Nicole hadn't even had a chance to react.

Amelia simply turned and stepped into the elevator.

She didn't get a chance to say anything, so she looked at Christopher instead. "Chris, your wife is seriously fiery. Can you handle her? No wonder Nate's afraid of her.

"Also, she seems a little upset. Aren't you going to calm her down?"

Christopher calmly looked away and said, "She'll be fine once she cools off on her own."

Nicole smirked. "You really aren't afraid she'll run off, are you?"

-

When Christopher returned home that evening, the house was dark, with not a single light on.

Nathan wasn't home, and Anna didn't need to care for him, so she naturally had a leisurely evening and went to bed early.

Christopher switched on the lights, and the huge room felt especially cold and empty.

He climbed the stairs to the master bedroom, which was also empty.

He rarely came back here.

He didn't seem to care whether Amelia had returned. Passing by her vanity on the way to the bathroom, he didn't glance at it once.

If he had looked, he would have seen a single document lying there.

-

That weekend, the Aerospace and Defense Technology Expo was in full swing.

Crowds had gathered, some even standing outside because they couldn't get tickets, just to catch a glimpse of the excitement.

Amelia had arrived early with Evelyn, and they were waiting outside the entrance for Jasper.

Evelyn stood obediently beside Amelia, her wide eyes taking in the lively surroundings. Everywhere she looked, there were posters of airplanes and informational displays.

Amelia had never brought her to places like this before, and trips to amusement parks were even rarer.

Noticing her daughter's fascination, Amelia bent down and gently pinched Evelyn's cheeks. "Do you like it here? If you get bored, I can call Grandma to come pick you up and take you to her house."

"I like it. I really like it." Evelyn's small voice was soft and sweet. "Mommy, you never took us out to play before."

Amelia's chest tightened at Evelyn's words.

In her previous life, she had been too busy assisting Christopher, taking care of the Zephyr family, and trying to raise Nathan properly. She had overlooked so many small, meaningful moments.

Christopher would occasionally take Nathan out, while Evelyn stayed home, eating cold meals and playing with toys Nathan had abandoned.

Christopher would buy gifts and toys for Nathan, but never a single one for Evelyn. Amelia had tried to buy her toys, but Evelyn had said she didn't like them.

Now Amelia realized how absurd that was. What child didn't like toys?

"I'm sorry, my darling," Amelia whispered, her voice heavy with guilt and regret. She vowed that from now on, she would never miss another moment of her daughter's growth.

"Ha! What are you doing standing at the entrance, Evie?"

From a distance, Nathan strutted toward them in a little suit, his face full of pride and arrogance.

"Do you want to go in and see the real fighter jets too? There's no way Mommy can take you in. If you really want to go, you can beg me. Then maybe I'll plead with Daddy and Ms. Nikki for you, and Mommy can stay home to cook and do laundry."

"No need! Mommy will take me in!" Evelyn shot back, her little cheeks puffed in defiance. "Mommy's not your servant!"

Nathan froze. Amelia couldn't possibly take Evelyn in. She only stayed home to cook and clean, she had no experience with anything this fancy.

Christopher and Nicole trailed behind Nathan at just the right distance, neither too close nor too far. Both wore shades of brown that looked so coordinated it could be mistaken for a couple's outfits.

Amelia had once dreamed of wearing matching clothes with Christopher, feeling that first flutter of youthful excitement. He had never cooperated, never worn them, and hadn't even glanced at the clothes she bought.

Nicole spotted Amelia and stepped forward confidently, completely at ease. "Mia, Evie, you came too? Why didn't you say anything? You could have ridden with Chris and me."

At that moment, Christopher stepped aside to take a call, not even glancing at Amelia. Evelyn's eyes kept flicking toward her father, anxious and hopeful.

Facing Nicole's provocatively teasing tone, Amelia's lips curved into a cold, sharp smile as she replied bluntly, "No need to trouble yourself."

"Really?" Nicole raised an eyebrow. "Chris and I have been best friends since we were kids. You don't need to be polite with us."

Nicole said the words as if she were claiming her territory, and it made it clear she already saw herself as Christopher's wife.

Amelia thought back to her previous life. She had been foolish not to notice how this woman had been eyeing Christopher from the start.

Before Amelia could say anything, Christopher returned from his call. He walked past Amelia without a glance and addressed Nicole. "Let's go. We're heading in."

It was clear he had no intention of bringing Amelia and Evelyn inside.

Nicole smiled at Amelia, her eyes glinting with amusement. "We'll go in first, Mia. If you really can't get in, just call me. I'll come get you."

