heart, seeing Eunice shed those crocodile tears. She knew Eunice had been the one supporting Tina to go after Blaze.

    "My mother-in-law is in the hospital because of Tina''s interference. My father is currently admitted with a dislocated hip joint because of Tina''s interference. I almost lost my pregnancy because of Tina''s interference. My marriage was almost destroyed because of Tina''s interference. A friendship of decades almost got ruined because Tina meddled." sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Amelia paused for her words to sink in.

    "Now tell me, Mr and Mrs Stevens, if you were in my shoes, what would you do to the family of the lady who has done nothing but wreak havoc in your home?"

    At those words, Eunice fell on her knees and started begging for Amelia''s mercy while Rowland and Kelvin joined her.

    Blaze clenched his fist infuriated by their noisy plea. He already knew why they came and he had no plans of making things easier for them.

    "Please, sit down. I''m not God." Amelia said drily to Eunice.

    "Thank you." Eunice stood up and sat down, her gaze lowered, sniffing occasionally.

    "I have come to realize that crying doesn''t solve anything. If it did, then my mother-in-law will be awake by now. Also saying sorry doesn''t solve a problem. But like my father rightly said, saying sorry is always the first step to conflict resolution. The next is restitution. Your daughter has destroyed homes, broken marriages and even friends. She has to face the consequences of her actions. And you have to compensate everyone she has toyed with."

    "That is fine by me," Rowland replied without blinking. "I am a strong advocate for justice and I will not shield anyone from facing the law if they are found guilty of an offense."

    "Then why do you need my help to erase evidence to cover up for your son?" Blaze''s cold and viciously intimidating voice overshadowed the room taking the family of three by surprise.

    Even Amelia was stunned by this new piece of information. She didn''t know Kelvin was in trouble.

    "You already know!" Kelvin''s eyes widened.

    "I make it my business to know everything, especially with my friends and foes." Blaze scoffed, his expression grim.

    "But my son is innocent of the charges," Rowland interjected his heart hammering in his chest. "Someone was trying to get back at my son for the accidental discharge of his weapon. He was set up with those hard drugs, making it look like he smuggled them into the base. And with the solid evidence presented, I don''t think he stands a chance during the court-martial."

    "Is this the reason you asked to see us?" Amelia didn''t bother masking her anger.

    "We came to apologize for Tina''s misbehaviour and plead for your husband''s help," Rowland replied, feeling at a loss as he observed the rising anger in Amelia''s tone.

    "I need you to answer one last question Mr Rowland before we let you go." Amelia''s tone was steely.

    "In all honesty, If your son wasn''t in trouble, would you have come to apologize on behalf of your daughter?"

    "Hmm..." Blaze''s lethal gaze narrowed at Rowland, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips.

    Rowland was stunned by this question. It finally dawned on him that he wouldn''t have probed into his daughter''s criminal affair if it hadn''t been for his son''s problem. He thought briefly, sparing his son an apologetic look before replying.

    "No. I''m sorry."

    Amelia smiled bitterly.

    "I thought so. Have a good evening, Mr and Mrs Rowland."

    Amelia turned her face away, her heart drumming in her chest as the broken family left with Eunice sobbing miserably as if they had all been issued a death sentence.

 Chapter 259 - 259: Restlessness 1

    The rest of the day slid by like a breeze, with the couple making one last stop at the hospital, before heading home together.

    When they arrived home, all Amelia could think of was resting her tired back on the bed.

    She was feeling fatigued all over as if she had climbed up a fleet of stairs even though she hadn''t done anything strenuous.

    When Blaze offered to give her a massage after helping her prepare for bed, Amelia didn''t object.

    She found his strong muscular hand on her soft skin invigorating and at the same time relaxing.

    Even with the growing tension and temptation between them, Blaze didn''t let his pants down as he focused on the given task.

    After the thorough massage, he helped Amelia slide into a cozy cotton nightgown and kissed her on the forehead before exiting her bedroom for the other room.

    The sweet scented flickering candle plus the soft background music were supposed to be the perfect spell to catapult Amelia straight to Dreamland.

    But for some weird reason, sleep refused to come to her tired eyes.

    Amelia tossed and turned on the bed, ruffling the sheet, and adjusting the pillows severally as she tried different comfortable sleeping positions. But none of it felt good enough.

    She closed her eyes, counting numbers in her mind, while picturing a starry night. But all she saw were the Stevens all dressed in black standing by the graveside weeping.

    "Shit!" Amelia quickly opened her eyes, her heart hammering loudly in her chest. She reached out for the covered glass of water by her bedside and took a sip from it. She dropped the glass and lay back down. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "You don''t have to think about them. They deserve what they got. This is karma and there is no stopping it." Amelia repeatedly told herself.

    Rolling to her side, she tried to push the Stevens out of her thoughts.

    However, the more she tried to suffocate her annoying thoughts, the more they possessed her mind until she felt like she was about to implode from overthinking.

    "F"ck!" She struck her pillow severally, gritting her teeth in anger.

    Hissing, she climbed out of the bed and started pacing around in her bedroom thinking of what to do to bury her thoughts.

    She thought of going out to look for Blaze and have him talk some senses into her like he did before.

    "But what if he had gone to bed?" Amelia thought out loud. "Wouldn''t it be selfish of me to bother him after everything he has done so far for me?"

    Amelia sighed, running her hands through her hair in frustration.

    Looking out the window she was instantly hypnotized by the brilliance of the full moon, casting a silver glow across the black inky sky. It felt as though the moon was calling to her as she found herself floating towards the door in silent steps.

    She slowly pulled aside the velvet curtain and pushed open the glass balcony door with both hands.

    The gentle cold breeze of the night whooshed into the room, temporarily numbing her senses, and causing goosebumps to appear all over her body.

    Greedily breathing in this cold but soothing air, Amelia slowly made her way to the balcony stone railing, which overlooked the expansive mansion garden.

    Standing by the balcony''s artistic stone railing, dressed in a long see-through white nightgown, with flutter sleeves and with her hair cascading down her slender shoulders in alluring waves, Amelia was looking like the goddess of the moon.

    She gently placed her hands on the top of the railing, her bright and beautiful eyes scanning the peaceful world below her.

    "Magnificent." Amelia smiled, her troubled heart slowly regaining peace.

    She shivered a little as the cold night wind brushed across her face and skin once more, causing some of her hair to blow across her face.

    Giggling, Amelia gently tucked some of her hair behind her ear. She exhaled, her shimmering eyes reflecting the luminous pearl in the sky.

    Closing her eyes, with both her hands resting on the railing, she inhaled and exhaled, focusing her mind on the beautiful memories she shared with Maria in the garden before the coma.

    Amelia didn''t notice when her husband quietly entered the room to check on her.

    However, her highly sensitive nostril picked up his unique blend of wood and musk masculine cologne when he silently approached the balcony.

    Blaze was rendered completely breathless as he stood by the balcony door, staring longingly at his wife''s alluring frame.

    Beautiful was an understatement to describe those perfect, seductive curves that were illuminated by the light of the moon.

    He felt his earlier needs which he tried to subdue come back to life with full force, making him gulp down his saliva, while his Adam''s apple bobbed up and down.

    Taking a deep breath, he slowly and silently approached her from behind. He was just a few feet away from her when her gentle voice pierced through the silence all around them.

    "Are you trying to sneak up on me, dear husband?" Amelia opened her eyes, a gentle smile playing at the corner of her lips as she turned around to face Blaze.

    Blaze was completely blown away and rendered temporarily speechless as his eyes fell on those bewitching hazel eyes of hers, masked with mischief.

    He gulps down again, his hungry eyes, trailing from her eyes down to those full and inviting pink lips. He didn''t realize when his eyes wandered down to those thick and hardened cherries on her full and pillowy breast, which made his already bulging third member stiffen like a rod.

    "I''m still up here." A wicked smile curled up Amelia''s lips, amused by the way her husband was lusting over her openly.

    "I''m sorry." Blaze cleared his throat, closing up the distance between them.

    "How how did you know I was here?" Blaze asked, stroking her hair, his eyes glimmering with so much love and desire.

    "I could smell you from a mile away."

    "Really!" Blaze arched his brows playfully.

    "Yes, or have you forgotten that I know have super awesome power," Amelia whispered teasingly, beaming.

    "How could I forget?" Blaze wrapped his arms around her and lifted her up, spinning her around like a kid.

 Chapter 260 - 260: Restlessness 2

    Amelia''s sweet laughter resounded into the night, feeling Blaze''s heart with immense happiness and love, his heart fluttering like a butterfly drinking sweet nectar.

    "Blaze put me down. I''m feeling dizzy." Amelia giggled, holding onto his soft textured hair.

    "As Her Highness wishes." Blaze brought her down, his arms firmly wrapped around her and his breath warm against her flushed face. "Have I told you that you look so beautiful, tonight?"

    "And have I told you that you are so charming with words?" Amelia replied to his question with another question brushing her lips against his ear lobe, sending an electrifying chill down his spine.

    Before they could stop themselves, their lips slowly locked in an intense passionate kiss that left them completely breathless.

    When they parted lips, they held on to each other in a warm embrace, their racing heart slowly synchronizing as one.

    "So tell me why aren''t you in bed, sleeping?" Blaze asked after a few moments of silently watching the moon with Amelia''s head resting on his chest.

    Amelia exhaled. "I couldn''t sleep."

    "Why?" Blaze''s brows furrowed. "Are you feeling any pain?" He pulled her away to check her body.

    "No. I''m fine and so is the baby." Amelia leaned back on his chest, enjoying the warmth of his arms.

    "Then what is the problem?"

    "I just had a lot in my mind." Amelia felt the weight of the Stevens problem weighing down on her chest afresh.

    "Would you like to share?"

    Amelia nodded, lifting her head away from Blaze''s chest and looking into his gentle gaze, her arms finding their way around his neck.

    "I''m feeling guilty like I''m about to make a terrible mistake."

    "A mistake!" Blaze arched his brow in confusion. "What mistake?"

    Amelia sighed, exhaling as she said. "I feel I should have given Mr Rowland and his son more listening ear. After all, they didn''t do anything wrong to me."

    Blaze''s forehead furrowed. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "But my love, we have talked about this topic before. We agreed that their problems are not our concern. They made their bed when they chose not to pay attention to Tina''s misbehaviour. Now it''s time to face the consequences of their actions. You shouldn''t worry your pretty head about them. They don''t deserve our pity. Neither do they deserve our help."

    "Then why do I feel this miserable." Amelia lowered her gaze, not wanting Blaze to see the hurt in her eyes.

    "Why do I feel like someone''s life is hanging on my neck? I can''t think without them invading my thoughts and pricking my conscience. I can''t sleep because when I close my eyes, I see their crying faces. I shouldn''t feel sorry for them but I do. I feel like I owe them."

    Blaze let out a frustrated sigh, a blend of love and anger entangling his heart. He lifted Amelia''s chin up with his thumb, staring into her moist eyes. He wasn''t about to see her shed a tear because of Tina''s family.

    "What do you suggest we do, because I can''t have you worrying about those people?"

    "Can you fix the problem?" Amelia asked in a pleading tone.

    "Yes, I can ask Echo to handle it. But I don''t want to." Blaze replied softly stroking her lips with his thumb.

    "Please, baby, help them." Amelia pleaded kissing his thumb.

    "But they don''t deserve my help." Blaze tried to persuade her, his heart pounding inside his chest at her soft and tempting wet kisses.

    "I know they don''t deserve it. But let''s help nonetheless. Let their conscience be their judge. Saving one innocent life could also spare another. I don''t want anyone dying on my conscience. Not even Tina."

    Blaze felt weakened, knowing he couldn''t say no to his wife.

    "Are you sure about this?"

    "Yes, I am one hundred percent sure. Please do it for me. For us."

    Blaze sighed in resignation.

    "If I do this, would it stop you from worrying?"

    Amelia''s smiles returned. "Yes! It will."

    "Okay." Blaze brought out his phone from his pant pocket and dialled Echo''s number in front of Amelia. He gave Echo some series of instructions before finally hanging up.

    "There, it''s all done. Your mind can be at ease now."

    "Thank you, baby." Amelia happily hugged him, releasing a sigh of relief as the burden in her heart was gradually lifted.

    "Just thank you." Blaze lifted Amelia up, princess style, his eyes glimmering with extreme desire. "Don''t I get something more?"

    "A peck on the cheek." Amelia pecked him, giggling as Blaze nuzzled her on the tip of her nose while holding her glimmering gaze.

    "And..." Blaze asked, guiding her into her bedroom, his powerful arms holding her close to his chest.

    "A pat on the back for a job well done." Amelia teasingly patted him on the back, earning her a tickle on the side that left her squirming and giggling out loud.

    "And..." He gently placed her on the bed, his deep husky voice fanning against her flushed face, while he drank in her feminine beauty from her see-through nightgown.

    "A delicious homemade dinner prepared by me." Amelia''s wandering hands found their way under his grey t-shirts as he climbed over her, resting his weight on his arms.

    "How about an innocent kiss for an appetizer," Blaze whispered, brushing his lips against her.

    "There is no such thing as innocent with you, dear husband." Amelia welcomed an intense, ravaging kiss from her husband that stole her breath away.

    -

    -

    Meanwhile, at the Stevens mansion, the atmosphere remained gloomy.

    While Eunice cried herself to sleep, Rowland and his son shared their last father-and-son bonding moments together, drinking and reminiscing on old times.

    Very early the following morning, Rowland was looking completely miserable as his son set to leave for the airport. He couldn''t let go and he couldn''t bring himself to say goodbye for the last time.

    "Dad, I''m sorry for the trouble Tina and I have put you and Mom through. I need you to go on living a normal life without me. Maybe this is for the best. Be strong." Kelvin pulled away from his dad''s arm, wiping the tears flowing down the corner of his eyes.

    "I can''t ... I can''t lose you too. I can''t..."

    An incoming call from a strange number interrupted the father and Son''s moment.

    "Hold on a second," Kelvin said as he swiped the receive button and said.

    "Hello."

