Chapter 617 Amara, What Is Our Relationship Now?
A 12-carat blue diamond, with stunning fire, clearly very valuable.
Amara stared blankly.
She remembered that ring from before and, in her daze, took the ring and turned it over to look at the back, but there was no engraving.
She breathed a sigh of relief and whispered, "Our relationship is moving too fast!"
"Too fast? I don't think so!" Kingsley said this against the corner of her mouth, warm water washing over them both. Amara could barely hold onto the diamond ring, but it didn't matter; what mattered was the fiery Kingsley in front of her.
The winter snow was heavy, but inside the house, it was as warm as a spring day.
Kingsley was always restrained. After a brief and intense moment, he let Amara go, cleaned her up, and carried her to the bedroom. He placed her on the soft mattress, just like he would with Jesse, dried her off with a towel, and put a bathrobe on her.
He put on pants and a shirt himself, kissed her, and said, "I'm going to get something from the car!"
He took a cab back to Syeattel, first stopping by his apartment to pick up some luggage.
Amara was puzzled, so when Kingsley walked into the bedroom with a suitcase, she sat up in bed and watched him carry it into the small walk-in closet.
Amara got out of bed and followed him.
Kingsley was already unpacking, moving quietly so as not to wake Jesse.
The walk-in closet was really small, and an L-shaped wardrobe couldn't hold much clothing. Even so, Amara hadn't filled it up; she never had more than five outfits per season. Kingsley felt a bit heartbroken seeing this but said nothing.
Amara stood behind him.
He was very tall, and she only reached his shoulder. Now, if she took a step forward, she could hug his waist. They had just had sex, and a hug would feel tender.
But Amara leaned against the wall, biting her lip. "Are you really moving in?"
Kingsley nodded. "You won't move to my place, so I have to move here!"
He hung up the last shirt, turned around, and pulled her into his arms.
Amara's body was light and soft, folding into his embrace like a small bird. Kingsley kissed her gently and said, "I'll take care of the family."
Amara pushed him away and leaned back. "I can take care of myself."
Kingsley looked at her.
Amara's voice was hoarse. "It's too fast! Kingsley, let me think about it."
He didn't want to push her too hard. They had a son together, so Amara would always be connected to him. Then he generously agreed. "Alright, I'll come over to spend time with Jesse when I'm not busy. Is that okay?"
Amara had no objections and didn't dissuade him from seeking her intimacy again.
Kingsley thought their relationship had progressed. He hugged her waist and, for the first time since their reunion, said playfully, "I'm a bit hungry. Is there anything to eat?"
"There's food in the fridge. I'll make you something!"
But Kingsley stopped her. "I'll do it!"
He put her back in bed, laying her next to Jesse, and after looking at them for a while, he went to the kitchen. On a winter night with snow falling continuously, Kingsley didn't feel cold even in just a shirt.
He made some food and ate, then smoked a cigarette before returning to the bedroom.
It was a bit cramped here.
For a young man from a wealthy family like him, it was a bit uncomfortable, but Kingsley was willing to make some sacrifices to pursue Amara.
He lay down on the bed, looking at the velvet box on the nightstand.
Amara hadn't taken it.
In the dark, he quietly squeezed her hand. "Don't you like it?"
Amara knew him well; it was hard to pretend to be asleep.
She whispered, "It's too valuable!"
Kingsley didn't say anything more. After driving for hours and using up his energy earlier, he quickly fell asleep. When he woke up, it was already morning.
Amara was no longer in bed, but Jesse was in his arms.
Jesse's body was warm, his little face pressed against Kingsley's chest, one small hand resting on his father's shoulder, sleeping soundly.
Kingsley watched him for a long time, savoring the moment.
He got up, washed up quickly, and walked out, only to find Billy there too.
At that moment, Billy was sitting at the dining table, animatedly discussing his business strategies with Amara. When he saw Kingsley coming out of Amara's room, he paused.
A few seconds later, Billy snapped out of it and immediately stood up. "Oh, Kingsley! I'm Hailey's son, Billy Wood. Amara and I are very close; she treats me like a brother."
Hailey brought breakfast over just in time to hear this.
Hailey secretly pinched Billy hard and gave him a look, then smiled at Kingsley. "He talks too much; don't mind him!"
Kingsley cared, as he never liked other men, especially those not related by blood, getting too close to Amara.
But someone of Kingsley's status was particularly good at pretending.
Kingsley sat down and smiled slightly. "Hailey, it's no big deal!"
Kingsley casually discussed some business matters with Billy, who, was elated and fawning, chatted and served him eagerly. Even Hailey and Amara found Billy's behavior unbearable!
Kingsley did give him some stock tips.
Billy poured him tea, calling him "Kingsley" warmly with every sentence.
Hailey felt both worried and somewhat pleased. She also felt an inexplicable guilt towards Amara, fearing that she might affect Amara and Kingsley's relationship.
Amara had different thoughts.
When Kingsley went back to the bedroom to change clothes for work, he pulled a tie from the wardrobe. Amara walked in and closed the door. He sensed it was her and smiled faintly. "You want to help me with my tie?"
