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Chapter 2 I Could Never Love You In This Lifetime

The Davis Group had survived several economic crises over the years, all thanks to the skills of Rachel and Amelia's father, Vincent Davis. Amelia had thought this crisis would be the same as all the past ones.

She had not anticipated the severity of the current situation.

Vincent had even attempted suicide by swallowing pills.

"Rachel, I..." Amelia started, but her voice trailed off as Rachel's gaze bore down on her, authoritative and resolute.

"I don't care how you do it. you must get Frederick to help our family. Don't forget, Amelia, that Dad allowed you to marry Frederick for your sake, making many sacrifices. Now it's time for payback.

"Even if you two are getting divorced, you still have to get Frederick to pull the Davis Group through this crisis."

Rachel's words were like commands, leaving Amelia no room to refuse.

Amelia's heart was bitter. Initially, after Frederick's parents died in a car accident, and the shareholders revolted, the Hastings Group was at risk due to the external competitive pressures. Out of her secret love for Frederick, she had hoped Vincent would help the Hastings family.

Vincent approached a woman named Brittany for help. The next day, the Hastings family announced Frederick's engagement to Amelia.

But what she didn't know was that Frederick had a first love, and it was her arrival that thwarted the possibility of their romance.

Given the current circumstances, Frederick was unlikely to want to help her.

The lights in the emergency room went out. Vincent had been successfully resuscitated and was stable, so they moved him to a regular ward. Amelia could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

"Dad's out of danger now. I'll take care of him from here. Remember what I said."

"I understand."

She returned to Spring Villa.

Sitting on the sofa, Amelia picked up the phone and dialed Frederick's number.

The call connected swiftly. With a deep breath to steady herself, she spoke calmly.

"Come back and pick up the divorce papers."

After finishing, Amelia didn't give Frederick a chance to respond, hanging up immediately.

Half an hour later, the front door swung open from the outside.

Amelia had been sitting somewhat relaxed, but as soon as she heard the noise, she sat up straight.

Frederick appeared in a rush, striding into the house.

Sarcasm tinged Amelia's smile. The last time he had set foot here was a month ago. The day after that night, a lawyer delivered the divorce agreement, devoid of any explanation, as if the time had come and she was simply expected to sign it.

Amelia had been baffled, unable to comprehend how a man who had shared her bed the night before could suddenly want a divorce the next day. It was only after seeing Amber today that it all fell into place.

Frederick stopped in front of Amelia, his gaze swiftly surveying the divorce papers on the table.

The line where Amelia was supposed to sign remained blank. She hadn't signed yet.

Impatience flickered across Frederick's face.

"Amelia, what are you trying to pull?"

"Have I ever played any games with you?" Amelia countered calmly.

Frederick stared back emotionlessly, not bothering to answer.

Amelia pursed her lips in a light sigh, looking earnestly at Frederick.

"Is it because Ms. Roberts came back that you want a divorce, or is it because our family's financial troubles mean that I'm not a good enough match for you anymore?"

Frederick glanced at her indifferently before sitting down on the opposite sofa. "Does it make a difference?"

His voice was cool, yet each word seemed to cut into Amelia.

Taking a quiet breath, Amelia picked up the divorce agreement from the table. It outlined fifty million dollars in alimony and a house. After flipping through the documents, she spoke plainly.

"I don't need the alimony, but I have one condition."

A look of 'I knew it's flickered across Frederick's face.

"Go ahead, what's the condition?"

"I want you to help the Davis family through this crisis. Also, I hope that after the divorce, for whatever reason, we don't pester each other."

As her words fell, Frederick's low laughter echoed through the room. "Entangled? You think I could fall for you?" His voice was deep, and his dark eyes slightly curved as if he had heard a particularly amusing joke.

Amelia cringed at the man's deep chuckles. They were like daggers to her ears. His unreserved mockery left her feeling downright humiliated. Of course, she knew Frederick wouldn't obsess over her, but he might fight for custody of their child!

Suppressing the discomfort in her heart, Amelia was about to speak when his deep, resonant voice filled the air again. "Amelia, I could never fall for you in this lifetime." "I want a divorce, but I refuse to lend any help." "The downfall of Davis Group is inevitable. Times change, and no one can ensure their power lasts forever. "Why should I waste time and effort on a corporation that's completely decayed?" Frederick spoke with half-closed eyes, shielding any glimpse into his current sentiments.

Amelia's expression darkened instantly. She was just about to defend Davis Group when his cell phone, lying on the table, began to vibrate. After glancing at the caller ID, Frederick promptly stood up to take the call.

Seconds later, Amelia heard him say, "Amber, don't worry, I'll be right there." Stunned, Amelia watched as the man ended the call, then turned to glance at her with an icy detachment before speaking. "Amelia, let's not waste each other's time."

Her lips subtly pursed, concealing the sorrow in her eyes beneath thick lashes. Soon after, she heard his hurried footsteps as he left.

Amelia sat frozen on the sofa, long after the door had shut, before finally snapping back to reality. Tears had already started to spill over her cheeks. Her body trembled slightly as she fought back sobs. Having lost her mother at a young age, Vincent had always doted on her excessively. When she wanted to pursue medicine instead of business, Vincent supported her dream of attending medical school. It was her affection for Frederick that had initially led Vincent to assist the Hastings family.

But she never anticipated that the invincible Vincent would one day fall, and she would be powerless to help.

Her cellphone screen lit up. Wiping the tears from her eyes, Amelia paused before answering. "Hello?" She tried to control the quiver in her voice so as not to betray her distress to the caller.

"Mrs. Hastings, Mrs. Brittany requests your presence for dinner tonight at Hastings Manor."

"Alright."

She arrived at Hastings Manor.

"Amelia, I had Kelly make you some chicken soup. You must have some. You've gotten thinner again," Brittany said with motherly affection as she motioned to a servant to serve Amelia the chicken soup.

"Thank you," Amelia responded, taking the bowl of soup with a practiced smile, concealing the turmoil and irritation in her heart.

Brittany nodded slightly, satisfied as she watched the obedient Amelia sip her soup. Then she asked considerately, "Has Frederick been treating you well these days?"

Amelia's grasp on her spoon tightened just a bit, her fingertips growing slightly cold. To keep Brittany from worrying, Amelia brightened her smile and responded with laughter in her eyes, "Freick has always been very good to me."

Brittany nodded again, pleased with the response. "You and Frederick have been married for some time now. It might be time to start thinking about having children."

At the mention of children, Amelia pressed her lips together, uncertain of how to reply. A sudden panic seized her. Before she could speak, Brittany added, "I heard from Mary that you haven't had your period this month."

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