Broken by Destiny by George Orwell 302
In this chapter, Amelia firmly shuts down any discussion about Jeremy joining a reality show for another woman, demonstrating a composed and authoritative demeanor that leaves others silent and cautious. Gianna, who initially tried to provoke a reaction, becomes increasingly unsettled by Amelia’s calmness, suspecting it to be a carefully maintained façade rather than genuine composure. Despite the tension, Amelia continues her training as if nothing has happened, further deepening Gianna’s unease.
Later, Gianna approaches her mother with a renewed determination to learn more about herbs and cultivation techniques in preparation for the upcoming reality show, which centers on herbal science. She plans to impress the audience by showcasing her knowledge and skills, hoping to stand out without relying on her chip communicator, which had malfunctioned previously. However, her mother Regina reacts with anger, warning her to focus on Nygard Group’s key projects instead of entertaining thoughts of showbiz.
Gianna defends her intentions, explaining that the reality show is connected to Nygard and that she only wants to outshine Amelia, who is also participating. Regina’s tone softens as she acknowledges Gianna’s clearer thinking but cautions her not to overthink the TV program. She insists on using the chip communicator again to monitor Gianna’s safety, though Gianna remains skeptical due to past technical failures.
The chapter ends with Gianna reflecting on the risks involved, especially given Amelia’s powerful jammer that can disrupt communications. The tension between Gianna’s ambitions and the potential dangers lurking in the background grows, setting the stage for the challenges she will face during the reality show.
Chapter 302: For Show
“Just focus on your training and deal with this,” Amelia said firmly, her voice carrying an undeniable authority that instantly shut down the conversation. No one dared to challenge her or bring the topic up again.
Even Quilla and the other trainees fell silent, and Brielle reluctantly dropped the matter. Off to the side, Gianna—the one who had initially stirred the pot—decided it was smarter to keep her mouth shut for the time being. She kept stealing cautious glances at Amelia, trying to decipher what lay beneath that calm exterior. Was this woman truly composed, or was she merely putting on a poised front?
Gianna’s mind raced. If her own fiancé had pursued someone else, she would be boiling with anger and humiliation. If Vincent ever did something like that, she was certain she’d lose control entirely. Yet Amelia showed no sign of distress, no flicker of emotion that betrayed even the slightest crack in her composure.
The more Gianna pondered it, the more unnatural Amelia’s calm seemed—like a perfectly maintained mask. Not a single tremor or hesitation.
Class went on, but Gianna’s attention drifted away from the lesson. Instead, she kept sneaking looks at Amelia, searching for any hint of reaction or vulnerability. Meanwhile, Amelia sparred lightly with Quilla, sharing insights and advice as if nothing had happened earlier.
When the session ended, Gianna deliberately slowed her pace to walk alongside Amelia. Casual as if they were just chatting, she dropped the question. “Ms. Amelia, you really don’t care that Jeremy joined that reality show for another woman?”
Amelia stopped and turned to face her, eyes steady and calm. “Getting too involved in other people’s business and gossip never ends well,” she said quietly, then walked away without another word or glance back.
Gianna froze in place, a sudden chill running down her spine. She couldn’t explain why, but Amelia’s serene presence now felt sharp and intimidating—like a quiet storm lurking beneath the surface.
“Tch. Acting all high and mighty,” Gianna muttered under her breath, trying to mask the unease she felt as she walked away.
—
Later, in the quiet suburban villa, Gianna approached her mother with a new determination. “Mom, can you teach me more about herbs over the next few days?” she asked eagerly. “And could you show me the cultivation methods and how to create new, practical potions?”
The reality show was set to air early next month, and Gianna knew she had to be fully prepared. The entire concept revolved around herbal science and the cultivation of medicinal plants. If she could stand out by demonstrating skill and knowledge, she could easily capture everyone’s attention.
