Ch. 441..450

Chapter 441

Unsuccessful Surgery

Receiving no news from Kathleen the whole day, Samuel couldn’t help but feel resigned.

He put down the phone and removed his jacket before moving to his work desk.

After quite some time, Tyson called and said, “Mr. Macari, that man said he wants to meet up with you, and he’ll only let Mr. Larson go once he sees you.”

“Got it.” Samuel sounded rather nonchalant. “Make the necessary arrangement. I’m going there now.”

“On it!” Tyson nodded.

As Samuel leaped up from his seat, his obsidian-like eyes darkened.

He’s finally showing up, huh? Let’s see who this mysterious fellow is.

Meanwhile, Richard came to the hospital and went straight to Miley’s ward.

Prior to that, he was resting at home.

He hadn’t been having any good night’s sleep for a few days in a row, so he thought of catching up on some sleep.

Unexpectedly, Miley rang him up.

Of course, he bolted to the hospital right after getting summoned.

“What’s wrong?” Richard’s brows knitted to a knot of worry as he gazed at Miley, who was recuperating in bed.

Tears welled up in the latter’s eyes. “Someone came here to threaten me just now, Richard. He warned me to watch my back, or he’ll claim my life with his own hands.”

“Who was that?”

“I-I don’t know… He said he’s sent by one of Gemma’s close friends. I-I don’t even know him…” were Miley’s words. There was a tinge of grievance in her voice.

Gemma’s close friend? Could it be Kathleen? Nah… Not possible.

Still, Richard posed a query. “Do you mean Kathleen?” A frown formed across his forehead.

Miley sniffled while dropping a remark. “I know that woman loves you a lot, and you, too, are madly in love with her. Still, I really can’t bear to leave you. Even if she threatens me or even ends my life in the process, I’ll never part ways with you.”

Hearing her words, he approached her and sat by her side. “Gemma’s not a vicious woman. Neither is her friend, Kathleen. In fact, Kathleen just informed me today that she’ll treat your legs.”

“No, no, no!” Miley shook her head frantically at that. “I don’t want her help. She’s Gemma’s best friend, so she’s bound to harm me one way or another. I refuse!”

“Kathleen won’t do that to you,” refuted Richard with a complicated visage.

“How can you be so confident? Do you know her inside and out?” Miley felt all the more aggrieved. “What if she really finished me off?”

A look of helplessness appeared on the man’s face.

He knew Kathleen would never do something like that, yet there was nothing else he could do to hinder Miley from thinking that way.

“I don’t care! I don’t want her to treat me!” As Miley continued to yell, she suddenly began to sob pitifully. “You must be thinking I’m such a burden…”

Left with no choice, Richard ultimately relented. “Fine, fine. I won’t let her treat you. Please stop crying.”

“Really?” She sniffled.

He inclined his head and acknowledged that. “Yes, for real.”

Only then did Miley break into a bright smile. “Great! I can stay alive, then.”

Richard’s eyes seemed to be holding a lot of emotions.

“Can you stay and accompany me here tonight, Richard? I don’t know why, but I’m feeling very uneasy these few days,” she pleaded in a casual manner.

“Mm.” Richard nodded in approval.

Seeing that, Miley grinned in satisfaction.

“I’ll be sleeping on the couch, I guess.” He rose to his feet and went to sit on the couch, then lay down on it.

She pursed her lips.

Whatever. It doesn’t matter as long as he stays.

In truth, Richard was genuinely beaten.

He fell into a deep slumber very quickly.

Miley’s eyes flickered at that.

Right then, Stanley walked in from outside.

Hearing his footsteps nearing, she turned to shoot him a meaningful stare, gesturing for him to quiet down for a bit.

Stanley then tiptoed toward Richard and sneakily took out the latter’s phone from the suit’s pocket. Following that, he turned off the phone before sliding it back into Richard’s suit.

Miley arched a brow at Stanley.

The latter took the hint and wheeled around to depart from the ward.

Miley’s smile reached her eyes as she watched Stanley leave.

Richard will be all mine after tonight. No one can take him away from me!

On the other side, Kathleen returned home and took a short break.

Thirty minutes later, her phone rang.

“Hello, may I speak to Kathleen Johnson?” A deep voice sounded over the phone. “We have a patient here called Gemma Young. Is she your friend?”

“Yes, she’s my friend.” Kathleen stood up and questioned, “What happened to her?”

“She got into a car accident. Please come to the hospital.” The tone of that person was as grim as ever. “She’s in a critical condition, so if you’re late—”

“I’m on my way!” Kathleen ended the call abruptly and grabbed her jacket before dashing out of the house.

Soon enough, she reached the hospital.

“Are you Kathleen?” queried a nurse there.

The hospital Gemma was in wasn’t the one that the others were at.

“Yes!” Kathleen didn’t even have time to catch her breath. “May I know what’s her condition now?”

“She has a brain hemorrhage and isn’t doing so well, but the doctors are trying their best.”

Without a second thought, Kathleen fished out her certification and requested, “This is my identity. I need to participate in the surgery!”

The nurse was startled. “Okay, hold on.”

As she said that, she went inside.

After a while, the nurse came out and ushered Kathleen into the operating room.

Wearing a stern countenance, Kathleen hurried inside.

I must save Gemma at all cost!

Four hours later, Kathleen exited the operating room, utterly exhausted.

No one was waiting outside the operating room.

She slumped into a seat, her hands trembling endlessly.

How could the surgery have failed?

Alas, Gemma was gone with the wind.

“Dr. Johnson!” Rory sprinted over. “I had to ask around everywhere for your whereabouts.”

Kathleen’s eyes were all reddened. “What’s the matter?”

“I heard something happened to Gemma…” Rory pressed her lips together.

Kathleen nodded in a daze. “Mm.”

Noticing something was off with Kathleen’s expression, Rory probed, “Is she…”

“The surgery failed.” Tears came trickling down Kathleen’s cheeks. “She’s already gone.”

“What?” Rory was astounded by that revelation.

“I asked the nurse to get Richard. Why is he not here yet?” Kathleen took a deep breath.

“I… I’m not sure…” Rory pursed her lips.

Kathleen could tell that Rory was hesitating to speak. “You seem to be in a hurry to see me. What is it that you’re keeping from me?” Her voice was croaky.

“An hour ago, I got wind that something had gone wrong when Mr. Macari went to Nicholas’ rescue. His location can’t be tracked right now. So…”

What?

Stunned, Kathleen got to her feet. “Is your source reliable?”

“Yes, Tyson’s the one who called me personally.” Rory’s voice was as deep as a bottomless pit.

“Book me a flight. I’m going to find Samuel myself.” Kathleen’s brows were bunched up together. “Let’s head to the airport right away!”

“All right!” Rory nodded.

Kathleen understood better than anyone that now wasn’t the time for her to dwell in her grief.

I’ve got to pull myself together and rescue Samuel! I can’t afford to lose him too!

She wasted no time rushing to the airport and boarded the plane to Smealand.

Throughout the journey, she kept a sullen and frosty countenance.

After the plane touched down at the airport in Smealand, she hurriedly got off the plane and met up with Tyson.

“Any news yet?” came Kathleen’s question. She looked rather composed, though.

“No.” Tyson shook his head.

Immediately, a frown marred Kathleen’s face. “Where on Earth did Samuel go missing? Bring me there now.”

“But it’s too dangerous, Mrs. Macari.” Her request caused Tyson to worry.

She shot him a chilling leer and hollered, “I’ve braved even graver situations before, so you’d better cut the crap and lead the way!”

“Noted.” Hanging his head low, Tyson had no choice but to do her bidding.

They hopped into an off-road vehicle and made a beeline for the location where Samuel was last seen.

In a flash, they arrived at the said place, only to be greeted by the utter, chaotic mess at the scene.

There were broken parts of vehicles scattered all over the ground, coupled with bloodstains here and there.

Upon closer inspections, several bullet holes could be spotted on the surface of the car.

Evidently, an intense battle had occurred in this place earlier.

I hope Samuel’s still alive…

Chapter 442

Definitely Still Alive

He’s certainly still alive!

Kathleen tried her best to force herself to calm down and stop overthinking.

Samuel won’t die.

“Are there surveillance cameras around?” she asked.

“No.” Tyson shook his head.

The light in her eyes dimmed when she heard the answer. “Send more people to search around. Check if there are any witnesses.”

“Yes.” Tyson immediately went off to carry out the order.

Just then, Yadiel came over and said, “Dr. Johnson, I’ll ask the local influential figures for more information.”

“Go ahead.” Kathleen nodded. “Ask them to check nearby hospitals as well.”

“Okay.” He nodded.

Kathleen’s brows furrowed again as she stared at the blood on the ground, hoping it wasn’t Samuel’s.

Otherwise…

As a result, she stayed in Smealand for a week.

She had sent numerous people to search for Samuel but to no avail.

An entire week had passed, but there was still no sign of the man.

She could not help but panic.