    "This is Echo. It''s done."

    "Huh!" Kevin''s eyes widened in shock.

    "Send your gratitude to my boss''s wife because she just saved your sorry ass."

    The line instantly disconnected, leaving Kelvin screaming for joy.

    "They helped us! Mrs Anderson helped us."

 Chapter 261 - 261: Subconscious State

    "Amelia Anderson truly has a heart of gold," Eunice confessed, tears of joy streaming down her face as she received the good news from her son.

    For someone who had already given up hopes on living after Amelia coldly discharged them the previous days, her glimmering eyes beamed with life.

    "Let''s call and thank her, using the number your sister sent you," Rowland suggested to his son, who nodded in response.

    When Kelvin tried calling Amelia on the number, the line failed to connect.

    The automated electronic female voice said the number didn''t exist.

    "I think this number Tina gave me is no longer operational."

    "I''m guessing you know why." Rowland shook his head in disappointment. "But not to worry. Your mother and I will find a way to get in touch with her and thank her in person. In the meantime, you need to start leaving for the airport or you might miss your flight."

    Kelvin nodded, seeing that he was already running late. "When this whole issue about the drug smuggling blows off, I will come back to the city to formally thank them."

    "That a good idea." Eunice agreed.

    Kelvin picked up his luggage, ready to leave when something struck him.

    "Dad, remember how Blaze''s wife said we need to make amend for Tina''s mistake."

    "Yes..." Rowland nodded.

    "Well, I think we should start working on that as soon as possible. I''ll get Tina to prepare and forward a public apology statement to me which I will forward to you. Then we could release a press statement to the movie award academy and the public, apologizing on her behalf. Afterwards, we could reach out to all those she might have offended and try to make peace with them."

    "That is a brilliant idea." Rowland nodded proudly.

    "After the press releases and apology, maybe Tina can come back home." Eunice suggested, avoiding her husband''s gaze.

    "Please, Eunice, do not ruin the mood." Rowland tilted his furrowed brows to Kelvin. "If you''re ready, son, let''s go."

    -

    -

    Later that same day, Vera was busy attending to Maria''s hygiene when she observed Maria''s fingers move on their own.

    Vera gasped.

    "Oh my goodness!" Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Vera quickly put aside the towel she was using to wipe Maria''s body as she leaned closer to her face calling softly.

    "Maria!"

    "..."

    "Maria, can you hear me?" Vera called softly again, her heart pounding in her chest as she gently stroked Maria''s forehead, hoping her eyes would open. But there was no response.

    Trying a third time, Vera adopted a different method.

    "Maria, if you can hear me, give me a sign."

    To Vera''s amazement, Maria''s fingers move again.

    "Oh my goodness! You can hear me." Vera cupped her mouth and sprinted out of the ward to get the doctor.

    A few moments later, a team of doctors and nurses, surrounded Maria''s bedside, carrying out a few tests on her. Her vitals were taken and more medication was administered to her.

    At the end of their medical procedure, they informed Vera and Eugene, who had just arrived with lunch for his mother, that Maria was in the process of waking up.

    Instantly, Blaze and Amelia were alerted to this new development.

    Within thirty minutes of informing them, Blaze and Amelia, escorted by Henry, both arrived at the hospital.

    They were all excited to see Maria, hoping she had finally regained consciousness.

    Sadly, when they got to her bedside she was still in her peaceful slumber.

    "I thought she would be awake by now?" Blaze''s forehead furrowed.

    When he lowered his face to plant a kiss on her forehead, he observed that her face was no longer looking extremely pale like before. He also noticed her eyeballs moving a little as if she was trying to open her eyes.

    "The doctor said she''s currently in her subconscious state," Vera explained to her nephew. "He said she could remain like this for the next few minutes, hours or even days before she wakes up completely. But here is the fun part, he said she can hear everything we say."

    "Really!" Amelia''s teary eyes lit up like a million sparkly stars.

    "Yes!" Eugene concurred.

    "Wow! That''s awesome!" Amelia chimed happily. She took Maria''s right hand into hers, stroking it tenderly as she cooed

    "Hello, mom!"

    In response, Amelia felt Maria''s right hand squeeze hers.

    "Baby, look, she can really hear me. She is holding my hand." Amelia showed Maria''s firm grip on her hand to Blaze.

    "Oh my goodness! This is amazing." Blaze kissed the back of his mother''s hand in his wife''s hand while Amelia tenderly stroked his hair, an intimacy that warmed the hearts of everyone in the room.

    Henry was the happiest of all, seeing his best friend and wife get back together like they used to be or even more.

    However, he didn''t get to watch this intimacy as Vera quickly shooed him and Eugene out of the room, closely following behind them to give the couple some space with Maria.

    "Mom, if you can hear me, I need you to know that I miss you so much," Blaze whispered, tears of immeasurable happiness streaming down his cheeks and falling on his mother''s face.

    The part of Maria''s face were the tears touched slowly warm up giving a faint blush.

    Amelia kept stroking Blaze''s hair as he poured out his heart to his first true love.

    "I was so scared that you were going to leave me like Dad did. I felt so lost and alone at some point. I even got so mad that I did a lot of stupid things I know you''re going to stroke me about when you finally wake up. But I can''t wait to hear your sweet reprimanding voice. I don''t care if you even have to pull both my ears as long as I see those beautiful eyes of yours."

    Amelia chuckled amid tears, her heart melting for her husband as he continued talking.

    "I want you to know that thanks to you, I''m going to be a father and Amelia, a mum. You are going to be a proud grandma and I can''t wait to see you hold our child in your arms. I love you so much, Mom."

    Blaze looked up at his wife, his childish smile lighting up her heart. "And I love you till infinity, Amelia."

    Amelia bit down on her lower lips, her heart swirling with overwhelming emotions as she replied. "I love you too, Blaze."

    Maria opened her eyelid faintly, a smile slowly spreading across her slightly pale lips as she watched Blaze and Amelia share a tender kiss in front of her.

    But before they broke away from their kiss, she slipped back into the darkness, with the smile still lingering on her lips.

 Chapter 262 - 262: Welcome Home Maria

    The day slowly came to an end without Maria waking up. But her family kept vigilant waiting to see her open those pretty sea-green eyes.

    As the rising sun, slowly climbed over the horizon, casting a soft, golden light on the magnificent city landscape, the quiet of night gave way to the vibrant hum of another beautiful day.

    Maria finally opened her eyes only to find her family members including Henry all snoring peacefully, scattered around the room in different sleeping sitting positions.

    But the sight that melted her heart the most was the sight of her children.

    Amelia was nestled in her husband''s protective arms like an adorable baby, sleeping peacefully with Blaze also resting his head on the couch headrest.

    Parched and unable to voice out a single word, she just remained still watching them until her very sensitive and alert son finally opened his eyes to meet her gaze.

    "Mom!"

    Blaze''s deep voice and movement caused Amelia to stir and open her eyes too. She followed her husband''s gaze, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of Maria''s wide opened eyes.

    "Mom!" Amelia''s sharp voice chimed like an alarm bell, waking everyone from their deep slumber.

    Blaze and Amelia quickly got to Maria''s beside, their eyes brimming with excitement.

    "Mom!" Amelia called softly, taking Maria''s hands into hers as the latter smiled sweetly at her. "Hi..."

    "Eugene quickly get the doctor," Blaze instructed his cousin before returning his attention to his mother who was still smiling as she acknowledged everyone standing around her bedside with her eyes.

    "Do you want water?" Amelia asked and Maria nodded her head.

    "Let''s wait for the doctor to come before we give her anything," Vera suggested while beaming happily at her sister-in-law.

    When did doctors and nurses finally arrived, everyone was asked to wait outside the room.

    Upon stabilizing Maria''s condition, and assessing her level of consciousness as well as any potential neurological deficits, the chief doctor certified her out of danger.

    Over the next couple of days, Maria slowly began to recuperate with intensive nutrition, physical exercise and therapy.

    By the end of the fifth day, she was finally discharged.

    When Maria arrived home with his proud son and daughter-in-law on either side, she was stunned to see so many vehicles packed outside the mansion premises.

    "Blaze, what is going on here? Are you having a party?" Maria asked, as she slowly stepped out of the car.

    "Maybe," Blaze replied casually as he helped his mother out of the car.

    "What is the occasion?" Maria paused, as she waited for Amelia to join her.

    "How about you come with me and find out for yourself, Mom," Amelia replied mischievously giving her husband a thumbs up from behind.

    "What are you two up to this time around." Maria''s eyes darted suspiciously between her son and daughter-in-law, who had been acting like two inseparable identical twins.

    "Nothing Mom." Amelia leaned closer and kissed Maria on the cheek before leading her into the mansion while Blaze followed closely behind.

    "Welcome back Mrs Anderson, senior." The elegantly dressed butler, bowed curtly as he opened the door wide. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Thanks, dear." Maria smiled, her sensitive nostrils already picking up the appealing aroma of tantalizing meals blended with different perfume and cologne.

    "Where are the..." Maria didn''t get to complete her statement when all her family and friends came out of their hiding places cheering loudly and throwing confetti and balloons in the air.

    A beautifully designed banner that said ''welcome home mom'' was hanging by the entrance to the living room.

    "Surprise!"

    "Congratulations!"

    "Welcome home, Maria!"

    "We love you so much!"

    "We miss you!"

    Everyone was cheering and clapping.

    Maria cupped her mouth, completely shocked to see her husband''s family all present with their children and grandchildren, amidst friends and well-wishes cheering for her.

    "Welcome home, mom." Blaze and Amelia said together each of them kissing Maria on either side of her cheek.

    "I love you, two so much." Maria embraced each one of them, kissing them on the forehead, her heart swelling with pride and joy.

    "Thank goodness you are fine my sweet angel." Mamo came forward to receive her daughter-in-law.

    "Thank you, mum." Maria couldn''t hold back her tears as they both embraced.

    "Don''t you ever scare us like that again, okay. We can''t afford to lose you too." Mamo wept silently in her daughter''s arm as memories of his eldest son''s death washed over her.

    "Okay, mum. I''m sorry."

    "It''s fine." Mamo pulled away stroking her chin.

    "Although Vera and I still have scores to settle for keeping such information away from me." Mamo glared playfully in Vera''s direction making the latter chuckle feverishly.

    "I thank the heavens for being so merciful and keeping you alive, my dear child." Maria''s father-in-law came next, embracing her.

    "Thank you, Dad."

    One by one, everyone present came to welcome her including Amelia''s father and her aunt.

    Maria was super thrilled to see Naomi and her infant child, amongst other grandchildren present. She bragged about being the next grandmother in line, her beaming gaze on Amelia and Blaze, who were busy being the amazing hostess and host.

    The sound of laughter, music and merriment filled the room as Maria got to spend quality time with her friends, chatting, laughing her heart out and keeping up-to-date with the trending news.

    Amelia was busy playing with children running around her when caught sight of Henry staring hopelessly at her cousin as she helped around sweets for the children present. She was about to go to him and tease him when Naomi came around and pulled her away to the terrace for a juicy gist.

    While the party was ongoing, Blaze received a disturbing call from Marcus that knocked the air out of his lungs and almost made him go limp with shock.

    Blaze briskly excused himself from the party to avoid alarming his wife or Mom.

    When he was finally inside the mansion study, he listened as Marcus gave a detailed report of the alarming crisis that had befallen his recently acquired mining field worth billions of dollars.

    According to Marcus, he had just temporarily excused himself to take an urgent call when an explosion erupted from beneath the surface.

    Consequently, due to the high power diesel propelled machinery, and other explosives, present at the mining site, the first explosion led to multiple catastrophic explosions.

    Aside from the loss of properties and billions of dollars worth of investment, Blaze felt parallelized by the loss of two visiting active investors, and ninety- seven field workers, minus those buried alive in the rubble.

    By the time Marcus was done with his report, Blaze was practically drenched in his sweat, panting for air.

 Chapter 263 - 263: Unknown Enemy

    Thousands of kilometres away from Salvine city, at a remote location, a man cladded in complete black attire, with a leather trench coat hanging over his shoulder, stood outside a dark grey Range Rover sports.

    He leaned against the car, a cloud of smoke curling lazily from his lips as he took a long drag from his thick cigar.

    Blowing out rings of smoke like a pro, he casually dialled a number and brought his phone to his ear, his dark shade masking the sinister glint in his eyes.

    The line connected on the first ring with a deep chilly male''s voice resonating in the background.

    "Is it done?"

    "Yes, boss." A devilish smirk curled up the side of the man''s lips.

    "What about the witness?"

    "Taken care of. He died with the others and his account has been wiped clean."

    "Good. We cannot afford any sloppy job knowing the man we are dealing with."

    "You can rest assured, boss, There is no way it can be traced back to you. We will keep him chasing his tail and hunting his rival."

    "What about the first bait?"

    "It has already been set. Is just a matter of days before he takes the fall."

    "Splendid. I want him completely destroyed just like his father. And when we are through with him, we will go after his most priced possessions."

    "Yes, boss. I already look forward to it."

    "Stay off the radar. I''ll contact you when it''s time to initiate stage two of our plan."

    "Yes boss."

    The line was instantly discovered, leaving an eerie grin on the man''s lips.

    "Blaze Anderson, your doomsday just began."

    -

    -

    Back at the Anderson mansion, the celebration gradually came to an end as the last guest said goodbye.

    Except for the extended family, who were still scattered in different sections of the house, bonding, Amelia didn''t take note of Blaze''s absence.

    It was not until Vera came to the terrace looking for Naomi with her crying baby, that Amelia''s mind drifted to her husband.

    "Who is a hungry little cutie ..you are..." Naomi tried to pacify her crying infant, but the infant seemed offended by his moms joke at the expense of his little tummy, as his crying intensified.

    Amelia chuckled, beaming at the cute crying baby, who seemed too hungry and was pulling at his mother''s blouse with his tiny hands.

    "Why don''t you go upstairs and feed him? I''ll go look for Blaze."

    "All right sister-in-law, I''ll see you in the morning." Naomi kissed Amelia on the cheek before leaving for one of the guest rooms.

