Ch. 241..250

Divorce Anxiety (Kathleen and Samuel) Chapter 241

Never Be A Lover

"Thank you kindly for your trust," Kathleen said solemnly.

Aware that she was mocking him, Samuel did not get angry at her.

Anyway, it's much better for her to act like this than to coldly ignore me.

Kathleen returned to her food as she could not bear to mistreat her stomach.

"Don't just take care of me. You should eat also." Her mouth was stuffed to the brim.

After Nicholas left, she no longer maintained her ladylike image.

Samuel looked at her with a faint smile. "You truly don't maintain your image in front of me." "What's the point of doing that? You know what I'm like. Besides, it's not as though I'm wearing a vicious expression, right?" Kathleen asked flippantly.

He shook his head.

"Exactly." She ate the shrimp he had peeled in a relaxed manner. "A woman is only reserved in front of the man she likes."

Samuel was displeased. "Don't irritate me."

He did not like to hear those words.

Kathleen hummed in response with a playful look in her bright eyes. "In any case, this matter with Nicholas is just the beginning. I may have to go on lots of blind dates in the future to appease my granny."

"Then I'll kill all those men." Samuel's eyes became hostile, losing their glimmer instantly. Kathleen threw him a sideways glance. "Do you think you can kill them all?" Samuel snorted coldly.

She didn't doubt that I dared do it, but if I was able to kill them all. She does know me very well. Her success in making him upset instantly put her in a good mood.

No matter how heartbroken he is, he still treats me wholeheartedly.

After the meal, Kathleen drank a cup of tea to help with her digestion.

"My brother went to meet Finn, but their talk didn't go well," she uttered.

Samuel poured her another cup of tea. "You want me to go to him?"

"I want you to take me to see him." Kathleen explained, "I wish to speak to him in person."

"I suggest you don't," he replied flatly.

"Why?" She blinked her eyes at that. "Is there anything wrong with him?"

"There's nothing wrong with him, but his wife is a bit abnormal," Samuel said coldly.

Kathleen raised a brow. "How so?"

"His wife loves him so much that she is hostile to any woman who appears around him. If you, a gorgeous woman, were to go to him, aren't you afraid of becoming a target?"

She was stunned. "Not even for a chat?"

Samuel shook his head.

After some thought, Kathleen continued, "I never help people halfway, Samuel. Ever since I knew about Vivian's matter, I didn't intend to stand by and do nothing. This has nothing to do with Caleb. I won't make you help me if you don't wish to."

With that, she stood up.

Samuel grabbed her wrist and said, "Do you think I don't want to help you?" Kathleen stared at him.

His gaze turned frosty. "It's not because he likes you that I don't want you to help Vivian."

In a raspy voice, he continued, "But because I know that if you cure her, he'll definitely like you more."

And he'll be even more reluctant to let her go. Kathleen is a charming woman who's also gentle, kind, beautiful, and generous. Everyone loves a woman like her.

Kathleen looked at him solemnly. "Don't forget that even though you love me so much now, I haven't compromised, Samuel. Do you truly think someone can force me?"

Samuel's tense aura slowly dispersed. "I'll take you there. But to prevent any unnecessary trouble, you must listen to me. All right?"

She nodded in reply.

An exasperated look flashed across his handsome and exquisite face. "Give me two days. I'll make the arrangements."

"As soon as possible," Kathleen urged. "I'll ask someone else if you take too long." Samuel scoffed. "Do you know how mean you are now, Kathleen?"

She blinked innocently. "How am I mean?"

"You know that I still have feelings for you, yet..." Samuel huffed, "Yet you want me to help you cure my love rival's sister's illness. Again and again, you stab a dagger into my heart."

A smirk appeared on her gentle and delicate face. "You can always say no. I didn't force you at all."

Hmph!

He gritted his teeth. "In any case, you came to me, so you're not allowed to look for anyone else!"

Despite nodding in agreement, Kathleen felt that he was implying something with those words. He seems to be saying since you married me, you aren't allowed to marry someone else!

Kathleen sighed while staring at his eyes which were dark like bottomless pits. I hope I'm just overthinking.

At that moment, her phone chimed.

After picking it up and taking a look, she said softly, "Granny is asking where I am. I'm going to meet them now."

"Let's go together." Samuel stood up and helped Kathleen put on her coat before doing the same for himself.

After some deliberation, she turned around and said to him, "I'll head out first. Come out after five minutes. Got it?"

She reminded him as she was afraid that he would not listen to her.

Samuel merely snorted in reply.

Kathleen could not help but laugh. "The only thing you have going for you is your handsomeness. You look so gloomy all the time, so how on earth did I fall for you?" He looked at her intently. "So you'll love me if I stop looking gloomy?"

"Hah! You wish." Kathleen's gaze was filled with mockery. "I'm heading out now." With that, she walked away.

Samuel looked at her slender back and huffed in displeasure before following suit.

As Kathleen came out, she caught sight of Diana and Frances walking out together.

"Granny, Old Mrs. Macari." She walked over. Her rosy cheeks looked so adorable that anyone who saw her felt happy.

The pair noticed that she came out of the innermost private room.

Unlike Frances, who was unaware, Diana knew that the room belonged to Samuel.

Sure enough, the man walked out of that room after a while.

Frances froze.

They did not get the chance to speak when Geraldine and Melanie also came out together. The latter was walking behind the former, looking timid as always.

"Have you met with my grandson, Ms. Johnson?" Geraldine said with a wry smile.

Kathleen nodded in reply.

"How did it go?" the old woman asked with anticipation.

Kathleen answered impassively, "I think we can only be friends."

"Nicholas is a good man." Melanie spoke up cautiously. "You should interact with him more, Ms. Johnson."

"My first intuition has always been accurate. A man that can be my friend can never become my lover," Kathleen said plainly.

She felt her words were blunt enough.

"You aren't that young anymore, Ms. Johnson, are you?" Melanie asked casually, "Women your age have already given birth to children."

"Only those you know. The women I know at my age are succeeding in all kinds of professions." Kathleen smirked. "Not every woman only thinks about marriage and children. They also have their dreams and goals. Only those with no pursuits in life would have getting married and having children as their life goals."

Melanie bit her lip. "You've been divorced once, Ms. Johnson."

The sarcasm in her statement immediately provoked Diana and Frances.

Chapter 242

Gone Through A Divorce

Originally, something like that would pass if Geraldine had just reprimanded her a little. However, she did not, which meant that she supported her daughter-in-law.

"It's better to settle your marriage earlier." Melanie continued flatly, "As for pursuits or whatever, our family is not too fond of women going out to work. However, we won't stop you if it's what you want."

Kathleen scoffed coldly upon hearing that.

"Since you don't like women going out to work, how about changing to a man?" Samuel approached them. His narrow eyes were dark and frosty.

Melanie was shocked, whereas Geraldine looked at him with mixed emotions.

"They both just met, and you two are already thinking of guilt-tripping Kathleen here?" Samuel sneered. "No wonder Nicholas got married and divorced." Divorce?

Diana was dumbfounded.

Frances also had a similar look of surprise on her face.

They both fixed their eyes on Geraldine and Melanie simultaneously, who did not dare to meet their gazes.

"You two!" Frances became infuriated. "You have betrayed my trust!"

"Your granddaughter is a divorcee, but I didn't mind it at all, Frances," Geraldine remarked. "You!" Frances angrily said, "So what if she is? Our family never hid it from anyone. On the contrary, your family hid the fact that Nicholas was married before. Does he have an illegitimate child too?"

"No." Melanie shook her head. "You need not worry about that, Old Mrs. Yoeger." "Need not worry?" Frances was annoyed. "It's not as though my granddaughter doesn't have someone better courting her!"

Melanie glanced at her and said sarcastically, "Would anyone court a divorcee? Isn't it always the woman who's in a hurry to marry herself off?"

Frances gritted her teeth. "What did you just say?"

Kathleen merely smiled indifferently. "I can't quite understand you anymore, Mrs. Larson." Melanie was stunned. "What did you say?"

"Do you want me to marry into the Larson family or not, Mrs. Larson?" Kathleen asked with a spurious smile.

"Of course I do," Melanie answered flatly.

"I don't think that's the case." Kathleen calmly remarked, "You were just following Old Mrs. Larson's wishes in wanting me to marry Nicholas, but you don't actually want me to because you still want him to remarry that woman, right?" Melanie was stunned.

How does she know about that?

"What did you say?" Geraldine immediately looked at Melanie. "You still keep in contact with that b*tch?"

"How could she have not kept in contact with that woman? Isn't she the daughter of Mrs. Larson's distant relative? Think of how she married Mr. Larson back then. She's playing the same old trick again and wants her relative's daughter to marry Nicholas," Kathleen said sarcastically.

