Chapter 118 - An Unknown Number

Stefan wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. "I know, my love. It's okay to miss him. It's okay to feel everything you're feeling."

Daisy stepped closer, her voice soft. "Amber, your father knows he made mistakes. This gift is his way of trying to make amends. He hopes you can find it in your heart to forgive him someday."

Amber nodded, her voice choked with emotion. "I want to forgive him. I really do. But it's going to take time. So much has happened, and I need to heal."

Bella, who had been watching quietly, stepped forward. "Amber, you're incredibly kind and forgiving. No one can blame you for needing time. We all understand and support you."

Standing beside her mother, Jessica added, "You've been through so much, Amber. Take all the time you need. We're here for you."

Sensing the emotional moment, Chase wrapped his arms around Amber's leg and looked up at her with concern. "Aunt Amber, are you okay?"

Amber smiled through her tears, bending down to hug him. "Yes, sweetheart, I'm okay. Just feeling a lot of things right now."

"Thank you, everyone. It means so much to have you all here. I'll find a way to forgive him, but I need to do it at my own pace," Amber said, wiping her tears.

Stefan kissed her forehead, his voice filled with pride and love. "And I'll be right here with you every step of the way."

Later on, Amber stood up during dinner, her face glowing with excitement and purpose. She gently tapped her glass to get everyone's attention. "Everyone, please let me have your attention for a moment. I have an important announcement to make."

The room quieted as all eyes turned toward Amber, curiosity and anticipation lighting up their faces. Stefan gave her a supportive nod, his hand resting reassuringly on her back.

Amber took a deep breath and began. "In memory of my mother, Catherine, I have established a charity to help homeless children. It's going to be called the 'Catherine Homeless Children Foundation.'" Her voice wavered slightly as she continued, "I was inspired by how we were able to save Chase, and I couldn't stop thinking about all the other children who don't have homes or families to care for them."

There was a collective murmur of admiration and approval around the table. Andrew and Chase exchanged proud looks while Daisy wiped away a tear.

Amber smiled, her eyes moist with emotion. "This foundation is also dedicated to my sister, Monique. To support this cause, 10% of what I receive from the Baldwin Group will be donated to the foundation. And I would be grateful for volunteers and donations from friends willing to help."

Grandpa Logan stood up, raising his glass. "A toast to Amber and Stefan's incoming baby boy and to the wonderful work Amber is starting with the Catherine Homeless Children Foundation. Your mother and sister would be incredibly proud, Amber."

Everyone raised their glasses, echoing his sentiments: "To Amber, Stefan, and their baby boy! And to the Catherine Homeless Children Foundation!" They showed interest in volunteering or donating to the foundation whenever possible.

Stefan looked at Amber with profound love and admiration. "You have such a big heart, baby. Your mother and Monique would be so proud of you."

He wrapped his arms around Amber, whispering in her ear. "Thank you for making my life so full. I love you, Amber."

Amber leaned into him, her heart overflowing with happiness. "And I love you, Stefan. Our future's so bright; I can't wait to share it with you and our son."

Amber rested her head on his shoulder, feeling his strength and love surrounding her. "With you by my side, Stefan, I can do anything."

As the night went on, the warmth of family and friends enveloped them, marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with hope, love, and the promise of a brighter future for the children the foundation would help.

That night, Amber sat cross-legged on the bed, fidgeting with the ring Stefan had given her, her mind clouded with curiosity and lingering doubts. The stone glinted under the dim light, catching her eye. It felt heavy now, like the weight of everything unspoken between them. With a deep breath, she glanced at Stefan, who sat calmly on the edge of the bed, scrolling through his phone, seemingly unaware of her internal turmoil. 

"Stefan," she said softly, her voice betraying her nerves. "Is this ring... expensive? My colleague keeps hinting that it is, and I just wanted to know."

Stefan looked up from his phone, his eyes locking onto hers with a knowing glint. There was no hesitation in his response. "It is," he said, his tone neither boastful nor apologetic. "The ring, the stone—all costs more than most people could fathom. Like the rare stone I donated to the Ellison Foundation, the car you've seen me drive, or the designer gowns I claimed were borrowed from a friend."

Amber's heart fluttered in her chest. She had always known Stefan wasn't just some ordinary man. His demeanor, the subtle elegance in everything he did, and the world he moved through all screamed wealth. But it was confirmed so casually that hearing it from him now made her feel a strange mix of emotions.

"And all of that," he continued, his voice softening as he spoke, "comes from the sweat and blood of building my empire. Every deal, every sleepless night, all those years of hard work… allowed me to have the life I do now. To afford anything I could ever want."

Amber nodded, processing the words. She twisted the ring on her finger again, the cool metal grounding her. It wasn't about the money for her, but she needed to understand why Stefan had first hidden so much of himself. "I get it," she said after a moment. "I just needed to hear it from you. To clarify all these suspicions I had before."

Stefan leaned closer, his hand resting on hers. The warmth of his touch soothed her. "Baby, I never wanted to lie to you. I only wanted to protect you. Some people would use anything against me, and I couldn't risk putting you in danger. But I'm done hiding now."

Amber searched his eyes, finding nothing but sincerity there. She believed him. "Thank you for being honest with me," she whispered, squeezing his hand. 

Stefan smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'll always be honest with you, Amber. From now on, no more secrets."

Amber leaned into his touch, her heart swelling with a newfound trust and understanding. They both jolted to the ringing of Stefan's phone. Seeing it was an unknown number, his heart pounded in his chest.

"I need to take this," Stefan said, taking his phone as he went to their room's balcony.

Amber nodded in agreement but wondered who it could be as she saw it was an unknown number.