It was seven o’clock at night.
Wynnie had brought Kathleen some food.
She gave Kathleen a big portion. “Here’s yours.”
Then, Samuel received the smaller portion. “And here’s yours.”
Samuel was left speechless.
Wynnie explained, “Well, I only made an extra portion in light of your rescue efforts today. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be getting any food. Not even a bowl of soup.”
Reluctant to speak, Samuel remained silent.
Kathleen saw that Samuel was slightly depressed, so she said to Wynnie, “Mrs. Macari, I was saved today all thanks to Samuel.”
“Oh. Kate has put in some good words for you. I’ll reward you with a bowl of soup later,” Wynnie muttered slowly.
“Hah!” Samuel laughed in disdain. “Thank you, my queen. Thank you, my princess.”
Wynnie scoffed, “I’m your queen, but she’s not your princess. Keep your slick tongue to yourself.”
Samuel decided to shut his mouth as he dined.
Wynnie patted Kathleen’s head, slightly concerned. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” Kathleen nodded.
“That’s good.” Wynnie furrowed her brows. “Mom was furious when she learned about this. She mentioned that she’ll make time for poker tomorrow. She plans on telling her poker friends about this incident. Don’t worry. The news will spread like wildfire.”
Kathleen asked, “Mrs. Macari, is that necessary?”
“Of course it is! They have wronged you,” Wynnie replied seriously.
Kathleen was grateful, but she didn’t want to trouble them.
Wynnie had a good look at Kathleen before taking a glance at Samuel. She felt at ease.
After Kathleen finished her meal, Wynnie tidied up the table and prepared herself to leave.
“I’ll see you out.” Samuel got up to send Wynnie off.
Both mother and son were standing in front of the elevator when Wynnie asked coldly, “Have you finally thought things through? Do you now know that you have to protect her?”
Samuel did not utter a word.
“Now that you’re finally together with Kathleen, you’d better do your best to treasure her. Be careful, or she might not forgive you next time,” Wynnie added with a frown.
“Mom, she doesn’t love me anymore. I can sense it,” Samuel replied in a serious tone.
Wynnie stared at him.
He continued, “She’s no longer the same Kathleen who used to love me.”
Wynnie maintained her composure. “Oh? I’m not surprised. You shouldn’t be pestering Kate if it bothers you. Who knows? Perhaps she’ll end up with Christopher.”
Samuel couldn’t find the words to reply, causing his mother to snort.
At last, he replied adamantly, “She’s not going to be with Christopher. She came back this time to reclaim her identity.”
Wynnie was stunned for a moment. “What identity?”
Samuel threw her a sideways glance. “Didn’t you know? Kate’s parents were both orphans.”
“I knew that already. In fact, I learned about it before you. Who do you think I am?” she said.
Samuel’s face was expressionless as he felt mocked.
He continued to explain nonchalantly, “Kathleen is back because she found out her mother’s real identity. She’ll leave once her business is done here. No one can stop her then.”
Wynnie gave him her heartfelt advice. “It all comes down to your own doing. How can you be sure if you haven’t tried? As long as you’re sincere, I don’t think Kate will hold a grudge against you forever.”
Samuel fell silent.
At that moment, the elevator arrived.
“All right, this will do. You don’t have to send me any further. Go back and keep Kate company,” said Wynnie.
“Mom, do you know about Kate’s identity?” Samuel asked all of a sudden.
His mother shook her head.
“You’ve never suspected why Kathleen and Nicolette looked so alike?” he went on.
Wynnie was shocked. “Wait… What? Are you saying that…”
Samuel nodded. “Old Mrs. Yoeger had a little girl once, but she disappeared without a word. Sounds about right?”
“That’s right.” Wynnie missed the elevator, her brows tied into a knot. “Could it be that Kate’s mom is actually Old Mrs. Yoeger’s missing daughter?”
“Yes.” Samuel nodded in response.
“Oh my God!” Wynnie took a step forward and grabbed Samuel’s arm. “Samuel, now that you mention it, I remember how we were supposed to bring Kate to Old Mrs. Yoeger’s birthday party back then. If we had brought her with us that time… then maybe…”
Samuel took a deep breath. “I was the reason why they missed out on each other.”
“That’s not true!” Wynnie was agitated. “Nicolette must have known! Otherwise, why did she insist on going? She was aware that the Yoeger family disliked her and knew you wanted to avoid conflict. Between herself and Kate, you’ll only bring one of them to attend. She was trying to prevent the reunion from happening!”
At that, Samuel’s gaze darkened.
Grinding her teeth, Wynnie growled, “Who would have thought? She’s just as cunning as her mom! So, when is Kate going to the Yoeger residence for her big reunion?”
“She hasn’t mentioned when. I’m guessing it’ll be soon. She’s probably still investigating the reason behind her mom’s disappearance. After that, she’ll head for the Yoeger residence,” Samuel replied indifferently.
“That’s right. Your grandma spoke to me about this before. She suspected it to be an inside job. The security in the Yoeger residence was really tight. It was unlikely that anyone could just come in and take the child away. Sadly, even after some extensive searching, there were no leads for the investigation to continue on. Otherwise, Old Mrs. Yoeger wouldn’t have…” she trailed off with a sigh.
“Mom, don’t share this information with Grandma just yet,” Samuel reminded.
“I know. Rest assured.” Wynnie nodded in acknowledgment.
The elevator had returned.
Wynnie managed to get on it this time.
Samuel watched as the elevator door closed before him.
Right when he was about to leave, he heard a deep and familiar voice calling to him. “Samuel.”
Turning around, Samuel stared sharply at the woman in the wheelchair. A cold gleam flashed across his eyes. “It’s you.”
Nicolette was wearing a mask. She sneered at him. “Are you surprised to see me?”
Samuel merely shot her an icy glance and made to leave.
“Samuel!” Nicolette shouted. “I heard Kathleen was hospitalized. I would like to visit her.”
“Get lost!” Samuel’s reply was icy and ruthless.
Nicolette narrowed her eyes. “You’re so cold and heartless.”
Samuel asked with a grim voice, “Do you have a death wish?”
Nicolette snorted with an evil look in her eyes. “Samuel, you cruel man. You broke both my legs for Kathleen’s sake. The pain I felt at the time was excruciating, do you know that?”
“When you killed our child, Kate was in immeasurable pain too,” Samuel replied impassively.
Nicolette burst into laughter and mocked, “Too bad she can no longer give birth.”
“Shut up!” By this point, Samuel was clenching his fists.
“It’s a fact. Why can’t I say it?” Nicolette appeared to be deliberately provoking him.
Samuel was on the brink of losing himself.
Noticing that, Nicolette stared at him. “You want to hit me? Go ahead! Hit me!”
Samuel narrowed his eyes. “You think I won’t?”
In response, Nicolette shut her eyes and braced herself for the slap.
She was waiting for Samuel to hit her.
Nicolette had reporters on standby. They were hiding around the corner, ready to capture any movement that might serve as evidence.
If Samuel made a move on her, she’d gain the upper hand in future negotiations. Samuel is going to be at my mercy, and Kathleen as well! They can both die together!
Nicolette knew now that Samuel wouldn’t have a change of heart.
Since he was unattainable to her, she would rather destroy him.
Once she got rid of him, there would be nothing left that she was afraid of.
Slap!
As expected, Nicolette received a harsh slap to her face.
