Chapter 17

“You’ve created quite a scene, Amelia,” Mr. Rodriguez began, his tone sharp as it resonated through the lavish sitting room of the Rodriguez estate. The space, adorned with lofty ceilings and antique furnishings, mirrored the coldness of their standoff. Amelia stood near the fireplace, her arms crossed in a protective manner.

“I created a scene?” she shot back, her voice biting. “I didn’t ignite this conflict, Father. Catherine and Beatrice set it off when they deemed me disposable.”

Mr. Rodriguez let out a deep sigh, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “This family has already endured enough without you adding gasoline to the flames. Are you even aware of the repercussions of your actions?”

Amelia's chuckle was laced with bitterness. “You’re giving me a lecture on repercussions? Where were you when Catherine and Beatrice maneuvered their way into Mother’s inheritance? Where were you when they embarrassed me in front of the board?”

“I was working to keep this family united!” he retorted, standing up from his chair. His voice boomed through the space, yet Amelia stood her ground.

“No,” she replied, her voice low but unwavering. “You were prioritizing your own comfort. You let them run rampant because it was easier for you to overlook the harm they caused than to advocate for what was right.”

Mr. Rodriguez moved around the room, his frustration evident. “You think it’s so straightforward, don’t you? That I could have just waved a wand and resolved everything? Life doesn’t function that way, Amelia.”

Amelia rolled her eyes. “You’re correct. Life doesn’t operate that way. But remaining silent while they dismantled everything Mother worked for? That wasn’t living—that was cowardice.”

His expression hardened, yet he remained silent at first. Instead, he poured himself a glass of whiskey from the decanter on the side table, the sound of ice breaking the heavy quiet.

“I didn’t call you here to squabble,” he finally said, his voice softer but still strained. “I brought you here because I’m exhausted from witnessing this family self-destruct.”

Amelia shook her head, disbelief evident on her face. “You’re tired? Just think about how I feel, Father. I’ve been battling them every step of the way while you’ve been passive.”

“You don’t comprehend, Amelia,” Mr. Rodriguez said, his voice laced with disappointment. “Catherine and Beatrice aren’t going to leave. They’ve solidified their positions in this family, for better or worse. Confronting them directly will only exacerbate matters.”

Amelia’s jaw clenched. “So what? Am I supposed to allow them to trample over me? Let them twist Ronald’s perceptions, sabotage my career, and ruin everything I’ve achieved? Is that your suggestion?”

“I’m advising you to be more cunning,” he countered, his tone calm but resolute. “They thrive on disorder. Don’t hand them the pleasure of witnessing you lose your composure.”

Her gaze sharpened. “This isn’t merely about composure. This is about justice. About defying them and showing that they can’t bully their way through life.”

Mr. Rodriguez exhaled deeply again, his posture slumping. “And what transpires when they retaliate more fiercely? When they escalate this rivalry to a level where no victor emerges? Is that your desire?”

Amelia advanced, her voice quavering with repressed emotion. “What I desire is for you to take accountability. For once in your life, confront them. Defend me the way you never defended Mother.”

Her words struck hard, and for a brief moment, Mr. Rodriguez appeared as though he had been physically hit. He placed his glass down with a loud clatter, his hands clutching the edge of the table.

“Don’t involve your mother in this,” he said, his tone low and threatening.

“Why shouldn't I?” she countered. “You didn’t hesitate to introduce Catherine and Beatrice into our lives after she was gone. You allowed them to overshadow her memory, and now you’re doing the same to me.”

His eyes flashed with fury, but underneath, there was an element of guilt. “Do you honestly believe I don’t regret my decisions? That I don’t replay those moments in my mind every single day? I’m trying, Amelia. But this… this endless fighting isn’t the solution.”

“Then what is?” she pressed. “Because standing by and remaining passive hasn’t resolved anything.”

Mr. Rodriguez rubbed his hand over his face, the burden of years of strife clear in his tired features. “Amelia, I’m pleading with you to release this resentment. It’s not benefiting anyone. Least of all you.”

She looked at him, disbelief marking every feature of her face. “You want me to let go? After everything they’ve done?”

“Yes,” he replied, his voice steady. “Because clinging to this rage will only consume you. And I can’t stand to witness that.”

Amelia’s eyes softened for a fraction of a moment, a glimmer of vulnerability shining through her defenses. But it was swiftly replaced by determination.

“I can’t let them triumph, Father,” she said softly. “Not after all they’ve taken from me.”

Their discussion concluded on a strained note, neither willing to give ground. As Amelia turned to exit, Mr. Rodriguez called out to her.

“Amelia,” he said, his tone now gentler. “Regardless of what transpires, you’re always my daughter. And I will always want what’s best for you.”

She hesitated at the door, her hand resting on the handle. “Then demonstrate it,” she said without looking back. “Stand with me, not against me.”

With that, she walked out, leaving her father alone in the vast room, the weight of their broken relationship heavily bearing down on them both.

******

Back at Wellington Holdings

The following morning, Amelia arrived at the office earlier than usual, her discussion with her father still vivid in her thoughts. She immersed herself in work, using the steady pace of productivity to silence her mind.

Later that morning, Jake found her in her office, curiosity evident on his face. “How did things go with your father?”

She exhaled, leaning back in her chair. “Exactly as I anticipated. Tense, infuriating, and unresolved.”

Jake nodded, a knowing look crossing his face. “Family can be complex. But for what it’s worth, I think you’re handling this better than most would.”

“Thanks,” she replied with a faint smile. “I just wish he could understand my viewpoint for once.”

“Perhaps he will,” Jake suggested. “It might just take some time.”

Amelia nodded, even though she wasn’t entirely convinced of it.

*******

Meanwhile, at the Wellington mansion, Catherine and Beatrice were huddled together in the study, examining documents and photographs.

“She met with him,” Catherine said, her tone rife with contempt. “Daddy’s little girl still believes she can win him over.”

Beatrice grinned. “She’ll never get it. But we can turn this to our advantage.”

Catherine’s eyes sparkled with wicked intent. “Oh, we certainly will. Let’s see how Amelia copes when her father aligns himself with us instead of her.”

As the two women schemed their next move, the turmoil surrounding Amelia showed no signs of resolving.