Chapter 384 Schemes
Kathleen’s face instantly flushed red as a beetroot.
“Samuel, you…”
How could he speak such words so unabashedly?
“I’m not as disgusting as you think,” said Samuel as he got out of the car.
Kathleen frowned deeply.
Huh? Is he leaving because he’s mad at me? He didn’t even bother about leaving his car behind. But how am I going to drive? I’m wearing heels!
Just as she was considering whether to call for a driver, Samuel returned.
Carrying a huge bag with his long, graceful fingers, he got into the car and shut the door.
Kathleen was a little taken aback.
However, before she could react, Samuel retrieved a box of adhesive bandages from the bag. Then, he took her ankle with his large, warm hands and placed it on his lap.
Kathleen merely gazed at him in silence as he covered the wounds on her toes and ankle with the Band-Aids.
After that, he put her leg down and picked her other leg up.
His actions were cautious and gentle, and it was clear that his intentions were pure.
Kathleen’s heart was racing as she watched him.
“You seldom wore high heels in the past.” Samuel’s deep voice broke the silence. “You mostly only wore flats. Besides, you never liked shoes of this brand and used to complain that their soles were stiff.”
“I’ve told you this before?” Kathleen was stunned.
Samuel nodded.
“I’m surprised you still remember,” remarked Kathleen, who was genuinely astonished.
“Of course, I do. I paid attention to everything you said.” Samuel lowered her leg. “You shouldn’t wear these high heels anymore later.”
“Are you suggesting that I walk barefooted, then?” Kathleen asked, feeling rather exasperated and amused at the same time.
As soon as she said that, Samuel took out a pair of dainty, white shoes from the bag. “Here, wear this pair of shoes. It’s your favorite brand.”
“Thanks.” Kathleen was shocked that Samuel actually thought of buying that as well.
Hearing her word of thanks did not put Samuel in a better mood, but it did not worsen his mood either.
Kathleen put on the shoes and sat quietly in her seat.
As Samuel resumed driving, he began asking, “You and Ryder….”
Here we go!
Kathleen knew he was definitely going to ask about that.
“Yes?” she uttered curiously.
“It’s nothing.” After a moment’s thought, Samuel decided not to ask about it.
Kathleen could not help but feel perplexed.
However, she was somewhat relieved that he did not ask further, as she did not know how to explain it to him either.
“It looks like the weather’s going to be fine tomorrow. I’m thinking of bringing Desi and Eil out for some fun. Will you be free?” asked Samuel.
Kathleen immediately froze.
He must be doing this on purpose!
“No,” Kathleen answered. After a moment’s hesitation, she continued, “Can’t we postpone it?”
“I’ve already promised them,” Samuel went on in a deep tone. “I can bring them myself if you’re busy. But of course, how should I explain to them that you’re not coming along?”
Slightly dumbfounded, Kathleen responded in an embarrassed tone, “You could tell them that I’m busy.”
“Sure.” Samuel nodded and said nothing else.
Soon, they arrived at the place Samuel mentioned earlier.
It was indeed located in the heart of the city, and the surroundings were nice.
Kathleen could not be more satisfied with it.
Finally, she asked, “What place is this, Samuel? Who should I talk to about renting it?”
“This used to be the office of Macari Group. It’s where my grandfather started the company,” stated Samuel in response.
Kathleen was stunned to hear that.
“You may talk to my father about it, as this building is under his name,” Samuel added.
Kathleen did not know what to say.
So, this place is still under the ownership of the Macari family…
“All right, then,” she agreed with a sigh.
“My father’s in the office right now. Do you want to come over?” Samuel asked.
Kathleen raised a brow. “Why does it seem like you’d planned all this in advance?”
“I have nothing to do with the agent’s disappearance.”
“Well, you’d better not let me find out that this whole thing was a setup,” Kathleen replied disbelievingly.
“I’m hardly bold enough.” Samuel gazed at her with a half-smile.
