Chapter 115

Amelia hesitated, unsure how to begin. She first met Blake in a dilapidated Riverstone house; then, he was dirty, looking worse than a beggar. Who would have guessed he'd become the wealthy, desirable man everyone now sought to marry? Had she known, she would have treated him better. She deeply regretted her past actions.

"Isabel!" Blake called.

Isabel emerged. Blake, waiting for her, casually took her hand and pulled her towards the door.

"Don't do that. Are you trying to show off?" Isabel asked.

"I'm not showing off; I'm holding my fiancée. What's the problem?" Blake said, a hint of pride in his voice.

"But we're at home, and everyone's watching. Be a little more careful," Isabel cautioned.

"No way. I'll do even more," Blake retorted, lifting Isabel into his arms.

"Blake!" Isabel whispered, warning him. Ignoring her, he confidently strode out, carrying her.

Amelia watched from behind, seething with anger. She felt they were flaunting their love deliberately in front of her.

"Jealous?" Roy appeared beside her.

Amelia quickly concealed her envy. "No, Roy. You're mistaken."

Roy sneered. "Don't act like we're sisters. Let me tell you, jealousy gets you nowhere. Blake only has room for Isabel in his heart. You had your chance and didn't take it. This is your—"

"I didn't—" Amelia shook her head, appearing pitiful, as if wronged.

Roy cut her off. "Stop playing the victim! I know what you're thinking. The Clyde family went bankrupt, and suddenly you reappear. I've never seen anyone so shameless."

"You're too harsh!" Amelia exclaimed, wiping away tears.

"Humph! We'll see how long you keep up this act," Roy muttered as she left. He wouldn't let anyone ruin the life they'd built.

The weekend arrived. Isabel's family was heading to the Galvez residence for dinner. Since Samuel took over the company, they'd visited more often, frequently invited by Sophia. This time, however, Amelia accompanied them.

The Galvez household was shocked to see Amelia.

Fiona Galvez, William's wife, exclaimed, "Wow, did a nobody just walk in?"

"She's not even family anymore. What's she doing here?" Guinevere chimed in.

Sophia, confused, looked at Samuel. "Samuel, what's going on? Isabel is family. Isn't Amelia from the Clyde—"

Samuel explained Amelia's role in saving Hannah.

Sophia's displeasure was evident. She'd never liked the Clyde family, and Amelia's presence only worsened her feelings.

"She can be here, but she doesn't join us for dinner. It's a family gathering, and she's an outsider. She can eat with the servants," Sophia decreed.

"Yes, Mrs. Galvez," Amelia replied, head bowed.

Amelia was sent away, and things remained unchanged within the Galvez family. Sophia inquired about the company, relieved to hear Samuel's partnership with the Travers Group was thriving. She urged her other sons to emulate him.

"Mrs. Galvez, Mr. Travers is here," Walter, the butler, announced.

"Fritz is here? Bring him in!" Sophia seemed delighted.

Isabel, unaware of Fritz Travers, quietly asked Hannah.

"Isabel, Fritz is your grandmother's great-nephew. You were away when you were little, so you wouldn't know him," Hannah explained.

A young man in his early twenties, impeccably dressed, entered.

"Good to see you, Great-Aunt Sophia, and all my uncles and aunts," Fritz greeted them politely.

Sophia smiled—a rare sight. "Fritz, you've arrived just in time. You've grown into quite a handsome man!"

Fritz humbly greeted each cousin.

At dinner, Sophia addressed Samuel. "Samuel, I wanted to discuss the company's finances. I'm considering Fritz as the new finance manager. What do you think?"

Samuel readily agreed. "Mom, Fritz studied at an elite university overseas; he's capable. I'm perfectly fine with it."

Isabel quietly ate, noticing Samuel's apparent appreciation for Fritz.

Sophia seemed slightly uneasy about placing her nephew in the company, but Fritz appeared decent and genuine.

Isabel noticed Roy's gaze fixed on Fritz since his arrival.

Meanwhile, Amelia ate with the servants, unable to eat much. The Galvez family's treatment stung. After a few bites, she slipped outside for air.

She overheard voices—Fritz and Roy.

"Roy, it's been a while. How have you been? I heard you went to Dely Studio. I didn't expect you'd get into design," Fritz said.

"Fritz, I just dabble. Are you here in Ardenfall to stay?" Roy asked.

"Yes, my great-aunt asked me to help with finances, and it fits my major, so I plan to stay," Fritz replied.

They conversed amicably.

Amelia's nails dug into her palms. She sensed a connection between Roy and Fritz.

She remembered past visits to the Galvez residence with Hannah, meeting Fritz several times. They were childhood acquaintances.

Now, Samuel, once paralyzed, was general manager. Roy had gone from food delivery to a designer at Dely Studio. Fritz, a childhood friend, was now by their side. Isabel had Blake. Everyone had prospered except her. Why was she the only unlucky one?

"What are you spying on?" Guinevere's voice startled her.

Amelia and Guinevere had always clashed. Guinevere seized this opportunity to mock her.

"Nothing," Amelia replied.

"Humph! You were always lowly, and now you're not even really part of the Galvez family. You're more pathetic than I thought. I'm impressed you even dared to return," Guinevere sneered.

"How am I lowly? I'm the real deal. Isabel's the fake! Besides, my old company, Clyde Group, used to overshadow your Galvez Group. Who are you to talk?" Amelia retorted.