Chapter 316

Amelia and Benjamin had arrived at the police station in the family chauffeur's car.

But fate had other plans.

Nathaniel insisted Benjamin return home immediately to focus on his studies, leaving no room for argument.

This left Amelia to ride back with Samuel alone.

The moment she slid into Samuel's luxury sedan, her eyes locked onto the delicate amulet dangling from the rearview mirror.

It was no ordinary trinket.

Blessed by the high priest of Celestial Peak Temple, the sacred pendant held a tiny photograph no larger than a thumbnail.

A mother and daughter smiled back at her.

The little girl bore an identical cherry-red birthmark between her brows - just like Amelia's.

Samuel had never been one for spiritual beliefs. Yet he'd gone to great lengths to secure divine protection for these two souls.

Their importance to him was undeniable.

But the faces in the photo weren't hers or her mother's.

They belonged to the first Mrs. Rivers and her daughter Celeste - missing for over a decade. Samuel's birth mother and half-sister.

"Why do you still keep Celeste's picture here?" Amelia's voice turned sharp with jealousy.

Samuel's hands tightened on the steering wheel as he glanced at the amulet. His usual icy gaze softened momentarily.

"So I never forget them."

Amelia's doe eyes flashed with hurt. "That's not fair. Where's the photo of me and Benjamin then?"

"Don't compare yourself to her." His tone remained even.

"Why not?" She crossed her arms. "Because we'll never mean as much to you as Celeste did?"

Samuel heard the pain in her voice. Slowing the car, he reached over to ruffle her hair affectionately.

"Don't be ridiculous. You're right here with me every day. Why would I need your photo when I can see you anytime?"

His expression darkened. "Celeste disappeared when she was five. I don't even know if she's alive out there. The least I can do is pray for her safety."

Amelia bit her lip. "Samuel, you need to let go. After all these years... they're probably..."

She didn't finish the sentence.

A dangerous chill filled the car. Samuel withdrew his hand abruptly.

He refused to entertain such thoughts. In his heart, Celeste and her mother were alive somewhere, living under new identities.

Only Amelia's presence stopped him from ordering her out of the vehicle.

Unaware of his anger, Amelia pouted at the amulet. "I want you to hang my photo too! That way you'll think of me whenever you drive."

Samuel scoffed. "Forget including Benjamin. Three points on his math final? Disgraceful."

Amelia flushed with secondhand embarrassment for her brother. "He's brilliant when he applies himself!"

"With all the tutors we've hired? He's a Rivers - he should be ashamed."

"Fine, just my photo then!"

Samuel exhaled in defeat. He'd never been able to refuse Amelia anything.

"Fine. Tomorrow I'll hang your picture here. Happy now?"

Amelia's radiant smile returned. "Very. Now we're all equal in your heart."