Chapter 8

Nicole hadn't even had a chance to react.

Amelia simply turned and stepped into the elevator.

She didn't get a chance to say anything, so she looked at Christopher instead. "Chris, your wife is seriously fiery. Can you handle her? No wonder Nate's afraid of her.

"Also, she seems a little upset. Aren't you going to calm her down?"

Christopher calmly looked away and said, "She'll be fine once she cools off on her own."

Nicole smirked. "You really aren't afraid she'll run off, are you?"

-

When Christopher returned home that evening, the house was dark, with not a single light on.

Nathan wasn't home, and Anna didn't need to care for him, so she naturally had a leisurely evening and went to bed early.

Christopher switched on the lights, and the huge room felt especially cold and empty.

He climbed the stairs to the master bedroom, which was also empty.

He rarely came back here.

He didn't seem to care whether Amelia had returned. Passing by her vanity on the way to the bathroom, he didn't glance at it once.

If he had looked, he would have seen a single document lying there.

-

That weekend, the Aerospace and Defense Technology Expo was in full swing.

Crowds had gathered, some even standing outside because they couldn't get tickets, just to catch a glimpse of the excitement.

Amelia had arrived early with Evelyn, and they were waiting outside the entrance for Jasper.

Evelyn stood obediently beside Amelia, her wide eyes taking in the lively surroundings. Everywhere she looked, there were posters of airplanes and informational displays.

Amelia had never brought her to places like this before, and trips to amusement parks were even rarer.

Noticing her daughter's fascination, Amelia bent down and gently pinched Evelyn's cheeks. "Do you like it here? If you get bored, I can call Grandma to come pick you up and take you to her house."

"I like it. I really like it." Evelyn's small voice was soft and sweet. "Mommy, you never took us out to play before."

Amelia's chest tightened at Evelyn's words.

In her previous life, she had been too busy assisting Christopher, taking care of the Zephyr family, and trying to raise Nathan properly. She had overlooked so many small, meaningful moments.

Christopher would occasionally take Nathan out, while Evelyn stayed home, eating cold meals and playing with toys Nathan had abandoned.

Christopher would buy gifts and toys for Nathan, but never a single one for Evelyn. Amelia had tried to buy her toys, but Evelyn had said she didn't like them.

Now Amelia realized how absurd that was. What child didn't like toys?

"I'm sorry, my darling," Amelia whispered, her voice heavy with guilt and regret. She vowed that from now on, she would never miss another moment of her daughter's growth.

"Ha! What are you doing standing at the entrance, Evie?"

From a distance, Nathan strutted toward them in a little suit, his face full of pride and arrogance.

"Do you want to go in and see the real fighter jets too? There's no way Mommy can take you in. If you really want to go, you can beg me. Then maybe I'll plead with Daddy and Ms. Nikki for you, and Mommy can stay home to cook and do laundry."

"No need! Mommy will take me in!" Evelyn shot back, her little cheeks puffed in defiance. "Mommy's not your servant!"

Nathan froze. Amelia couldn't possibly take Evelyn in. She only stayed home to cook and clean, she had no experience with anything this fancy.

Christopher and Nicole trailed behind Nathan at just the right distance, neither too close nor too far. Both wore shades of brown that looked so coordinated it could be mistaken for a couple's outfits.

Amelia had once dreamed of wearing matching clothes with Christopher, feeling that first flutter of youthful excitement. He had never cooperated, never worn them, and hadn't even glanced at the clothes she bought.

Nicole spotted Amelia and stepped forward confidently, completely at ease. "Mia, Evie, you came too? Why didn't you say anything? You could have ridden with Chris and me."

At that moment, Christopher stepped aside to take a call, not even glancing at Amelia. Evelyn's eyes kept flicking toward her father, anxious and hopeful.

Facing Nicole's provocatively teasing tone, Amelia's lips curved into a cold, sharp smile as she replied bluntly, "No need to trouble yourself."

"Really?" Nicole raised an eyebrow. "Chris and I have been best friends since we were kids. You don't need to be polite with us."

Nicole said the words as if she were claiming her territory, and it made it clear she already saw herself as Christopher's wife.

Amelia thought back to her previous life. She had been foolish not to notice how this woman had been eyeing Christopher from the start.

Before Amelia could say anything, Christopher returned from his call. He walked past Amelia without a glance and addressed Nicole. "Let's go. We're heading in."

It was clear he had no intention of bringing Amelia and Evelyn inside.

Nicole smiled at Amelia, her eyes glinting with amusement. "We'll go in first, Mia. If you really can't get in, just call me. I'll come get you."

Amelia watched the three of them disappear, a mocking smile tugging at her lips. This time, she wanted to see just how well this little trio could really get along.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. Something at the institute ran a bit late." Jasper hurried over.

Amelia chuckled. "No problem."

He looked down at Evelyn with a warm grin. "Here, I brought you some snacks and toys."

Evelyn's eyes lit up instantly. "Thank you, Mr. Jazz!"

It was the first time she had ever received a gift.

Jasper held an internal staff pass in his hand and led Amelia and Evelyn inside.

The sun was bright and high today. The sunlight was so bright it almost hurt her eyes, so Amelia casually put on her sunglasses.

As they walked, Jasper said, "This defense expo only happens once every three years. It's huge, as you know. I might be a little busy later, but feel free to explore around. At noon, we can meet with the professors for lunch."

Amelia nodded. "Okay, go ahead. I'll be fine."

The atmosphere at the expo was electric. Everywhere they turned, there were crowds of people.

Evelyn's eyes were wide with wonder.

"Mommy, this plane is so cool!" she tugged at Amelia's hand. "Can you take a picture of me with it?"

"Of course," Amelia said with a smile, pulling out her phone. "Step over here for me."

Just as Evelyn was about to move, a surge of people pressed in, jostling Amelia and Evelyn. Amelia frowned and quickly steadied her daughter.

"Ms. Randall, I hear you're planning to pursue further studies domestically, and Mr. Zephyr mentioned you might join Institute 511. Can you share your thoughts on this industry?"

Reporters with cameras in hand crowded around, and a swarm of onlookers jostled in behind them.

Nicole stood in the center, radiant and confident, soaking in the attention. "Let me introduce this plane to everyone. I designed it initially, but I had to leave the project to study abroad. Now that I see it perfectly completed and unveiled, it fills me with pride.

"That just goes to show our country never lacks talent."

A man near Christopher nudged him with his shoulder.

"Isn't that your wife? What's she doing here? She's always at home worrying about groceries and chores. Does she even understand this stuff?"