Melanie gasped inwardly.

She knows too much!

Hearing that, Geraldine flew into a rage. "You!"

"Mom, what she said is not true." After being exposed by Kathleen, Melanie was surprisingly calm, unlike her previous demeanor. She tried to appear helpless as she said, "As if I would have the guts to do such a thing!"

Kathleen scoffed. "Will you only learn your lesson in the face of death, Mrs. Larson?" Melanie turned to look at her frostily before uttering softly, "Ms. Johnson, even if I spoke out of turn just now, you still shouldn't wrongly accuse me like this, right?"

Kathleen merely stared at her indifferently.

"Besides, even if I had that in mind, Mom would not agree to it. Never," she added with a grim tone.

"Indeed. You knew that Old Mrs. Larson would not agree, so you took a different approach, using harsh words to bully others to make them annoyed with the Larson family. When they realize that they would have to face this kind of grandmother-in-law and mother-in-law after marriage, they'll definitely be reluctant. Am I right?" Kathleen narrowed her eyes at Melanie.

"You're making things up!" Melanie immediately denied it. "I've never dared to cause trouble before Mom before."

"Never dared to cause trouble?" Kathleen let out a snort. "But look, aren't you the one who is arguing with me back and forth? You're very good at pretending, Mrs. Larson. You usually pretend to be so timid, but I've heard that you're not like this in private." Melanie froze and narrowed her eyes.

Kathleen took out her phone and said coldly, "When I entered the door just now, I was annoyed by both your stares, so I sent someone to investigate. I didn't expect to get such a satisfying outcome."

Melanie looked at her blankly.

Kathleen handed her phone over to Geraldine. "Old Mrs. Larson, take a look and see if Nicholas' ex-wife is the one who is chatting and laughing with Mrs. Larson in the photo." Geraldine looked over, and her expression changed in an instant.

Melanie felt a shiver run down her spine.

"You!" Geraldine glared at Melanie. "You really are still in contact with that b*tch!" "Let me explain, Mom. She's still my relative, after all. There's nothing wrong with me meeting her, right?"

"Nothing wrong?" Geraldine laughed in disbelief. "Have you forgotten all the things she did after marrying into the family? Do you think it's nothing? If we let her and Nicholas remarry, she'll bring down the Larson family!" Melanie appeared unfazed.

Kathleen felt that Geraldine was wasting her breath.

Mrs. Larson is not even listening. Old Mrs. Larson surely hopes that Nicholas will find a rich woman of equal status. Whatever she couldn't fulfill through her son, she would shift it onto her grandson. So when we met just now, she instantly assumed that Nicholas and I would get married in the future. But Mrs. Larson doesn't want that. She married into the Larson family with great difficulty but didn't enjoy the slightest benefit. She couldn't even return home and show off. Hence, she wants Nicholas to marry someone who is on her side and can help her in the Larson family. That's why she doesn't like rich girls marrying into the family. She's afraid they'll look down on her, just like Old Mrs. Larson.

"It's better not to be so self-righteous in the future, Mrs. Larson," Kathleen uttered with an icy gaze as she kept her phone. "You dared to attack me even when you didn't know me. Aren't you afraid that I'll ruin you?"

At her question, Melanie trembled from head to toe.

Samuel smirked upon seeing Kathleen's indifference. Looks like I don't need to worry about her.

Diana and Frances exchanged a glance.

"Let's go," the latter said in exasperation.

"I'm sorry, Frances," Geraldine apologized.

Frances looked at her solemnly. "This is your family matter, so we won't interfere." Geraldine nodded.

Kathleen reached out to hold Frances while Samuel stood beside Diana.

As the four left together, Geraldine turned to stare at Melanie coldly.

The latter uttered meekly, "Mom, I—" Slap!

Geraldine gave her a tight slap.

Chapter 243

Know Her The Best

Covering her face, Melanie looked in agony at Geraldine. "Mom..."

"You've always been so closefisted whenever I brought you out to socialize," Geraldine said coldly. "The reason is obvious, isn't it? You're insecure and scared people would blame you. That's why you always act so timid, wanting to hint to people that I have been abusing you to avert their attention. Do you think I'm blind?"

Melanie was astounded. So she knew all along?

"I didn't bother with you as I could understand how you felt," Geraldine remarked indifferently. "Besides, you're also Nicholas' mother. He will also be looked down on if others dissed his mother."

Melanie pursed her lips at that.

"Only someone who has nothing like you would bother about someone being a divorcee or not," Geraldine criticized. "Who cares if it's her first marriage or not? It doesn't matter as long as she's from a higher social status. If Nicholas married Kathleen, he would be able to obtain her help to climb up the social status ladder. This is the most important when compared to those unrealistic things." Melanie lowered her head.

"However, everything is ruined because of your shortsightedness." Geraldine laughed coldly. "Kathleen is smart. She'll definitely try her best to cause trouble for you since you provoked her. Do you know how much trouble you're going to cause Nicholas?" Upon hearing that, Melanie started to sob.

"Since you've already portrayed me as an evil mother-in-law from an elite family, I won't go easy on you," Geraldine stated frostily. "From now onward, I forbid you from going out and engaging in any form of socialization. You need to learn manners first!" Melanie stared at Geraldine in shock. Did she just forbid me from going out?

With a snort, Geraldine marched out of the room. "You should know if I asked my son to divorce you, I'm sure he would do it without a second thought."

Melanie turned pale as she ducked her head even lower, following Geraldine out of the room.

Kathleen and Frances shared a car while Diana was in Samuel's car for the journey back home.

"Granny, can you stop arranging dates for me in the future?" Kathleen asked weakly. "I feel like I'm going to explode from anger when I encounter a mother-in-law like Mrs. Larson." Frances also agreed with Melanie, saying, "But you need to marry someone one day. You can't refuse to marry just because Samuel hurt you once."

"I didn't say I won't marry," Kathleen explained. "It's just that I didn't meet anyone I like till now. Plus, even if I decide on marrying, I'll definitely do a thorough background check on him."

Frances nodded. "Naturally. However, do you know what kind of men you prefer?"

"Well, the most important factor would be a relaxed family atmosphere. That way, I can get along with them easily," Kathleen answered with a smile.

When Frances thought of Diana's words, she had to admit that Kathleen was treated reasonably well in the Macari family for the last few years.

In fact, the Macari family treated her with love and took care of her a lot.

It did not help that Kathleen was a sweetheart, causing Diana to allow Samuel to marry her.

Frances also thought it was a good idea, so they married without a hitch.

However, nobody would have thought Kathleen and Samuel would separate because of Nicolette, Kathleen's cousin, no less.

"Granny, I know how much you love me and wish to give me the best in the world." Kathleen blinked her eyes. "However, I was already hurt once in a relationship. Thus, I don't want to start a new relationship immediately. Besides, I would also prefer fate to meet me with him. Is that okay?"

Frances let out a deep sigh as she caressed Kathleen's cheeks. "All right. I'll leave it up to you, then," she croaked.

"You're the best, Granny!" Kathleen smiled playfully. While hugging Frances, she pressed her cheek against hers.

Frances was smiling in satisfaction, and the atmosphere in the car was harmonious. However, it was a different story in the other car.

"I saw it." Diana spoke indifferently. "You and Kathleen came out of the same room." Samuel suppressed the glint that was threatening to flash across his eyes. "We didn't do anything except having a meal together."

"Haha." Diana laughed mockingly. "What else are you expecting to do other than that?" Samuel was rendered speechless.

"You brat! If it weren't for me, your wife would have gotten snatched up!" Diana scolded. "What do you mean by that?" Samuel furrowed his eyebrows.

"How could you have the nerves to ask?" Diana growled. "You punk! Why do you think Old Mrs. Yoeger would choose the Larson family? I was the one who suggested them!" Samuel furrowed his brows deeply. "You?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Diana stated. "Although I know about the Larson family's affairs, Old Mrs. Yoeger doesn't! I was the one who told her that the son of the Larson family seemed like a decent man, leading her to contact Old Mrs. Larson." Samuel was stunned. No one can beat Grandma's tactics!

"How would I not know what's Kate like?" Diana said proudly. "Once is all it takes for her to make it clear with Old Mrs. Yoeger. Besides, the Larson family seems like a peaceful family at first glance, but they actually have a lot of internal problems. Thus, Old Mrs. Yoeger would no longer dare to set her up on dates, fearing she would harm Kate. This is called killing two birds with one stone. Get it?" Samuel's unreadable orbs darkened. "Yes."

Diana sighed. "I only helped you because of how sorry you are toward Kate. Otherwise, I would have ignored you."

