Elijah Clark ended the call and walked over to the window. He stared at the cold moonlight outside, a bitter smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
Liam Williams, I won't let you get away with this. It must hurt to be betrayed by your own brother.
...
"Second brother, what were you thinking? Why would you go against big brother? Hasn't he always been good to you? I really hate seeing you like this."
Amelia White's face was flushed with anger as she looked at Benjamin Williams, who was lying wounded on his back.
Benjamin's heart was filled with bitterness. He had known that once this came to light, Amelia would never forgive him.
But if he did nothing, he would always be known as Liam Williams's younger brother. That wasn't what he wanted. He wanted to build his own business empire and surpass Liam. Only by becoming strong could he win Amelia's favor.
"You don't need to say anything more. My mind is made up, and it won't change. Tomorrow I'm moving out of Sunrise Manor. Father wants you to take good care of me."
Benjamin endured the pain in his back as he spoke to Amelia.
No matter how much Amelia tried to persuade him, she couldn't change his mind. Frustrated, she stormed out of the room without even asking if he was badly hurt.
But Benjamin never regretted what he had done.
The next day, Emma Johnson met Amelia at a coffee shop.
"So, has he changed his mind?"
As soon as she saw Amelia, Emma asked quickly.
Amelia shook her head, her expression dark with anger.
"No, I don't know what's gotten into my second brother. He's being stubborn as a mule. Father is furious too. I'm afraid he won't be forgiven even during the New Year. I'm so mad at him I could scream. Big brother has always been so good to him, and this is how he repays him? Sometimes I wonder if he's really my second brother at all."
"Maybe he'll come around in a few days. By the way, how bad is his back injury? Dr. Moore said yesterday it was serious?"
"He deserves it, no matter how serious it is. He betrayed big brother."
Emma was surprised by Amelia's harsh reaction. Even if Benjamin had done something wrong, he was still the brother who had always loved Amelia. According to Liam, Benjamin had even funded Amelia's coffee shops. If it were her, even knowing Benjamin had made a mistake, she wouldn't have reacted so coldly.
"Amelia, if you have time, please talk to him. You're the only one he might listen to."
"I don't want to see him right now."
Amelia's face showed a hint of impatience. Emma wanted to say more but felt it wasn't the right time. She changed the subject and talked about the coffee shop's opening instead. Then she said goodbye.
When Emma returned to the company, even though Liam didn't ask, she told him about Benjamin. Emma knew Liam hadn't slept all night. He had pretended to be asleep, but she had secretly seen him go to the living room to smoke.
Even though he acted indifferent, Benjamin's betrayal had hit him harder than anyone could imagine. So Emma knew he must be worried about Benjamin's condition.
"Father's hand was really heavy."
After listening to Emma, Liam finally couldn't help saying.
"If you're worried, call Dr. Moore and ask him to take extra care. Dr. Moore is an excellent doctor. He'll heal Benjamin's back."
Emma advised.
"Alright."
Liam looked at Emma, a faint warmth flickering in his eyes. Emma felt a little embarrassed.
A few days later, Amelia's coffee shop officially opened. Liam gave Emma the morning off to help. After all, she was Amelia's sister-in-law; she couldn't just not show up.
That day, Amelia wore a stylish suit, looking very capable. She greeted every guest with calm elegance, like a true noble lady.
Seeing Amelia like this, Emma felt that even though she was only eighteen, her poise and manners were far beyond her age. Only someone who had grown up in a wealthy family and attended countless banquets could develop such grace.
Even Emma, after years of working in the corporate world, had only cultivated her social skills through practice.
Sometimes, people just can't compare.
"Congratulations on your opening, Miss White."
Dressed in fashionable clothes, Isabella Miller drove a red sports car to the coffee shop. Noah Taylor was in the car with her. They both got out, and Noah took a flower basket from the trunk, inscribed with opening blessings, and handed it to Amelia.
"Thank you. I'm so glad you could come, both of you."
Amelia smiled and thanked Isabella. After exchanging a few pleasantries, Isabella saw Emma coming out of the shop. A flicker of malice flashed in her eyes before disappearing, replaced by a warm smile.
"Cousin, you're here so early. Well, of course, you're Miss White's sister-in-law. You have to come and help."
When Isabella said "sister-in-law," she emphasized the words. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Noah's face change slightly. She couldn't help but sneer inwardly.
"You're here."
Emma's greeting to Isabella and Noah was far less enthusiastic than Amelia's. Noah didn't seem to mind at all. His smile deepened.
"Emma, you don't look like you've been resting well. Are you too tired lately?"
"I'm fine. Maybe it's your eyes that are the problem. Amelia, there are some guests over there. I'll go take care of them."
Emma didn't accept Noah's concern at all. In fact, she seemed annoyed. After a cold reply, she made an excuse to leave. Amelia didn't even have time to stop her.
"Come with me. I've reserved a table for you."
Amelia said to Isabella and Noah. After they sat down, she greeted them and went to attend to other guests.
Isabella's gaze wasn't on Noah at all. She was scanning the room, looking for Emma. A cold smile crept across her face.
"Noah, this is a place where people come and go. If you're too obvious, aren't you afraid of being photographed? My cousin is very sensitive to gossip now. She hates it more than anything. Do you want her to completely blacklist you?"