Chapter 473

Chapter 473:

She had even rehearsed her rejection.

But to her surprise, neither of them mentioned Weston. That alone brought her enormous relief.

“Amelia, I have a quiet house tucked away in the city,” Shepard offered. “Would you like to stay there instead of the hotel p>

Before, Amelia would have declined immediately. But now, having accepted Shepard as family, she didn’t feel the same resistance. After a moment of thought, she nodded. “Sure p>

Shepard, who had already pulled up to the hotel entrance, immediately turned the car around when he heard her answer.

Barrie, who had been waiting by the hotel entrance, rushed toward the car — only to watch it drive off.

Startled, he quickly dialed Amelia’s number.

Seeing Barrie in the rearview mirror, Amelia declined the call. But not wanting to vent her anger at Wyatt onto him, she sent a text explaining where she was going and assuring him she was fine.

When Barrie received her message, he immediately tried to call Wyatt — but the call wouldn’t go through.

Shepard’s house, tucked away in a quiet part of the city, was a calm refuge from the noise and tension of everything that had happened.

𝗠𝗼re 𝗇𝗈𝘃е𝘭𝗌 𝘰𝘯 𝗀а𝘭𝗻𝘰𝘃е𝘭ѕ.𝗰𝗈𝗆

Though Shepard rarely stayed there, he always had people come by to clean, so the place was spotless.

On the way over, he had already arranged for everything Amelia might need. When she walked inside, she saw shopping bags scattered across the carpet near the sofa — filled with essentials and a range of clothes.

“Amelia, if you need anything else, just tell me and I’ll have it brought over,” Shepard said warmly.

Overwhelmed by how thoughtful he was, Amelia shook her head with a small smile. “This is more than enough, Shepard. Thank you p>

“No need to thank me; I’m your brother,” Shepard replied.

He lifted his hand, clearly wanting to ruffle her hair, but hesitated — unsure if she would be comfortable with that.

Sensing his pause, Amelia leaned in and rested her head lightly against his arm.

Seeing Shepard gently stroke Amelia’s hair, Weldon — instantly jealous — reached out. “Amelia, you can’t play favorites. I want a turn too p>

But before he could touch her, Shepard swatted his hand away, half playful, half protective.

At the hotel.

“Where is Amelia?” Wyatt asked.

After handling all the arrangements, he’d rushed back to her, ready for whatever reaction she might have — anything except not finding her there.

When Barrie picked up Wyatt’s call, he quickly came over and explained that Amelia had left with Shepard.

Hearing she was with Shepard eased Wyatt’s nerves, but only a little.

He pulled out his phone and dialed Amelia’s number, only to be met with, “Sorry, the number you have dialed is currently unavailable p>