Template placeholder with Chapter 271

Chapter 271:

“If you already knew what had happened, why would you need to ask me about it?” Laura’s gaze sharpened. A sly grin spread across her lips as she studied Amelia with a look that danced on the edge of ridicule.

As soon as Amelia blurted out Katrina’s death, Laura’s confidence had wavered. But her poise crumbled for just a moment before she managed to pull herself together, realizing that Amelia only wanted to trick her. She concluded that if Amelia had to resort to games like this, it could only mean she was grasping at straws.

Piecing it together, Laura drew a slow breath and spoke in a calm voice. “Amelia, you’re just spinning stories. If you called me here only for this, I’ll save you the trouble—I don’t know anything at all p>

With those words, Laura gathered her things and made for the door. Amelia stayed put, her voice cool and measured as she said, “Laura, maybe you’re fine living like this for the rest of your life. But what about Jaxton? Are you really willing to watch him live in shame p>

Laura’s heart twisted at that. Conflicted emotions warred inside her. The Morrison Group had always been her top priority, and Amelia’s offer was tempting. But before she could dwell on that hope, memories of her arrangements with Ricky sprang to mind. If the truth about Katrina’s death came to light, Laura knew her life—and Ricky’s—could never go back to normal.

𝗥𝘦a𝘥 𝘵𝗵𝘦 𝘭𝗮𝘁e𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝘳e𝘯𝖽𝘀 o𝗇

But what about Jaxton, the only child she had and cared about? What would his future hold?

At Hillside Villa.

As Amelia approached the main entrance, she sensed that something was off. Stepping inside, she found Wyatt sitting with his usual cold expression, while Collen and Zainab waited nearby, anxiety written all over their faces. Their eyes locked onto Amelia the instant she entered, as if she were their lifeline.

“Why are you both here? If my memory serves me right, Collen, you shouldn’t be out of the hospital yet,” Amelia said.

Collen indeed hadn’t been discharged yet. He had come to Hillside Villa today because he had something important to discuss with Amelia. Ever since Amelia had saved him, Collen had uncovered the true motives behind the orphanage’s demolition. He had initially thought Hank’s words were driven by business competition.

Rest had been impossible for Collen while he recovered in the hospital, with Hank making repeated visits and pressuring him at every turn. Finally, Collen couldn’t take it anymore and hurried straight to Hillside Villa. He revealed to Amelia that Hank had wanted him to stir up more trouble on the east side of town, dangling even bigger rewards each time. No matter how many times Collen declined, Hank persisted as if he didn’t understand Collen’s words at all. Early this morning, the moment Hank walked out of the hospital, Collen seized his chance and made his way to Hillside Villa.

With Collen and Zainab both present, Amelia remembered she had meant to follow up with Davin about the orphanage’s land but hadn’t yet checked on the progress. She decided to ask about it now that she had the opportunity. Surprise lit up her eyes when she learned that not only was a new orphanage in the works, but a whole extra plot had been set aside for an amusement park near the orphanage.

“Mrs. Stewart, you’ve done so much for us—and the children in the orphanage know it, too,” Zainab said. “Thank you.” She didn’t seem to know how to show her gratitude, so she bowed deeply and gave Amelia a heartfelt thank-you.

“It really wasn’t anything big. There’s no need to thank me,” Amelia replied.

“Maybe it was small for you, but for those kids, it’s a dream come true!” Many children took amusement parks for granted, but for those living at the orphanage, going to an amusement park was a fantasy. After all, the orphanage could only satisfy their basic needs, nothing more. A memory surfaced for Zainab—her first amusement park visit had felt like stepping into a dream.

After Collen and Zainab had left, Amelia turned toward Wyatt, a bright smile on her face. “Wyatt, was it you who got Davin to arrange that amusement park? At first, I p>

“I thought a cash donation would be enough, but then it seemed that this kind of compensation might be more fitting p>

Wyatt admitted the idea came on a whim, yet the more he thought it through, the more he saw that money alone wouldn’t change those kids’ lives. A special place just for them would leave memories that lasted.

The results spoke for themselves—Collen and Zainab’s visit confirmed he’d made the right choice.