Only then did Gianna smile through her tears. She clung to Marcelo’s arm like a child. “You love me the most, Marcelo.”
Then she worried again. “But Amelia has Jeremy backing her now.”
Marcelo sneered. “No matter how powerful Jeremy is, he can’t interfere with our family business. The contract clearly states Amelia needs company approval for all commercial activities.”
Only then was Gianna finally satisfied.
When they got home, the other Nygard family members were waiting in the living room.
Seeing Gianna enter, Emery looked her over with concern. “Gianna, my sweetheart, you’ve gotten so thin.”
Gianna burst into tears and threw herself into Emery’s arms. “Mom, I missed you all so much!”
Raymond put down his newspaper, frowning. “What’s with all those negative stories online? What is the PR team doing?”
Marcus quickly explained. “Dad, don’t worry. The legal team is preparing to sue those online trolls.”
“Right, we must punish them severely. Gianna, don’t worry, you’ll be fine. Don’t do these reality shows again. They’re nothing but trouble.” Maxwell said with concern.
“This is all Amelia’s fault! Always competing with Gianna for everything. Now she’s stealing the spotlight on TV too!” Emery complained.
“Forget it, Mom. If Amelia wants to compete, let her. As long as she’s happy, I don’t mind.” Gianna said with tears still in her eyes.
“That ungrateful bitch!” Emery said angrily. Gianna felt relieved. She felt relieved-they still sided with her. They hadn’t been swayed by public opinion.
…
The next afternoon, Amelia arrived at the Nygard Residence.
As usual, the Nygards didn’t give her a warm welcome.
Perfect. Amelia didn’t need to pretend either. The bridges were already burned.
After entering, Amelia found a seat and slouched down lazily.
The Nygards frowned at her posture.
“Amelia, watch your posture! You have no manners whatsoever.” Emery scolded.
Amelia chuckled, sinking deeper into the couch. “What? Mrs. Nygard still wants to discipline me now?”
“You!” Emery’s face flushed with anger.
Raymond slammed down his teacup. “Enough! Amelia, we called you here on business.”
Amelia raised an eyebrow. “Oh? What business? Don’t tell me you want me to hand over my opportunities to Gianna?”
Caught red-handed, Marcelo became flustered and furious.
He handed over a document with a dark expression. “This is your new work arrangement. Since you just finished the reality show and have some fame, the company landed you a script. You’ll meet the director tomorrow night to discuss it.”
Amelia took the document and casually flipped through the pages. She suddenly laughed out loud. “You want me to play a prostitute, and hand over fashion endorsements to Gianna? Your little scheme is pretty clever.”
Amelia skimmed the script and production team.
Seeing the director’s name, she sneered coldly.
She could guess their intentions now.
“This is the company’s decision!” Marcelo slammed the table. “The contract clearly states you must follow company arrangements!”
“Wilson Orren?” Amelia’s fingertip tapped the document. Her eyes flashed with a cold gleam. “Are you referring to Wilson-famous for his casting couch?”
Marcelo looked uncomfortable. “This is the company’s decision. Wilson’s new film has a three-billion-dollar budget. Being cast is an honor for you.”
Amelia sneered. “Honor? Marcelo, don’t you want to promote Gianna? Why don’t you let her audition?”
“Gianna has other arrangements. If you don’t want to audition, fine. Hand over your company shares and we can terminate the contract.” Marcelo said coldly.
Hmph! So it all came back to the shares!
Fine! They were backing her into a corner.
Time to speed up her plans.
Gianna pretended to play peacemaker, but her eyes gleamed with malice. “Marcelo, don’t be angry. Amelia probably just needs some time to adjust to this role change.”
Amelia suddenly stood up, looking down at the Nygards. “Fine. Since you insist, I accept. But don’t regret this decision.”
This time, she’d show Marcelo how badly he’d screwed up.
Marcelo froze for a moment. Something about Amelia’s presence briefly intimidated him.
Had to be his imagination. What tricks could Amelia possibly have?
Just because Jeremy was backing her?
How delusional.
