010. The dinner of secrets

Amelia tried to concentrate on extracting the damned creature from its shell. The room was suffocatingly opulent, with dim lighting accentuating the elegance of the table and the golden accents on the walls. Each movement felt heavy, as if the wealth and power of this place were slowly crushing her. Inmaculada and Jason exchanged glances laden with tension and rivalry. Amelia felt a chill run down her spine; her hands trembled slightly as she struggled with the snail.

Suddenly, the shell slipped from her fingers, and the snail shot towards Jason's face. With surprisingly quick reflexes, he caught it with a napkin before it could hit him. Amelia froze, her face burning with embarrassment. She lowered her head, wishing to disappear.

"I'm sorry, I've never eaten these slippery creatures," murmured Amelia, trying to hide her nervousness.

Inmaculada, sitting upright and elegant, held back a smile. She observed Jason, waiting for his reaction. He, for his part, maintained a calm expression, though there was a glimmer of amusement in his eyes.

"Don't worry, fortunately we only dirtied a napkin," Jason said with a kind smile, returning the snail to Amelia's plate. "If you really don't want to eat them, there are other options, but these pair nicely with the sparkling wine."

Amelia shook her head repeatedly as she said, "No, really, if you like them, I should at least try them. I just feel like Julia Roberts in the movie Pretty Woman."

Her comment was an attempt to lighten the tension, but the comparison only underscored her situation. Jason, however, didn't lose his composure. His voice turned colder, more resolute.

"Don't misunderstand. Julia Roberts was a prostitute. Your condition is somewhat different—you are a slave," Jason said, his words landing heavily on Amelia.

Amelia felt a knot in her stomach. The direct and blunt way Jason described her situation was devastating. Inmaculada, noticing the change in the atmosphere, intervened with a warning tone.

"Jason, I won't allow you to treat Amelia that way," Inmaculada began to protest, her voice tense.

Jason cut her off before she could continue.

"You're not in a position to demand anything. However, Amelia, forgive my frankness. I will probably treat you better than Richard Gere, and aside from those present here, everyone will see you as my girlfriend. But I don't think it's fair to deceive you. When I want something specific from you, I will demand it, you will give it to me, and you won't be able to run away like Julia Roberts."

Despite his words, Jason didn't sound cruel or malevolent. His words were clear and direct, as if he were explaining an inevitable fact. Amelia understood then the depth of her new reality—a gilded cage where submission was her only option.

The tension in the room was palpable. Amelia felt the weight of her situation like never before. Her mind was a storm of emotions, struggling to accept what Jason had just said. She knew she had to respond with calm and dignity, despite the fear that gripped her.

"Don't worry, both of you. I know my place, even if it's hard to accept. The Pretty Woman comment was about the snail scene; in all other respects, my situation isn't similar," Amelia said firmly, trying to show she understood her position.

Jason observed her for a moment before nodding, his expression softening slightly.

"I'm glad to hear that. Let's enjoy this dinner," he said, breaking the awkward silence.

Amelia refocused on extracting the snail from another shell. Her hands were still trembling, but she forced herself to remain calm. Finally, she managed to extract the creature and, with a triumphant smile, brought it to her mouth.

"These are quite good. Thank you for introducing me to this delicacy, Mr. Xiting," Amelia said, trying to break the silence with something positive.

Jason smiled, seemingly satisfied with her reaction.

"I'm glad. Perhaps Inmaculada should include this type of food in your diet to get you accustomed," Jason said, looking at Inmaculada with a smile.

"I'll keep it in mind. His quick reflexes prevented a disaster, but she should be used to eating any delicacy with grace," Inmaculada replied, returning his smile.

The dinner continued, and although the tension didn't completely dissipate, the polite words and forced smiles helped to alleviate some of the pressure. Amelia knew she was in a precarious situation, but she was determined to stay strong and adapt, no matter how difficult it was. The night was just beginning, and she knew many more tests lay ahead.

The dim lights and soft background music provided a superficial sense of calm, contrasting with the underlying currents of power and control that flowed between the diners. Amelia felt like a pawn on a chessboard, every move carefully watched and evaluated.

Jason looked at her with a curious and friendly expression, though Amelia couldn't shake the feeling of calculation lurking behind his eyes.

"As I understand it, you just finished your studies at the prestigious Harvard University. Is that true or part of your false life?" he asked in a seemingly trivial tone, but his words carried an implied weight.

Amelia tensed for a moment, her thoughts racing. She glanced at Inmaculada for guidance, her eyes reflecting a mix of doubt and fear.

"Relax, he's aware," Inmaculada said calmly, nodding slightly. "She studied at Harvard, but then she was a man. She's only been a woman for two days."

