"All of this," Fedora said finally, voice cracking, "and you didn't tell us?"
"Mom," Amelia said gently, "Kendrick protected me."
Fedora's eyes flashed. "Protected you how? With one bodyguard?"
Amelia smiled faintly. "That's the only one you see. There are eight more hidden guards."
Fedora froze. "Oh."
Mr. Zim exhaled slowly and pulled Amelia into his arms again.
"Promise me," he said quietly. "Promise you'll never face this again alone."
"I promise."
Mr. Zim's eyes glistened as he looked at his daughter. "Amara, you carry both worlds within you — our French legacy and your Chinese roots. Never forget how much love brought you here." His voice was tender, filled with pride.
Indeed, Amelia grew up speaking Chinese with her Dad and French with her Mom, and she still does. They want
