Chapter 114

Amelia’s eyes welled with tears. “But I’ve called you ‘Mom’ for eighteen years. In my heart, you are my mom.”

Hannah, touched, gently patted her head.

As soon as Hannah left, Amelia’s face broke into a triumphant smile. She knew exactly how to manipulate Hannah within this family. After eighteen years, she understood Hannah’s soft-hearted nature. Hannah was easily swayed; if Amelia appeared sufficiently miserable, Hannah's compassion would ensure Amelia's continued stay. The rest of the Galvez family would follow Hannah’s lead.

Amelia lay back on the bed, feeling victorious. She was finally home. Even without the Clydes, she had the Galvez family. As long as she kept Hannah on her side, she’d be secure. Isabel and the others could dislike her, but they couldn't remove her. The Galvez family's elevated status demanded she align herself strategically. The Clydes were inconsequential now. If they hadn’t expelled her, Blake would have been hers, and she wouldn’t have endured such pain.

After Hannah left, Samuel spoke in their room. “You were foolish to let Amelia stay!”

Hannah replied, “I’m sorry, Samuel. I felt bad for her, and she did save me. I’ll make her leave as soon as she’s better.”

Samuel countered, “Saved you? You could have given her money or found another way to thank her. I worry the children won’t be happy. They don’t get along with Amelia. And who knows what she’s really up to? She used to look down on us, and now she’s suddenly nice.”

“I know, but every time I see her looking so pitiful, I just can’t help myself,” Hannah admitted, conflicted. Privately, she regretted her decision, but Amelia’s helplessness was irresistible.

Samuel understood his wife’s kind but indecisive nature. “Give her a week, at most. Once she’s better, she has to go. And don’t blame yourself. Being kind isn’t a mistake.”

Hannah nodded.

The next morning, Blake arrived to collect Isabel. He was returning for another meal.

“Blake, you’re here! Come in, dinner’s ready,” Hannah said warmly, summoning someone to set an extra place.

“I bet Blake’s doing this on purpose!” Jack laughed, well aware of Blake’s feelings for his sister.

“Oh, my future brother-in-law now thinks I’m a freeloader,” Blake feigned a sigh.

“Don’t mind him, Blake. He’s just talkative,” Samuel chuckled.

“Just kidding, Mr. Galvez,” Blake replied, approaching Isabel. He paused upon seeing Amelia sitting opposite.

Amelia, genuinely surprised by Blake’s easy rapport with the Galvez family, noted his apparent belonging. She’d assumed he was distant, but he seemed entirely at home.

“Here, Blake, try some corn chowder. I made it this morning,” Hannah offered.

“Thanks, Mrs. Galvez,” Blake said, taking a sip. “Mmm, this is delicious. Your cooking is still amazing. This corn chowder with bacon is perfect!”

“The bacon’s from Mrs. Lester in Riverstone. Hormone-free meat,” Hannah added, pleased.

Blake placed a piece of bacon on Isabel’s plate. “Here, Isabel.”

To the Galvez family, this was unremarkable. But to Amelia, it was astounding. Blake was being incredibly attentive to Isabel.

Her fingers tightened around her fork. She wondered if things had been different, would Blake have been hers, treating her the same way?

Isabel glanced at the bacon. “I already have some.”

“I know, but this one’s special because I served it to you. You have to eat it,” Blake said, smiling.

Isabel was speechless. Blake’s eyes, soft and tender, focused entirely on Isabel. Amelia was consumed by envy. She couldn't bear watching Isabel's happiness.

Roy, noticing Amelia’s distress, whispered, “What’s wrong? Jealous much?”

“Roy, I’m not jealous,” Amelia insisted.

Roy retorted sarcastically, “I saw how you were looking. You were practically foaming at the mouth. Your eyes were about to pop out! But hey, tough luck. You’re the one who rejected him.”

“Roy, you used to be so nice. Why are you being like this?” Amelia asked, her voice trembling.

Roy replied coldly, “Oh, so now you’re going to cry? Let me tell you something: I’m not Mom. She might fall for your act, but I won’t. I used to think you’d remember the good times, but when you humiliated me at the hotel, I realized what you really are. You’re mean-spirited.” Roy warned, “I’ll be watching you. If you stir up trouble, I won’t let it slide. I used to let your crap slide because you were my sister, but you’re not anymore. I won’t put up with it.”

Her words stung. Amelia hated that without familial ties, kindness vanished. And Roy had changed too; the sweet, easy-to-manipulate Roy was gone.

“Dad, Mom, I… I’m going downstairs to rest,” Amelia said, putting down her utensils and rising.

“Wait, who are you calling ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad’?” Jack asked.

Amelia’s eyes welled up again. Everyone watched, awaiting her response.

“Amelia, you need to change how you address us. You’re not our biological daughter. Let’s stick to the rules,” Samuel said sternly.

“Yes, Mr. Galvez,” Amelia replied, bowing her head before leaving dejectedly.

Outside, Amelia’s despair reached its peak. She saw a potted flower, grabbed it, and snapped it in half, as if tearing at Isabel petal by petal. Clenching her teeth, she saw Blake approaching. She froze, dropped the flower, and tried to compose herself. “Mr. Yates,” she greeted him.

“Yes?” Blake glanced at her, his tone indifferent.

“Mr. Yates, I’m sorry about what happened before. I was out of line. I hope you can forgive me,” Amelia said, striving for sincerity.

“Oh, ideally,” Blake replied distantly, “I don’t really care what happened. Only Isabel.”