Chapter 846 Suspicion
Oscar hugged Amelia as they admired the empire he built single-handedly. In the past, he never invited her over because he did not want her to get involved in the negative things that were done on the side. However, he had spent some time and thought things through. Amelia was, after all, his wife. She had every right to know his negative side. On top of that, he wanted to train Tony. Hence, Oscar had to let Amelia have a look.
“What do you think?” Oscar asked proudly. Amelia nodded in response. Feeling as if she had not expressed her feelings enough, she tiptoed and pecked Oscar on his cheek, saying, “Oscar, to me, you’re like a superhero no one can surpass. I used to think you were just a successful businessman. Well, looks like I’m wrong. You’re an omnipotent superhero.”
Oscar smiled. He felt so elated as if he was on cloud nine. Amelia turned to face Tony, saying, “Tony, your daddy is an excellent person. You cannot be a coward, okay? Though I don’t expect you to do things perfectly, as the eldest grandson of the Clinton family, there will be times when you’re not allowed to be scared or back down. I hope you can understand why I’m making you pick up combat skills at such a young age. Being in this industry puts you in all kinds of unseen danger. I can’t bear to take the risk.”
Tony listened attentively albeit not really understanding what she said. He put on a serious expression and said, “Mommy, I like learning combat skills. I’ll become very powerful, and I’ll protect you in the future.”
Amelia smiled in relief, feeling blessed to have such an obedient and understanding son.
She was not sure about other people’s children, but she knew Tony had been an obedient child since young. In fact, he had never once caused her trouble during the two years when she lost her sight. When he could finally speak, he began to take care of his blind mother by massaging her back and pouring her glasses of water with those chubby hands of his. Tony was practically her pillar of emotional support.
Oscar brought Amelia and Tony around the place. Finally, he told Jolin to take Amelia out to get some food while he brought Tony to the training room.
Amelia said, “Oscar, I want to have a look, too.”
To her surprise, Oscar objected, “Go and grab something to eat with Jolin. I’m quite strict with my trainees. I’m afraid you’ll be worried.”
Amelia thought about it and nodded. Perhaps she, too, was afraid of seeing Tony having a hard time.
With that, Oscar lifted Tony and walked in the opposite direction. Meanwhile, Amelia kept staring at their backs. Seeing that, Jolin cleared her throat and said, “Don’t worry, Mrs. Clinton. I’m sure Mr. Anthony will be incredibly outstanding under Boss’ training. One day, all of us will serve Mr. Anthony.”
Amelia retracted her gaze and smiled.
“Mrs. Clinton, do you not want Mr. Anthony to take over Boss’ empire?” Jolin asked tentatively.
Amelia cracked a smile, asking, “Why do you ask that?”
“I’m just wondering if you’re thinking it’s too young for Mr. Anthony to be getting involved in all this. We might be officially called bodyguards, but, in reality, we carry out a lot of dangerous tasks on the side. If I were you, I wouldn’t want Mr. Anthony to be involved in all this, either. Then again, there isn’t much of a choice. Mr. Anthony is Boss’ only son. He has to take over everything Boss has built.”
Amelia’s heart sank a little, but she still joked, “Jolin, are you saying Oscar does smuggling as well?”
Jolin widened her eyes in disbelief. “Mrs. Clinton, how could you say that? Boss is a businessman who abides by the law. Every cent he earns comes from a proper channel. Otherwise, he’d be arrested right away with so many people watching him.”
Amelia breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing that. “My apologies. I misunderstood your words.”
“Mrs. Clinton, please don’t think negatively about Boss’ job when I say it’s dangerous. He even secretly… Ah, never mind. He probably didn’t tell you because he thinks it’s not time yet. Anyway, you can just ask him if there’s anything you want to know,” Jolin said, changing the topic all of a sudden.
Amelia did not press on, either. She said, “Jolin, I noticed the facilities here use rather advanced technology. Do you guys have robots?”
