Chapter 784 A Trick Up Her Sleeve
During the family gathering, Stephanie raised a glass of wine and said, “Amelia, I’d like to atone for what I did to you previously. I was really rude to you in the hospital a few days ago, but I’ve been reflecting on my actions these days, and I think I certainly need to apologize to you.”
Amelia glanced at her, and at that moment, she could not seem to figure out Stephanie’s next move. Stephanie is always so unpredictable, and she is always changing her mind.
“Don’t mention it, Stephanie,” Amelia replied politely. Still holding the glass, Stephanie added, “Amelia, if you could forgive me, please have this glass of wine with me.”
Amelia would seem too ignorant and inconsiderate if she refused to drink the wine, especially when Olivia and Owen were watching her.
“Okay, I’ll drink it.” Amelia poured herself some wine, raised her head, and downed it in one go.
Stephanie let out a sigh in relief when she saw that.
Olivia tugged at Stephanie and said, “Stephanie, Amelia is a sensible person. Now that you’re married and will soon become a mother, you can’t be so rude to Amelia anymore, okay?”
Hearing that, Stephanie replied obediently, “I know, Mom.”
Isabella followed suit and raised her glass, saying, “Oscar, Amelia, this is for you two. I caused you trouble because of the photo previously. I’ve been thinking a lot ever since Oscar kicked me out of the company. Then, I recalled how I used to follow Oscar around these three years and realized that I didn’t spend much time on myself. I’ve thought things through now. Since Oscar isn’t fond of me, it’s pointless no matter how hard I try. It’d be better if I just let it go. I plan to start a company with the resources I have and run a business on my own. After that, I’ll find a good match for myself. And now, I only wish both of you could forgive me.”
Amelia glanced at Stephanie discreetly, but she could not fathom the intentions behind Stephanie’s and Isabella’s actions at that moment. However, Amelia believed that Stephanie and Isabella must be softening up Oscar and her for other ulterior motives.
Isabella had been holding the glass for quite a while, yet Oscar remained unmoving in his seat.
An awkward look slowly crept over Isabella’s face, and she shot Olivia a look, seemingly asking for help.
Olivia cleared her throat and explained, “Oscar, Amelia, Isabella only did that out of kindness. Since she has already gone to this extent, if you two still make things difficult for her, it’ll make her look bad.”
Amelia pulled Oscar’s arm, and he lifted his arm before looking back at her. Then, he stood up.
After finishing the wine, Isabella went to Olivia and Owen before sitting down.
“Aunt Olivia, the office opposite Mallowbrook Expo Square caught my eye. Not only is the surrounding environment decent, but the rental is cheap too. I plan to set up a network technology company there. Now, I only have to visit the International Trade Administration to settle all the formalities and documents and hire people who fit the roles, and I can start working right away,” said Isabella as she enjoyed the food.
“The area around Mallowbrook Expo Square is a bustling place, and many of them set up their companies there. I agree with your decision to start your business there. This is your first time starting a business on your own, so you have my full support. How about this? You can seek Oscar’s advice if there’s anything you’re unclear of,” Olivia suggested.
Isabella glanced at Oscar before flashing a smile. “That’d be great. I’m only worried that Oscar might not feel like entertaining me. I did so many mistakes in the past because of my affection for him. I guess he’s annoyed by me, so I don’t think he’d like to guide me.”
Olivia merely responded with a grin before she pretended to continue eating.
The atmosphere during the meal was rather tense, but it was not that bad either.
After the meal, Stephanie sent Oscar and Amelia off with Olivia. Stephanie was holding two exquisite-looking boxes. One was a gift for Amelia, and the other was for Oscar.
“Oscar, Amelia, I picked these gifts personally for you this afternoon. For the sake that I went to get these gifts while I’m pregnant, please pretend to like them even if you don’t,” Stephanie requested meekly.
Amelia looked down at the gift in her hand without saying a word.
Oscar then broke the silence and said, “Mom, I’m going back with Amelia now. Tony is still at home, so we’re pretty worried.”