Tyson and Yadiel were worried sick as well.

“Mrs. Macari.” The worry on Tyson’s face hadn’t faded since a week ago. “It’s been a week.”

With a solemn expression on her face, Kathleen stated, “Even if it’s a month, a year, or even a decade, I will continue to look for him. Dead or alive, I must find him. Do you understand?”

“Yes!” Tyson nodded, then turned around and walked off.

When Yadiel came over, his eyes met Tyson’s, and the latter shook his head in dismay.

Yadiel looked at Kathleen, his gaze darkening. “Dr. Johnson, we need to go back.”

Kathleen side-eyed him. “No, I won’t.”

“But it’s a mess now in Jadeborough. Word about Mr. Macari’s disappearance has spread. Now, Macari Group is in an unstable situation.”

“I’ll give Samuel’s father a call and ask him to take care of the company for now. It’ll be fine.”

Yadiel originally wanted to convince her to go back, but he realized she didn’t even have the intention to return.

Before this, he had always thought Kathleen did not have strong feelings for Samuel and surmised that she got together with Samuel only because Samuel was the father of her two children.

However, judging from her reaction now, it seemed like that was not the case.

Beneath her cold countenance was her fiery love for Samuel.

“All right, then.” Yadiel did not continue to insist.

Turning around, Kathleen fished out her phone and phoned Calvin.

“Mr. Macari, it’s me, Kathleen.” It was a real struggle for her to speak to Calvin at that moment.

“Kate, you don’t need to worry about the company. I can handle it,” he replied in a somber tone. “They can’t do anything for now. Don’t worry.”

“Mr. Macari, I’m sorry,” Kathleen apologized sincerely. “You all hadn’t been in contact with me ever since Samuel’s disappearance. I know it’s because you and the family don’t want to disturb me.”

“Kate, Samuel hasn’t been found, am I right?” There was a hint of desolation in Calvin’s voice.

“Yes.” She nodded. “But I haven’t found his body either. Mr. Macari, think about it. If they wanted him dead, they’d definitely spread the news about his death.”

“I thought so too. Samuel is definitely still alive.”

Not only did Kathleen feel that Samuel was alive, but she also had a feeling that the person who abducted him aimed to get her.

“Mr. Macari, I might need to stay here for some time, so I’ll have to entrust the matters in Jadeborough to you,” she said in a low voice.

“All right.” Calvin nodded.

After that, Kathleen ended the call.

When Yadiel heard what Kathleen said, he knew she wouldn’t be returning in a short while, but there were many things in Jadeborough waiting for her to deal with.

That day, Samuel finally woke up on an island in the Pillere Ocean.

When Ashley saw his eyes open, she was thrilled. She stood by the bed and said gently, “You’re awake.”

“Where is this place?” he asked in a hoarse voice as he knitted his brows in confusion.

“We’re on an island,” she explained. “Do you still remember? I was the one who saved you.”

Looking at her, Samuel noticed her left arm was wrapped in bandages.

“Who are you?” he asked placidly.

Ashley was dumbstruck for a moment before answering, “I’m Ashley Zeller.”

He could not help but frown, for he could not remember that name at all.

Noticing his bewilderment, she became agitated. “Did you lose your memory?”

He glanced back at her with his bleak eyes. “Yes, I don’t remember who I am.”

Besides, his head hurt immensely.

Meanwhile, Ashley’s heart was pounding with excitement.

This is a blessing in disguise! Samuel suffering from amnesia means that he’ll never get to remember who Kathleen is.

“You’re Samuel Macari,” she stated. “You were kidnapped when you were about five to six years old. Coincidentally, I was abducted as well, and we were locked up in the same place. We heard the kidnappers were going to kill us right after they received the ransom, so we decided to run for our lives.”

Aloofness was written all over Samuel’s handsome face as he listened to her.

“But when we were trying to escape from there, those kidnappers discovered us. I covered your back so that you could escape first. Then, I was shot in the chest.” She tugged at the collar of her shirt, showing him the scar. “Look. This is the proof.”

Unfazed, Samuel glanced at it. “Then, what happened after that?”

Ashley was not sure if he believed her words or not. Nevertheless, she went on, “After that, I was dragged out of that place. They thought I was dead, so they brought me to where we were held captive and left. Then, my dad came and saved me.”

“Thank you,” he uttered expressionlessly.

“Samuel, you promised you’d marry me.” She blushed in shyness. “Although you’ve forgotten about it, I still want to remind you that I’ve always been waiting for you to deliver your promise.”

“Am I unwed?”

“You were married, but you got a divorce,” she elucidated. “You and your ex-wife are incompatible. Besides, she had two romantic interests previously, and she was even engaged to one of them.”

Ashley did not want to keep this from Samuel. Once they were on their way back, Samuel would definitely investigate his past.

Besides, what she had said was true.

Samuel remained calm. “Contact my family. I want to go home.”

“Samuel, don’t rush.” Ashley pointed at his leg. “Your legs are not healed up yet. There’s an excellent doctor here. It would be best if you let her treat your legs. I’ll help you to contact your family.”

“Mm.” He nodded.

Ashley secretly heaved a sigh of relief.

I’ll contact the Macaris some other day. After all, I want to get closer to him by spending more time with him. Perhaps, I can make him like me more. Now that he’s lost his memory, this is the perfect chance. I must win this man’s heart!

Soon, three months had passed, and Kathleen still did not have news about Samuel.

In those three months, she had lost a significant amount of weight.

Yadiel persuaded, “Dr. Johnson, it’s time for us to go back. Trevor’s already taken action in Jadeborough. While you and Mr. Macari were away, he has been expanding his territory at an exponential rate.”

Kathleen’s expression turned ice-cold. “Does he have a death wish?”

“He’s not the only one. Ever since Mr. Macari disappeared, many people have been eager to take down the company.” Yadiel’s gaze darkened. “Someone tried to poach the members of Mr. Macari’s renewable energy development team.”

Chapter 443

Punishment

“Really?” Kathleen was unperturbed. “Who dares to do that?”

“Trevor Hoover,” Yadiel answered.

Upon hearing that name, she flew into a rage. “That old b*stard! He wants to poach, huh? Let him do it, then!”

“But Mr. Macari has put his heart and soul into that team.” Yadiel knitted his brows.

“I know. I won’t let that man off easily. Ask some of your men to stay to search for Samuel. Don’t miss out on any clues.”

“Okay.” After a pause, Yadiel asked, “Are we going back?”

“Yes.” A cold glint appeared in her eyes. “I’ll head to Axeworth Corporation first.”

“What?” Yadiel couldn’t believe his ears. “It’s too dangerous!”

Kathleen sneered, “Don’t worry. Lauren won’t kill me.”

The next day, when Kathleen reached Lauren’s house, she pressed the doorbell, but no one answered the door.

Just as she pressed the doorbell again, a middle-aged man in a disheveled state came out.

It was obvious that he was annoyed with her sudden arrival. “Who are you looking for?”

“Where’s Lauren?” Kathleen asked coldly.

“She’s not around,” the man huffed.

“Where did she go?”

“I don’t know!” The man was getting more exasperated by the minute. “Scram if you’re not here for important matters. Don’t waste my time!”

“Yadiel, go,” Kathleen ordered indifferently.

“Yes.” With that, Yadiel stepped forward, ready to barge in.

“What are you guys doing?” The middle-aged man was so shocked that the color drained from his face.

With Yadiel’s height and physique, he could overpower the middle-aged man with ease, causing the latter to stagger backward in trepidation.

Kathleen followed after Yadiel as he gripped the man’s neck.

Crack!

The man’s neck was snapped.

Then, the man was thrown aside by Yadiel like a garbage bag.

Glancing at the side, Kathleen strode over to the naked woman on the couch, who was trembling and cowering in fear. Kathleen remained emotionless as she said to the woman, who seemed to be in her thirties, “If you don’t want your neck to be snapped, answer my question.”

The woman nodded frantically. “Okay.”

“Where’s Lauren?”

“She left. Someone called her to ask her to treat someone’s legs.”

Treat someone’s legs? Is it Miley? I didn’t hear of that.

“Do you know this woman?” Kathleen showed her the picture of Ashley.

The woman shook her head. “No, I’ve never seen her before.”

Kathleen shot her an icy look. “Are you lying to me?”

“No, I won’t dare to lie to you!” The woman shuddered in fear.

Kathleen’s gaze was indeed too intimidating.

“Tell Lauren her subordinate disrespected me, so I gave him a light punishment,” Kathleen said flatly.

The woman nodded in response as her face turned even paler.

A light punishment? He’s lost his life!

After that, Kathleen left the mansion with Yadiel.

When they got into the car, she said, “Go to the airport.”

As the driver, Yadiel drove toward the airport as told.

On their way there, Kathleen had been sending messages on her phone.

When she was done with it, she looked at the scenery outside the window, lost in thought.

Meanwhile, on an unknown island, Samuel could already stand up, as his legs had recovered well these days.

