Chapter 24
Kylie’s intense gaze bore into the pair in front of her as she spoke. “We’ve got to figure out if someone’s framing my mom and make sure she gets the justice she deserves.
She was on the edge, struggling to keep her cool. Just moments ago, when she’d stood up to Melanie, her temper had almost gotten the best of her.
But then she thought about her family, about Noreen and Felicia, and how going back in time wouldn’t be worth it if she ended up in jail for Julie and Melanie.
“You!” Julie’s shock was palpable. Was this the same Kylie who used to bend over backward to please her?
Melanie was seething. There was no way she was going to let the police get involved.
With a sudden, desperate plea, she turned to Amanda, tears welling up in her eyes. “We’ve sai we just drop this? It’s not going to help anyone if things get out of hand, right? Amanda, pleas
talk some sense into Kylie.” sorry, Amanda. Can’t
Amanda felt a twinge at her tone. But she knew that making a scene wouldn’t do Kylie any favors. Her relationship with the Lampard family would be even more strained, and they were her biological parents, after all
“Kylie, let’s just put this behind us. I accept their apology and I believe they won’t do it again,” Amanda said gently, trying to smooth things over.
Zach, the assistant, glanced at his phone. He’d just received the elevator’s surveillance footage. It showed Julie starting the altercation, but it was captured from an angle that didn’t clearly show her taking off her ring to frame Amanda.
He forwarded the video to Kylie, who took a look.
Julie said, “Since Amanda has accepted the apology, let’s just leave it at that, Julie said, seeing Kylie’s continued support for Amanda and her own cold shoulder. “Kylie, I know you’re still upset about not getting a car and having your card cut off, but it’s all for your own good. Come home tonight, and let’s not dwell on today’s incident.”
Julie seethed with frustration. ‘What’s Kylie even saying? It’s like she’s completely disregarding me, her own mother. Why can’t she see that I’m the one she should be siding with?
Kylie had never heard Julie speak softly before, and now, hearing these words, all she felt was amusement and irony.
“If you ever bully my mom again, I’ll fight you with everything Eve got, Kylie said, wrapping her arm around Amanda’s After dropping the chilling remark with a cold indifference, she and Amanda left the office.
Julie was taken aback by Kylie’s attitude. It was as if she’d become a completely different person….
Melanie thought Kylie had lost her mind, threatening her mom over a cleaner!
The stinging pain on her face made her catch her breath. She pulled out her phone and texted Craig. (I saw Kylie at the Opulence Hotel. She hit me and made mom furious.]
A minute later, Craig texted back. [I’m nearby. I’m on my way.]
He had to see Kylie. He’d been unable to reach her for days, and he realized that this time, she was serious about breaking up with him.
Lunch break at the Opulence Hotel had Amanda and Kylie chilling in the staff lounge, slices of pizza on the table. The hotel laid out a spread for its staff that was both hearty and healthy.
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Chapter 24
Amanda, still worked up from the earlier drama, spoke with a hint of unease. “Kylie, about what happened with your…” She left the question hanging.
“I only recognize you as my mom. The Lampard family are out of my life for good, Kylie replied firmly.
Amanda’s worry lines deepened. “Sweetheart, did those people hurt you?” She was on the edge of her seat, her heart aching for her girl.
Kylie had always been the picture of kindness and reason. Amanila couldn’t fathom why she’d cut ties unless the Lampards had crossed a line..
But Kylie kept her calm. “It’s all good, Mom. No need to stress.”
Amanda backed off. If Kylie wasn’t ready to talk, she’d wait. And if the world wasn’t going to love her girl, she’d just have to love her more.
Kylie and Amanda wrapped up their lunch and headed for the elevator, only to bump into Tror inside.
He had that don’t–even–think–about–it posture that screamed back off. When Kylie stepped in, he just gave her a quick
Once–over.
The elevator was also filled with hotel execs, chatting away with Trevor about work stuff.
Kylie played it cool, acting like he was a stranger. Zach, catching on, did the same with Kylie.
They hit the lobby, and Kylie bolted out of the hotel.
On the steps, her phone buzzed with a message from Trevor. [Hold up. Just need a sec.]
She read the message, her mind spinning. Was this about the tit with Julie?
As she pondered, a strong hand grabbed her wrist, and she was suddenly in someone’s arms. An embrace she knew all too well.
“Sweetheart, I’ve been searching for you. I’ve been doing a lot of soul–searching. Ever since we got to Jardora, we’ve been so, wrapped up in our own lives, I’ve been out of line with you. I messed up!” Craig’s voice was laced with genuine remorse.
He continued, “You’ve always been the one for me. It’s always been you, since back in the day. I’m ready to make it official. I’m sorry for any confusion. If you’re not up for donating blood, it’s cool. You’re what matters most, babe. From now on, you’re in the driver’s seat. Whatever you want, it’s yours.”
“Sweetheart…” Craig moved in, his lips heading straight for Kylie’s, his feelings ready to overflow.
Trevor was just leaving the Opulence Hotel when he spotted Kylie and Craig in a tight embrace. His brows furrowed, a mix of surprise and concern etched on his face.
“Ms. Lampard…” Zach, his assistant, choked out the words. It seemed like the breakup rumors were just that–rumors. Zach had been digging into Craig’s affairs, and it looked like they’d hit pay dirt. This was bad news for Trevor.
Trevor’s eyes hardened as he pivoted back into the hotel, barking orders over his shoulder, “Get me that agreement I signed with her.
Zach’s eyes widened, Was Trevor about to cut ties early?
Kylie was rigid, her body quivering slightly, so much so that she didn’t react right away.
When she finally did, Craig was almost too close for comfort. Panic washed over her face as she pushed him away with all
Chapter 24
her might.
Craig was caught off guard, stunned by Kylie’s forceful rejection. He’d always been able to smooth things over with a heartfelt apology and a hug. But not this time,
“Honey…” he stammered, meeting her frosty stare. Her eyes, once filled with warmth, now held a glint of resentment.
Kyle had hoped she could face Craig with composure, but seeing him now, the man who’d broken her trust!
deeply, she found her anger rising, uncontrollable.
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