Samuel cleared his throat. "Grandma."

"What?" Diana's expression was stiff as displeasure spread across her face.

She felt uncomfortable enough for betraying Kathleen.

"Thank you," Samuel uttered in a hoarse voice. "I understand now why you wanted me to marry Kate back then. She's a brilliant woman. Besides, my life was simple yet harmonious in the three years I spent with her."

Kathleen gave him the feeling of being at home.

"You've realized it too late." Diana sighed.

"Grandma," Samuel croaked.

"What's the matter?" Diana's face was drawn into a rictus.

"Could you please go the extra mile and help me?" he muttered.

"You brat! You're pushing it!" Diana bellowed. "How else can I help you? Perhaps you want me to persuade Kate to love you?"

Samuel's lips twisted into a smirk. "I'm kidding. I can pursue a woman myself."

Diana sucked in a deep breath. "If you're willing to listen to me, you need to remember one thing. No matter what the others say, you cannot rush Kate into making a decision. She's too insecure and needs some time to recover from the past. You need to give her some space to think clearly. Before she can do so, she'll never accept you or any other man."

Samuel pursed his lips.

"Kate has been under my care for so long. I know her better than anyone else." Diana shot him a meaningful gaze.

Chapter 244

Ulterior Motive

Samuel's orbs darkened. "I know that."

"I understand you're anxious," Diana began with a deep voice. "However, you need to stand in Kate's shoes. You will fail very thoroughly if you're still trying to use your logic to understand her."

Samuel did not answer, but his eyes became dark.

The car in front of them changed directions as Kathleen and Frances were headed to the Johnson residence.

Since Samuel wanted to send Diana back to the Macari residence, they were not going in the same direction.

However, Samuel would soon return after sending Diana off, so he did not say anything. When Kathleen and Frances arrived at the entrance of the Johnson residence, a woman walked up to them when they got out of the car.

"Granny." The woman's voice was neither too loud nor too soft. "I've been waiting for you for some time."

Frances sent her a look of surprise. "Yareli?"

Yareli? Yareli Yoeger? Kathleen stared at the woman in silence. She heard rumors that Yareli had returned some time ago but had never seen her.

Even when Kathleen and the Yoeger family had such a huge dispute, Yareli was nowhere to be seen. Thus, nobody knew where she had gone.

Yareli walked over with a faint smile. "Granny, please come home with me."

Frances paused for a moment before shaking her head lightly. "I won't go home with you." "I know that you and my mother and uncle had some misunderstandings before, but that doesn't change the fact that it's your home," Yareli muttered. "This is the Johnson residence. Aren't you afraid of being criticized for staying here?"

"So what if this is the Johnson residence?" Kathleen asked, feeling perplexed. "My elder brother and I are Granny's grandchildren. Not to mention we can take care of her too." It was then that Yareli turned to look at Kathleen. "You're Kathleen, right? I don't really know you well, but I want to tell you that Granny is a member of the Yoeger family. Thus, she must go back to the Yoeger residence, understand?"

Kathleen sneered, "I understand."

Yareli furrowed her eyebrows.

"It's easy to tell what you're trying to convey. If you get married one day, let me tell you that you should never come home and complain if your husband bullies you. After all, in your eyes, married daughters are outsiders and no longer family," Kathleen continued to mock her.

Yareli bit her lip. "You!"

"I know you don't have a father, so your surname is still Yoeger. However, Granny is your grandmother from your maternal side, so the Yoeger residence isn't really your home. Why stay there, then?" Kathleen wanted her to have a taste of her own medicine.

"So what? I grew up under Granny's care. I'm closer to her than all her other grandchildren would ever be," Yareli said coldly.

"Although I didn't grow up with Granny, her DNA is in my veins. Are you trying to say that I would mistreat my own grandmother?" Kathleen questioned indifferently.

Yareli was at a loss for words.

"All right. Stop quarreling," Frances stopped them.

"Granny, you should head home with me. What would outsiders think if you lived here?" Yareli advised worriedly.

"Haha." Kathleen snorted. "It seems you're just worried about getting criticized, not Granny."

Yareli's face turned morose.

"How funny," Kathleen ridiculed in a monotonous voice. "Didn't you know that your mother mistreated Granny? You returned days ago, after all. Besides, your mother didn't even utter a single apology about this. She must be waiting for the entire incident to pass. How innocent of her to think that it's possible."

Knowing how sharp Kathleen's tongue was, Yareli turned to Frances. "Granny, I'm back now. I promise you that I will protect you from now onward."

Frances furrowed her eyebrows.

"Tell me. Are you willing to head home with me?" Yareli reached out to take Frances' hand. "Vanessa?" Frances' expression was blank. "Why are you here, Vanessa?"

Yareli was taken aback for a moment before furrowing her eyebrows. "Granny, that's my mother. I'm Yareli. Your favorite granddaughter, Yareli."

While saying that, Yareli even shot Kathleen a smug look.

Kathleen mused, Although Yareli has the aura of a daughter from an elite family, her actions and words tell otherwise. No wonder she's Vanessa's daughter. Her words are blunt and filled with selfishness.

Kathleen knew Frances' mind was muddled again.

Gently taking her hand, Kathleen smiled gently. "Granny, let's go inside. It's too cold." Frances nodded.

"Kathleen, what are you doing?" Yareli glared at her.

"It's so cold outside. Perhaps you're not worried about Granny, but I am," Kathleen mocked.

Yareli pursed her lips while seeing as Kathleen helped Frances into the mansion.

Yareli's expression turned cold. As expected, Kathleen is such a pain!

However, Frances' abnormal response just now had given her an idea of how to proceed. When Yareli walked out of the entrance of the Johnson residence, a black Maybach drove past.

It was not an ordinary Maybach, for its car plate was one she was very accustomed to. Immediately, Yareli walked toward the mansion next door.

When she reached, Samuel got out of the Maybach, which was parked on the porch. "Samuel," Yareli called out.

When Samuel heard someone calling his name, he turned sideways and glared at her. Yareli quickly ran toward him.

"Samuel, I didn't know you lived here." Yareli was both surprised and happy.

Samuel answered indifferently, "What are you doing here?"

"You must think I'm here to look for you, right?" Yareli asked with a grin.

Samuel's handsome face was cold as he looked at her. "Have you ever heard of a saying?" "What is it?" Yareli asked curiously.

"One's intention must not be good for visiting someone out of the ordinary." Samuel's black orbs were filled with coldness.

Yareli froze. "How could you say something like that?" she asked aggrievedly. "My grandmother and yours are best friends, after all."

"So?" Samuel shot back.

Yareli was taken aback. "What do you mean?"

"I know everything about what the Yoeger family did, so why should I be polite toward you?" Samuel questioned calmly. "I saw you coming out of the Johnson residence with a darkened face. This shows that you met with Kate and perhaps even quarreled with her." "That's why you decided not to be polite to me?" Yareli felt a bit frustrated.

"That's right," Samuel retorted. "I don't like anyone who causes Kate trouble. Besides, your grandmother is also Kate's grandmother."

Yareli was at a loss for words as she understood what Samuel meant.

"I don't think I should be blamed for my mother's actions. Although my mother was in the wrong, I knew nothing about it," Yareli explained, not wanting Samuel to misunderstand her.

Samuel looked down at her, his handsome face emotionless. "Are you sure you didn't know about it?"

Yareli was taken aback.

"From what I know, you were already back for a week," Samuel continued.

Yareli looked at Samuel in surprise. How did he know about this? Did he track me down? "Samuel, did you hire someone to follow me?" Yareli asked awkwardly.

At that, Samuel looked up at the Johnson residence's second floor. When he saw that the once-opened curtain suddenly drew shut, he smiled.

Chapter 245

I Am Sleepy

Yareli found that Samuel was glancing at the second floor next door. "What are you looking at?" she asked.

Retracting his gaze, Samuel stared at her icily. "You should leave now."

Leave?

Yareli was utterly indignant. "Samuel, this is the first time I've heard that you're living outside. Are you not going to invite me inside for a cup of coffee? It's so cold outside." "Nope. I won't. Otherwise, Kate will misunderstand the situation," Samuel refused her directly.

With that, he walked toward the mansion.

After entering the password, Samuel went inside and immediately closed the door behind him.

Samuel evaded Yareli as though he was afraid that she would chase him down. It seemed like he found her presence irritable.

Needless to say, Yareli was enraged by his rejection.

It turns out that Samuel is living next door to Kathleen. Did he move out of Florinia Manor because of Kathleen? No way!

Yareli refused to believe that.

Samuel is an outstanding man from a prominent family. Besides, he has a natural air of arrogance around him. There's no way he would do such a thing for a woman he has abandoned. Maybe he likes living here?

