Chapter 2 Reunion

Five years later, at the Azure Skyline Resort.

Due to a wedding being hosted here, the hotel's lobby was adorned with an array of flowers and fine wines, and the largest banquet hall was teeming with a diverse crowd.

Wearing a sensual long dress, Amelia deftly climbed out of the media room and, while talking on her phone, headed towards the lobby.

"I've already swapped out the footage in the media room. Are you certain all the reporters you invited have arrived?" she asked.

Lucy’s confident voice came from the other end of the line. "Don't worry, I guarantee that after today, Lyanna will never dare to hold another wedding in her life."

"Good," Amelia replied, a slight smile curling her lips as she hung up the phone.

Glancing at the massive wedding photo hung outside the hotel, a flash of cold resolve briefly passed through Amelia’s eyes.

Five years ago, this woman had caused her so much pain. Today, Amelia was determined to make her pay the price.

With these thoughts swirling in her mind, Amelia turned to leave, only to see a pair of figures not too far away.

One of them was a small child, about five years old, dressed in a pink costume. Who else could this child be but her own daughter, Zoey?

Hadn't she told Zoey to wait in the car? How did she end up here?

As for the other person, with his handsome features and distinguished aura, who else could it be but Raymond, the man Amelia had been trying to avoid for the past five years?

How could he be here and run into Zoey?

Five years ago, ever since she had forced herself on Raymond, he had been sending people to find her. Amelia couldn't fathom the depth of the hatred and resentment between them.

Coupled with the people Lyanna had arranged, she hadn't stayed in one place for more than a year during all these years.

So what was Raymond doing now? Had he found them, or was this just a random encounter?

If he discovered that Zoey was her child, what would she do? Would he take the child away, ensuring they never saw each other again?

Various speculations flashed through Amelia's mind.

Seeing that the two hadn't separated yet and fearing something might go wrong, Amelia gritted her teeth, bought a hat and a scarf from a nearby tourist, and then quietly circled around behind them.

Meanwhile, at the front of the lobby, Zoey looked up pitifully at the cold-faced Raymond.

"Uncle, I don't mind if you don't replace my hair clip; it's not expensive. But because my mom bought it, I'm afraid she'll be upset. Could you get her contact info and explain it to her?"

Zoey's innocent, endearing look inexplicably tugged at Raymond's heart. He'd been standing there when this little girl suddenly ran into him, and he didn't even know how he ended up stepping on her hair clip.

If it had been anyone else, he might not have cared. But perhaps because this child was so adorable, or maybe because she resembled someone he knew, his heart softened.

Seeing the child about to cry, Raymond bent down, ready to speak, when a figure suddenly darted past him.

Amelia rushed over, covered Zoey's mouth, and pulled her into a corner.

Zoey looked up at Amelia, curious. "Mommy, why are you covering yourself with a scarf? It's so funny."

Zoey covered her mouth, her eyes forming crescent moons. Amelia, however, was in no mood for jokes.

"What are you running around for? Didn't I tell you to wait in the car?"

And now Zoey had even started talking to Raymond. What if he recognized her?

Zoey, oblivious to her mother's concerns, replied innocently, "I wasn't running around! I just thought that man looked familiar." She grabbed Amelia's sleeve with her chubby hand. "Mommy, do you think he could be my daddy? Everyone else has a daddy, but Zoey doesn't. Zoey is so sad!"

Zoey's chubby face rubbed against Amelia's side. Amelia gently pushed her away. "Stop it. You've said that about eight out of ten good-looking men. Besides, when have you ever lacked fatherly love?"

Amelia's eyes darted around, worried that Raymond might recognize her. She was about to leave with Zoey when she saw Raymond standing not far away, looking at her curiously. Her heart skipped a beat. She quickly hid Zoey behind her and adjusted the scarf around her face.

Making sure he couldn't see her face, she cautiously asked, "Who are you? What do you want?"

Raymond looked at the strange woman in front of him, feeling a peculiar emotion. "That's what I should be asking you. Who are you, and what are you doing?" He reached out to Zoey behind Amelia. "Come here. Where's your mom? I'll take you to her, okay?"

It took Amelia a moment to realize that Raymond thought she was a child trafficker. At that moment, Zoey mischievously poked her head out. "Okay, let's go find Mommy!"

Seeing Zoey about to walk over to Raymond, Amelia quickly pulled her back. She warned Zoey, "This is not the time for jokes. Behave, okay? If you keep this up, I won't want you anymore!"

Seeing Amelia's serious expression, Zoey reluctantly lowered her head. "Okay, I won't mess around. I'll be good. I'll listen. Mommy, don't be mad, okay?" Zoey obediently held Amelia's hand.

Raymond, initially just suspicious, now felt almost certain about something after seeing their interaction. "Ma'am, I advise you to let go of the child. Or I'll call the police, got it?" Raymond said sternly, taking out his phone.

Seeing this, Amelia couldn't help but panic. "Sir, didn't you hear her call me Mommy? Is this how you handle things?"

Raymond snorted. "Whether you're her mom or not, the police will find out." He was about to dial when Amelia quickly snatched his phone. "You want to call the police? Find your phone first!" Amelia said, throwing the phone in the opposite direction and running off with Zoey.

But Raymond reacted faster, swiftly grabbing her wrist as she attempted to flee.

Amelia's heart skipped a beat. Without thinking, she turned around and slapped Raymond, then attempted to flip him over her shoulder.

Unfortunately, Raymond was prepared. Not only did she miss the slap and fail to throw him, but he also managed to tear the scarf from her face.

Seeing the familiar face, a flicker of shock crossed Raymond's expression, quickly replaced by fury.

"Amelia!"

Not good. She'd been recognized.

Without wasting another moment on him, Amelia kicked him in the groin and, taking Zoey with her, bolted from the scene.