Chapter 457 What's Going On?
Amelia pressed her lips together and forced a smile. Her voice was low but firm. "I know. I won't be dumb enough to put all my focus on something as tricky as emotions."
She thought to herself, 'There are too many temptations in this world. A man can't love just one woman forever. Besides, Frederick is a businessman. If he can choose to maximize benefits, he will always choose the best profit.'
Amelia smiled gently. "Go upstairs and rest, Rachel. Don't worry about me."
Rachel nodded slightly and headed upstairs. As she passed the kids' room, she overheard a soft exchange between Anna and Susan.
"Susan, was that person a bad guy?" Anna asked. She had sensed the underlying unease and was now seeking clarity.
Susan caressed Anna's little head, her voice soothing. "You're still young. How could you tell who is good and who is bad?"
Anna frowned, her young mind grappling with adult complexities. "Aunt Rachel will chase away the bad guys."
Having just reached the top of the stairs, Rachel smiled at her niece's trust. She walked into Anna's room, her eyes lighting up as Anna jumped up from the carpet and ran towards her.
"Aunt Rachel, did you chase away the bad guys?" she asked expectantly.
Rachel bent down and picked up Anna, who was hugging her leg, pinching her nose gently. She said softly, "Yes, I've chased away the bad guys. I won't let anyone bully our sweetie."
Anna nodded vigorously. "Mommy won't. Daddy won't. Grandpa won't."
Rachel's smile broadened. "You're right. No one in our family will let you be bullied."
Anna buried her head in Rachel's neck, her voice a bit sad. "But Aunt Rachel, you came home to see me, and Daddy didn't. Does Daddy not like me anymore?"
Rachel's expression became a bit complicated. She quickly comforted, "No. Daddy loves you very much. We all love you, sweetie."
Comforted, Anna's sadness began to lift. Amelia appeared in the doorway, her worry evident. As she took Anna from Rachel's arms, Rachel placed a supportive hand on Amelia's shoulder. "Rachel, go rest," Amelia urged, her voice tinged with concern.
Nodding, Rachel's gaze lingered on Anna before meeting Amelia's eyes. "You need to be mentally prepared," she said, her tone serious.
Amelia's confusion was apparent. "What do you mean?"
Rachel's eyes flicked to Anna, and understanding dawned on Amelia. Her face paled, and she tightened her grip on Anna.
Her voice wavered slightly. "He won't. Frederick knows my bottom line is Anna. He wouldn't be so cruel."
Rachel's worry etched deeper lines into her face. "We'll discuss it after I get back from the company," she said, heading to her room for a brief rest.
Amelia nodded in agreement. "Okay." If Frederick really wanted to fight for Anna's custody, they would have to be fully prepared to respond.
As Rachel departed, Anna looked up at her mother, her innocent eyes full of questions. "Mommy, what were you and Aunt Rachel talking about?"
Amelia forced a smile, trying to keep her composure. "Nothing serious, sweetheart. Aunt Rachel is just a bit tired and needs to rest."
Susan had heard the conversation between Rachel and Amelia earlier and was also very nervous. She looked at Amelia with a worried expression.
Amelia controlled her emotions and took Anna into the children's room to play with her toys.
Rachel's rest was brief. Within half an hour, she emerged from her room, dressed in a commanding black suit, ready for battle. Casey, one of the newer maids, watched her leave with a concerned expression.
"What's going on with Ms. Rachel Davis?" Casey asked Susan, her voice full of curiosity.
Susan's response was stern. "Just do your job, Casey. It's better not to ask too many questions about the family matters."
Casey nodded, albeit with a hint of reluctance. "I understand. I've only been working here for two months, so I don't know much about many things. Thank you for the advice; I'll be more careful in the future."
Susan resumed her tasks, her mind heavy with worry. She knew whatever was happening, it wasn't simple.
Despite Susan's warning, Casey couldn't suppress her curiosity. "Do you think something happened with Mr. Hastings?" she whispered cautiously. "I heard he was arrested. Has he been released?"
Susan shot a cold glance at Casey.
Casey immediately shut up and then muttered, "I'm just worried about Ms. Amelia Davis. I don't have any bad intentions."
Susan's frown deepened, her dissatisfaction evident. "Keep such talk to yourself, especially around Ms. Amelia Davis," she warned.
Casey pursed her lips, then realized something, her eyes showing a bit of surprise, and she asked quietly. "Do you think they broke up?"