    Amelia also left the terrace for the living room, thinking Blaze was seated with his mother and grandparents discussing.

    However, when she didn''t find him in the sitting room, she decided to check for him at the lounge where the other guys were, having their men''s forum away from the noisy children and women.

    Still, there was no sight of Blaze.

    "Eugene, have you seen your cousin?" Amelia asked after acknowledging Naomi''s husband and the others.

    "No." Eugene shook his head looking surprised. He stood up and strolled over to her away from the men''s discussion. "I thought he was with you?"

    Amelia''s brows furrowed.

    "No, I''ve been with Naomi all along."

    "Maybe, he is with Henry," Eugene suggested. "You know how sneaky those two can be sometimes."

    "I saw Henry leave with my aunt and f..." Amelia paused. It suddenly dawned on her that she hadn''t seen Blaze since the last time they both received one of Maria''s elderly friends, which was over three to four hours ago.

    A ripple of laughter suddenly erupted in the lounge forcing Eugene and Amelia to stare at the men who were obviously having a great time.

    "Why don''t you go back and join them? Don''t let me not stop you from catching your fun. I''ll go look for him. He should be somewhere around the mansion."

    "You don''t have to worry about me, sister-in-law. I could help you look for him." Eugene took a step to leave but Amelia stopped him.

    "I insist. Go back. I''ll just call him on the phone if I can''t find him."

    "Okay sister-in-law. Thanks. But if you need me, I''m always here for you."

    "I know," Amelia patted Eugene on the chin and left the lounge for the stairs. She was about to climb up when she had Mamo''s unique voice.

    "Already retiring for the night?"

    "Oh no, Mamo." Amelia turned around to greet her with a warm hug. "I was just looking for Blaze. I wanted to check if he had gone to the bedroom."

    "Oh, I saw him going towards the study area." Mamo pointed in the adjacent direction. "He was looking kind of in a hurry. Is everything alright with him?"

    "I''m sure everything is fine, Mamo." Amelia said reassuringly waving any spell of anxiety even though her heart was beginning to pound erratically in her chest. "l I''ll go check up on him."

    "You do that and then you should think about going upstairs to rest." Mamo pinched Amelia''s cheek playfully. "You shouldn''t stress yourself in your condition."

    "Okay Mamo, thanks." Amelia smiled and left for the mansion study.

    When she got to the door, she placed her ears on it and listened for any form of movement inside.

    Unfortunately, the study was soundproof and she couldn''t hear a thing. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Taking a deep breath to ease the growing tension in her chest, she knocked briefly and waited.

    When she didn''t get a response, she knocked again dialing Blaze''s number on her phone.

    The line connected and rang repeatedly but Blaze didn''t take his calls which was very unusual of him. She was about to dial his number again when she had a click followed by the door knob twisting.

    "Blaze..." Amelia hurried into the study as Blaze pulled open the door. "What is the matter? Why weren''t you taking your call or answering the door?"

    "It''s nothing, sweetheart I was just working," Blaze replied calmly as he shut the door. He did his best to put up a convincing unagitated demeanor even though he was a complete wreck within.

    "Working!" Amelia arched her brows, looking at her husband from head to toe. "How can you be working today of all days? I thought you said you''ve cleared your schedule."

    "I have but something urgent came up. That needs my attention."

    At that moment a call entered Blaze''s phone which he couldn''t ignore.

 Chapter 264 - 264: Confiding In His Wife

    Blaze gritted his teeth as he swiped the receive button and raised the phone to his right ear while giving Amelia a pleading signal to hold on.

    "Okay," Amelia responded nonverbally while assessing her husband intently.

    She noticed that his tie was gone, tossed recklessly on the floor by the side of his desk. She observed the way his sleek and smooth hair was looking ruffled as if he was trying to comb out dandruff with his finger.

    Amelia also observed that the first three buttons of his shirt were undone as if he was suffocating in the well-ventilated office.

    But most importantly, what made her shiver the most were the fragments of a broken vase which were neatly shoved under the mahogany desk.

    Hiding his trembling left hand in his pocket, Blaze spoke into the phone while moving away from Amelia to limit what she would hear.

    "Hello... Yes, I heard... I''m already working on it... Please just give me some time. I''ve already scheduled a flight. I''ll be there first thing tomorrow morning. No.... I want it contained..."

    Amelia stood transfixed by the door watching her husband talk on the phone in a hushed voice. It was unlike him to hide his calls from her.

    Ever since they reconciled, he has been very straightforward with her, treating her as his better half.

    Why the sudden need to hide his calls?

    Something was definitely wrong.

    "Don''t contact anyone yet..." Blaze slowly rounded up his call.

    "... Keep it away from them too... Yes... No...Just do it." Blaze clenched his jaws, stifling the fury rising to the surface before ending the call.

    When Blaze spun around to face his wife, he was stunned to see the alarmed look in her eyes.

    "Baby are you all right?" Blaze pushed his own worries aside as he came up to her.

    "I should be asking you that?" Amelia''s forehead kneaded due to the way Blaze was treating her like a fragile creature.

    "I told you. It is just work. Everything is fine." Blaze waved his hand dismissively. "Has mom retired to her bedroom?"

    "Don''t do that." Amelia snapped angrily.

    "Do what?" Blaze opened his arms innocently.

    "Treat me like I''m a child or change the topic." Amelia''s tone was laced with anxiety and hurt.

    "I asked you if there is a problem and I know you''re hiding something from me. I can see it in your eyes. I can read your expression. We are a team, remember?"

    Blaze sighed, his composure falling apart. "I''m sorry my love. I didn''t mean to upset you."

    "It''s okay. Don''t worry about mom. Mom is perfectly fine. Everyone is here to take care of her. And I am here for you. So talk to me. You can tell me anything."

    Amelia placed her hand on Blaze''s cheek which was slightly warmer than usual as though he was coming down with a fever.

    "I don''t want you getting worried or scared about anything. Please, let me handle this alone." Blaze insisted.

    "Don''t you think I''ll be more worried knowing that my husband is passing through a challenge that is making him look this agitated? You just have to trust me. I''m stronger than I look. We could always lean on each other for strength."

    Moved by her words, Blaze leaned closer, as he cupped Amelia''s face and kissed her passionately. He led her to the double couch and made her sit down before opening up to her.

    "There has been an explosion on my recently acquired project site."

    "An explosion!" Amelia''s eyes widened. "How come?!" S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "We don''t have a clue yet but Marcus has reasons to believe that it was instigated by one of the workers in the gold mining field."

    "My goodness!" Amelia held onto Blaze''s trembling hands while holding his gloomy gaze.

    "Were there any casualties?"

    Blaze nodded his head. "Ninety-seven field workers as of three hours ago. But the death toll has increased to one hundred and twenty-three now."

    "Oh my god!" Amelia impulsively cupped her open mouth, her dilated pupils almost popping out of her eye socket.

    Thankfully, she was more composed than Blaze initially anticipated.

    "The number of field workers is not the only problem. Two of my active investors visited the field yesterday. They were at the site when the explosion occurred."

    "Oh my goodness! This is horrible. Who would do such a cruel thing?"

    "I have no idea," Blaze said bitterly, his eyes lethal and narrowed. "But if I find that person, so help me god, I will wreak havoc in that person''s life."

    Amelia nodded in agreement, her hands now trembling. "So far, have the authority been contacted."

    "Yes. But we are trying to contain the issue to prevent it from escalating. That is why I have to leave the city tonight." Blaze slowly stood up with Amelia doing the same.

    "I''m coming with you," Amelia replied, following behind her husband as he sauntered over to his desk to pick up some important personal documents.

    "No baby, I can''t let you come with me. If there is someone out there trying to get to me, I can''t risk you or our child being in danger."

    "You don''t have to worry about us. We will be..." Blaze didn''t allow Amelia to complete her statement as he kissed her tenderly, swallowing the remaining of her words.

    "I can''t have any member of the family knowing about this, especially mom. If I leave on an urgent business trip, she will understand. But if we both leave, she''ll get suspicious and start to worry. And you and I know what that could lead to."

    Amelia pouted, "Yes. But promise me you''ll be safe. I can''t lose you." Tears pulled at the corner of Amelia''s eyes.

    "You won''t, my love." Blaze embraces her tenderly, kissing her on the forehead. He wipped her streaming tears with his thumb and kissed her again on the lips.

    "We will always speak regularly on the phone. Also, I need you to resume wearing your tracking bracelet. We have to beef up security in case someone is trying to do something silly."

    "Okay."

    "I have to go now." Blaze kissed her briefly on the lips and hurried to the door.

    "Blaze..." Amelia called out to him, her breath hitched in her chest.

    Blaze tilted his head backward, holding the door handle.

    "Be safe."

    "I will, my love." He blew kisses at her and left

 Chapter 265 - 265: A Chaotic Scene

    The aftermath of the massive explosion at the gold mining field was a blur of flashing lights from firefighter trucks, blaring sirens of ambulance and local police automobiles and chaos.

    The air was thick with the acrid smell of smoke, and a mixture of burning chemicals.

    The screeching sound of the gravely injured worker being transferred from the chaotic scene to the ambulance was sickening and terrifying.

    Emergency responders worked tirelessly to save more workers trapped under the rubble.

    But the damage had been done.

    The loss of life was a heavy weight that hung in the air, casting a sombre shadow over the scene.

    The perimeter was cordoned off by the local police. But this didn''t stop the local reporters, who had been tipped off by an anonymous whistleblower to storm the surrounding.

    As daybreak gradually fell over the chaotic scene, the sound of an approaching helicopter caused an instant frenzy amongst the hundreds of reporters now gathered not too far from the explosion site.

    Staring down at the crisis below from the helicopter, Blaze''s heart sank at the level of destruction.

    His heart pounded with fear and disbelief as he realized the severity of the situation and the ripple effect it would pose to his company and future.

    "Why are the journalists here? I thought the sheriff assured us that the situation could be contained?"

    Blaze clenched his jaw, tilting his narrowed gaze at Marcus, whose expression was both gloomy and fatigued from running around all through the night.

    "Unfortunately sir, it seemed someone alerted them, while you were still speaking to the sheriff."

    "What!" Blaze glared at Marcus in disbelief.

    "Yes sir. I didn''t want to bother you on the phone with such depressing information. So far, we''ve been able to keep the media away from the scene with the help of the local police and our private security. We have also planted our men amongst the media to find out who made the leak. We are also walking closely with the investigation team to find out who is responsible for this mess. We hope to get answers soon."

    "What about the family of the investors that died at the scene, has anyone contacted them yet?"

    "No sir. They are still in the dark." Marcus replied, taking off his seat belt as the helicopter finally landed at a heavily secure location, twenty meters away from the explosion scene, where a black-tinted SUV was waiting for them.

    When they finally arrived at the explosion sight, Blaze hopped out of the car, to meet an overwhelmed stoned cold sheriff, approaching him.

    "That is the sheriff handling the case, sir. The one you spoke to yesterday." Marcus alerted his boss.

    "Mmm..." Blaze nodded, maintaining a frigid but solemn expression.

    "Mr Blaze Anderson." The sheriff extended his hand which Blaze shook briefly.

    "Sheriff Ross, thanks for containing the situation so far. My assistant has been giving me an update on your activities and I''m grateful to you and your men for your cooperation."

    "I''m afraid I have some more bad news for you, Mr Anderson." The sheriff said in a deep regretful tone.

    "The death toll had risen to one hundred and seventy-one. Someone has alerted the villagers whose husbands and sons were workers in this field. In a matter of hours, these angry villagers will be storming this area and if the situation is not properly handled, it could lead to more crisis."

    Blaze exhaled through his mouth, wiping the bead of sweat gathering on his forehead.

    "Okay, I will..."

    "That is not all Mr Anderson." The sheriff cut Blaze off. "Words about this incident have already gotten to the state authority. According to my intel, they are sending a battalion of federal investigators to take over this matter. In a matter of hours, this case will be out of my jurisdiction and this might turn ugly for you since you are not a citizen of this country. I will advise you to start getting ready your legal department for a battle because something of this magnitude has never occurred in the history of this peaceful loving country."

    Blaze could feel his heart almost collapsing at the sheriff''s words. But he simply nodded and thanked the sheriff for the heads up.

    Feeling a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins, Blaze folded up his sleeves and joined paramedics in carrying wounded workers to the awaiting ambulance.

    -

    -

    Country M, 7:30 AM, same day ...

    Mrs Deborah Jones, a renowned legal practitioner and a mother of three adorable kids was out on her usual morning run when a hooded man mistakenly bumped into her.

    "Hey, watch it." S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Deborah barked, hurling curses at the man who didn''t bother to stop and apologize.

    The asshole didn''t even consider the fact that he almost knocked her off her feet, as he continued running taking a left turn at the next bend.

    Glaring at the disappearing figure of the hooded man, Deborah hissed, shaking her head.

    She was about to resume her morning exercise when she discovered something weird in the pocket of her top tracksuit.

    "Huh!" Deborah slipped her hand into her pocket and brought out a small portable new Android phone.

    "What the hell?! How did this get here?" Deborah lifted her head, scanning her environment for any weird faces.

    This wasn''t her phone and she usually didn''t carry a cell phone whenever she was going for her morning run except for a wireless earpod.

    Then it dawned on her that she hadn''t made contact with anyone except the stranger who bumped into her. He must have slipped a phone into her pocket while she wasn''t paying attention.

    ''But why?''

    Deborah didn''t get to ponder much longer as the phone started vibrating in her hand. Her eyes widened in shock and her heart started hammering in her chest as she stared at the private number displayed on the phone screen.

    ''Could it be the hooded man calling?'' Deborah wondered.

    Sucking in her breath, Deborah tapped the green button and brought the phone to her ear, her hands trembling.

    "Hello, who is this?"

    "A friend. You need to know that your husband, Victor Jones is dead, eliminated by the heartless chairman and CEO of Andex group international."

    "Excuse me!" Deborah''s heartbeat quadrupled in a flash. "Who are you and why are you fabricating such lies?"