Yareli's expression turned cold at once. Come what may, she was determined to prevent Samuel and Kathleen from getting back together.

She regretted not telling Diana her feelings toward Samuel back then after finding out that Diana had made Samuel marry Kathleen.

Otherwise, Diana would have set up Yareli with Samuel due to her close relationship with Frances.

At first, Yareli wanted to wait for another two years after she graduated from university. Nevertheless, she had never expected that Kathleen would make her move.

Fortunately for Yareli, Kathleen and Samuel divorced later. However, Vanessa helped her to get engaged to the eldest son of the Yates family.

It took Yareli a year to break off the engagement. She came back this time in hopes of marrying Samuel.

Thus, Yareli was anxious to take Frances back. With the latter's help, she would have many opportunities to approach Diana and drop hints about her marriage with Samuel.

However, nothing ever turned out as planned as Vanessa was exposed for what she had done.

Fortunately for Yareli, she had nothing to do with that matter. No matter what, Vanessa was still her mother. It was impossible to say that Yareli was unaffected by the scandal. Hence, she needed Frances' help.

The rumors would only die down when Frances returned home.

Yareli had to figure out a way to bring her back as soon as possible.

When Samuel returned to the room, he glanced across the house and saw that the light was still on in Kathleen's room.

Picking up his phone, Samuel sent her a message: I have nothing to do with her. Please don't misunderstand the situation.

Kathleen replied: That has nothing to do with me.

Samuel texted back: Since you aren't bothered with it, don't take a peep next time. Just look openly. Otherwise, I might misunderstand your intention.

Kathleen was rendered speechless upon reading his message.

It was wrong of me to peek at them. Did he seriously ask me to look at them shamelessly? That's just ridiculous.

Samuel curled his lips and texted: Aren't you curious about our conversation?

Kathleen replied: What else can there be besides flirting?

Samuel texted: I didn't even know I could still flirt with others.

Furrowing her eyebrows, Kathleen replied: Anyway, you have never flirted with me before. Hence, I don't know if you've done this with other women in the past. Besides, I'm not curious either.

He's the one who texted me first. I didn't bother to ask about their conversation!

Smirking, Samuel texted: I told her that she had ulterior motives in approaching me. Seeing that, Kathleen frowned even more.

Samuel added: Half a month ago, Yareli broke off the engagement with the eldest son of the Yates family. She's been back here for at least a week. However, she hasn't shown her face for the past week despite what has happened. Aren't you curious about where she went?

Kathleen fell into deep thought after reading the long message.

Of course, Kathleen knew that Yareli had returned home long ago. Nonetheless, she did not know what Yareli was up to for the past week.

Kathleen: You know where she went?

Samuel replied: I do.

Kathleen pursed her lips, hesitating whether to ask him.

Just as she was contemplating it, Samuel sent her another message: It's late now. You should go to bed early. I'll drive you to the film crew tomorrow morning. We can talk on the way.

Kathleen was at a loss for words.

Samuel texted: What's wrong?

Kathleen replied: You just want to see me, right?

Samuel texted back: You can think whatever you like. Anyway, I'm sleepy now. Good night. Seeing his message, Kathleen let out a snort.

He's doing it on purpose. Now that my curiosity is piqued, how can I fall asleep? That b*stard!

The next day, Kathleen came downstairs with two huge eyebags adorning her face.

She immediately went to the door.

Frowning, Charles probed, "Kate, aren't you going to have breakfast?"

"I'm not hungry," Kathleen answered weakly.

Charles furrowed his brows. "Still, you must eat something. Otherwise, you might faint while filming later."

"Don't worry. I'll eat when I arrive at the filming set." Kathleen went out the door after putting on her jacket.

Charles frowned at her reply. Did she wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning? With that in mind, he stood up and looked outside the window. He saw Kathleen getting into Samuel's Maybach.

Charles was rendered speechless. His mood turned sour instantly.

Did Samuel threaten Kathleen? However, that makes no sense as he doesn't have any leverage over her. What's the problem then? Could it be that Kathleen has decided to get back with him?

Inside the Maybach, Kathleen stared at Samuel wearily. There was a hint of resentment in her gaze.

Raising his eyebrows mischievously, Samuel asked, "Rough night?" Kathleen let out a snicker upon hearing his sarcastic remark.

Taking her hand, Samuel placed breakfast on her palm. "I made salmon sandwiches and a smoothie for you. Try it."

"You made these yourself?" Kathleen was startled.

"Don't you know that I can cook? Besides, it wasn't that hard to make this simple breakfast," Samuel replied with a wry smile.

"Well, I didn't think you have the time to do it," Kathleen said flatly before eating her sandwich and drinking the smoothie.

Samuel smiled warmly while looking at her.

Look at how hungry she is.

"Go on, then." Kathleen happily munched on her sandwich.

"Is it delicious?" Samuel asked. He seemed to care more about her opinion of the breakfast.

"Of course, it's good. I know the salmon is fresh the moment I took a bite." Kathleen took another sip of the smoothie.

The mixed berry smoothie made by Samuel was refreshing.

Samuel's mood instantly lightened upon seeing how she was enjoying the breakfast. "Come on, just spill," Kathleen urged.

"What should I say?" Samuel was perplexed.

Kathleen fell silent.

Feeling infuriated, she glared at Samuel. However, her expression looked more charming than menacing at that moment.

A bright smile appeared on Samuel's face. "Yareli went to see Sean Brooks."

Sean Brooks?

"Are you talking about the eldest son of the Brooks family in Jipsdale?" Kathleen asked, puzzled.

Samuel nodded.

Kathleen said in surprise, "I can't believe they knew each other."

"Do you know the Brooks family?" Samuel probed.

"Of course, I do. Those prestigious families will send gifts to each other every New Year. I have to help Grandma and the housekeeper with these things every year. On the one hand, we can't send anything too expensive. On the other, we must express our sincerity in those gifts. It's such a troublesome process."

For Kathleen, that matter was the only insurmountable obstacle faced by a wife of a wealthy family.

There are so many prestigious families. Therefore, we can't send out the same gift twice. Ugh. Only Lord knows how much hair I had lost during those days!

Chapter 246

Do You Agree If I Woo Him

“Don’t worry about this sort of thing next time. Just leave it to me.” Samuel cracked a grin.

Glaring daggers at him, Kathleen fumed, “Don’t you dare spout nonsense like this!”

She had never once thought of reconciling with Samuel.

I’ll never get back together with him!

“What I mean is, I’ve always been sorting this out in your absence,” explained Samuel.

Kathleen let out a light snort as soon as she heard it.

She then followed her train of thought as she continued her feast. “The Brooks family resided so far away in Norham, so what does Yareli want with him to go all the way there?”

Samuel gazed at her intently. “Maybe you can look at it from a different perspective. Sean may be the one who’s looking for her instead.”

Kathleen was surprised as she looked Samuel in the eyes, only to find the latter’s darkened gaze.

“But the Brooks family is a military family, so why would they require Yareli?” Kathleen had no clue whatsoever.

Samuel reminded her, “Since they’re connected to the army, they could offer Yareli a wealth of aid. Yet, their foundation is in Jipsdale, so it’d be quite inconvenient for them to carry out whatever businesses they have in Jadeborough.”

“You mean… Yareli is acting as their middlewoman?” Kathleen made a wild guess.

Samuel nodded in response.

Realization dawned upon Kathleen. “It’s impossible for the Brooks family to talk business with Yareli. It can only be something else, then.”

“That’s right.” Samuel’s visage remained as calm as a millpond. “They have to be sharing some kind of top secret.”

“What makes you say that?” Kathleen blinked her eyes at that.

“Because… I’m also not so sure myself,” replied Samuel ever so leisurely. “If that’s something not to my knowledge, it can only be a secret.”

“Samuel, why don’t you just admit that you don’t always have access to every single piece of information under the sun?” Kathleen leered at him the whole time.

Unconcerned, Samuel gave his feedback. “It’s not about me not admitting to it. But rather, I’ve known my limit a year ago when I searched high and low for you but ended up in vain. Other than that, nothing has ever been a stumbling block for me. As for this matter, I can only say that Yareli herself doesn’t know much as well. All she has been doing was running errands blindly for the Brooks family.”

His words were like a bolt from the blue to Kathleen. She blurted out, “What? You mean, all this while, she has been doing their bidding without even asking? Interesting…”

Samuel glanced at her. “The Brooks family must have offered her an astronomical amount of benefits beyond our imagination.”

With a soft tone, Kathleen asked, “Are you implying that Yareli may deal with me through the Brooks family’s hands?”

Samuel inclined his head.