Jason smiled, a smile that mixed admiration and curiosity.

"Don't worry, Amelia. You are a very beautiful woman now. Those worms work wonders. I'm almost tempted to ask Inmaculada for one," he said, his tone soft but with a hint of genuine interest.

Amelia felt a shiver at his words but tried to maintain her composure.

Inmaculada, observing the interaction, intervened with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"It took me a long time to perfect that power of the worms. That's the origin of my conflict with the master. If you want one, you can request it from him once I hand them over."

Jason raised an eyebrow, showing a mix of surprise and disappointment.

"You're going to hand them all over?" he asked with curiosity, his voice reflecting slight disillusionment.

Inmaculada shook her head, her expression momentarily hardening.

"No, I need them not only for my application of justice," she said, glancing at Amelia as if to remind her of her position. "I also use them for one of my businesses."

Jason nodded just as the waiters entered the room, clearing the snail plates and serving oxtail stew. The aroma was delicious, and Amelia felt her mouth water. At least this dish was something she liked, and in a restaurant of this caliber, it had to be extraordinary.

As the waiters served the plates, Amelia took the opportunity to observe her companions more closely. Jason, with his air of confidence and control, radiated an authority that didn't require raising his voice to assert. Inmaculada, on the other hand, maintained a facade of calm and elegance, but her eyes revealed an underlying tension.

The oxtail stew was a culinary masterpiece. Amelia took her fork and knife, carefully cutting a piece. The first bite was succulent, the tender meat melting in her mouth, and the rich, deep flavors provided a moment of true pleasure amidst the tension of the dinner.

"This dish is wonderful," Amelia said, allowing a hint of genuine joy to show in her voice.

Jason smiled, pleased with her reaction.

"I'm glad you enjoy it. This restaurant is known for its oxtail stew. I hope this makes the evening more pleasant for you."

Amelia nodded, grateful for the moment of relief. As dinner continued, she realized she would have to learn to balance her emotions and thoughts, staying strong amid the turmoil surrounding her.

Jason looked at her with a curious and friendly expression, though Amelia couldn't shake the feeling of calculation lurking behind his eyes.

"By the way, what crime did Amelia commit?" Jason asked, his tone seemingly casual but carrying a genuine undercurrent of interest.

Inmaculada didn't seem fazed in the slightest, simply cutting a piece of meat as she replied.

"She filmed a gang rape and didn't stop it," she said coldly, as if commenting on something trivial.

Amelia felt a knot in her stomach and almost choked on her bite. She swallowed with difficulty, feeling Jason's gaze fixed on her.

"And your defense?" Jason asked, his voice filled with a mix of curiosity and judgment.

Amelia lowered her gaze, fighting the shame and remorse that consumed her.

"I have no defense. It's as she said. My friends raped a girl, and I just watched," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. The guilt was overwhelming, and she wondered if this life of submission wasn't too light a punishment.

Jason studied her intently, searching for something in her eyes. Finally, he nodded with a sympathetic expression.

"There's no justification for your cowardly and despicable behavior, but I see regret in your eyes. I will take good care of you," he said, his tone warm, but his words weighed heavily on Amelia. "Was it worth it?"

Amelia shook her head, feeling a wave of emotion threaten to overwhelm her. She was on the verge of breaking down but forced herself to stay strong. She needed to be strong, even if it meant facing her worst fears.

"Don't punish yourself further. The punishment imposed by Inmaculada is enough. You have the rest of your life to pay for it and regret it, though I will try to sweeten that punishment," Jason continued, smiling at her with a warmth that seemed almost out of place. "You have the rest of your life to pay for it and regret it, but I will try to sweeten that punishment," he added, his tone firm yet strangely reassuring. "And now you have the chance to start fresh. So tell me more about you, Amelia. Besides the crime, there must be more to you than what Inmaculada shares."

Amelia felt a knot of anxiety tighten within her chest, her palms sweating slightly as she attempted to think of what to say. She couldn't afford to stumble here, not after everything that had happened. Jason's intense interest in her wasn't just out of curiosity—it was like he was searching for something. But what?

"Well, besides what's been shared, I used to be very into numbers," Amelia started cautiously, glancing between Jason and Inmaculada. "That's why finance studies drew my attention. It's what gave me some…purpose, I suppose." Her voice softened as she finished, realizing how small and inadequate her life sounded in the context of their conversation.

Jason seemed intrigued, leaning back in his chair, listening intently. "Purpose, you say?" His eyes lingered on her, probing.

