Chapter 24

Taking action always came naturally to Amelia. No sooner had she made up her mind about working than she plunged into the task ahead.

All through the night, she toiled over her resume, determined to land a new job.

Stacks of papers and polished certificates lay on the table, offering her a sense of calm confidence.

Her last two years hadn't been spent building a career, but she still held a coveted distinction as one of Kretol University's top graduates.

Renowned throughout the country, Kretol University was known for its tough standards, admitting only a handful of outstanding students every year.

On top of that, Amelia also held a certificate as an accountant.

Business management was her major in college. A sharp head for numbers ran in her family, and her curiosity drew he to accounting electives.

Only a few months had passed since she got the certificate.

While morning light crept through the apartment, Carlee, who had crashed in Amelia's place overnight,padded out barefoot and spotted the documents spread across the table.

Both women had studied at Kretol University, though Carlee's diploma nearly slipped through her fingers.

Had it not been for the timely support of Amelia and Monroe, Carlee might not have graduated successfully.

Flipping through the certificates, Carlee couldn't resist saying to Amelia, "Come work in my company instead.Why hand your talents to strangers? If I convince you to join us, my dad will be over the moon."

Amelia,worried that the matter might cause trouble for the Larson family, politely declined the offer with a smile. Despite understanding her friend's hesitation, Carlee continued, "You're a real gem,Amelia. Jaxton never appreciated you, and that's on him. l-"

A sharp knock cut her off mid-sentence.

Monroe had arrived.

He had arranged with Amelia the night before to pick up the jewelry pieces today.

He came bearing breakfast for everyone, plus a brand-new phone for Amelia.

With years of friendship between them, Amelia accepted his thoughtful gift without a second thought

Once breakfast wrapped up, Amelia gave Monroe the jewelry box.

Before Amelia could sayanything, Carlee nudged Monroe and said, "Go ahead and make money off other folks, but if you try to turn a profit with Amelia's things, you'll have me to answer to!"

Waving her fist in warning, Carlee made Monroe scoff. He said, "Do you seriously believe I'd do something like that to Amelia?"

"Sorry, but in my eyes, you are exactly that kind of person-a sly businessman," Carlee said.

Seeing the two about to bicker like they had in college, Amelia quickly intervened. She said to Monroe,"ln business, we will follow the rules. That's our professor's motto. You can just treat me as another client on this matter."

"I'll have a look at the jewelry firMonroe replied.

Monroe's eyes sparkled when he opened the box.

He had spent his life surrounded by luxury goods thanks to his parents' business, and years of exposure had given him an expert's touch.

Every piece Amelia offered was nothing short of top-tier.

"Amelia, after taking a good look at everything, I'm ready to offer one hundred and twenty million for this,"he said. "That's too generous, Monroe. If you buy at that price, you won't earn anything," Amelia said.

Monroe's generous offer left Amelia stunned. It was well above her expectations. She believed he wouldn't get any profit.

Meanwhile, Carlee absorbed the figures and fell silent, knowing that Monroe was helping Amelia.

Monroe said to Amelia, "I am a businessman, and I won't do a deal that will only bring me loss. At this price, I won't make much, but there's still some profit. You-"

"One hundred million, Monroe. That's final. If you can't accept it, I'll just take my things elsewhere."

No matter how much she valued Monroe's friendship, Amelia refused to let him help her at his own expense.

Years of knowing her left Monroe clear on one thing-when Amelia drew a line, it was set in stone. He relented with a nod.

Knowing that Amelia hadn't slept the previous night, Carlee pulled Monroe away from Amelia's apartment,letting her getsome rest.

Despite the sleepless night, Amelia didn't feel tired. Looking at the resume and certificates on the table, she opened her laptop to check the job listings online.

Just as she clicked on the site, a knock came at the door.

"Why are you two back again? Did you two forget something..."

Expecting Carlee and Monroe, Amelia opened the door, only to find Jaxton standing there.

Whatever warmth had been in her expression disappeared. "Why are you here?" she asked coldly.

Jaxton had spent the night by Dayna's side at the hospital, all too aware that Amelia's actions had landed both Dayna and Ricky in the hospital.

Watching Amelia act as if nothing had happened, he felt his frustration boil over. "How can you be so cruel,Amelia?"

Amelia was accustomed to Jaxton's tendency to jump to conclusions about her. The memory of the photo from last night drifted through her mind. With a mocking laugh, she replied, "And you think you have the right to judge me, Jaxton?"

Jaxton said, "You went to the Flynn family and injured your father and your sister. Isn't that the very definition of cruel? You..."

Hearing that, Amelia finally pieced together his reason for showing up at her door so early.

For someone like Jaxton, Amelia had no interest in explaining, nor did she want to waste her time on him.

Turning, she walked awvay. Jaxton's frustration mounted as he realized she was ignoring him.

"Are you even listening to me, Amelia? Explain why you did that!" he exclaimed.