When Contracts Turn to Forbidden Kisses Chapter 103

Amelia

"Is that all, Dr. Thompson?" Frank asked as he helped load the last of my purchases into the car.

I nodded, glancing at my watch. "Yes, thank you. We need to get going if we're going to make it to the Bennetts' before the traffic gets bad."

In the rearview mirror, I saw Lucas playing with his toy dinosaur, while Ella looked out with curiosity. The twins were barely three years old, but they already had such different personalities. Lucas was more reserved and indifferent, while Ella was lively and observant.

Thirty minutes later, we pulled up to the impressive gates of the Bennett estate.

"I'll help you with these, Dr. Thompson," Frank said, gathering the shopping bags.

"Thank you," I smiled.

I took a deep breath before pressing the doorbell, balancing Ella on my hip while keeping a firm hold on Lucas's hand. The massive oak door swung open to reveal Sanders, the Bennetts' longtime butler.

"Dr. Thompson!" His face lit up with genuine warmth. "It's been too long since we've had the pleasure of your company."

"Hello, Sanders," I smiled, grateful for the warm reception.

"Please, come in," he gestured inside.

I followed Sanders through the marble-floored entrance hall.

Mrs. Bennett was in the sitting room, arranging a fruit platter. She looked up when we entered.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Bennett," I said softly, my voice betraying my nervousness.

"Amelia, darling!" She immediately abandoned the fruit and came to embrace me. "And look at these precious children! They've grown so much since I last saw them."

She knelt down to Lucas's eye level. "Hello, I have something special for you and your sister."

Lucas smiled at her. Mrs. Bennett produced two beautifully wrapped packages from a side table.

"These are for you," she said. "Why don't you open them while your mommy and I have a little chat?"

The children sat on the plush carpet, carefully unwrapping their gifts. They were immediately engrossed, giving me the opportunity I needed.

"Mrs. Bennett," I began, perching on the edge of the sofa. "I came to apologize. I should have told you about Olivia's... situation. The miscarriage. I encouraged her to tell you, but I should have been more insistent."

Mrs. Bennett waved her hand dismissively. "Darling, I'm not one to hold grudges. That's all water under the bridge now."

Her response surprised me. I'd expected at least some reproach.

"Besides," she continued, "I know it was all because of that Ashley woman drugging her. The nerve of some people." She shook her head, her diamond earrings catching the light. "No, I'm much more interested in what's happening with Noah. Is he really serious about my daughter?"

The abrupt change of subject threw me off balance. "I... well, Noah is definitely pursuing her now. But Olivia's hesitant. I think she's worried about what happened before."

Mrs. Bennett nodded thoughtfully. "Randall Cinemas would be an excellent connection for Olivia's career. And the Randalls are one of the few families in Manhattan with a lineage as distinguished as ours."

I suppressed a smile at her transparent calculation. Some things never changed – Mrs. Bennett would always think about the social implications of her daughter's relationships.

She leaned closer, lowering her voice conspirationally. "Amelia, dear, could you perhaps... keep me informed about their progress? Olivia tells me absolutely nothing these days."

I hesitated. This felt like betraying Olivia's confidence, but Mrs. Bennett's pleading expression was hard to resist. "I'll see what I can do," I finally conceded.

Her face brightened immediately. "Wonderful! You must stay for dinner. Cook has prepared the most exquisite lamb, and I know the children would enjoy playing in our garden before sunset."

By seven o'clock, we were back at our riverside apartment. After dinner at the Bennetts', the kids were tired but still needed their bath before bed. I then read them a story, and Ella fell asleep quickly.

"One more story, Mommy?" he pleaded, his eyelids already drooping.

"Not tonight, buddy," I said softly, tucking the blanket around him. "It's already past your bedtime."

I watched as his breathing deepened and evened out, his face peaceful in sleep. These quiet moments made everything worthwhile – the long hospital shifts, the family drama, the constant juggling act that was my life.

Gently closing his door, I walked to the balcony, needing a moment of peace. The evening air was cool against my skin as I looked out at the city lights reflecting on the river. In moments like these, I could almost believe that everything would be okay.

My phone rang, shattering the tranquility. I didn't recognize the number, but something compelled me to answer.

"Hello?"

"I hear you're back in New York," came a coldly familiar voice. "How about a courtesy call to your father?"

My body tensed immediately. "Mr. Thompson, are you sure you haven't dialed the wrong number? This is Amelia, not your Emily."

Robert's laugh was as hollow as his soul. "Always the smart mouth. Listen carefully, Amelia. I've been watching you and those children of yours."

A chill ran down my spine. "Stay away from my children," I warned, my voice low and dangerous.

"Then you'll transfer a million to my account by tomorrow noon. Otherwise, who knows what might happen during their next trip to the park?"

"You're threatening your own grandchildren?" I couldn't keep the disgust from my voice.

"A million, Amelia. That's my price for staying away."

"Here's my counter-offer," I said, my voice steady despite the rage building inside me. "You stay away from me and my children, or I'll make sure everyone knows exactly what kind of man you are."

There was a pause. "You're bluffing."

"Try me." I ended the call before he could respond, my hand shaking with anger.

Leaning on the balcony railing, I was furious, but I knew I had to act fast. I messaged Frank, telling him to be on high alert starting tomorrow.

I needed to be careful now. Very careful. But one thing was certain – I would protect my children at any cost, even if it meant going to war with my own father.