Chapter 4: A Private Decision

But before their eyes could meet, two men moving in a large portrait into the house blocked the sight.

The portrait was enormous, nearly as tall as the men carrying it. The servants struggled to maneuver it through the wide entrance while another servant guided them from the front, warning them not to scrape the expensive frame against the marble walls. 

For seconds longer, the portrait completely blocked the line of sight between Amber and the man walking across the courtyard.

Amber continued walking.

So did Oliver.

Neither realized how close they had come to recognizing each other.

The moment passed as naturally as it came.

Marian and Zoe remained completely unaware.

The three women continued deeper into the Winchester mansion, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished marble floor. Amber found herself taking in every detail around her. 

The place was magnificent beyond anything she had imagined. Massive crystal chandeliers hung from ceilings that seemed to stretch endlessly upward. Priceless artwork lined the walls. Every piece of furniture looked like it belonged in a museum rather than a private residence.

Marian's eyes sparkled with greed as she looked around.

Beside her, Zoe looked equally mesmerized.

Amber found their reactions amusing.

The two women were behaving as though they had already become members of the Winchester family.

As though the engagement already belonged to Zoe.

As though Amber herself didn't exist.

A servant led them toward the grand entrance hall where a sweeping staircase curved elegantly toward the upper floors.

There, standing halfway down the staircase, was an older woman holding a glass of wine.

Elizabeth Winchester.

Even before anyone introduced her, Amber knew exactly who she was.

The woman possessed the kind of presence that demanded attention without effort.

Her silver hair was perfectly styled. Her posture was straight and elegant. Years of wealth, power, and authority were visible in every movement she made.

She wasn't merely standing there. She was commanding the space around her.

Marian immediately straightened her shoulders.

The eagerness on her face was impossible to miss.

"Mrs. Winchester," Marian greeted excitedly, looking up at the old woman. "I've brought Amber. How should we proceed with the cancelation?"

Amber noticed something immediately.

Elizabeth didn't look at Marian.

Not even once.

Instead, her gaze moved directly toward Amber.

The older woman's eyes studied her carefully.

Amber met the stare calmly. And neither looked away.

For a few moments, silence settled across the room.

"You're Amber?" Elizabeth finally spoke.

"Yes, ma'am." Amber said, looking up at her.

Elizabeth nodded thoughtfully.

There was something different about the girl than she expected.

She had heard stories over the years.

A discarded daughter.

A country girl.

Someone insignificant.

Yet the young woman standing before her seemed surprisingly composed.

There was confidence in her posture. Intelligence in her eyes.

Elizabeth found herself intrigued.

"Hmm. My son Cornell is still studying abroad. Since you want to call off the engagement, then -"

"Mrs. Winchester," Amber snapped, cutting the woman off, sharply but respectfully. "can I speak to you in private?"

The effect of the unexpected request was immediate.

Marian froze.

Zoe's eyes widened.

Both women turned toward Amber so quickly it was almost comical. The shock on their faces could not have been more obvious.

Amber had interrupted Elizabeth Winchester.

No one dared to interrupt Elizabeth Winchester. Especially not someone in Amber's position.

Marian's heart nearly stopped.

What was this girl doing?

Had she completely lost her mind?

The entire purpose of today's visit was simple.

Cancel the engagement.

Leave.

That was it.

Nothing more. Nothing less.

Yet somehow Amber had managed to derail the conversation within seconds.

Zoe exchanged a stunned glance with her mother. Her confusion quickly transformed into irritation.

This wasn't part of the plan.

Amber was supposed to stay quiet.

She was supposed to nod obediently and disappear afterward.

Instead, she was demanding a private audience.

Elizabeth tilted her head slightly. The request had clearly caught her off guard.

For several moments she simply stared at Amber as her sharp eyes examined every detail of Amber’s expression.

Amber didn't flinch. Slower her gaze. Or even apologize.

The confidence alone was enough to surprise Elizabeth.

Beside Amber, Zoe folded her hands round her chest, turning from Amber to the old woman, not expecting she would grant that.

The silence stretched.

Marian silently prayed Elizabeth would refuse.

The last thing she wanted was Amber speaking privately with the Winchester matriarch.

Who knew what nonsense the girl might say?

Then Elizabeth finally made her decision.

"Alright." Elizabeth said. "Come with me."

Marian's jaw nearly dropped.

Zoe blinked several times.

Neither woman could believe what they had just heard.

Elizabeth Winchester had agreed.

Without hesitation.

Without consulting anyone.

Without even asking why.

The older woman simply turned around and started walking toward the upper floor.

Amber followed immediately.

Behind them, Marian and Zoe remained standing in stunned silence.

The sound of their footsteps gradually disappeared down the hallway.

Only then did Zoe finally find her voice. But no words came out.

She tilted her head, unbelieving what she just experienced.

Something wasn't right.

The girl standing in this mansion today felt very different from the Amber they remembered.

Much different.

*************************

Amber followed Elizabeth through a series of elegant hallways before they entered a private sitting room.

The room was beautifully furnished.

Elizabeth walked toward a chair and settled into it comfortably.

Without speaking, she poured herself another glass of wine. The rich red liquid swirled gently inside the crystal glass.

Only then did she look at Amber again.

"You wanted a privacy." Elizabeth said, taking a seat and pouring herself another drink. "Sit."

She pointed at the couch opposite her.

Amber glanced toward the couch, then toward Elizabeth.

But she only removed her handbag hung down her shoulder and drop it on the couch instead.

Elizabeth's eyebrows lifted slightly.

Interesting.

Most people became nervous around her, but Amber seemed completely comfortable.

Rather than sit, she remained standing.

The move immediately shifted the atmosphere of the room.

Elizabeth slowly leaned back in her chair. Her curiosity was growing.

Who exactly was this young woman?

Because she certainly wasn't behaving like the timid country girl Marian had described.

Amber turned back to the woman, standing, her lips twisted into a smirk.

The expression surprised Elizabeth.

Not because it was rude but because it was confident.

Very confident.

"Talk." Elizabeth said, wondering what the young lady was up to.

She lifted the glass to her mouth.

Amber inhaled slowly.

This was the moment she had wanted from the beginning.

The reason she agreed to come.

The reason she had remained silent throughout Marian and Zoe's insults.

Her expression remained calm.

Controlled.

Deliberate.

"Mrs. Winchester," Amber began. "I don't agree with ending the engagement."

Elizabeth's eyebrows furrowed in shock as the glass of wine halted midway to her mouth.