Chapter 57

Ricky understood perfectly well that the Flynn Group's finances were in dire straits. Still, the idea of joining forces with the Stewart Group dangled before him like a golden ticket he couldn't resist. Pulling off this partnership would bring him a level of respect he'd only dreamed about before.

Despite knowing Amelia's point made sense, Ricky refused to give up. "Maybe I can try for a bank loan. If the bank hears that I'm about to partner with the Stewart Group, I'm sure they'll stamp their approval on it."

This suggestion left Amelia utterly uninterested in continuing the conversation. A wave of gratitude washed over her; she felt thankful that Wyatt had already taken the Flynn Group off the list of possible partners.

Amelia reminded Ricky that she was just a secretary, not knowing much about the matter. Then, she grabbed her bag and left.

As Amelia departed the Flynn family's residence, Janessa was still being nagged by Lainey, which lifted Amelia's spirits slightly.

It was noon. Remembering that it had been a while since she last visited her grandmother, Amelia headed straight for Kretol City Hospital.

Michelle's only child, Katrina, had been her entire world, and losing her so early nearly broke her spirit.Were it not for Amelia's presence, Michelle might not have made it this far.

When Amelia entered the hospital room, Michelle's eyes sparkled with fondness, reminded of Katrina by Amelia's familiar face. She tried to sit up, prompting Amelia to cross the room and help her.

Once Michelle was settled comfortably, Amelia took a moment to study her grandmother's face and noted the color returning to her cheeks.

Although Marc had kept her updated about Michelle's treatment, Amelia felt a different kind of relief seeing with her own eyes how much her grandmother's energy had returned.

Wyatt's decision to assign Marc as the attending physician had worked wonders for Michelle's health,and Amelia couldn't help but feel a fresh rush of gratitude toward him.

Like always, Michelle wanted to hear about Amelia's daily life. The news that Amelia now worked at the Stewart Group brought a smile to Michelle's lips.good for you to be working, Amelia. Women should always have careers."

"l understand, Grandma. You don't have to worry.I'll work diligently."

"Let me focus on getting better while you pour your energy into work. Dr. Chapman is highly skilled, and my recovery is going well. Maybe I'Il even be able to attend your wedding with Jaxton."

The words brought a flicker of unease to Amelia's eyes.

Plans to end things with Jaxton were already firm in her heart, yet telling her grandmother the truth felt impossible. Michelle's fragile health could never take such news.

Amelia's silence immediately made Michelle suspect something was wrong.

The idea that Amelia would actually cancel the engagement never crossed Michelle's mind. After all, the marriage had been arranged long before Katrina's passing. She chalked up Amelia's mood to the usual couple's spat. "Every couple argues, you know. Everything will be fine eventually."

"You really don't have to worry about me, Grandma. I know how to handle my own affairs."

To keep herself from slipping up and noticing the fatigue settling into Michelle's face, Amelia hurried to say her goodbyes.

Unexpectedly, as Amelia turned a corner, she ran into Laura, who was also at the hospital.

Laura still hadn't let go of the grudge from the night before, upset over Amelia's abrupt hang-up. Though she understood what had truly happened with Jaxton's injury, she still blamed Amelia for the matter."Even if Jaxton was at fault, you didn't have to go so far as to break his ribs."

Hearing Laura defend Jaxton so blindly, Amelia retorted, "You can spoil him all you want, Laura; he's your son, after all. But I don't have the obligation to do the same."

Laura was momentarily stunned by Amelia's reply, and as the iciness in Amnelia's eyes grew sharper, Laura's expression turned dark. "You're not the same girl I once knew, Amelia.You've changed!"

Meeting Laura's accusing glare, Amelia let out a cold laugh. "People change. You've also changed. When my mother was alive, you never scolded me."