“Don’t trouble yourself, Mom. I can take care of myself. I’ll be back in half an hour,” Amelia protested genially.

Seeing that Amelia was resolute, Olivia reluctantly agreed.

After Amelia had left, Olivia’s face resumed its vexed expression. “Did you see Steph’s behavior just now? She has no manners and doesn’t behave like a lady at all.”

Ever the mediator, Owen said, “All right, let’s not get all worked up. Steph has disliked Amelia all along. We’ll invite Amelia over less often to prevent such squabbles from happening again. It puts you in a difficult position as well.”

Olivia bristled and snapped back at Owen, “What are you talking about? Amelia’s part of our family. Along with Oscar, she’ll be the owner of this house in the future. What do you mean by inviting her over less often? Besides, the two of you are always so busy with your own lives. Who do I have to talk to other than Amelia? Or would you prefer I leave with her?”

Bemused, Owen replied, “Don’t get hysterical, Olivia. I just don’t want an outsider to drive a wedge between your daughter and yourself. You wouldn’t want Steph to hate you, would you?”

Olivia was silent.

“Let’s eat. The children can handle their own affairs,” Owen said kindly.

Olivia once again resumed eating. By way of soothing his wife, Owen said, “When Steph is back, you can talk things out with her. Steph has been spoilt since she was young and must be feeling jealous now that your attention’s shifted to someone else. I can understand why she’s objected so strongly to Amelia’s presence here.”

Olivia nodded.

Amelia had wandered to the little artificial lake within the Clintons’ grounds. Drawing nearer, however, she noticed a tall, slender figure already standing there. It was none other than Stephanie.

Amelia hesitated. She considered retreating soundlessly back the way she came, but Stephanie had already turned in Amelia’s direction as she approached. Their gazes met.

It’s the clash of the titans!

The thought sprung unbidden to Amelia’s mind.

Stephanie’s eyes gleamed with hatred. She marched over, exclaiming, “Amelia, you’re really something! Not only have you seduced my brother, but you’ve also managed to get my mom under your thumb. You must be pleased with yourself.”

Amelia gazed at Stephanie for a moment, then said serenely, “Steph, I’ve always treated you like family. I don’t know what I did to make you hate me so much, but I’ve constantly been trying to win you over. I hope you can give me a chance.”

Stephanie folded her arms across her chest. “Amelia, do you know what it is that I hate most about you? You’re clearly a gold digger, yet you’re constantly playing the victim to gain sympathy. It annoys me to no end.”

Amelia walked over to the side of the lake. She took a deep breath, then turned and said, “Steph, if I really wanted to get rid of you, I have a thousand and one other ways to turn your own mother against you. It’s up to you whether you choose to believe me or not.”

Stephanie sneered, “Are you threatening me?”

can coexist in peace. Your mother is very kind to me, and

said, “And

place on the grounds without any. If I threw myself in

asking to be thrown into the lake? I’ll grant your wish and push you in

at Amelia,

never imagined that Stephanie would be reckless enough to even speak of

also a foolish woman who

“Coward! I just said that to frighten you. Do you think that your devious plans will work? Even if you do get thrown into the lake, my parents will only be mad at me for a few

important I am

Provoked, Stephanie cried, “You…”

away, but she turned back and gave the former a sidelong glance. “Stephanie, if I were you, I wouldn’t do anything to humiliate me in front of your mother. It only makes her feel for me more. If you truly want to sabotage someone, do

to incite me like

your brother cutting off all ties with you forever,” Amelia replied. “Mr. Clinton’s going to divorce me soon,

as she gnashed her teeth with rage. “Amelia, has anyone ever told you that you’re

for the compliment, but no one’s actually

saying, “Watch yourself, Steph. Your mother’s looked forward to this grandchild for the longest time. If anything happens to him, you’ll be stuck overseas while I get to stay right here. Within a

“Amelia, don’t be so shameless. Try to enjoy it while it lasts.

“Don’t worry about me. Even if I get divorced, your brother will

sick. You’d better get out of my sight before

She then swaggered off.

raised her

how the maid found

her back to the house where Olivia was waiting. She dashed forward and clasped Amelia, saying, “What in the

that I must have lost track of time somehow. I’m sorry to have worried you,” Amelia

yourself. If you want to take a walk tomorrow, let me accompany you at

bad for taking half a month’s leave when I’m merely a new employee. If it weren’t because of Carter, I’d have been fired

made as if to speak. Amelia quickly continued, “Mom, I rather like this job. Besides, if I don’t go to work,

work, but don’t hesitate to resign if it’s taking

worry, Mom. I know

Olivia nodded in approval.

now. I’ll head upstairs first to rest,”

that you didn’t eat much for dinner. If you get hungry in the middle of the

Amelia nodded.

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