The Heiress With Seven Secret Identies (Stella Shaw) novel Chapter 438

Suddenly, a series of loud thuds and crashes echoed from inside. Nicole's eyes widened.

Were they actually fighting?

"Hey! Calm down!" she shouted. "Don't start swinging! Let's just talk this out!"

Forget the pleasantries—she tried to burst in to break it up, only to find the door was locked tight.

"Violence isn't the answer, guys! Let me in to mediate—I promise I'll be fair!" Those two had been bickering since they were kids, so a physical scuffle was the only thing on Nicole's mind.

"Nicole!" Amelia's voice called out from inside.

"Amelia, I'm right here!"

"Nicole... get someone to kick the door down!"

"What?" Nicole stammered.

Amelia sounded like she was losing the fight.

What was Jaron thinking? A little sparring was one thing, but he wouldn't actually hurt her, would he?

Muttering under her breath, Nicole turned and sprinted back downstairs.

"Winston! Do you have a spare key?" she yelled. "They're killing each other up there!"

"Yes—yes, of course!" Winston stammered.

"Hurry up!"

Key in hand, Nicole sprinted back upstairs and threw open the door.

She found Jaron pinning Amelia down against the desk. Amelia was livid, lashing out at him with everything she had.

"Jaron, that's enough!" Nicole shouted. "You've gone too far. This isn't a game—where's your sense of decency?"

Nicole threw a few punches, but Jaron didn't even flinch; he completely ignored her.

"Nicole, get away from him!" Amelia gasped. "He's been drugged. Call a doctor!"

Terrified, Nicole scrambled back. She grabbed a nearby desk lamp and, shutting her eyes tight, swung it with all her might.

"Jaron, I'm doing this for your own good! You can't do this!"

Blood began to trickle down Jaron's forehead. Seizing the moment, Amelia broke free from his grip and shoved him away. She grabbed Nicole's hand and pulled her out of the study as fast as they could.

"Amelia, are you okay?" Nicole asked, her voice trembling. She was still shaken, having realized too late that they hadn't been play-fighting at all.

"I'm fine," Amelia said. She pulled Nicole into a hug, feeling the other girl shaking. She knew how easily Nicole got scared.

Amelia wondered for a fleeting second.

If Nicole hadn't shown up, would she have just given in? No, she told herself. It's over. Don't look back.

"Is Jaron going to be alright?" Nicole asked.

"Don't worry, don't worry. He'll be okay," Amelia whispered, gently patting Nicole's shoulder to soothe her.

"Amelia... did he take some kind of... date-rape drug?"

Had she swung too hard?

"What if I turned him into an idiot?"

"Don't worry," Jasper said, gently stroking her hair. His deep voice was as steady and comforting as a piano melody. "He won't turn into an idiot. But Nicole... what exactly is a 'date-rape drug'?"

"It's... you know, the same stuff Amber took," she muttered, her face heating up as she looked down. She didn't actually know the technical name for it; she just knew it was the kind of thing people used to take advantage of others, and that it shouldn't even exist.

Jasper's jaw dropped in genuine shock. He looked over at Amelia; though her clothes were back in place, he could still see the faint wrinkles in her blouse.

Had Jaron lost his mind? Trying to force himself on her just because he couldn't have her?

"Nicole, you did the right thing," Jasper said firmly. "He deserved it."

Nicole looked up at him, her eyes clouded with uncertainty.

"Mr. Moore, Ms. Shaw, Ms. Cross—Mr. Wellington would like to see you inside," Winston said, appearing beside them to lead the way.

"Amelia?" Nicole whispered. She wasn't afraid to face the music for what she'd done, but she didn't want to force Amelia into an uncomfortable situation if she wasn't ready.

Amelia offered a small, weary smile. "I'm fine. Let's go in."

When they entered, Jaron's gaze was fixed on Amelia, his expression a tangled mess of emotions.

He couldn't believe he had nearly forced himself on her. When had he become such a monster? He was just grateful Amelia knew how to handle herself—and that Nicole had shown up when she did.

"I'm sorry," Jaron said, his voice heavy. "I can't apologize enough for what I did. If you want to hit me or if you want some kind of compensation, just say the word. I'll do whatever you want."

"Just get some rest," Amelia replied, her expression calm and unreadable. "I'm leaving now."

"I'm heading out, Nicole," Amelia said.