Her plan was to memorize her mother’s unique herbal lore and cultivation techniques, so she could explain them naturally on camera and impress the audience. After all, this was her major. She admitted she was a bit rusty, but she was confident she could pick it back up quickly.
She was determined not to rely on the chip communicator again. If it malfunctioned like last time, it would be disastrous.
Regina should have felt proud to see her daughter motivated and eager to learn. But as soon as Gianna mentioned the idea of returning to showbiz, a flash of anger crossed Regina’s face.
“I told you to focus on Nygard Group’s key projects and stop daydreaming about the entertainment industry,” Regina snapped sharply.
Since Amelia had returned to Nygard, the rare herbs she cultivated herself had thrived. She even developed entirely new species—priceless strains coveted by every pharmaceutical researcher. And yet, there was someone who wanted to seize control of Nygard and all its research.
How could her daughter still not realize the danger?
Gianna wasn’t like her biological father, who at least had some backbone.
“Who said I’m going back to entertainment?” Gianna retorted defensively. “This show is for Nygard. It’s in the same industry. If Amelia can join it, why can’t I? She’s on Nygard’s partnered reality show. I just want to outshine her there. That’s not the same as fully reentering showbiz.”
Her voice carried a note of hurt. Truthfully, if she could return to the industry, she would. And this appearance was arranged by Nygard for her anyway.
Hearing this, Regina’s expression softened slightly. “That’s better. You’re finally thinking clearly. Drug development takes time. But it’s just a TV program—don’t overthink it. We’ll still use the chip communicator. I’ll monitor everything and warn you if anything unusual happens.”
Gianna’s skepticism flared again. “You said the same thing last time. And what happened? The signal cut out halfway through.”
“This time, you’ll be filming on set. With so many communication devices around, if she dares to turn on a jammer, the entire production system will collapse,” Gianna argued, doubting Amelia would risk such a move in front of everyone.
Amelia’s jammer was powerful, capable of disabling even their most advanced chip communicators instantly. But it wasn’t flawless.
During that Nygard executive meeting, Gianna’s chip communicator had gone offline—but only for a few seconds.
Gianna’s mind raced, weighing the risks as the tension between her ambitions and the lurking dangers grew ever more palpable.
The chapter delicately unveils the complex interplay between composure and inner turmoil, embodied by Amelia’s unshakable calm despite the swirling gossip and personal betrayals around her. Gianna’s growing unease and determination to prove herself reflect the emotional undercurrents of rivalry, ambition, and the struggle to maintain control in a world fraught with hidden dangers. The silent storm beneath Amelia’s poised exterior and Gianna’s restless spirit create a charged atmosphere where appearances mask deeper conflicts.
As the narrative closes, the tension between Gianna and her mother Regina underscores the precarious balance between personal dreams and the harsh realities imposed by power struggles within Nygard. Gianna’s resolve to prepare meticulously for the upcoming reality show symbolizes her desire to assert her identity and navigate a path fraught with uncertainty. In this charged moment, the chapter leaves us with a poignant reflection on resilience, the cost of ambition, and the quiet battles fought beneath the surface of outward calm.
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the simmering tensions beneath the surface, as Gianna’s determination to prove herself on the reality show clashes with the unseen threats looming over Nygard. Her growing rivalry with Amelia is set to intensify, with emotions running high and loyalties tested. Will Gianna’s ambition be enough to shield her from the dangers she’s beginning to sense, or will the quiet storm within Amelia reveal cracks that could change everything?
Meanwhile, the stakes surrounding the rare herbs and the pharmaceutical breakthroughs continue to rise, hinting at conflicts that extend far beyond the camera’s gaze. As Gianna navigates her mother’s warnings and her own aspirations, the line between personal ambition and corporate intrigue blurs, setting the stage for unexpected challenges. Readers will be drawn into the unfolding drama, eager to see who will emerge stronger when the spotlight shifts and secrets threaten to unravel.
Charles Hill
Sara is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.