Two Reborn, One Throne novel Chapter 54

When Amber returned from evening study hall, she found her dad walking in with Xanthe, exactly as she had orchestrated.

In her past life, Amber hadn't met Xanthe until the woman was terminally ill. Seeing her years earlier, her complexion was still a bit dull, but nothing a little rest and care couldn't fix.

Amber feigned surprise. "Dad, who is this?"

Arthur was stressing over how to explain the situation to Amber. Before he could, Xanthe spoke up. "You must be Amber."

Her cousin had told her Amber was the mastermind behind this, but given the delicate situation, she couldn't say it aloud.

Amber nodded cheerfully. "Yes, I'm Amber. What should I call you?"

In her previous life, Amber had been deeply cared for by Xanthe during her second stomach surgery, right around the time Lucian's mother had a breakdown over dating a wealthy executive.

Xanthe had treated Amber like her own daughter, staying by her side every day and making sure she rested.

"Just call me Xanthe. Amber, I'm so sorry... I hope I'm not intruding." Xanthe felt an instant, unexplainable connection to the girl, almost as if she were her own daughter from another lifetime.

"Not at all! You're too polite, Xanthe," Amber said, her eyes curving into a warm smile.

Arthur cleared his throat. "Have a seat. I need a quick word with Amber."

He ushered Amber into her bedroom and closed the door. "Amber, it's not what you think. Please don't misunderstand, and absolutely do not tell Grace. I'm just doing a favor. She's Loretta's distant relative, visiting the city for the first time. Loretta was busy taking care of Grace and accidentally left her at the bus terminal for three hours. She begged me to pick her up. I figured Loretta's husband was home, but he's not. I just brought her here right as you walked in."

Amber watched her father's clumsy, panicked explanation and suppressed a laugh. "Dad, what is there to misunderstand? Relax. And what if Grace finds out? It's not like you two are officially together. Even if you were, you're a widower and she's single. You're completely free to move on."

Arthur glared at her. "Watch your mouth! I only have Grace in my heart. There's no room for anyone else. Don't ever say that again. I'm just helping out. You're still a kid, get your thoughts straight. It's fine for me as a guy, but this involves a woman's reputation. Don't speak nonsense."

Amber couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Fine, I won't speak nonsense. Whatever you say. But Dad, no matter how much you're just 'helping,' she's still a woman. We live in a tiny apartment. Is she sleeping in my room?"

Arthur hesitated. "Your bed is only a twin size, and you need to study for your finals. I don't want you cramped. I was thinking I'd go down to the motel and rent a room for her tonight. Tomorrow morning, when Loretta gets back, she can head over there."

Amber nodded thoughtfully. "That could work. But Dad, she doesn't have any money or a phone, right? Loretta trusted you to take care of her. Do you really feel safe leaving her in a cheap motel full of strangers?"

Arthur froze. The whole reason he brought her inside was because he was worried about her safety.

"Then I'll sleep at the motel, and she can take my recliner on the balcony. You can give her fresh blankets. Our place is small, but it's clean," Arthur suggested.

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