Orion got into his car, his expression freezing over. He dialed Amanda's number immediately. The line connected, but it was met with dead silence.

After a heavy pause, Orion broke the quiet. "Don't ever fall for the Sinclair family's sweet talk again."

Amanda covered her mouth, her muffled sobs breaking through. She had just heard her best friend's vicious words with her own ears, and it had struck her like a bolt of lightning. Never in her wildest dreams could she have imagined that Amelia was actually using her.

Orion waited a moment before speaking. "You should get some rest. I'm hanging up."

He immediately dialed Matthew's number. "Where are you?"

"Out at a karaoke bar with some buddies."

"Come home. Now." Orion's voice carried a tone of absolute command.

Matthew sounded a little reluctant. "What's the rush?"

"You'll see when you get back. Do not let anyone from the Sinclair family near Mom."

At the mention of the Sinclairs, Matthew's tone sharpened. "I'm heading back right now, but you have to tell me what's going on."

"Just get back first. We'll talk later."

Orion ended the call. Matthew didn't dare dawdle and rushed straight home.

Watching the Sinclair family's car drive away, Orion could easily guess who Amelia was going to see next. The truth was often brutal, but he knew his stepmother had a soft heart. With Matthew around, things would be kept under control. Only then did Orion let out a breath of relief.

As for Evelina's situation, a headache began to pulse at his temples. What was he supposed to do? Lemira was going to find out soon.

He stared out into the night sky, the darkness mirroring the somber depths of his gaze.

After Amanda hung up the phone, she looked as though she had suffered a devastating blow. Having been calculated against and betrayed by her best friend, she finally realized she had never truly known Amelia at all.

Why would she scheme against her? Amanda's chest tightened as if pierced by a blade.

Before long, the butler approached. "Ma'am, Mrs. Amelia is here."

"I'm not seeing her."

The butler looked a little surprised by the refusal. After all, nobody had ever stopped Amelia from walking right in before. He looked conflicted. "I apologize, Ma'am. I assumed it was business as usual, so I didn't have her stopped at the gate. I'm afraid she's already on her way up."

"It's not your fault," Amanda said with a bitter smile. Yes, they used to be so close. She had treated her best friend like a sister, holding her dear to her heart. She hadn't expected her closest confidante to turto a toxic snake ready to throw her to the wolves. For years, Amanda had been plagued by guilt over the tragic accident that had struck the Langston family.

Soon, Amelia rushed into the grand hall. The moment she saw Amanda, she burst into tears. "I only said those things to trick Evelina into confessing! You have to believe me!"

Amanda stared at her best friend of decades, her own eyes red and swollen. Her heart was torn in two, completely lost on how to face the woman she had trusted for so long.

Amelia cried for what felt like ages, but when Amanda remained silent, her heart sank. Amelia looked up. "Do you hate me now? Back then, I really didn't plan on using Orion. It was just a coincidence."

"So you just played along?" Amanda's voice trembled. "Did you ever think about what would happen if Orion got hurt?"

Amelia hesitated. "I regretted it afterward. Besides, Orion is just your stepson. Don't you have a biological son of your own?"

Amanda stared at her in sheer disbelief. "How could you say that?"

"I know it sounds bad, but it's the

truth! If Orion was gone, your son would inherit everything in the Everhart family. Wouldn't that be a good thing for you? Since Orion ended up fine, you probably thought about how convenient it would be if he had gotten into an accident,

right?"

"I did not!"

Amanda forcefully shoved Amelia away. "Do you think everyone is as vicious as you?"