Amelia watched the three of them disappear, a mocking smile tugging at her lips. This time, she wanted to see just how well this little trio could really get along.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. Something at the institute ran a bit late." Jasper hurried over.

Amelia chuckled. "No problem."

He looked down at Evelyn with a warm grin. "Here, I brought you some snacks and toys."

Evelyn's eyes lit up instantly. "Thank you, Mr. Jazz!"

It was the first time she had ever received a gift.

Jasper held an internal staff pass in his hand and led Amelia and Evelyn inside.

The sun was bright and high today. The sunlight was so bright it almost hurt her eyes, so Amelia casually put on her sunglasses.

As they walked, Jasper said, "This defense expo only happens once every three years. It's huge, as you know. I might be a little busy later, but feel free to explore around. At noon, we can meet with the professors for lunch."

Amelia nodded. "Okay, go ahead. I'll be fine."

The atmosphere at the expo was electric. Everywhere they turned, there were crowds of people.

Evelyn's eyes were wide with wonder.

"Mommy, this plane is so cool!" she tugged at Amelia's hand. "Can you take a picture of me with it?"

"Of course," Amelia said with a smile, pulling out her phone. "Step over here for me."

Just as Evelyn was about to move, a surge of people pressed in, jostling Amelia and Evelyn. Amelia frowned and quickly steadied her daughter.

"Ms. Randall, I hear you're planning to pursue further studies domestically, and Mr. Zephyr mentioned you might join Institute 511. Can you share your thoughts on this industry?"

Reporters with cameras in hand crowded around, and a swarm of onlookers jostled in behind them.

Nicole stood in the center, radiant and confident, soaking in the attention. "Let me introduce this plane to everyone. I designed it initially, but I had to leave the project to study abroad. Now that I see it perfectly completed and unveiled, it fills me with pride.

"That just goes to show our country never lacks talent."

A man near Christopher nudged him with his shoulder.

"Isn't that your wife? What's she doing here? She's always at home worrying about groceries and chores. Does she even understand this stuff?"

Luke Carter stared at Amelia, his expression dripping with disdain. "I really don't get why she even came here. Is she just trying to make herself seen?"

Christopher's gaze swept over Amelia coldly, but he didn't say a word.

Compared to Nicole, who was being fawned over by everyone, Amelia's striking looks didn't help her at all. She seemed out of place, dull even, standing beside Nicole's radiant brilliance.

"I think I understand why you never want to go home. If I were you, I'd prefer Nikki too. Smart, capable, ambitious—she's better at everything than Amelia.

"She just sits at home spending your money and does nothing else."

Luke had always been part of Christopher's circle, and ever since their marriage, he'd looked down on Amelia. She was a scheming woman who wormed her way into a man's bed, so how good could she really be?

And now she had shamelessly chased Christopher all the way here.

It was utterly absurd.

"What's she standing there watching the interview for? Like she even understands a word of it. Anyone who didn't know better would think she's about to join the aviation industry too."

Christopher shot Luke a sharp look. "Enough."

Luke finally went silent.

Nathan watched Nicole basking in all the attention, and couldn't help feeling a little proud by association. If only Nicole were truly his mommy.

No matter. As long as Nicole liked him best, that was enough.

Amelia watched as Nicole introduced herself to the crowd, radiant and full of confidence. She spoke with striking clarity and deep understanding of the industry.

Amelia took a deep breath and lowered her gaze.

No wonder Christopher liked Nicole.

Faced with a woman who could do nothing but play house and a fiercely capable career woman, the choice was obvious.

And somehow, in her past life, Amelia had never grasped this simple truth.

Evelyn's big, round eyes followed Nicole, who was surrounded by people. She listened carefully to the conversation, her mind absorbing every detail.

So Nicole had designed this aircraft herself. No wonder Nathan looked up to her like that.

Just then, Amelia's phone rang. It was Jasper, telling her he'd arranged a viewing stand with a perfect vantage point to watch the fighter jet demonstration.

She took Evelyn and headed straight there.

In Luke's view, Amelia's action implied that she knew she couldn't compare to Nicole. So, she took her daughter and quietly left.

After Nicole's interview ended, Nathan ran straight into her arms. "Ms. Nikki, you're amazing!"

Nicole scooped him up and planted a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you, sweetheart."

Nathan's smile grew even brighter from the affection.

Nicole turned toward Christopher, one arm holding Nathan, the other stretched out toward him. "Buddy, I'm so brilliant and successful. Aren't you going to hold me and celebrate a little?"