"Yes," Amelia answered, feeling the urge to fill the silence. "And now, I think my purpose should be to support whoever… I end up with," she stuttered slightly, hating how the words tasted on her tongue but knowing this was the narrative expected of her.

Inmaculada, always keen to steer the conversation, broke in smoothly. "Amelia's skill set is quite useful, Jason. She is bright, quick to learn, and has a talent for strategic planning that I've rarely seen." She smiled thinly. "If you decide to… keep her, she will undoubtedly prove her worth."

Jason's eyes never left Amelia's face. He seemed to be searching for a reaction or perhaps some flicker of emotion that would reveal more about her thoughts. Finally, he nodded slowly, the decision seemingly solidifying in his mind.

"Support and strategic planning—quite a combination." He mused aloud, his voice almost gentle. "You and I may have more in common than you think, Amelia." The way he said her name made her shiver involuntarily. It was almost as if he was claiming it.

The rest of the dinner seemed to pass in a haze. Amelia answered questions Jason asked, careful not to reveal too much uncertainty in her answers, while Inmaculada occasionally interjected with well-placed compliments or observations. The dynamic was strange—a delicate dance between all three of them, laden with unspoken power plays and subtle exchanges. Amelia could feel it—a silent battle for influence, with her as both the prize and the field upon which this game played out.

After dessert was served and the evening drew to a close, Jason motioned for one of the guards to approach.

"It's getting late," he remarked, his voice tinged with finality. "I think it's time to head home."

Inmaculada stood as well, showing no hesitation. "Yes, it is. Amelia, walk with me to the cars," she said, her tone brooking no argument.

Amelia obeyed, rising slowly and following Inmaculada outside, where the night air was cool and refreshing after the stifling atmosphere of the dining room. As they walked, she could sense the guards' presence not far behind them, a constant reminder of her lack of freedom.

When they reached the vehicles, Inmaculada turned to face her. "Listen carefully," she began, her voice low and serious. "This isn't goodbye, but the beginning of a long journey. Don't forget what I taught you—observe, listen, and always be aware of your surroundings."

Amelia nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude for Inmaculada's support despite the fear that still lingered in her chest. "I understand," she replied, her voice steady.

Inmaculada reached out and squeezed her shoulder. "Good. Remember, if things ever feel impossible, you're not alone. Reach out if you need help."

Amelia nodded, her throat tight. This might be the last time she saw Inmaculada, and the thought left her feeling more isolated than ever. Before she could dwell on it, Jason appeared beside them, his face unreadable in the dim light.

"Shall we?" he asked, holding the car door open.

Inmaculada stepped back, her eyes lingering on Amelia. "Take care, Amelia," she said softly before turning and walking toward her car without looking back.

Amelia climbed into Jason's vehicle, her heart racing as the door shut behind her. Jason got into the driver's seat and started the car, and they pulled away from the restaurant in silence. The headlights cut through the darkness, illuminating the road ahead, but Amelia's thoughts were a whirlwind of uncertainty and fear.

As they drove, Jason finally broke the silence. "Do you trust Inmaculada?" he asked suddenly, his voice calm but probing.

The question caught Amelia off guard. She hesitated, unsure of what to say. Did she trust Inmaculada? The woman had saved her in a way, but she was also the one who controlled her fate. Was that trust, or just a form of dependence?

"I… don't know," Amelia answered honestly, choosing her words carefully. "She's helped me a lot, but this situation is so… new and confusing."

Jason nodded thoughtfully, as if considering her answer. "That's a fair response," he said after a moment. "It's wise not to put your full trust in anyone until you understand them fully."

Amelia glanced at him, trying to gauge his intentions. There was something disarming about his demeanor—he was firm and authoritative, but not openly cruel or malicious. Yet she couldn't shake the feeling that beneath his calm exterior lay something dangerous and unpredictable.

The rest of the drive was silent, save for the hum of the engine. When they finally reached Jason's mansion, Amelia took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever came next. As they pulled up to the front entrance, Jason parked the car and turned to her with a small, reassuring smile.

"Welcome home, Amelia," he said, his voice carrying an odd mix of warmth and command.

Amelia swallowed hard and nodded, stepping out of the car and following him to the entrance. The mansion loomed before her, its grand facade both intimidating and impressive. She had no idea what awaited her inside, but she knew she couldn't let her fear show.

She had to survive. She had to adapt. No matter what came next, Amelia would find a way to endure.

As Jason led her into the mansion, the door closing behind them with a soft click, Amelia felt a strange sense of finality settle over her. This was her new reality—a life she hadn't chosen but one she had to face with all the strength she could muster.

The night wasn't over yet, and neither were the challenges ahead. But for now, she had taken her first step into the unknown, and there was no turning back.