“Yep. The first robot is a beautiful woman. Do you want to see it?”
Amelia’s eyes lit up, and she nodded. “Yes.”
Hence, Jolin brought Amelia to the robot. As Amelia stared at the robot that looked no different from a human, she could not help but find it familiar looking.
Reading her mind, Jolin said, “You find her familiar looking, right? She’s Tilly. Previously, she went to Anglandur with Kurt and Hugo for a mission. Sadly, she died in the process. That’s why we created this robot to remember her.”
Amelia recalled the face of a cold, aloof, and pretty lady.
“So, it’s her. Can I touch her?” Amelia took a step forward.
Jolin went to the back of the robot and pressed a button. Immediately, the robot came to life and bowed to Amelia. “Hello, Mrs. Clinton.”
Amelia was shocked, but she was very curious. “Does she know how to fight?”
“I’m afraid she doesn’t. Apart from saying simple sentences, she cannot do anything else. She’s an imperfect defect. No matter how much she resembles Tilly, she can never be Tilly,” Jolin said with sorrow.
Amelia patted Jolin’s shoulder and said, “I’m sorry for your loss.”
Jolin shrugged and said, “I’m fine, Mrs. Clinton. It’s been so long since her death, and I’ve cried enough. Besides, people like us have to be always ready to sacrifice our lives. We view life and death very lightly. Then again, we still feel upset when we see our partners, whom we’ve been training with since young, die just like that. Ahem. I must’ve said too much. Come on. Let me take you to another place. I’ll let you try the desserts later. They’re really delicious. I’m sure you’ll like them.”
Amelia nodded.
Jolin brought Amelia to many places before finally taking her to a warmly decorated room that had a wonderful spread of food.
“Mrs. Clinton, Boss personally prepared these for you. Go on. Try them and see if they’re to your liking,” Jolin prompted, pointing at the food on the table.
Amelia glanced at the food on the table that was prepared for her. She nodded, saying, “They’re all my favorites.”
After inviting Jolin to join her, Amelia said, “Jolin, can you take me to Tony’s training room? He’s so young. I can’t help but feel a little worried.”
Jolin looked up and said, “Well, if you really want to see him, I can take you there.”
Soon, the two women went over to the training room. Amelia looked through the car windows and saw Tony in his uniform, looking serious while listening to Oscar’s teachings. Whenever Tony made a mistake, Oscar would give him a terrible scolding. Oscar never went easy on Tony just because the latter was his son.
Tony, surprisingly, did not complain. Instead, he focused on practicing.
The sight made Amelia feel both relieved and worried at the same time.
When Jolin saw Oscar performing a move on Tony, the former feared Amelia might be worried. Hence, Jolin hurriedly explained, “Mrs. Clinton, please don’t take it to heart. Boss tends to get very serious when he’s focused on his work. He’s stricter with us compared to how he trains Mr. Anthony.”
Amelia glanced at Jolin and chuckled. “Jolin, you’re really worried I’d misunderstand him, huh? Don’t worry. I know his personality well.”
Taken aback, Jolin scratched the back of her head and said awkwardly, “Oh, that’s right. You know him the best. Tsk. I really talk too much sometimes.”
Amelia patted Jolin’s head, chuckling. “You’re cute, Jolin. You should leave this place once you find a boyfriend. It’s time you enjoy the life of being an ordinary woman.”
However, Jolin paled as soon as she heard those words. “Mrs. Clinton, did I do anything wrong?”
“What makes you say that? I just want you to enjoy the life of a young lady.”
“Oh, it’s fine. I like experiencing life and death situations with Boss. I really enjoy working hard with the group. Please don’t make me leave.”
Amelia was amused. Looks like I’ve said something I shouldn’t have.
“I’m just saying. You can ignore what I’ve said if you don’t like the idea,” Amelia said.
Jolin cast her a glance and said carefully, “You’re not mad at me, aren’t you, Mrs. Clinton?”