Amara pressed her lips together and lowered her voice. "What did you mean just now?"
Kingsley slowly tied his tie, looking at her, and retorted, "Are you afraid I'll harm him? He's Hailey's son; why would I harm him? Those stocks will indeed go up next week, provided he's not greedy and doesn't lose money. Amara, did I do something wrong?"
Amara just quietly watched him step into her life. She felt powerless to resist. When did it start? It seemed to be when Kingsley's parents showed up, and her relationship with Kingsley seemed to change. Maybe it was when Kingsley said he had broken up with Hannah.
Amara felt a bit self-deprecating. She knew in her heart that a large part of their current situation was due to physical attraction. To put it bluntly, he used his charm to seduce her, and they had a past relationship. Without moral constraints, it was easy for them to have sex.
Kingsley finished tying his tie and came over to gently touch her face.
He said softly, "As long as you ask, I can help Billy! Amara, you want Hailey to be happy too, right?"
Amara smiled faintly. "Kingsley, your kindness always comes with conditions, doesn't it?"
He didn't deny it. A born businessman, he was sent abroad by his father at 18 to fend for himself. Without making a name for himself, he had no right to come back and take over the Hawkins Group.
He was like that, and so were Johnny and Gavin!
In the future, Leopold and Jesse would have to follow the same path.
But for now, he didn't want to scare Amara because clearly, Amara's parenting philosophy was different from his. To Amara, Jesse was delicate, innocent, and adorable. But Jesse had the Hawkins Family blood in him, and even the cutest child would become different under elite education.
Kingsley didn't want to argue with her. He leaned in and kissed her, saying softly, "The snow outside is quite thick. I'll drive you to work."
After saying that, he frowned. Kingsley probably thought of Landon. According to Jimmy, Landon and Caitlyn had broken up recently after being together for two or three years. Kingsley could sense Amara's change because of Landon, but he chose not to mention it.
Amara also took a coat from the closet. As she pulled it out, she saw his clothes intertwined with hers and paused for a moment. As she put on the coat, she said softly, "You don't have to go out of your way to stay over."
Kingsley carefully considered her words.
She didn't take his diamond ring, wouldn't move to his place, and didn't want to live with him.
She hadn't accepted him in her heart.
Last night was just a moment of passion. She regretted it, but her pride wouldn't let her say it.
Kingsley smiled faintly.
He leaned in and kissed the corner of her mouth. "Drive safely! Come back early tonight, and we'll have dinner together!"
Amara forced a smile.
At that moment, Jesse woke up, and Kingsley went over to play with him. Jesse was very close to him.
At eight o'clock, Amara left on time.
Kingsley was still playing with Jesse.
Amara went downstairs, opened the car door, and sat inside. Through the car window, she quietly watched the snow outside. After a long time, she started the car, but about a mile from home, she pulled over and walked into a pharmacy, buying a box of birth control pills. Back in the car, she opened her thermos, took out the pills, and swallowed them.
Back then, after she had sex with Kingsley, she also took birth control pills, but she still ended up pregnant.
The pills were a bit bitter. After taking them, she sat in a daze for a while before driving off.
Not far away, a white Bentley was parked.
Kingsley's long fingers rested on the steering wheel, quietly watching Amara walk into the pharmacy and then come out. She sat in the car for about 10 minutes before leaving. He could guess that she had taken birth control pills.
From last night's sex until now, they had spent so much time together, and she didn't say a word but chose to take birth control pills herself. Her intentions were crystal clear.
Kingsley lowered his eyes. She must see him as just a one-night stand. He had thought her heart was moved by him, that she wanted to start over with him, but in reality, he was nothing!
He really wanted to know, in Amara's heart, did he matter at all?
How did she define their relationship?
Amara drove for an hour before reaching the office, almost late.
As soon as she entered the office, Landon called her in through the intercom. Amara pushed the door open and walked in. Landon was on the phone. Seeing her come in, he said a few more words before hanging up.
Landon took out a cigarette and lit it. "The people from the Ascend Global Group arrived early! We're not the only ones in Syeattel who want to close this deal; many others are trying to snatch it. There's a dinner tonight, and you're coming with me!"
Landon took a couple of puffs. "This deal will go through our company here. Amara, I should be returning to the Bostan headquarters next year, and someone needs to keep an eye on things here!"
Landon got up, walked over to Amara, and lightly patted her shoulder.
Amara understood what he meant.
Landon took a deep drag on his cigarette. "Once this is done, I'll give you one percent of the Carter Group's shares!"
He had been grooming and appreciating Amara, not entirely out of personal feelings.
Landon came from a humble background. Returning to the Carter Family and establishing himself wasn't easy; he needed trusted aides, and Amara was one of them. Of course, he also knew about Amara and Kingsley's relationship.
He stubbed out his cigarette and said, "Amara, only what you hold is truly yours."
Amara understood this principle.
Three years ago, Landon's proposal wouldn't have attracted her at all, but now she had Jesse to support, and she always remembered Kingsley's words that she wasn't fit to be his wife.
