When Contracts Turn to Forbidden Kisses Chapter 127

Amelia

On the day my family arrived in New York, I checked my watch for the third time in five minutes, anxiously scanning the street outside our apartment building. The kids were finally ready—Lucas was clutching his favorite action figure, while Ella twirled around in her new purple dress, completely unaware of my mounting anxiety.

"Mommy, is Uncle Daniel bringing me another robot?" Lucas asked, tugging at my sleeve.

"I'm sure he'll bring something special," I answered, spotting a black SUV pulling up to the curb. Instead of Frank's imposing figure emerging from the driver's seat, a younger man—Marcus—stepped out and nodded respectfully.

"Dr. Thompson, we're ready whenever you are."

"How's Frank doing?" I asked, helping Ella with her little backpack.

Marcus's expression softened. "The pain medication makes him drowsy, but he's recovering. Still complaining about being bedridden though."

I smiled despite my concern. "That sounds like Frank. Please tell him not to rush his recovery."

“I was worried Daniel might blame him if anything happened to the kids while he was supposed to be watching them. He’d never forgive Frank for that,” I explained.

Marcus nodded understandingly.

We loaded the kids into the car, and I felt a pang of guilt. Frank had nearly died protecting my son.

---

At Kennedy International Airport, Olivia was already waiting in the VIP lounge when we arrived, scrolling through her phone with oversized sunglasses perched on her head. She jumped up when she spotted us, wrapping me in a hug before kneeling to greet the children.

"There are my favorite munchkins!" she exclaimed, pulling candy from her purse like a magician.

After the kids settled with their treats, she pulled me aside. "How's Frank? And Mrs. Wilson?"

"Frank's at home recovering, but he's still in a lot of pain," I whispered. "Mrs. Wilson is doing better—she's back at her sister's place in Queens."

Olivia squeezed my hand. "Thank God. I've been worried sick."

"Listen," I said, glancing at the kids to make sure they weren't paying attention, "please don't mention the accident to my family. They'd just worry, and Daniel would probably insist on hiring an entire security team to follow me everywhere."

"Your secret's safe with me," she promised, then added with a wink, "Though I bet your husband has already doubled your security anyway."

I rolled my eyes. "He's not my—" I stopped myself, realizing I didn't know what to call Ethan anymore. We were technically still married, but our relationship was... complicated.

Olivia smirked. "Uh-huh. Sure."

The arrival announcement interrupted our conversation, and I felt my stomach tighten with nervous anticipation.

Ten minutes later, I spotted them—Benjamin in his impeccable suit, Eleanor elegant as always beside him, Daniel scanning the crowd with alertness, and Sophie practically bouncing with excitement. The moment Sophie saw us, she broke away from the group, running toward us with all the enthusiasm of her twenty years.

"Amy! Olivia!" she squealed, throwing her arms around us both. Several heads turned at the commotion, a few people clearly recognizing Olivia.

"Sophie, indoor voice," Daniel chided, but he was smiling as he approached.

Eleanor immediately gravitated toward Lucas, kneeling to his level with the warmth she'd always shown him. "My goodness, you've grown at least two inches since I last saw you!"

Benjamin scooped up Ella, who giggled delightedly as he spun her around once. "And Miss Ella is becoming more beautiful every day, just like her mother."

"We've missed you all so much," I said, genuinely moved by their presence. Despite my complicated feelings about the Astor name and legacy, these people were my family.

After brief hugs and greetings, we made our way to the exit. Daniel had already arranged for their luggage to be delivered separately.

The car arrangement was decided quickly—I would ride with Benjamin and Eleanor, while Sophie and Daniel would go with Olivia. Several security vehicles followed discreetly behind us, courtesy of Daniel's perpetual caution.

Our convoy attracted attention as we moved through Manhattan's busy streets. I caught people turning to stare, probably wondering which celebrities or politicians were inside.

"The children look wonderful, Amelia," Eleanor said softly as Lucas pointed out skyscrapers to her. "You're doing an amazing job with them."

"Thank you," I replied, touched by her kindness. "It hasn't always been easy, but they're worth every sleepless night."

Benjamin nodded approvingly. "You've always been extraordinarily capable, Amelia. Your mother would be proud."

The mention of my mother brought the familiar ache, but it was accompanied by a warmth I hadn't felt before. Perhaps I was finally healing.

---

At the Black Rose Hotel, I led everyone to the reception desk, maintaining my most professional demeanor despite knowing exactly whose hotel this was.

"Reservation for Astor," I told the receptionist, who immediately straightened her posture.

"Of course, Dr. Thompson. We have the Ambassador Suites prepared for your family. Mr. Black personally ensured everything would be to your satisfaction."

Olivia raised an eyebrow at me as we collected the key cards. "The Ambassador Suites? Those must cost a fortune."

"It's just good customer service," I muttered, avoiding her knowing gaze.

As we rode the elevator to the top floor, Daniel looked out at the stunning view through the glass walls. "This must be the finest hotel in Manhattan. Black Group owns it, right?"

I nearly choked. "Yes," I managed to say, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. "They're known for their prime location."

"We should be staying somewhere else," Daniel frowned slightly. "Bennett Hotels has a property just three blocks from here."

"You came to visit me," I said quickly. "And I wanted the best for you. Besides, we're already here."

Daniel didn't look entirely convinced, but thankfully Sophie distracted him by exclaiming over the elevator's gold accents. Crisis averted—for now.

As the elevator doors opened to reveal the opulent hallway leading to their suites, I realized I was walking a dangerous tightrope.

Sooner or later, my family would discover the truth about Ethan and me. I just hoped I could control when and how that revelation happened.