Just then, Amber Bishop's voice floated over. "Oh, what a coincidence." She glided closer, her smile so radiant it was almost luminous. "Ophelia invited Mr. Olson to the university anniversary yesterday. Such a shame he was already tied up with me."
Her gaze clung to Rome Olson, her eyes sparkling with affection. Her arm was linked through his, the two of them a picture-perfect couple—undeniably striking.
Rome looked at Ophelia, his expression unruffled. No trace of awkwardness. It was like he'd completely forgotten the promise he'd made in a moment of weakness to go with her to the university event.
But Ophelia was past caring. It didn't matter who he arrived with, as long as he showed up. Keeping her emotions in check, she buried every hint of Amber's provocation and simply replied, "No worries, brother. Your girlfriend should come first."
Rome's eyes stayed on Ophelia. She stood tall despite her slender frame, and his face remained composed. Not even a flicker of displeasure. Something dark and complicated flashed in his eyes before it was gone.
Amber caught that flicker of surprise. She turned to Ophelia, her innocence feigned. "Wow, Ophelia, you're so chill today. Your tone's way softer than on the phone last night. Honestly, I didn't see that coming."
Ophelia shot a quick glance at Rome. She knew exactly who that comment was aimed at. The little spat last night wasn't something Amber would normally tattle about. But dropping it so casually? That made it seem more believable, just like she'd planned.
Rome's gaze locked onto her, cold and inescapable. Discomfort prickled inside her chest, but Ophelia smothered it fast.
Amber's little jab was nothing. Ophelia knew she still needed Rome's help to get her mother's belongings back if the Adams family failed to deliver them by tomorrow. She needed a plan.
Rome was about to speak when Ophelia suddenly waved past him. "Professor Nelson!"
Rosalina Nelson approached with Blessing Garcia. The elderly professor, her silver hair swept elegantly back, carried an artist's grace and a timeless aura that defied her years.
Smoothly, Ophelia introduced Professor Nelson to Rome. He responded with his usual polished charm, falling into easy conversation.
Amber bit her lip, watching. A cold glint sharpened her eyes.
When the anniversary celebration wrapped up, Ophelia said goodbye to her professor and started back to her apartment. She figured Rome and Amber were long gone.
But outside the campus gate, the sight of a familiar Rolls-Royce Phantom under the moonlight stopped her in her tracks. The sleek, dark silhouette of the car mirrored Rome's cool demeanor and intense spirit.
After a beat of hesitation, she walked toward it.
The car pulled away for a short distance before jerking to a stop. The driver got out.
Ophelia knew what that meant: time to talk.
Half-shrouded in shadow, Rome's pale face turned to her. Gently, he brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear, a faint smile curving his lips. "What did you say to Amber on the phone yesterday?"
No hesitation. Ophelia took out her phone and played the recording. Their conversation from the night before echoed clearly inside the car.
"I recorded it because you promised to come to the university event. I was scared you'd back out," she explained.
Once it finished, Rome gave her cheek a playful pinch. His voice lightened noticeably. "Really? You don't trust me over something this small? Arguing with Amber? You two are such kids."
Amber's deliberate targeting got brushed off as just childish nonsense.
Ophelia found the whole thing bitterly ironic.
Rome went on, "Amber's probably just feeling insecure right now. She was almost in tears earlier. Tomorrow, you'll apologize to her."
Ophelia's fists tightened. She wrestled with her thoughts for a moment before meeting his gaze. "Fine. But only if you promise me something first."
Rome raised a brow, his voice low. "Negotiating terms with me now? Go on."
"I haven't thought of it yet. But when I do, you can't say no." She added quickly, before he could jump in, "Don't worry, brother. I won't ask for anything crazy."
"Fine." Rome agreed without a second thought. Ophelia caught an unusual lightness in his mood.
Right then, a message chime sounded. Without missing a beat, Rome unlocked his phone. The screen showed a message from 'Amber' in bold.
Ophelia watched his fingers move fast: 'Be right there.'
He turned off the screen and ruffled Ophelia's hair. "Make sure you apologize to Amber properly at the family Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. Stay at Westhill Estate to rest, and don't give me anything to worry about. Got it?"
Ophelia nodded.
Rome told her to get out of the car, saying he'd send another one for her later.
"No need," Ophelia said. "I'll just catch a cab. It's cold out—I don't want to wait around in the chill."
"Upset?" Rome teased. He draped his coat over her shoulders, his grip a mixture of reassurance and soft insistence. "Amber's upset right now. I need to be with her. Be a good girl, Ophelia. Don't cause any trouble."
With that, Ophelia stepped out of the car, wrapped in Rome's coat.
The late autumn wind bit straight through to her bones. The ache in her leg throbbed harder.
She didn't wait for a ride. Instead, she called a cab to her apartment. Staying at Westhill wasn't some act of rebellion against Rome.
Getting ready to head back to the mainland needed careful planning. Westhill was Rome's territory—it would have boxed her in.
Now that she was getting closer to reclaiming her mother's things, she needed every move mapped out.
The next day, Ophelia showed up at the Olson estate at noon.
The Olson family usually gathered near the end of the year. With so many relatives, it was rare for everyone to come together.
This time, though, the early gathering was a welcome party for Amber—the woman Gabrielle Olson had her heart set on as a daughter-in-law.
Even as a foster child, Ophelia attended the family gathering like always.
After all, she couldn't afford to make enemies or give Rome any sign of rebellion—not until she'd cut ties and left the city for good.
Stepping into the main hall, Ophelia saw Rome surrounded by relatives, Amber right there at his side. They fit into the family dynamic seamlessly. Her laughter filled the room with a sense of warmth and togetherness.
But the moment Ophelia walked in, the vibe shifted.
The smile dropped off Gabrielle Olson's face the second she spotted her.
A younger cousin snorted, "See, this is what I've always said. Olson family gatherings are for people with Olson blood. But some people just show up like they own the place."
"Rome used to bring her along, playing the part. Now that he's got the real thing next to him, she's totally out of place."
The words were just whispers, but they landed hard.
The older relatives glanced between Amber and Ophelia, amused.
"At a glance, Ophelia and Amber really do look alike," someone remarked.
Ophelia knew this kind of malice all too well. It felt like being stripped raw and judged.
Swallowing it all down, she walked in calmly.
Amber stood to greet her, eyes warm but carrying a hint of triumph. "Ophelia, you must've caught a chill last night. If I'd known Rome was taking you home, I never would've messaged him. Would've saved you the trouble, you know?"
"Rome said you had something to say to me. So, what is it?"
Ophelia's brow furrowed slightly. Her gaze flicked to Rome's indifferent stare.
He seriously expected her to apologize to Amber right here, in front of everyone?
