Chapter 28 Old Ties
She opened her phone and saw that her colleagues in the department were gossiping about her. Someon had taken a photo of her from behind.
One text message read, “Why is Amelia staying at a hotel?”
Another replied, “Probably meeting up with someone at night, right? Doesn’t she have a lot of men around her
Somebody else said, “She only got into the company because of Mr. Logan’s connections.
Amelia raised an eyebrow. These people must have forgotten she was in the group chat.
She sent a single message, “Lots of men around me? Funny, I had no idea.”
The group chat, which had been bustling with speculation, suddenly fell silent when they noticed Amelia’s reply.
Some of them had even started guessing how many times she had slept with Nolan to get into Hale Corporation. It was only when Amelia spoke up that they remembered she had been added to the group.
The chatroom went quiet instantly. Amelia tagged the person who had taken her photo and said, “Have you never stayed in a hotel in your life?”
The group chat grew even quieter. If this weren’t a work chat, it probably would have been disbanded on the
spot.
Feeling entirely at ease, Amelia went to sleep. After all, she wasn’t the one gossiping behind someone’s back. The awkwardness wasn’t her problem.
When she arrived at the department the next day, she could tell that the atmosphere was off. She feigned ignorance, she sat at her desk and focused on her work.
After work hours, Lily called her and asked if she wanted to go shopping.
It just so happened that Amelia had recently bought a new house. Although she had ordered some items online, there were still several pieces of furniture she wanted to see in prison.
The property was relatively new and most of the furniture was in excellent condition. She had already hired a cleaning service. With a few additional touches that afternoon, the place would be move–in ready.‘
When Lily heard she had purchased a house outright for 3 million dollars, her expression faltered for a moment, her smile growing slightly strained.
“Amelia, weren’t you struggling for money before? Where did you suddenly get so much?” Lily asked.
“Unexpected income,” Amelia replied, browsing for lamps. She turned to the sales associate and asked. “Do you have anything more vintage looking?”
“Right this way,” the associate replied.
The two were in a high–end mail surrounded by luxury brands, whether bags or furniture, with every item priced in the tens of thousands.
Amelia bought a lamp and left her address with the store, arranging for delivery.
Chapter 28 old Tion
Lily trailed behind Amelia and noticed how Amelia didn’t bat an eye at spending 10.000 dollars on 2 Her fingers curled at her sides. Did Nolan give you the money? Or someone elser
Amelia picked out a few small decorations and arranged for them to be delivered as well. The thought of moving into her new home that night lifted her spirits.
“Neither. It’s a long story. Want to come see the new place later?” Amelia asked,
Lily forced a smile. “Sure, I’ve never seen a 3 million–dollar home before.”
After all, many people worked their entire lives in Solandis and couldn’t even afford a bathroom.
Amelia didn’t stop when she passed by a luxury handbag store. Compared to bags costing hundreds of thousands, she preferred simple canvas totes.
But then, a surprised voice called out, and a hand grabbed her wrist. “Amelia! It’s been so long since I’ve seen you. Hurry up and pay for this bag. It’s only 60,000 dollars. I really like it.”
The speaker was a woman in her forties, well–maintained but with a calculating glint in her eyes. Amelia The speaker was a woman in her forties, frowned, gently removing the woman’s hand. “And you are?”
Sharon Payne’s expression changed instantly. She let out a cold laugh. “Oh, stop joking around. Just pay for it already.”
Amelia found it amusing and started to walk away again but Sharon grabbed Amelia’s wrist again.
Her tone turned threatening. “What’s wrong with you, Amelia? I said pay for it, so pay for it. Don’t make me stop saying nice things about you to Nolan. Hurry up, I’ve got plans later.”
Amelia’s expression darkened. “Let go.”
Standing behind Amelia, Lily spoke lightly. “This is Nolan’s second aunt. Back then, you spent a lot because you were constantly buying luxury bags for people like her. Oh, and Nolan has an eldest aunt whose husband racked up a huge gambling debt. You paid that off for them too.”
Amelia’s head throbbed at the revelation. It took her several you sure?”
S to process before she chuckled. “Are
So all her money had been spent on this group of leeches, which was why her family had limited her spending?
At that moment, Sharon crossed her arms, her face full of arrogance. “Come on, where’s your card? You’re not short on money anyway.”
Amelia thought back to the information Dylan had given her. She recalled the family relationships clearly. Nolan’s mother, Jessica Payne, was a mistress who had successfully replaced the original wife. Jessica was indeed beautiful and after ousting the legitimate wife, her position had remained secure.
But Jessica came from a poor background. Her family consisted of three sisters and one younger brother, Felix Payne.
A family with three daughters and one son. There was no need to spell out the dynamics.
Felix, the youngest and only son, was born to the Payne family parents in their later years. All they ever thought about was how to “marry off” their daughters for the best possible price to fund a house for their
Love in New Memanda
