Chapter 36

Laura burned with frustration at Jaxton's shortsightedness, her temper simmering. Yet, when she noticed the bright red imprint on his cheek, she forced herself to remain calm. With a steady breath,she explained, "You really don't understand this, do you? We're talking about the Stewart Group here.The bidding for the east side project in Kretol is about to begin. If we use our connection to Amelia to approach the Stewart Group, we'll have a real advantage. Mr. Wyatt Stewart himself recommended this project. If our family gets the contract, our status in Kretol will significantly rise."

By now, Jaxton finally grasped Laura's point.

But recalling Amelia's resolute demeanor earlier Jaxton questioned skeptically, "Mom, do you think Amelia will help us connect with the Stewart Group?" Laura felt her patience wearing thin again upon hearing Jaxton's words. "Had you stayed away from Dayna, Amelia would never have turned against you.Jaxton, you must trust my judgment. Let Dayna go and devote yourself to Amelia."

Jaxton's irritation was clear, but Laura refused to force him to agree this time. Choosing a gentler approach, she said to him, "No matter how attached you are to Dayna, keep Amelia content at least until the project is ours. If another disaster like the auction occurs, I'll have no choice but to tell your father everything."

Jaxton's stubbornness crumbled when he realized the weight of his mother's warning.

Amelia had just left the Morrison residence when her phone rang with Monroe's name lighting up the screen.

She barely had time to say hello before Monroe blurted out, "Amelia, I have huge news for you!"

Monroe's usual energy had become more measured after years working in business, but excitement now bubbled in his voice.

The change in his mood brought a smile to Amelia's face. Teasingly, she replied, "What is it, Monroe? Are you finally tying the knot? That would be news worth celebrating."

With a dramatic roll of his eyes, Monroe couldn't help but smile as he replied, "Your stepmother just sold a stash of jewelry today, Amelia. Are the Flynns heading for financial ruin?"

After that, concern edged into Monroe's tone. "If the Flynn family really does go under, will you be all right?"

It only took a moment for Amelia to guess the reason behind the sale.

Dayna's empty pockets had likely pushed Janessa to sell off her jewelry to help her.

No one understood the selfishness of Amelia's father better than she did. She knew Janessa was left out of the Flynn fortune.

"Monroe, can you get hold of those jewelry pieces?"Amelia asked.

"I probably can, but why do you want them?Honestly, these aren't nearly as good as the pieces you gave me."

"I have my plans for them," Amelia replied.

"Fine, I'll make sure they're delivered to your apartment as soon as I can."

The next day, Amelia chose a refined outfit before heading to a restaurant downtown.

A waiter led her to a private dining room on the second floor.

The moment she stepped through the door, Amelia wondered for a second if she'd entered the wrong room. At the center of the room, Della sat waiting for her.

Seated on either side of Della were two elegantly dressed women, their eyes locking on Amelia the moment she entered.

Although several sets of eyes watched her, Amelia could sense nothing but warmth and a lively curiosity, which she worked hard to disregard.

Before she could offer a greeting to Della, Della had already stood up and clasped her hand. "Amelia,you are finally here."

Spotting Della's attempt to pull out a chair for her,Amelia quickly put a stop to it.

Choosing not to protest, Della stopped the gesture and sat down beside Amelia. Pride gleamed in her gaze as she turned to the other women. "Take a good look at Amelia. She is gorgeous, isn't she? Oh,remember your manners, and don't startle her."

Thanks to Della's introductions, Amelia finally learned the identities of the two women. The poised lady on the left turned out to be Holley Green,Wyatt's aunt. The woman on the right was Malinda Mills, Colton's mother. Holley,who had made the trip from Prevda, was both gentle and smart, known for her savvy in business.She'd come here after hearing whispers about her exceptional nephew's mysterious girlfriend.

From her very first look at Amelia, Holley understood why her nephew, who was notoriously picky with women, was smitten with her. Amelia was captivating.

Holley herself found it difficult to look away from Amelia's striking features.

While Holley admired Amelia with quiet appreciation,Malinda looked at Amelia with curiosity.

When Colton had first mentioned a woman in Wyatt's life, Malinda had doubted him completely.

However, watching Della interact with Amelia changed her mind in a heartbeat.

Their small talk drifted on until the waiter began to serve the dishes.

While Amelia didn't adore every single dish, she found that most of them were to her liking.

Still, being surrounded by unfamiliar faces left her slightly unsettled.

She couldn't help but wish Wyatt were there. She felt she would be more at ease with him present.

Noticing her discomfort, Della spoke up. "Wyatt had planned to be here, but he was called to an urgent meeting at the company. He puts work above everything, and that's wrong. But don't worry,Amelia. I'll have a word with him on your behalf later!"

"That's all right, Mrs. Stewart. I-"

"Please, don't call me Mrs. Stewart. It sounds too formal," Della interjected. "Just call me Della."

Calling Della by her first name, Amelia recognized,made them feel closer to each other.

When she noticed Della's encouraging look, Amelia smiled and addressed her as "Della," which brought a spark of joy to Della's face. Throughout the meal, Della went out of her way to look after Amelia, ensuring that her plate was never empty.

On the other side of the table, Malinda's and Holley's reactions were different.

Della's fondness for Amelia prompted Malinda to silently consider her impression of Amelia, while a subtle glimmer of regret crossed Holley's eyes.