Chapter 66 Aria

Chapter 66 Aria

"Grandpa invited us to dinner at the Phillips Villa," Henry said, straightening up and adopting a more serious tone. "Our first act of cooperation is about to begin."

The two headed to the underground parking lot. Henry quickly walked to a black Bentley, opened the passenger door, and made a gesture inviting Amelia to get in. Amelia didn't move, instead pointing to a white sedan nearby. "I brought my own car, no need to trouble yourself."

"Alright," Henry didn't insist. He walked over to the white sedan, opened the passenger door, and got in, his tone carrying a hint of flirtation. "Riding in my wife's car isn't bad either."

"No need to act on the way there," Amelia said, starting the car, her tone resigned.

"Acting requires full commitment," Henry leaned back in his seat, his gaze falling on her hands gripping the steering wheel. "What if the staff at the Phillips Villa sees us arriving separately? That would blow our cover."

Amelia didn't argue further, focusing on driving.

After a moment of silence in the car, Henry spoke up, his tone appreciative. "You handled the Lily situation well. I thought you'd take the opportunity to crush her completely, but you showed her mercy."

Amelia was taken aback, glancing at him. "What?"

Henry smiled, his eyes full of admiration. "That's my wife, always thinking big."

Amelia avoided his gaze, her tone flat. "I only showed leniency because she's your childhood friend. If it were someone else, I wouldn't have let them off so easily."

They exchanged a few more trivial remarks before Amelia casually asked, "Why did Grandpa suddenly invite us to dinner at the Phillips Villa? He didn't mention it before."

"Hayden brought his fiancée home to meet the family." Henry's tone was neutral. "It's a pre-engagement dinner, letting everyone get acquainted."

Amelia remembered Hayden mentioning his engagement last time, but she hadn't expected it to progress to meeting the parents so quickly. She tightened her grip on the steering wheel, responding lightly, and said no more.

"Nothing to say?" Henry turned to look at her, his eyes probing. "Like... expressing some sadness? After all, it's someone you once liked, getting engaged."

Amelia felt a bit helpless at his question, a self-deprecating smile tugging at her lips. "I'm not as sentimental as you. The past is the past. Whether he gets engaged or not has nothing to do with me."

"True," Henry chuckled softly, adding meaningfully, "Besides, after today, there's no chance for you two anymore."

Amelia didn't respond, just pressed the gas pedal, speeding towards the Phillips Villa.

Half an hour later, the car stopped at the entrance of the Phillips Villa.

As Amelia unbuckled her seatbelt, Henry opened his door and walked around to her side, reaching out to open her door.

Before Amelia could react, he suddenly took her hand, his fingers warm and firm, yet gentle enough to prevent her from pulling away.

"What are you doing?" Amelia tried to withdraw her hand.

"The test starts now," Henry's tone was serious, his gaze sweeping towards the entrance of the Phillips Villa. "We'll go in together, setting an example for Hayden. Let them see how strong our relationship is."

Amelia saw the determination in Henry's eyes and remembered their agreed cooperation. She stopped struggling, allowing him to hold her hand as they walked step by step into the Phillips Villa.

As they pushed open the door, the sound of conversation in the living room became clear.

Hayden sat in a single chair next to the main sofa, a girl in a light pink dress nestled beside him. Their intimate posture couldn't hide the tension in the air.

The girl's fingers repeatedly twisted the hem of her dress, her toes slightly raised, and even her smile carried a hint of forced cheerfulness. Hayden held a teacup, his gaze occasionally flicking to the door, his fingers gripping the cup handle tightly, clearly nervous.

Only Erik, sitting in the main seat, remained calm, sipping his tea. His fingers lightly traced the rim of the cup, his gaze on the girl carrying the scrutiny of an elder. Yet, he spoke no harsh words, occasionally nodding in agreement, creating an atmosphere that was neither awkward nor relaxed.

As Amelia stepped over the threshold, Henry gently tugged her wrist.

Before she could react, Henry knelt on one knee in front of her, naturally holding her ankle and carefully unbuckling her high heels.

He placed the black shoes gently on the shoe rack, then took out a pair of beige flat slippers from the cabinet. When he looked up, his eyes were tender. "Wear flats whenever you can. High heels are tiring after a while."

Amelia froze, her heart feeling a light, unexpected jolt.

She knew it was an act, but hadn't expected Henry to go to such lengths, in the Phillips Villa, in front of Erik and Hayden, lowering himself to help her change shoes.

This meticulous care was something she had never experienced before. Even knowing it was staged, she felt a warmth in her heart, dissipating some of the frustration accumulated from the public scrutiny.

Taking advantage of Erik and Hayden's distraction, Amelia bent down, whispering in Henry's ear, "Your acting is top-notch."

Henry stood up, his fingers brushing her calf, his tone playful. "This isn't even my best. Want to see more? Like..."

"That's enough," Amelia glared at him, signaling with her eyes to look ahead. Erik had put down his teacup, smiling at them, clearly having observed their interaction.

"Henry, Amelia, you're here? Come in and sit," Erik beckoned, his gaze shifting to the girl beside Hayden, his tone gentle. "Let me introduce you. This is Hayden's fiancée, Aria Clark. Aria, this is Henry and his wife, Amelia."

Aria immediately stood up, bowing slightly to Amelia and Henry, her voice sweet. "Hello, nice to meet you. Please take care of me in the future."

Her overly polite manners, and her hair falling forward to cover most of her face, couldn't hide the nervousness in her eyes.

Amelia and Henry exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of surprise in each other's eyes.

Aria's reaction was too deliberate, making it seem unnatural.

Henry was the first to recover, a faint smile on his lips. "Aria, no need to be so formal. We're family, no need to be so distant."

Aria was about to say more when she noticed Hayden's gaze wasn't on her, but fixed on Amelia, his expression complex.

Feeling even more anxious, she followed Hayden's gaze, catching Amelia's graceful movement of picking up a teacup, her long fingers looking especially beautiful under the warm yellow light.