Ashley supported him while he tried to walk. “Samuel, take it slow. There’s no hurry. I will always be by your side.”

In the past three months, even though nothing much happened between Samuel and her, he did not treat her aloofly anymore.

At the very least, he did not find her touch repulsive even though she had only touched him inadvertently.

Samuel took his hand away from her grip and took the walking cane. “I don’t need your help.”

Ashley pouted. “I’m worried you’d fall down.”

“There are injuries on you as well. Don’t mind me,” he replied placidly.

Her lips curled into a smile. “I knew you cared about me.”

With that, she went to hug Samuel again, but he pushed her away with some force, causing him to lose his footing and fall on the bed.

After Ashley fell too, she stood up again.

Seeing Samuel on the bed, she walked over and pounced on him.

He furrowed his brows and shoved her away.

Just then, Lauren came in with a phone and quickly took a picture upon seeing the scene before her.

This is a golden opportunity!

This time, Samuel used a great deal of force, so Ashley fell down from the bed altogether.

Holding her scraped knees, she grumbled pitifully, “Samuel Macari, what are you doing!”

“I don’t like the smell on you.” The man’s expression turned stony.

Ashley sniffled with an aggrieved expression. “I’m not stinky.”

“I don’t like it anyway. I won’t be so nice if this happens again.”

She was rendered speechless.

Was he nice just now?

Lauren kept her phone and chimed in with a half-smile, “It seems like you have recovered well, Mr. Macari.”

Samuel remained impassive. “My legs have healed almost completely.”

Lauren gave him a meaningful look before glancing at Ashley.

The latter shook her head lightly.

Lauren flashed a smile. “Mr. Macari, you still can’t leave this place. You’ll have to wait until the day you don’t have to rely on the walking cane anymore.”

“Samuel, Lauren is right. Your parents said you could only head back once you recovered,” Ashley said.

“How can you prove that the parents you said are indeed my parents?” he questioned.

Ashley was at a loss for words.

“Mr. Macari, aren’t you being rude this way?” Lauren narrowed her eyes. “After all, Ashley is the one who saved you.”

“You two are the only ones who told me those things.” Samuel remained cautious.

“Since you don’t believe us, are you not afraid that we’ll harm you?” Lauren threatened.

He snickered in contempt. “Try me, then. Let’s see if I’ll be scared of your threats. If worse comes to worst, I’ll simply die here, but I’ll never allow myself to be controlled by others.”

Lauren had nothing to say to that.

This man has such a foul temper. How did Kathleen subdue him?

Ashley hurriedly explained, “Samuel, you’ve misunderstood Lauren. Don’t panic. It’s really for your sake. Actually, I’ve asked around and found that the one who wanted to harm you was your ex-wife’s biological grandfather.”

“Is that so?” Unfazed, Samuel cocked a brow.

“Yes. Besides, they took advantage of your absence and teamed up to deplete your company’s resources.”

“Why didn’t you tell me earlier, then?”

“I was worried it’d affect your recuperation,” she answered awkwardly.

“Get ready immediately. I want to go back as soon as possible.” Samuel’s tone, as well as his gaze, turned even colder.

Ashley wanted to reject him, but things would get bad when Samuel became furious if she continued to stall for time.

She didn’t want her relationship with him to turn strained.

“All right.” She nodded.

Kathleen and Yadiel got back to Jadeborough.

When they left the city back then, it was still summer, but it was already autumn now.

Sitting in the car, she gazed out the window expressionlessly.

She wanted to head over to the Macari residence for a while to see her children.

As she sat there, she looked like a perfect statue.

Just then, her phone rang.

After she answered the call, Tyson said, “Mrs. Macari, that group of people has been poached. They’ve handed in their resignation letters, and the chairman has approved.”

Chapter 444

I Can Handle Him

“Keeping disloyal people by one’s side is akin to having a time bomb. Besides, the other company offered them a high price. They naturally won’t stay,” Kathleen uttered impassively.

Tyson said sympathetically, “But Mr. Macari has put his heart and soul into the work.”

“I won’t let Samuel’s hard work go down the drain. Are they going to meet Trevor now?”

Nodding, Tyson answered, “Yes. They have taken all the proposals with them. This new energy electric car will be put into production immediately once they join the team.”

Kathleen instructed, “Okay. I got it. Send someone to keep an eye on the situation. I’ll go to the office this afternoon.”

“All right.” Tyson hung up the phone.

Sighing, Kathleen massaged her temples.

Soon after, she arrived at the Macari residence.

Both Eilam and Desiree missed her dearly.

Even though they communicated with her through video calls, they could not see their mother in person. Thus, they were concerned about her.

Looking at her two children, Kathleen immediately embraced them.

Wynnie stood in front of them with a sorrowful expression.

Samuel had been missing for three months. Yet, there was still no news of his whereabouts. Wynnie was very worried deep down. However, she decided to put on a brave face so that her emotions would not affect Diana.

Tugging at Kathleen’s sleeve, Desiree asked, ”Mommy, where’s Daddy? Why hasn’t he come home?”

Kathleen caressed the girl’s face and reassured, “Daddy is too busy at the moment. He’ll return when he’s no longer busy with his work.”

“Why is he so busy? He’s already wealthy,” Desiree asked, feeling confused.

“Everyone has a goal they want to achieve in their lives. It has nothing to do with money. Be good. I promise we’ll go to the amusement park together when Daddy isn’t busy, okay?” Kathleen suggested hoarsely.

Desiree nodded. “All right.”

However, Eilam looked at Kathleen in silence.

Glancing at Wynnie, Kathleen called out, “Mrs. Macari.”

Wynnie nodded and signaled the housekeeper to take the two children inside.

The two women stood by the door.

Kathleen choked up and apologized, “I’m sorry, Mrs. Macari. I wasn’t able to bring Samuel back. However, I don’t think he’s dead.”

“If he’s still alive, then what happened to him? Why didn’t he try to contact us?” Wynnie’s eyes were red-rimmed.

“Perhaps, it’s inconvenient for him to do so,” Kathleen postulated.

Wynnie sniffled. “Kate, what if Samuel never comes back?”

“That won’t happen.” Stepping forward, Kathleen hugged Wynnie before adding, “Don’t worry, Mrs. Macari. I promise to find Samuel and bring him home.”

“Okay. I have faith in you.” Wynnie wiped her tears. “You’ve lost weight.”

When Kathleen left, she was probably forty-five kilograms. Yet, she was likely only forty kilograms right now.

She was too skinny at that moment.

In the afternoon, Kathleen went to Macari Group.

As soon as she entered the office, she immediately sensed a cold aura.

Without paying too much attention to it, she took the elevator upstairs and went to the chairman’s office.

Calvin knew Kathleen was coming.

“You’re back.” He heaved a sigh of relief.

After all, Calvin was no longer in the prime of his life. It was exhausting for him to carry such a heavy responsibility of managing a big company on his shoulders these days, especially when he had already taken the back seat and handed everything over to Samuel.

Samuel led the company toward reformation and innovation. There were things Calvin was not familiar with in these fields. Hence, he seemed helpless at times.

Fortunately, the company was relatively stable even though some of its employees had quit recently.

“Mr. Macari, how are you doing?” Kathleen greeted.

Nodding, Calvin answered, “I’m still holding on.”

“Trevor was the one behind this whole mess. I’m so sorry.” Taking a deep breath, she continued, “Leave it to me. I have a way to deal with him. I won’t let him get away with it that easily.”

He frowned. “How are you going to deal with him?”

“Don’t worry. I have my ways,” she guaranteed.

Feeling at ease, Calvin nodded faintly. “All right. I trust you.”

A few days later, Hoover Group, which belonged to Trevor, launched a new energy electric car.

That day, Kathleen was working in the office in Samuel’s absence.

“How infuriating!” Tyson stormed into the office and exclaimed, “Look, Mrs. Macari. They’ve stolen Mr. Macari’s ideas!”

He gritted his teeth in rage.

Taking the brochure from Tyson, Kathleen read through it. “Has it been put into production yet?”

“I think these people have been planning to jump ship for a long time. I heard they have already started working in the factory,” he replied.

She nodded in response before picking up her phone and dialing a number.

“Regarding the plan we’ve discussed in the past, you may proceed with it now. Money isn’t a problem. Someone will bear all the expenses. Mm, all right,” Kathleen instructed calmly.

With that, she hung up.

“Mrs. Macari, who were you on the phone with?” Tyson asked in confusion.

“It was a patient I’ve saved before. You may return to your work now,” Kathleen explained half-heartedly.

“So, this matter…”

“Since they’ve produced the first generation of the cars, we’ll make the second generation.”

“But the whole team has been poached by them,” Tyson rebutted.

“Yes, our team has been poached. Nevertheless, it’s not the end of the world. We can still recruit another team. Surely you don’t need me to teach you how to recruit new employees, right?” she asked coldly.

“No, no.” Tyson waved his hand. “I’ll get to it now.”

She nodded.