Luke walked over, his grin half sarcastic. "What? Am I not your buddy anymore?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Luke didn't wait to see if Christopher agreed. He simply pulled him in for a hug with Nicole.

When they let go, Luke looked at Christopher. "How about we all go grab a meal to celebrate?"

Nicole, still holding Nathan, draped her other arm over Christopher's shoulder. "Sure. It's my treat!"

From a distance, the three of them looked like a close-knit little family.

Evelyn and Amelia hadn't gone far.

Evelyn kept glancing back at her father. Seeing the three of them together, she bit her lip tightly and turned away, refusing to look again.

If only she were more like her brother and more capable, maybe then her father would accept her.

Her daddy didn't like her, and that was likely why he didn't like her mommy either.

She couldn't hold her mommy back.

The seats Jasper arranged for Amelia and Evelyn were truly first-class. It was right at the center of it all, with an unobstructed view of the entire venue.

"You can stay here. The show will start soon," Jasper said with a smile. "Try not to wander off. There are a lot of people, and it's easy for the little one to get jostled."

"Thank you," Amelia said. "You go ahead, don't worry about us."

"Call me if you need anything."

After Jasper left, Amelia settled into the stand. With the view stretching out before her, her gaze fell on a jet in the distance.

The Eos X7 looked flawless in its flight, and it was already nominated multiple times at the exhibition.

There were a lot of people being interviewed today. The prime spots filled up quickly with prominent figures from the industry, all recognized names.

From a distance, Evelyn saw her father holding Nathan, with Nicole walking beside him.

"Why are you also here?" Nathan's face twisted into a look of disdain when he spotted Evelyn.

How did his sister and mother get here?

"This is for people with credentials only. You sneaked in, so don't be surprised if they kick you out later," Nathan whispered.

"What happened to your manners?"

Christopher frowned, his voice calm but firm, exuding authority.

Though he doted on Nathan, deep down Nathan still feared his father. He immediately fell silent, casting a pitiful glance at Nicole.

Nicole smiled gently. "Chris, he's just a kid, and he'll learn in time. No need to scare him with that cold look."

Amelia gave them a cool, indifferent glance, not bothering to respond, as if they weren't even worth her attention.

Luke sneered inwardly, rolling his eyes. Amelia had the audacity to follow Christopher here and somehow managed to sneak into the inner area. Who knew what tricks she'd pulled? And now she had the nerve to put on that aloof act, as if no one could see right through her.

Amelia settled into a seat further inside, while Evelyn took one closer to the edge. Christopher glanced at them, then sat down right next to Evelyn.

Nathan quickly plopped down beside Christopher and patted the empty space next to him. "Ms. Nikki, sit with me here!"

Nicole smiled and sat down without hesitation.

Seeing her father sit down next to her, Evelyn nervously gripped her dress. She watched him carefully, studying every expression.

But Christopher didn't look at her once. His attention stayed entirely on Nathan and Nicole. Slowly, a sinking feeling grew in Evelyn's chest.

The fighter jet demonstration began. The display was grand and spectacular, the roar of the crowd filling the air.

The children were all completely captivated.

"Ms. Nikki, are you going to design jets like these in the future? They're so cool!"

Nicole laughed. "You like them? I can make you a little model of one."

"Yay!"

Evelyn felt a pang of envy. She liked them too, but she kept her feelings buried inside, saying nothing.

When the demonstration ended, performances on the stage began.

All the adults in front stood up, and Evelyn could barely see. She frowned.

Christopher scooped Nathan up in his arms. Nathan grinned mischievously and made a face at Evelyn.

Evelyn huffed and stood on the stool. "Short people need to be carried. I can see just fine like this!"

Nathan huffed back. "So what? I'll grow taller someday. You? You don't even have a daddy!"

The words hit Evelyn like a punch to the chest, and her excitement for the show evaporated instantly.

Amelia frowned, then she turned to Nathan and coldly said, "Right. You don't have a mommy either."

Nathan froze, utterly stunned.

Nicole's eyes widened, shocked that Amelia would actually say something like that.

Christopher's brow furrowed, clearly displeased. "Amelia, why are you picking a fight with a child?"

Amelia let out a mocking laugh. "And why are you picking a fight with a woman?"

She didn't bother with him any further and instead reached down to ruffle Evelyn's hair. "Mommy's here."

Evelyn pressed her lips together for a moment, then smiled and nodded.

Christopher remained expressionless the entire time.

Maybe it was just his imagination, but Amelia seemed unusually hostile toward him lately.

Until the performance ended, Christopher and Amelia didn't exchange a single word.

He set Nathan down.

