CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
1255 Words
KAREN'S POV
The music was still playing loudly, but I couldn't enjoy it anymore.
Charlotte's words kept repeating in my head.
Your old life records are coming back.
I knew exactly what she was talking about.
For years, I had tried to leave that part of my life behind.
I didn't want anyone to know about it.
Especially Amelia.
She had become one of the few people I genuinely trusted, and I was afraid that if she knew everything, she might look at me differently.
I glanced at Amelia.
She was enjoying the performance, completely unaware of the storm building around me.
I sighed.
“Karen?”
I turned.
“Yes?”
“You're unusually quiet.”
I forced a smile.
“I'm fine.”
She studied my face.
“No, you're not.”
I looked away.
“I'll explain everything later.”
She nodded.
“Okay.”
I was grateful she didn't push me.
Then my phone vibrated.
I pulled it out and saw an unfamiliar number.
Unknown: You can't hide forever.
My heart stopped.
Another message arrived.
Unknown: We know where you are.
My fingers tightened around the phone.
Who was this?
I quickly locked the screen.
“Who was that?” Amelia asked.
“No one.”
She looked suspicious.
“Karen…”
“Please.”
She stopped.
I took a deep breath.
“I promise I'll tell you later.”
She nodded.
“Okay.”
I put my phone away.
But I couldn't concentrate anymore.
I knew someone from my past had returned.
And I knew it couldn't be a coincidence.
---
MAXWELL'S POV
I stood at the edge of the crowd, watching everyone enjoy themselves.
The anniversary celebration was going perfectly.
My parents looked happy.
The guests looked happy.
The music, food, decorations, and entertainment had made the evening unforgettable.
But I couldn't stop looking for Amelia.
I eventually found her.
She was standing beside Karen, laughing.
I smiled.
There was something about seeing her happy that made me happy too.
“Enjoying yourself?”
I turned.
Edith.
I nodded.
“Yes.”
She smiled.
“Your family has organized a beautiful celebration.”
“Thank you.”
She moved closer.
“I've really enjoyed spending time with you.”
I didn't know what to say.
Edith was nice.
She was intelligent and attractive.
But I felt nothing.
My grandmother appeared behind her.
“There you are.”
I sighed.
“Grandmother.”
She smiled.
“I've been looking everywhere for you.”
“I've been here.”
She glanced at Edith.
“Have you two been talking?”
“Yes,” Edith answered.
My grandmother looked pleased.
“Good.”
I lowered my voice.
“Grandmother, we need to talk.”
“About what?”
“About Edith.”
Her expression became serious.
“What about her?”
“I don't want you arranging my life.”
She stared at me.
“I am trying to help you.”
“I appreciate that, but I can choose who I want to be with.”
She folded her arms.
“Then tell me. Is there someone else?”
I became silent.
Her eyes narrowed.
“Maxwell.”
I didn't answer.
She followed my gaze.
Straight toward Amelia.
Her expression changed.
“Her?”
I looked at her.
“Don't judge her.”
“I haven't said anything.”
“But I know what you're thinking.”
My grandmother stared at Amelia for several seconds.
“She works for the family.”
“Yes.”
“And you are the heir to this family.”
“Yes.”
“And you are the heir to everything your father built.”
I clenched my jaw.
“What does that have to do with anything?”
She shook her head.
“Everything.”
Before I could respond, my cousin approached us.
“Grandmother.”
She turned.
“There you are.”
He smiled.
“It's been a long time.”
I looked at him.
“Ray.”
Ray smiled.
“Cousin.”
His voice sounded friendly.
But I knew him.
Daniel had never liked me.
Not since we were children.
He believed my father had favored me over him.
He believed that one day, everything belonging to our family should have been his.
And he had never forgiven me for being the person my father chose to inherit the family business.
“Welcome,” I said.
“Thank you.”
Ray looked toward Edith.
“So this is the woman Grandmother has been talking about.”
Edith smiled.
“Yes.”
My grandmother smiled.
“I think she'd make a wonderful addition to the family.”
I looked at her.
“Grandmother.”
“Why are you fighting it so much?”
“Because it's my life
“Unless you already have someone else.”
I stared at him.
Ray smile widened.
“I see.”
“You see what?”
“Nothing.”
He patted my shoulder.
“Enjoy the celebration.”
Then he walked away.
I watched him leave.
Something about his expression bothered me.
I knew that look.
Ray had discovered something.
---
AMELIA'S POV
The performance eventually came to an end.
Everyone applauded as Cardi B left the stage.
The host returned to the microphone.
“Let's give another round of applause to our incredible performer!”
Everyone cheered.
I laughed with Karen.
“That was amazing.”
She nodded.
“Yes.”
But before we could continue, I noticed someone walking toward us.
It was Maxwell.
He smiled.
“Did you enjoy the performance?”
I nodded.
“Yes. It was amazing.”
“Good.”
He looked at Karen.
“Did you enjoy it too?”
Karen smiled.
“Definitely.”
Suddenly, someone bumped into me from behind.
I stumbled.
Maxwell immediately caught my arm.
“Are you okay?”
I nodded quickly.
“Yes.”
His hand remained around my arm for a moment.
Our eyes met.
Neither of us spoke.
Then I remembered where we were and gently pulled away.
“Thank you.”
He smiled.
“You're welcome.”
Before anything else could happen, Charlotte's voice came from behind us.
“Well, this is interesting.”
I turned.
Charlotte stood there with a glass in her hand.
She looked directly at Maxwell's hand, then at me.
Her smile was cold.
“I didn't know nurses were allowed to get this close to the owner's son.”
My face became uncomfortable.
Karen stepped forward.
“Charlotte, stop.”
Charlotte laughed.
“Why? Did I say something wrong?”
Maxwell's expression hardened.
“That's enough.”
Charlotte immediately became quiet.
He looked at her.
“This is a celebration. If you can't behave respectfully, leave.”
Charlotte's face turned red.
“I was only joking.”
“I didn't find it funny.”
She looked embarrassed.
“Fine.”
She turned and walked away.
I looked at Maxwell.
“You didn't have to do that.”
“Yes, I did.”
“Why?”
He looked into my eyes.
“Because nobody should make you feel uncomfortable.”
My heart skipped.
Before I could answer, a loud crash came from across the hall.
Everyone turned.
A waiter had dropped a tray.
People gasped.
Then I noticed Daniel standing nearby.
He wasn't looking at the broken glasses.
He was looking directly at me.
And he was smiling.
For some reason, I suddenly felt uneasy.
I didn't know it yet.
But Maxwell's cousin had already started his game.
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