After being forced to take care of Oliver in the hospital for a day, Amelia finally got the chance to see her grandmother.
Oliver, seeing how obedient Amelia had been and how well she had taken care of him, was recovering quickly.
"This is your reward. You need to understand that if you behave, you get to see your grandmother," he said in a tone that exuded authority. Amelia quietly agreed.
Nothing was more important than her grandmother.
Her grandmother had been transferred to one of Oliver's hospitals. Without his permission, it would have been nearly impossible for Amelia to visit her.
On the way to her grandmother's room, Amelia kept telling herself to stay composed and not let her grandmother notice anything was wrong. Her grandmother was sharp-eyed and would easily pick up on any distress.
Entering the room, she saw her grandmother chatting happily with the nurse. Seeing her grandmother unharmed and in good spirits, Amelia felt a wave of relief. It seemed Oliver still had some humanity left.
"Grandma," she called out, and all her pent-up emotions surged forward. Tears rolled down her cheeks.
"Oh, my dear, what's wrong? Has someone been bullying you?" her grandmother asked, full of concern, beckoning Amelia into her arms.
Amelia cried in her grandmother's embrace for a while, then, not wanting to worry her, lied, "I've just been really busy with work lately. I'm a bit overwhelmed, and I lost control of my emotions."
"If you're feeling down, just tell Grandma. If you're tired, take a break. Life isn't just about work. Where's Lucas? Why didn't he come with you? Don't worry about me, and don't put too much pressure on yourself. I thought the previous hospital was fine. Moving here is nice, but let's not waste money unnecessarily. I don't want you to be overburdened."
Her grandmother's words were full of concern for Amelia, her only family in the world. Her grandmother was her bottom line.
When her grandmother mentioned Lucas, Amelia, afraid the truth would upset her, brushed it off with vague responses.
She couldn't tell her grandmother about her current predicament. The elderly woman couldn't solve her problems and would only worry more.
"That's good. Lucas is a good man. You should cherish him. When I'm gone, he'll take good care of you."
"Don't say that, Grandma. You'll live a long life!"
As for work, Oliver had sabotaged her studio. To ensure her grandmother's well-being if Oliver ever tired of her, Amelia began actively looking for a job after leaving the hospital.
However, the clause in the agreement requiring her to be on call at all times made it difficult for her to find steady work.
But fortune smiled upon her. A friend from abroad, who had started a studio and was in a growth phase, offered her a job.
Amelia was thrilled, feeling a renewed sense of hope.
The meeting place was a French restaurant. As she walked in, she saw Zoe Turner waving at her with a smile.
"Amelia, over here!"
Amelia smiled back, walked over, and set her bag down, asking if Zoe had ordered yet.
Zoe didn't answer directly, saying instead, "Let's wait a bit. There are two more people you know who haven't arrived yet. Do you mind?"
Amelia smiled graciously. Being the one seeking a job, she couldn't afford to be picky. Besides, she knew them. "Of course not. You're the host, you decide."
Zoe laughed and teased her for her flattery, then welcomed the newcomers.
Amelia turned and saw Lucas and his roommate from abroad, Aiden Taylor.
What's going on? Amelia gave Zoe a questioning look.
Zoe blushed and introduced Aiden Taylor as her boyfriend, then playfully scolded Lucas, "Why didn't you tell Amelia about us? You're not being a good boyfriend."
Amelia understood. Lucas hadn't told their mutual friends about their breakup, only that he had upset her.
She didn't expose him, not wanting to embarrass him in front of others.
Throughout the meal, Lucas kept serving Amelia food. Amelia's face remained neutral, giving Lucas a false sense of hope.
During the meal, Zoe couldn't help but tease, "Amelia, you're lucky to have found someone as good as Lucas. You should cherish him."
Lucas, flattered, continued serving food, waiting for Zoe and Aiden Taylor to leave.
Once they were gone, Lucas spoke earnestly, "Amelia, you know I love you. I'm willing to go against Oliver for you. Please believe in me! Together, we can..."
"Enough, Lucas. Face reality. Neither of us can stand up to Oliver. I don't want you to get hurt. This is between Oliver and me. I don't want to drag you into it."
Lucas didn't want to listen. He tried to kiss her to stop her from talking.
But Amelia turned her head away and said self-deprecatingly, "Lucas, I'm not worth your sacrifice. You deserve a bright future, not to be held back by me. You should find someone who matches your status. Trust me, Lucas, you deserve better."
Lucas was unwilling to accept that he had lost Amelia to a reckless adventure, especially to Oliver.
"Amelia, please believe in me. I'll take you away. We'll go abroad, to a country you like. How about that?"
His voice took on a pleading tone.
Seeing him so dejected, Amelia felt a pang of guilt. She had initially been with him because of her grandmother's medical bills, essentially using his feelings.
She needed to be ruthless, to cut ties cleanly, so Lucas wouldn't get too deeply involved and hurt.
"Lucas, don't waste your time on me. I'm not worth it. I don't deserve your love."
Her serious and stern attitude made Lucas realize that Amelia truly didn't want him anymore.
In the distance, Chloe and her friends passed by, witnessing the scene. Chloe, with a sly smile, muttered, "Amelia, daring to fool around outside."
She secretly took photos of Amelia and Lucas, planning to use them as leverage against Amelia.
Amelia, after delivering her harsh words, left decisively, leaving Lucas standing alone.