Chapter 654 You Look Troubled, Is Something Wrong?
Landon turned his head, and after a beat, he gave a faint smile and said, "Nope!"
Then, he asked casually, "How's she been lately?"
Amara knew Landon was dodging the question. He probably wanted Kingsley's help after getting turned down by Caitlyn in Seattle last time.
Amara replied softly, "She's doing okay. But Mr. Robinson passed away last month, leaving Mrs. Robinson and her alone. Mrs. Robinson's been in a bad mood and takes it out on her a lot."
Landon got anxious. "Her mom hit her again?"
Amara stayed silent.
Landon didn't push further. He knew Amara couldn't meddle too much in the Robinson family's business.
After a moment of silence, Landon said, "You've done a great job managing the branch. The headquarters is really happy with you! Amara, if you're up for it, there's a spot for you at the Boston headquarters. The pay and stock options are way better than in Seattle. But if you want to stay in Seattle, just forget I mentioned it."
Amara smiled faintly. "Mr. Carter, I'll think about it!"
Landon gently closed his eyes to rest, seeking a moment's respite as Amara inspected the job transfer letter he had placed in her hands.
Amara dropped Landon off at the hotel and then took a car back to the office.
All afternoon, she sat in her office, quietly staring at the letter. To be honest, it was really tempting. The combined salary and stock options for a senior position at the Carter Group amounted to at least six million dollars, way more than at the Seattle branch.
If Amara accepted, she could make a big social leap by herself, ensuring that Jesse and even Hailey would be well taken care of. In the past, she would have jumped at the chance without a second thought.
But now she was hesitant. Her relationship had been going pretty well lately.
They co-parented their child, occasionally had dinner alone at the apartment, and even hooked up sometimes. Though it wasn't frequent, it felt almost like they were dating again. She had to consider Kingsley's feelings.
Lost in thought, she got a call from Naomi, who she was really close with. "Naomi, are you asking me to pick up Nicole?"
On the other end, Naomi was sobbing uncontrollably. She stammered, "Amara, Billy..."
Amara guessed something serious had happened and quickly tried to calm Naomi down. "Take your time and tell me what's wrong. Don't worry, I'll help you figure it out!"
Naomi finally broke down in tears. "Billy's in big trouble! Amara, can you come back?"
Amara was already on her feet. "I'll be right there!"
With that, she grabbed her car keys and left, leaving the transfer letter on the desk.
Half an hour later, Kingsley was nearby for a business meeting and decided to drop by to see Amara and have a cup of coffee with her. But when he arrived, Amara's secretary said she had gone out.
Kingsley frowned slightly but said, "I'll wait for her in her office."
Given his special status as both the president of the Hawkins Group and Amara's boyfriend, the secretary didn't dare to stop him. Kingsley entered the office, feeling curious.
After looking around, his eyes fell on the letter on the desk. He picked it up and glanced at it—Amara had been promoted again!
Amara drove to the old apartment where Billy and his wife were now living.
When she opened the door, Hailey was there with Naomi.
Naomi was already in a state of panic. When she saw Amara, she wanted to get up but was too weak to move. Her voice was low and hoarse. "Amara, I'm sorry. I didn't know who else to ask for help."
Amara quickly supported her.
Hailey, who was also wiping away tears, told Amara, "For the past six months, I've watched Billy make quick money. Despite my warnings, he believed he had a strong backer. But this time, he made a costly mistake. He took a batch of goods worth at least two million dollars from his boss, but they got soaked in transit and are now worthless! Now his boss is holding him there. I don't feel sorry for Billy, but I do for Naomi and Nicole."
Hailey was fuming! She'd rather Billy do some honest work to support the family. Despite Amara's repeated warnings, he insisted on making quick money. Now, he was in deep trouble.
Amara was also shocked. Two million dollars was no small amount. Even her current annual salary was just about that, and she hadn't even received it yet; most of it would come at the end of the year.
Amara thought for a moment and said, "If there's no other way, we'll have to mortgage this house first."
This house still had a mortgage, and even with her money added, it was only about a million dollars, still far from enough!
Hailey refused to let Amara bear the burden, and Naomi couldn't accept her help either. Both women were overwhelmed with despair, their tears a constant reminder of their helplessness.
Hailey had been a great help to her, and no matter how foolish Billy was, she had to help them through this crisis. Amara quickly listed the house online. Because the price was low, someone came to see the house within half an hour, and it was sold that evening.
Naomi refused to live in the villa, so Amara rented a place for her.
That night, Billy called. On the phone, he said that even if they had the money, it wouldn't help. His boss wanted to cut off one of his hands. Billy, who usually spoke lightly and slickly, was now very scared and even sobbed a few times on the phone.
"If he loses a hand, what will we do?" Naomi cried.
Someone on the other end took the phone, speaking coldly, "Billy had an affair with my boss's lover, Tessa, and conspired with her to steal my goods. Cutting off one hand is letting him off easy! But Billy was unlucky; he fell for Tessa's trick, and it turns out Tessa had another lover!"
Amara was stunned into silence. Naomi turned as pale as a ghost, and Hailey's face flushed with shame. The full weight of Billy's betrayal and foolishness threatened to tear the family apart.
When Amara returned to the villa, it was already very late, and she came back alone. As soon as she walked in, Nicole ran into her arms.
Nicole was crying so sadly, "Aunt Amara! My dad won't die, will he?"
Amara gently stroked Nicole's hair and asked her, "How do you know?"
Nicole sniffled. "Mom called to take me away, but Mr. Hawkins heard and wouldn't let me go!"
Amara looked up and saw Kingsley standing in the foyer. He must have been back for a while. The buttons of his dark gray shirt were undone, and his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing his strong, attractive forearms. Under the bright crystal chandelier, his features looked even more striking.
Nicole also turned her head and softly called, "Mr. Hawkins!"
Nicole was smart. No one had told her, but she knew Kingsley was very capable and could handle anything.
Kingsley didn't say much. He looked at Amara and asked, "You haven't eaten yet, have you? I'll have Hazel make something for you; she's really good at cooking!"
Amara hesitated.
Kingsley looked deeply at her, then turned and walked into the living room.
"Mr. Hawkins!" Nicole murmured, then looked up at Amara and asked hoarsely, "Will Dad die?"
Amara hugged her sadly. "No, he won't!"
She called a servant to take care of Nicole and help with her homework. Then she went into the living room.
Jesse was riding a small wooden horse, which Kingsley had personally made for him recently. Jesse loved it, and Snowflake was tumbling around nearby. As for Kingsley, he was sitting at the dining table, reading a newspaper. Clearly, he intended to have dinner with her!
Amara walked over awkwardly. As soon as she sat down next to him, she heard Kingsley mutter, "Poisoning, electrocution, cutting off hands and feet—gangs these days are really ruthless and brutal!"
Amara couldn't stand hearing such things. She wanted to speak.
Kingsley put down the newspaper and asked her, "You look troubled. Is something wrong?"
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
