Chapter 21

Amelia was seated in the center of her living room, the package from the previous night still on the coffee table, its contents etched in her memory. The single word Run confronted her, strikingly vivid despite its absence. Her thoughts were a whirlwind of questions, none of which provided any comfort. Who could be behind this? And what was their motive?

Her phone buzzed once more, jolting her from her reverie. It was Jake.

“Did you mention the package to anyone?” Jake inquired as soon as she picked up.

“No. Only you,” she replied.

“I have Mason attempting to retrieve surveillance footage from your neighborhood,” Jake stated, his voice terse. “We’ll uncover who delivered it.”

Amelia released a shaky breath. “What if they mean it, Jake? What if—”

“They do mean it,” Jake interrupted. “And we’re taking this seriously. You’re not running, Amelia. We’ll keep you safe.”

Even with the comfort in his words, Amelia couldn’t shake the fear tightening in her chest.

At Wellington Holdings, Ronald strode back and forth within his office, the ultrasound image from the day before still tucked in his pocket. He should have been concentrating on the pile of work awaiting him, but his mind wouldn’t cooperate.

His assistant, Ethan, entered cautiously. “Mr. Wellington, the board meeting starts in ten minutes.”

Ronald nodded absentmindedly. “I’ll be there.”

Ethan hesitated. “Sir, if I may… you’ve seemed preoccupied recently. Is everything okay?”

Ronald looked at him, surprised by the observation. “Just a lot on my plate, Ethan. That’s all.”

Ethan refrained from pressing further, but his worried gaze remained as he left the room.

As soon as the door shut, Ronald’s thoughts returned to Amelia. Despite everything, she occupied his mind, a haunting reminder of what might have been.

Then there was Catherine. He cared for her, yes, but the love he felt was different—practical, based on necessity rather than desire. Was that enough to build a future together?

Shaking his head, he forced his attention back to work. The board meeting couldn’t be postponed, even if his heart urged him to pursue another path.

**********

Back at home, Amelia resolved that she couldn’t remain inactive any longer. She required answers. Grabbing her phone, she called her father’s number.

“Amelia,” Mr. Rodriguez replied, clearly taken aback.

“Dad,” she said, fighting to maintain a steady voice, “I need to speak with you. It’s urgent.”

There was a brief pause before he responded, “Come to the house. I’ll make time.”

Within the hour, Amelia arrived at the Rodriguez estate. The expansive residence was exactly as she remembered—cold and uninviting, a stark contrast to the warmth she had once imagined having with her family.

Her father welcomed her in the study, his expression unreadable. “What’s this about, Amelia?”

Skipping the small talk, she got to the point. “It’s Catherine and Beatrice. They’re attempting to push me out—again. And now, I’m receiving threats.”

Mr. Rodriguez furrowed his brow. “Threats? What kind of threats?”

“Anonymous phone calls, packages left at my door,” Amelia said, her frustration overflowing. “This isn’t just about Catherine’s jealousy anymore. It’s hazardous.”

Her father let out a heavy sigh, sinking into the chair behind his desk. “I had hoped things wouldn’t escalate to this extent.”

Amelia looked at him, incredulous. “You knew?”

“I had my suspicions,” he confessed. “Catherine and Beatrice have always been protective of their status in the family. They view you as a threat to their security.”

“Protective?” Amelia retorted. “They’ve crossed a line, Dad. And you’ve done nothing to intervene.”

“What do you want me to do?” he shot back, his tone defensive. “Disown them? They’re still my family, Amelia. Just like you are.”

Her voice shook with fury. “They’ve never regarded me as family. They never will.”

Mr. Rodriguez’s expression softened, but he didn’t offer an apology. Instead, he replied, “I’ll speak to them. I’ll ensure this stops now.”

Amelia shook her head and stood up suddenly. “It’s too late for that, Dad. A few words won’t change anything.”

Without waiting for his reply, she turned and exited, her emotions a whirlwind of anger, pain, and determination.

Catherine walked back and forth in her bedroom, her irritation escalating. Beatrice observed her from the armchair by the window, a glass of wine in hand.

“You’re allowing her to get under your skin,” Beatrice commented.

“Of course, I am,” Catherine retorted. “She’s everywhere, Mother. In the office, at our gatherings—Ronald won’t stop raving about her.”

Beatrice raised an eyebrow. “And the threats?”

Catherine smirked. “Just a needed reminder that she’s engaging in a risky game. But we’ll need something more significant to really unsettle her.”

“What’s your plan?”

Catherine’s eyes sparkled with malice. “Let’s just say Amelia isn’t going to see this coming.”

That evening, Amelia walked back and forth in her living room, her hand protectively on her growing belly. The storm outside lashed against the windows, reflecting the turmoil within her mind. Jake’s assurance to uncover who had left the threatening note offered little solace; she felt exposed and vulnerable in her own home.

A knock at the door startled her. She approached cautiously, her heart racing. But when she opened the door and saw Melissa’s familiar face, relief washed over her.

“Melissa!” Amelia exclaimed, her voice cracking as tears filled her eyes.

The older woman wrapped Amelia in a warm embrace, gently rubbing her back. “Oh, my dear girl,” Melissa whispered, her voice filled with motherly warmth. “You didn’t assume I’d stay away when I found out you needed me, did you?”