“It’s okay because I, too, have backers!” proclaimed Kathleen. Not a hint of fear could be sensed coming from her.

Samuel smirked. “It’s me, right?”

That made Kathleen snort coldly. “Pfft! It’s not you.”

A meaningful look flashed across Samuel’s eyes on that note. “Who could it be, then?”

“Do you have to ask? My brother, Charles!” Kathleen was all smiles. “Charles will always keep me from harm’s way.”

Dubious, Samuel questioned her in a deep tone, “Are you certain? It’s the Brooks family we’re talking about.”

“Hmph! So what? Could they be mightier than the heavens?” Wearing a disdainful countenance, Kathleen mocked him, “I know you’re terrified. What a pity. Because I’m not!”

Narrowing his eyes to slits, Samuel shot her a frosty gaze. “Do I look like a scaredy-cat in the face of the Brooks family?”

“Yes, you do.” Kathleen was so daring to get on Samuel’s nerves. “If not, why do you have that reticent look on your face?”

Putting on an ice-cold mien, Samuel retorted, “It seems that you have no idea who I am…”

“I know you’re Samuel Macari. Who else can you turn into?” Kathleen had her eyes fixated on him before adding, “Oh, right! You’re also Old Mrs. Macari’s grandson, Mrs. Macari’s son, some random woman’s future husband, and maybe your future kids’ dad. I don’t care—”

As she rambled on and on, Samuel suddenly hushed her by locking his lips against hers.

Kathleen was stunned on the spot.

She then argued with him, “What are you doing? Didn’t you give me your word that you wouldn’t kiss me mindlessly? Plus, I’ve never given you my consent!”

At that moment, Samuel’s eyes were filled with hostility. “Your consent isn’t needed this time around.”

“You!” Kathleen hurled a murderous glare at him. “What did you say? Why not?”

“Because you’re hurting my pride.” Samuel sounded so stern with his statement.

Hurting his pride?

“Huh? Since when have I ever humiliated you? In what way?” Kathleen was baffled by Samuel’s words.

The latter pulled her chin closer to come face to face with her and stated, “First and foremost, it’s pretty ridiculous for you to presume that I’m inferior to the Brooks family. The Macari family has never bowed and will bow to no one.”

Hearing his proclamation, Kathleen pressed her cherry-red lips together. “I just didn’t know better. No one told me.”

“Hmph! You’ve lived with the Macari family long enough in the past and even married me. Don’t say you were a stranger to the Macari family.” Displeasure washed over Samuel’s face as he spoke.

Kathleen said nothing.

“Also, I’m rather upset by you saying that I’d be someone’s future husband or dad.” Samuel held her cheeks with his calloused palm and went on with a frigid tone, “I already mentioned I won’t remarry, so I can never be someone else’s husband nor dad, got it?”

Kathleen pursed her lips, remaining silent.

At that juncture, Samuel brushed his finger lightly across the corner of her mouth before putting his finger into his own mouth.

Astounded, Kathleen froze there and then.

That’s the leftover sandwich’s sauce!

In a matter of seconds, Kathleen’s ears were flushed as red as a tomato.

What a filthy pervert!

Inexplicable emotions inundated Samuel’s face as he side-eyed Kathleen.

The latter quickly straightened her back and faced to the front while putting the piece of sandwich in her mouth, munching the whole time.

Samuel couldn’t help but grin at that.

She’s so adorable.

Eventually, they arrived at the hotel.

“We’re here,” announced Samuel nonchalantly.

Only did Kathleen regain composure the second she heard his voice. She turned to look out the car window. We’re here already?

Hanging her head low, she found that she had only managed to finish half of the sandwich. Without a second thought, she stuffed the remaining sandwich into Samuel’s hands. “Why did you prepare so much food? I’m not a pig, okay? It’s impossible to finish them!”

Samuel smiled faintly. “I’ll finish it for you.”

“Don’t you think you’re a bit unhygienic?” Kathleen finished the last mouthful of her drink as she spoke.

“Does it suit your liking?” Samuel gazed deep into Kathleen’s eyes.

Kathleen, in turn, cast a glance at him before nodding.

Letting out a cackle, Samuel said, “I’ll whip up the same for you tomorrow.”

Kathleen let out a snicker and uttered, “I want to see Finn.”

“I’ve already arranged that for you. I’ll come to pick you up once you’re done with filming,” suggested Samuel with a half-smile.

“Mm.” Kathleen nodded softly and bade goodbye. “I’m off.”

She opened the car door and spun on her heels.

Samuel watched her enter the hotel, his lips curling upward into a smirk.

She’s really so delicate and sweet.

Turning his gaze over to the half-finished sandwich in his hands, Samuel took a bite before instructing the driver, “Let’s go.”

The driver nodded.

With that, the car drove off.

Soon after, Kathleen was back in the hotel room.

The stylist had been waiting for her.

After putting on her makeup, Kathleen joined the film crew on set.

By noon, there was a heated discussion among the crew.

“Who’s that woman who visits Timothy on set? Doesn’t she look gorgeous?”

“Indeed. She’s so stunning that she has what it takes to be a celebrity. Besides, she seems very intimate with Timothy.”

“Don’t you know she’s Yareli from the Yoeger family?”

“What? That Yareli? Are you kidding me?”

“It’s true! I heard Timothy calling her name just now.”

“Wait… Kathleen is also from the Yoegers. Let’s sit back and wait for their drama to unfold!”

“Uh… I don’t think Kathleen counts as one of the Yoegers because her mom isn’t the biological daughter of Old Mr. Yoeger. Better still, Yareli’s mom isn’t Old Mrs. Yoeger’s biological child either. That means both of them are only cousins.”

“Shh… Yareli’s here.”

Meanwhile, Kathleen was sitting on a bench, waiting to shoot her scene.

Just then, a silhouette dawned upon her from right above.

With a chilling voice, Kathleen piped up, “Tsk. Move aside, please. You’re blocking my view.”

Flying off the handle, Yareli crossed her arms and raised a question with an icy tone. “Say, Kathleen, do you think I should woo Samuel?”

Chapter 247

Pretext

“Samuel and I aren’t associated whatsoever. Why would you need my permission to pursue him?” asked Kathleen, feeling speechless from what Yareli had just said.

Yareli narrowed her eyes.

“You’re just here to look for trouble, so stop using someone else as a pretext.” Kathleen exposed her mercilessly, causing her face to flush.

“Besides, if Samuel is truly willing to date you, you wouldn’t have come to ask me this question. You’re just trying to irritate me by saying that. As if he’s really going to date you if you want.”

“How do you know he won’t agree to it? Didn’t you see us chatting happily at his place yesterday?” asked Yareli with a glacial tone.

Kathleen, who was unfazed by her words, curled her lips. “So?”

“So stop clinging onto him! I don’t like it when my boyfriend gets acquainted with another woman, especially his ex-wife.” Yareli sounded stern.

Kathleen chuckled, clearly amused by what she had just heard. “Do you mean I’m the one who’s clinging onto him?”

“Yes, exactly.” Yareli assumed that Kathleen was the reason that Samuel was giving her the cold shoulder. As long as she got rid of Kathleen, she could then build a closer relationship with Samuel.

“Oh, sure,” said Kathleen, nodding with a half-smile.

She then took out her phone and called Samuel.

After only two rings, the man answered the call, and his deep and attractive voice came from the other end of the line. “What’s wrong? Didn’t I say I’ll go and pick you up later at night?”

Kathleen put the phone on loudspeaker mode, so everyone around could hear Samuel’s words.

The crowd was stunned and wondered what was going on.

As she crossed her legs and placed her chin in one of her palms, Kathleen said, “Please do me a favor and come bring your girlfriend away. I’m afraid I’ll beat her up if you don’t come soon.”

“My girlfriend? I’ve told you before. I will never date another woman.” There was a tinge of coldness in Samuel’s tone.

The crowd was once again surprised.

Did Samuel actually say that to Kathleen before? He really does love her!

Kathleen raised the phone in her hand. “Oh, you don’t believe me? Ms. Yoeger, please say something. Didn’t you tell me that Samuel is your boyfriend and that I should get away from him? Please tell him that yourself and let him make me go away.”

Yareli’s face instantly turned pale.

She had never expected Kathleen to be such a straightforward person who would never allow herself to be pushed around by someone.

As she stared at the phone, Yareli couldn’t find the words.

“Yareli?” Samuel called out frostily.

Yareli tried her best to sound as natural as possible. “Yes, it’s me. Samuel, I think there’s a misunderstanding. You should hang up first.”

“What’s wrong, Yareli? Are you scared? I’ve recorded everything you told me just now. Why don’t we listen to the recording together?” Kathleen spoke indifferently.