    "Watch the video stored in this device."

 Chapter 266 - 266: Imprisoned

    The call instantly disconnected leaving Deborah in confusion and panic. She hurriedly went to the phone gallery and opened the only video store on the phone.

    When Deborah pressed play on the video, an image of her husband wearing some sort of safety helmet and jacket while talking to his friend and a fellow investor came to live.

    They seemed to be deliberating on a rock-like lustrous sample when some approached them.

    This person, who seemed to be the one recording this video was hidden away from the camera lens. He said something about Mr Anderson taking over their shares and investments.

    Then suddenly, out of nowhere, a loud sound closely followed by a flash of light ended the video recording.

    Deborah impulsively let go of the phone, her body frozen and her breath hitched. Her dilated pupil followed the phone in slow motion as it fell on the cobblestone pathway, with a slight cracking thud.

    "Victor!" A drop of tear slipped out of Deborah''s moist eye.

    But what she heard next made her heart freeze. It was a tiny electronic voice message, saying,

    [This message will self-destruct in 5,4,3,2 and...]

    The phone on the ground exploded, causing Deborah to almost jump out of her skin.

    -

    -

    At another foreign location, a nursing mother who happened to be the wife of the second dead investor received a similar harrowing message that caused her to collapse at the end of the transmission.

    -

    -

    Back in Salvine City, Amelia carried on for the next two days like nothing serious had happened to her husband''s company. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    She regularly kept in touch with Blaze, giving her all the morale support he needed while keeping the news away from Maria until the video of the explosion anonymously found its way to the Internet world.

    Within a space of thirty minutes, before the video was taken down, it spread across the length and breadth of the country, causing widespread panic and tension.

    Some notable investors of Andex Groups International began pulling out of the company, terrified of getting swallowed by the storm.

    Rumours of the company going bankrupt due to numerous filed litigations started spreading like wildfire, with some people saying that history was about to repeat itself in the Anderson family.

    The bereaved families of the two investors who died in the explosion came on air requesting, the immediate arrest and prosecution of the chairman and CEO of the company.

    They made it clear that no amount of monetary compensation would replace the lives of their loved ones except watching the criminal-minded chairman rot in prison for his crime of manslaughter.

    However, in all of the trials, Amelia remained strong for her husband, her mother-in-law, her husband''s terrified family members and her unborn child.

    She stood up to the media backlash that followed suit, defending her husband even to the detriment of her own company image.

    While the aftermath of the explosion threatened to crumple Andex Group international, the search for the real perpetrators of the crime seemed to meet a dead end.

    It was as though the people who orchestrated the attack were ghosts and not of planet Earth. Searching for them was like looking for a needle in a haystack.

    Nonetheless, Blaze teams persevered, without falling prey to the trap laid out for them by their opponents.

    -

    -

    -

    Over the next couple of weeks, Andex Group International was swarmed with several allegations and litigation ranging from safety violations to manslaughter, conspiracy, environmental damage, and unlawful policies and practices, amongst others.

    Each of these lawsuits came with millions and billions of dollars as compensation fees.

    A ban was placed on the operational activities of Andex Group International pending the duration of the court trial proceeding.

    The chairman of the company was sentenced to a year in prison pending evidence exonerating him from pre-meditated manslaughter allegations.

    *****

    It had been two months since Blaze''s arrest in a foreign country for a crime he didn''t commit.

    Whoever was behind the explosion had been very careful not to leave a trace for Blaze''s team of experts to uncover.

    Whenever it felt like they were at the point of a breakthrough, they were met with a dead end.

    But not for once did Amelia give up on her husband, with her father and Blaze''s team of lawyers, they kept digging and looking for anything that would prove Blaze''s innocence.

    During this trying period, Amelia formed an unexpected alliance with Kelvin, Tina''s military brother, who employed various resources and went underground to uncover the dilemma behind the ghastly explosion.

    While Blaze''s case was ongoing, the Shawls family were preparing to welcome Gwen home from prison.

    In two days, she would be set free, having spent six months in pregnancy.

    While Senator Gregory prepared to welcome his second pregnant daughter home, Amelia decided to pay Gwen a visit for the first time at the female prison facility where she was held.

    Looking very robust and plump in her yellow prison jumpsuit, with her protruding baby bump, Gwen was a completely different woman, with a hardened and unrepentant demeanour.

    She was having a swell time chatting happily with her pregnant inmate sisters, as she fondly called them when the warden informed her that she had a visitor.

    "A visitor?!" Gwen raised her eyebrows, without moving from her seat.

    "Maybe it''s your father." One of the inmates with short spiky hair winked at Gwen.

    "And you know what that means, girls?" Another red-hair-pregnant inmate chirped happily.

    "Goodies!" All six ladies aside Gwen chanted happily.

    "It can''t be my father. We already spoke yesterday and he said he won''t be coming until tomorrow." Gwen waved her hand dismissively.

    "It''s your sister? Now move that lazy butt out of that seat." The impatient warden glared at her.

    "My sister!" Gwen scoffed chuckling.

    "Which one!" One of the seven-month pregnant inmates sneered.

    "The b*tch who made your husband disappear?" The red-haired pregnant lady''s gaze turned chilly.

    "What does that tramp want here?" The most notorious pregnant woman in their midst punched her fist on the table.

    "Girls, relax." Gwen drawled, a wicked smirk playing at the corner of her lips as she turned to face the warden.

    "I am afraid you''re mistaken warden. I don''t have a sister except the ones you''re looking at. So you can tell that little chicken shit to crawl back to the sewer where she came from."

    The warden chuckled and said.

    "She also said if you refuse to oblige her presence, then you should be ready to join your real father in his magnificent mansion."

    Gwen instantly froze at that statement.

 Chapter 267 - 267: Confronting Gwen

    "Real father!" One of the pregnant inmates with a bold tattoo of Medusa on her right forearm snorted at the warden''s statement.

    "Did that brainless b*tch hit her head on the wall or something?" The red hair pregnant lady spat out.

    "Watch your tongue, Nora. Enough with the curse word." The warden glared, pointing her forefinger threateningly at the four month pregnant woman.

    "Make me." Nora stuck out her tongue at the scowling warden daring her to do her worse.

    "But seriously Gwen, isn''t the senator your father?" Another pregnant inmate asked, taking note of Gwen''s spooked expression.

    This made other inmates, who felt endeared to Gwen due to her father''s political status stare at her quizzically.

    "Of course, he is my father. Why would you ask me such a dumb question?" Gwen quickly wiped off the look of shock on her face while wearing a sarcastic expression.

    The three-month-pregnant lady who had just been indoctrinated into the criminal-minded sisterhood immediately apologized for her wrong assumption, lowering her gaze.

    "Mrs Morgan, I do not have all day." The warden struck her wooden baton on the iron bar gate. "If you won''t see your sister then I better pass the message across to her."

    The warden was about to leave when Gwen''s sharp caustic voice called out to her.

    "Wait!"

    Gwen lazily stood up, dragging her feet on the concrete floor, her gaze still on her inmate sisters, who were now looking surprised.

    "Let me just put her out of her misery. You know with her husband in prison, she might be looking for someone to lean on."

    "Oh..." The notorious pregnant woman in the group snickered, grinning wickedly.

    "Karma is indeed of b*tch." One of the inmates tittered like a witch. "Look at where she is now, after putting her own family in prison for something they could have handled amicably."

    "I can''t believe the almighty Blaze Anderson is in prison and might be facing a life sentence if found guilty of manslaughter." One of the pregnant inmates said dreamily as if prison could be compared to a luxurious life in the Bahamas.

    "Oh please...his wife is next." Nora''s eyes glimmered with hate. Amongst the other pregnant inmates, she was the only one who knew Gwen''s real identity without the latter realizing.

    "Then give her this message for me, Gwen." The small but mighty leader of the group, who had barely uttered a word, sneered. "If she is found guilty of collaborating with her devilishly charming husband, she is most welcome to join us here, at the Nova correctional centre."

    Other inmates burst out into laughter.

    "Sure thing, G1. I will happily deliver your message to her." Gwen smirked slyly as she followed the warden into the prisoners'' visitation room.

    Inside the prison visiting common room, the atmosphere was alive with the emotional chatter between inmates and their visiting friends or families.

    While some of these visitors were happily chatting with their loved ones, the extremely emotional ones could barely hold back their tears as most were seen crying, wishing they could reach out and hold their loved ones.

    Seated in booth three, behind a glass partition separating inmates from visitors and waiting for Gwen to show up, Amelia felt an overwhelming sense of depression, as she watched two lovers in booth four converse.

    The slightly mature man, who was holding his rambunctious two-year-old child, was crying hopelessly while speaking to his hardened looking wife over the phone, telling her how much he missed her and couldn''t do this anymore without her.

    Amelia couldn''t help but notice the switch in personality with the man acting as the woman and vice versa. But she still felt sorry for them.

    The couple conversation unconsciously brought tears to Amelia''s eyes as it dawned on her that Blaze might be imprisoned in a foreign country for life or worse, if the people responsible for the ghastly explosion were not found.

    The rattling of metal cuffs, followed by a cynical laughter snapped Amelia''s thought back to the glass partition opposite her.

    The sight of an overweight woman in a yellow loose-fitting jumpsuit, -with a protruding belly, a rounder face and larger breasts almost like those of Regina,- scowling at her made Amelia jaw drop.

    "Gwen!" Amelia muttered under her breath while staring at the scowling woman before her.

    On the opposite side of the glass partition, Gwen lazily took her seat, her scrunched fat face looking like an overweight child who had just been denied her favourite ice cream. She slowly picked up the intercom on the table, her cold and sharp gaze scanning Amelia intently.

    It was difficult for Gwen to tell if Amelia was nineteen weeks pregnant like her father had confided in her.

    There were no obvious signs, except for her fuller chest and her natural pregnancy glow.

    ''How come I look this fat and ugly at barely six months of pregnancy while my cursed step-sister still looks trimmed and beautiful.'' Gwen sneered.

    "Did you miss your way, Mrs, I am more superior than others?" Gwen hissed over the phone like a snake as Amelia picked up the receiver.

    "Probably!" Amelia suppressed the urge to laugh at Gwen''s somewhat cute but funny scowls. "Because I don''t seem to recognize the woman before me. Are you by any chance Mrs Gwen Morgan?"

    "Very funny." Gwen spat out, her narrowed eyes shooting laser.

    "Of course you are. How could I not recognize that signature sharp tongue that always gets you in trouble."

    "You can sit down there and say all the nasty things you want about me. But guess what, I have paid my dues. I no longer owe you a dime thanks to Dad. In two days, I''ll be a free woman. But I can''t say that about you seeing that your husband is now an international cold-blooded murderer. Who knows tomorrow you might be found an accessory to murder and end up in a far worse hole than this place? When that time comes, we will see who has the last laugh."

    "Hmm..." Amelia chuckled, her grip tightening on the phone as anger slowly seeped through her veins like molten lava. But she kept an aloof demeanour as if what Gwen said about Blaze didn''t scratch the surface of her heart. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 268 - 268: Confronting Gwen 1

    "If only wishes were horses..."

    Amelia slowly tapped her freshly manicured nails on the table, each strike, sounding like a bullet hitting its mark. She lowered her gaze temporarily as if weighing a thought before looking up, her icy gaze enough to freeze an entire lake.

    "But since I didn''t come here to talk about my husband, I will pretend you didn''t just call him a cold-blooded murderer. Six months can always change into six years or a lifetime behind bars in the blink of an eye."

    "Are you threatening me?" Gwen looked up at the overhead camera and at the guard standing behind her as if to say, "I hope you guys are recording this conversation."

    But the female guard seemed uninterested in Gwen''s alarmed expression. She was too preoccupied, admiring the infamous Mrs Amelia Anderson who had been dominating social media space for challenging the security system of another country while defending her husband''s innocence.

    "Certainly not, dear step sister. I''m not the kind of woman who threatens people. I''m simply stating the fact. If you haven''t noticed yet, you''re speaking to Mrs Amelia Anderson. You should always choose your words carefully."

    Gwen''s heart started hammering in her chest as the thought of spending one more week behind bars with all those psychopaths caused her to break into a cold sweat.

    If only 6 months can turn her into this fat, ugly duckling, who knew what six years would do to her and her unborn child.

    "What do you want here?" Gwen spat out, a blend of anger and anxiety lacing her tone.

    "Now you''re talking." A wicked smirk curled up Amelia''s lips.

    "I came here to make a friendly proposition for the sake of peace. Since it has taken me a lot of hard work and dedication to get rid of all the filth in the Shawls mansion, I was thinking about permanently sending you away from this city to start up your life afresh and on a clean slate with your child."

    Gwen scoffed. "You must be kidding, right?"

    "Do you see me laughing?" Amelia maintained a straight face.

    "I always knew you wanted me and Mum out of Dad''s life. But guess what, after I leave this place, I am going straight home. I will live in that mansion and give birth to my child in that mansion. So you can shove your stinking proposition up your ass." Gwen''s last statement was so loud that it caught the attention of those seated on either of her sides, including the female guard.

    The inmates in booths two and four both scowled at Gwen before returning to their conversation.

    When the female guard tried to caution Gwen about her rude statement, Amelia raised a finger and waved it, nonverbally asking the guard to stand down.

    "You disappoint me again, Gwen." Amelia sighed as if broken by her words. "Unfortunately, I had no intention of making the same proposition twice. You just lost your chance of getting a little token from me. Now here are your options. Tomorrow, when Dad comes to check on you, you will tell him everything you know about Raquel Torres..."

    Gwen''s pupil dilated in shock, her chest tightening as if Amelia had just stabbed her. "How do you know my mom''s real name."

    Amelia completely ignored her as she continue talking into the phone mouthpiece.

    "... You will tell him how an unholy union brought about your existence and how your real father forced his mistress into a happy home." S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Gwen''s hands began to tremble, with beads of sweat crowding her forehead. "Amelia, please, you can''t make me do this. Remember Dad''s heart condition. Such information will kill him."

