“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?”

not. I rather hope that we can coexist in peace. Your mother is very kind to me, and I don’t want to make things

said, “And what

every corner of the Clinton residence. This lake is the only place on the grounds without any. If I threw myself in right now and accused

shouted, “Amelia, are you really low enough to stoop to such underhand tricks? Are you really asking to be thrown into the lake? I’ll grant your wish and push you in for real. It won’t matter what my parents think as long as you

looked at Amelia, daring her to

Stephanie would be

a spoiled rich girl after all; you’re also a foolish woman who is far more confident in yourself than you have any right

get thrown into the lake, my parents will only be mad at me for a few days. Do you think

ask your mother just how important I am to her? Or don’t you

Provoked, Stephanie cried, “You…”

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 it more subtly. Your incessant whining only makes

to incite me like this, don’t blame me

you don’t mind your parents packing you off overseas and your brother cutting off all ties with you

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

for the compliment, but no one’s actually ever told me

land a slap on Amelia’s face. However, her hand was caught in mid-air by Amelia. The latter brandished her swollen belly in front of Stephanie, 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 few years, you’ll find yourself working for

her hand away from Amelia’s grip. She leaned in and said, “Amelia, don’t be so shameless. Try to enjoy it while it lasts. Cassie’s coming back. It’s time for you to scamper back

worry about me. Even if I get divorced, your

gold digger,” Stephanie snarled. “You make me sick. You’d better

She then swaggered off.

raised her eyes toward the

how the maid found

waiting. She dashed forward and clasped Amelia, saying,

the lake that

said indulgently, “Now that you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t be wandering off by yourself. If you want to take a walk

work tomorrow. I feel bad for taking half a month’s leave when I’m merely a new employee. If it weren’t because of Carter,

this job. Besides, if I don’t go to work, I’d only be

she chided, “Amelia, you can go ahead to work, but don’t hesitate to resign if it’s taking a toll on you. If you’re bored, I can always get Oscar

said gaily, “Don’t worry, Mom. I know my limits; I’ll take care

Olivia nodded in approval.

head

get hungry in the middle of the night, I’ll get

Amelia nodded.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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