Meanwhile, Trevor was in a great mood over in Hoover Group.

He did not expect that his trick would work out so perfectly. Without Samuel, he managed to poach the entire team with ease.

Now that the new product had been launched, the next step was to wait for sales orders.

He was looking forward to it.

At that moment, his phone on the table suddenly rang.

“Hello, Old Mr. Hoover. I’m Ezra Hayes from Bera.”

“Mr. Hayes?” Trevor was thunderstruck.

He had heard of Ezra’s name before. The latter was the wealthiest man in Bera.

Furthermore, Ezra’s wife and children were not ordinary people either.

Ezra’s wife was a member of the royal family, whereas his daughter was the deputy director of the central bank of Bera.

Moreover, Ezra’s son was the favorite candidate for the parliamentary seat in the upcoming election.

“Mr. Hayes, what’s the matter?” Trevor was surprised yet delighted at the same time.

Ezra explained, “Old Mr. Hoover, I want to order five hundred thousand new energy cars from you.”

“Five hundred thousand?” Trevor exclaimed in disbelief.

“That’s right. My son is going to run for the election. Therefore, I need to help him. Will your company be able to finish the order within a month?”

“A month?” Trevor hesitated momentarily.

“Is it not doable? Well, it looks like I have to order from someone else, then. If the batteries of the new energy vehicles produced by Macari Group were more energy-efficient, I would’ve cooperated with them. Now, I have no choice but to choose them. Besides, I will make a full payment,” Ezra replied in disappointment.

Full payment?

The offer was too tempting for Trevor to turn it down.

“Mr. Hayes, I can promise to deliver your order. However, can you be more lenient with the time frame?” he inquired tentatively.

“Why would I buy these cars if your company can’t produce them within a month? I’m planning to help my son by creating a buzz during the campaign.”

“All right, then. I promise to deliver five hundred thousand units within a month!”

“That’s great.” Ezra let out an enigmatic smile.

Chapter 445

I Am Not Scared

“Very well. I’ll be waiting for the good news.” Ezra hung up the phone.

Trevor immediately summoned everyone in the office for a meeting.

Soon, Ezra called Kathleen and informed her, “I did as you instructed. Trevor took the bait as expected.”

“That’s great. Thank you,” she said placidly.

“You saved my life without asking for a reward. It’s the least I can do for you. However, a new energy car costs a hundred thousand. I’ve ordered five hundred thousand units in total. It’s a considerable amount of money. Are you sure you want to make the full payment?”

“How would the fish take the bait if it wasn’t tempting enough? Don’t worry. I have done my research. His factory isn’t that big. They are bound to encounter problems if they have to produce five hundred thousand cars within a month. I wouldn’t be surprised if they couldn’t complete the order on time.”

PlayvolumeAdAfter pondering it for a moment, Ezra asked, “What if he manages to pull it off?”

Kathleen sneered. “Trust me. He won’t be able to do so.”

Feeling curious, he probed again, “Do you have other plans?”

“I’m not going to tell you. You’ll find out when you watch the news.” She yawned lazily before adding, “I’ll leave you to your work. Bye.”

“All right.” The man nodded.

Kathleen ended the call.

Meanwhile, Trevor presided over the meeting in Hoover Group. “We have to produce five hundred thousand units within a month!”

The vice-president spoke out. “Mr. Hoover, it’s already our limit to produce a hundred thousand units per month. It’s simply impossible for us to produce that much within that time frame.”

“Why is our production volume so low? Didn’t I tell you guys before that we must increase our production if we want to take over the market for new energy vehicles? We can’t afford to rest on our laurels and let Macari Group surpass us!” Trevor’s face dimmed.

All the employees exchanged glances upon hearing his ambitious declaration.

Even though Samuel was no longer there, Macari Group was still a strong competitor in the market. The company’s current hardship was merely a blip.

They knew that Macari Group would still be the strongest by the time the company recovered from the slump.

“Are you guys doubting me? Don’t you know who was the one who poached this team?” Trevor snapped.

He was the person who poached this team from Macari Group.

The person in charge of this team, Ronald Lytcott, was personally contacted by Trevor.

Of course, Trevor had to triple the salary Ronald received while working for Macari Group.

Thus, Trevor was anxious to recover the cost.

“Even so, we still have to work overtime, which means some of the parts suppliers might have to work overtime too. Some manufacturers may not be as efficient.”

“If that’s the case, find more manufacturers. Do you all still need me to teach you how to solve these problems?”

The others did not dare to retort or question Trevor when he had set his mind on something.

Besides, they could see that Trevor was desperate to make money from this lucrative order.

When Kathleen walked out of the elevator after work, she instantly saw Richard.

He had become very lean in those three months she had not seen him.

Walking over, the man spoke in a raspy voice. “Kathleen, there’s something I want to ask you.”

“Save your breath, Richard. I won’t tell you where Gemma is buried. You don’t deserve to pay your respects to her,” she stated indifferently.

Richard’s eyes became bloodshot. “Why?”

“Why? Richard Zimmer, Gemma waited for you for seven years, wasting the prime of her life during those years. Miley is merely your mentor’s daughter. Sure, you can take care of her. However, why must you turn it into a romantic relationship? Now, who’s the disgusting one?”

Hearing that, Richard froze on the spot.

“I didn’t say much in the past since you’re friends with Samuel. Yet, you still haven’t come to your senses after these three months. I won’t let you sully Gemma’s good name anymore. Don’t bother me ever again. I won’t tell you the location!” Kathleen warned sternly.

Upon saying that, she was ready to walk away.

However, Richard stopped her from leaving.

Yadiel stepped forward and threatened, “Dr. Zimmer, don’t force me to use violence. I won’t hold back on you.”

Pursing his lips, Richard shot Kathleen a look. Then, he spun around and left.

Only then did Kathleen breathe a sigh of relief. She reminded, “Stay on your guard, everyone. Don’t let him find out the truth.”

“Don’t worry, Dr. Johnson. Ms. Young is safe now,” Yadiel reassured her.

She nodded. “Have you found out Ronald’s itinerary for tomorrow?”

“Yes, I have.”

“We’ll meet him tomorrow, then,” Kathleen instructed.

With that, she headed outside.

The next day, Kathleen woke up at seven o’clock in the morning.

Soon, Yadiel and her arrived at the entrance of a private elementary school.

After a while, they saw Ronald get out of a car while holding a little girl’s hand.

Kathleen also got out of her car and approached them.

Ronald recognized the woman at once. He shuddered in fear.

“Daddy, what’s wrong?” the little girl asked.

“It’s nothing. Sweetheart, you should go inside. I will pick you up after school.” Ronald forced a smile.

“Okay!” The little girl walked past the school entrance.

After watching the young girl entering the school compound, Kathleen remarked nonchalantly, “Your daughter is quite cute.”

Feeling anxious by Kathleen’s sudden appearance, Ronald asked, ”What do you want?”

She snorted. “What are you afraid of? I’m not going to eat you. It must be wonderful to be your daughter, isn’t it? She has a father to pick her up and drop her off at school. Unfortunately, my children aren’t as lucky as her. After all, Samuel is currently missing.”

“I have nothing to do with Mr. Macari’s disappearance,” he said in exasperation.

Kathleen narrowed her eyes and smiled chillingly. “I’ve never said that you had anything to do with Samuel’s disappearance. What are you so anxious about?”

Anger was bottling up inside Ronald’s heart. “What the h*ll do you want? Ms. Johnson, it’s common to jump ship nowadays. Macari Group can’t offer me what I want. People yearn to go to higher places and seek improvement and better working conditions. There’s nothing wrong with what I did!” he fumed.

She scoffed in response. “You’re right. However, you took away something that doesn’t belong to you. Samuel was the one who came up with the design and frame of the new energy car. Yet, you have stolen his work and benefited from it. Do you honestly think Trevor would pay you that much money if it weren’t for Samuel’s effort?”

Ronald stared at her in silence.

“Don’t be scared. I’m only here to see how a traitor like you is doing,” Kathleen remarked calmly.

The man’s face turned pale at once. “Don’t you dare lay a finger on my daughter!”

She mocked, “Don’t worry. I’m not as inhuman as you. I just want to warn you that you’ll get your comeuppance sooner or later. Well then, take care.”

After saying that, she turned on her heel and left.

The uneasiness in Ronald’s heart grew.

After seeing Kathleen get into the car, he immediately called Trevor. “How’s the matter of going abroad?”

“Why are you in such a hurry? I will let you go in a month,” the latter replied flatly.

“Why am I the only one? It must be done within a week. I can’t stay here any longer. I want to leave this country with my whole family!” Ronald complained anxiously.

“You still have to wait until the company has delivered Ezra’s order.”

Balling his hands into fists, Ronald yelled, “That’s not what you promised me! If you can’t get it done within a week, I’m going to tell everyone how you poached me back then!”

Trevor sneered in response. ”Do you think I’m scared of you?”

Chapter 446

He Is Back

“What did you say?” Ronald’s expression darkened.

