Chapter 76:

Elena Green stared at Amelia, seated beside Wyatt, while her hands curled into fists beneath the table. She knew she shouldn’t have come today, but she couldn’t help herself.

Wyatt’s history with women was practically nonexistent, which had led Della to quietly consult others in search of a promising match. As the only daughter in the second branch of the Green family—and the only girl among her relatives—Elena had always been Holley’s favorite, since Holley didn’t have a daughter of her own.

When Della brought up the idea of finding Wyatt a wife, Holley intended to introduce Elena to him. After all, Elena had long been interested in Wyatt, and the Green family also sought to strengthen their ties with the Stewart family. Should Elena and Wyatt become husband and wife, it would benefit both families.

But that plan collapsed when Amelia entered the picture. After meeting Amelia in Kretol, Holley advised both the Green family and Elena to abandon the matchmaking plan. Still, when Elena learned Holley would be treating Wyatt and Amelia to a meal, she came anyway.

Having arrived uninvited, Elena left Holley in a difficult position. Holley believed making her leave would only embarrass the Green family and Jeffery. But now, seeing Elena’s sharp glare toward Amelia made Holley wish she had asked her to leave earlier.

𝖲𝘢𝘃e 𝗒𝗼u𝗿 𝘧𝗮𝗏𝗼ri𝗍𝖾 ո𝗈v𝘦𝗅s 𝗈𝘯 𝗴a𝘭𝘯o𝘷e𝘭s.𝖼o𝗆

“Elena, Amelia is an attractive woman, but it isn’t polite to stare like that,” Holley said.

At Holley’s words, Elena’s expression went rigid, though she quickly forced a faint smile. “I’ve just never seen another woman sit so close to Wyatt before. I guess I was curious. Miss Flynn, I hope you don’t take it the wrong way.”

It was clear from Elena’s tone that she had no intention of being friendly, and Amelia’s eyes turned cold. Before she could speak, Wyatt interjected, “Miss Green, we don’t know each other that well. Please address me as Mr. Stewart.”

Wyatt’s words drew startled looks from everyone at the table except Amelia. Tears threatened as Elena faced the sting of his public dismissal, especially with Holley and Jeffery present. Even with embarrassment burning on her cheeks, she composed herself and said, “Why are you so eager to distance yourself from me? Are you afraid Miss Flynn might misunderstand something?”

Impatience flickered in Wyatt’s eyes. He was about to speak when Amelia’s gentle touch on his sleeve gave him pause. Looking down, he spotted her slim fingers on his cuff. Whatever frustration he felt disappeared in an instant.

Amelia had no intention of letting Wyatt get on the wrong side of Holley’s family on her behalf, and she was no pushover. She flashed Elena a playful grin. “Miss Green, why are you saying that? What is your relationship with Wyatt? Is there something between you two that I’m unaware of?”

Elena hadn’t expected that and her face darkened immediately. Although Wyatt himself was unaware of the matter, both families had once been optimistic about Elena and Wyatt being together. Amelia’s appearance had ruined what Elena had anticipated most. How was that fair? Her hands trembled with anger while Amelia held her ground and met her gaze.

The air in the room thickened, tension mounting with every passing second. Fortunately, a waiter entered carrying plates, allowing Holley to change the topic and strike up a cheerful conversation with Wyatt and Amelia. Moonlit Restaurant’s food was said to be the best in town, yet Amelia could hardly enjoy it after the exchange with Elena. After a few mouthfuls, she stood and quietly excused herself for the restroom.

Causing a scene during the meal was the last thing on her mind, and she didn’t want Wyatt put in a difficult position because of her. She lingered in the corridor outside the restroom, unwilling to return to the private room so soon. No sooner had she settled onto a bench than a biting remark cut through the silence. “Someone like you is not worthy to be with Wyatt.”

Catching the hostility in Elena’s eyes, Amelia retorted, “Miss Green, I didn’t ask for your opinion. You can’t decide Wyatt’s future for him, either.”

Those words hit their mark, and Elena’s cheeks flushed with anger. Despite the sting, she kept her voice steady. “I’m simply telling the truth. You can’t do anything to help his career. With my family’s influence, Wyatt could go so much farther if he chose to be with me.”

“Miss Green, I wonder why you think the Stewart Group needs your help for its future.”

Suddenly, another voice cut through the tension. Amelia and Elena turned at once, finding Wyatt and Jordy standing nearby.