Amelia laughed. “Oh, gosh. Am I such a petty person to you?”
Jolin shook her head. “No. You’re the kindest person I’ve ever met. You’re smart, too!”
“Well, thank you very much.”
Jolin smiled.
As Jolin and Amelia continued watching from the outside, Amelia could sense the stern-looking Oscar exuding a powerful aura. It was a side of him she had never seen before at home.
She had seen his sly, cool, and passionate side, but never his stern side.
Oscar trained Tony for three whole hours, yet the latter never complained once. In fact, he had a serious expression that looked just like Oscar’s.
Once the training was over, Amelia entered the building and made her way to Tony. She squatted to meet his eyes, saying gently, “Are you tired, Tony?”
Tony relaxed his stern expression and said sweetly, “Mommy, my arm aches. Can you make me the honey BBQ pork ribs when we get back?”
Amelia burst out laughing.
She scratched Tony’s tiny nose and smiled. “You little glutton. Okay. I’ll make you all kinds of delicious food once we get home.”
Tony danced in excitement upon hearing that.
As Amelia watched him behaving innocently, her heart swelled with pride. He has been training for three hours straight without making any complaints. Besides, he did not request to quit when he saw me. He’s strong-willed and can endure hardships. I’m sure he’ll be a successful person in the future.
She was extremely proud of Tony.
Parents would always say all they wanted was for their child to be healthy. But deep down, they still hoped their child would be successful. Even if the Clinton family was powerful enough to give Tony a comfortable life, he would be an ignorant person if he were to stay in his comfort zone. In that case, Clinton Corporations would probably go downhill in the future. Hence, Amelia was relieved to see Tony behaving that way.
Amelia grabbed Tony’s head and planted a kiss on his nose. Smiling, she said, “You’re the best, Tony. I’m so proud of you.”
Tony giggled and said cutely, “Again, Mommy.”
Hearing that, Amelia planted a few more kisses on his nose.
After playing around for some time, Amelia stood up and gazed at Oscar, saying, “Can we go now, Oscar? You’ve been training Tony for such a long time. Let’s go grab a meal. I’ll make both of you some good food for dinner tonight.”
Oscar nodded and roughly wiped his face with a towel. “I hope you’re not mad at me for training Tony so strictly.”
“It was my suggestion to have Tony trained. Why would I be mad at you? Besides, strict teachers produce fine students. I believe, with your training, Tony will be more successful than us. I’m just glad to have two of the world’s most excellent men in my family,” Amelia said, grinning.
Oscar cupped the back of her head and gave her a passionate kiss. With a smile, he said, “Come on. Let’s have a good meal.”
After having their meal, the family of three went home in their car. As they got out of the elevator, they saw Isabella standing in front of their condominium door. Oscar’s and Amelia’s faces fell; their good mood was ruined.
“Why are you here, Ms. Walker?” Amelia asked in a polite but distant manner.
However, Isabella only looked at Oscar. She desperately wanted to bring him to Bernard, but Oscar’s bodyguards had been keeping a close eye on him, leaving her zero chance of making a move on Oscar. These few days were the most crucial period. If she failed to bring Oscar over, all her hard work back then would have gone to waste.
“Amelia, I’m here to check on Tony. Do you mind letting me in to have a chat with you guys?” Isabella had a huge bag of things with her.
Although Amelia was displeased with her presence, she knew it was rude to refuse a guest’s entry into one’s home.
Just as she was about to speak, Oscar refused right away. “No.” The moment that word left his lips, an image flashed through his mind like a scene from a movie. It flashed past so fast that he could not see it clearly. However, for some reason, the disgust in his gaze for Isabella was not that strong anymore. He then changed his mind instinctively, saying, “Let’s go in and chat.”
Amelia eyed him strangely. Confusion fleeted across her eyes, and she felt a hint of uneasiness.