“Haha.” Trevor scoffed. “If you think about it, there’s already no turning back for you. If you’re not making my life easy, do you think that the Macari family would let you off instead?”

Ronald was stunned.

“Just hand over the remaining documents. I won’t let you down.” With that, Trevor hung up.

Ronald knew that Trevor just wanted the remaining documents that he had.

It was the design and blueprint of the second-generation new energy car.

However, Samuel was the one in charge of the project, and Ronald had no idea what it actually was.

All he did was deceive Trevor that he had it so that the latter could pay him tons of money and even allow his entire family to flee the country.

Never had Ronald expected that Trevor would do this to him.

Besides, Samuel had already lost everything that he had.

There was nothing left that Ronald could give Trevor.

Trevor was simply driving Ronald to a dead end by going back on his word.

As he thought about this, Ronald genuinely regretted working with a sly old fox like Trevor.

Damn it!

As Yadiel drove, he couldn’t help but glance at Kathleen, who was in the back seat, from time to time.

After they returned to Jadeborough, she had become exceptionally quiet.

Just as he was about to speak, his phone rang.

Yadiel picked up the call.

“It’s me.”

“What? Are you serious?”

“No way!”

“All right. I got it. I’ll talk to her about it.”

After ending the call, Yadiel pursed his lips and asked, “Dr. Johnson, I have a piece of good news and bad news. Which one would you like to hear first?”

Hearing this, Kathleen snapped back to her senses.

“The good news first,” Kathleen replied coldly.

“Mr. Macari is back.” Yadiel spoke cautiously.

Kathleen frowned. “Where is he now?”

“The airport,” Yadiel answered.

“Then what’s the bad news?” Kathleen asked again.

“Mr. Macari is going to be engaged to Ashley. They’re now being interviewed by the reporters at the airport,” Yadiel replied helplessly.

At this, Kathleen was at a loss for words.

“Dr. Johnson, are we going to the airport now?” Yadiel asked.

“No.” Kathleen shook her head. “Head back to the office.”

“Yes, Dr. Johnson.” Yadiel didn’t expect that Kathleen would be so calm.

Kathleen was indeed calm.

She knew that Samuel wouldn’t die.

However, she didn’t expect that he would be engaged to Ashley.

Despite that, it was great that he was back.

As for who he wished to marry, that was entirely up to him.

Meanwhile, at the airport, Samuel’s handsome face was tensed.

Never would he expect that Ashley would arrange for reporters to pick him up at the airport.

Besides, she even announced the news of their upcoming engagement.

However, Samuel didn’t intend on getting engaged to Ashley.

Initially, he just wanted to clarify things after he came back.

But now, what Ashley did caught him completely off guard.

However, Ashley was the one who saved him after all, so he didn’t want to reject her immediately.

“We’re very grateful for all your blessings. The engagement between Samuel and I will be held in a week’s time, and we hope to see all of you there. We hope to receive your blessings.” Ashley smiled as she hooked her arm through Samuel’s.

Hearing this, Samuel’s handsome face turned cold.

“Would you like to say a few words, Mr. Macari?” a reporter asked.

From the beginning, Ashley had always been the one speaking on behalf of them.

“I have nothing to say,” Samuel responded coldly.

Before he made things clear for himself, he didn’t wish to provide any comment.

“I have a question for you, Mr. Macari. What about Kathleen?” the reporters persistently questioned him.

“Kathleen?” Kathleen furrowed his brows slightly.

“The interview for today will end here,” Ashley said as she hurriedly pulled Samuel away.

The reporters scrambled after them.

Seeing this, Ashley immediately shot the bodyguards a look.

The bodyguards instantly stepped up to block the reporters.

The reporters could only watch as the two took their leave.

Meanwhile, there was a car waiting for them outside.

After they got into the car, it was only then that Ashley heaved a sigh of relief.

She was slightly nervous.

If Samuel hadn’t been in a rush to come back, she wouldn’t have returned to Jadeborough while her relationship with him was still unstable.

That was despite how Samuel already believed her that Kathleen already had feelings for someone else, and how he didn’t have any feelings for Kathleen at that moment.

“Where are we going?” Samuel asked coldly.

“Let’s go to our house first,” Ashley replied with a smile.

“What about my parents?” Samuel questioned icily.

At this, Ashley felt a little guilty.

She hadn’t informed the Macari family of this at all.

Because of that, Wynnie and Calvin wouldn’t be going there.

“Samuel, I actually wanted to tell you that your parents were tricked by Kathleen,” Ashley responded sheepishly. “They are still very trusting of her now. In fact, after your incident this time, she secretly linked up with my uncle and poached a renewable energy development team from Macari Group.”

Samuel’s expression remained cold. “Do you have evidence of that?”

“Of course. The person in charge of the team is already at my uncle’s company. If you don’t believe me, you can ask him,” Ashley continued cautiously.

“I’ll go meet my parents first,” Samuel said indifferently.

“All right.” Ashley was helpless.

Why is he just so indifferent?

However, she knew that Samuel had always been unexpressive. Even if he lost his memory, his temperament wouldn’t change drastically either.

What she was most worried about was if she could successfully trick an intelligent person like Samuel. After all, if even a small flaw was revealed, there would be a possibility that her lie would be exposed.

Soon, they reached the condominium.

Ashley tricked Samuel into believing that that was where they stayed.

After Samuel got out of the car, he glanced at the condominium, his face expressionless.

“Let’s go,” Ashley said with a smile.

Samuel followed after her.

When the security at the door saw them coming in, he greeted them warmly, “Mr. Macari, Ms. Zeller, you’re finally back.”

Ashley glanced at Samuel. “Look. Even the security here knows that you haven’t been back for a long time.”

Samuel’s cold and dark eyes swept across the security guard.

The security guard was so frightened that he broke out into a cold sweat.

What a terrifying glare!

Although there wasn’t a trace of anger on Samuel’s handsome face, his gaze was extremely sharp.

All of this had been arranged by Ashley in advance.

She then pulled Samuel into the elevator.

Samuel retracted his hand.

“Samuel, the engagement ceremony will be in a week’s time. Don’t you have any opinions about it?”

Samuel remained silent, and there wasn’t a trace of warmth in his eyes.

“Samuel, I’m not young anymore. You can’t possibly make me keep waiting, can you?” Ashley asked pitifully.

“If you’re in such a hurry, you can marry someone else instead,” Samuel replied while maintaining a frigid expression.

“How could you say that? You’re the one I love. How could I marry someone else?” Ashley was on the verge of tears.

Samuel retracted his gaze. “Because I don’t want to get engaged, let alone get married.”

When she heard this, Ashley’s eyes reddened.

Soon, the elevator reached their floor, and they stepped out.

Ashley walked over to a door, keyed in the passcode, and opened the door.

After she entered, she took a pair of male slippers for Samuel and a pair of female slippers for herself.

They were a pair of matching slippers.

Besides the matching slippers, there were plenty of other matching items in the house.

All of them seemed to be reminding Samuel about his relationship with Ashley.

Ashley then opened the door to the bedroom. “Have a rest first. I’ll get someone to fetch your parents.”

Chapter 447

Maybe He Has His Reasons

Samuel remained impassive. “Are you really going to fetch them?”

“Do you not believe me?” There was a hint of despair in Ashley’s eyes.

“I’m going to have a rest,” Samuel responded flatly.

He then walked into the bedroom and closed the door behind him.

A cold glint flashed across Ashley’s eyes as she stood outside the door.

She picked up her phone and sent Trevor a text.

PlayvolumeAdTrevor has to help me with this! If not, I’ll drag him down with me!

Meanwhile, Kathleen reached her office.

Everyone else in the company had already seen Samuel’s interview at the airport as well as the news of his engagement, and all of them looked at her with complicated expressions.

However, Kathleen wasn’t bothered by that and proceeded to find Calvin.

Calvin’s eyes darkened when he saw her. “Didn’t you go and find Samuel?”

“There’s no need to,” Kathleen replied nonchalantly. “No matter what’s the reason he’s getting engaged to Ashley is, I don’t want to see him.”

Calvin frowned at this. “Perhaps Samuel has his reasons for it.”

“Maybe.” Kathleen remained impassive. “Mr. Macari, since Samuel is already back, I won’t get involved with Macari Group’s business.”

In the past, she used to be Samuel’s ex-wife, a mother to two of his children and was supposed to be his fiancée at that moment.

But now, she was nothing.

“Kate…” Calvin couldn’t find the words to continue.

“But don’t you worry, Mr. Macari. I’m sure that Trevor is only going against Macari Group because of me. I’ll take full responsibility for this,” Kathleen replied solemnly.

After hearing this, Calvin was perplexed and asked, “But if you aren’t going to become the CEO, how are you going to handle this?”

“I have my own ways,” Kathleen responded.

After thinking about it, Calvin said, “Okay.”

“I’ll make a move first, Mr. Macari.” With that, Kathleen turned around.