Without anything, how could she talk about love?
Amara nodded. "Mr. Carter, I understand!"
Landon's gaze lingered on her face for a long time, as if reminiscing about something. Finally, he just smiled. "Alright, go back to work!"
Amara left.
Landon leaned against his desk, lit another cigarette, and thought of Caitlyn.
But he just smiled.
At five in the evening, Kingsley texted Amara: [What time do you get off work?]
Amara then remembered his invitation.
He was probably planning to come over again tonight. She thought for a moment and replied: [I have an unavoidable dinner tonight.]
Kingsley didn't make things difficult for her.
He sat in his leather chair, playing with his phone. Rebecca softly reminded him, "It's the Ascend Global Group project with a profit of around $4 billion. Landon is very focused on it."
Kingsley spun his chair without saying a word.
Rebecca didn't dare speak further. She felt like Kingsley was jealous.
Landon was almost 20 years older than Amara; how could they possibly be together? Besides, weren't there recent rumors about Landon and Caitlyn?
Landon brought Amara to the dinner at Luminous Club Oasis. He was determined to secure this project, so he offered very favorable terms, which pleased the people from the Ascend Global Group.
Moreover, there weren't many companies in the country more reliable than the Carter Group.
After a four-hour dinner, the deal was basically settled, just short of signing the letter of intent.
Landon drank quite a bit.
As his secretary and the project lead, Amara also drank a lot. By midnight, after seeing off the people from the Ascend Global Group, Amara leaned over the sink, unable to recover for a long time.
Others only knew her as Landon's capable assistant, but only she knew how much she had sacrificed to get to where she was today!
Landon leaned against the wall, watching her thin shoulders and the soft nape of her neck. After a long time, he tilted his head back and gently exhaled smoke.
After three years with Amara by his side, he finally opened up, perhaps because he had drunk too much.
His voice was raspy. "Amara, my original plans for you weren't like this."
Amara was drunk but still conscious. "Mr. Carter! You've had too much to drink!"
She turned to stop him, but Landon continued, "Amara, let me finish!"
He took a deep drag on his cigarette and said, "I've never been so conflicted! On one hand, I hope you and Kingsley reconcile, after all, you have a child together. But on the other hand, I hope he marries quickly after returning to Syeattel, so you and he will have no future together. Even if he later finds out about Jesse, the Hawkins Family would never allow him to leave and marry you because the Hawkins Family can't afford to be embarrassed! But after Kingsley returned, before he got married, he met you again!"
"Mr. Carter!"
Landon smiled. "This is great! It takes away the hassle of deciding!"
He stepped forward, raising his hand as if to touch her hair.
At this moment, his nose tingled with emotion. He had treated Amara well but not kindly. Everything she had now was earned through her own efforts, which made him respect her even more.
Amara wanted to avoid him but didn't.
She deeply respected Landon because he saved her from the depths, gave her everything, and helped her start anew. To her, Landon was like an elder. Now, he might be feeling a bit sentimental. Amara knew it wasn't because of her. She was about to speak when her gaze froze.
Opposite the restroom, Kingsley stood quietly. He observed Amara and Landon's interaction, noting their deep emotional connection—one he had never shared with Amara.
At that moment, Kingsley realized that Amara valued Landon more than him.
As the heir to the Hawkins Family, he naturally wouldn't lower himself to fight Landon here. He simply said to Amara, "I'll wait for you in the car."
Amara looked at him.
Landon held his forehead. "Kingsley! Let me explain..."
Kingsley's tone was icy. "I should thank Mr. Carter for taking care of Amara these past few years!" With that, he left.
Landon turned to Amara, exhaling lightly. "Did I cause you trouble? Amara, you can choose to resign now."
As for what he owed her, he would give it.
Amara shook her head. "I won't resign."
Seeing Landon uncomfortable from drinking, she said softly, "Mr. Carter, you've always been wrong! You think you can't let go of me when you return to Bostan, but if Caitlyn were in my position, being forced to drink, would you bear it?"
Landon was slightly stunned.
Amara turned on the faucet, splashing cold water on her face. She continued calmly, "You wouldn't, would you? Mr. Carter, do I need to tell you who is important in your heart? Many people in the company, including Caitlyn, think I rely on your favor to thrive here, but that's not true! The reason I've stayed by your side is because of Caitlyn. Of course, you haven't treated Caitlyn well either. You let Caitlyn stay in the spotlight because you don't really care. If you did, you'd keep her at home."
Landon just looked at Amara.
At this moment, he couldn't articulate his feelings. Had he been too harsh on Amara?
Amara composed herself and said, "I'll have the driver take you home."
Landon replied softly, "I want to be alone for a while."
After ensuring he was alright, Amara stepped aside to call the driver, then left.
She had come in a company car, and at this late hour, taxis were scarce.
As she went downstairs, she saw a white Bentley parked by the roadside.
Amara thought for a moment, walked over, and opened the passenger door. She got in and saw Kingsley smoking. She didn't say anything. After a long time, Kingsley finally spoke, "Amara, are we just sex partners now?"
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