Chapter 7 Together Behind Her Back

William suddenly remembered something and, as he watched Amanda ascend the stairs, he said, "Amanda, now that you're with Mr. Grant from the Sovania family, it's inappropriate to keep their jade pendant. Find a chance to return it." Amanda stopped in her tracks. At the mention of "the Sovania family," a mocking smile curled at her lips. The jade pendant from the Sovania family was meant for Elon's future granddaughter-in-law. Yet, just last year, Amanda discovered that Wilson had betrayed her by sleeping with Violet—and William, Grace, and even Wilson's parents were all aware of it. Her possessions, her home, her father, and her fiancé were all taken from her. Now, even the engagement gift from the Sovania family was being reclaimed. That day, as she returned from school and headed upstairs to sleep, she paused outside Violet's door upon hearing the sounds of a man and woman gasping. Curious, she wondered which man had foolishly taken a fancy to Violet. Peering through the door gap, Amanda saw the entangled couple and froze, her body feeling as though it had plunged into icy water, sending chills through her. The man kissing Violet was none other than her own fiance—Wilson. Their engagement was arranged early on, when her mother was still alive. Amanda had always known Wilson would be her husband and had devoted herself to him, hoping to one day leave the Sullivan family for a simpler, more peaceful life. "Violet, I love you." Through the door, Amanda heard Wilson's tender declaration to Violet. Standing at the door, she clenched her fists, tempted to burst in and confront the deceitful couple. Why is Violet stealing my fiance? Isn't she yielding enough? Just as she was about to push the door open, William's voice called out from the stairway. "Amanda!" William looked at her, motioning her over. Clearly, Violet and Wilson's indiscretion in the bedroom had William's blessing. How desperate was Violet, to eagerly bring Wilson into her room, not even bothering to lock the door? And how liberal was William, allowing his daughter and a man to consort in broad daylight freely? "Amanda, you've seen what you needed to see," William stated bluntly in the study. She looked up and asked William calmly, "When did they get together?" It wasn't recent, from William's demeanor, it was clear that Violet and Wilson had been together for a long time, with his consent. "Two years ago," William revealed. Amanda's mind went blank. How slow have I been to only find out about Wilson's affair after two years? If not for today's chance encounter, she might have learned of it only after Violet became pregnant with Wilson's child. "Wilson said he loves Violet, and his parents agree with him," William added. "Agree to what?" Amanda asked coldly, her hands trembling. Elon and Violet had been kind to her, never showing signs that they didn't want her as a daughter-in-law of the Sovania family. Is their acting that good, or am I just too naive? "Amanda, since Wilson and Violet are together, you should step aside," William stated plainly. In his view, Amanda should just facilitate Violet and Wilson's relationship. Amanda pressed her lips together in silence. Step aside? What have I done wrong? "And one more thing," William paused, about to continue when he glanced at Amanda. Amanda's intuition was sharp; Violet and Wilson had been together for two years, and both the Sullivan and Sovania families had kept it well hidden. Today's discovery had to be more than mere coincidence. So, there was more to come.