If Kathleen indeed set up her office here, then it would mean she would frequently have to come back to this place.
He wished more than anything that she would stay here and would not dare do anything that might cause her to stay away.
“Lead the way, then. I’ll meet your father now,” said Kathleen with a scoff.
“This way, please.” Samuel spoke in the most polite tone.
Kathleen’s brows were furrowed lightly as she followed him.
Ten minutes later, they arrived at Macari Group, and Kathleen went to meet Calvin in his office.
The moment Calvin saw them entering his office, his eyes instantly brightened.
“Kate! What brought you here?” he greeted her warmly.
Calvin was very fond of Kathleen.
He knew that Kathleen was a girl with a pure heart and that she had married Samuel with no other intentions besides to love him.
Unfortunately, Samuel did not cherish her.
“Mr. Calvin, it’s like this. Samuel just showed me Macari Group’s old building, and I’m thinking of renting it,” Kathleen explained.
“Sounds good. In fact, you may just go ahead and use it.” Calvin nodded affirmatively.
Kathleen was rendered speechless.
“Dad, will you be serious? Kathleen’s no longer part of our family anymore. You’re just putting her in a tough spot if you offer the place to her for free now,” Samuel remarked in a deep voice.
Kathleen was just about to nod in agreement when Calvin retorted angrily, “You heartless brat! How dare you say that! What did you mean by saying that she’s not part of our family anymore? She’s the mother of my grandchildren and a great contributor to our family!”
Samuel could not find any words to refute Calvin’s statement.
“You’re indeed nothing but a heartless brat!” Calvin added, fuming.
Afraid that she was unintentionally causing a rift between the father-and-son duo, Kathleen quickly clarified, “Mr. Calvin, let me explain. It was me who insisted earlier that I would pay rent. If not, then I will not use the place. Besides, Samuel made a fair point. Even siblings should not owe each other money. So, please accept my suggestion.”
Calvin felt as if his heart was being ripped in half. Despite that, he could only agree reluctantly, “All right, then. I shall rent the place to you. Are you okay with one thousand monthly for the rental?”
Kathleen merely gazed at him speechlessly.
“Is that too expensive?” Calvin frowned. “How about five hundred, then?”
Samuel could no longer stay silent. “Dad, that’s enough.”
Calvin scoffed at him in response.
Turning to Kathleen, Samuel proposed, “The rental fees for any building in the city are expensive. It would be thirty thousand monthly, which would add up to three hundred and sixty thousand per annum. Seeing as we know each other, I’ll accept three hundred and fifty thousand from you. How’s that?”
“Sounds great to me.” Kathleen was satisfied with his suggestion. “You go ahead and prepare the agreement, then.”
“By the way, would you be needing any office supplies? Our office previously underwent some renovation, and we had bought a lot of supplies. There are still some left in our storeroom. If you need any, feel free to help yourself to them. I won’t be charging you for those, or my father might scream at me again.”
“Sure, don’t mind if I do!” Kathleen nodded.
“All right. I’ll have Tyson get the paperwork ready.”
“Okay.” Kathleen was extremely satisfied with Samuel’s efficiency.
Tyson finished preparing the paperwork in no time, and then Kathleen and Calvin signed the agreement.
Taking the keys that Tyson handed over, Kathleen turned to Calvin.
“Thank you so much, Mr. Calvin.”
Calvin mumbled something incoherent in response.
“Mr. Hackney, could you bring me to have a look at the office supplies?” asked Kathleen urgently.
She wished more than anything that she could begin setting up her office the next day.
“Of course.” Tyson shot Samuel a glance, then led Kathleen out of the office.
Calvin propped his chin in the palm of his hand. “If I’m not mistaken, the supplies in the storeroom should add up to about three hundred thousand in cost. Isn’t that right?”
Samuel remained silent.
“Tsk! What a scheming little brat you are!” Calvin narrowed his eyes as he continued, “How have things been developing between you two?”