    Amelia sneered, "Point of correction, he is not your dad. You are not even a legitimate child of Matt Shawls. You are just a bastard child pretending to be a legitimate child. But it ends now. It''s either you confess to Dad or you disappear completely like the coward that you are? Either way, Dad and Grandma will still find out the whole truth. Good day."

    "Amelia..."

    Amelia dropped the intercom before Gwen could plead her case. She turned around and left the visiting room while Gwen kept screaming like a deranged woman.

    "Amelia, please... you can''t do this to me. You can''t do this to me... I am begging you..."

    It took three female guards to drag Gwen out of the visiting room, with her screaming, kicking and trying to hurt herself.

    Due to Gwen''s unstable state after Amelia''s visit, she was taken to the prison infirmary where she was kept sedated and monitored for the rest of the day.

    Two hours after Amelia left the Nova correctional facility, Nora was approached by another inmate with a secret package.

    Nora quickly stashed this small neatly wrapped package inside her panties and disappeared into the prison laundry section when the guards were not watching.

    For a pregnant woman, Nora was very light on her feet and agile. The sound of multiple operational machines and workers chatting engulfed the entire large room.

    No one seemed to notice Nora disappearing behind one of the automatic washing machines to her secret hideout. She was as stealthy as a prowling Jaguar and as quiet as a mouse.

    Upon arriving at her location, Nora checked everywhere to ensure that no one was spying on her. She flash dialled a number and waited for the other person to call back.

    After ten minutes, the phone vibrated and she quickly pressed the receive button.

    "You better have a good reason for calling." An angry male voice echoed from the other end.

    "Amelia was here and from the Intel I gathered, she''s planning to expose Gwen''s real paternity to the Senator."

    "I''ll take care of that. Anything else?" The male voice appeared more chiller and vicious.

    "Are you still arranging to get me out of this place once Gwen is released?"

    "Just stick to the initial schedule. Everything has been arranged. Now, get rid of this phone."

    The call instantly disconnected.

    -

    -

    For the past three weeks since Nana Shawls'' arrival to the city, Amelia had been under constant pressure to forgive her family.

    Although Nana Shawls was no longer antagonizing her, the latter wouldn''t let her rest. She was always calling on the phone and crying, begging Amelia to forgive her uncle and stepmother for their crime against her.

    Even her father seemed to agree with his mother, after entertaining a series of pressure from Desmond''s wife and extended family.

    They bargained that Desmond, Regina and Pearl''s sentencing be reduced to nine months and Matt''s, to one year.

    But Amelia was completely against this idea. She refused to consider even when her dad tried preaching forgiveness and issuing her a check for one-eighth of everything stolen from her.

    At the moment, the Shawls family was threatening to pull apart and with her father being on the receiving end, Amelia felt completely lost.

    However, after speaking extensively to Blaze over the phone, Amelia decided it was time for her father to know the real story behind Matt''s treachery, Regina''s infidelity and Gwen''s paternity.

 Chapter 269 - 269: A Visit To The Cemetery

    After Amelia left the prison facility, she decided to pay a visit to her mother''s graveyard before the big revelation.

    First, she stopped by a florist shop to pick up a bouquet of white daisies.

    Next, she stopped at the shopping mall to pick up her mother''s favourite berries. She also picked up a blanket, and some picnic items, before heading for the city cemetery.

    On her way, she placed a call to her father, asking if they could meet up at Fiona''s graveside, to which he agreed.

    When Amelia arrived at the entrance to the cemetery, she was welcomed at the gate by an elderly security guard with grey hair and a wrinkled face.

    "Miss Amelia, is that you?" The old man''s brown eyes lit up with excitement.

    "Yes, Pa Silas," Amelia called him fondly as she approached him, her hand extended towards him in a friendly handshake. "It''s so good to see you. I thought you had retired"

    "Retired!" Pa Silas''s lips quirked amusingly. "This old man here is as strong and agile as a stallion. I still have at least ten more years to give before I join my friends."

    "Of course, you do." Amelia chuckled, her gaze brimming with admiration.

    "It''s been a while since you visited." The old man observed the hefty-looking bodyguards behind Amelia. "I hope you are okay."

    "Sure, I''m fine." Amelia''s smile broadened. "I''ll just go and say hi to Mom."

    "Okay. I''m sure she''ll be happy to see you." Pa Silas moved aside for Amelia and her bodyguards to go through.

    "Me too. I''ll see you on my way out. In the meantime enjoy this." Amelia collected a fancy nylon bag from Pascal containing some takeaway food, drink and fruits. "And it''s Mrs Anderson now."

    "Oh, congratulations, Mrs Anderson and thanks for this.." Pa Silas collected the bag, his eyes bubbling with excitement as he disappeared into his small office to devour the food.

    As Amelia made her way through different cemetery headstones, carrying the bouquet of daisies, her mind drifted to her second time here with her mother right after her grandfather''s passing.

    It was a bright and peaceful day just like this.

    The serene atmosphere, punctuated by the gentle rustling of leaves, created a sense of tranquillity that was both calming and poignant.

    The well-maintained grounds, adorned with intricate tombstones and lush greenery, provided a dignified setting for honouring the lives of those who had passed.

    Memories of Amelia''s discussion with her mother on that fateful day flowed afresh in her mind.

    Fiona had said something about the beauty of death, claiming it was a doorway to a new life. She had said that the things families enjoyed in life can never be lost. Rather, all that they love deeply becomes a part of them even after death.

    Amelia didn''t understand those words until two years later when her mother died.

    Ever since then, she had learned to cherish precious memories, reminiscing on all the beautiful experiences shared with her mother.

    As Amelia came before her mother''s tomb, tears glistening in her eyes, she knelt, wiping dead leaves and withered flowers away from the grave. She gently placed the bouquet of daisies on the marble-polished tomb floor and the basket of fresh berries that Pascal handed her.

    Pascal and his other two colleagues moved a few meters away to give Amelia some privacy but they kept vigilant.

    "Hello, mum." Amelia beamed amid tears, stroking the tomb floor, her heart swirling with emotions.

    "It''s been a while. It''s so good to see you after such a long time. I''m sure you''re happy wherever you are." Amelia sniffled wiping her flowing tears with the back of her hand.

    "I miss you so much. Even though you live continually in my heart, I wish I could see you one last time and hold you in my arms."

    Amelia lowered her head, her left hand stroking her baby bump, which was hidden on the knit of her loose-fitting flare gown.

    "Guess what, I''m married to Blaze Anderson, dad''s business partner''s son. Can you imagine that? His mother is the most wonderful woman ever but she can ever take your place in my heart. And there is more. You''re finally going to be a grandmother. I know you''ll love that right? Me too. I am so excited and I can''t wait to see my baby and hold him in my arms. But I''m scared, mom..."

    Amelia paused to catch her breath, more tears streaming down her flushed cheeks.

    "...there are just too many problems surrounding my life. Blaze is currently in prison for something he didn''t do. Grandma and Dad want me to forgive all those heartless people who tried to kill me. Someone out there is trying to ruin my happiness. I need your help and strength to overcome this phase of my life. I need your wisdom to do what is right. Please, guide me, Mom."

    -

    - S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Meanwhile, Senator Gregory was on his way to the cemetery to join his daughter when he received an urgent call from the Nova correctional prison facility, requesting him to come down immediately.

    Alarmed, the senator instructed the driver to turn around and head for the Nova correctional facility while he texted Amelia, informing her that he might be coming late.

    When the senator arrived at the prison facility, he was briskly escorted to the prison infirmary by the slightly agitated chief warden.

    "What exactly happened to my daughter?" The Senator demanded in a piqued voice, upon arriving at the infirmary. He was horrified to see Gwen lying unconscious and looking so pale.

    The lower part of her body was covered with a white sheet and an intravenous fluid line was attached to her wrist, amid a beeping heart rate monitor.

    "Who did this to her?"

    "No one senator." The chief warden replied defensively. "I can assure you that no one hurt your daughter."

    "Then why is she here?" Senator Gregory barked, anger rising in his tone. "The last time I spoke to her, she was perfectly fine and in good health. What happened to her all of a sudden?"

 Chapter 270 - 270: Pregnancy Termination

    The chief warden sighed, knowing this wasn''t going to be easy to digest.

    "Senator, before I explain what happened to your daughter, I need you to understand that we deal with a lot of irrational pregnant inmates in here. Most of these women never bargained to be pregnant in the first place. They see their pregnancy as an impediment rather than a gift."

    The chief warden paused, catching her breath.

    "Although we try to counsel our pregnant inmates regularly, there have been a lot of incidences, where some of them try to terminate their pregnancy by consuming abortion pills. But in the case of Mrs Morgan, I''m still a little confused because I always thought she wanted it."

    "What are you trying to say, warden?" The crease on the senator''s forehead deepened.

    "According to the doctor who attended to your daughter, she ingested some harmful drugs which are detrimental to her pregnancy.

    The senator''s gaze shifted from the chief warden to Gwen, his widened eyes laced with confusion and disbelief.

    "What harmful drugs are you talking about? Cocaine!"

    "Oh no senator." The chief warden frowned. "We do not allow any form of hard drugs in here. I was simply referring to abortion pills."

    Just then, the doctor who was initially attending to Gwen, entered the infirmary to check on another inmate patient. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Aha! Doctor Stephan, please, I need your attention over here." The warden called out and the mature doctor walked up to them, with a polite smile framing his lips.

    "Please, can you explain to the senator more about the drugs Mrs Morgan consumed?"

    "Certainly, chief." Dr Stephan turned to the senator. "Good day senator, you''re welcome."

    "Mm-hmm..."

    "Your daughter took a combination of two powerful synthetic medications known as mifepristone and misoprostol. While mifepristone works by blocking the effects of the hormone needed to maintain a healthy pregnancy, misoprostol results in the end of the pregnancy. In simple terms, your daughter has just successfully terminated her pregnancy."

    "What!" Senator Gregory''s widened eyes glared at Gwen''s protruded stomach. "Impossible! Gwen would never do such a thing. Moreover, she still looks very pregnant to me."

    "Sir, I know this is hard to take in. But this is the unfortunate truth. Her stomach is still protruding because we are yet to evacuate the pregnancy which will be done in a few hours at the theater. I''m very sorry."

    "Thank you, Dr Stephan." The chief warden signalled the doctor to carry on with his activity while she attended to the distraught father.

    "How can you let this happen?" Senator Gregory demanded between clenched jaws. "What kind of circus do you people run here that a pregnant woman can ingest any harmful drug under your watch."

    "Senator, please let''s talk in my office and not here." The chief warden pleaded, gesturing towards the door.

    Senator Gregory was about to lash out openly at her when he noticed that the nurses and inmate patients who were awake were all staring at him.

    "Lead the way."

    When they were finally inside her office, the chief warden began to plead with the enraged father."

    "Senator, I am truly sorry for what happened to your daughter. I take full responsibility for our negligence. But please you need to understand that most of these inmates have become exceptional at concealing these pills. But in Mrs Morgan''s case, I find it quite strange because she seemed pretty excited about her pregnancy."

    "Exactly!" Senator Gregory exclaimed in a repressed voice. "My daughter has never for one''s thought about terminating this pregnancy. Something must have triggered her to take those harmful pills."

    The chief warden thought briefly before responding.

    "Mrs Morgan was pretty upset after chatting with her sister."

    "Her sister?! Amelia!" The senator was taken aback.

    "Yes, senator. A few hours before the incident, Mrs Morgan was visited by Mrs Amelia Anderson. I think they both had a fallout during their discussion. Mrs Morgan was really distressed and agitated after Mrs Anderson left. We had to temporarily sedate her to help her relax. No one knew when she took those pills. But you can be rest assured that it wasn''t injected into her by anyone. She consumed it orally."

    The majority of what the chief warden said barely registered in the senator''s mind as his thoughts were preoccupied with so many unanswered questions.

    Why did Amelia visit her sister all of a sudden?

    What could she have said to Gwen to push her into taking those pills?

    Did she threaten her?

    But with what?

    Is there something she hasn''t told him yet?

    Different questions clamoured for attention in the senator''s mind.

    Suddenly he stood up and thanked the chief warden for the prompt information.

    "Let me know when my daughter finally regains consciousness. I would like to speak with her."

    "That wouldn''t be a problem, sir. You can come back tomorrow same time. By then, the whole evacuation process should be concluded and Mrs Gwen would be able to see you."

    "Okay." The senator thanked the chief warden again and left.

    -

    -

    It had been over an hour and thirty minutes since Amelia got her father''s message, informing her that he was urgently needed at that female correctional facility.

    Amelia couldn''t help but wonder if this was Gwen''s move of trying to either play smart or confess her crime. She decided that whatever the case, she would expose Matt and Regina''s treachery to her father once and for all.

    After waiting for her father for another twenty minutes with no call, Amelia was about to pack up and leave when she received a message from her father informing her that he was close to the cemetery.

    Within a space of five minutes, Senator Gregory was standing beside his first daughter, trying to remain composed as he paid his respects to his late wife.

    Both father and daughter observed some minutes of silence in front of Fiona''s tomb before making their way to a large oak tree within the cemetery and taking a seat on the blanket under the tree shade.

    "So how are you holding up with Blaze and all?" Senator Gregory asked, observing his daughter''s slightly depressed mood.

    "I''m taking one day at a time, Dad." Amelia exhaled, releasing a sigh.

    "Have you spoken to Blaze recently?"

    Amelia nodded, her expression melancholic. "Three days ago. He doesn''t want me to come visit and I understand his reasons."

    "Don''t worry, my dear. We will soon find out who those perpetrators are and make them pay for what they have done." Senator Gregory reassured his daughter with a convincing smile.

    "Sure. Dad..." Amelia shifted closer to her father, taking his right hand into his. "...there is something you should know."

    "Okay..." The Senator stroked his daughter''s hand in his, thinking she was about to talk about her visit to the female correctional centre and why. "... I''m all ears."

    "It''s about Uncle Matt, Regina and Gwen''s paternity."

    Senator Gregory''s head furrowed, "What about them?"

