Kathleen was flattered. “As long as you don’t find me troublesome, Old Mrs. Macari.”
Diana chuckled. “Why would I find my dear Katie troublesome?”
At that moment, Samuel entered the room.
Diana added meaningfully, “I even want to announce that you’ll be my god-granddaughter from now onward.”
Kathleen was astonished.
On the contrary, Samuel’s face darkened. “No way,” he piped up.
I’m fine with anything but this!
“What right do you have to object?” Diana’s face fell. “My amazing granddaughter-in-law had to become my granddaughter! I’ve yet to settle the scores with you, and you dare to go against my will?”
The man’s captivating face darkened further. “No matter what you say, it’s a no.”
“I’ll do whatever I want to!” Diana did not care whether her grandson agreed.
Although Samuel was unwilling, he no longer said anything else.
He was always filial regardless of the circumstances.
Meanwhile, Diana held Kathleen’s hands. “Katie, I was the one who took your parents’ life away. Had they still been alive, they would definitely be doting on you to the moon and back. I owe you this much.”
“You don’t owe me anything, Old Mrs. Macari.” Kathleen felt uneasy.
“Don’t be nervous. In any case, treat me like your biological grandma from now onward. You’ll have my support in everything you wish to do. Just let me know.”
“Thank you.” Kathleen felt utterly touched by that.
Diana stroked Kathleen’s head. “You’ve suffered too much in the past. It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have let you marry Samuel.”
The latter shook her head lightly. “It’s not your fault. It was all my wishful thinking.”
“No, it’s not,” Samuel chimed in huskily.
He had feelings for her too, but it was only a recent discovery.
“You, shut up!” Diana was irritated at the sight of her grandson.
As such, Samuel fell silent.
“I’ll have to trouble you in the future, then, Old Mrs. Macari. It’s late now. I should get going,” said Kathleen.
Diana nodded faintly. “Okay.”
When Kathleen stood up and turned to leave the room, Samuel did the same.
“Did you only realize now that the person you liked all along has been Kathleen?” asked Diana frigidly.
He pursed his thin lips slightly.
“Had it not been because I saw your feelings for Kate, do you think I would have married her to you?” Her face turned grim. “I originally wanted her to marry Christopher. Because you’re my grandson, I fulfilled your wish. In the end, it was a mistake and a thorn in my heart. I’ve genuinely let Katie’s parents down.”
A shadow shielded Samuel’s eyes as he strode to catch up to Kathleen.
“Let’s go back together,” he said in a deep voice.
“Mm.” Kathleen nodded silently.
The man’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. “Let’s go.”
They put on their coat together while Wynnie and Calvin sent them off.
Wynnie became increasingly concerned as she watched their retreating figures. “Do you think this would be good for them?”
Calvin answered placidly, “Everyone has their destiny.”
She heaved a sigh.
“Let’s go in. It’s cold here.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
She nodded, and they turned to return to the mansion.
On the way back, Samuel inquired in slight nervousness, “Is your back still hurting?”
“It’s much better now.” Kathleen’s ears turned red. “Regarding the trending topic about you…”
“I won’t make any clarification. I’ve asked Tyson to get it off the trending topics.” Samuel’s aura was aloof yet magnetic.
“Thank you.” She let out a breath of relief.
“I don’t want certain people knowing the date of your period, after all. In case anyone tries to offer a needless favor,” he added darkly.
Kathleen remained silent.
He should be referring to Christopher.
The duo did not communicate for the rest of the journey.
Soon, they arrived at the entrance of the Johnson residence.
When Kathleen was about to alight from the car, he held onto her small tender hand with his broad one.
“Is something the matter?” She tried pulling her hand out but to no avail.
He said in a deep and alluring voice, “Take good care of yourself.”
“I will.” She tugged her hand once again.
Samuel released her hand and watched her get out of the car.
He then leaned back in the driver’s seat and sighed heavily while placing both hands on the steering wheel.
Concurrently, Kathleen opened the door and entered the house.
Charles peered at her. “What’s going on with the trending topic?”
“Are you referring to Samuel?”
He nodded. “I know that photo was taken when he was near the film set. What a coincidence that a paparazzi happened to catch him around.”
“Charles, why don’t you say that my period came at the perfect time, then?” She rolled her eyes. “Do you think Samuel is a psychic and can predict everything?”
He snorted coldly.
“Stop imagining things,” she said in resignation. “He won’t use such a matter to get himself on the trending topic.”
“You seem to trust him a lot, huh?” Charles shrugged.
“Because I understand him. He won’t do such a thing.”
Samuel is not a person that would go so low as to attract attention using such private matters.
“You, on the other hand, should be looking out why such an incident would be trending,” Kathleen reminded him flatly.
He frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Samuel was buying things at the convenience store near the filming site. How could the paparazzi not know this fact? Why didn’t they clarify?”
“Are you saying the paparazzi made it sound ambiguous on purpose so that you would admit to it?” Charles raised a brow.
She nodded. “Check whether that person is related to the Yoeger family. I have a feeling this incident might be related to Nicolette.”
“Got it. I’ll investigate.”
Kathleen then turned and went upstairs, massaging her temples while doing so.
I was too careless. Why didn’t I think of this?
After returning to her room, she knocked on Samuel’s bedroom’s balcony railing with a laundry stick.
The man came out of the room. “Why don’t we get our balconies joined together?”
“I’ve got something important to discuss with you. It’s in regards to your trending topic,” she said awkwardly.
“Nicolette did it.” Samuel had investigated it a while ago.
“As expected.” Kathleen knitted her brows. “What does she want?”
“To create misunderstandings between us.”
She blinked.
“I reckon everyone will think I’m the one behind it, assuming I’m using this to force you to admit to our relationship. Even if it doesn’t succeed, you might think I’ll do something as low as that to court you. Grandma, my parents, your brother, and the rest of them must think that way,” he said grimly.
“Indeed.”
Samuel was dispassionate yet charming and elegant.
“However, Nicolette miscalculated.” Kathleen’s exquisite face remained composed.
He peered at her. “How?”
“I know you better than that.” The moonlight reflected in the woman’s eyes. “You’re not someone who will be that despicable to use private matters to attract attention. Besides, it’s totally unnecessary, for you know that would violate my boundaries.”
He stared at her doe-like eyes and felt a surge of warmth in his chest.
“I presumed you might misunderstand me.” The man’s gaze wavered.