Evelyn spoke up. "Mommy, I need to go to the bathroom."

"Okay."

As she jumped off the stool, she misjudged her footing, twisted her ankle, and began to fall.

"Ah—"

She squeezed her eyes shut.

The sharp pain she expected never came. Instead, strong arms caught her securely.

When she opened her eyes, she realized she was in her father's embrace. His arms were warm and wide, comforting in a way she hadn't expected.

She froze for a moment, her nose tingling.

Her daddy still cared about her, didn't he?

Instinctively, she said, "Thank you, Daddy—"

Christopher's dark eyes narrowed, and his expression turned cold. "What did you just call me?"

The intensity radiating from Christopher made Evelyn shrink back. She pressed her lips together and muttered, almost in a whisper, "Th-thank you, Uncle Chris..."

Her eyes stung, and a lump of frustration tightened in her chest. She felt wronged and helpless, but she bit her lip stubbornly, refusing to let a tear fall.

She had thought that maybe her father was finally willing to accept her.

Amelia had been startled by what had just happened. Evelyn had toppled toward the opposite direction, and her first instinct was to catch her—but she was too far away.

Fortunately, her daughter was unharmed.

She gently lifted Evelyn from Christopher's arms, holding her close and soothing her with a soft voice. "You were scared, weren't you? Are you hurt anywhere?"

Evelyn shook her head silently. The moment she tried to speak, she felt tears welling up.

Nathan stood off to the side, feeling a bit upset.

Amelia used to hold him gently like that too. She hadn't come home in a long time, and it had been even longer since she had held him.

And just now, she said he didn't have a mommy, which made him a little sad. But then he thought, as long as Amelia wasn't around, Nicole was there with him.

Thinking like that, it didn't feel so bad after all.

After all, Amelia wouldn't really abandon him. She just said those things out of frustration.

Amelia ignored Christopher completely, not sparing him a glance, and carried Evelyn away.

Christopher's brow twitched slightly.

Compared to the warmth Amelia used to show, her current coldness was impossible to miss. He wondered what little tantrum she was throwing this time.

"Even kids know to say thank you. Don't you?"

Amelia paused mid-step and cast a cold, mocking smile over her shoulder. "What you owe her is far more than this."

Without waiting to see Christopher's reaction, she walked away with Evelyn.

That line was completely absurd and made no sense at all.

Christopher's brows furrowed, his expression icy and sharp. If he wasn't mistaken, the look in Amelia's eyes... was it hatred?

Luke sneered. "Is this still the Amelia I know—the total simp? How come she's suddenly so cold to you? Switching tactics, huh? Playing hard to get now?"

Christopher's brows furrowed slightly.

The only words his mind caught were "playing hard to get".

Maybe she really was.

That would explain everything.

-

After the defense expo ended, Amelia was taking Evelyn to lunch when her phone rang.

It was Winona Farrell. The moment Amelia answered, the voice on the other end was sharp and fierce. "Mia! Did you see the trending posts on social media?!"

Winona had been a friend since childhood. Hearing her tone, Amelia couldn't help but smile. "Trending posts? Which one of your brothers screwed up this time?"

Winona ground her teeth. "You still have the nerve to tease me? Your husband is cheating on you! Where are you right now? I'm coming over immediately so we can go and confront that scumbag together!"

Amelia paused for a moment, then looked down at her phone. The defense expo had completely taken over the trending feed.

Everyone was full of pride, celebrating the nation's strength.

But buried among the trending posts was another one that caught Amelia's eye.

[The Zephyr Family of Three Enjoying the Defense Expo]

Looking at those words, Amelia found them painfully glaring.

The photos showed Christopher, Nicole, and Nathan together, looking affectionate and happy. From the outside, they appeared to be the perfect little family.

After living through it once, she knew their relationship was far more complicated than it appeared. Yet seeing that trending post in black and white still stung.

It made her feel ridiculous, like a clown who had devoted five years to raising Nathan diligently. And laughably, while she had treated Nathan as her own son, the moment his real mother returned, Nathan had only eyes for Nicole.

If Nicole hadn't come back, Amelia would never have realized just how much Nathan resented her.

No wonder, in her previous life, Nathan had always been cold to her and quick to throw tantrums around this time. All five years of love and care she'd poured into him felt as though they had been wasted.

Amelia closed the post and calmly said, "I saw them at the expo."

"And you're still so calm?" Winona asked. "Don't tell me you've gone completely mad with anger?"

"Winnie, I'm getting a divorce from him."

"A d-divorce?" Winona stammered, stunned.

She hadn't expected Amelia to make such a decision. Only she knew how deeply Amelia had loved Christopher.

