Chapter 461

"But I can't have children anymore, so I decided to adopt."

Amelia's voice trembled as she spoke, her fingers tightening around the edge of the table.

Samuel's heart ached at the sight of his sister's sorrow. How could he possibly reprimand her now?

He exhaled slowly, pulling her into a gentle embrace. "I understand. Bring the boy home tomorrow. It's not right to keep him away, and you're exhausting yourself going back and forth every day."

Amelia's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? You mean it? What if Father and Mother get angry? I'm... I'm scared."

Samuel took a napkin, dabbing away the tears clinging to her lashes. "Don't be. They know about your condition. They'll understand—they just need time to adjust."

His voice softened, though his tone carried a hint of reprimand. "But Amelia, you should have discussed this with us first. Adopting a child isn't something you do on a whim."

She buried her face against his shoulder. "I know. But you'll always stand by me, won't you? No matter what?"

"Always," he answered without hesitation.

A small smile tugged at her lips. "Ethan is growing so fast these days. I'll buy him new clothes—something adorable. Once Mother and Father see him, they'll adore him instantly!"

She prattled on, her excitement bubbling over as she described every little detail about the boy.

But beneath her cheerful facade, frustration simmered.

Days ago, she'd discreetly leaked rumors to the press—hinting at an impending engagement between her and Nathaniel.

It was meant to pressure him. To force their families into action.

And, of course, to send a clear message to her—Evelyn Whitmore—that she had no place in Nathaniel's life anymore.

Yet, Nathaniel had swiftly erased every trace of those rumors.

And from the tension in Samuel's earlier conversation with him, it was clear Nathaniel had no intention of marrying her.

Not when she had returned.

Evelyn had left once. Why did she have to come back?

And now, of all things, she had the audacity to apply as Samuel's secretary.

Whatever game Evelyn was playing, Amelia wouldn't let her win.

Inside the Rivera Group, Evelyn would be under her control.

And whatever awaited her there... Amelia would make sure it was nothing short of hell.

A flicker of something dark passed through her otherwise innocent gaze.

We'll see about that.

The next morning, Evelyn arrived at the Rivera Group to begin her first day of work.