Page 110 of A Bossy Proposal

Chapter 30

Amelia

The pink diamond is heavy as I twirl it around my finger while I pace the sterile hospital corridor.

My heart pounds in my chest and the antiseptic smell stings my nose. Yet all I can think about is West lying on that operating table, fighting for his life because of me.

If we stayed in the penthouse, he’d still be fine.

If only I hadn’t complained about being bored.

If only I told him about the call.

I rub my temples to take away the pain.

The elevator dings, and I look up to see Catherine and Arabella rushing towards me. Worry etched on their faces, mirroring the anguish I feel.

“How is he?” Catherine demands, but her voice trembles.

I shake my head, fighting back tears. “They’re still operating. The bullet.” I swallow. “It hit an artery.”

As Arabella lets out a choked sob, Catherine pulls her close.

Gordon arrives moments later, his face a mask of cold fury and aimed at me. His eyes lock onto mine causing a chill to run down my spine.

He doesn’t say a word, but his gaze speaks volumes. He blames me for his son being in this sorrow state, but I do too.

After what feels like an eternity, Gordon approaches me. “A word,” he says, his tone leaving no room for argument.

He leads me to a quiet corner, away from Catherine and Arabella. “This is all your fault,” he hisses, his eyes blazing with anger. “If you hadn’t come into our lives, none of this would have happened.”

A surge of anger cuts through my fear. “No,” I snap back, surprising myself with my vehemence. I point my finger at his face. “This is on you. You’re the one who brought Vincenzo back to the US. You’re the one who ruinedmylife!”

Gordon’s eyes widen in shock, but before he can respond, I hear familiar voices. I turn to see Luca and Gabe striding down the corridor, their faces grim.

“Amelia.” Luca scans the area for potential threats before landing on Gordon. “Are you okay?”

I nod, relief washing over me at the sight of them. “I’m fine, but West took a bullet, and it hit an artery, and I’m—”

Gabe’s hand lands on my shoulder, a comforting weight. “We’re handling the situation. You don’t have to worry about it anymore,” he assures me.

My shoulders slump as a relief floods through me.

Gordon’s eyes narrow as he takes in Luca’s and Gabe’s imposing figures. “Who are these men?” he demands, his voice dripping with suspicion.

I lift my chin, drawing strength from their presence. “They’re my family.” My voice is steady despite the turmoil inside me. “The family I never thought I had.”

Gordon scoffs, but I can see a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. “Family? You expect me to believe you never knew about them?”

“Believe it,” Luca interrupts, his voice low and dangerous.

He steps forward, positioning himself slightly in front of me.

Gordon recoils.

“We’re her cousins. And we’re here to make sure she’s safe. Apparently you!” Luca presses his pointer finger against Gordon’s shoulder. “Put my cousin in danger.”

“I—I—” Gordon stutters.

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