Chapter 394 Daniel Asking Amelia for a Favor
Amelia nodded slightly, and Frederick handed the kite to Susan, who was standing to the side.
Susan took the kite and watched as Frederick carried Anna upstairs.
Seeing the slightly grim expressions on Amelia and Frederick's faces, Anna understood that they had something to handle. Obediently, she stayed nestled in Frederick's arms as he carried her upstairs.
"Uncle Frederick, can we fly the kite later?" she asked, her wide eyes looking up at him, full of hope.
Frederick felt a pang of helplessness as she reverted back to calling him "Uncle Frederick." He had just managed to coax her into calling him "Daddy," but now she slipped back into her old habits.
Frederick sighed internally, regretting ever letting her call him "Uncle Frederick" in the first place.
Meanwhile, Amelia stepped into the living room, and soon, the security personnel brought Daniel and Selah inside.
Selah placed a variety of Amelia's favorite fruits on the table, smiling kindly. She looked around the living room but didn't see Anna or Vincent, so she asked, "Where are Vincent and Anna? Why aren't they here?"
Amelia, with a calm expression, invited them to sit down before replying, "My dad went fishing, and Anna is with her father."
Selah's expression turned slightly awkward upon hearing this. She sat down on the couch rather stiffly and asked discreetly, "Have you and Mr. Hastings really reconciled?"
Ignoring the inquiry, Amelia poured a glass of water for Selah, placing it gently before her."Mrs. Vanderbilt, is there something you and Daniel need to discuss with me today?" she asked politely.
Selah, initially intending to ease into the conversation, was caught off guard by Amelia’s candor. Her inner turmoil was evident as she glanced at Daniel before sipping her water, reluctant to speak first.
Daniel sighed deeply, acknowledging his mother's glance. He began to speak. "Amelia, we're here about Ruth. Ruth has been detained for a while now, and the case is still under investigation. The lawyer said that if we could get a letter of pardon from you, the case can be kept under wraps. I'm asking you to forgive Ruth's behavior for my sake."
Amelia listened quietly to Daniel, her expression remaining unchanged. She had anticipated this request the moment the security personnel informed her of their visit. Without hesitation, she replied, "I'm sorry, Daniel, but I can't agree to that. Ruth put my life in danger."
Daniel frowned, looking at Amelia with distaste, clearly displeased with her immediate refusal.
Amelia met his gaze steadily and stated calmly, "You know what happened, Daniel. She wanted to get everyone on that boat arrested by the police. Todd is still hiding in Fondaniss, worried about being implicated. If I hadn't discovered it early, everyone on that boat, except you, would have had their careers and futures ruined. In this situation, Daniel, I'm not inclined to do you any favors."
Amelia's words were decisive, shutting Daniel out from pleading any further.
Selah put down her glass and coughed lightly, glaring at Daniel. She said, "I support Amelia's stance. Wrongdoings should be punished. Ruth's actions were reckless and would have affected so many people on that boat. She hasn't even married into the Vanderbilt family yet, so this is a good opportunity to sever ties with her. Lucy is still waiting for you in Fondaniss, Daniel. Don't be foolish."
Selah had never supported Daniel's decision to beg Amelia for mercy. Now that Amelia had refused, Selah felt vindicated. She had never liked Ruth and was glad to see her in trouble.
Daniel frowned, displeased with Selah, and said in a low voice, "Mom, if it weren't for your meddling, this wouldn't have happened. You bear some responsibility for this. You saw the DNA test report; Ruth is carrying my child."
Selah was momentarily speechless, unable to respond to Daniel's accusation.
She took a deep breath, her face reddening, but restrained herself in front of Amelia.
Amelia, sensing the tension, turned her gaze away from Daniel and said calmly, "If you're only here for Ruth, then please leave. I won't sign the letter of pardon. I have no personal grudge against her, but she has always targeted me. Now that she has acted in such a harmful way, she should face the consequences."
She continued, her voice steady, "As my sister once said, if we hadn't let her off in high school, perhaps none of this would have happened. Sometimes, being kind to others just means planting the seeds of your own potential destruction."
Selah quickly nodded in agreement, "Exactly! She's always been full of bad intentions."
Daniel's face became grim and he glared at Selah with displeasure. "Mom!"
Selah, undeterred, snorted and set her glass down. Turning to Amelia, she smiled and said, "Amelia, sorry to intrude on your personal time. We'll leave now. I have a flight to Fondaniss tomorrow. Let's catch up next time you're in Fondaniss."
Selah stood up from the couch. Amelia also stood up to see her off. After all, Selah had taken good care of Amelia in Fondaniss.
Daniel, however, remained seated on the couch, showing no intention of getting up.
Selah looked at Daniel in confusion and demanded, "Let's go, Daniel."
Daniel sighed deeply, locking eyes with Amelia. "Amelia, when you were in Fondaniss, I took good care of you. You owe me a favor."
Amelia's frown deepened, but Daniel pressed on, his voice growing more desperate. "I know I'm being shameless, but this concerns Ruth's future. If she goes to prison, her life will be ruined. So, can you please sign the letter of pardon as a favor to me?"
Selah was shocked, having not expected Daniel to say such things about Ruth in front of Amelia.
Amelia was also taken aback but quickly regained her composure. "Daniel, are you trying to use our years of friendship as leverage to get me to sign the letter of pardon?" she asked calmly.
Daniel nodded decisively. "Yes."
As soon as he finished speaking, a cold laugh could be heard coming from above them. All eyes turned to see Frederick standing on the balcony, Anna perched comfortably in his arms. His gaze bore into Daniel, filled with contempt and disdain, his presence exuding an unspoken challenge.
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