Diana and Charles both wore dumbfounded expressions on their faces.
Samuel’s almond-shaped eyes narrowed slightly as he answered, “Sure.”
Kathleen sat down again and lowered her head without a word.
I must be crazy!
Samuel sat down and placed the documents aside, which invited a glare from Diana.
The old woman rolled her eyes at her grandson, disgruntled.
He’s returned so hurriedly to get these documents, yet he refuses to leave after retrieving them. An excuse! An excuse is what it is!
Meanwhile, disdain was written all over Charles’ face.
This man is pretty cunning, huh? That gloomy look on his face was obviously meant to deceive Kathleen! My sister’s a soft-hearted person. How dare he make use of her kindness. Son of a b*tch!
At the same time, Kathleen was chastising herself as regret crept up her.
Why did I invite him back for a meal? Come to think of it, this is Samuel’s residence, and I’m the guest here. Why am I, a guest, inviting the resident of this residence for lunch? Oh, how awkward!
“Katie, come and have some oranges.” Diana eased the tension in the room by piping up and stuffing a slice of fruit into Kathleen’s slender hands. “This is your favorite, no?”
“Thanks, Grandma,” said Kathleen upon recovering her senses.
Diana was delighted. “Tell me. What have you been up to abroad for the past year?” she asked.
“Okay.” Kathleen naturally began chatting with the older woman.
As the two ladies chattered away happily, Samuel kept his attention on Kathleen’s each and every move. His gaze was filled with an infinite amount of gentleness.
Displeased, Charles asked, “Mr. Macari, fancy having a talk outside?”
D*mn it! How dare he have the audacity to pretend as if he cares about Kathleen? Has he forgotten how the woman he loves harmed Kathleen and my two little nephews who never got the chance to see the world? How disgusting!
Samuel replied indifferently, “Sure.”
The two men headed out.
Upon noticing their movements, Kathleen could not help but feel nervous.
Diana smiled and held Kathleen’s hands. “You have your brother to protect you. Don’t worry. They will be just fine. Let’s continue your story.”
Kathleen bit her lip and returned to her conversation with Diana as Samuel and Charles went outside for a chat.
Even on winter days, warmth seeped out of the bright sun.
As soon as they were outside, Charles let out a sneer. “Mr. Macari, I’m sure you’re aware my sister is now engaged.”
“If one can divorce after a marriage, one can also call off an engagement.” Samuel’s deep voice which resembled a cello was void of emotions. “So, what are you trying to say, Mr. Johnson?”
“What I’m saying is— get away from my sister!” Charles hissed with a menacing look. “I forbid you to go near her. Do you understand?”
“I can’t do that.” Samuel’s tone was chilly. “Is there anything else you’d like to say to me?”
Charles could not help snickering upon hearing his response. “Surely you aren’t thinking that she will change her mind and live with you as long as you insist on keeping her by your side like an unreasonable person? Just like what you did in the past?”
Unreasonable person?
Samuel’s eyes darkened. “No, I won’t anymore.”
He knew what Kathleen resented.
Otherwise, she would not have left him using such extreme measures.
Samuel thought about it before. Had he not pushed to her limit, perhaps Kathleen would have stayed.
A year’s time was neither long nor short. However, only he knew how hard the year had been without Kathleen’s presence by his side.
Throughout this year, everyone told him that his temper had changed. He had become more vicious and colder than before.
Alas, only he knew that the woman who could suppress the hostility in him was gone.
She no longer wanted him.
“Let me get this straight. My sister’s getting married to Christopher. That man is a thousand times better than you as he respects and adores her more than you. Hence, there won’t be any so-called first love or hopeless lies in their relationship!” Charles glared at Samuel furiously and spat, “Most importantly, Kate has me, her brother, to protect her now. I won’t allow you to mistreat her anymore!”
A hint of viciousness flashed across Samuel’s eyes when he heard that Kathleen was marrying Christopher.
He uttered coldly, “Christopher won’t probably have the guts to marry her.”
“Pfft! You’re really confident with yourself, aren’t you?” Charles mocked. “Thanks to Christopher, I got to reunite with Kate. He had been helping her search for her long-lost brother since he knew she had a brother who was separated from her at a young age. What about you? Did you even know that she has an elder brother?”
Samuel swallowed hard, causing his Adam’s apple to bob up and down. Evidently, he was unaware of this.
He never cared about these things.
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