Calvin also stood up. “Kate, Samuel won’t fall for anyone else. I think that perhaps he also lost his memory, just like you.”

Kathleen stopped in her tracks. “I understand what you mean, Mr. Macari. I’ve never denied Samuel’s feelings toward me, but neither am I going to take any initiative about it. If he comes looking for me, I won’t reject him either.”

With that, she walked away.

Calvin let out a sigh of helplessness.

After about ten minutes, the door to his office was opened.

Calvin looked up.

There was only one person who dared to enter his office like that.

“Come with me!” Wynnie furrowed her brows.

“Have you found where Samuel is?” Calvin asked curiously.

“Yes!” Wynnie fumed. “I can’t believe this brat actually moved into Ashley’s place. We have to get him back!”

Calvin hesitated for a moment before replying, “Let’s go.”

He then followed Wynnie to the condominium.

To Wynnie, finding Samuel’s whereabouts was just a piece of cake.

Wynnie pressed the doorbell.

Not a single sound was heard in the house.

Wynnie started to get agitated and kept on pressing the doorbell.

Just then, she heard a sound coming from the inside.

However, the door still wasn’t opened.

What’s going on?

On the other hand, Samuel was woken up by the sound of the doorbell and walked out of his room.

Before that, Ashley had already peeked through the peephole and saw who was outside.

When she saw Wynnie, Ashley’s heart started palpitating furiously.

What’s Wynnie doing here?

Ashley started to get anxious.

Wynnie was completely different from Kathleen.

After all, the former was Samuel’s mother, and there was no way that Samuel wouldn’t listen to her.

“Why aren’t you opening the door?” Samuel asked coldly.

“I…” Ashley was stumped.

She didn’t want to open the door.

Seeing that she was stunned, Samuel walked over and opened the door.

When Wynnie saw Samuel, the look of heartache flashed across her face.

She turned to look at Ashley.

Slap!

A resonating slap landed on Ashley’s face.

“Mrs. Macari?” Ashley was stunned.

“Don’t call me that! You disgust me!” Wynnie spat icily.

Ashley was on the verge of tears as she looked at Samuel with an aggrieved expression.

Samuel frowned.

“I’m your mother!” Wynnie glared at Samuel furiously. “This is your father!”

She then took out a stack of documents from her folder and added, “These are the paternity test results and everything else about you!”

Samuel was left speechless.

Wynnie was enraged. “Why did you have to get engaged to this woman? Haven’t you already proposed to Kate?”

The expression on Samuel’s face remained cold. “Kate?”

“Kathleen Johnson, your ex-wife, who’s now your fiancée!” Wynnie replied.

“Hasn’t she already fallen for someone else?” Samuel asked calmly.

Wynnie furrowed her brows as she turned to look at Ashley. “Did you tell him this?”

“I haven’t said anything wrong, have I, Mrs. Macari? Previously, Kathleen was indeed going to get married to Caleb. Wasn’t Ryder also pursuing her some time ago?” Ashley questioned nonchalantly.

Wynnie scoffed. “Back then, Kathleen was forced to marry Caleb. Besides, the wedding wasn’t even successful because Samuel crashed it. As for Ryder, that happened before Samuel proposed to Kathleen. The two of them are completely unrelated!”

“Mrs. Macari, perhaps you didn’t know that I was the one who saved Samuel,” Ashley continued calmly. “If it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t even be able to see your son now.”

Wynnie was stunned by Ashley’s words.

Ashley rolled up her sleeve and went on, “I even got injured while saving Samuel, Mrs. Macari.”

There were two fresh scars on her arm, and they were evidently gunshot wounds.

“Mrs. Macari, I can’t even lift my arm now. Besides, Kathleen was the reason why Samuel got into an accident. She was the one who took everything from Macari Group.”

“Nonsense!” Wynnie didn’t believe a word she was saying.

After all, Kathleen and Samuel had already made up.

“Mrs. Macari, all of you have been fooled by Kathleen,” Ashley continued explaining. “In fact, Kathleen had always despised Samuel, because he tolerated Nicolette and caused Kathleen to lose her child. Hatred like this won’t disappear so easily. You should know this very well as a woman.”

Hearing this, Wynnie was dumbfounded.

Such hatred was indeed hard to let go.

However, she still didn’t believe that Kathleen would do such a thing.

After all, she had plenty of opportunities to kill Samuel before this. There was no reason for her to only make a move now.

Calvin turned to look at Samuel. “Samuel, what do you think of this?”

“Did I really cause her to lose her child?” Samuel furrowed his brows.

Calvin nodded. “Yes. But that happened seven years ago. She even gave birth to a pair of twins with you after that. She doesn’t hate you anymore.”

“Mr. Macari, Kathleen only gave birth to the twins because she was unconscious and didn’t even know that she was pregnant.” Ashley narrowed her eyes. “If she knew that she was pregnant, she would definitely abort the children. Even until now, although she lost her memory after regaining consciousness and forgot how much she despised Samuel, she would definitely hold grudges after losing her first child.”

“You know quite a lot.” Calvin glared at Ashley icily.

Ashley froze.

“Samuel, do you want to go back with us?” Calvin looked at Samuel. “Eilam and Desiree miss you dearly.”

Samuel pursed his lips.

“Samuel, your leg still needs to be treated. Lauren will be coming over tomorrow, and it’ll be more convenient for your leg to be treated here.”

“Samuel, Kate can treat you as well!” Wynnie chimed in.

“Mrs. Macari, how would Kathleen treat Samuel if she despises him to the core?” Ashley mocked. “Back when Samuel injured his right arm while saving Kathleen, she didn’t even treat him. Now, he can’t even move his right arm properly.”

Chapter 448

Regret

“You!” Wynnie was livid. “We are talking to our son. What does this have to do with you?”

Ashley pursed her lips. “You need to think this through, Samuel. What if Kathleen doesn’t give her best effort after verbally promising to treat your legs? In that case, you’ll have to rely on a walking stick forever.”

Samuel’s left hand tightened around his walking stick.

Wynnie blocked Ashley from Samuel’s view and said to him, “No. Kathleen will never do that.”

Samuel wore an indifferent facial expression. “You tell me Kathleen is my fiancée, so why is she not here to meet with me?”

“She’s still mad at you. In order to search for you, she stayed in Smealand for three months. She turned so skinny when she came back. If she hated you, why would she remain there for so long?” Wynnie explained.

“Because those were all an act! She’s putting up a facade to others as if she’s looking for Samuel, but in fact, she did not try her best. Otherwise, how was it possible that she failed to find any clues?” Ashley said at once.

Wynnie glared at her. “No one will think you a fool if you don’t speak!”

“Mrs. Macari, you shouldn’t be biased toward Kathleen simply because she gave birth to your grandchildren. I almost forgot that you two sided with Kathleen when she divorced Samuel previously. You didn’t care the slightest for him,” Ashley added.

Wynnie furrowed her brows.

Samuel gazed at Wynnie and Calvin with a poker face. “You two should go back first.”

“Samuel! You must leave with me!” Wynnie was anxious.

Nothing good will happen from leaving him here with Ashley!

“I will not go back. Please leave, the two of you,” he said.

“Samuel, think carefully. Do not let her deceive you! You’ve never liked her!” Wynnie uttered in a state of agitation.

“But she saved me,” Samuel said solemnly.

Wynnie froze.

That’s right. Ashley saved Samuel. Although I do not want to admit this, I cannot ignore the existence of this relationship between Ashley and Samuel.

Calvin took out a piece of a business card. “This is my contact details. If you have any doubts or any needs, please feel free to contact me.”

“Okay.” Samuel received the business card.

A hint of malice flashed across Ashley’s eyes as she looked at the business card in Samuel’s hand.

Calvin tugged on Wynnie’s hand. “Let’s go.”

“Samuel, you better don’t do anything you’ll regret. Otherwise, you will hate yourself when you regain your memories,” Wynnie reminded.

Samuel remained silent.

Ashley immediately shut the door after Calvin dragged Wynnie out of the room.

She returned to Samuel’s side and said, “Samuel, are you hungry?”

He shook his head.

She stretched out her hand. “I’ll help you keep the business card.”

Samuel withdrew his hand. “Give me a phone.”

Ashley froze momentarily. “Samuel, I know you’re anxious, but at the moment, you require rest…”

“Give me a phone,” he demanded.

“Okay. I’ll instruct someone to prepare the phone.” Ashley nodded in resignation.

Calvin brought Wynnie outside.

“Darling, you shouldn’t have hit her earlier,” he said.

“I was angry. Ashley distorted the truth. Samuel lost his memories, and he’s in her debt after she rescued him. I’m afraid Samuel will trust her instead of us,” Wynnie uttered worryingly.

“Samuel knows what he’s doing. He merely lost his memories, not that he became a fool. There is so much evidence placed before his eyes. He will make sense of everything. We just need to give him more time,” Calvin comforted his wife.

She asked sorrowfully, “Why is Kate not coming to meet with him?”

