Chapter 37
Fintan hadn’t seen Amaris in years. After divorcing, his ex–wife took Amaris with her and disappeared from his Ide
To Fintan. Amaris was little more than a stranger.
If not for Fenella insisting on making Amaris Osric’s fiancee, he doubted they’d ever have crossed paths again.
Its a blessing for her to be here in Arborfield, Fintan thought, though the sentiment was hardly sincere.
He had been waiting for days, expecting Amaris to show up and pay her respects as his daughter. But she hadn’t come. Worse, she had apparently humiliated Ismay. “Seems like she was raised to be wild and unruly in the countryside,” he muttered to himself, shaking his head..
Ruffling tumay’s hair, he said. “Don’t cry, sweetheart. Amaris has been acting out of line, but Ell take care of it. TIE firing her back tonight and set her. straight. That girl thinks she’s above everyone does she?”
Tumay sniffled but clung to his arm, her voice pleading. “But Daddy, I really love Ouric. Can’t you can you talk to her! Make her give him back to
Fintan hesitated, his brow furrowing. Fenella had arranged this engagement, not him. He had suggested Ismay as a match for Ouric before, bair Fenella wouldn’t budge.
“Daddy.” Ismay pressed on, her voice coaxing. “Osic likes the too. Who still has arranged marriages now! Fenella’s just stubborn because die doesn’t see Amaris through. Do you honestly believe someone like her, who hates us, will help your career alter marrying into the Hale family! She’d soon. see our family fall apart.”
The words hit their mark, tugging at Fintani’s insecurities. He didn’t want Amaris to get too powerful. If she ever rose above him, she’d undoubtedly dredge up the past and make him pay for it.
But Ismay was different–his darling daughter. If she married into the Hale family, she’d support
Eira, ever observant, added slyly, Convincing Fenella isn’t that hard. All Amaris needs to do is make a big enough mistake to anger the Hale family.”
Fintan tilted his head, intrigued. “Like what?” he asked, stroking his chin.
Eira’s lips curved into a devious smile. “The Hale family and the Larkspur family are bitter rivals. If Amaris gets entangled with Lachlan, even a little, what do you think Fenella would do!“.
“Lachlan Larkspur. Fintan muttered, the idea taking shape. It was underhanded but better than letting Amaris rise above him.
Everyone has their inner demons, and for Fintan, it was his ex–wife. He could not afford to let himself fall into a vulnerable position because of it
Especially now, with Amaris actively tarnishing his reputation wherever she went.
“Fine,” Fintan said, nodding “Il call Amaris tonight and bring her back. The rest. I’ll leave to you. It’s all for Isnay’s good anyway. Besides, Amaris: is hardly a good match for Ouric.”
Eira and Ismay exchanged victorious smiles.
Amaris received a phone call after work from an unfamiliar number.
It was her long–estranged father, Fintan.
“Amaris,” he said, warm and overly friendly. “You’ve been in Arborfield for a while now and haven’t stopped by to see me.
“I asked Fira to make a wonderful dinner for you tonight. Come home, we need to talk.”
Her tone was ice–cold. “Sorry, you’ve got the wrong number. My father’s been dead for years.”
“Amaris, how dare you speak to me like that?” Fintan snapped, his anger barely contained. Yes, he quickly softened his tone, waxing her “Sweetheart, you’ve been hack for so long. It’s not right to ignore your family.”
“You’re delusional” Amaris shot back. “That house has nothing to do with m
Her mind flashed back to her childhood. She had been only four when her ailing mother had taken her and left the Wynn family, forced out by
Fintan’s indifference.
1/2
11:02 AM
Chapter 17
Her mother bed struggled for two years before succunduing
Her mother way cast out of the Wynn family when she needed the most support
To Amaris, Fintan had died the day they left.
“Amarii,” Fintan tried again, lus voice calculated more now. “I won’t beat around the bush. Some of your mother’s belongings are here. If you come hack, III give them to you?
After a moment of hesitation, Amaris relented. “Fine. I’ll come by to get them.
After leaving the school, Amaris hailed a taxi and headed straight to the Wynn family estate.
The entire Wynn household was brimming with enthusiasm as they welcomed her back.
By the time Amaris arrived at the Wynn family estate, the scent of a lavish dinner greeted her before she even stepped inside,
Fintan rose from his chair, a practiced smile spreading
his face. “Amarin, you’re here! I knew your duln’t mean all those harsh words earlier”
Amaris’s eyes were cold as she cur straight to the point. “Gut nomienie. Where are my mother’s things??
Eira stepped forward, her face a mask of hospitality “Oh, Amaris, your father just wanted to see you agam Come, let’s sit down and enjoy the meal I prepared”
Ismay appeared beside her, equally cheerful. “We’ve missed you so much”
Aman’s eyes narrowed. She didn’t trust their sudden kindness
But the wa
wasn’t about to leave empty–handed. Folding her an she stepped murde ermined to uncover whatever scheme they had planned.