After speaking, Amelia left the Nygard Residence immediately.
Staying even one more second felt suffocating. Besides, she had a lunch appointment. Jeremy had invited her to Onyxia Club, the most exclusive private club in the city.
…
The Onyxia Club was located in the heart of downtown. The environment was beautiful with complete privacy. It was a favorite spot for celebrities and power players.
As soon as Amelia entered the club, the manager greeted her respectfully. “Ms. Amelia, Mr. Curran is waiting in the private room.”
Walking through the winding garden paths, Amelia reached the upscale private room.
Before knocking, she heard a male voice from inside.
“Jeremy, you’re not being fair. I heard you’ve got a woman in your life. You didn’t even tell me? What’s she like?”
Amelia froze with her hand at the door.
“Mind your own business.” Jeremy’s voice carried a warning. “She’s different. When she gets here, you leave.”
“Wow, so overprotective?” The male voice was teasing. “Don’t tell me you’re actually falling for her? But be careful. What if your uncle set this up? Could be a honey trap.”
“Don’t spout nonsense. She’s not. She’s my personal doctor.” Jeremy’s voice turned sharp, his protective instinct obvious.
“Personal doctor? You’re saying she’s treating you?” The man’s voice suddenly rose.
“Yeah, the frostbone poison in my body is almost completely eliminated. My health is much better than before,” Jeremy said calmly.
He had planned to tell his friend after fully recovering. Since it came up now, there was no harm in mentioning it.
Inside the private room, the man’s puzzled voice continued. “Really? Jeremy, even the Currans’ specialist couldn’t handle your condition. A young girl can solve it? Don’t tell me it’s … “
“Anderson Corva.” Jeremy’s voice turned ice-cold. “Say one more word, and you’ll be managing the Evanoria mining operations tomorrow.”
“No, no, no! I’ll shut up, okay?” Anderson quickly pleaded for mercy, then lowered his voice. “But your uncle’s been making moves lately. Even your grandfather’s getting involved, and they probably already know about this girl.”
“She doesn’t need to get dragged into this. Keep my treatment secret for now.” Jeremy tapped the table lightly.
“Besides, those parasites in the Nygards are enough trouble for her.”
“Jeremy, you’re finally opening up. But you should enjoy life while you can. You’re not getting any younger. If you don’t have a woman around, people will think we’re a couple. Your grandfather has already called me several times about it.”
“Get lost. I’m perfectly normal. Besides, you’re the one changing girlfriends every week. What will others think about you?” Jeremy mocked.
“Hey, Jeremy, no offense. I’m serious about all my girlfriends.” Though he changed them frequently.
He had just met a cute model with the sweetest voice.
How could Jeremy, the old-fashioned guy, possibly understand?
Outside the door, Amelia suddenly chuckled. She raised her hand and knocked lightly. The room instantly fell silent.
The door opened with Jeremy standing inside. His stern features softened when he saw her. “You’re here?”
“Yeah, traffic was a nightmare. Sorry I’m late.” Amelia’s tone was normal.
Amelia had dressed casually today, but she looked exceptionally elegant.
A simple white shirt with high-waisted jeans, highlighted her slim waist and long legs. She radiated an effortless yet striking beauty.
Amelia’s gaze shifted past Jeremy to the other young man in the room.
He was studying her with obvious interest.
Anderson was about 27 or 28 years old. His eyes carrying a mischievous, rebellious gleam.
“Jeremy, is this your personal doctor? Are you sure you didn’t steal her from a movie premiere?” Anderson’s tone was playfully dramatic.
Jeremy shot him a murderous look. “Why haven’t you left yet?”
“Don’t be so heartless.” Anderson enthusiastically grabbed Amelia’s hand. “Let me introduce myself. I’m Jeremy’s childhood friend and his troublemaker, Anderson Corva!”
Amelia nodded politely. “Hello, I’m Amelia Nygard. Nice to meet you.”
Leaning closer, Anderson lowered his voice. “Ms. Amelia, you don’t know this, but Jeremy’s usually colder than a glacier. You’re the first person he’s ever invited to lunch.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.