Template placeholder with Chapter 363

Chapter 363:

The crowd gradually scattered, leaving only Amelia, Wyatt, and a handful of others behind.

Shepard’s face was dark, yet he spoke to Amelia with measured courtesy. “I’m truly sorry for what happened today p>

“It’s not your fault, Mr. Chadwick. Besides, I wasn’t the one who ended up embarrassed,” Amelia replied with a gentle smile.

At her words, Shepard fell silent, his gaze shifting to Kelsey. Before he could speak, Kelsey cut in with a scornful tone. “I’ve never seen a more spineless heir than you. If I were you, I would have put that fool in her place p>

Her words drew chuckles from those nearby.

As a member of the Finch family, Kelsey typically upheld decorum. But today, her temper got the better of her, and in her frustration, her true personality shone through.

Worried that news of the incident might reach the Finch family in Kretol, Kelsey started to walk away, only to be stopped by Amelia.

“Thank you for stepping in today,” Amelia said sincerely.

“Even without me, you could have handled that idiot,” Kelsey replied dismissively.

іn𝗍еո𝘴𝖾 ro𝗺𝖺𝗇𝗰𝖾 𝗼𝘯

“Still, I appreciate you speaking on my behalf,” Amelia said, gently taking Kelsey’s arm.

Kelsey tried to pull away twice but eventually relented.

As Amelia led her aside, Wyatt and the others tactfully stayed back.

“Alright, it’s just us now. Say what’s on your mind,” Kelsey said to Amelia with a cool edge.

“Ms. Finch, you deserve someone better,” Amelia said plainly.

She knew of Kelsey’s recent interest in Wyatt and had wanted to talk to her, but the moment hadn’t come until now.

Kelsey, unaware of Amelia’s full intent, found her words stinging. With a trace of mockery, she asked, “What, are you telling me to back off from Wyatt? Or just rubbing it in that he’s only got eyes for you p>

“Both,” Amelia admitted frankly.

She pulled out a chair for Kelsey and offered her a bottle of water.

Kelsey hesitated briefly but took it.

Amelia’s honesty made Kelsey feel a twinge of guilt. After all, what she had done wasn’t exactly honorable. If she were in Amelia’s shoes, she doubted she would be this composed.

Kelsey said, “You know what? Denny also told me earlier today to let go of my fixation on Wyatt. You might not believe me, but I actually want to move on. It’s just p>

“I believe you,” Amelia interjected gently, meeting Kelsey’s self-mocking gaze. “I trust every word you’re saying, just as I mean every word I say. You deserve someone better. I don’t want you to waste your time and energy on Wyatt p>

“You’re just saying this to get me to back off, aren’t you?” Kelsey shot back instinctively, though her tone lacked its earlier bite. “You can leave now. I want some time alone p>

Maybe sitting alone would bring her the clarity Denny had found.

Amelia nodded silently and walked away.

Wyatt was still waiting where Amelia had left him, and when he saw her approach, he reached out his hand.

It wasn’t until after ten that evening that Amelia and Wyatt left the banquet together.

During the event, the hosts had dropped hints about the airport land redevelopment, but with so many competing interests, naming a winner would offend others. By the banquet’s end, no decision had been announced.

Back at their hotel, Wyatt changed into a fresh suit, preparing to head out. Noticing that, Amelia asked in a soft voice, “Are you going to discuss the land deal p>

“Yeah, I might be late. Get some rest without me,” he replied.

At the Chadwick family estate, tension hung in the air.

“Shepard, did you even take my words seriously? I told you to look after your sister, and this is how you handle it?” Weston’s voice thundered as Shepard stepped inside.

Though this was nothing new, Shepard still felt a familiar chill settle in his chest.

His mother, Danielle Chadwick, sat nearby, her expression dripping with disdain as she looked at Brielle. “She’s an adult now. Does Shepard still need to babysit her p>

“Brielle is his younger sister! Isn’t it his job to look out for her? And besides—” Weston began.

“Do you even know what Brielle did today?” Shepard cut him off.

“No matter what she did, you should stand by her,” Weston said, his brow furrowing.

“Do you realize her actions cost us any shot at the airport land deal?” Shepard said.

“What did you just say p>

Weston’s face hardened instantly. Shepard let out a bitter laugh, his eyes laced with sarcasm.

Shepard briefly recounted Brielle’s antics, ending with a cold smirk. “Your darling daughter didn’t just cross anyone today; she crossed Wyatt Stewart p>

As Weston’s expression grew grave, Brielle blurted out, “Since I offended Wyatt, why not have me marry him to smooth things over p>

Her completely illogical statement left everyone in the room stunned.