Chapter 197 No More Restraint
"Eric?" Amelia blinked. "What are you doing here?"
"Good evening, Miss," Eric replied politely.
Michael had already stepped behind Amelia and taken the envelope from him.
"I asked Eric to bring this over."
"Bring something?" Amelia tilted her head and glanced at Michael, completely unaware of what was inside.
Her curiosity was written plainly on her face. Out of habit, Michael reached up to ruffle her hair like he often did.
But the moment his hand lifted, five sharp stares hit him from across the room simultaneously.
His movement stalled. He caught himself. His hand shifted midair and redirected to his tie, as if he'd only meant to adjust it
The quick pivot almost made Amelia laugh. She had never realized Michael could have such a sharp survival instinct.
Eric, Michael's personal assistant—or more accurately, his long-suffering, always-on-call aide—made a quick exit as soon as the delivery was done.
Michael held the envelope and turned toward Kevin.
"Mr. Martinez," he said, voice low and deliberate, "if you have a moment, I'd like to speak with you."
Kevin read the seriousness in his eyes. He cleared his throat and assumed the role of head of the household. "We can. Mr. Johnson, please join me in the study."
Michael followed him out.
Amelia remained in the living room, sinking into the sofa, her gaze sweeping over her four remaining brothers. Their expressions varied.
Chris's face was calm enough, but his tone carried an edge.as his gaze was fixes on her. "Amelia, do you truly like Michael?"
She met his eyes. "Yes."
Chris paused. "You're young, and Michael is eight years older than you."
"In experience, in mindset, in position—he's ahead of you, ahead of us. That makes him more complicated."
"Our first instinct as your brothers is to worry you'll get hurt."
"But if you genuinely care for him, we'll respect your choice. We'll just make sure we understand him as much as possible."
"If there's even the slightest chance you could be hurt, we'll reconsider your relationship."
Chris wasn't the type to involve himself in others' lives. Before Amelia came along, he might visit the Martinez Mansion once a year—if that—and even then, only briefly.
Now, simply because she had someone she liked, he was voicing concerns about things that hadn't even happened yet. He was showing the same patient caution as Kevin.
"I understand, Chris," Amelia reassured him. "If Michael wasn't worth my feelings, or if he'd hurt me, I would have walked away long ago."
"Exactly," Ryan chipped in, as he slid an arm around her shoulders with easy warmth. "Amelia's smart. She won't get the short end of the stick in a relationship."
"And besides, this is dating, not marriage. No need to be so wound up."
"Michael's handsome, wealthy, no real scandals, and he seems to have decent character. From the way he spoke earlier, I think he cares about you."
"So, if you like him, be with him. If you don't, break up. And when you do, you come back to us. No matter what, you're our baby."
Ryan ruffled her hair, his eyes soft with affection.
Across from them, Zander's gaze cut toward her. "The gift I gave you last time… do you have it with you?"
Gift?
He meant the one from the welcome party at home. All five brothers had given her something, but Chris and Ryan didn't know what Zander had chosen.
Amelia did.
It was a black-gold dagger—beautifully made, sharp enough to cut through metal compact enough to carry. She kept it in her backpack.
And now, while they were talking about her relationship, Zander was asking if she had it on her. The meaning was crystal clear.
Chris and Ryan had a simple rule—if Michael hurt her, the relationship was over. Zander, on the other hand, believed in acting the moment Michael crossed the line.
Zander was true to his reputation—few words, hard stance.
Chris and Ryan kept talking, but Tobias, the loudest one in any room, hadn't said a word all evening.
Amelia noticed and found it strange. Tobias was unusually quiet tonight.
She looked over at him. He quickly turned his head away, avoiding her eyes.
Then he stood abruptly. "I'll go cut some fruit for Amelia."
He stepped into the kitchen, and Amelia followed.
Tobias pulled an apple from the fridge but stood at the sink, staring at nothing.
Amelia tapped his shoulder. "Tobias."
"Uh..." He flinched.
When he turned, Amelia saw the faint redness around his eyes.
She paused, then said his name again, more quietly. "Tobias."
"You followed me in here? I'm just looking for the peeler," Tobias said, uneasy, fumbling through drawers.
But Tobias, who almost never set foot in the kitchen, had no idea where the peeler was kept.
He was still rummaging when Amelia caught his hand. Her voice was steady. "Have you been crying?"
"I haven't been crying," Tobias blurted. "Just got dust in my eye."
"Really?" Amelia's tone didn't shift. "Then look at me. I'll help you find where the dust is."
Her voice was firm—no room for refusal.
Tobias lifted his eyes reluctantly.
The moment their gazes met, his composure cracked. He broke like a child, tears streaming down his face.
"I'm not pretending anymore!"
He dropped the apple into the sink and wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly as the tears poured.
"Michael, that damn man... how did he steal you away so fast?
"Amelia, are you really going to date him? Once you have a boyfriend, will you still come home? Will you still think about us? Between Michael and your brothers... who matters more to you?"