    "I wanted to tell you this before their trial. But I was afraid for your health. Nevertheless, I think the truth has been delayed for far too long. I don''t want you to make any more mistakes like you did in the past by welcoming them into your life again."

    "Just tell me and do away with the suspense."

    Amelia observed the impatience and slight coldness in her father''s gaze. She thought about asking him what was wrong but decided to just spill the beans.

    "Regina is Matt''s mistress. They have been having an affair for a long time, way before you met her. This affair resulted in Gwen which they pinned on you to ruin your relationship with mom. Gwen is not your daughter, but Matt''s illegitimate ..."

    "Enough of that rubbish, Amelia."

 Chapter 271 - 271: Fall Out 1

    Senator Gregory barked in a suppressed voice, pulling his hand away from Amelia and abruptly standing up.

    "What has come over you? How can you say such a thing about your sister and uncle? How can you sit down there and tell me that Gwen is Matt''s illegitimate daughter? Is this what you said to her when you went visiting out of the blue? Do you have the slightest idea what your visit has done to her?"

    Amelia was too stunned by her father''s cold reaction and words to reply. His last statement about Gwen pricked her thoughts. She knew her stepsister was a master at deception. But she couldn''t help but wonder what Gwen had done to make her father react this way.

    Senator Gregory took a deep breath to calm himself. He didn''t want to fight with his daughter, especially in the cemetery where his wife''s spirit could be lingering and watching.

    Holding back his rage, he reached out to Amelia with both hands, pulling her up to her feet.

    "I''m sorry, I raised my voice at you, princess. I didn''t mean to. Please forgive me." Senator Gregory pulled Amelia into his arms and embraced her.

    Amelia let out a sigh. "It''s fine, dad. I''m not mad at you."

    Senator Gregory pulled away from Amelia to look into her eyes, which were brimming with; anger, regret, and something darker.

    "Amy, I perfectly understand, what Gwen and the other did was wicked. I will never support their evil ways nor will I condone such behavior. That is why I agreed for them to be punished even though it broke my heart seeing them in cuffs. Nevertheless, we cannot hold a grudge forever. Like it or not, they are still our family and we do not throw away family, Amelia. We forgive them. We love them. We give them second chances. This is all I ask."

    Amelia''s heart was dampened by her father''s words. She opened her mouth to challenge him. But words failed her.

    Slowly tilting her head sideways and staring into nothingness, Amelia asked coldly.

    "What did Gwen say to you?"

    Senator Gregory exhaled, his shoulder slumping as he replied.

    "I didn''t speak to her because I met her unconscious and looking pale."

    "Unconscious!" Amelia scoffed in her heart.

    ''Good one, Gwen. Pretending to be unconscious to earn Dad''s sympathy.''

    But her father''s next words took Amelia by surprise.

    "I don''t know whether it was forcefully or intentionally, but your sister took some abortion pill to terminate her pregnancy of six months."

    Amelia snapped her head back to look at her father, doubt and astonishment lacing her expression.

    "She did what?!"

    "You heard me right. Your sister''s just ended the life of an innocent unborn child. As we speak, the doctors are preparing to evacuate the presumably dead developing child in her womb."

    For a few seconds, Amelia was rendered speechless. She couldn''t believe what her father was saying.

    ''Gwen! Abortion pills! How!''

    The pregnant woman Amelia saw some hours ago was capable of anything but abortion. If she wanted to get rid of that pregnancy, she would have done it a long time ago when it was barely a few weeks old.

    Why wait until when it''s twenty-four weeks?

    "Are you sure of what you are saying, Dad?" Amelia asked after a while.

    "If you doubt me, you can come with me tomorrow when I go to check up on her? I do not think that the chief warden and the doctor would lie about something so sensitive."

    "No...but did they capture her on camera taking those pills? I don''t think she would." Amelia pointed out, slightly frustrated with the current situation.

    "That is exactly what the chief warden said. She told me that out of all the pregnant women in that facility, she never expected Gwen to do such a thing. She said something must have triggered her into making such a drastic decision. Something like a sudden visit from her sister."

    Amelia''s forehead furrowed as she could guess where her father was heading.

    "So the warden thinks that my visit must have pushed Gwen into terminating her pregnancy?"

    "I''m not blaming you for your sister''s condition." The senator stressed, threading carefully to avoid offending Amelia. "Nevertheless we have known Gwen to be very irrational in her behaviour and I don''t intend to make her life more complicated. She has suffered enough."

    "So what are you saying?" Amelia was livid with rage but still tried to maintain a calm demeanour.

    "In all fairness, I have no idea what you both discussed and frankly, I''m not interested in it. But what I want is for you to put aside your hatred and wild theories."

    ''Wild theories!'' Amelia chuckled bitterly in her heart but didn''t interrupt her father.

    "I don''t want to hear anything about Matt and Regina having an affair or Gwen not being my daughter. I have forgiven them for their past mistake and I want to start afresh. I want to be able to reunite my family. All I''m asking is for your support as my first daughter. Can you please do that for me?"

    Amelia gritted her teeth as anger coursed through her veins like an angry serpent. She forced a smile and said.

    "Fine. Have it your way, Dad. Do what is in your heart. I''m not going to push any further or try to stop you. You can release every one of them and bring them back to the mansion for all I care. But don''t say I didn''t warn you." Amelia signalled Pascal and the others to come help her pack up.

    "Amelia..."

    Amelia didn''t give her father any chance to sweet talk her as she cut him off.

    "Dad, I''m tired and I need to go back home to my mother-in-law. If you need me, you know where to find me."

    Senator Gregory sighed, massaging his forehead. "Will you at least accompany me to see your sister tomorrow at the infirmary?" He asked as Amelia made moves to leave.

    "She is not my sister and the answer is no." With those cold words, Amelia left her father, her heart completely broken by the unexpected turn of events.

    -

    -

    Who would have thought that the honourable wife of a senator who once had everything on her beck and call, would one day be reduced to the worthless rejects of the society?

    Sadly, this was Regina''s fate. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    It had been almost six months of trauma, unending nightmare, unquenchable fury, taunting remarks by other inmates and the brutality of some psychos who call themselves the boss.

    If you were to take one look at Regina, you would think she had already served six years in jail.

    She was looking worn out and spent, with sunken eyes and a few wrinkles on her face.

    Her once smooth, glossy and sleeky hair was looking, frizzy, dry, crinkly and damaged.

    Her overall appearance was listless, with a slowed pace movement and slumped shoulder, acting like someone who was on death row rather than three years imprisonment.

    If it hadn''t been for her sister''s presence and continual encouragement, Regina would have died of loneliness and neglect.

    But did Regina regret her actions?

    The answer would be no. She only felt remorseful in the first few weeks hoping that by some miracle, her husband would forgive her and request for her immediate release.

    However, after spending months without a single phone call from him. Her mind became bitter and poisoned. She didn''t even care if Amelia went ahead and exposed her like she threatened.

    Reaching out to her lover through a discreet middleman who went by the coded name, Cloud, Regina asked Matt for his help to ruin Amelia to which he willingly obliged under one condition.

    Speaking through his middleman, Matt, informed Regina that things would only be done his way without question.

    Without realizing the trap she was laying for herself, Regina agreed to Matt''s deceitful proposition.

    So when Amelia came to visit, Matt struck using one of the inmates at the prison facility.

    -

    -

    Meanwhile, back at the Nova correctional facility, Gwen had just regained her consciousness when she learnt about the pregnancy termination.

    "But I didn''t take any abortion pills. How could you accuse me of such? How can you tell me my baby is dead? No, I won''t take that rubbish from you." Gwen screamed at the doctor as she tried to explain things calmly to her.

    Sadly, Gwen was far from calm, as she kept ranting on and on, asking like a woman on the verge of insanity.

    She was finally knocked off with some strong sedative until the following day.

    When Gwen finally opened her eyes again, she was slightly relieved to see Nora seated by her bedside instead of the annoying doctor.

    As memories of the previous day''s exchange with the doctor flooded her thoughts, she broke down in tears, while explaining everything to her friend.

    "Nora, you have got to believe me I didn''t take any abortion pill except the vitamins and stress management pill the doctor gave me. Someone must have switched my drugs. I would never kill my child in cold blood."

    "I''m sorry Gwen but none of this makes any sense. Who would want to switch your drugs just to harm your baby? I don''t think anyone here will do such a colour skin except they are paid to do it."

    "Paid!" Gwen arched her brow.

    "Yes. Didn''t you say everything started when your sister came here to threaten you? I have a feeling she might have paid someone to sabotage your pregnancy. If you have to blame anyone, then it should be her. She is responsible for the termination of your pregnancy and she has to pay dearly for it."

 Chapter 272 - 272: A Caring Friend

    Like a shard in the gut that never leaves, choking her breath from her body and short-circuiting her mind, Amelia felt heartbroken by everything happening all around her.

    On one hand, was her husband, locked behind bars in a faraway country with no hope of release anytime soon.

    On the other hand, was her father blinded by his quest to reunite the family and failing to see the devil in them?

    Not to talk about her mother-in-law''s fragile health which Amelia and some member of the Anderson family have been doing their best to manage ever since Maria learnt of her son''s arrest.

    Amelia was trying to be strong in all of these setbacks. But it seemed fate was not done dealing with her.

    On top of all of her many problems, now she had to deal with Gwen''s pregnancy termination.

    "When do I get a break from all of this?" Amelia echoed in her heart, wiping the silent tears streaming down her cheeks while staring absent-mindedly as the busy city street passed by in a blur.

    "Ma''am, are you alright?" Pascal asked while silently observing her from the rearview mirror.

    Amelia''s gaze shifted away from the window to the rearview mirror. She plastered a smile on her flustered face and nodded briefly before asking. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "How long until we get home?"

    "In less than five minutes ma''am."

    "Good." Amelia returned to staring at the window.

    Through to his words, they arrived at the Anderson mansion in less than five minutes, pulling over by the mansion driveway opposite the magnificent water fountain.

    When Amelia alighted the car, she was approached by the faithful mansion butler, with a warm smile framing his face.

    "Welcome home, madam." The butler bowed curtly, a polite smile brightening his face.

    "Thank you, dear. How is mom?"

    "She''s doing great, madam." The butler reached out to carry the bags Pascal was bringing out of the car. "She''s currently out taking a walk with Mr Henry in the garden."

    "Oh..." Amelia beamed. "Then I''ll go join them." She collected a white shopping bag from Pascal and left for the garden.

    Taking a left turn that veered to the extensive garden, Amelia could hear Henry''s distant harmonious laughter resounding through the peaceful natural environment.

    It brought warmth to her troubled heart, easing her burden a little.

    Henry has been one great and supportive friend since the incident with the explosion began. Not only did he relocate to Salvine City to provide the Anderson with moral support, but he placed his career on hold for the sake of friendship.

    Thanks to his chatty and lively presence around the mansion, Maria slowly came out of her shell of depression, embracing each day with renewed hope, knowing her son would soon come back home.

    Taking a deep breath to push aside her hurt, Amelia followed the sound of Henry''s calm and relaxing voice, until she trailed them to the gazebo located in the heart of the garden.

    They were both seated and engrossed in a deep conversion like mother and son, without realising Amelia''s presence.

    "So what gift did you finally get her?" Maria was asking Henry, who seemed to be blushing from cheek to cheek.

    "A 3D guitar LED night lamp."

    "A guitar night lamp!" Maria quirked her brow up in disapproval. "What kind of unromantic gift is that? What happened to flowers, beautiful accessories, or chocolate."

    "She''s not that kind of girl, mom. I have come to realize that aspect of her the hard way. Flashy men and gifts completely turn her off. She saw me as a player and outrightly turned me down when I asked her out."

    "Really!" Maria smiled, her mind drifting to someone special.

    "Yes, mom. I had to completely tone everything down to make her realize that I was serious about her. She is completely different from all the girls I''ve ever dated. She is unique, caring, sweet and beautiful just like her pretty cousin."

    "Of course, she is, lover boy." Maria chuckled.

    "I''m not exaggerating Mom. She is pretty amazing. Can you believe at barely twenty, she is an already successful online brand influencer?"

    "What do you expect? She has a very good mentor." Maria''s voice echoed with pride.

    "Very true. She''s lucky to have such an amazing and successful cousin to look up to. I hope I get to sweep her off her feet one of these days. But for now, I''ll have to play by her rules and remain friends with her. Finishing with top grades from college seems to be her top priority and not dating."

    "Well, that is a focused young lady for you. Just make sure you don''t lose her."

    "Not this time mom. I won''t let such beauty slip off my finger again like her cousin. Thankfully, there is no Mr handsome and cold to compete with me."

    "Are you calling my son cold?" Maria shot Henry a mean but playful glare.

    "No Mom he seems to have changed a lot thanks to his angel of a wife?"

    "Is someone talking about me?" Amelia said softly after hearing enough to make her cheeks turn red with immense happiness.

    Both Maria and Henry snapped their heads backwards, surprised to see Amelia standing beside a flower shrub and smiling at them.

    "My darling...." Maria stood up, closely followed by Henry as Amelia made her way towards them.

    Both women embraced briefly, with Maria carefully observing Amelia''s mood.

    "You look a bit stressed, my dear. Are you all right?"

    "I''m fine Mom. There is nothing for you to worry about." Amelia kissed her mother-in-law on the forehead.

    "Here, I got you this." Amelia handed her the shopping bag containing her favourite red grapes.

    "Aww! Thanks, darling." Maria kissed her on the cheeks before collecting the bag from her.

    "Hello, Henry." Amelia tilted her head towards him, smiling.

    "Hey!" Harry smiled feverishly, walking up to her and embracing her politely before pulling away. "Have you been standing there the whole time listening to our conversation?"

    "Maybe!"

    Henry''s eyes widened in mortification.

    "Or maybe I just arrived." Amelia winked playfully at him, happy to know that he was crushing on her cousin.

    "That means you heard all Mom and I were discussing." Henry could feel his heart pounding in his chest.