Recording? She recorded what I said? When did she record it?

Yareli widened her eyes in shock.

Kathleen narrowed her eyes. “You should listen to it too, Samuel. Or else, someone’s going to blame me for accusing your girlfriend.”

Samuel couldn’t help but chuckle when he heard Kathleen emphasize the word “girlfriend” through clenched teeth.

She recorded the conversation with her phone.

Fortunately, mobile phones nowadays were advanced enough to be able to play a recording in the middle of a phone call.

Thus, Kathleen played the recording for Samuel to listen to.

After knowing everything that had happened a few moments ago, Samuel’s expression was gloomy. “Yareli, what’s the meaning of this? ‘Chatting happily?’ Did we actually chat happily yesterday?”

“Samuel…” Yareli said, her voice trembling ever so slightly.

Never in a million years did she expect Kathleen’s way of doing things to be so aggressive.

Samuel snorted. “I said you’re up to something, and you think that was a happy conversation? So you like it when people accuse you? Is there something wrong with you?”

Yareli was at a loss for words.

“Kate, she has nothing to do with me. You can do whatever you want with her. Don’t worry. If anything happens, I’ll settle everything for you,” he said with a deep voice.

Upon hearing that, Kathleen curled her lips to form a meaningful smile. “Okay.”

Subsequently, she ended the call and slowly turned to look at Yareli, who pursed her lips sheepishly and left.

Kathleen almost laughed out loud when she saw Yareli leave, as she thought the latter would at least try to argue with her.

Irked, Yareli returned to Timothy’s lounge.

Timothy had just finished listening to his assistant’s reports when she stepped in. He faced her with an indifferent expression and asked, “Ms. Yoeger, are you here to visit me, or do you have other intentions?”

Yareli remained silent for a while before uttering, “I’m just here to visit you in Mr. Brooks’ stead.”

“Then why did you provoke Kathleen?” Timothy’s expression showed obvious annoyance.

She replied unhappily, “What do you mean I provoked her? I was just informing her about what she should know. Who knows she’d do something like that? I bet that was a publicity stunt.”

Publicity stunt?

He scoffed. “Why would she need a publicity stunt when she’s already this popular?”

“Why wouldn’t she need a publicity stunt? If she doesn’t hype up the situation, how is she going to maintain popularity? Without popularity, how would anyone know who she is?” she said with an unfathomable meaning behind her words.

He was speechless. “Not everyone likes publicity stunts.”

“How can you be sure? Just look at her. Ever since her debut, she had been using Samuel to make herself popular. No matter where Samuel went, she would be by his side.”

Timothy was displeased to hear that. “Stop jumping to conclusions. Maybe Samuel was the one who was clinging to her. Do you think everyone shares the same mindset as you?”

Suddenly, Yareli narrowed her eyes and fixed her gaze on Timothy. “You’re in love with Kathleen, right? Why don’t we work together? I’ll pursue Samuel, and you’ll pursue Kathleen. We’ll join forces to destroy their relationship if they show signs of getting back together. What do you think?”

Still wearing a stern expression, Timothy replied, “I’m not as despicable as you are.”

Despicable?

She chuckled coldly. “Wow. I have to say; you’re indeed good at pretending to be magnanimous. You’re clearly pining with unrequited love, yet you’re putting up a righteous facade and lecturing me. That’s funny.”

“Get out of here.” He lost his patience.

She glared at him with a cold gleam in her eyes. “I wouldn’t have come here if Mr. Brooks hadn’t told me to come.”

Upon finishing her sentence, she turned to leave.

“I know you’re here to look for Kathleen. You wanted to embarrass her, but you didn’t expect the plan to backfire on you. I’ve heard about your mother, and initially, I felt sorry for you. But now it seems I’m just wasting my time and compassion.” He fixed his glacial gaze on her.

Yareli bit her lip and uttered sarcastically, “Men are so easily tricked by women like her who are good at putting on a pitiful act. The moment she sheds a tear, you guys would fall for her act and think she’s bullied by someone. You guys can’t even tell what’s real, and it’s sad.”

“Get lost!” bellowed Timothy, completely losing the last bit of his patience.

With that, Yareli strode out of the room while wearing a smug smile.

Timothy’s assistant immediately tried to console him. “Mr. Currah, calm down. There’s no point getting angry at someone like her.”

“Why in the world would Sean be acquainted with someone like her?” Timothy almost hit the roof.

The assistant pondered for a while and answered, “I guess it probably has something to do with the people Sean found. As you know, Sean has been entrusting us to run errands for him. Perhaps he asked for the Yoeger family’s help this time around because we’re not that familiar with Jadeborough, so it’s quite difficult for us.”

Chapter 248

Liar

Upon returning to the Yoeger residence, Yareli smashed a vase onto the floor and made a loud noise, frightening everyone in the residence.

Vanessa came down from the second floor and asked, “What are you doing, Yareli?”

Yareli complained to her mother with her eyes reddened, “Mom! Samuel scolded me for the sake of a b*tch!”

Vanessa frowned. “You went to find Samuel?”

She somewhat knew that her daughter was in love with Samuel, but it was a pity that the Macari family had never considered letting any other girl than Kathleen become Samuel’s wife.

To Vanessa’s utter confusion, they let Kathleen, who was still an orphaned girl back then, marry Samuel and become his rightful wife. Vanessa wondered just how lovable Kathleen could be to make Diana decide to let her marry Samuel.

However, after getting to know Kathleen, she found out that Kathleen’s personality was horrible and was far from good.

Thus, she deduced that the Macari family had been tricked by the young woman.

“Everyone in Jadeborough knows Samuel is courting Kathleen. Why did you go and make a fool out of yourself?” reprimanded Vanessa.

“Mom, don’t you think Samuel is stupid? Why did he run after Kathleen when they are already divorced?” Yareli couldn’t comprehend what Samuel was thinking at all.

Vanessa snorted. “Hmph! I bet Samuel just can’t forget how amazing she is in bed.”

Yareli replied with a faint sight, “If that’s the case, I can master some skills, too.”

Vanessa stared at her daughter. “Do you really love him that much?”

Yareli said aggrievedly, “Mom, I’ve been in love with him since we were young, but he was too aloof and unapproachable. Back then, he was in love with Nicolette and not me. I thought they would get married in the end, but I didn’t expect Old Mrs. Macari to take action and separate them. And then Kathleen came into the picture, diminishing my hopes of ever getting married to Samuel.”

She was filled with hatred back then.

Later on, Vanessa, who was worried her daughter might never get the happiness she deserved, hurriedly arranged her marriage with the Yates family.

However, Yareli kept delaying the marriage, unwilling to give up on Samuel.

Surprisingly, it seemed like the heavens took pity on her. Samuel and Kathleen were divorced.

Yareli then used a whole year to break off the engagement with the Yates family, but to her dismay, Kathleen and Samuel met each other again, messing her plan up.

Moreover, for some unknown reason, Samuel began to sound sarcastic whenever he spoke to Yareli.

Back when they were kids, he might be aloof and distant, but he would never mock her with a tone filled with sarcasm.

This further angered her, causing her to vent all her fury on Kathleen.

“Kathleen’s such a b*tch! Not only did she take Granny away, but she also stopped me from being with Samuel! I will never let her go! Ever!” Yareli said through gritted teeth.

“Don’t worry, Yareli. If you really love Samuel, I’ll think of a way to help you.” Vanessa spoke with a complex tone.

“Really? Mom, are you for real?” Yareli beamed happily.

Vanessa said disdainfully, “I seriously don’t know why you’re so excited about a man. It’s a piece of cake for women to conquer men, but you’re just too ignorant. I’ll teach you some ways, and I guarantee you’ll succeed.”

“Okay, please tell me,” said Yareli excitedly.

Vanessa sighed upon seeing how eager her daughter was. It looks like she’s really in love with Samuel, to the extent that she’d forget about the proper way she should behave as the heiress of a prominent family. She usually won’t act like that.

“All right. I’ll tell you right now. Come with me to the room,” uttered Vanessa after a soft sigh.

Yareli nodded. “Okay!”

In the evening, Kathleen returned to the hotel to change and remove her makeup after getting off work.

Then, she dressed up again and went downstairs to wait for Samuel.

To her surprise, Samuel had already arrived.

She sauntered toward the man’s car and opened the door, taking note of the comfortable warmth within the vehicle.

After getting in, she asked, “When did you arrive?”

“I arrived half an hour ago,” replied Samuel.

Half an hour ago?

She was shocked. “Why didn’t you call me? I thought you were still on the way and was thinking of coming down here to wait for you, but it turns out you’re already here.”

As he wore a faint smile, he said, “I’m patient enough to wait for you.”

