Samantha was in disbelief at Wendy's words. "What did you say? Joseph is staying for tonight?"

Regardless of whether they were at the Lynch residence or the Halcyon Manor, Joseph would always avoid Samantha after nightfall, like he was avoiding a plague. 

The few times he would stay, he would immediately leave after he was done with the deed without spending the night. So, what was he up to this time? 

Seeing Samantha's reaction, Wendy knew she wasn't in the loop. 

"Did something happen between you and Joseph? He's acting like he's lost his mind, coming home with you and spending the night and whatnot," Wendy asked. She looked hungry for gossip. 

Samantha replied in earnest, "Mom, I've moved out of the Halcyon Manor recently, and I've filed for a divorce with Joseph. But he's been dragging it out, refusing to get divorced." 

Wendy was confused. "Then what is he trying to do now? If

Luke was stunned when he saw Joseph sitting on the couch and snapped back to reality after a moment. 

He hung his briefcase on the coat hanger at the entrance and said, "Hey, Joseph. What brings you here today?" 

Joseph stood up politely to greet Luke. "Long time no see, Luke. I have some free time today, so I returned with Sam to visit you." 

Luke didn't believe Joseph's words, but he didn't show it. Instead, he said pleasantly, "That's great! You get to try Wendy's cooking! Care to have a game of chess with me in the study room after the meal?"

Joseph accepted the offer. "But remember, I'm not as skilled in chess as you, Luke. I'm afraid I'll embarrass myself."

Luke waved his hand, "Don't sweat it! We're just playing for fun! Here, Luke. Don't just stand there. It's time for our meal!"

Samantha stood up and went to the living room to ask Wendy to have a meal. The meal took over t

Riley didn't address Joseph by his first name, but instead called him "he". It was obvious that Riley didn't like Joseph.

Sensing Riley's hostility, Joseph frowned and walked up to him. "Riley, don't you like me?" Joseph asked bluntly.

He remembered the first time he and Samantha came to the Wyatt residence, Riley wasn't close to him, but he wasn't hostile.

When Riley heard Joseph's voice, he trembled. "No. You can't be with Sam. She's so good, but you let her down. I don't want you to be with her. " 

After Wendy heard that, her expression changed. She said sternly, "Riley, what nonsense are you spouting?"

With that, she signaled for Samantha to bring Riley to his room. Then, she smiled apologetically. 

"Joseph, don't mind his nonsense. He didn't mean it." Wendy cautiously observed Joseph's expression as she spoke.

Although the Wyatt family was one of the prominent families in Valmon, they were nothing compared to the formidable Lynch family. If they accidentally offended Joseph, with his ruthless nature, they might have to pay the price.

Joseph maintained his polite demeanor and said, "No worries, Wendy. I know Riley is still young. What he said was childish, so I won't take it to heart."

Then, he glanced at Riley's room and said calmly, "Wendy, Sam and I will be staying here tonight. Could you have the household staff prepare our room?"

Wendy subconsciously raised her voice. "You and Sam are spending the night here?"

Wendy thought Joseph had lost his mind. Back then, he never wanted to come back with Samantha. She always came alone. Because of this, the upper crust often gossiped about her. 

But this time, not only did he come back with her, but he also wanted to spend the night. It was strange. Although Wendy had no idea what was on Joseph's mind, she smiled brightly. 

"Okay, I will have the household staff prepare the room. Are you staying in Sam's old room or the guest room?" Wendy gave Joseph two choices.

Joseph didn't even think about it and spoke without hesitation. "I'll stay in Samantha's old room. Thank you, Wendy."

Seeing Joseph's courteous behavior, Wendy had no choice but to agree. "Sure. Have a seat first. I think Sam might take a while to come out."

Joseph nodded. "Okay, Wendy."

…

Once they were in the room, Samantha carefully closed the door, making sure no one could hear them before she turned to look at Riley.

"What's going on?" Samantha looked stern as she crossed her arms.

Riley's gaze darted around. After a long silence, he said hesitantly, "Sam, I know he treats you badly, and he's involved with someone else."

Samantha frowned. Hearing Riley's words confirmed her suspicions. It seemed that everything Ronaldo said was true. Erica did look for Riley.

After she squatted down, she lowered her voice and looked at Riley. "How did you find out about this?"

Riley didn't dare to look at Samantha. He lowered his head reluctantly. "A woman told me. She said she was with Joseph long before you came into his life. She said you are the mistress who came between them. Otherwise, you wouldn't be the one married to Joseph."

As soon as he said that, the atmosphere around Samantha turned cold.

Riley was just a 14-year-old boy. Erica was so vicious that she told Riley about this. It explained Riley's hostile attitude toward Joseph earlier.

Her expression hardened, and her voice was low. "How many times has that woman come to see you?"

Riley counted on his fingers before he spoke with uncertainty. "I think four to five times."

Samantha's eyes glinted coldly for a split second after she heard that.

She placed her hands on Riley's shoulders and looked at him gently. "Indeed, Joseph doesn't like me, but he married me first, so I'm not the mistress. 

"That woman knows Joseph is married and still wants to be with him. She is the mistress, understand? So, don't believe anything she says, okay?" 

Riley nodded in confusion and asked, "Will you divorce him?"

Samantha didn't intend to hide this from Riley. "Yes. After some time, I will divorce him."

Riley looked happy. "Does that mean you will come back to live here again?"

Samantha nodded and gently touched Riley's face. "Yes. I will be back soon."

Riley's face, previously gloomy, lit up. "That's great! Hurry and divorce him!"

Samantha didn't come here just for this. She looked up at Riley and casually asked, "Are you happy at school? Is anyone bullying you?"

After that, Riley scratched his nose and shook his head. "I'm happy at school. No one is bullying me."

Samantha watched Riley grow up. Naturally, she knew he was lying. She pursed her lips and rolled up Riley's sleeves. 

She saw the bruises and asked with distress, "How did you get these injuries? There's no way you did this to yourself, right?"

Just as Riley was about to explain, an untimely knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Samantha had to give up. She walked to the door and opened it.

Joseph glanced at Samantha and said coldly, "Wendy already made dinner. You and Riley should wash your hands and get ready."

Samantha nodded and showed little enthusiasm as she said, "Okay, I got it."

After saying that, she brought Riley to the living room. Wendy took the opportunity to pull Samantha aside while serving dishes. 

Wendy whispered, "Sweetie, what's going on between you and Joseph? Why does he suddenly want to spend the night in your room?"


Samantha was in disbelief at Wendy's words. "What did you say? Joseph is staying for tonight?"

Regardless of whether they were at the Lynch residence or the Halcyon Manor, Joseph would always avoid Samantha after nightfall, like he was avoiding a plague. 

The few times he would stay, he would immediately leave after he was done with the deed without spending the night. So, what was he up to this time? 

Seeing Samantha's reaction, Wendy knew she wasn't in the loop. 

"Did something happen between you and Joseph? He's acting like he's lost his mind, coming home with you and spending the night and whatnot," Wendy asked. She looked hungry for gossip. 

Samantha replied in earnest, "Mom, I've moved out of the Halcyon Manor recently, and I've filed for a divorce with Joseph. But he's been dragging it out, refusing to get divorced." 

Wendy was confused. "Then what is he trying to do now? If I remember correctly, didn't he use to hate you? But still, do you really plan on divorcing him?"



Chapter 16