LOGINAmelia understood right away.Elijah held a sensitive position, and with whatever past Lincoln had hinted at from the Institute, this wasn't going to be simple."Don't read too much into it," she said. "Go home and get some rest. We'll deal with the rest tomorrow."She hung up.Leaning back against the couch, Amelia sat there for a long time, unable to relax.The accident at the engagement party. Elijah being put under watch. Christopher's call earlier that afternoon.Put together, it all felt connected, like something unseen tightening around her behind the scenes.-At the hospital, Samantha lay in bed, her face pale.The shock from the party had caused complications, and she had been rushed in.A nurse had just finished setting up her IV when Samantha grabbed her phone and called Christopher."Chris, I'm at the hospital. Can you come?" Her voice was soft, strained. "I'm a little scared."Christopher glanced at his computer screen. His tone stayed even."I can't leave ri
Christopher's gaze dropped slightly, the shift so subtle that it was easy to miss.Lincoln stood off to the side silently, a flicker of understanding passing through his eyes.He had always known Elijah had his share of skeletons. What he hadn't expected was how quickly the man would make a move, and with this much noise, right in the middle of an engagement party.Whoever was backing Elijah was more impatient than he had thought.Or maybe…Lincoln's eyes moved to Christopher, something darker settling there.Maybe this engagement had never been simple.Winona stood nearby, the shock still running through her. If Christopher hadn't pulled her when he did, she would've been right under that chandelier.She watched him move through the crowd, taking control of the situation. Something complicated stirred in her chest.He had hurt Amelia before, but he didn't hesitate when it mattered.The chaos hadn't even settled when the police arrived. They secured the scene, started questio
Winona stood in the crowd, watching it all unfold. A silent disbelief settled in her chest.Just a few months ago, Amelia had been Christopher's wife. Now, he was getting engaged to someone else. Things moved so fast that it was hard to keep up.Samantha was just about to step onto the stage when a sharp, grating screech of metal grinding against metal cut through the room.Everyone looked up at once.The massive crystal chandelier hanging over the center of the ballroom was coming loose."Watch out! The chandelier!" someone shouted, and the room broke instantly.Guests scattered in every direction. Screams filled the air. Chairs tipped over. Glass crunched underfoot.The polished, elegant ballroom fell apart into chaos.Winona stood near the stage, frozen.The chandelier hung right above her. Its shadow swallowed her, locking her in place. She stared up at the swaying crystals, watching them tremble, ready to fall. Her mind went blank. She didn't move.Suddenly, a hand gra
From the moment it began, the high-profile engagement party carried a tension no one bothered to put into words.Glasses were raised, and laughter filled the room, but people's eyes kept drifting between Elijah and Gerald.A group of socialites gathered around Samantha, complimenting her dress while quietly sizing up the match.Even the servers moved more carefully than usual, their steps measured.Elijah stood off to the side of the ballroom, a glass of warm water in hand, his brow tight.Lincoln's words stuck with him, like something lodged under the skin."I know about what you did at the Institute… Do you really think he wouldn't be able to find out? A man who can walk away from his own son… Do you really think he'll be all that sincere with your daughter?"Each one had hit exactly where it hurt.He had spent his life at the Academy of Aerospace, moving from one project to the next. To climb higher and secure resources, he had made decisions he would rather not revisit. H
"Christopher is impressive. You must be proud that he's marrying your daughter."Lincoln paused, then added, almost offhand, "But how do you know he doesn't have other motives?"Elijah's hand stilled on his glass. His expression didn't shift, his tone calm. "I'm not sure I follow, Mr. Spencer.""It's nothing." Lincoln's lips curved slightly. "Just something that crossed my mind."His gaze drifted toward Christopher, who was across the room talking with guests. "Take a good look at him. A man who can walk away from his own son… Do you really think he'll be all that sincere with your daughter?"A flicker of something crossed Elijah's face, and his eyes sharpened. "What exactly are you trying to say?""Nothing serious. Just a reminder."Lincoln lowered his voice so only the two of them could hear. "I know about what you did at the Institute. You've heard about the way Christopher handles things. Do you really think he wouldn't be able to find out? You're comfortable being his f
Nathan used to be full of energy. Now, he barely said a word.Gerald crouched down and gently held the boy's cheek. "You've grown. And you're looking sharp, too."Lucia stepped in with a warm smile. "Mr. Spencer, I'm so glad you made it. Chris will be happy to see you."Lincoln didn't stay long. He took Nathan's hand and walked toward Christopher.Christopher saw them, paused for a moment, then stepped forward. "Mr. Spencer.""Congratulations." Lincoln reached out. Their handshake was brief, his tone steady. "Congratulations on your engagement. Take care of each other."Christopher nodded. "Thank you."His eyes shifted to Nathan, and something tightened in his chest.Nathan was now Lincoln's adopted son. The way things had turned felt almost ironic."Hello, Mr. Zephyr," Nathan said softly, looking up at him.His voice was quiet. His eyes looked a little wet.The man who used to spoil him without limits… Now, all he could call him was "Mr. Zephyr".Christopher gave a sligh
"Jayden only just returned. Yet here he is, accompanying you at this competition. He really dotes on you," Winona said. "I remember the time you got yourself drunk at a bar while you were still studying. He was the one who brought you back home. That loving look on his face… Something wasn't quite
Amelia's phone landed on the ground with a heavy, crisp thud.Everyone around turned to look at her.She quickly picked her phone up with trembling fingers. She read the text again, her entire body tense.[Your daughter is in my hands. If you want to ensure her safety, come to the mountain immedi
A small smile crept up Amelia's lips. "You don't even have time to pack your bags."Amelia knew that Winona would always doll up and take a long time to get ready before heading out. According to Winona, looking presentable was only basic for a rich heiress like her."What do I need?" Winona sai
Christopher must have had another woman elsewhere, and he had brought their son to see another woman.Amelia subsequently realized that the son she had brought up was his and Nicole's child. Charles was nothing but a cover.Christopher suddenly burst out laughing, his lips trembling. "Amelia, you'