Amelia shook her head, words escaping her as she held onto the one person who had always been there for her.

Melissa entered, removing her raincoat and taking in the familiar surroundings. “It’s been far too long,” she remarked, her eyes softening as she surveyed the space. “This place still has your essence, even with everything that’s happened.”

Amelia managed a faint smile. “I didn’t realize how much I needed you until this moment.”

Melissa tenderly cradled Amelia’s face, her touch both gentle and reassuring. “You’ve endured so much, sweetheart. But you possess more strength than you realize. And now, I’m here to guide you through this.”

They settled onto the couch, where Melissa immediately started tending to Amelia, ensuring she was comfortable. She placed a hand on Amelia’s belly, her expression becoming even gentler. “How’s my little one doing?”

Amelia chuckled despite her anxiety. “As active as ever. I think they sense that the world is already a bit tumultuous.”

Melissa laughed, her voice warm and comforting. “Well, they’ll have you to steady them. And I’ll be here too, as long as you need me.”

**********

Later, as they enjoyed tea, the storm outside began to subside. Amelia found herself opening up in a manner she hadn’t with anyone else. Melissa had been her support during her years with Ronald—a confidante, a motherly figure, and the only one who genuinely understood her struggles.

“Do you recall when Ronald would get so consumed by work that he’d forget to eat?” Amelia asked, nostalgia lacing her voice.

Melissa laughed lightly. “I’d stride into his office with a platter of food and give him that look. He’d complain, but he always ended up eating.”

Amelia offered a small smile. “You took on a maternal role for both of us.”

Melissa’s expression became serious. “And I still am, Amelia. Ronald may not be here now, but that doesn’t mean you have to face this alone.”

Amelia’s eyes shimmered with tears. “I appreciate it, Melissa. I can’t imagine what I’d do without you.”

**********

The sound of a vehicle arriving in the driveway interrupted the heartfelt moment. Jake walked into the house moments later, shaking the rain off his jacket. His keen gaze immediately softened when he spotted Melissa.

“Well, if it isn’t the only person who can keep Amelia in check,” Jake joked, a rare smile appearing on his face.

Melissa stood, hands on her hips. “And don’t you forget it, Mr. Wellington. Someone’s got to keep this one in order.”

Jake chuckled, the tension in the room lifting a bit. “I’m glad you’re here, Melissa. She needs your support.”

Melissa nodded, her gaze unwavering. “She’s not just family to me; she’s my heart.”

Amelia observed their interaction with gratitude, feeling a flicker of hope for the first time in days. Despite everything, she wasn’t by herself.

As the evening progressed, Amelia felt restless. The threat from the note lingered in her mind, and she couldn’t shake the sense that something greater was on the horizon. Melissa noticed her discomfort and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“What’s truly bothering you, sweetheart?” Melissa inquired gently.

Amelia paused, then sighed. “It’s not just the note. It’s everything. Catherine, Beatrice, Ronald… It all feels like I’m trapped in a storm, and I don’t know how to escape.”

Melissa’s eyes softened, but her voice remained firm. “You confront it, Amelia. One step at a time. You’ve already overcome so much. Don’t allow them to take your peace away.”

Jake, who had been listening quietly, chimed in, “And you’re not doing this alone. Melissa and I are here for you.”

Amelia looked back and forth between them, her heart swelling with gratitude and determination. “Thank you,” she said softly. “Both of you.”

As the house settled into the stillness of the night, Amelia found herself by the window, with Melissa’s reassuring presence beside her. Jake was in the study, wrapping up some calls, his steady voice filtering faintly through the walls.

Melissa handed Amelia a warm cup of herbal tea. “Drink this. It’ll help soothe your nerves.”

Amelia took a sip, the warmth spreading within her, but her mind was far from tranquil. “Melissa, do you think this will ever cease? The threats, the manipulation, the ongoing fear?”

Melissa rested a comforting hand on her shoulder. “It will, sweetheart. But only when you take charge. You possess more strength within you than you realize.”

Amelia nodded, her resolve solidifying. “I won’t let them triumph,” she whispered, more to herself than to Melissa.

At that moment, Jake entered the room, his keen gaze softening when it landed on Amelia. “The security team has been informed. No one will get near you without me knowing.”

Melissa stood, exchanging a knowing look with Jake. “She’ll be alright, Jake. With you and me here, she has nothing to fear.”

Jake cast a glance at Amelia, his face inscrutable yet protective. “She’s not by herself. And she won’t be ever.”

Melissa gently squeezed Amelia’s shoulder before retreating to her room. “Both of you should get some sleep. A new day awaits tomorrow.”

As Amelia began to leave, Jake softly grasped her wrist. “Amelia.”

She faced him, locking eyes with his steady stare.

“You’re more resilient than they realize. And more capable than you think.”

For the first time in weeks, a sincere smile started to spread on Amelia’s face. “I appreciate it, Jake.”

As she headed toward her room, a sense of tranquility finally enveloped her. The turmoil in her mind wasn’t over yet, but for the first time, she felt equipped to confront it.

In the dim light of the study, Jake propped himself against the doorway, his phone in hand. His demeanor shifted as he examined the encrypted message he had received earlier: We’re closing in. Be prepared.

He tucked the phone into his pocket, his thoughts already strategizing the next steps. For Amelia’s sake, he couldn’t afford to let her down.