Frowning, Olivia expressed her concern by saying, “I told you to bring Tony along, but you refused. As I’ve been taking care of Stephanie, I’ve not seen my grandson for many days.”
“Mom, I was afraid that he might meet someone rude here. I’ll send Tony over when those annoying people are no longer here,” Oscar confessed directly.
Olivia shot Oscar a look, seemingly expressing her disagreement through her gaze.
After chatting for a while, Oscar and Amelia got into the car and left the place.
Stephanie stood in place as she caressed her belly. “Mom, is Oscar still unwilling to forgive me?”
“Do you think you deserve to be forgiven after all the things you did to Amelia? He would’ve cut ties with you if not for our sake. A human’s heart is not made of stone, though. If you sincerely wish to repent, Oscar and Amelia wouldn’t make things hard for you. Amelia is a thoughtful person, after all.”
A malicious glint flitted across Stephanie’s eyes. However, she acted obediently and said, “I know. I really wish to make things right with Oscar and Amelia again. It was such a huge blow and a great reminder to me after finding out that Noah cheated on me. I would’ve gotten bullied terribly by the Walker family if I hadn’t had my family’s support. Mom, I owe you a debt of gratitude.”
Olivia was relieved to see that Stephanie was all grown up.
The mother and daughter went back into the house, and Stephanie said, “Isabella, you should sleep with me tonight. After getting married to your brother, we haven’t really had a good chat with each other before.”
Isabella nodded in agreement.
The two then headed to the bedroom upstairs. Stephanie asked, “Isabella, did I do well today?”
Isabella gave her a thumbs-up and said, “Stephanie, you have to keep pleasing Amelia. I’m sure Oscar will not go hard on you as long as Amelia softens up a little.”
A hint of disdain flashed across Stephanie’s eyes as she questioned unhappily, “Why do I have to please that woman?”
“Stephanie, you can’t achieve your goal if you don’t sacrifice something. If you wish to reconcile with Oscar, you have no choice but to please that woman. When she’s more accepting, I’ll go look for Oscar with you. By then, you can send your brother some food every day. I’m sure he’ll not stay mad at you for long no matter how furious he is,” Isabella revealed her scheme.
Stephanie mulled over Isabella’s words and did not say another word.
At the same time, Amelia thought Stephanie had only done so on a whim, so she did not take the latter’s words and actions seriously. The next day, unexpectedly, Amelia received a call from the reception at noon telling her that Stephanie was looking for her.
Feeling baffled, Amelia went downstairs to meet her.
“Amelia, I bet you haven’t eaten yet. I deliberately learned to make these dishes from the chef. Would you like to have a taste?” Smiling, Stephanie raised the exquisite lunchbox in her hand.
Stephanie’s act caught Amelia off guard, so she glanced at Stephanie cautiously.
Seeing that response, Stephanie chuckled and asked, “Amelia, what’s strong? Why are you looking at me in such a manner?”
Amelia shook her head and replied, “Nothing. I promised my colleagues to have grilled fish with them at a restaurant nearby. I don’t think I can have the lunch you prepared for me. I’m sorry.”
Stephanie wore an aggrieved look as she stared at Amelia. “Amelia, are you going to turn me down then?”
Amelia’s lips curled into a subtle smile as she asked, “Stephanie, I… Well, what are you trying to do? I don’t see the need for you to prepare food for me when you harbor such deep hatred toward me. I’m afraid I’d have trouble digesting the food later.”
Even though Amelia was smiling, her words were straight and direct, and she showed no mercy at all.
Stephanie was about to lose her temper, yet she suppressed her anger when she thought of Isabella’s reminder.
She reached out and wanted to pull Amelia, but the latter dodged her instantly.
Stephanie suddenly clutched her belly and cried out, “Amelia, my belly hurts.”
Amelia immediately rushed forward and asked anxiously, “Stephanie, are you okay? I’ll help you over there to have a seat.” Amelia then helped Stephanie to the chair for the guest. After that, she instructed someone from reception to bring Stephanie a cup of warm water.
After Stephanie finished the water, Amelia went straight to the point as she asked in a low voice, “Stephanie Clinton, what are you trying to do? I’m not in the mood to play along with your tricks.”
