Chapter 223
The air suddenly went still. The luxurious European-style living room was silent as Landon and Amelia stared at each other from across the room. Amelia’s eyes were brimming with deep affection, while Landon’s were filled with confusion. Seeing this, Monica was about to explode with rage, but if she blew up now, she’d basically be telling Landon that the pregnant woman standing in front of him was his wife. She could only grit her teeth and endure it.
“Monica, it’s been a while,” Paloma greeted calmly, not thinking there was anything wrong with bringing Amelia along. As Monica was wary of Paloma, she had no choice but to endure it. “Paloma, why did you bring her here?” Monica asked, her voice tight with frustration. “She’s my friend, and she’s also the woman your cousin is after,” Paloma replied casually. Hearing this, Monica stomped her foot in frustration. Suddenly, she sensed something was off. She glanced sideways and saw that Landon and Amelia had started talking.
“Are you okay?” Amelia asked, looking up at Landon with concern. ‘Does this woman know me? Why does she look at me with such deep affection and concern?’ Landon wondered, feeling puzzled. Amelia heard his thoughts and slowly smiled. ‘Thank goodness, I can still hear his thoughts,’ Amelia thought. Even though he’d forgotten her, he treated her differently. ‘He must still have feelings for me,’ Amelia thought. ‘Otherwise, the way he is, he’d never be this nice to me.’ “Landon, don’t you remember me?” Amelia asked, her voice tinged with sadness. Her sadness felt like an invisible hand squeezing Landon’s heart. His brows furrowed with a pang in his heart as he said, “I’m sorry, I don’t know you.” But a small voice in his mind murmured, ‘She looks so sad. Why is that? Am I supposed to know her?’ Amelia listened quietly, a gratified look appearing in her eyes. “Yes, you should know me,” she said with conviction. “You…” Landon began, but before he could finish, Monica suddenly stepped between them. “Honey, you’re making me jealous,” Monica said loudly, cutting in without hesitation. Landon pressed his lips into a thin line, feeling a surge of irritation inside. “Miss Edwards, please mind your manners,” Monica said, turning back to Amelia with a warning glare. Seeing that, Amelia lowered her gaze and didn’t say another word.
As Landon’s life was in Monica’s hands, she couldn’t afford to be reckless. Just seeing that he was safe and sound was already enough to make her happy. “Monica, I’ve been craving your family’s coffee,” Paloma said. Monica nodded and, deliberately in front of Amelia, said in her sweetest voice to Landon, “Honey, would you mind checking on things in the kitchen for me?” “Okay,” Landon nodded. Then he walked off obediently. He didn’t look back even once. Seeing that, Monica was very pleased, a provocative smirk curling at her lips. But Amelia’s eyes were noticeably red. She wasn’t actually that upset; she just knew Monica would only be satisfied if she saw her looking miserable. That way, Monica wouldn’t suspect that Landon still cared about her. Between his love and his safety, Amelia chose the latter. ‘Survival comes first, love can wait,’ Amelia told herself.
“Monica, this villa is really nice,” Paloma said, glancing around. “Aren’t your parents living here with you?” “My husband likes his peace, so I didn’t let them move in,” Monica replied. “So it’s just the two of you, living the couple’s life, huh?” Paloma smiled. “Of course! My husband is so gentle and spoils me rotten…” Monica lifted her chin proudly. She kept going on and on about her husband, obviously trying to get under Amelia’s skin. Amelia sat on the sofa, her fingers clenched tightly as she twisted the hem of her clothes. ‘Walk right in just to get hurt–serves you right!’ Monica sneered to herself.
“Monica, when are you two getting married?” Paloma asked. Hearing the question, Monica hesitated. As Landon and Amelia hadn’t divorced yet, they couldn’t even get married legally. ‘May as well bring it up while Amelia’s here today,’ Monica thought. “Paloma, why don’t you sit for a bit? Miss Edwards, can we have a word in private?” Monica said. “Okay,” Amelia nodded. She followed Monica out to the terrace. “You saw it with your own eyes, didn’t you? Landon has already forgotten you. He’s in love with me now. Just go home and sign the divorce papers already!” Monica lowered her voice and said.