“I suppose Kate is disheartened. However, she did mention that she will not refuse to meet with Samuel if he approaches her,” Calvin explained.

“That’s good. I wonder what happened between Samuel and Ashley.” Wynnie felt ill at ease.

“Don’t overthink the situation. I don’t think Samuel likes Ashley a lot. Perhaps he’s acting like this because Ashley saved his life.”

Wynnie nodded. “Probably.”

They went home after saying all that.

Kathleen went to visit her children at the Macari residence.

Samuel and Ashley’s engagement spread like wildfire after the news was released. Everyone knew, including Eilam and Desiree.

There was no way to hide that information from them.

Eilam was fine as he did not show his feelings.

His controlled and restrained personality was similar to Samuel’s.

Desiree, on the other hand, reacted differently.

She bawled and sniffled, seemingly pitiable.

Everyone doted on her, so the sight of her crying tugged at Wynnie’s heartstrings.

“Don’t cry, Desi.” Wynnie did not know how to console the little girl. “Your daddy will not marry that woman.”

Desiree continued weeping.

Kathleen wiped her tears. “Desi, can you please stop crying? Why don’t you think of it in this way? There will be one more person to care for you after your daddy gets married, right?”

Desiree was rendered speechless.

I’m not crying because I want you to comfort me with those words!

Wynnie felt helpless.

She could sense that Kathleen was actually infuriated.

“Kate, we went to see Samuel today. He lost his memories and hurt his leg. It was Ashley who saved him,” Wynnie said.

“Mrs. Macari, why did Ashley go to Smealand? And why was she so fortunate to stumble into Samuel there?” Kathleen replied nonchalantly.

Wynnie was stunned.

“If Samuel failed to consider this point, I don’t want to meet him anymore.” She wiped the tears off Desiree’s face. “Mrs. Macari, I wish to bring the kids back to stay with me. I am worried, looking at their current state.”

“Okay.” Wynnie nodded.

Kathleen left with the two kids after having their dinner.

In the car, Desiree, still wearing a long face, asked, “Mommy, will Daddy get married?”

“I think he will,” Kathleen replied calmly.

She felt exhausted.

“But I do not want Daddy to marry that woman.” Desiree frowned. “That woman is not a nice person! She snatched Daddy away from me!”

“Desi, you’ll understand this when you grow up. Not every married couple will stay together forever. Your daddy has the freedom to marry whoever he wants, just like you and your brother. When you two grow up in the future, you will have the liberty to marry anyone you like. Your daddy and I will not have the right to interfere in that matter,” Kathleen explained.

Despite what she said, Kathleen knew Desiree would fail to wrap her mind around the concept.

Desiree was about to say something else when Eilam stopped her. “Mommy is driving. We’ll discuss whatever you have in mind when we’re home.”

Only then did Desiree shut her mouth.

When they arrived home, Kathleen saw Charles’ car parked in the courtyard.

He’s here?

Charles had been very busy recently.

He was occupied by the search for Wyatt’s whereabouts.

However, he had yet to receive any news thus far.

Kathleen parked her car, helped the two kids get out of the vehicle, and entered the mansion.

“Eil, Desi.” Clarissa strode over from the living room.

Eilam and Desiree had met with Clarissa before. The three of them had a great time together.

“Eil, Desi, why don’t I play with you two upstairs?” she asked.

The two kids exchanged glances before following Clarissa up the stairs.

Kathleen knew Charles must have given her the order to do so.

Chapter 449

Tell

“Charles.” Kathleen entered the living room and took a seat.

“I’ve heard about that matter and instructed my men to find out more information. Samuel lost his memories, and Ashley took care of him for three months,” Charles elaborated.

Kathleen clenched her fist, then loosened her grip. “It seems like Samuel married her for a reason.”

“Aren’t you going to do something?” he asked in a meaningful tone.

“I suppose I will invoke his displeasure regardless of what I do, right? I hate Ashley, but she’s her savior. With their current relationship, Samuel will not believe me no matter what I say. Therefore, I don’t want to waste my effort anymore,” she replied.

“It seems like you’ve given up.” Charles frowned.

“I’m not giving up. I’m just reluctant to relive the past.” Kathleen looked sideways. “Charles, actually, I’ve regained some memories recently. My jealousy toward Nicolette had previously driven me to the verge of insanity. I do not want to go through all those unpleasant emotional roller coasters again because of Ashley. There’s no need for me to do that.”

“But you and Samuel… Are you really willing to give him up?” Charles asked.

“If his judgment is not clouded, he will come and see me. If he is disinclined to meet me, my initiative to look for him will not be significant either.” She paused briefly before adding indifferently, “Charles, my clash with Trevor has started. When I’m done dealing with him, if Samuel is still resolved to marry Ashley, I’ll bring the kids with me and leave this place.”

Charles’ gaze darkened. “Where do you plan to go?”

“Pollerton. I’ve wanted to go there for a long time. Previously, I wanted to go there for a vacation, but now I’m thinking of staying there permanently,” Kathleen explained.

He nodded. “You can decide for yourself. I will not interfere in your business.”

“Charles, hurry up and resolve the issue related to Blissful Sect. I’ll wait for you to be reunited with us.”

He was slightly taken aback. “You seemed certain Samuel will marry Ashley.”

Kathleen remained silent.

Samuel unknowingly dozed off after having his dinner.

The time was two o’clock in the morning when he woke up.

A cold glint flashed across his eyes when he saw Ashley lying next to him on the bed.

He got up and noticed that his phone on the bedside table had vanished.

How come the phone is missing? I clearly remember I placed the device on the bedside table. Did Ashley take the phone away?

His eyes blazed murderously.

Then, he exited the room.

He had always been a light sleeper, so there was no way he would fail to sense Ashley entering his room and lying down next to him.

Unless…

That woman! Although she saved my life, what she did was simply outrageous! Such audacity!

Samuel went outside to get some fresh air.

Initially, he merely wanted to linger in the corridor for a short while.

However, without himself realizing it, he took the elevator and went downstairs, arriving at the ground floor of the condominium.

A black Maybach was parked downstairs at that moment.

A woman stretched her hand out of the car window. Her fingers wrapped around a bottle of beer.

Samuel knitted his brows.

Just then, the woman’s delicate facial features entered his vision as she turned to look out the car window.

Kathleen thought her eyes were playing tricks on her.

She blinked.

The person before her was, indeed, Samuel.

Kathleen went there because she was feeling slightly irritated.

However, she did not anticipate Samuel to be there because that condominium was their home when they were married in the past.

“You are… Kathleen?” His voice sounded hoarse.

Kathleen gulped the rest of her beer. “I am Kathleen. Is there a problem?”

“Are you here to see me?” Samuel gulped.

She rubbed her temples. “No. One of the units in this condominium was where we stayed when we became a married couple previously. I wanted to visit the house. I did not expect you to be here.”

He was maddened after knowing she was not there to meet with him. “It seems like you really don’t love me. Perhaps you even hate me, am I right?”

Kathleen looked sideways. “Why should I hate you?”

“In the past, I had indirectly caused us to lose our first child. That’s why you hate me and have been looking for an opportunity to take revenge on me,” Samuel said.

She could not help but laugh. “Who told you that? Was it Ashley?”

Samuel did not say a word.

“Yes. I am taking revenge on you. What can you do about that? Since you’ve lost your memories and you know I hate you, why don’t you try killing me?” she said haughtily.

Samuel stayed quiet.

“I once lost my memories too, but I did not lose my ability to make considered decisions like you,” Kathleen uttered coldly.

Samuel stared at her face.

“Whatever that floats your boat.” She activated the car’s engine.

He reached out and placed his right hand on the rising car window.

His hand trembled.

Kathleen’s head ached at that sight. She paused in her action.

“How else can I help you?” She gazed intently at his wrist.

“I need your contact details,” he said in a deep voice.

Kathleen slid her hand into her pocket. “This is my phone.”

Samuel received the device.

“I’ll call you once I’m home.” She was about to leave after saying that.

“Hold on!” He did not allow her to go.

“What’s the problem now?” Kathleen was baffled.

“You drank alcohol. You should not drink and drive.” Samuel opened the car door and handed her the phone. “Call someone to pick you up.”

Kathleen was stumped.

Having no other choice, she contacted Tyson.

Tyson departed to her location in his car immediately after he received the call.

He became agitated when he saw Samuel. “Mr. Macari!”

Samuel responded expressionlessly, “Who are you?”

Tyson was stunned.

Mr. Macari has indeed lost his memories. He has forgotten everything that happened in the past.

“Mr. Macari, I am your assistant, Tyson. You’ve finally returned, Mr. Macari. Do you know how worried Mrs. Macari was about you?” Tyson replied.

“That’s enough. He doesn’t want to listen to all that. There is more time for you two to be reunited in the future, Tyson. Send me home for now. My head is hurting,” Kathleen piped up.

“All right!” Tyson nodded. Then, he looked at Samuel. “Mr. Macari, I’ll meet with you tomorrow.”

