Suddenly, getting caught in a lie didn't even scare Amelia anymore. There was something way bigger to worry about now. She leaned closer and whispered, "Andrew, how are you going to make it up to her?"

He just raised an eyebrow. "What do you think I should do?"

Amelia managed a quick smile. “Well, if she needed help from the company, her family probably doesn't have much money. I think you should just give her some cash and let her go. Settle it quietly."

She hesitated, then kept going. "And honestly, people from difficult backgrounds can get really greedy. She might keep using this to ask for more. Plus, she works in the secretarial office. She's going to see you almost every day. That could turn into a huge headache. I really think it's better to pay her off and let her go. It's been years already. Giving her money is more than fair."

Andrew started tapping his knuckles on the desk, a steady and sharp sound. Amelia's words faded. She tried another smile. "What do you think?"

"I don't like it," he said.

Amelia frowned, getting frustrated. "Andrew, I'm being serious here. You—"

He stood up and buttoned his jacket, cutting her off. "I know what to do."

Amelia jumped up too, face tight with worry. "Andrew..."

He picked up his black coat from the chair and slipped it on. He looked even taller and more imposing. His eyes, dark and narrow, were cool and sharp as he glanced at her.

Whatever Amelia was about to say just died in her throat. She bit her lip and

lowered her eyes.

Andrew spoke, his voice flat. "Since you lied, I want you to donate another thirty percent of your savings. Can you handle that?"

Amelia went pale. That meant sixty percent in total. Way too much.

Her face twisted. "Andrew, that's not fair. I worked so hard to save that money. You can't just "

He just looked at her, calm but impossible to face.

Amelia forced herself to keep

talking, "Andrew, really, I can't. How

about just thirty percent... or

cant de

maybe

forty or fifty? I really sixty.

He didn't budge. “Donate the money or I'll send you abroad. It's your choice."

Amelia felt everything drain out of

her. She'd never really thought he was angry about her lying not until now. But after hearing him say that it hit her. He was furious-furious enough to actually send her away.

In the Lane family, anyone sent abroad had done something really serious. It was basically exile. After that they might share the family name, but nothing else.

Her own brother, someone who shared her blood, was ready to banish her because of an outsider.

The worst part was, Amelia knew he would do it. Even if Kevin tried to step in, it wouldn't matter.

She felt like she couldn't breathe. Panic filled her eyes.

"Make your choice," Andrew said, moving past her. He tossed out one last line. “I have work to do. The driver will take you home.”

The sound of the office door opening and closing echoed for a moment. Amelia's legs gave out and she slumped against the desk, feeling completely drained.