Chapter 1967

Bentley wiped his forehead, trying to play it cool, but the awkwardness was all over his face.

"Ms. Fiona, we knew about the situation, but as for working with Country M? The Gregory family would never do something like that!" Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on find•novel.net

"That's right, Ms. Fiona," Amy's mother jumped in, her voice tight with worry. "Our family has a good reputation here in the States—we'd never get mixed up in anything shady like that."

Both parents rushed to explain, desperate to clear things up before Fiona got the wrong idea.

But Fiona didn't need to prove anything to them anymore. She'd already tracked down the real Amy, something her parents could never have done, even if they tried. Fiona had gotten this far without needing the Stonnell family's help. Compared to her, these old folks were out of their league.

And Fiona's coolness under pressure was almost legendary. Most people would've lost it under the kind of stress she'd faced—cursing, snapping, breaking down. But not Fiona. She handled it all like it was nothing.

"Ms. Fiona, it's all thanks to you that our daughter's home. Please, let me toast you," Bentley said, picking up his glass and leaning forward in a respectful salute before knocking back his drink.

Fiona didn't hesitate. She didn't do hard liquor, but Lucy poured her a glass of champagne and she finished it in one smooth gulp. The taste was a mix of bitter, sweet, and just a little sour.

"So now that she's back, what's your plan?" Fiona asked, casually grabbing a handful of peanuts from the dish on the table. She ate as she waited for their answer.

She didn't have to wait long. Amy's parents already had everything figured out.

It wasn't hard to guess what they'd do. Ever since Amy came home, her parents paraded her around like their personal trophy-showing her off at every event, making sure everyone saw her face, inviting her to every party and gala. They were determined to make her presence known.

"Ms. Fiona, to be honest, when Tyler brought us to see Amy, we decided right then and there—we'd never let her suffer again. After all these years, we still don't know how she made it through," Amy's mother said, voice cracking, eyes shining with tears.

It was the kind of moment that could make anyone emotional-anyone except Fiona. She just sat there, watching, totally unbothered.

The room grew tense and awkward.

"Sorry, Ms. Fiona, we're getting off topic," Bentley said quickly, noticing her bored expression. "While you were competing, we were already bringing Amy out in public, and we issued a statement too. As for the fake Amy, we'll never forgive or accept her."

Lucy glanced at Fiona, then hurried to back him up. "Absolutely. We'll talk to Center College as well. Their academics are top-notch, and we want Amy to get the best education. She's our only daughter, and the future of the Gregory family depends on her."

The way they played off each other, you'd think they'd rehearsed it. Their concern sounded almost touching.

Fiona put down her empty dish and took a sip of tea, rinsing the taste from her mouth.

"What you do with your family is up to you. But the fake Amy? She's mine to deal with."

"No problem at all, Ms. Fiona," Bentley said, eager to please. "As soon as we find her, you'll be the first to know."

"Really, Ms. Fiona, whatever you need from us in the future, just say the word. We'll make it happen," Lucy promised.

Fiona waved them off and stood to leave. Before she walked out, she glanced at Amy, who was still sitting quietly, holding a cup of tea but not drinking a drop. Their eyes met for a second before Fiona turned away.

She knew Amy wasn't ordinary-anyone who could survive for years in a dark, cramped basement, beaten and humiliated, and still not give up... Well, that took a kind of strength most people would never understand.