Chapter 141 Beneath the Brothers' Eyes
Aside from Chris and Tobias, none of Amelia's other brothers knew about her connection with Michael.
The last time they had crossed paths was pure coincidence. Amelia had saved Elton's young son, Rex, from a dangerous accident on the street. Lila had brought Rex to the school to thank her personally, and Chris had tagged along.
When they were about to have lunch together, Michael arrived to pick Amelia up. Tobias, suspicious by nature, had trailed them, and suddenly they were all standing face-to-face.
During introductions, Michael had been blunt - no disguises, no polite evasions. He had stated outright that he was pursuing Amelia.
Chris hadn't known Amelia well at the time. It was their first meeting, and he felt no reason to be hostile toward Michael.
Tobias, however, had reacted like a spark hitting dry tinder. He spent the entire meal watching Michael as if guarding against a thief.
The Martinez Group had done business with the Johnson Group before, and Kevin had met Michael in a professional capacity. He remembered vividly the time Vaughn had been poisoned - Michael had publicly defended Amelia, even offering two billion dollars to stand behind her.
Kevin had thought Michael's attitude unusual, but Amelia had later explained it away. She had healed his legs, and he was simply grateful.
That had made sense at the time. But now, hearing Michael call him "Kevin" so casually, Kevin froze.
Gratitude didn't shift into familiarity this quickly. There was something else here.
"Amelia, what is going on?" Kevin's voice was sharp, his posture shifting from polite respect to the authoritative stance of a family patriarch.
Ryan and Zander had heard plenty of rumors about Michael, but this was their first time seeing him in person. Hearing him address Kevin by his first name, and catching the way his gaze lingered on Amelia, Ryan's smile thinned, the edges sharpening.
"Mr. Johnson, are you and Amelia friends?" Ryan asked lightly.
Michael lifted his eyes.
Kevin's expression was guarded. Chris's brow furrowed. Ryan's smile carried a hidden blade. Zander stepped forward, placing himself between Amelia and Michael.
Even men accustomed to high-stakes confrontations found themselves pausing to draw breath.
"Not friends," Michael said without hesitation, his tone low and steady. "I'm in love with Amelia."
The words were out before Amelia could stop him.
Angela's hand trembled around her phone. Kevin's eyes widened. Asher's jaw dropped, the sheer drama hitting him like a tidal wave.
Dorian, watching from the sidelines, lit up with excitement. This was the kind of head-on collision she lived for - a man openly declaring his feelings in front of all five of Amelia's brothers. Did he not fear a five-against-one brawl?
Michael had no idea Angela's phone was streaming live.
Nor did he know that every move he made since entering the shop had been watched by half a million viewers.
At first, the audience was stunned by his appearance and presence. Then came the shock of learning he was the elusive heir to the Johnson Group - the man rumored to be wheelchair-bound, scarred, ruthless. Clearly, gossip had failed them.
And then… the declaration. "I'm in love with Amelia."
A billionaire heir in love with the Martinez family's recently returned, illegitimate daughter from the countryside? The revelation was seismic.
Rumors had tied him to the Williams family, even hinting at a possible alliance through marriage.
By now, anyone who had seen the stream or received a message was rushing toward the dessert house.
Within minutes, the shop was packed. Someone spotted Ryan and screamed.
Noise swelled, drowning out most of the conversation. Ryan switched into public mode, smiling for fans, engaging with practiced charm.
Kevin wanted to press Michael further but had to wait. He pulled Amelia into the storage room, his expression grave.
"Amelia—"
"I like him too, Kevin." She cut him off before he could speak.
"I know exactly what you're worried about."
"You're afraid I'm too young, that I'll be fooled by a man. You're afraid the Johnson family's status will crush me. You're afraid he'll cross boundaries. You're afraid romance will distract me from school."
"But trust me, Michael is a good man. He treats me well. None of those things will happen."
"You'll have plenty of chances to judge him yourself. Today, just let him help me bake the egg tarts. Please?"
She tilted her head, her expression both gentle and resolute.
Kevin's arguments crumbled before he could voice them. Every concern he'd held had been dismantled in seconds.
After a pause, he said, "Fine. For today. But about Michael… we'll talk later."
"No matter what, until you're eighteen and officially together, the most he's allowed is to hold your hand."
"Okay." Amelia's smile was bright, her tone obedient. "I'll do exactly as you say."
Kevin felt a sliver of relief.
When they opened the door, Michael was standing outside.
This time, he didn't say "Kevin." His voice was measured. "Mr. Martinez."
Kevin studied him, inhaling slowly.
Hearing Michael profess his feelings had shocked him. Then came a flood of unease. His sister was young, new to River City, with no understanding of Michael's history or temperament - or the reach of his power.
This was a man who, at eighteen, had overturned the boardroom, driven an ambitious uncle overseas, and secured his position as heir to the Johnson Group. His wealth and influence could crush ordinary people without effort, erase them entirely.
The rumors of his ruthlessness weren't baseless. The Johnson family's succession war had been brutal, and Michael had carved his path through it alone after losing his parents, his grandfather, and seeing his grandmother sent abroad for care.
Even if today's confession seemed genuine, even if Amelia believed he treated her well… that was now. What if his interest faded?
The Martinez family was her only shield. How could they match the Johnson family's power?
Kevin had to think long-term. He feared Amelia being hurt. He feared not being able to protect her.
If Michael ever harmed her, Kevin would risk everything to make the Johnson family pay.
"Mr. Johnson," Kevin said quietly, "hearing about your feelings for Amelia today was unexpected."
"She's not yet eighteen. She's in her final year of high school. This isn't the time for romance or marriage talks."
"No matter how much you like her, we'll discuss this another day."
Michael clasped Kevin's hand firmly. "Until the Martinez family agrees, I won't present myself as her boyfriend. I won't push her into anything she doesn't want."
"With me, she will always be free. You have my word."
When Kevin left, Michael stepped into the storage room.
The noise outside faded to a distant hum.
He pulled her into his arms, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Sorry. Traffic was a mess. I'm late."
Amelia wrapped her arms around his waist, brushing her cheek against his chest. "You just told all five of my brothers you like me. Aren't you afraid they'll punch you?"
"If Kevin did punch me, maybe it would help," Michael said softly. "If I had a sister like you, I'd hate her suitors too. One good punch might make me look better in his eyes."
Amelia laughed, cupping his face. "Who asks to be punched? We agreed to keep this quiet…"
Michael held her tighter after a pause. "I don't want to keep it quiet anymore."
"I don't want to wait until your brothers are asleep to see you. I don't want to hang up when they walk into the room."
"I want everyone to know how much I love you… and I want you to give me a place in your life."