When the Dead Still Call novel Chapter 411

411 /420

**Chapter 411: More Than Just a Meal**

After a heartfelt conversation with her son, Whitney felt a surge of determination. Within mere hours, she found herself typing a message to Amelia, her fingers trembling slightly with anticipation.

She didn’t dive straight into the purpose of her message; instead, she engaged Amelia in light-hearted banter, weaving through topics that felt safe and familiar. The minutes passed, and finally, she mustered the courage to extend an invitation for a meal.

Whitney’s heart raced as she hit ‘send.’ What if Amelia turned her down? The very thought sent chills down her spine. She couldn’t bear the idea of her son being devastated, spiraling into despair. What if he felt so rejected that he contemplated something drastic? The weight of that fear pressed heavily on her chest.

But then, like a ray of sunshine breaking through a stormy sky, Amelia’s reply came back—she accepted! Whitney felt a wave of relief wash over her, the tension in her shoulders easing as she began to envision the delightful dishes she would prepare for her future daughter-in-law. Each recipe danced in her mind, from savory stews to sweet desserts, all crafted with love and care.

Meanwhile, Amelia had not spent much time deliberating over Whitney’s invitation. The warmth she felt towards Whitney was undeniable. Unlike many of the affluent women she had encountered, Whitney exuded a refreshing sincerity, devoid of the haughty airs that often accompanied wealth.

Amelia appreciated that Whitney seemed genuinely approachable, a quality that was rare among the elite. It also piqued her curiosity that Walter had mentioned Whitney was leading a groundbreaking alchemy project. The very thought of engaging in a conversation about potions with someone who possessed such knowledge thrilled her.

Today was meant to be a quiet day for Amelia—a day of rest away from the bustling Nygard Group and her demanding media company. She envisioned a cozy afternoon, perhaps with a good book or a leisurely stroll. However, her plans were swiftly interrupted as her phone erupted with notifications, each one a reminder of her ties to the Nygards.

The calls came in rapid succession, starting with Miguel, followed by Maxwell and Emery, and culminating in a call from Raymond himself. Each ring echoed her growing sense of foreboding. It didn’t take a genius to deduce the reason behind the barrage of calls; it was undoubtedly about the previous day’s conference.

As Walter’s protégé, Amelia had been thrust into the spotlight, and her close relationship with Truman had only added to the intrigue. Whitney’s apparent fondness for her did not go unnoticed, and it was clear that the Nygard family was eager to learn more about her connections with esteemed experts in the field.

The Nygard Group’s core business revolved around medicinal herbs and their cultivation, making the prospect of collaborating with renowned alchemists incredibly appealing. Just recently, Marcelo had been in negotiations linked to the Institute of Medicine, and he, along with several executives, had exhausted their networks in hopes of establishing valuable connections.

Unfortunately, those efforts had been met with frustration. While ordinary staff could manage to secure conversations, it was the higher-ups who held the real power, and they were notoriously difficult to reach.