Chapter 96

Michael didn't answer. He reached for the door like he was about to shut it in her face. Amelia reacted fast and caught it with her hand. "Mr. Sutton, please. Just come downstairs with me." She looked up at him with her big, clear eyes, pleading so hard it almost hurt to watch. Michael held on for a second, then finally gave in and went with her. The moment they got downstairs, Amelia turned unusually warm and eager, as if she'd turned into a completely different person. She steered him onto the living room couch, poured him tea, fussed over him, and even started kneading his shoulders like she was trying to make up for a lifetime of mistakes. She kept smiling at him. Not a natural smile, but an overly sweet, ingratiating one that never left her face. Michael watched her for a moment and only felt more uncomfortable. "Enough," he said. "Be normal." Amelia knew she looked ridiculous. But she didn't know how else to apologize, so she'd lowered herself as far as she could. She h