Amelia's hands grabbed Lilac's right hand just before she could reach the floor, then pulled her up.
"Watch your steps, little sis," Amelia said with a sweet smile, though her eyes were much colder.
What was this little brat trying to pull?
"Ouch, sister, it hurts," Lilac said, beads of tears forming in her eyes.
Before Amelia could react, a hand grabbed hers and yanked it away.
"What do you think you're doing to Lilac?" Ace accused.
Amelia's gaze trailed lazily to him, and a flicker of amusement crossed her expression. He was quite angry, and the way he immediately rushed to Lilac's side like a dog was almost laughable.
More amusingly, they were both dressed in matching blue attire, like a couple. How utterly cliché.
Amelia lowered her gaze, her voice soft and hesitant, just loud enough for the gathered onlookers to hear.
"Ace… I— I was only trying to help Lilac. She suddenly lost her balance, and I— I didn't want her to fall… I know you resent me for the engagement, but still… you don't have to be so unfair to me."
A hushed murmur spread through the crowd.
"That's true, Lilac was about to fall… Amelia caught her in time," someone whispered.
"Why is Ace blaming Amelia when she was only helping?" another voice chimed in.
Ace's jaw clenched. He had not expected that Amelia was not actually bullying Lilac but helping her instead. He had just rushed over upon seeing Lilac in pain, and the person who was close to her was Amelia, so he had immediately come to a conclusion.
His fingers flinched at his sides, embarrassment flickering across his face as the attention on him grew heavier.
Before he could respond, another voice cut through the moment.
"Enough."
Mason Cosgrove strode toward them, his expression one of cold irritation. Beside him, Eve Cosgrove rushed to Lilac's side.
"My dear sweetheart," she almost tearfully said as she gently took Lilac's arm and dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief, cleaning away imaginary tears.
Ray stood slightly behind, his arms crossed, eyes filled with obvious annoyance as he looked at Amelia.
"Stop causing a scene," Mason said curtly. "Father wishes to meet us. Let's go."
Amelia, however, did not move. Instead, she stood still.
"I am not moving until Ace apologizes," she said. "He treated his fiancée roughly and accused her wrongly for another woman. It is only fair that I receive an apology."
Mason's brows furrowed. "Amelia, enough of this childishness."
She turned her gaze to him, an icy amusement flickering in her eyes. "You can go greet Grandfather without me. I do not want to be an eyesore to your loving family, after all."
Mason's face twisted in anger.
"Amelia!..."
"The girl rightfully deserves an apology," a voice cut through, and Amelia saw a 6ft tall handsome man with red hair and green eyes walk out of the crowd. He was wearing a black tux.
"Uncle," he greeted Mason with a curt nod.
Mason's frown deepened. "Damien, this is a family matter. Do not interfere."
Damien merely tilted his head, unconcerned. "As much as I respect family matters, this is already a spectacle. And as you know, Uncle, Grandfather despises public scandals." His lips curled slightly. "Besides, Amelia was the one wronged. Shouldn't justice be given where it is due?"
Mason looked around, gritting his teeth as he finally took cognizance that a number of people had gathered around them.
If this dragged on any longer, it would, in no time, attract his father's attention, which he did not want.
Mason looked at Ace with a forced smile.
"You know Amelia can be a bit stubborn..."
Ace sighed.
"I understand, Uncle." He then turned to Amelia with a frown and said coldly, "I am sorry."
Amelia crossed her arms.
"That didn't sound very sincere."
Mason snapped.
"Amelia!..."
"Grandfather is calling for us, Father. Do not forget that," her lips curled up into a faint smile. "I am pretty sure he is wondering right now why we are taking too long."
Ace gritted his teeth and bowed slightly.
"I am sorry, Amelia."
Amelia let out a small laugh, then said,
"Alright, we can go and greet Grandfather, though the apology was quite lackluster."
Ace clenched his fists as Amelia walked past him.
Lilac gently grabbed his hand, her fingers smoothing over his tense knuckles.
"Don't get angry," she whispered softly. "Amelia can be rash sometimes, but she may still be feeling sad. Besides, I... I hurt her." She looked at Ace with pleading eyes. "So please don't be too angry at her."
Ace looked at Lilac, and his expression softened. He gently patted her head.
"Don't defend her, Lilac. Sometimes I worry that you are too nice for your own good."
"Pfft."
Lilac and Ace turned back and saw Damien holding back a laugh.
Seeing they had turned to him, he let out a playful smile.
"Ah, don't mind me," he mused, adjusting the cuff of his tuxedo. "I just saw something rather amusing. Though, if I may ask—" his gaze flickered between the two, his smirk deepening—"why are you and another woman wearing matching outfits rather than you and your fiancée?"