“You’re patient, but Finn is not. Let’s go.” She put on her seat belt.

Samuel said with a heavy tone, “I’ll take you to meet Finn, but the later we get there, the better.”

“Why?” Kathleen asked, puzzled.

His voice was clear but deep as he told her, “I won’t let you see him face to face tonight, but instead, I’m inviting you to watch a show.”

A show? What does that mean?

Kathleen’s heart was filled with confusion over what the man said.

However, he didn’t give her a proper explanation. After starting the car, they headed toward their destination.

Half an hour later, they reached a private clubhouse.

Samuel halted the car and said to Kathleen, “Put on your mask and cap.”

She heeded his words and did as she was told.

With his lips curled, he said, “You’re too attractive. I don’t want those men to stare at you.”

Kathleen was rendered speechless.

“Let’s go.” He pushed the car door open, and she got off the car.

Subsequently, he took her hand naturally, like they were an old married couple.

As she furrowed her brows, he whispered a reminder, “It’s quite messy in there, so you have to stay by my side. Don’t wander away from me.”

“Okay.” She nodded obediently.

He smiled, loving how docile she looked.

As he wrapped her tiny hand with his, the desire to dote on her once again surged within him.

I swear I’ll never lose her again. Ever.

They stepped into the clubhouse.

Under Samuel’s lead, the two of them were allowed to enter directly, but the people behind them were stopped by the guards and were asked to present their invitation letters.

Kathleen tugged at Samuel’s sleeve and asked quietly, “Why don’t you need an invitation letter to get in?”

“My face itself is a pass,” he replied, grinning.

She didn’t know how to respond to that.

They stepped into an elevator, and a couple followed right behind them.

The couple, who was quite bold, ignored the two strangers beside them and began making out on the spot.

Kathleen felt so awkward that her ears turned bright red.

She then turned to look at Samuel and complained in annoyance, “Did you bring me here to watch a reality show? I’d have to wash my eyes after we get back later.”

Samuel chuckled and pulled the woman into his arms, using his own body to block her view from the couple.

She felt quite comfortable as she pressed her fair and delicate face against the man’s warm chest.

When the elevator finally stopped, the couple got even more carried away. They even removed their clothes while engaging in passionate physical interactions.

Kathleen couldn’t even look at them.

Samuel held her shoulders, and the two of them exited the elevator.

She hastened her steps and walked by his side while looking slightly irritated. “Do you come here often?”

He looked down at the woman in his embrace. “Yes.”

She glared angrily at him. “Hmph! It would’ve been better if you met up with Nicolette. How dare you spend your time at a place like this? You’re worse than a sc*mbag!”

He was speechless as she tried to break free from his embrace.

However, he tightened his grip. “Do you believe in anything I say?”

“You promised you won’t lie to me,” said Kathleen angrily. She then looked at him and queried, “Are you lying to me?”

He chuckled. “Kidding doesn’t count as lying.”

She was at a complete loss for words after realizing she had been tricked. “Wow, so funny! You liar!”

Chapter 249

Go Somewhere Else

Samuel was amused by her reaction.

As they walked, he explained to her, “I don’t come here often. I’ve only been here once during the grand opening. This clubhouse belongs to my friend.”

His friend again? Just how many friends does he have?

“Your friends are all your scapegoats, huh?” mocked Kathleen with her soft and gentle voice.

He narrowed his eyes and defended himself, “I’m not lying to you.”

The conversation came to a temporary pause as they stopped in front of a private room.

Samuel pushed the door open and stood at the doorway as the smoky and foul air inside the room enveloped him.

Instead of entering right away, he called out coldly, “Ryan!”

“Yes, I’m here! Mr. Macari, you’re finally here. I’ve got you a pretty lady to keep you company.” Ryan stood up.

Before Samuel could say anything, Kathleen pinched his waist.

He frowned. “I didn’t know he’d do something like this!”

Apparently, she did not believe him.

“Oh, Mr. Macari, I see you’ve brought a lady yourself. You should’ve told me earlier, so I won’t bother finding one for you. But of course, if your companion doesn’t mind, the lady can stay. The two of them can serve you together,” said Ryan, smiling from ear to ear as he glanced at Kathleen, who was wearing a cap and a mask.

Samuel’s face was dark, while Kathleen let out a cold sneer.

“What did I tell you, Ryan? Did you not heed my words?” Samuel questioned unhappily.

Ryan trembled all over when he saw the gloomy look in Samuel’s dark eyes, indicating that the latter was furious.

He gave the people beside him a few kicks. “That’s enough, guys. Get lost!”

Alas, they were all too intoxicated to move.

The unhappy look on Samuel’s face was evident. “Let’s go somewhere else. This room reeks of alcohol and smoke.”

“Okay.” Ryan nodded sheepishly.

He got up and brought them to another private room.

Samuel asked indifferently, “Does this private room have the same view as the one just now?”

“Yes, it’s the same. Mr. Macari, does your girlfriend not like the smell of smoke and alcohol?”

Samuel looked at him gloomily. “Don’t ask anything that doesn’t concern you.”

“Then shall I have someone send some food here?” asked Ryan, trying to please Samuel.

The latter looked down at the woman in his embrace. “Are you hungry?”

Kathleen nodded in response.

After all, she came here right after work and didn’t even get to have dinner.

Ryan was quite surprised to see Samuel treat another woman so nicely.

He had always thought that Kathleen was the only one who had a special place in Samuel’s heart.

“Get us something tasty and light. Serve us some juice, too,” ordered Samuel.

“All right.” Ryan nodded and sent his subordinates by the door to make the arrangements.

Samuel nudged Kathleen to sit down. “You can take off your mask and cap now. It’s safe here.”

In the meantime, Ryan was curious about this woman that Samuel brought with him.

Just how pretty can she be to make Mr. Macari treat her this gently?

As he was wondering, he saw the woman remove her mask and cap.

He was dumbfounded when he saw Kathleen’s exquisite and alluring face.

I knew it! She is, indeed, Kathleen. With her around, Mr. Macari would never fall in love with anyone else.

“Kathleen, please don’t take what I said to heart. I was just kidding,” said Ryan, feeling extremely awkward now that he knew Kathleen’s true identity.

“Oh, that isn’t funny at all,” said Kathleen with a faint voice.

Ryan remained silent while Samuel shot him a glare.

Soon after, the waiters brought in some dishes.

Samuel stood up and opened the window facing the inside of the clubhouse.

They were able to look down at what was happening downstairs.

After taking a few bites of food, Kathleen walked over to Samuel’s side and asked, “You said you brought me here to watch a show. What show is it?”

He responded coldly, “It’ll start soon.”

She furrowed her brows and was wondering what he had in mind when a group of people entered the clubhouse.

The leader was a young woman who was wearing a fur coat.

“She’s Tracy Smith, Finn’s wife,” Samuel whispered into Kathleen’s ear.

She is Finn’s wife?

“Is she here to cause trouble? Why did she bring so many people here?” Kathleen asked in shock.

“Mr. Macari, please put this on.” Ryan approached and gave them two sets of earphones.

Samuel helped Kathleen put on the earphones.

His movements were quite gentle as he did so for fear of hurting her small and delicate ears.

However, it was quite difficult for him to put the earphones on for her, as her ears were small in size.

After several failed attempts, he turned to glare angrily at Ryan. “Why can’t you do anything right?”

Ryan hung his head in embarrassment.

See? He dotes on his wife so much!

Ryan had noticed that Samuel obviously loved Kathleen deeply since a long time ago.

Not even Samuel himself was aware of that.

“I’ll make sure to be more careful next time.” Ryan looked at Kathleen piteously, silently asking her for help.

The woman took the earphone and wore it. “See? It’s done.”

Samuel turned and shot Ryan another glare wordlessly.

After moments of speechlessness, Ryan turned on his heels. “I’ll take my leave first.”

Samuel put on the earphones too.

Although they could see and hear Tracy from a distance, they couldn’t hear her clearly.

The earphones would help them hear her better.

“Go and find Wendy right away!” bellowed an enraged Tracy.

Before she could even finish her sentence, the men she brought dispersed and began searching everywhere.

A while later, Kathleen heard footsteps sounding outside the room.

She asked curiously, “Do you think they have the guts to come in?”

Samuel snorted and put on a vicious smile. “I do hope they’ll barge in.”

At that moment, they heard the voice of the guards by the entrance, stopping Tracy’s men.

“There are VIPs in here,” said one of the guards icily.

“Who cares? Ms. Smith wants to look for someone. The audacity of you guys to get in her way!” Tracy’s men regarded the guards with contempt.

“They’re so haughty,” commented Kathleen with a frown.

