Chapter 106

Everyone, including Brooke, was shocked. They stared at Landon, wondering how a grown man could yell at a little girl and still grin so widely.

Only Amelia understood what Landon meant. She thought, "He is fishing for compliments. But he is supposed to be aloof. Why is he ruining his image?"

Amelia smiled helplessly and muttered, "Let's go."

"Okay." As Landon nodded, he thought, "Amelia didn't praise me? Did I not do well enough?"

Amelia staggered and nearly tripped.

Brooke quickly helped Amelia. "Mrs. Kingsley…"

"I'm fine. Let's go." Amelia steadied herself and quickened her pace, putting as much distance as possible between herself and Landon.

Landon watched Amelia flustered, and smiled, pleased.

"Mrs. Kingsley." Suddenly, Matthew stepped in their path.

Amelia thought, "Shouldn't he be at Zachary's funeral? What's he doing in the mall?"

"Mrs. Kingsley, I'm here to return something," Matthew smiled and pulled an old, crumpled letter from his pocket. "I found this in Zachary's belongings. You might need it."

Amelia thought, "Could it be related to William?" She hesitated for a moment, then took the letter, eyeing Matthew with suspicion. "What does it say?"

"I'm not sure. I didn't read it," Matthew replied. "It's addressed to Mr. Smith, so it might concern you, so I brought it over."

Amelia looked closely. William's name was barely legible in the bottom right corner of the envelope due to age.

"Don't worry, Mrs. Kingsley. We're friends," Matthew said, studying Amelia with interest.

Matthew had known Amelia for a long time–she was the future lady of the Foster family and Zachary's future wife. But when Matthew heard about Amelia again, she had married Landon and exposed Zachary and Sandra's scandal.

Amelia's change in status had worked in Matthew's favor. As a bastard rejected by Pamela, Matthew suddenly received support from the Kingsley family, allowing him to return to Norava and claim the Foster family inheritance.

"Thank you, Matthew. But our collaboration is over," Amelia said. She frowned and decided to draw a clear line with Matthew.

Amelia thought, "Before Zachary passed, I asked Matthew to stall Pamela and stop Zachary's medical bills. He agreed without hesitation, not even asking why. It could damage my reputation and the Kingsley family's if this gets out. And who knows? Landon might even get jealous."

"Mrs. Kingsley, have we really collaborated?" Matthew asked with a smile.

Amelia stared at Matthew in surprise.

Matthew had already stepped past Amelia, walking toward Landon. "Mr. Kingsley."

"Mr. Foster." Landon nodded, his expression neutral. "Finished with things at home?"

"Almost. My father will officially announce I'm taking over Foster Group in a few days. I must thank you, Mr. Kingsley. From now on, the Foster family will be at your service," Matthew spoke solemnly, much different from his casual tone with Amelia.

Amelia leaned toward Brooke, whispering, "Brooke, do you know what's happening?"

"Mr. Kingsley brought Mr. Foster back to Norava. It's thanks to him that Mr. Foster is where he is now," Brooke explained.

Amelia was stunned. "Landon, why would he do that?"

"Well, it's all for you, Mrs. Kingsley," Brooke laughed.

Amelia froze. She had always thought Matthew had only risen to power because Zachary lost the Stonefield land and was doubted by Robert. Amelia never imagined that Landon had been pulling the strings behind the scenes. She wondered if it was all just because she hated Zachary.

"Honey, aren't you going to read the letter?" Landon wheeled over while Matthew had already disappeared.

Amelia snapped out of her thoughts and opened the letter.

It said: [William, I won't be coming back. Please tell them I'm dead and that they shouldn't look for me anymore. As for Amy, if her future husband treats her well, don't mention me. But if she's not happy, then tell her the truth.]

A few simple lines, yet they carried so many unsaid emotions.

Amelia's eyes reddened as she trembled and said, "This…is written by my mom…"

"Have you seen her handwriting before?" Landon asked.

"No, it's just a feeling." Amelia's heart ached terribly. "This has to be from my mom. The way she wrote this–she must have been in a lot of danger."

"William knows more than he lets on." Landon paused, frowning. He thought, "The truth Debra referred to couldn't have been about that tiara, so what was she trying to say?"

"I have to find William." Amelia gritted her teeth. But with no leads on the killer, she had no idea where to begin.

"Don't worry, I'm keeping an eye on things. We'll get results." Landon reassured, gently taking Amelia's hand and patting it.

"Thank you." Amelia's voice caught, and calming down took her a while. The thought of finding William made her realize she'd need Landon's help. She figured she'd have to be kinder to Landon from now on. She was worried Landon might start acting like her and decided to quit whenever he was upset.

"Landon, do you need new clothes?" Amelia asked, stopping in front of a men's clothing store.

Landon's face turned grim. "What did you just call me?"

Amelia repeated, "Landon…"

Landon stared at Amelia. "Hmm?"

"Darling." Amelia quickly corrected herself. As long as it made Landon happy, she'd call him anything.

Landon said, "What? I didn't catch that."

Amelia said, "Darling, do you want to buy new clothes?"

Landon smiled, "Sure. Let's go."

"You choose, and I'll pay," Amelia offered.

Since Landon became an adult, he hadn't worn clothes given by a woman. He eagerly picked out a few things. Soon, they left the store, bags in hand.

The next day was Donna's 80th birthday celebration.

The party was held at Kingsley Manor, hosted by Cynthia.

Initially, Kingsley Manor was a property Landon's father, Isaac, had acquired years ago. After Isaac passed away, Donna forced Gloria to transfer the ownership to Henry.

Now, Gloria returned home with Landon and Amelia, and they still had to ring the doorbell.

"Well, look who's here. Gloria, please, come in," Cynthia greeted with a smile, her demeanor like that of the lady of the house.

"Where's Donna?" Gloria asked.

"Ms. Atkinson is here, Donna is attending to her," Cynthia answered, then turned to Amelia. "Why don't you go to the living room and keep Ms. Atkinson company?"

Amelia didn't hesitate to refuse. "I'm not going."

Cynthia frowned. "Amelia, she is our guest. You should show some hospitality."

"You can take care of the guest. I want to keep my husband company," Amelia replied, resting her hand on Landon's wheelchair.

This was Henry's territory, and Landon being here was like a lamb walking into a tiger's den. At first, Amelia had been against Landon coming, but Landon insisted, so she had no choice but to bring Brooke and a bodyguard along for extra security.

"How can you be so sappy?" Cynthia scoffed at Amelia, throwing a disdainful glance at Landon. She sneered inwardly, "Just a cripple–just wait and see."

"The way young couples interact, you won't understand," Landon said coolly. Then, he turned to Amelia and said, "Honey, let's go sit under the oak tree and enjoy the sun."

"Sure." Amelia began pushing Landon away.

Cynthia wanted to say more, but Gloria grabbed Cynthia's arm. "Cynthia, let me handle the guests. Amy's not familiar with this place, so don't trouble her."

Cynthia recalled Patrick's order to keep Amelia and Landon apart. Seizing the moment, she handed the butler a pot of coffee. "Take this to Landon and Amelia and say it's from Gloria."

"Okay," the butler replied.