Chapter 36
Samuel only said those few words, and Perry instantly caught on. He quickly nodded, “Yes, sir. I’ll take care of it right away.”
It was clear that Samuel wanted him to interrupt the partnership between the two families and stir up some conflict between them. Perry glanced up at Samuel, whose fury was palpable. He had never seen Samuel treat a woman like this; it seemed he really cared about Isabella.
The atmosphere in the office grew colder, and Perry couldn’t help but shudder. Without wasting another moment, he hurried out. Soon, the office was empty, with only Samuel left behind. He checked his watch and got up to leave.
As night fell over the Riverside Villa, Isabella dragged her weary self into the house.
As soon as she stepped inside, Megan greeted her with a warm smile. “Mrs. Howerton, welcome back. Dinner’s just ready.” Isabella waved her hand, attempting to force a smile that didn’t quite reach her lips. “Megan, I’m not really hungry. I’ll pass.” It wasn’t that she didn’t want to inform Megan ahead of time, but she thought Samuel might return home that night, and Megan would be busy preparing his meal anyway.
Taking slow steps toward the stairs, Isabella didn’t notice Megan’s worried gaze following her. “Mrs. Howerton, why not just eat a little?” Megan pleaded, thinking, ‘She’s far too thin; she can’t skip meals.
Isabella only murmured, “No, it’s fine.”
Seeing Isabella’s pale complexion, concern flitted across Megan’s face. “Mrs. Howerton, did something happen?”
But Isabella was already making her way up the stairs. Megan sighed, watching her disappear around the corner. She glanced back at the untouched spread on the dining table, feeling a pang of worry.
Just then, Samuel came in through the front door, his cold eyes surveying the room. His gaze fell on the untouched plates, and his brows knitted slightly. “Is Isabella not back yet?” he asked.
Megan stepped forward to take his coat, responding, “She’s already home, but she looks unwell and very upset. Her mind went back to Isabella’s earlier demeanor, filling her with unease. I’m not sure what’s going on; she wouldn’t tell me.”
Samuel’s expression hardened. “Reheat the food. Without waiting for a reply, he strode toward the stairs.
In their bedroom, Samuel opened the door and immediately spotted Isabella sitting in a wooden rocking chair on the balcony. The gentle breeze blew through her hair, and she stared off into the distance, her gaze distant and ethereal as if she might just float away with the wind.
Samuel studied her, relieved to see she wasn’t injured. His cold glare hardened as he thought of Hudson. Just you wait, Hudson, he muttered inwardly.
Isabella noticed him and turned her head slightly. “You’re back? Do you want me to get your bath ready? As she started to rise from the chair to head towards the bathroom, he caught her in a strong embrace.
Isabella froze, her arms stiff in mid–air, unsure where to place them.
Samuel’s voice broke the silence, gentle yet firm. “You can lean on my shoulder.”
He recalled seeing couples on the street, girls clinging to their boyfriends, crying with raw emotion. Samuel had thought that Isabella would reactin a similar way,
Isabella bit her lip. It was clear he already knew about her day. She gently pulled away from his embrace, meeting his steady
gaze.
“Don’t worry: I’m not that fragile. I’ve just come to a realization of what my father is thinking. Her voice was calm yet Once, she had longed for Hudson’s affection and care, but that was no longer the case.
firm.
Samuel’s gaze remained fixed on her, and he knew from Perry that she had been through a lot. Her resilience touched him. Most people would have collapsed under the weight of such a revelation, but not her.
Chapter 36
At that moment, Samuel’s voice unconsciously softened as he looked at Isabella, gently reassuring her with a firm tone. “This will always be your home.”
In that instant, Isabella’s eyes were full of tears. The bond of blood seemed even weaker than the recently forged bond with her husband. Unable to hold back any longer, Isabella stepped forward and embraced Samuel, her voice muffled as she whispered. Thank you.”
As soon as the words left her lips, she felt Samuel’s body stiffen slightly, and she realized he wasn’t fond of hearing those two words. Sighing softly, she looked at him seriously and said, “Samuel.”
He remained silent, just gazing at her.
Isabella continued, “I mean it from the bottom of my heart. After my mother passed away. I didn’t feel any Over the years, I’ve felt like a clown, being toyed with. But you’ve treated me so well.”
any care
or concern
The coldness in Samuel’s deep gaze began to fade.
Isabella continued carnestly, “Especially now, your presence feels like a salvation for me. I truly appreciate you, Samuel. Thank you for being here.
Samuel’s expression grew increasingly complex, and a layer of tenderness crossed his eyes. He didn’t respond with words; instead, he wrapped his arms around her and gently stroked her back again and again, slowly and tenderly. At that moment, Isabella’s heavy emotions seemed to lift a little.
Isabella gradually closed her eyes, thinking that perhaps fate was still kind to her. In her most difficult and desperate times, Samuel had shown up. Though there was no romance between them, this bond of friendship was something she would cherish for a lifetime.
After a long while, she managed to calm her emotions and slowly stepped out of Samuel’s embrace.
Samuel looked at her pale face, noticing the lack of tears. She was just that strong.
Isabella cleared her throat awkwardly. “I… I’m going to take a shower.”
“You need to eat first.” Samuel swiftly caught her arm, preventing her from entering the bathroom.
Isabella opened her mouth, wanting to say she had no appetite. But upon seeing his commanding gaze, she hesitated for a moment. Just as she was about to agree, he dragged her out of the bedroom.
“No matter what happens, taking care of your health is more important. Samuel typically kept his words to a minimum, but today he had spoken so much to her. Isabella felt a flutter in her heart.
Soon, the two of them made their way back downstairs, with Samuel having spent a whole twenty minutes upstairs. As he came down. Megan had just finished reheating the food.
Samuel took Isabella by the hand and led her to the bathroom. After washing their hands, he pulled her to sit at the dining
table.
Megan watched them, clearly enjoying their lovey–dovey vibe, her eyes sparkling with excitement. If she told Mrs. Cwenna Howerton about this, she would surely be over the moon,
Samuel picked up a fork and handed it to Isabella. She stared at him in surprise, taking them hesitantly. It felt almost surreal. The CEO of the Howerton Group personally hands me a fork. Am I dreaming she thought as she instinctively slapped her cheek, hoping to shake off the disbelief.
Samuel looked at her in confusion. “What’s wrong?”
