After the divorce, he begged

Chapter 190

Amelia didn’t answer Rebecca’s question. “And what brought this on?”

“I want to make my own money,” Rebecca said firmly. “I want to be strong, Mom. Like you.”

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Before, Rebecca had only known the surface of her mother. Amelia had kept most parts of her life under

wraps.

But now, Rebecca saw Amelia for who she truly was: a genius at making money, a master of her own powerful network, a woman who never had to depend on anyone. Amelia lived life on her own terms.

“The money I’ve set aside for you is more than enough for a lifetime,” Amelia said softly. “You and Samuel could live without ever worrying about a thing.”

The last thing Amelia wanted was for Rebecca to suffer the hardships of building a business from scratch. She’d brought her daughter into this world to experience its joys, not its battles.

For the first time, Rebecca wouldn’t back down. “I know. But I want this, Mom.”

“You’re sure?” Amelia asked, her voice soft. “This is what you really want?”

Rebecca nodded firmly. “Yes.”

Seeing the fire in her daughter’s eyes, Amelia’s own expression softened. “Is this because of what Jeffrey said to you? When you tried to divorce him?”

Rebecca had done a lot of growing up recently. “That’s a part of it, yes,” she admitted. “But it’s more than that. I want to be strong on my own. I don’t want to be a parasite who just lives off her family’s money.”

Before all this, such thoughts had never even crossed her mind. Her world had always been sheltered. Her parents had always protected her, giving her more than enough money to spend as she pleased.

And after she married Jeffrey, he had taken over. Her world had been confined to raising Samuel and managing their home. She never had to worry about money.

But everything that had happened had taught her a brutal lesson. Real strength came from having her own power, her own money. It was the only armor against the world, the only way to stand on her own two feet

when a crisis hit.

Still, Amelia hated the thought of her daughter struggling. “But you’re already so talented, sweetie,” she said. “You’re a wonderful dancer and a gifted painter. I could never do those things.”

Rebecca knew what she needed now. “Those things can pay the rent, Mom, but they can’t build an empire. I want to build wealth,” she said. “I want the kind of power that makes you unshakable, no matter what storm comes. Please. Teach me.”

“It will be grueling work,” Amelia said. “Harder than anything you’ve ever done.”

“I’m not afraid of that,” Rebecca replied instantly. After what she’d been through, hard work felt like a gift. It would make her feel like she was finally doing something real.

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Chapter 190

gave in. She began explaining the very first steps of building a

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thinking,” she said. “Think about your unique strengths, and what kind of project you’re passionate

me.”

“Okay.” Rebecca agreed.

card I gave you. Don’t hesitate. Take as much as you need to

started.”

warmth spread through Rebecca’s chest. “Thank you,

Amelia murmured, her voice thick

this world to experience

the door. When Rebecca and Amelia looked up, Stephen was standing there. Dressed in a bespoke gray suit with silver–rimmed glasses, he had the same mild, scholarly air about him as

me,” he said. “May I come

blinked, surprised.

played on Stephen’s lips as he turned to someone behind

She wondered who

She had long, flowing hair and charming eyes. Her

Rebecca took her in,

heard rumors that Stephen was seeing someone,

still gentle as always. “Karen and I are just very good friends. Karen Lindsay,

a second, a look of bitter irony flashed in Karen’s

secret girlfriend, the one Stephen kept tucked

this is her mother, Amelia

a polite smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms.

the instant she saw Karen. ‘That girl’s face,‘

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Chapter 190

looks

her mother’s

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of it, her eyes flicking for a split second to a tiny red mole on Karen’s earlobe. She quickly composed herself. “Please, have

Karen made polite small talk, asking about Amelia’s health. Karen was graceful

glance at Rebecca, his eyes lingering just long enough for her to

bother with any formalities. “Did you

looked a little surprised, clearly not expecting Rebecca to

“Actually, yes,” Stephen admitted.

to it,” Rebecca

Mom,‘ Rebecca thought. ‘We’re not nearly close enough for that. And not

Amelia, then back to

“No,” she said simply. “Whatever you have

about you and Jeffrey,”

“I’m listening,” Rebecca said.

straight to the point. “You’re planning to leave Jelasburg with your son and your mother, and Jeffrey