LOGINThe call connected almost immediately, and Christopher's low, steady voice came through the phone."Hello? What's wrong?"The moment Amelia heard his voice, the tension in her chest eased slightly. Somehow, he had become the person she instinctively turned to when things went wrong.She took a breath, gave him the address, and said, "Can you come here?"Her voice was soft and slightly slurred."Stay where you are. I'm coming now," Christopher said. "Are you hurt? Did they do anything to you?""No, I'm not hurt. They just won't leave us alone, and Winnie's really drunk...""Don't worry. I'll be there in ten minutes. Until then, don't provoke them." His voice stayed calm and steady. "Keep the call connected. Don't hang up.""Okay." Amelia gripped the phone and kept it pressed to her ear.When one of the men realized she was calling for help, his expression turned ugly. "Call whoever you want. Neither of you is going anywhere tonight!"One of the men reached for Amelia's pho
"I get it."Amelia spoke softly as she picked up the glass of water on the table and handed it to Winona."Drink some water first. And don't keep all of this bottled up."You didn't do anything wrong. They're the ones who ignored how you felt and pushed you aside."No matter what happens, I'm here for you. If you need to vent, complain, or just talk, call me anytime."Even if no one else understands, I'm on your side."Winona took the glass and drank a few sips. She slowly calmed down, though her eyes were still red.The two of them stayed in their corner booth while Winona talked through everything that had happened at home and why something about Chloe didn't sit right with her.Amelia listened patiently, occasionally chiming in and agreeing that Nella's favoritism was obvious.Neon lights glowed across the bar while loud music filled the room, creating the kind of atmosphere where it was easy to lose track of time.Before long, more drinks covered the table as they switche
Winona realized she couldn't stay in that house any longer. As she headed downstairs, she happened to overhear Nella's words.Gripping her car keys, Winona walked straight out of the house.Just as she stepped outside, Nella’s voice came from behind her."You're being ridiculous! We only asked you to give up one room. Did you really have to make such a big deal out of it? "We've spoiled you too much. You only ever think about yourself!"The words hit hard, leaving a dull ache in her chest and tears burning behind her eyes.She didn't turn around or argue. She got into the car, stepped on the gas, and drove away, leaving the suffocating atmosphere of the house behind.In the rearview mirror, the home that held more than 20 years of memories grew smaller and smaller until it disappeared from sight. For the first time, it no longer felt like home.She had no idea where to go. Her place felt empty, and going back to her parents' house was out of the question. She drove around
Winona watched the scene unfold, growing more irritated by the second.She knew that no matter what she said, her parents would only see her as the unreasonable one.They were so caught up in finally finding their long-lost daughter that all they could think about was making up for everything Chloe had missed. They hadn't stopped to consider Winona's feelings at all."Fine. She can have it."Winona took a deep breath and forced down her anger. "She can stay in my room. I don't care anymore."She was done arguing with her parents, and she was tired of Chloe standing there looking like she had been wronged.If no one cared how Winona felt, there was no point fighting over the room.Nella's expression immediately softened. "That's better. We're family. Sometimes, we have to compromise for each other."Chloe smiled as well. "Thanks, Winnie."Winona ignored her. Without another look at her parents, she turned and headed upstairs.Instead of going to the guest room, she went stra
Winona stopped cold and spun around. "What did you just say? My room?"That was the room she'd had since she was a child. It held years of memories, along with her favorite books, keepsakes, and the stuffed animals she had grown up with.And her mother had given it to a sister they had only just found without even asking her.Under Winona's shocked, angry stare, Chloe lowered her head and pressed her lips together. "I'm sorry. I didn't know it was your room. I've never lived in a house this big or stayed in a room that nice before, so..." Her voice trailed off, making her sound even more helpless."If it bothers you, I'll move my things out right now. I can stay in a guest room."Nella immediately cut in. "Winnie, Chloe just came home. Everything here is new to her. Your room has the best light and plenty of space, so what's wrong with letting her use it?""You're an adult. Does it really matter which room you sleep in?"Winona looked at Nella’s matter-of-fact expression,
Jasper watched until Winona disappeared inside the building before starting the car and driving away.-The next morning, the rain had stopped.Winona woke to the shrill ring of her phone. The caller ID showed her family's home number."Winnie, come home right away. There's something important we need to tell you."Nella's tone left no room for argument. Winona had never heard her sound so serious.Still half asleep, Winona rubbed her eyes in confusion.She went to bed late and still felt groggy. She planned to sleep in, but from Nella's tone, this clearly couldn't wait."Alright. I'll be there soon."After hanging up, Winona quickly washed up and changed into something comfortable.She still had a few things at home anyway, so she figured she would pick them up while she was there.By the time she drove back to the Farrell family estate, it was already after 10 a.m.The Farrells lived in a large villa.The moment Winona stepped into the living room, she saw the entire fam
Tania took a deep breath."Mr. Chilton, it was a genuine lapse of judgment on my end. I was obsessed with ensuring that justice was served. I wanted to stand up for a child whose answers were stolen by another. Many people in this world try to succeed by underhanded means. I hate people like that,
Amelia and Jasper hung up after their conversation.Mr. Hale had reviewed her thesis and found no issues with it, so Amelia went ahead to submit it. After she did so, she stared at the screen and sighed. The next day, Amelia arrived at Institute 511 and overheard her colleagues from the technical
Amelia was starting to get an idea of what was going on in Dorothy's mind.Perhaps Dorothy had seen the online article and was trying to stand up for her. Dorothy had always doted on her and couldn't bear to see her mistreated.She pursed her lips and said gently, "Grandma, there's nothing of that
Amelia looked at the gown in her hands. "If you don't have money, call your son to come over right now to settle the bill."Lucia chuckled. "Isn't my son your husband? It's the same if you settle the bill on his behalf, so why make him come all the way here? Are you trying to keep his money for you







