Chapter 110: You Are Not Forgiven

Amber lay awake, Stefan's words echoing in her mind. "Jealous." Was she jealous? She instantly kicked Stefan out of Chase's room as he accused her of jealousy over Jessica. Why is he very insensitive? He didn't even bother to explain to her who Jessica was in his life.

She couldn't deny the pangs of hurt and anger that had surfaced when she saw Jessica with Stefan, and the thought pissed her off. 

Another thing that's bothering her is Daisy's wedding. She had promised Daisy and Daniel that she would bring Stefan to their wedding, but her pride kept her from asking him. Her mind churned with conflicting emotions, preventing her from finding peace.

Morning came too soon, with it, a heavy sense of unresolved tension. Amber dragged herself out of bed, her eyes heavy from lack of sleep. Determined to resolve things, she decided to talk to Stefan about the wedding. She steeled herself and walked to their room, only to find it empty. 

Her heart sank a little. "Where could he be this early morning?" she muttered. 

She felt disappointment and anxiety as she headed to the dining room for breakfast with Chase. Sitting across from Chase, who was cheerfully munching on his toast, Amber forced a smile. She wanted to be present for him, to give him the attention he deserved despite her turmoil. 

"Aunt Amber, are you okay?" Chase asked, his eyes filled with concern. 

Amber nodded, though the smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm fine, sweetheart. Just a bit tired."

One of the servants approached, a soft smile on her face. "Mrs. Morgan, Mr. Morgan left early for work today."

Amber's heart tightened. He was always up and out before she could catch him. "Thank you," she said, trying to mask her disappointment. She turned back to Chase, who was watching her closely.

"Don't worry, Aunt Amber. Uncle Stefan will be back tonight," he said reassuringly.

Amber's smile wavered. "Yes, he will," she replied softly. She resolved to save her words for the evening and talk about Daisy's wedding. As she watched Chase finish his breakfast, she hoped that by the end of the day, she would find the courage to speak to Stefan.

Meanwhile, Stefan entered Jonathan Baldwin's opulent office with a purposeful stride, his face a mask of steely determination. Jonathan rose from his leather chair, his smile attempting to convey warmth but failing to reach his calculating eyes.

"Mr. Morgan, what a surprise," Jonathan began, extending a hand. "I must say, it's an honor to meet the Chairman and CEO of Lehman Group."

Stefan ensured Jonathan knew what he could do through his assistant, Norman. Get Jonathan to cooperate with his request by informing him about Stefan's power and influence. Jonathan didn't believe it initially, but Norman did his assignment right. He laid all the proof that Stefan has a different identity than most people know.

Stefan shook his hand briefly, his grip firm. "Let's skip the pleasantries, Mr. Baldwin. We both know why I'm here."

Jonathan's smile faltered, but he quickly recovered, gesturing for Stefan to sit. "Of course. Please, have a seat."

Stefan sat down, leaning forward slightly. "I'm offering you an investment to save the Baldwin Group from bankruptcy. In return, I need you to testify against my uncles, Matteo and Joseph. I want justice for my parents."

Although Jonathan knew about the incident, he wasn't one of the masterminds; it was just Stefan's Uncles Matteo and Joseph. But his knowledge about the crime would be enough to convict the culprits.

Jonathan's eyes flickered with surprise and a touch of apprehension. "That's quite a proposition, Mr. Morgan. You're asking me to betray people I've known for years."

Stefan's expression hardened. "You betrayed your daughter, Mr. Baldwin. You treated Amber like an outsider in her own home. Don't pretend loyalty to my uncles now. This is your chance to make things right."

Jonathan shifted uncomfortably in his chair. "I did what I had to for my family, for the company. But I see your point. Amber deserves better than what she got from us. And you're right, I need to think about the future of the Baldwin Group."

Stefan's gaze was unwavering. "Then you understand the gravity of your decision. This isn't just about saving your company; it's about righting a wrong. My uncles' criminal activities have gone on long enough."