“I will be waiting for you in the lobby,” Samuel uttered.

In other words, he was hinting at Tyson to return there after sending Kathleen home.

“I understand.” Tyson bobbed his head.

Kathleen got into Tyson’s car and sat in the backseat.

Tyson glanced at Samuel before getting into the car as well.

Samuel stared at them as the car drove away.

His slender fingers wrapped tightly around Kathleen’s phone. I am finally reacquainted with this world.

Ashley was covered in a cold sweat when she woke up and realized Samuel was gone.

She immediately got off the bed and went searching for him.

The moment Ashley stepped out of the elevator, she saw Samuel sitting on the couch in the lobby.

She saw a familiar figure walking out of the main entrance.

Ashley’s heart jumped to her throat.

She strode over to Samuel. “Samuel, why aren’t you sleeping? You’ll fall sick, staying outside the room under such cold weather.”

Poker-faced, he said, “I’m fine.”

Ashley narrowed her eyes when she saw the phone in his hand. “Where did you get that?”

“Kathleen gave it to me,” he replied coolly.

Ashley stiffened. “W-What did you say?”

Has he already met with Kathleen? How did she know Samuel is here? Did Wynnie inform her of this place?

Colors drained from Ashley’s face. “What did she tell you?”

Chapter 450

An Intimate Photograph

“She said the same thing you did. That she hated me,” Samuel answered with indifference.

What? Kathleen said that to him? That’s great news! But why did she say that? How peculiar…

Despite those thoughts, Ashley finally felt relieved and let out a sigh.

It was then that Samuel stood up to head to the elevator.

Upon seeing that, Ashley hurriedly followed behind him as they returned to the condominium.

“Don’t ever sneak into my room when I’m asleep again,” Samuel frostily reminded.

His words shocked Ashley, who rebuked, “What are you saying? Samuel, we’ve always slept together in the past.”

“That was the past. Things are different now.” A bone-chilling frown crept up Samuel’s face. “I’ll move out if it happens again.”

“Oh, all right. I won’t sneak in anymore,” Ashley replied helplessly.

Following that, Samuel went into his room and locked the door, leaving a speechless Ashley behind.

The next day, Kathleen slept in due to her hangover.

When she finally came downstairs, Charles and Clarissa were looking after the two kids as they all ate breakfast.

“I hear you went out for a drive on your own last night?” Charles interrogated, his tone as cold as stone.

Kathleen was caught off guard by his question but she eventually replied, “Yeah.”

Still, Charles continued with his interrogation. “I also heard Tyson had sent you home afterward.”

Kathleen nodded.

“And you drank?”

“I only had a little to drink…” Kathleen took on a languid tone as she spoke. “Oh, stop worrying about me, Charles.”

A sneer instantly appeared on Charles’ scrunched-up face. “Don’t tell me you went to see Samuel.”

Kathleen was stumped as she did not know how to respond.

Before she could say anything, Yadiel entered the space and placed a new phone in front of Kathleen.

He explained, “Dr. Johnson, Tyson has been urging you to send your new phone number to Mr. Macari.”

Charles shot a narrow-eyed stare at Kathleen upon hearing that.

Right away, guilt ate away at Kathleen’s conscience.

“Also, there’s a document for you,” Yadiel added.

Kathleen accepted the document and the phone before heading upstairs.

When she arrived in her room, she switched on the phone and noticed her new SIM card had already been inserted.

She sent a message to her old phone before opening up the document.

What came out of the document’s package was a photo.

Upon closer inspection, Kathleen realized it was a photo of Samuel and Ashley in bed.

Ashley was on all fours while Samuel lay beneath her. Their position seemed intimate and sexually ambiguous.

Her nose scrunched up to her eyes right then.

That was when she suddenly received a call from Samuel.

Kathleen glanced at the caller number on the phone while pursing her lips into a thin line.

Moments passed before she accepted the call.

“You said you’d call me after getting home,” said Samuel.

Kathleen sounded unconcerned as she said, “Most establishments aren’t even open this early. How am I supposed to contact you if I haven’t settled things with my SIM card?”

Her snappy response made Samuel frown. “Are you still hungover?”

To that, Kathleen massaged her temples and questioned, “What do you want?”

“I need to have a proper chat with you.” Samuel’s tone returned to its usual iciness. “Are you free?”

“What is there to talk about between us?” Kathleen snarled into the phone. “Since Ashley loves you that much, and you’re super grateful to her, your precious savior, you two can live happily ever after together! Quit bothering me!”

With that, she pressed down hard on the red button, ending the call mercilessly.

Her fingers immediately raised to massage the spot between her brows.

D*mn you, Samuel! What a scumbag!

Meanwhile, on the other end of the call was a deeply frowning Samuel. Did she just hang up on me? Is her temper really that foul?

Kathleen’s phone had many contact numbers.

At some point, Samuel noticed Tyson’s contact and wasted no time in phoning the latter.

“M-Mr. Macari?” Tyson’s voice sounded as enthusiastic as always.

“Come over and pick me up. I’d like to drop by the company,” Samuel ordered without a trace of warmth.

“Got it!” Tyson nodded.

Then, Samuel hung up.

It was also that moment when Ashley entered the house and saw Samuel putting on his coat. She asked curiously, “Are you heading out?”

“I’m going to the company,” was Samuel’s curt response.

“I’ll accompany you.” Ashley was quick to offer. She clung to him like a leech at that moment as she did not want Samuel to spend any time with Kathleen alone.

Samuel impassively glanced at her without uttering a word.

Seeing that he did not refuse, Ashley secretly heaved a sigh of relief.

It was not long before Samuel took his walking cane and went downstairs with Ashley in tow.

The two waited at the main gate for a brief moment before Tyson arrived.

The latter then got out of the car to open the door for Samuel, who got in right after.

Ashley wanted to get in too, but Tyson stopped her while stating, “Apologies, Ms. Zeller. You can’t join Mr. Macari to the company.”

“Why the heck not?” Ashley’s shrill voice yelled.

Her displeased gaze was quick to look over at Samuel.

Like her, Tyson turned around to face Samuel and explained, “This has always been a rule that you set, Mr. Macari. You said that anyone unrelated to the company isn’t allowed there. Otherwise, it would be hard to maintain order at the company.”

Samuel nodded. His frosty gaze then shot over at Ashley as he ordered, “You can wait at home.”

“But!” A pout formed on Ashley’s face as she whined, “Who else will look after you if I don’t go?”

“I will,” Tyson tersely chimed in before shutting the car door and getting back into the driver’s seat.

The entire thing left Ashley enraged but helpless at the same time.

Ever since she learned that Samuel had met up with Kathleen, her mind was filled with worry.

After all, Samuel’s love for Kathleen knew no bounds.

Hence, Ashley deeply feared that Samuel would fall in love with Kathleen all over again upon seeing the latter.

Tyson ignored the grumpy-looking woman and drove off at once.

That left Ashley crestfallen with her fists balled tautly.

D*mn it! I’ll get Samuel to replace that irksome assistant of his sooner or later!

Just then, a series of heeled footsteps sounded behind her.

“It seems like you haven’t fully tied Samuel down, huh?” a familiar woman’s voice remarked.

Ashley turned around and instantly said, “Lauren, you made it.”

While chuckling, Lauren replied, “Yep. I was planning to head upstairs but saw you two coming outside, so I hid.”

Ashley pursed her lips.

“Don’t worry. Samuel and Kathleen will never have a future together,” Lauren casually declared.

“How do you know that?” Ashley frowned.

“Because I sent this photo to Kathleen.”

With that, Lauren deviously chuckled and extended her phone toward Ashley.

All it took was a glimpse before the latter’s eyes lit up with hope. “When did you take this?”

“I took plenty of such photos, but I personally feel this one packs the most punch,” Lauren commented with a half-smile.

“Indeed.” Ashley satisfactorily nodded as she praised, “You did so well, Lauren!”

With this picture, Kathleen will surely misunderstand my relationship with Samuel! This is great!

“Helping you is helping myself. If you marry Samuel, then I’ll have him to back me up.” Lauren’s malicious grin reached her eyes as she continued, “Let’s hope this utterly worsens Samuel and Kathleen’s relationship. That way, he won’t be sad even if I kill her. It’ll all be perfect!”

“You want to kill her?” Ashley lowered her voice to a bare whisper, fearful that anyone would hear them. “What are you trying to do?”

Lauren lowered her voice to match the former as she explained, “I plan to poison Old Mrs. Macari, then blame it on Kathleen. Given how little Samuel trusts Kathleen now, this is our best chance! He’s going to hate her if we succeed. Then, all we need to do is create an accident and kill off Kathleen without attracting any suspicion. Samuel won’t know a thing.”

Ashley nodded, saying, “That’s a good plan. Although, how are we going to poison Old Mrs. Macari? That’s impossible.”

“Hah!” Lauren snorted viciously before clarifying, “Sickness is inevitable in life. Plus, most foods contain toxins these days.”