Chapter 3

Josie turned scarlet with rage, but in the next breath her eyes filled with tears. "Eduardo, I only spoke up because I was worried about Amelia and wanted to save dignity for the Wayne family. She must have misunderstood us."

Eduardo lowered his voice to soothe her. "Don't cry. We'll talk outside."

He seized Amelia's wrist and pulled her onto the terrace. "Amelia, if you want to throw a tantrum, at least choose the right place! Nothing is going on between Josie and me. You can't slander us just because you're jealous and drag the Wayne name and hers through the mud! And there is no scheme about the baby. Stop letting your imagination run wild."

"Who's throwing a tantrum?" Amelia took out her phone and pressed play.

"Eduardo, you always treat me the best. Tricking Amelia into IVF, then swapping her eggs for mine so she carries our baby for me. This way I don't have to ruin my figure and my career stays safe."

"My sweet Josie is too delicate. How could I let you go through that pain?"

Eduardo's face flashed with panic for a split second before he forced it back.

He even sounded smug when he spoke again. "Since you already know, I won't hide it anymore. Carrying a child for Josie and me should be your honor. An orphan like you-without the three years I gave you as Mrs. Wayne-you'd still be struggling at the bottom. In return, giving me a child is the least you can do."

Hearing him admit it to her face twisted something sharp inside Amelia's chest.

She yanked her arm free and answered coldly. "I don't want that honor. I've already signed the divorce papers. Please sign them as soon as possible, Mr. Wayne."

Eduardo froze, fury rising, but more guests were drifting onto the terrace. He softened his tone. "All right, Amelia, we'll discuss this at home, okay? Right now you're still Mrs. Wayne in everyone's eyes. Making a scene here only embarrasses yourself."

Amelia refused to budge. Josie's expression darkened. "Amelia, whether you carry the baby or I do, it's still Eduardo's child. Why be so petty? For the baby's sake, we would never treat you badly."

Amelia almost laughed at their shamelessness. "A homewrecker has no right to lecture me."

She glared at them both. "I want the signed papers on my table by tomorrow morning. Otherwise, don't blame me for tearing the Wayne family's reputation to shreds."

With that she turned to leave.

"Wait!" Josie trotted forward and blocked her path. "Amelia, since you're set on divorce, kindly take off the jewelry Eduardo gave you. This brand hired me as their ambassador. It's positioned for elegant, high-society women. It really doesn't suit you."

Amelia nearly snorted.

Josie just wanted to humiliate her in public.

When Amelia didn't move, Josie reached for the necklace herself. Amelia caught her wrist hard enough to make her yelp.

Josie instantly turned tearful eyes toward Eduardo.

Eduardo hesitated for only a moment before barking at his bodyguards. "What are you waiting for? Get over there and take the necklace off her!"

Two guards closed in at once.

At that critical second a cool, cutting voice rang out. "Ms. Fuller has exquisite taste. Cheap jewelry like that truly doesn't deserve her."

Kellan Hayes strolled forward, his presence alone enough to silence the terrace.

Amelia's heart lurched. Why was he here? Had he figured it out?

Eduardo failed to notice her alarm. He recognized Kellan as someone familiar yet couldn't place him.

Still, the way even the host of the gala trailed behind the man told Eduardo this was no ordinary guest.

He wondered when Amelia had met someone so powerful.

Seeing Kellan's gaze fixed on her, an inexplicable irritation flared in Eduardo's chest.

He stepped forward, smoothly shielding Amelia behind him. "Sir, this is a private family matter..."

Compared to Eduardo, Amelia wanted nothing to do with the dangerous man in front of her.

Eduardo's move gave her the perfect escape. Before either man reacted, she slipped away and vanished from the ballroom.

Kellan frowned behind Eduardo's back and started after her.

His assistant appeared at once and whispered something in his ear.

Kellan paused, then changed direction and left with the assistant.

Eduardo, thoroughly ignored, grew livid. When he spun around to confront Amelia again, she was already gone.

His anger doubled. He decided he would teach her a harsh lesson once they got home.

By then Amelia had reached the villa. She packed her things in minutes and walked out of the Wayne residence.