Chapter 8 That’s It?

Lucas, with a proud smile, said, “Well done; both of you are great daughters! I’m really pleased!” Sophia shot a challenging look at Amelia. Even if you secured the contract, I still had a role in it! Amelia raised an eyebrow and asked, “Dad, does the reward you promised me still apply?” Sophia’s face fell immediately. She couldn’t let that happen—it was her room! In his excitement, Lucas said without hesitation, “Of course, the reward stands! I promised you a room change, so Sophia, you need to pack up and give your room to Amelia.” Sophia, biting her lip, clung to Isabella’s hand and said, “Mom, I don’t want to move from my room! I’ve been in this room for over ten years and won’t be able to adjust to a new bed.” Isabella hesitated, clearly torn. “Well…” She had a stronger emotional attachment to Sophia, whom she had raised for eighteen years, while Amelia, who had only recently come into her life, had less of her affection. “Amelia, your sister struggles with changing beds. Why make her move if she’s uncomfortable?” Amelia shrugged. “That’s not my problem. I’m fine with any bed.” Isabella’s expression grew stern. “Are you trying to defy me?” Amelia’s tone turned icy. “If you’re breaking promises to me, what’s to stop you from doing the same in business? I work at Carter Group and interact with their executives daily. If they learn you’re unreliable, how will that reflect on you?” Lucas’s patience snapped. “Enough! I, Lucas, keep my word. Sophia, you will vacate your room immediately! If you can’t adapt, you can sleep on the floor!” Sophia broke into tears and threw herself into Isabella’s arms. Isabella glared at Amelia but, not wanting to defy Lucas, began helping Sophia pack her things. Lucas turned to Amelia with a warm smile and asked, “Amelia, are you happy now?” “Yeah, I suppose.” “Great! Now, I need one more favor from you.” “What is it?” Lucas, looking thrilled, said, “With everyone in Oceancliff focused on Carter Group’s ten-billion-dollar project, this is a huge opportunity for us. We should make the most of it by announcing our partnership with the Carter Group. I’m planning to host a big banquet tomorrow night to celebrate and enhance our business reputation.” Amelia raised an eyebrow. “What do you need me to do?” Lucas eagerly said, “Can you contact the CEO of Carter Group and see if he can attend the banquet?” Amelia hesitated, not wanting Ethan to be seen publicly. Ethan preferred to stay out of the spotlight, and she didn’t want him to be seen in a wheelchair at such an event. She replied vaguely, “I’ll ask, but he might be too busy.” “That’s okay; just see if he can come. It would be fantastic if he could!” Amelia went outside and sent a WhatsApp message to Ethan. “Mister, are you available tomorrow night?” Carter replied, “What’s up?” Amelia then texted, “My dad is hosting a banquet tomorrow and wants to invite you. Just checking in case you’re free; if not, no problem!” On the other side, Jack noticed that Ethan, normally unflappable, was frowning deeply and seemed troubled, as if he had encountered a major problem. Jack felt a pang of worry, wondering if something significant had happened in Ashford. Jack cautiously asked, “Mr. Carter?” Ethan, with a serious tone, said, “I will be meeting her parents soon.” Jack was taken aback. “Huh?” Just that? Amelia had been waiting for a long time without a response from Mr. She felt dejected and was about to type, “Mister, it’s okay if you can’t come.” At that moment, Mr. replied. Carter: “Okay!” Amelia in surprise: “Mister, you agreed to come?” Carter: “Yes.” Amelia: “Then I’ll come pick you up!” Amelia cheerfully skipped back to the living room, just in time to see Sophia dragging a suitcase. Sophia, gritting her teeth, said, “Amelia, don’t get too smug! I’ll definitely get my room back!” Amelia coldly smiled. “You might not get that chance! Whether it’s the room or anything else, I’ll take back everything that belongs to me, Amelia!” Sophia, furious, raised her hand in anger. “Dad!” Amelia suddenly shouted. Lucas came over and asked, “What’s wrong?” Sophia quickly lowered her hand and smiled sweetly. “It’s nothing, Dad. I was just discussing the room swap with Amelia.” Lucas impatiently said, “Amelia is very busy. You can handle this small matter yourself and stop bothering her.” Sophia’s anger boiled inside her. Is this still the father who used to dote on me so much? Why, just because Amelia closed a deal, has our status shifted so dramatically? Lucas excitedly asked, “Amelia, did you reach Mr. Carter?” Amelia nodded, “I asked, and Mr. Carter agreed to come tomorrow.” “Excellent! Amelia, you’re truly remarkable! You're the daughter I've always dreamed of!” Lucas laughed heartily. “I need to hurry and notify everyone; send out the invitations! This time, the Harper family will make a big splash! Haha!” It was rumored that the new CEO of Carter Group was extremely mysterious and had never appeared in public before. This would be his first public appearance! In no time, the entire high society of Oceancliff was abuzz. Every family was eager to make connections with Mr. Carter and grab a share of the billion-dollar new project. Even the powerful figures who hadn’t received an invitation reached out to Lucas. Lucas reveled in the flattery and attention from everyone. The influential people who he used to seek favor were now treating him like an old friend, addressing him as "Mr. Lucas" and subtly probing for information about Carter Group. Lucas was overjoyed. In his elation, he gave Isabella one million dollars. “Take the two girls to buy some elegant dresses. Make sure they make a grand entrance tomorrow!” So, Isabella took Amelia and Sophia out to shop for their dresses. …… Silverwood Mall was the most prestigious luxury shopping center in Oceancliff. Sophia felt completely at ease. She looked disdainfully at Amelia, saying, “Amelia, you grew up in the countryside, so you probably haven’t even heard of luxury brands. Let me name a few for you.” “The most famous luxury brands are the big six: Dior, Chanel, Gucci, Hermès, Prada, and LV.” “Luckily, Silverwood Mall has all six brands. After shopping, we can grab coffee here. It’s truly a luxurious and enjoyable experience!”