    "Relax Henry. Nothing goes by me in this mansion." Amelia gestured for all of them to sit down. "I have always known that you were crushing on my cousin since mom''s welcome home party."

    "What!" Henry''s jaw dropped while Maria burst out in laughter.

    "And he thought I was the only one who saw him sneaking around?" Maria wiped the tears in her eyes with the back of her forefinger.

    Henry pinched the bridge of his nose lowering his head as a dawned on him that others might have seen him.

    "Who else knows about this?"

    "Let''s see..." Amelia lifted her gaze upwards as if ransacking her memory. "There is Mamo, Aunt Vera and her husband, Naomi and her husband, Aunt Vera''s eldest son, Eugene, my aunt and her husband..."

    "And don''t forget to add me..." Maria chimed teasingly.

    "Aha! Mom and me.*

    Henry''s face palmed his forehead. "That''s virtually everyone."

    "Yep!" Amelia clicked her tongue playfully.

    "Was I that obvious?" Henry pouted.

    "Very!" Amelia drawled, laughing out of her heart.

    "Vera thought he was a dog on heat with the way he was chasing after Sarah who seemed uninterested at that point," Maria added, amplifying Henry''s embarrassment.

    "But don''t worry, Henry. I''m okay with you dating my cousin as long as you do not hurt her because if you do..." Amelia''s face turned all serious, scaring the shit out of Henry. "I will literally choke the life out of you with my bare hands."

    "You don''t want to mess with this face Henry," Maria noted, still laughing.

    "I wouldn''t dream of it." Henry vowed, lifting his right hand up and placing his left hand on his chest as though he was making a pledge.

    Another ripple of laughter erupted amongst all three followed by silence, except for the gentle rustling of leaves by the wind and tweeting of birds in the trees nearby.

    This brought a wave of tranquillity and unspoken agony buried deeply in the heart of the family.

    "Henry, thanks again for being here for us and keeping Mom company in my absence. I''m truly grateful." Amelia said softly as Maria leaned her head on her shoulder, trying her best not to give in to her agonizing emotions.

    "You don''t have to continually thank me, Amelia. I''m simply doing my duty as a son to mom. You both are my family just like Blaze is my brother. I''ll always be here for you two. I just want the both of you to be strong in this trying time. I''m sure everything will soon turn around in our favour. You''ll see."

    Amelia nodded, stroking her mother-in-law''s hair while bathing her eyelashes to push back the tears that had gathered at the corner of her eyes.

    "So how did he go with your visit? Were you able to talk to your step-sister and did you get a chance to visit the cemetery with your father?"

    Amelia released a long sigh that forced Maria to lift her head.

    "What is wrong, Amelia?"

    Instead of words, Amelia broke down in tears unable to suppress her overwhelming emotions any longer.

 Chapter 273 - 273: I Miss Him

    Amelia''s sudden emotional breakdown took Henry and Maria by surprise.

    While Henry stood up and came before her, ready to lend a shoulder to cry on, Maria pulled Amelia into her loving embrace, stroking her back.

    "Oh, my child, please don''t cry." Maria''s voice quivered as she tried to hold back her own tears.

    "Amy, tell me who offended you and I will personally deal with that person." Henry''s tone was filled with unhinged rage and hurt.

    Amelia just shook her head in response, words failing her at the moment.

    "Shh... sweetheart. You know you''re all I have right now. You are my strength and if you break down, I won''t be able to carry on." Maria kissed Amelia on the centre of her head, tears streaming down her face.

    "I''m sorry, mum." Amelia hiccuped, her body trembling. "I''m trying to be strong but everything seems to be going wrong around me. I feel like I''m cursed."

    "No, my child. Don''t say such an awful thing. You are not cursed." Maria''s reprimanded softly.

    "This is just a temporary setback just like you used to say. It won''t last forever. Nothing does. It will fizzle out eventually."

    "But what if it doesn''t, mum?" Amelia lifted her head to look into Maria''s moist eyes. "What if it gets worse? What if everything, I have worked and fought against comes crashing down on me? I''m trying my best to remain strong be life keeps dealing unfair punches at me. I''m tired, mum. I''m tired of losing. I just want a break from all of this heartache. I want everything to go back to normal."

    "It will." Maria pulled Amelia back into her arms while wiping her tears with her thumb. "It will, my child. We just have to remain hopeful and strong."

    Henry was completely weakened by Amelia''s words and Maria''s tears. He could tell something new was bothering her. He hated seeing them cry or feeling this hopeless. But he also knew they were bottling up a lot of emotions that needed to be released.

    Giving them some space to express their feelings, he slowly moved away from them, while dialling an international number on his phone.

    "I miss him," Amelia whispered after a while of silence and sniffles. "I miss him so much that my tummy hurts. I wish I could see him. I wish he could hold me and tell me everything is going to be fine."

    "Me too." Maria rested her chin on Amelia''s head. "I know he misses you too."

    Just then, Henry approached both women holding his phone out.

    "Amy, someone wants to talk to you."

    Amelia lifted her head away from Maria''s chest.

    "Who?" She croaked, her voice very faint.

    "Your husband."

    Amelia''s eyes brightened up a little as she asked, "Blaze..." While reaching out to collect the phone from Henry, who simply nodded, a smile spread across his curled lips.

    Wiping her face with the back of her hand and clearing her voice, Amelia slowly brought the phone to her right ear and said,

    "Bkaze..."

    "My love..."

    Blaze''s tender and soothing deep husky voice made Amelia burst out in tears afresh. She stood up and walked away from Maria and Henry to talk privately with him.

    Maria frowned, knowing exactly how Amelia was feeling. It reminded her of the time her husband slumped and was rushed to the hospital. No one understood the pain she was going through except her.

    But in Amelia''s case, it seemed worse because she was with a child and her hormones were suffocating her.

    "She''ll be fine Mom." Henry came to sit next to Maria, placing his arm across her shoulder.

    "I know she will." Maria leaned her head on Henry''s shoulder. "Blaze will soon come back home and take away all her pains."

    "Yes, he will."

    "I need you to do me a favour, Henry." Maria''s voice turned all cold and hoarse. "Find out who offended my daughter-in-law? I won''t have anyone mess with her while I''m still alive."

    "Okay, mum."

    "Go now." Maria freed herself from Henry''s tender hold.

    "Right after I get my phone from Amelia." Henry pointed out and Maria nodded.

    Standing behind a trimmed bush of wild red flowers, Amelia listened as Blaze did everything within his power to console her.

    "I want to see you, Blaze. Even if it''s just for a minute, I want to see you and hold you in my arms. I really miss you and this distance is killing me slowly. Please, let me come over. I''ll be extremely careful." S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Okay," Blaze replied from the other end of the phone with a long sigh.

    "Okay?!" Amelia''s eyes brightened.

    "Yes. I''ll speak to the chief warden over here and make the necessary arrangements. When a date is fixed, I''ll communicate to you."

    "Thank you, my love."

    "I should be the one saying thank you for not giving up on me. I love you so much."

    "I love you more." Amelia''s shimmering eyes glimmered like a starry night.

    "Now tell me, who pissed you off?"

    "It''s my dad and Gwen."

    Amelia gave Blaze a summarised version of her visit to the prison, the cemetery and her confrontation with her father.

    "I can''t believe your dad is falling for that crap." Blaze''s voice was laced with fury as he spoke.

    "Me too." Amelia lamented, the crease on her forehead deepening.

    "I can''t believe he''s willing to forget everything those people did to me and our family. I hate the fate that an innocent child had to suffer for this. I even tried to tell him about the affair but he doesn''t want to listen to anything I have to say. He thinks I''m making things up. He didn''t say it but he feels I''m responsible for Gwen''s miscarriage."

    "Now that is the kind of thing that pisses me off about your father." Blaze''s voice was livid with anger.

    Amelia smiled bitterly.

    "Dad can be stubborn at times. I wish he could trust me on this issue. His good heart is going to betray him. He is going to make a far more grievous mistake if he allows those people back into his life. Even my Nana is begging me to forgive them and set them free. If I don''t, they will all see me as an evil person with a heart made of stone. I feel so angry and helpless right now because I don''t want to lose my father or even my Nana to those people."

    "Don''t worry, my love. I''ll handle this. I''ll make your father and Nana see the truth. Go along with your father''s decision. It will be in our favour when your uncles finally regain their freedom. By the time I''m through dealing with them for crossing me, they will wish they never left their prison cell in the first place."

    "Crossing, you!" Amelia raise a brow. "What are you trying to say?"

    "We will talk more when we see in person, sweetheart. In the meantime, can I say hi to my mom before the call ends?"

    Amelia smiles returned at the thought of seeing Blaze after more than two months.

    "Sure."

 Chapter 274 - 274: Tongue-Tied

    By noon the following day, Senator Gregory was preparing to leave for the Nova female correctional institution when he received an unexpected call from Maria Anderson.

    Exhaling deeply, he received the call and brought the phone up to his ear.

    "Good day, Mrs Anderson. How nice to hear from you this wonderful day."

    "There is nothing wonderful about today, senator." Mrs Anderson''s voice was sharp, precise and very formal, lacking its usual warmth. "I know you''re a very busy man, so I''m not going to beat around the bush. I''ll go straight to the point. I''m calling in regards to my daughter-in-law."

    "Amelia?" Senator Gregory''s forehead furrowed by a fraction.

    "Yes. My Amelia."

    "Hmm..." The senator chuckled but didn''t interrupt Maria.

    "She came home yesterday looking very distressed and heartbroken. Although she didn''t want to bother me with her extended family issues, I did my research and found out that you are one of her problems, aside from your other worthless convicted daughter."

    "Excuse me!"

    Senator Gregory, who was about to exit his office halted by the door, his hand frozen at the door knob. He was gobsmacked by Maria''s indirect insult.

    "You heard me right, senator."

    "Is that what my daughter told you? That her sister and me are her problems?"

    "Senator, I do not mean to be rude but I believe you are not deaf. You heard me clearly when I said I did my research thoroughly. Nevertheless, I didn''t call you to explain myself."

    "I simply called to warn you. My son and I forgave you and your family because of Amelia. Do not make me regret it. Messing with Amelia and my unborn grandchild is as good as messing with me, all over again."

    "Mrs Anderson, please, we''re not quarrelling. We are family friends, now. Amelia is also my daughter. I would never do anything to hurt her."

    "And yet here we are." Maria hissed, her voice sounding like a venomous python about a strike its opponent.

    Senator Gregory pinched his forehead, his heart heavy with confusion and slight anger.

    "You may not value the gem in your life." Maria continued talking, barely catching her breath. "But that gem is worth more than trillions to me and my son. It''s so unfortunate that you are too blind to differentiate between good and evil. Nevertheless, I won''t stand by and watch you hurt my daughter-in-law any more than you''ve already done in the past. I may not be her biological mother, but I''m twice a mother to her than you are a father."

    "Whoa! Whoa!! Slow down there, Mrs Anderson. It hasn''t gotten to this. You are highly mistaken and you are getting this all wrong."

    "No senator, it is you who is getting everything mixed up. Amelia has done you a huge favour by exposing the evil happening under your roof. She has taken her time to remove all the piranhas eating you up. But it seems you would rather dine with the devil than stand beside an angel. If you want to drown in the mud of foolishness, do it alone. Do not drag my daughter-in-law down with you. Good day, senator."

    The line abruptly disconnected leaving Senator Gregory completely baffled by Maria''s hostility and rage. He trudged back to his desk and sat down by the edge, massaging his forehead, anger bubbling in his veins.

    This was the first time Maria had ever threatened him not even for her late husband but for the sake of his own daughter.

    "How weird."

    He weighed Maria''s words and Amelia''s repulsive claims about Gwen being Matt''s biological daughter.

    "No, Matt will not betray me like that. Moreover, I already have the paternity test for Gwen''s delivery. This was the reason why I accepted her and married Regina after Fiona''s death. Gwen is my daughter. Amelia must have gotten her facts wrong, this time. I just have to find a way to resolve the dispute between the sisters. I have to find a way to bring them back together."

    Inhaling and exhaling to ease the tension in his chest, Senator Gregory simply sent Amelia a text message, informing her that he was going to check up on Gwen before leaving the office.

    -

    -

    After an extensive pep talk with Nora and her rotten gang of pregnant women, Gwen decided to put up a show to win all her father''s affection.

    Immediately Gwen received words that her father was on his way to the infirmary, she quickly activated her plot, grunting and pretending to be in a lot of pain.

    Gwen kept her eyes closed, scrunching her face every now and then, as her father came up to her bedside.

    "Gwen..." Senator Gregory placed his hand on Gwen''s forehead while looking into her slightly pale face as she writhed in agony. He had already spoken to the doctor and he assured him that Gwen would be fine after a few days.

    "Sweetheart, are you awake?" sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Gwen shifted her body with a little difficulty before opening her eyes slowly.

    "Dad..." She replied faintly as if she was completely spent. "You came."

    "Oh Gwen, I came here as fast as I could yesterday. I met you unconscious. I''m so sorry for what happened. How do you feel?"

    "Like my life was ripped out from me. My baby is gone, dad. He is gone forever."

    Crying was not a difficult task for Gwen as tears flooded down the side of her temple, disappearing into the pillow.

    "Oh my dear, I am very sorry."

    Senator Gregory sat down by the edge of her bed while stroking her hair and trying his best to console her.

    "Why Dad? Why did he have to suffer for a crime he didn''t commit? He is innocent. He didn''t deserve such a cruel fate. I didn''t get to hold him in my arms. I didn''t get to show him to the world. Six months of pain in this hell hole all wasted for nothing. I just want to die. Let me just die with him."

    "Stop saying such nonsense Gwen." Senator Gregory rebuked angrily but softly. "Stop talking about death. You are not going to die. You are still a young and beautiful woman. You can get married and have plenty more babies as your heart desires."

    "No, I won''t. I can''t go on living after everything Amelia told me. I can''t go on living when someone with ulterior motives had me drugged, leading to the death of my baby. I know I made a mistake but haven''t I paid enough for my crime? Did they have to kill my baby as well? Let me just die here, Dad. I have nowhere else to go."

