The Heiress They Couldn't Break (Amelia) novel Chapter 405

**Title: Broken by Destiny by George Orwell**
**Chapter 405: A Stand Worth Taking**

Brielle’s voice trembled, thick with unshed tears, as she hurled another sharp accusation into the air, clearly intent on framing Amelia as the villain who had tormented the child.

“How did she bully him? Did you actually see it with your own eyes? If you lack evidence, I suggest you cease fabricating stories before I say something you won’t appreciate.”

At that very moment, Jeremy strode back into the fray, exuding an air of authority that was hard to miss.

His perfectly tailored suit accentuated his tall, robust frame, making him a striking figure at six-foot-two. He cut through the crowd with purposeful strides, each step resonating with a confidence that demanded attention, as if he were a lighthouse in a storm, impossible to overlook.

His expression was a mask of cold determination, and his sharp gaze swept over the gathering, radiating an authority that brooked no dissent. Jeremy had stepped away only briefly to make a long-distance call and attend to some pressing matters, yet in that short time, the situation had spiraled. He couldn’t believe that this girl had already been targeted again in his absence.

Without a moment’s hesitation, he positioned himself next to Amelia, his instinct to defend her surging to the forefront.

“Let’s set the record straight,” he declared, his voice firm, a protective shield around Amelia as he made it abundantly clear that he would not allow anyone to trample over her.

The intensity of his tone left no room for misinterpretation; he was furious.

His presence was a palpable force, pressing down on the crowd like a heavy blanket, leaving everyone in stunned silence, too intimidated to utter a word.

Brielle, taken aback by his fierce reaction, struggled to comprehend that, despite everything, Jeremy stood resolutely by Amelia’s side.

This unwavering support ignited a fire of rage within her, a frustration that bubbled over for Sabrina as well.

Though Sabrina maintained her composure on the outside, it was clear she felt a wave of discomfort wash over her.

Amelia, witnessing Jeremy’s swift defense before he had even fully approached, felt a rush of emotion. A gentle warmth enveloped her heart, as if a soft breeze had brushed past, igniting a flicker of hope amid the tension.

“What’s happening here?”

At that precise moment, Esmond approached, his demeanor calm yet authoritative.

With his thin-framed glasses perched on his nose, he exuded an air of refinement, embodying the essence of a polite scholar.

His succinct question, though simple, carried an undercurrent of quiet command.

Brielle, upon seeing her father enter the scene, felt a surge of confidence swell within her.

“Dad, just in time! Floyd has been bullied!”

She eagerly began embellishing her narrative, painting a picture far more dire than reality warranted.

Esmond’s brow furrowed as he listened, though he remained silent for the moment. He was well-acquainted with his daughter’s tendencies; whenever she held a grudge, her words dripped with strong emotions, often laced with exaggeration.

He was acutely aware of her longstanding disdain for the Nygard girl, which cast a shadow of doubt on her account.

Instead of simply accepting Brielle’s version, he turned his gaze toward Sabrina and Cora, seeking a more balanced perspective.

Sabrina caught the unspoken cue from Esmond and prepared to clarify the situation.

However, it was Cora who spoke first.

“We didn’t witness this young lady bullying Floyd,” she stated, her tone measured and calm.

“All we observed was that Floyd’s eyes were red; it was evident he had been crying. I propose we ask Floyd directly what transpired.”

After giving a brief explanation to her son, Cora turned gently to her cherished grandson, her voice soft and nurturing. “Floyd, can you tell Grandma what happened? Are you feeling upset?”

The incessant chatter surrounding them was driving him to the brink of madness.

“I—” Brielle attempted to interject once more, but Jeremy silenced her with a mere glance.

Just then, a small, anxious voice broke through the din of voices, startling everyone.

“Ms. Pretty didn’t hurt me!”

It was Floyd, finally finding his voice.

The very fact that he spoke sent ripples of shock through his family, their disbelief palpable.

But soon, that shock transformed into overwhelming joy.

“Floyd, y-you’re speaking again. I’m so happy,” Cora exclaimed, her voice trembling as tears welled in her eyes.

Her precious grandson had always been a bright light, full of promise from the moment he was born.

Even before he turned one, Floyd exhibited intelligence that surpassed that of his peers.

However, one day, for reasons unknown—whether it was the trauma of losing his parents too soon or some other cause—he suddenly fell silent.

He withdrew into himself completely. Doctors diagnosed him with autism, and his health began to deteriorate, sending Cora and the family into a whirlwind of panic.

They sought out the best doctors, professors, and specialists, desperate for answers, but instead of improvement, his condition only worsened.

Cora had already mourned the loss of her beloved youngest son, and watching her cherished grandson fade away was a heart-wrenching ordeal that nearly shattered her spirit. She had come perilously close to giving up on life itself.