Chapter 16

That night, Samantha went home straight after finishing work at Bailar. As usual, dinner was ready at home. “Mother, is Adrian back?” Samantha asked once she got home. After leaving the Cowells’, she went to sit in her office and pondered for a long time. She knew that she had gone overboard by leaving Adrian on the streets. He was, after all, her husband. Adrian had said all that to protect her, so when she did not see him home, she grew curious. She was afraid that he would leave again. Rue replied, “He’s making dinner in the kitchen. He made everything here.” Adrian walked out of the kitchen as Rue was saying that. Upon seeing him, Samantha sighed in relief, but she was disappointed because all her husband knew was to cook. “Go wash your hands. It’s time for dinner,” he said to her, but she gave no reply. Everyone sat down and started having dinner, but Adaline suddenly said, “Sam, I heard that Swallow Central is almost ready to be opened to the public and that the legate will be attending the conference with his wife.” “Yes,” Samantha smiled. “I heard about that too. Everyone’s talking about it.” “I heard that Battle Warrior Lucas will be personally escorting him and his wife and that they will be landing at the rooftop garden of the venue.” How could Samantha not have heard about all that? Adaline was excited. “I have a few friends who are obsessed with the legate. He’s a hero around these parts and has won so many wars. I’m sure his wife is a very happy woman.” She then continued. “Have you met him? What do you think he looks like?” Samantha shook her head. “I haven’t. I don’t think a lot of people here have seen him. After what happened to Celine, I’m inclined to believe that he’s a good person.” “I'm sure he is. I don’t think he’s just a good person, but also a good man.” Adaline started imagining. Women loved heroes and the legate was the hero of heroes. Too bad many were only familiar with his title but not his face. Hearing their conversation, Adrian secretly sighed. Silly women. The legate is sitting right next to you, but you just won’t acknowledge me.’ Whenever the topic of the legate popped up, they would have a lot to talk about. Rue simply listened and smiled. *** There was suddenly a knock on the door. Rue got up to answer it. She frowned when she opened it. “Why are you here?” Adrian and Samantha turned around to see Samuel, Clara, Francis, and Cowells standing there, looking smug. “Clara, who said you could come here?” Samantha said in a disgusted tone. “Oh, Samantha, what’s with the attitude? Aren’t you going to welcome your cousin in?” Clara chuckled. It was obvious that she was there to start something. Samantha knew Clara well enough to know that she was there to show off. Adaline said, “The Cowells aren’t welcomed here.” She knew how the Cowells treated Samantha, so she was not interested in seeing them. However, not only did Clara not leave, she smirked. “Adaline Xander, don’t say that. We’re in-laws. I’m here to see all of you.” “A leopard can’t change its spots,” Adaline said coldly. Clara pretended to sigh. “The Xanders are so petty. You’ll never be like us Cowells. We’re all outstanding. The legate invited us to join the conference for the opening of Swallow Central. We’re on our way to becoming one of the richest families in Swallowston.” Clara looked at Adaline and Samantha with a smug look. She had always loved showing off. After Clara spoke, Simon smiled. “Mm-hmm. Once we attend the conference, we’ll become important people, but the Xanders will still be worms in the dirt.” Francis said, “Clara and Simon are right. You’ll be no better than ants to us. We’re so much classier than you.” The invitation made the Cowells excited. They thought that it was because the legate thought they were powerful and would be a success in the city. The Cowells loved to show off. Everyone in Swallowston would have heard by now that they would be attending the conference. “Listen, you can do whatever you want, but it has nothing to do with us. Please leave,” Adaline angrily said. She could not stand their arrogance. “Adaline, don’t be jealous. I knew you wouldn’t be too happy about this, but that’s not something we can fix. You have to just accept the truth,” Clara said. She sounded as if she was already someone important. All the Cowells laughed. They came here to see how jealous Adaline and Samantha were, and it was obvious they had got what they wanted. Samantha said, “Are you done? Get out if you are.” She was going to kick them out. Francis spat, “Samantha Cowell, who do you think you’re speaking to? We’re all important people, but who are you? You are only where you are now because you kept Bailar all to yourself. But next week, we’re going to attend the conference, and you’ll just be here—jealous of us.” Everyone chimed in. “Exactly. Francis is right, we are not the same!” Everyone started laughing again. Samantha’s heart ached while Adaline’s temper rose, but they could not do anything about it. They were being bullied but they could not fight back because ever since Henry’s passing, their family had not been doing well. Adrian suddenly spoke up, “I’m sorry to interrupt, but Sam will be attending the conference too! Not only that, there was an even more important activity that she will be involved in.”