Chapter 468 Lead the Way
Jessica's blunt comments didn't bother Amelia, which was a huge relief for everyone. The dinner was supposed to be a farewell, and nobody wanted any drama.
As the night wrapped up, people started leaving, and Ulysses, who had other plans, took off early, leaving Amelia to take Jessica back to her hotel.
"I'll get you back to the hotel," Amelia said, grabbing her handbag like nothing had happened earlier.
"Sure," Jessica replied, following Amelia to the front desk where she settled the bill.
While they waited, Jessica held a bottle of mineral water to wash away the taste of alcohol and looked around.
Layla's voice suddenly cut through the air. "Amelia?"
Amelia's eyes narrowed at the familiar, unwelcome voice. Layla walked over, acting like she didn't notice the cold reception, her demeanor annoyingly pleasant. "Are you here for dinner too?"
Amelia shot her a cold look. "What? Do you own shares in this restaurant or something?"
Layla hesitated, noticing the hostility in Amelia's eyes. Her smile faded a bit. "Of course not, just thought it was a coincidence. Frederick and your sister are dining here too. Lots of familiar faces around. Want to join us?"
As Layla spoke, she reached out to grab Amelia's hand. Amelia looked at Layla's hand on her wrist and stayed silent for a few seconds.
Jessica noticed Amelia's hesitation and raised an eyebrow. She remembered that the Davis family only had Rachel and Amelia as sisters. When did they get another sister?
She looked at Layla, confused, and extended her hand. "Hi, I'm Dr. Davis's colleague. I've never seen you around Dr. Davis before. May I ask who you are?"
Layla looked at Jessica's outstretched hand, let go of Amelia's hand, and her smile became more gracious. "Nice to meet you. I'm Amelia's mother, Layla Murphy."
Jessica's surprise was obvious. "Ms. Murphy, are you joking? Dr. Davis's mother passed away years ago. Everyone knows Mr. Davis raised both Amelia and Rachel alone."
Layla's face darkened as she tried to pull her hand away from Jessica's firm grip, but Jessica held on, her smile steady. "Ms. Murphy, it's strange. Everyone knows you abandoned your family. Showing up now and claiming to be their mother… you must have your reasons."
Layla's composure cracked. "You don't know anything, so don't talk nonsense."
Amelia's eyes flashed coldly as she agreed softly, "Jessica's right. Weren't you the one who left us for another life? And now you expect us to welcome you back with open arms?"
Layla's face stiffened, and she looked at Amelia with a probing gaze. She had always thought of Amelia as weak, which was why she dared to bully her. If Rachel were here today, she might not have dared to come over and say hello.
But something about Amelia seemed different tonight. Layla couldn't quite put her finger on it, but it left her feeling uneasy.
Amelia turned to Jessica, her voice calm but firm. "I might not be able to take you back. Should I call a cab for you?"
Jessica waved it off. "No worries, I'll grab a cab myself." Handing Amelia the water bottle, she added with a knowing smile, "Take care."
Amelia took the bottle, watched Jessica leave the restaurant, then turned to Layla with a cold stare. "Ms. Murphy, weren't you inviting me to join you? Lead the way."
Layla's expression shifted slightly. She had wanted to show Amelia how well Nancy and Frederick were getting along, but now, seeing Amelia's calm demeanor, she felt a bit uneasy. "If you still need to see your colleague off, then forget it."
Amelia looked at Layla coldly. "Why, Ms. Murphy, are you afraid my presence will affect your daughter and Frederick?"
Layla smiled helplessly. "Amelia, that's not what I meant. If you want to come, I'll take you."
Amelia followed Layla to the door of a private room, where an attendant opened the door. Layla turned to Amelia with a meaningful smile. "Are you sure you want to go in?"
Amelia didn't answer Layla's question. She placed the bottle of mineral water on the counter where the attendant stood and softly instructed, "Please add an extra set of utensils."
The attendant nodded.
Amelia then walked directly into the private room. Inside, many people were toasting Frederick and Nancy.
As Amelia stepped inside, the man who was flattering Nancy with a toast visibly trembled. For a moment, he thought it was Rachel. He stammered, "Ms. Davis?"
Amelia walked to the table, and both Nancy and Frederick looked at her.
Layla quickly stepped forward, smiling as she spoke. "I ran into Amelia downstairs, and she insisted on coming up."
Amelia naturally sat in the chair Layla had pulled out for her, looked at Layla, and frowned slightly. "Ms. Murphy, if I recall correctly, you dragged me up here to witness your daughter's closeness with Frederick. Didn't you want me to see how well they're getting along?"
Frederick's jaw tightened at Amelia's pointed tone, his grip on the wine glass tightening. Before he could respond, Amelia continued, her eyes fixed on Layla. "And now you're trying to twist it around?"
Layla's face hardened, glancing nervously at Frederick, who looked displeased and confused.
Nancy's face mirrored the tension. She had just started getting closer to Frederick, and now Layla had brought Amelia up. What would Frederick think of her?
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