Chapter 4

Amelia's POV

The Cole family's banquet to announce the new marriage alliance was scheduled for two days later.

During those two days, Julian called me over a dozen times. I blocked every single number.

Finally, he sent a text message filled with his usual arrogance:

Don't take this joke too far.

Our families' alliance is not a toy for you to use to make me bow to you.

Hailey has been crying for two days because of your slap. I expect an apology from you at the banquet tonight.

I stared at the screen, scoffed, and handed the phone directly to my grandfather.

My grandfather's face darkened with rage after reading it. "Amelia, I really misjudged that boy."

I sat in the study, looking at my bandaged arm calmly. "Grandpa, I did too. This time, I want to choose someone who won't hesitate to stand by me."

Grandma clapped happily in my head. "Exactly! A man who doesn't respect himself is like rotten cabbage! Tonight, let's show the Carters what it means to be out of their league!"

That evening, the Cole estate was brightly lit.

Everyone assumed the stars of the night would be Julian and me.

Julian's mother was wearing a designer gown, boasting to the guests. "Oh, Amelia is practically my own daughter. Julian marrying her is our family's blessing."

She was already acting like she owned the place.

Julian stood in the center of the crowd holding a glass of champagne, looking extremely confident.

Hailey stood beside him in a simple white dress. When people asked about her identity, she looked down. "I'm just Julian's friend. I don't want to get in the way of his engagement with Amelia..."

Her victim act made me look like some villainous, jealous woman.

I watched from the entrance with absolute indifference.

The grand doors opened, and I walked in, holding my grandfather's arm.

Julian's eyes lit up the moment he saw me. He took a step forward, but the crowd suddenly parted.

Greyson had arrived.

He wore a custom black suit that highlighted his broad shoulders and tall frame. His expression was cold and sharp.

He ignored the guests trying to greet him and walked straight to me. In front of everyone, he ignored Julian entirely and asked softly, "Does your arm still hurt?"

I blinked, touched by his concern. "Much better."

Greyson checked my bandage to make sure there was no blood, then turned to my grandfather, his cold demeanor softening. "Mr. Cole, apologies for being late."

My grandfather laughed heartily. "Just in time!"

Not far away, Julian's face turned pale.

He stared at Greyson and me standing together.

Hailey leaned against him weakly. "Julian, Amelia looks so beautiful tonight. She must be standing with Mr. Vance just to make you jealous. Don't be mad, I'll go talk to her later..."

"Shut up," Julian snapped, his eyes glued to me.

I felt his gaze, but I felt absolutely nothing.

My grandfather stepped onto the stage, and the ballroom fell silent.

Julian's mother was still daydreaming, nudging Julian to get ready to walk up.

But Julian's feet felt like they were glued to the floor as he watched Greyson stand mere inches from me.

My grandfather raised the microphone, his strong voice echoing through the hall.

"Thank you all for coming. Tonight, I want you to witness my granddaughter Amelia's engagement. The Cole family and the Vance family have finalized our alliance. Amelia is now officially engaged to Greyson Vance!"

The room erupted into shocked whispers!

The smile on Julian's mother's face froze. She pushed through the crowd, outraged. "Mr. Cole! There must be a mistake! Amelia and Julian grew up together! Isn't the alliance with the Carters?!"

My grandfather looked down at her with a cold sneer. "Grew up together? Does that give your son the right to treat my granddaughter like garbage?"

Julian's mother turned pale.

Julian pushed through the crowd, staring at me, his voice shaking. "Amelia, are you serious? You're playing with your own marriage just to hurt me?"

My voice was crystal clear. "I told you, I choose Greyson. I never play games."

Seeing this, Hailey rushed forward with teary eyes. "Amelia! Is this because of me? If you're angry, I'll leave right now! Don't ruin your life over a tantrum. Julian loves you!"

The guests' looks turned suspicious.

Before I could speak, Greyson let out a cold laugh.

"Miss Sterling, if you donated your brain, I doubt anyone would want it."

Greyson's eyes were like ice as he exposed her in front of everyone. "You claim you care about Amelia, yet you're clinging to her ex-fiancé like glue? This isn't a soap opera. Julian is just trash that the Cole family threw out. There's no need to play the tragic martyr here."

Someone in the crowd laughed out loud.

Hailey's face flushed bright red, tears stuck on her lashes.

Julian stepped in front of her, furious. "Greyson! Watch your mouth!"

Greyson calmly dusted off his sleeve, looking at him with utter disdain. "Did you watch yours when you treated Amelia like trash? Oh, does it hurt now? Deal with it."

Julian was shaking with rage.

I watched silently.

In the past, I would have desperately explained myself to avoid Julian's misunderstanding. But now, Greyson stood by my side, slapping every lie back into their faces.

In my mind, Grandma laughed happily. "Amazing! I love this guy! You have to scald trash with boiling water!"