“I’m not getting a divorce,” Amelia said, looking up at her with tear-filled eyes, her smile both pitiful and unwavering. “You!” Monica’s face twisted with anger. “Don’t you have any self-respect? He doesn’t want you anymore, so why are you still hanging around the Kingsley family like a stray?” “I’m having his baby, and that child will inherit the Kingsley Group! If I’m destined to lose him, then fine–I’ll hold on to his money, and keep the title of Mrs. Kingsley!” Amelia’s voice was quiet, but her resolve was rock solid. Monica had never expected that a woman who’d been cast aside would dare to be so bold in front of her. As the eldest daughter of the Montgomery family, Monica had always gotten whatever she wanted. But today, she finally got put in her place by Amelia. She refused to accept it.
“Amelia, I’m the one who saved him. If it weren’t for me, he’d be dead already!” Monica said. “So what? He wouldn’t have been in danger if it weren’t for your people from the Kington Gang!” Amelia retorted. “Oh? So you know about that?” Monica sneered. She laughed, her eyes brimming with arrogance and smug pride. “Amelia, since you know about the Kington Gang, you’d better back off now. Otherwise…” Monica warned, her tone laced with threat. “Or what? Are you planning to kill me?” Amelia chuckled softly, shaking her head. “Go ahead–if I die, your cousin dies too.” Hearing this, Monica’s smug smile froze. “What are you talking about?” “Aiden’s been poisoned. For the next ten years, he can only stay alive if I keep giving him the antidote,” Amelia replied calmly. At that, Monica was stunned. Her eyes widened in disbelief. “How is that possible? My cousin is so brilliant…” “My husband’s just as smart, but didn’t he still end up under your control?” Amelia shook her head. “Monica, from now on, let’s each get what we want out of this. You want the man, I want the money and the title.” Monica sank into deep thoughts. Back then, all she wanted was to have Landon all to herself. But people were greedy by nature–they always wanted more. After keeping Landon close like her own possession, Monica started craving even more… She wanted to become the rightful Mrs. Kingsley! She even wanted to take advantage of Landon’s position at the Flying Tiger Sect to smooth things over with the Kington Gang, hoping they could eventually get along and keep the peace. But Amelia just wouldn’t let go, and that was a real headache… Monica couldn’t stand her, but there was nothing she could do about it. Her cousin–that total control freak–had laid down the law: she wasn’t allowed to lay a finger on Amelia or the baby she was carrying.
“Amelia, do you really care that much about your reputation and money?” Monica asked through gritted teeth. Amelia gave a bitter smile. “Yeah, I do.” “You really are… such a money-grubber,” Monica sneered with contempt. “What did he ever see in you?” But Amelia said nothing. No matter how Monica tried to provoke her, she just kept her mouth shut. Sometimes, keeping quiet was the best comeback. After a few tries, Monica felt like all her punches were landing on cotton–she walked away, totally deflated. Amelia let out a gentle smile, rooting for herself in her heart.
“Amelia, come have some coffee!” Paloma called from the living room. Amelia let out a deep breath, taking a moment to compose herself. When she walked back in, her face was clouded with sadness. Her gaze on Landon was tinged with sorrow. ‘Ugh, she’s driving me crazy!’ Monica grumbled to herself, then quickly texted Aiden. [Aiden, just come get Amelia out of here! I can’t stand seeing her another second!] Aiden replied, clearly startled. [Where are you?] Monica: [At home! Paloma brought her over!] Seeing this message, Aiden was stunned. He jumped to his feet and hurried out the door.
“Mr. Kyle…” the butler hurried after him. Slap! “Why didn’t you keep an eye on Miss Paloma?” Aiden raised his hand and gave the butler a hard slap, his fury barely contained. “Miss Paloma went to Miss Monica’s house…is that not allowed?” the butler asked, completely bewildered. Paloma was the Kyle family’s sheltered young lady, but there were only two places where she had true freedom: the Kyle family estate and the Montgomery residence. “From now on, I want to know wherever she goes–report to me every time!” Aiden barked, then immediately booked a flight and rushed to the Montgomery residence.