Chapter 44 Chapter 44
Chapter 44
“Stop at the mall,” Amelia said, her tone calm but firm.
The driver immediately pulled over in front of the luxury shopping mall that glittered even at night. The clock on the dashboard read 8:47 p.m., and most stores were beginning to close, but Amelia didn’t care.
She stepped out gracefully, the click of her red heels echoing on the marble floor as she entered the mall.
Inside, lights shimmered off glass counters filled with rare items — gold watches, limited-edition pens, imported cigars, and bottles of wine worth more than most people’s yearly income.
She walked straight to a store known for catering to the city’s richest men. “Good evening, Miss Drake,” the manager greeted quickly, recognizing her immediately. “How may we assist you tonight?”
“I need something special,” she said softly, her voice laced with confidence. “Something that would please a man like Richard Castellan.”
The manager’s smile grew wider. “Of course, ma’am. We just received a set of limited-edition whiskey bottles from Scotland. Only five in the country.”
“Perfect,” she said, brushing her fingers along the glass case. “I’ll take one.”
He hesitated before mentioning, “It’s a hundred and fifty thousand dollars, ma’am.”
She didn’t even blink. “Pack it.”
Within minutes, the purchase was done. The manager personally carried the box out to her car. The whiskey was encased in a dark wooden chest, with gold carvings and Richard Castellan’s kind of taste written all over it.
“Thank you, Miss Drake. It’s always an honor to serve you,” the manager said, bowing slightly.
Amelia smiled faintly, adjusting her shawl. “You’ll see me again soon.”
She turned to her driver. “Take me to the Castellan Villa.”
“Yes, Miss Drake,” he said, closing the door behind her.
After a few minutes, the Castellan Villa came into view — the massive gates, the guards standing straight, and the familiar feeling of power in the air.
The guards recognized the car instantly and opened the gates.She stepped out, holding the box carefully as she walked up the marble stairs. The guards greeted her with respect.
“Good evening, Miss Drake.”
“Evening,” she replied with a small smile.
She could already see light from the living room through the glass doors. Richard was still awake. Perfect.
She entered the house without waiting to be announced. “Mr. Castellan?” she called softly.
Richard turned from the sitting area, surprised but pleased. “Amelia! You again? You’ll spoil us.”
“I couldn’t sleep,” she said smoothly, setting the wooden box on the table. “So I thought I’d bring you something special. I saw this at the mall and immediately thought of you.”
Richard smiled warmly. “What have you brought this time?”
She opened the box slowly, revealing the crystal whiskey bottle, the liquid inside shimmering under the light. “The kind of drink that reminds you of youth and power,” she said lightly.
He chuckled. “You really do know my taste.”
She poured him a small glass without waiting to be told. “Just a little. You shouldn’t drink too much at your age.”
He laughed again. “You sound like Maria.”
Amelia smiled faintly. “I just care, sir. You’ve always been kind to me.”
He took a sip and sighed. “This is excellent.”
“I’m glad you like it,” she said, sitting beside him.
Richard studied her quietly. “You didn’t have to do all this, Amelia.”
“I wanted to,” she said simply. “You’ve always treated me like family. And no matter what happens between me and Ethan, that won’t change.”
Richard frowned slightly at Ethan’s name. “You shouldn’t take that boy’s behavior personally. He’s… complicated.”
Amelia gave a soft laugh. “Complicated is one word for it.”
Richard leaned back. “He’ll come around. He always does. Ethan may be stubborn, but he’s still my son.”
Amelia looked at him with a gentle expression. “I believe that too.”
But inside, her mind whispered — No, he won’t. Not unless I make him.
She came solely to manipulate Richard Castellan, carefully crafting the image of being the perfect match for Ethan.
She knew that by playing her cards right, Richard would go to any lengths to make sure Ethan ended up with her.
She had left his penthouse that night in silence, but inside, she had been breaking apart.
Now she looked at Richard with practiced gentleness. “He just needs time, sir. He’s been through a lot lately.”
“Time doesn’t fix everything,” Richard muttered. “He needs someone to remind him of what he’s missing.”
Her eyes brightened for a second, but she kept her tone even. “Maybe I will.”
Richard nodded. “Do that. Talk to him. You’re the only one he listens to, even if he pretends otherwise.”
She smiled again, hiding her satisfaction. “I’ll try, Mr. Castellan. You know I’ve always cared for him.”
“I know you have,” he said sincerely. “You’re a good woman, Amelia. My son doesn’t know how lucky he is.”
She almost laughed. If only you knew, she thought.
She stood up after a few more polite exchanges. “I should leave now. I just wanted to make sure you were doing fine.”
“Thank you for visiting,” Richard said kindly. “You always bring light into this house.”
She smiled at that, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Take care of yourself, sir.”
As she turned to leave, she noticed Maria Castellan standing at the top of the stairs.
Ethan’s mother gave her a small nod but didn’t speak. Amelia greeted her with a warm smile. “Good Evening, Mrs. Castellan.”
Maria returned the smile briefly. “It’s been a while, Amelia. You look lovely.”
“Thank you,” Amelia said softly. “You haven’t changed either.”
Maria said nothing else, only watching as Amelia walked toward the door.
Outside, her driver hurried to open the car door. As soon as she got in, the calm mask on her face cracked.
Her jaw tightened. Her hand clenched around the edge of her purse.
All that fake sweetness, all that polite talk — for what?
She stared out of the window as the car began to move she leaned back, letting her mind wander. She remembered the night he ended things. His words had been calm, not angry, not emotional — just cold.
> “Amelia, this isn’t working. You know that. I can’t do this anymore.”
She had laughed, thinking it was a joke. But when she saw his face, she realized it wasn’t.
She promised herself then that she’d never beg. But now, seeing him slowly drift further
away, something darker was forming inside her — a quiet obsession that felt like fire under her skin.
If she couldn’t have Ethan Castellan, then no one else would.
Her driver interrupted her thoughts. “Miss Drake, should we head straight home?”
She looked at him through the mirror. “No,” she said firmly. “Take me to the flower house downtown.”
“Yes, ma’am.”