Her Rebirth.

As soon as they stepped into the elevator of the apartment, Sera let out an exaggerated sigh, crossing her arms as she threw Amelia a resentful look.

Amelia, confused as to why Sera was giving her that look, couldn’t help but ask, "What now?"

Sera huffed. "I was supposed to go to the bar tonight. But then you happened."

Amelia blinked, then let out a short laugh. "And you didn’t go because of me?"

"Gee, you think? You completely derailed my plans."

"Alright, I’m sorry for ruining your night," Amelia apologized, though it didn’t seem sincere due to the faint amusement in her eyes.

"I don’t need your apology; it doesn’t help in any way," Sera shot her a glare before flipping her hair dramatically. "As a matter of fact, you owe me for this."

Amelia chuckled. "Fine, fine. I owe you one."

Sera thought for a moment, then snapped her fingers. "I’m going shopping next week Wednesday. You’re coming with me."

Amelia’s smile fell into a slight frown. Shopping?

"...That’s what you want as payment?"

"Yes. And you will carry my bags," Sera added with a smug look.

"I don’t think I’ll..." but before she could finish her statement, Sera quickly interrupted her.

"No excuses. You owe me for this."

Amelia sighed, pressing the elevator button. "Fine. I’ll go." She’d have to call in sick that day, probably.

"Great! You need new clothes anyway."

Amelia gave her a side glance. "What’s wrong with my wardrobe?"

Sera snorted. "For someone who is a fashion designer, your wardrobe seriously lacks some color and life."

The elevator doors slid open, and as they stepped out, Amelia shook her head in amusement.

"Not wearing fur with every dress or bright-colored clothes doesn’t mean my wardrobe lacks life."

"Yeah, yeah, keep on telling yourself that."

Amelia: "..."

This argument wasn’t worth it at all.

---

Damien knocked twice on the heavy wooden doors of Marie Denver’s study.

His mother, at this hour, was undoubtedly working, thinking of ways to expand the company, form new alliances, and secure their legacy. Meanwhile, his father was likely out entertaining another mistress, just like he always did.

Maybe another illegitimate child will show up, Damien mused dryly. That would certainly make the inheritance battle even more entertaining.

He had been avoiding her for some days now, so bringing this conversation before her... He had no idea how this conversation would go, but he knew one thing for certain, his mother would not be pleased.

A voice from inside called, "Come in."

He pushed the door open and stepped inside, finding Marie Denver seated at her desk, her eyes scanning a tablet as she scrolled through documents.

Marie barely glanced up. "You’re home early," she remarked. "I thought you were still avoiding me."

She wasn’t wrong.

Lately, he had been dodging her calls, mostly because she had been nagging him about getting married.

Damien took a deep breath before running a hand through his hair. "I wasn’t avoiding you," he muttered, before correcting himself, "Okay, maybe I was."

Marie smiled but didn’t look away from her tablet. "I assume this means you’re finally ready to listen to me and settle down?"

Damien sighed as he took a seat. "Well, about that..."

Marie’s fingers paused over the screen as she finally lifted her gaze. "Oh?"

Damien cleared his throat. "Actually... I came to tell you that I might have found someone I like."

Marie immediately set her tablet down, clasping her hands together as excitement filled her eyes. "Who is she?"

Damien was her only son, and he was turning 32 pretty soon. Apart from the fact that she wished to see her grandchildren before she died, there were a lot of illegitimate children vying for the empire. Having a family, one way or another, helped in securing it, as he would have the first legitimate grandchild, a heir.

Damien hesitated. He knew his mother well. This wouldn’t be an easy conversation. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"...You might not like my answer."

Marie blinked before leaning back in her chair. Then, after a pause, she said carefully, "It’s fine. Whoever it is, I’ll try to accept it." Then, almost as an afterthought, she added, "Even if you’re gay, I’ll still support you."

Damien blinked, utterly caught off guard.

"...What?"

Marie gave him a patient look. "If it’s a man, just say so. It might be hard, but I—"

Damien groaned, rubbing his face with his hand. "Mother, I’m not gay."

Marie sighed in relief. "Then why would I be unhappy?"

Damien looked at her seriously. "Because it’s Amelia. Amelia Cosgrove."

The warmth in Marie’s expression instantly disappeared, replaced by a deep frown. "Amelia," she repeated, her voice filled with obvious displeasure. "You do realize she’s already engaged to Kai Blackwood?"

"Yes," Damien admitted. "But they’re only engaged, not married. And you can talk to Grandfather Cosgrove. If anyone can convince him to reconsider, it’s you."

Marie sighed heavily, rubbing her temples. "Damien... this isn’t as simple as you think. That engagement isn’t just a formality, it’s a contract. There’s a diamond mine at stake, and neither family will be willing to give it up so easily."

"A diamond mine?..."

Marie nodded. "Yes. The Cosgroves discovered a diamond mine on one of their lands but lacked the machinery and resources to develop it. They turned to the Blackwoods for help and negotiated a contract. The original deal was an 80-20 split, but the Blackwoods pushed for more. Eventually, they settled on a 70-30 share. To solidify the agreement, Grandfather Cosgrove offered that Amelia be married to the Blackwoods, not only to prove sincerity but also to strengthen the ties between both families. Thus, the Blackwoods would benefit in the long run, as they would technically become co-owners of the mine."

Damien frowned. If that was the case, then breaking the engagement would be far more difficult than he’d thought.

But truly... "Is there no way?"

Marie’s gaze locked onto his. "No. So I suggest you extinguish whatever feelings you have for her."