Samuel sneered in response.

Then, they got into a fight.

That was when the door to the private room they were in was opened.

Samuel turned to look coldly at the intruder who barged in and whispered to Kathleen, “Wait here for me.”

She nodded and watched as he strode over and kicked the man out of the room.

The man didn’t even manage to see Kathleen’s face before he was sent flying out of the room.

Samuel closed the door behind him and spoke in a cold tone. “You’re just a dog of the Smith family. How dare you barge into my territory!”

Kathleen heard Samuel’s voice in the earphones and thought it was fascinating.

These earphones are probably the same as the ones Samuel gave me last time.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Macari. We didn’t know it was you. I’m truly sorry!” the man cried and begged for mercy.

Samuel gave him another kick. “Bring me to see Tracy!”

“Yes, sir!” The man, who was scared out of his wits, instantly obeyed.

Kathleen looked down and saw that Ryan had approached Tracy.

“Ms. Smith, what brings you here?” he asked.

“Ryan, you’d better stay out of my way. I’m here to look for someone,” answered Tracy apathetically.

“Who are you looking for?” Ryan was curious.

Tracy said furiously, “I’m looking for a b*tch who dared to seduce my husband!”

“What? Who has the guts to do so?” Ryan’s faked surprise was obviously exaggerated.

“A woman named Wendy Locke. Do you know her?” asked Tracy, fixing her gaze on Ryan.

The man shook his head. “No.”

Tracy scoffed. “Hmph! How could you not know her? She’s your subordinate. Are you lying to me?”

“He doesn’t know his subordinate, but I suppose you know yours, right?” Samuel’s cold voice echoed.

Carrying the man by his collar, he threw the man onto the floor right before Tracy’s feet.

Chapter 250

Plan By Samuel

Tracy stared at the man who fell next to her feet in shock.

What’s going on?

She knew she could not afford to offend Samuel, as he was not just an ordinary businessman.

“Mr. Macari, I’m sorry if my man offended you.” Obviously, Tracy was still aware of who called the shots in Jadeborough.

Besides, she did not want to mess with someone like Samuel.

Tracy shot the man at her feet a cold stare. “How useless! Apologize to Mr. Macari right now.”

“Mr. Macari, I’m sorry,” said the man, his face bruised and battered.

Samuel scoffed. His handsome face was overshadowed by a sense of aloofness. “I can tell that your man doesn’t know the rules. Go back and remind him to run away whenever he hears my name in the future.”

Tracy’s face fell.

Pfff!

Samuel heard Kathleen’s laughter through the earphones.

His lips curled into a subtle smile.

This woman! Come to think about it. I’ve never brought Kathleen out to look around. I didn’t even introduce her to my friends and allowed her to get exposed to the outside world.

Diana was right.

He had to be patient with Kathleen.

Despite the fact he had the upper hand compared to the others, it would be over for him if he were to make a mistake.

However, he would never ever allow himself to end up in that state.

Tracy had no idea why Samuel was smiling.

All she knew was that the cool, good-looking man before her looked exceptionally charming when he smiled, even though it was just a faint smile.

A thought flashed across Tracy’s mind. His charm is truly out of this world.

The smile on Samuel’s face faded, and he flashed Tracy a cold look. “Who are you looking for?”

“I’m looking for a woman,” came Tracy’s reply.

“Woman? Who is it?” Samuel responded indifferently.

Tracy hesitated for a moment.

Samuel sneered, “Tracy, to be frank with you, I invested in this place too. Since you’ve caused a ruckus at my turf, don’t you think I deserve an explanation from you?”

Pursing her lips, Tracy replied, “Her name is Wendy Locke. She was working as a housekeeper at my home a few days ago, but she…”

“What did she do?” Samuel’s expression turned frosty.

“She seduced my husband. Just because she is quite pretty, she actually seduced my husband. I’ll never let her off!” Tracy fumed.

Looking unfazed, Samuel cast his gaze upon her.

A sense of guilt filled Tracy’s eyes.

Right then, two bodyguards came out, holding a woman.

The woman’s hair was disheveled. She was wearing an emerald green gown and had a curvy figure.

One could still see how beautiful she was even though she looked like a mess at that moment.

“Wendy Locke, you’re such a sl*t!” Tracy strode forward wrathfully and slapped Wendy on the face.

Wendy looked up, and there was a stain of blood on the corner of her lips. “You’re the sl*t!”

Burning in rage, Tracy lifted her hand and threw another slap across Wendy’s cheek.

Wendy sneered, “You only know how to lay your hand on a woman. Why don’t you beat your husband up instead?”

“What’s wrong with my husband? He’s a nice man!” Tracy glared at Wendy, enraged.

Wendy let out a scoff and retorted, “Nice my as*! He was the one who touched me first!”

“You’re making things up!” Tracy roared. “Finn will not be interested in a filthy woman like you! You b*tch! How brazen you are to spout this unreasonable nonsense! I’m going to turn you into a filthier woman! All these women who tried to snatch my husband away, I’ll not let you go!”

“All these women?” Wendy snickered. “It seems like he has cheated on you quite many times.”

Tracy gritted her teeth and yelled, “Do you think I have no idea how to handle a woman like you? I’ve seen many of this kind of b*tches! I can just end you with the snap of my fingers!”

Wendy replied provocatively, “So what? He will still cheat on you with other women. For instance, his ex-girlfriend, whom he can’t forget. He told me that I look like his first love.”

Those words triggered Tracy to lose her rags. “Impossible! I destroyed the woman, and she’s such a filthy woman now! Finn saw those photos too. It’s impossible that he would think of that woman! No way!”

Meanwhile, Kathleen frowned silently as she heard that.

The more she listened to Tracy, the more she felt something amiss.

There seemed to be underlying meaning and hints behind every word Wendy said.

Kathleen could not help but wonder if Samuel had arranged such a scene with other motives.

The crease between her brows deepened.

She had an inkling of what was happening, so she continued to listen to them patiently.

“That’s only because Finn didn’t tell you. Tracy, if a man has someone special in his heart, you can never win him over completely even if you’re his wife,” Wendy taunted. “I wasn’t trying to gain anything, though. I only slept with him because he is good-looking.”

“You!” Tracy raised her arm, wanting to slap Wendy again.

Just then, Ryan grabbed Tracy by her wrist. “Tracy, that’s enough! If you were to kill someone here, how can we still run the business of this place?”

Tracy clenched her jaw. “I’ll take responsibility for it.”

“You’ll take responsibility?” Ryan let out a sarcastic chuckle. “The Smith family has transferred all the assets abroad for many years. What else is left here in the country? You still have to bear the consequences if anything happens.”

Tracy raged, “Ryan Snyder, are you related to this woman?”

“Are you out of your mind?” Ryan was speechless. “Do I look like I’m that free? How would it benefit me to help her out?”

As though comprehending Ryan’s remark, Tracy bit her lip.

“Tracy, what did you say just now? What did you do to Finn’s first love?” questioned Samuel apathetically.

Tracy was stunned. She flashed an awkward look. “Mr. Macari, I don’t think this matter has anything to do with you.”

“Well, it’s true that it has nothing to do with me. I’m just curious what would happen if I were to tell Finn about it,” Samuel replied impassively.

Biting her lip, Tracy seemed to come to a realization.

She took a look at Samuel before diverting her gaze to Ryan and Wendy.

“Mr. Macari, are you the one behind all these?” Tracy asked grimly.

Samuel merely sneered without saying a word.

Tracy’s gaze darkened. “What do you mean by that?”

“I only want to know what you did to Finn’s first love.” Samuel’s gaze was sharp as though it could pierce through someone’s heart.

Tracy froze at his reply.

Why is Samuel trying to get to the bottom of this matter? It has nothing to do with him.

“Aren’t you going to tell me?” Samuel stared at Tracy frostily. “We’ll tell Finn about the conversation just now.”

Left with no choice, Tracy blurted out, “I’ll tell you. But you have to promise me not to spread this around.”

“You’re not in a position to tell me what to do,” replied Samuel, exuding a gloomy aura.

Tracy was startled.

D*mn it!

“After I got married to Finn, his first love was still pestering him, and she wouldn’t leave no matter what.” Tracy sounded annoyed. “Initially, I was considered polite to her. When she came to my house, I told her that Finn married me on his own accord, and I didn’t force him. But she was certain that I snatched Finn away from her. I had no other choices, so I instructed a few…”

“What did you instruct them to do?” came Samuel’s question.

Tracy pursed her lips and replied, “I instructed a few men to teach her a lesson and took some clips and photos to threaten her so that she would stop pestering Finn.”

“Have you shown Finn the clips and photos?” Samuel questioned aloofly.