Jonathan sighed, the weight of the situation settling heavily on his shoulders. "I never thought it would come to this," he said quietly. "But if it means saving Baldwin Group and doing something good for once, then I'll do it. I'll testify against Matteo and Joseph."

A flicker of relief crossed Stefan's face, but his tone remained stern. "Good. But know this, Jonathan—I'm not doing this out of kindness. This is about justice for my parents and Amber. If you try to double-cross me, I will destroy the Baldwin Group myself."

Jonathan nodded, a shadow of fear in his eyes. "I understand. I won't betray you, Stefan. You have my word."

Stefan stood up, extending his hand once more. "Then we have a deal. I'll have my lawyers draft the necessary documents."

Jonathan shook his hand, his grip slightly weaker than before. "A deal it is."

As Stefan turned to leave, he paused at the door, looking back at Jonathan with a final, piercing gaze. "Remember, Mr. Baldwin, this is your chance to redeem yourself in your daughter's eyes. Don't waste it."

With that, Stefan left the office, his mind already on the next steps. He knew this was just the beginning, but he was ready to face whatever came next, determined to protect Amber and honor his parents' memory.

At night, Amber paced back and forth in Morgan's living room, her heart racing with every tick of the clock. She had rehearsed what she wanted to say to Stefan a hundred times, but now that the moment was near, words seemed to fail her. Her thoughts swirled with anxiety, guilt, and a hint of hope.

The sound of a car pulling into the driveway stopped her. She turned towards the entrance, her breath catching as Stefan entered the mansion. He looked tired, but his eyes softened upon seeing her.

"Amber," he began, his voice gentle yet curious. "One maid mentioned you've been wanting to talk to me."

Amber's cheeks flushed, and she averted her gaze, feeling the weight of his words. "Yes, I… I did," she stammered, trying to collect her thoughts. "I mean, I do."

Stefan took a step closer, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "You look cute when you're embarrassed," he teased, his tone light, but his eyes filled with genuine affection.

She felt a mix of warmth and frustration at his words. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to meet his gaze. "I wanted to ask if you would come with me to Daisy's wedding," she said, trembling slightly. "I promised her we'd go together."

Stefan's expression softened further, and he nodded. "Of course, I'll go with you. I am your husband, and I'd be happy to accompany my beautiful wife."

Amber managed a small smile. "Thank you, Stefan."

As she turned to leave, Stefan reached out and gently took her wrist, stopping her in her tracks. "Amber, wait," he said, his voice low and serious. "Would you be interested in hearing my side about Jessica?"

Amber's heart skipped a beat, and she turned back to face him, her eyes wide with surprise and curiosity. "Your side?" she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Stefan nodded, his grip on her wrist tightening slightly as if he feared she might slip away. "Yes. I want you to know the truth, Amber. Jessica and I… there's nothing between us. She is my cousin, Bella's daughter. I've only ever wanted you."

Amber's eyes filled with tears, a mixture of relief and lingering doubt swirling within her. "You mean Bella is your Aunt?" Everything is so messed up with so many revelations.

Although Bella looks young, she is 15 years older than Stefan, and Jessica is in her early 20s, the same age as Amber.

"But why didn't you tell me sooner?" she asked, her voice breaking. "Why did you let me believe otherwise?"

Stefan's face was etched with regret. "I didn't realize how much it was affecting you. I thought my actions would speak louder than words, but I see now that I was wrong. I should have been more open with you."

Amber felt a tear slip down her cheek, and she wiped it away quickly. "Stefan, I was so hurt. I thought you and Jessica… I thought I was just a fool."

Stefan stepped closer, his free hand cupping her cheek. "Baby, you're not a fool. You're my wife, and I love you. I'm sorry for any pain I caused you. Please believe me when I say you are the only one for me."

His words, spoken earnestly, broke through the walls she had built around her heart. Amber nodded slowly, her tears flowing freely now.

He pulled her into a gentle embrace, holding her as if she were the most precious thing in the world. "I promise, from now on, I'll do everything I can to earn your trust completely. Am I forgiven now?" he asked.

"Still, I haven't forgiven you," she warned. It won't be easy for him after everything she went through.