    Gwen dropped the bait like Nora had rehearsed with her, hoping to win her father''s affection.

    "Someone drugged you!"

    The senator''s alarmed expression brought warmth to Gwen''s heart. She nodded her head and continued crying.

    "Who! When! How!" The senator was livid with rage as his hands balled into a fist.

    "I don''t know Dad. But it happened after Amelia left with threatening words that she would destroy me if I ever stepped foot into the mansion."

    "But you know your sister would never do such a wicked thing." The senator countered.

    "I don''t know what else to believe, Dad." Gwen turned her face away from the senator disgusted by his statement.

    "I was greedy and I made a huge mistake. But is that enough to destroy my life? I''m here because of her. My husband is gone because of her and now my child too. She claims you are not my father and that my mother is a whore, calling me an illegitimate bastard? All that is left for her now is to shoot me in the head with the help of her heartless husband. Wouldn''t it be better if I quietly die here?"

    Gwen returned her cold and piercing gaze to her father, who felt tongue-tied and weak to defend Amelia in all of these accusations, knowing some of them were true.

 Chapter 275 - 275: The Arranged Meeting

    Amelia glared at the text message from her father with disgust. She didn''t need a soothsayer to tell her what would happen next after that visit.

    Gwen was probably shedding crocodile tears and blaming her pregnancy termination on her.

    But how low can her evil and malicious step-sister go? Was ending the precious life of an innocent child worth any of this?

    Pushing these excruciating thoughts to the pit of her stomach, she decided to stay out of her father''s way and let him have his wish just as Blaze had advised.

    After all, didn''t they say experience is the best teacher?

    Deleting the text message, Amelia decided to focus her energy and time on other productive aspects of her life.

    The day went by like a breeze, without any call from her father with updates on his visit to the prison.

    By the following, which also happened to be the day of Gwen''s release, Amelia was preparing to go to her company when she got a call from her grandmother, asking her to please come down to the mansion.

    Troubled, Amelia confided in her mother-in-law as there was no way to reach out to Blaze.

    "I''m coming with you," Maria informed her standing up from the bed and walking into the walk-in closets to pick up some outing clothes.

    "Mom I don''t think you should come." Amelia followed closely behind Maria, a frown etching across her face. "Nana might take this the wrong way. She might feel threatened by your presence and make an issue out of it."

    "You are overthinking this, sweetie." Maria waved Amelia''s worries aside as if it meant nothing. "I''m simply accompanying you in the capacity of a mother who is concerned for her daughter''s well-being. I know how your Nana and father are good at boxing you to the corner and twisting your arm in their favour. I''m just going to stand there and make sure none of that happens."

    "But what if..."

    "Shh...." Maria came before Amelia placing her forefingers on her lips. "You worry too much. Help me with my zip." She turned around and lifted her hair while Amelia slowly fixed her zip while adjusting the straps of her bra.

    "There, all done." Amelia straightened out the back side of Maria''s simple but elegant, chiffon-patterned dress. "You look beautiful Mom."

    "Thank you, darling." Maria returned to her vanity mirror in her bedroom and quickly fixed her hair. "Didn''t you say your step-sister will be released from prison today?" She asked while applying a little make-up.

    "Yes, mom. According to the schedule I received, she''ll be released by 4:00 PM today." Amelia released a suppressed sigh at the thought of Gwen coming back into the mansion and turning everything upside down.

    "I believe that is the reason why your Nana wants to see you?"

    "I do too."

    Maria stared at Amelia''s creased forehead from her vanity mirror.

    "I''m guessing you do not want to be around when she is released."

    "Not at all. I can''t stand her especially now that she thinks she has won, by killing a innocent child."

    Maria scoffed. "She hasn''t won anything. She''s just about to make things more complicated for herself by returning to that mansion. Isn''t that mansion and the mansion staff under your surveillance and payroll?"

    "Yes..." Amelia''s eyes glimmered as she recalled that she had fired all the manipulative staff and replaced them with dedicated and loyal employees.

    "Then you have nothing to worry about. Her returning to that mansion will be like returning to a luxurious cage where every movement will be monitored. If there is one thing I know for sure, bad habits are very difficult to break. So relax and just allow things to flow naturally. The truth will eventually come to light."

    A cheerful smile slowly spread across Amelia''s lips. "Thank you, mom. I''m happy to have you on my side."

    "Just as I am fortunate to have you as my daughter and I won''t let anyone mess with you. So if you''re ready let''s go."

    "Okay..." Amelia led the way out of the room.

    On their way to her father''s mansion, Amelia sent her secretary a text message, rescheduling her earlier scheduled meeting with the marketing team of her company. She also called her aunt Judith, informing the latter of Nana''s request.

    To her surprise, Judith informed her that she was already on her way to the mansion after speaking with the senator an hour ago.

    By the time Amelia arrived at the Shawls mansion, she was slightly surprised to see a few cars parked outside the mansion. She immediately recognised the driver standing outside one of the white Honda CRV as the personal driver of her paternal old uncle fondly called Uncle Lazarus.

    A few feet from the white Honda was a red BMW which Amelia recognised as a gift from her father to Desmond''s wife.

    "Aunt Harriet is here too?!" Amelia muttered under her breath, a look of shock and anger flashing in her eyes.

    "What is wrong, my dear?" Maria halted beside Amelia, observing the alarm in her demeanour while following her gaze to the car she was starting at.

    "Good morning, Madam Amelia." Uncle Lazarus''s driver''s voice interrupted Amelia as she tilted her head away from his direction to respond to Maria''s question.

    Amelia briefly acknowledged the driver before leaning closer to Maria.

    "I don''t think I''m the only one my Nana invited here. I smell a setup." S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "And why do you think I''m here?" Maria raised a brow playfully, taking hold of Amelia''s arms. "Who do you think Blaze inherited his fighting spirit from? His father?!"

    Amelia shook her head, unsure of a reply.

    "Don''t worry my darling. I have your back. If your family think they can mess with you simply because your husband is not here to put them in line, then they are about to get an education. Let''s go in and meet them."

    Maria patted Amelia on the cheek. They both headed towards the entrance where the thrilled mansion butler received them warmly.

    "Good morning Mrs Anderson. It''s so wonderful to see you again." Sam bowed politely at Amelia before acknowledging the elegant mature lady by her side.

    "Hello, Sam. I trust you were doing great."

    "Yes ma''am. All thanks to you ma''am."

    "Good. Where is Dad and Nana?"

    "They are both in the main living room with the others ma''am."

    "Okay, thanks."

    As Amelia and Maria made their way through the foyer towards the living room, they were welcomed warmly by mansion staff.

    "Amelia, my darling." A lavishly dressed woman in her mid-forties, cladded in a high-end designer outfit with sharp clicking heels stood up and hurried towards the living room entrance, a plastered smile making her hidden sneer.

 Chapter 276 - 276: The Arranged Meeting 1

    Maria observed Amelia''s body tense as the overly dressed woman approached them. She was about to step into the rescue when Amelia patted her on the arm and gave her a reassuring smile.

    "Hello, Aunt Harriet."

    Amelia stepped forward, extending her right hand as Harriet opened her arms to embrace her.

    She could smell the bitterness and resentment oozing out of Harriet like a suffocating perfume. She could see the piercing coldness behind those pretentious smiles. She wasn''t about to allow her vengeful uncle''s wife to embrace her or come close to her baby.

    "What is this?" Harriet suppressed a scornful laughter, bringing her arms down. "Are we in a corporate organization?"

    "It''s called a handshake, Aunt Harriet. I''m sure you are aware of that." Amelia also brought down her hand, maintaining a stoic expression.

    Harriet couldn''t help but scoff openly.

    "Don''t be silly Amelia. We are family. Moreover, one good turn always deserves another. How is your husband?"

    "Splendid, aunt. How is yours?"

    "Mhmm...." Harriet''s finger slowly balled to a fist beside her. "Exactly where you kept him, away from his wife and his children. But I bear no grudges. Karma had a brilliant way of settling scores. Allow me to be the first to congratulate you on your journey to motherhood. I''m sure you''ll make an amazing mother."

    Harriet tried to approach Amelia a second time opening her arms wider, with a mocking smile gracing her curled lips.

    "Thanks, aunt." Amelia put her right hand forward, stopping her.

    "Mhmm..." Harriet chuckled drily. "A guilty conscience needs no accuser."

    "And it is the peculiar quality of a fool to perceive the faults of others and to forget her own," Maria replied on behalf of her daughter-in-law, unable to stand this despicable woman''s spiteful remarks any longer.

    Just then Senator Gregory walked into the main living room, holding an expensive bottle of wine which he almost dropped at the sight of Maria.

    "And who is this supercilious clown you invited to a family gathering, Amelia? Your future nanny?" Harriet clicked her tongue, shooting Maria a disdainful look from head to toe.

    "How dare you call..." Maria stopped Amelia from responding or coming close to the malicious woman with a hidden agenda.

    Senator Gregory quickly recovered from his shock and called in a rebuking voice.

    "Harriet!"

    But Maria wasn''t the type to take any form of disrespect lightly. She stepped forward closing the distance between her and Harriet.

    "Let me introduce myself formally, little woman..."

    Maria''s cold and sharp voice sent a shiver down Harriet''s spine, causing her to tremble on her knees. But she stood her ground thinking Maria was truly Amelia''s overpaid nanny.

    "I am Mrs Maria Anderson, the chairperson of the League of Diamonds International..."

    "Ah!"

    Everyone already seated in the room gasped wildly, including Harriet who knew of Maria''s infamous popularity amongst the elite women''s circle.

    Senator Gregory came up to plead with Maria but she shunned him, her narrowed spine-chilling glare reducing Harriet to a pile of rubbish, as she spoke.

    "...wife to the late ingenious Presley Anderson, mother to the chairman and CEO of Andex Groups International, proud mother-in-law to my beautiful daughter, Amelia Anderson, standing here beside me. Who exactly are you riffraff to cough in my presence? A deranged psychiatric cleaner seeking attention?"

    Amelia chuckled inwardly, beaming with pride as she stared at her mortified aunt.

    "I...I...I..." Harriet''s twitching eyes glanced in Amelia''s direction pleadingly for help. She had just recently applied to be a floor member of that prestigious group. A simple word from the chairperson could end her reputation in the blink of an eye.

    Thankfully, Senator Gregory and Nana Shawls quickly came to Harriet''s rescue.

    "Mrs Anderson, please forgive my younger brother''s wife. She doesn''t know who you are and she is very sorry for insulting you."

    "Please Maria, forgive her for my sake." Nana Shawl''s faint but firm voice came from behind her eldest son, who quickly moved aside to reveal the old greyed-haired woman seated in the wheelchair.

    Although the older woman was greatly disappointed in Amelia for bringing Blaze''s mother without prior information, she maintained a calm deposition, hoping to reprimand Amelia alone later on.

    "I called for a peaceful family resolution and not a battle. Please pardon my younger son''s wife for her talkativeness. She doesn''t mean any of those words she said."

    "It''s fine Nana. I''m sorry for the disturbance. It''s my pleasure to be in your home." Maria said respectfully with a slight bow of her head, causing a smile to stretch across the old woman''s lips.

    "You are highly welcomed, my dear."

    Nana Shawls'' sharp eyes snapped up at her humiliated daughter-in-law.

    "Harriet, I am highly disappointed in you. Apologize to the nice Mrs Anderson right now and go back to your seat."

    "Mrs Anderson, please pardon me. I am very sorry. This won''t happen again." Harriet said lowering her gaze.

    "How about my daughter-in-law, who you insulted? Doesn''t she deserve an apology too?" Maria sneered.

    Harriet looked in Amelia''s direction, her narrowed eyes shooting lasers. "Amelia I''m very sorry. Please pardon my unruliness."

    "It''s fine, Aunt Harriet. I believe you have learned not to judge a book by its cover."

    "Amelia!" Senator Gregory half growled in a repressed voice.

    "Hello, dad." Amelia beamed cutely.

    Just then, Judith walked into their midst.

    "Hello everyone. Has the drama already started without me?"

    "Aunt Judith!" Amelia turned around and embraced her aunt tenderly to Harriet''s humiliation.

    Judith greeted everyone before they all moved into the sitting room.

    "Ahem!" Nana Shawls cleared her throat as her eyes roved through the room, taking everyone''s facial expression into account.

    "Good morning once again, my wonderful family. Thank you all for honouring my invitation on such a short notice. I called you all here today because my heart is heavy. A lot has happened in this family that has left me baffled beyond words. We have allowed ourselves to be led astray by greed jealousy and selfishness. As a result of these, we have experienced a lot of setbacks humiliation pain and even death."

    Nana Shawl came to rest on Amelia as if she was indirectly accusing her of the last statement. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Amelia shifted uneasily in her seat, her heart hammering loudly in her chest. But every now and then she, felt Maria''s hand stroking hers, calming her down.

    "We cannot allow this to go on any further. We have to let go of the past to embrace a brighter future together. We have to learn to forgive each other and stop the hating. Amelia..." Nana Shawls'' gaze narrowed at her.

    "... What your stepmother, your step-sister, your uncle and Pearl did is evil and unforgivable. But to air is human and to forgive divine. If you want me to go down on my knees and plead to you before this family I will happily do that. All I asked in return is for you to forgive them and have them released from prison. Please, my dear."

    The room fell silent as the Shawl family held their breath, waiting for Amelia to object and walk out of the room as she did back in the courtroom.

    Taking a deep breath to release all the negative energy in her heart, Amelia said.

    "Grandma, Dad, I''ve thought long and hard about everything you two said and I''ve decided to forgive and let go."

    Harriet, whose head had been lowered all this time lifted her eyes up in surprise.

    "Really!" Senator Gregory exclaimed excitedly.

    "This is good news!" Uncle Lazarus cheered.

    "Thank you, my child. I know..."

    "I''m not done talking, Nana," Amelia said l, cutting her grandmother off.

    "I said I will forgive them and set them free but on these terms."

    Everyone in the room frowned except Judith and Maria.