If Amelia was suddenly ready to file for divorce, it could only mean she had suffered a deep injustice.

"Did he mistreat you?" Winona's voice grew serious. "If he did, I won't let it go. Divorce isn't going to be enough—I’ll make him pay!"

Amelia lowered her gaze. She knew Winona genuinely cared about her.

She took a deep breath. "No. I've just come to understand things."

Winona exhaled, relieved, though her worry lingered. "Really? If anything happens, you have to tell me."

"Don't worry. If anything happens, I'll definitely drag you into it."

"You should have divorced him ages ago. You've finally figured it out."

Winona continued her endless stream of commentary. Amelia listened, a faint, serene smile touching her lips.

Hand in hand with her daughter, walking under the clear blue sky, the sound of her best friend's chatter came through her phone.

For the first time, Amelia felt the simplicity of happiness.

In her previous life, all her attention had been on Christopher, leaving her blind to the beauty that had been right beside her.

-

After ending the call with Winona, Amelia arrived at the place she had arranged to meet Jasper.

They had reserved a private room. Amelia had arrived early and was waiting inside. She was lost in thought, wondering how she would face her teacher, when the door opened.

Alfred and Jasper stepped inside together.

Amelia held Evelyn's hand and stood. "Hello, Professor Hale."

It had been a long time since Amelia had seen her teacher. Alfred looked much older now, streaks of white running through his temples.

Alfred didn't respond.

Amelia took a deep breath, her heart tightening. She knew why. She had long since lost the right to call him her teacher. That right had been something she had given up with her own hands, without hesitation, all those years ago.

Amelia pressed her lips together and looked down at Evelyn. "Sweetie, this is Professor Alfred Hale. Go ahead and greet him."

Evelyn obediently and politely said, "Hello, Mr. Hale."

The little girl's voice was sweet and endearing, and her big, round eyes sparkled with a cheerful smile.

Alfred's stern face softened instantly when he saw Evelyn's gentle demeanor. He ruffled Evelyn's hair and said to Amelia, "Your daughter is well-behaved."

Evelyn had clearly inherited the best of both Christopher and Amelia. Her small face was delicate and flawless, almost doll-like in its beauty.

Jasper spoke up, "Professor Hale, don't just stand here. Come sit and eat."

If it weren't for Jasper keeping the mood light, Amelia wasn't sure how she would have faced Alfred. Now, with Alfred willing to grace her—the so-called 'ungrateful student'—with a meal, she felt truly honored. She had once thought she would never see him again in her lifetime.

"Time really flies. Back then, Mia was such a spirited little girl, so childish she'd argue with me over food every day. Now look at her. Her daughter has grown up so fast."

Jasper recalled the past and all that Amelia had given up, feeling it was truly a pity.

Alfred, ever stern, snorted coldly. "Yes. For a man, she was willing to give up everything."

With Evelyn around, Alfred didn't say anything too harsh, not wanting to upset the girl.

Amelia looked at her daughter. "Evie, go ask a waiter to brew a pot of tea for Mr. Alfred and Mr. Jazz. Grab whatever drink you want for yourself."

"Okay!" Evelyn nodded obediently and bounced out of the room.

Once Evelyn had left, Alfred turned to Amelia. "I heard from Jasper that you're planning to divorce. And you're thinking of finding work in the industry?"

Amelia pursed her lips. "Yes. I gave up the chance to continue into a master's and PhD program back then, so now finding the right job isn't easy."

She had realized that in today's society, a degree was a necessary stepping stone. Even with her experience at Zephyr Group, it didn't carry much weight on its own.

"I looked over your resume. It doesn't meet our institute's hiring standards."

Alfred's rejection didn't surprise Amelia. She couldn't even bring herself to ask for his forgiveness.

Jasper quickly intervened when he saw the mood turn heavy. "Alright, you two haven't seen each other in a long time. Let's not dwell on unpleasant things and eat first."

-

Meanwhile, Evelyn had finished asking a waiter for tea and was standing in front of the beverage cabinet, eyeing the drinks.

Just then, Christopher and his group happened to come in and spotted her.

Luke clicked his tongue. "Can't stay away, huh? You can't even have a meal in peace without her following you. This isn't how you stage a chance encounter. Amelia's thoughts are written all over her face."

Evelyn noticed a bottle left all alone in the cabinet and decided it must be delicious. She opened the door to grab it, only to have a hand beat her to it.

"Yes! I love this one!"

Nathan held it up triumphantly, showing off to Evelyn. "Thanks for opening the cabinet for me!"