Amelia opened the door and gestured for Isabella to enter. Seeing that, Isabella carried the things and entered the house. She then said to Tony, “Are you feeling better, Tony? I’ve been taking care of your Aunt Stephanie in the hospital, so I didn’t have the time to visit you. I hope you’re not mad at me.”
Isabella was being extremely shameless.
It was obvious how much Amelia and Tony did not welcome Isabella. Yet, the latter could feign ignorance and talk so casually. It seemed that nothing was impossible if one was not embarrassed by their own actions.
Tony smiled and said seriously, “Ms. Walker, I’d be feeling much better if you didn’t come to my house.”
Isabella’s smile faded a little when she heard that.
Oscar, however, merely gazed at Isabella without saying anything.
Amelia grabbed Tony’s hand and said, “Sorry. He doesn’t mean it. Don’t take it seriously.”
Isabella twitched her lips and forced a smile. “It’s fine. I’ll come and play with Tony more often. I’m sure he’ll like me.”
Amelia merely chuckled and said nothing.
Suddenly, Oscar spoke. “Amelia, I’m going upstairs to deal with some unfinished work. Can you keep our guest company?”
Amelia nodded.
Just as Oscar was about to leave, Isabella said, “Oscar, I’m currently handling some things at my company, and there are some terms I don’t really understand. Can I ask you about them?”
Oscar gave her a meaningful look and hesitated before saying, “I’m busy.” With that, he went upstairs.
Isabella’s expression stiffened.
At the same time, a strange glint flashed across Amelia’s eyes. She could not help but feel uneasy at the hesitation in Oscar’s eyes.
I realized Isabella’s appearances have been affecting Oscar’s will. But why? Is he really seduced by her?
Amelia shook her head, feeling that she was overthinking.
Isabella asked, “You’re afraid of me, aren’t you, Amelia?”
Returning to her senses, Amelia glanced at Isabella and smiled. “Ms. Walker, I have no idea what you’re saying. Anyway, I’m impressed at how thick-skinned you are. I’m definitely no match for you.”
Isabella smirked and said, “You’re just putting on a tough front, Amelia. You’ll regret it once Oscar truly falls in love with me. I’m looking forward to seeing you in a state of devastation.”
Amelia merely smiled in response.
“Since Oscar’s busy, I’ll get going then. I hope you and Tony will leave the Clinton residence as soon as possible.” With that, Isabella spun on her heels and walked away.
Amelia’s expression fell instantly, and she fixed her eyes on the study’s tightly shut door with a frown. A heavy feeling crept into her heart. This is the first time Oscar avoided Isabella during her visit. He used to chase her away coldly. What’s up with you, Oscar? Will you really fall in love with her one day, just like what Isabella said?
Amelia could not help thinking about it despite knowing she should not be doing that. After all, they had shared such a sweet moment earlier. However, that moment was ruined because of Isabella’s visit.
Tony slipped his hand into hers and looked up, asking, “What’s wrong, Mommy? Did Big Meanie bully you?”
Amelia immediately snapped out of her thoughts. She squatted and stared at him, smiling. “No way. Your daddy is the best, and he cares a lot about us. You must never doubt him, okay? He almost lost his life trying to save you, remember?”
Tony nodded. “I do, but I really don’t like that woman who bullied you earlier. We’re Big Meanie’s real family. What gives her the right to say we’ll leave the Clinton residence? She’s bad. I don’t like her. Can we not let her into the house in the future?”
Amelia felt a stab in her heart. There was a common saying about children being the most sensitive group of humans. However, Amelia never expected him to be that sensitive.
She could not help but feel guilty for involving her child in the complicated relationships between adults.
“Everything will be fine, Tony. Your daddy and I love you the most. Surely you can sense how much we love you, right? Don’t doubt Daddy in the future, okay? We’re a family, and we’ve got to love one another.”
Tony studied her for a long time before nodding as if compromising for Amelia’s sake.
