Chapter 96

“Why?” Amelia’s heart skipped a beat. She thought, ‘Is he trying to make me stay? Oscar has said my actions didn’t count as a crime.’

The officer interrupted her thoughts. “Someone from the Foster family wants to see you.” Amelia didn’t want to see anyone right now. All she wanted was to go home, back to Gloria and Landon, the only ones who could make her feel safe.

“Mrs. Kingsley, they’re here.” The officer opened the door, and Pamela’s shrill voice echoed in. “Amelia, you wretched woman. You killed my son. You should pay for it.”

Losing her son, Pamela was devastated, her cries piercing the air as grief consumed her. But despite her heartbreak, she still had the energy to lash out. If it hadn’t been for the two men holding Pamela back, she would have charged at Amelia in a fit of rage.

Amelia had planned to show respect to the grieving family, but Pamela’s behavior made sympathy impossible. In her previous life, Pamela had always acted superior, flaunting her so-called cultured background.

Since Amelia married Zachary, Pamela had constantly criticized and humiliated her, pushing her self-esteem into the dirt. But now, with a second chance at life, everything had changed. The once lofty Foster family now seemed utterly insignificant to her, like dust beneath her feet.

Amelia’s gaze shifted to the two men restraining Pamela. The older one was Zachary’s father, Robert, and the younger was Matthew. Compared to Zachary, Matthew bore a stronger resemblance to Robert.

Robert had lost a son in middle age, yet his face showed no trace of sorrow. Instead, he scolded Pamela sharply, “She didn’t pull the trigger. You’re blaming the wrong person.”

“It’s her fault. If it hadn’t been for her, how would Zachary have been shot?” Pamela wailed, her voice hoarse. Just like in the past, Pamela still hated Amelia. Even a strand of hair falling out would somehow be Amelia’s fault.

“You’re being unreasonable. Mrs. Kingsley didn’t fire the gun,” Robert barked before turning to Amelia. “Mrs. Kingsley, you and Zachary were close. Do you have any idea who he might have provoked?”

“I’ve already told the police everything I know,” Amelia replied calmly.

She didn’t know Robert well. In her past life, their interactions were limited to her wedding and the occasional holiday gathering. Most of the time, Robert was out of town managing his business and rarely returned to Norava.

“Well, Mrs. Kingsley, you have had a rough day. Please go home and rest,” Robert said, his tone polite and measured. Out of respect for the deceased, Amelia gave Robert a small nod before leaving.

As she turned to leave, her eyes lingered on Matthew. With his arched brows and bright eyes, Matthew exuded a quiet charisma. The once timid Matthew, crushed under the weight of Zachary and Pamela’s oppression, had grown into someone with undeniable authority.

Amelia thought, ‘Good. We have all broken free from the Foster family’s control and forged our paths.’

Matthew caught her gaze and couldn’t help feeling puzzled. He wondered, ‘Why is she looking at me with such a peculiar expression?’

“This way, Amelia,” Wesley said, guiding her through a private passage to avoid the press. Amelia finally relaxed when she stepped through the door of her home.

“Amy, you’re back.” Gloria rushed over, wrapping her arms around Amelia in a warm hug. “My dear, you must have been terrified today.”

“I’m fine.” Amelia forced a smile, though her heart was far from calm.

She thought, ‘Terrified? That didn’t even begin to cover it. All I’d wanted was to retrieve a keepsake my mother had left behind. Who could have foreseen the dangers lurking ahead?’

“Here, wear this for good luck,” Gloria said, slipping a lucky bracelet onto Amelia’s wrist.

The touch of the bracelet stirred a faint memory. Debra had once given Amelia a similar one when she was a child. Tears welled up in Amelia’s eyes. “Gloria…”

“I’m here, sweetheart. Don’t be afraid. No matter what happens, the Kingsley family will always protect you.” Gloria’s voice was tender and reassuring. For someone like Amelia, who had long craved maternal love, this comfort was worth more than a thousand words.

Even if Amelia had to leave this family one day and face the world alone, she would always carry this warmth in her heart. “You’re back?” Landon’s voice was deep and magnetic. Amelia wiped her tears and nodded at him. “Yes.”

“Come here.” Landon was sitting on the sofa, and his usual stern expression had softened into something almost approachable.

Amelia walked over. “I’m sorry. I didn’t expect…”

“The predator becomes the prey,” Landon said, taking her hand. “The hospital should’ve treated this injury.” It was only then Amelia noticed the faint cut on the back of her hand.

The wound, caused by shards of glass propelled by the bullet’s impact, had gone unnoticed until now. “Emma, bring the first aid kit,” Landon instructed.

“Okay, Mr. Kingsley.” Not only did Emma fetch the kit, but she also opened it, ready to tend to Amelia’s wound.

Landon stopped her. “I’ll do it.” Emma froze, shocked. Amelia also stared at him, stunned. Landon carefully cleaned and dressed the wound with precise, gentle movements.

As Amelia lowered her gaze to watch him, a subtle, indescribable emotion stirred within her, as though a hidden string in her heart had been plucked.

“All done. Keep it dry.” After finishing, Landon immediately called Wesley, “What kind of doctor are you? Amelia got injured, and you didn’t take care of it?”

In an instant, the warmth in Landon’s tone vanished as he snapped back into his usual commanding demeanor. The stark contrast was almost comical. Amelia couldn’t help but smile faintly. She thought, ‘Do men always change moods this quickly?’

“Amy, Landon was so worried about you,” Gloria chimed in with a mischievous wink. “While you were gone, he made countless calls checking on you.” What started as Amelia feeling touched quickly turned into embarrassment under Gloria’s teasing. A blush crept across her face.

“Mom, don’t you have something better to do?” Landon said sharply. He thought, ‘Mom, can’t you see you’re making my already shaken wife uncomfortable?’

“Oh, I’m very busy,” Gloria replied with a knowing smile as she left, leaving the two alone.

Landon wheeled himself to the kitchen, heated up a cup of milk, and handed it to Amelia. “Drink this.”

“Thank you.” Amelia cradled the cup, avoiding his gaze. She thought, ‘This is just a partnership, I can’t let him sense my feelings toward him. Otherwise, he’d mock me for sure.’

“I’ve told you, there’s no need for thanks between us,” Landon sighed and gently ruffled her hair, an unusual display of softness. “You lack experience. You’re too easily scared.”

“Have you faced bullets to gain experience?” Amelia blurted out.

Landon nodded casually. “I have.” Amelia was dumbfounded.

“You’ve seen the things in my safe, haven’t you? That gun is one of my trophies,” Landon said with a faint smile.

“Landon, aren’t you a businessman?” Amelia asked, utterly confused. Owning firearms was illegal, not to mention his safe was stocked with clearly designed to harm.

Amelia thought, ‘Who but a professional would face bullets regularly? Has he been hunted before his car accident?’ She looked at Landon with a mix of sympathy and concern, thinking life must have been anything but easy for him.

“Don’t worry. Everything I own is legal,” Landon said, his gaze softening as he patted her head again.

Amelia brushed his hand away lightly, muttering, “Stop patting me. I’m not a puppy.” Landon froze and thought, ‘There’s a phrase online—head pats of love. Does she not know that? Or was I doing it wrong?’

“Landon, I might become a liability for you. Maybe you should think about filing for divorce tomorrow,” Amelia said, her voice low as she avoided his eyes.