Chapter 68 Amelia Steals the Show, Rachel Becomes the Clown
Chris had a personality and demeanor that were completely different from Kevin and Tobias.
Kevin, the oldest, was mature, steady, and disciplined. Tobias, the youngest, was naturally rebellious and flamboyant.
Chris gave off an immediate impression of being aloof.
That kind of distant, detached aura made him seem like he was always on the outskirts of the crowd, like a rare flower high on a snowy mountain, indifferent to everything and everyone.
However, at this moment, his embrace was surprisingly warm and comforting.
Chris didn't hold Amelia for long.
Maybe because he had never been this close to anyone before, he quickly let go of Amelia.
His expression remained naturally cool, but he cleared his throat and said, "I'll be staying at home for the next few days. Come see me every night to change your bandages, and keep the wound dry."
"Got it."
Seeing this, Amelia softened her voice, "Thanks, Chris, for helping me with the bandages. And the milk candy was delicious."
Amelia's gentle words instantly closed the gap between them. Even though they weren't very familiar with each other before, blood ties were a magical thing.
Chris's eyes flickered, and he seemed momentarily lost in thought.
So this is what it's like to have a little sister.
Not bad, actually.
When they went downstairs, Kevin and Tobias were sitting on the couch in the living room.
Tobias noticed Amelia's right hand wrapped in thick white gauze and immediately started fussing over her, while also taking the opportunity to curse Quentin once more.
In the past few hours, Quentin had been repeatedly cursed. Amelia was starting to worry that Tobias might confront Quentin in class tomorrow.
"It's rare for Chris to be home. How about we go out for dinner tonight?" Kevin suggested. "I have a friend whose restaurant just opened. We could go check it out."
"Do you want to go out to eat?" Chris asked Amelia. "If you don't feel like it, we can eat somewhere else."
Though Chris's face was expressionless, Amelia knew he was probably thinking she might feel uncomfortable dining out, given her upbringing in the countryside, and thus asked for her opinion first.
"Sure," Amelia nodded. "You guys decide. I'm not picky."
"No way," Tobias said, wrapping an arm around Amelia's shoulders. "You're our beloved Amelia. What you want to eat is the most important."
Chris frowned and pulled Tobias's hand off Amelia. "Did you wash your hands after coming home? Don't touch people if you didn't."
"I did! Besides Chris, who else would be so finicky?" Tobias retorted. "And even if I didn't, Amelia wouldn't mind, right, Amelia?"
Amelia replied seriously, "Well, I might mind a little."
Seeing Tobias's sudden dejection, Amelia smiled and took his hand. "Come on, Tobias, I'm hungry."
Watching Tobias instantly regain his energy, Kevin laughed and knocked on his head. "Look at you."
The scene was heartwarmingly cozy.
Chris couldn't help but feel a warmth in his heart as he followed them out.
Not long after Amelia and the others left, Rachel dragged her exhausted body back to the Martinez Mansion, looking visibly worn out.
It was already nearly eight o'clock. She looked around and saw that the house seemed empty.
"Orla? Orla?"
Rachel called out into the living room, and Orla, who had been working in the utility room, hurried over. "Yes, I'm here. What's the matter, Miss Martinez?"
"It's so late. Where is everyone?" Rachel asked immediately. "Kevin and Tobias haven't come home yet?"
"Mr. Kevin, Mr. Tobias, and Miss Amelia came home this evening, along with Mr. Chris," Orla replied. "They went out for dinner about an hour ago and haven't returned yet."
"What did you say?" Rachel felt like the sky was falling.
She hadn't gone to school all afternoon, and neither Kevin nor Tobias had called or messaged her.
No one cared where she was, even though she was so late coming home.
They had taken Amelia out to dinner, which used to be a privilege reserved only for her!
And Chris—how could Chris agree to dine with Amelia? Chris hated eating with outsiders the most!
Kevin and Tobias now treated Amelia like family. Could it be that even the most aloof and eccentric Chris had started to like that wretch?
Rachel bit her lip and ran upstairs, slamming the door shut before bursting into tears.
That morning at school, she had been humiliated in front of everyone when that damn Rex pulled off her mask, and that Lila exposed that she wasn't the one who saved Rex.
She had never been so embarrassed in her life, especially with her face covered in red blotches, looking hideous.
Rachel had always been the best among everyone growing up. She couldn't handle the sudden shift from being praised by everyone to being scorned by everyone.
Reading through the online comments, she felt like dying would be a better option, crying her heart out in front of Jenny.
Luckily, Jenny cared about her.
Or rather, Jenny had no choice but to care for her.
After all, Jenny had raised her for so many years, and she represented the Martinez family's honor.
Even though Rachel had been so humiliated today, Jenny only scolded her a bit before starting to help her figure out a solution.
First, she called Ryan, who said there was no other way unless Rachel sincerely apologized. Only then would he get someone to help her.
So Rachel had to post an apology on Instagram, grudgingly donating two million dollars of her pocket money to clear her name.
All afternoon, the hired team had been working non-stop, and she had been glued to the real-time online comments.
The hired people posted screenshots of her achievements in various competitions and exams to prove her excellence, and photos of her doing community service for credits to prove her kindness.
Countless hired voices claimed she had no intention of impersonating anyone, that the whole thing was a misunderstanding, and asked for more leniency towards the excellent, kind Rachel who was willing to donate two million dollars to make amends.
Even Rachel's facial blotches were used to garner sympathy, claiming she had recently contracted a rare disease that caused her face to look like this, asking people not to attack a patient.
By evening, the tide had finally turned. No one was criticizing her anymore. Anyone who did would be met with backlash.
Rachel finally breathed a sigh of relief.
But she hadn't had time to celebrate before finding out that Kevin and the others had taken Amelia out to dinner.
From afternoon to evening, while she was suffering and wanting to die, no one cared about her!
The ones who used to love her the most, Kevin and the others, were now all focused on Amelia!
Rachel felt like a clown, while Amelia had a great day thanks to the forum video and saving someone. She was so angry she could grind her teeth to dust.
The more she thought about it, the worse she felt, and she cried even harder.
When her uncle Saul Jenkins called, Rachel was sobbing so hard she could barely breathe. "Hello, Uncle Saul."
Her crying clearly startled Saul on the other end of the line. "What's wrong, Rachel? What happened? Why are you crying like this?"