Stephanie opened up the lid and smiled. “Amelia, I’m only here to send you food. Let’s see if you like them.”
Meanwhile, Jolin could not find Amelia as soon as she came out of the restroom, so she instantly went downstairs to look for her. As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, she saw Stephanie holding the food and forcing Amelia to taste it. She kept her guard up and hurriedly ran toward the two before grabbing the fork from Stephanie.
“Ms. Stephanie, I’m hungry, so I’ll eat these for Mrs. Clinton.”
Stephanie was startled by the sudden appearance of Jolin. However, she was infuriated by Jolin’s abrupt act and exclaimed furiously, “Jolin, that’s enough!”
At the same time, Jolin was putting a piece of steak roll into her mouth. Seeing that Stephanie was enraged, Jolin immediately stood straight and replied, “Ms. Stephanie, how may I help you?”
“You…” Stephanie was burning in fury that she could hardly mutter a word. Then, she turned around and looked at Amelia. “Amelia, is this how you make my life difficult?”
Amelia spotted the gazes of the colleagues who passed by, so she felt slightly embarrassed. Having no choice, she gave in and said, “Let’s have a meal at a restaurant nearby. I bet you haven’t eaten since you drove all the way here. Let’s have something together.”
Three of them went to the restaurant nearby. Considering that Stephanie was a pregnant woman, Amelia ordered a nutritious meal for her and some grilled fish for Jolin and herself.
As the three ate away, Amelia brought up the same question again. “Tell me. What are you trying to do by coming here on purpose today?”
Stephanie responded with an innocent look, “Amelia, I’m just trying to make amends. Am I not allowed to?”
Maintaining a faint smile on her face, Amelia cast a meaningful gaze upon Stephanie. Stephanie, are you kidding me?
Stephanie’s face turned ashen and then red in mere seconds. “Amelia, I acted too willful in the past, but I suddenly thought things through. So I wish to patch things up with you.”
Only a fool would believe her nonsense. A leopard can’t change its spots. It’d be a miracle if Stephanie could completely change her mind about me in a few days.
“Stephanie, let me be frank with you. Just like how you hate me, I feel the same too. We can never be close to each other as a family. I don’t care what made you change your mind all of a sudden, but I don’t think we need to force ourselves to accept each other. I’ll have Jolin send you back after this meal.”
A furious look appeared on Stephanie’s face but vanished in the next second. She was about to leave after standing up, but as soon as she thought of the responsibility entrusted to her, she held herself back.
“Amelia, have a bite of this. I spent two hours making these steak rolls. Just try some for my sake even if you don’t like them.” Without feeling embarrassed, Stephanie placed the food on Amelia’s plate.
Amelia was at a loss for what to do with a pretentious and shameless person like Stephanie.
After the unpleasant lunch, three of them left the restaurant. Amelia offered, “I’ll ask Jolin to send you back.”
“Mrs. Clinton, my duty is to follow you around. As for Ms. Stephanie, she can have the Clinton family’s chauffeur pick her up.”
Stephanie’s face twitched a little when she heard that.
Hence, Amelia did not insist on having Jolin send Stephanie. Instead, she said to Stephanie, “Have you called the chauffeur?”
“Yes, I did. The chauffeur will be here in two minutes. You can go back to work first, Amelia.”
“All right, then. I’ll take my leave now. Take care of yourself when you’re alone here.”
Stephanie gave her a slight nod.
As soon as Amelia left, the gentle expression on Stephanie’s face disappeared in an instant.
“Mrs. Clinton, why would Ms. Stephanie suddenly come to butter you up? Did someone suggest some plans to her?” Jolin followed Amelia back to the company. Furrowing her brows, Jolin added, “Ms. Stephanie thought she was smart, but she is actually a fool. She can’t even tell who is sincere to her. Obviously, the Walker family harbors ulterior motives, yet Ms. Stephanie trusts them so much. She’d be crying when something bad happens to her later.”
Shaking her head, Amelia replied, “Let’s not bother about her. She’s just someone insignificant.”
Jolin nodded in agreement and did not comment further.
