Chapter 13

Joseph was stunned after he heard that. "Samantha, what are you trying to say?" Samantha smiled and retorted, "Are you sure you don't understand me? I sincerely wish you and Erica reunite soon." Joseph's Adam's apple bobbed angrily as he reminded Samantha, "We are still married." Samantha sneered, looking indifferent. "Not for long. Please watch your behavior and stay out of my life." When Joseph and Erica showed up together, he didn't realize that he and Samantha were still married. Samantha found it ridiculous that he only realized it now. After saying her piece, Samantha left without looking back, not wanting to waste her time with Joseph. Joseph stared at Samantha's figure, looking flustered. After a while, he returned to his senses and looked at Erica. "The injury on your face looks serious. You won't be able to attend any event for now. I will have Xavier pick you up and send you to the hospital." Erica's hand trembled slightly after she heard that. She sobbed and said, "What about you? Aren't you going to send me home?" Joseph shook his head. "I won't be sending you home." Then, he supported Erica with a poker face and walked toward the restaurant's exit. Erica looked at Joseph aggrievedly and asked tentatively, "Joe, have you fallen for Samantha?" Erica knew Joseph didn't behave like this before. However, Joseph immediately denied it. "How could I possibly fall for her? It's just that I hate betrayal and infidelity." Erica was relieved. "That's good to know." As they spoke, they had already reached the exit. Joseph called Xavier to pick up Erica. Once Xavier arrived, Joseph returned to the restaurant. When Joseph returned to the table, Samantha and the others were almost done eating. After Mina heard from Samantha about what had happened earlier, her expression changed as soon as she saw Joseph. She found it hard to believe that he dared to come back. With a loud clank, Mina slammed the knife and fork on the table. She said sarcastically, "Mr. Lynch, your first love's face is swollen because of Sam. Yet, you have the appetite to eat. Why aren't you accompanying her to the hospital?" Mina pretended to be shocked and placed her hand over her mouth. Her gaze darted behind Joseph as she said, "Oops, she already left. She's badly injured, so I thought you would personally take her to the hospital." Joseph ignored Mina's insults. He turned and looked at Samantha. Then, he lied without batting an eye. "In a few days, it's Grandpa's birthday. The butler at the Lynch residence said Grandpa's health hasn't been good lately, and he wants us to see him soon. Grandpa has always treated you well. I think you should go." Joseph feared Samantha might reject him, so he added, "Don't worry. After we celebrate Grandpa's birthday, I promise to divorce you." As soon as Joseph said that, Samantha had no reason to reject him. She pursed her lips and doubted Joseph. "Do you really mean it?" Joseph nodded. "Of course. Why would I lie to you? You are right. I can't force you to love me. If we drag this out, it won't be good for either of us." With that said, Samantha had no choice but to agree. "Alright then. I need to go home today, so I might not be free. I will visit Mr. Lynch Senior tomorrow. You can pick me up when the time comes." Samantha needed to go home and check on Riley. If what Ronaldo said was true, she needed to have a proper chat with Riley. As soon as she said that, Joseph waved his phone. "Grandpa wants us to get along. To be safe, I think you should unblock me." Mina looked at Joseph cautiously. "Sam, I don't think he has good intentions. Don't go with him." Samantha took a deep breath and placed her hand on the back of Mina's hand. She comforted her, saying, "Minnie, Mr. Lynch Senior has always been good to me. I have to go. Besides, even if something happens, Joseph can't do anything to me." Although people disapproved of Joseph's private life, his integrity was reliable. Besides, Harold always took Samantha's side and wouldn't let Joseph bully her. Seeing that Samantha had made up her mind, Mina didn't say anything more. She looked at Joseph and said coldly, "If you bully Sam, I will make you pay even if I have to put my family on the line." After Joseph heard that, he finally took Mina seriously. "I didn't expect you and Samantha to be so close. Now that explains your hostility toward me at the previous party." Joseph remembered that from the moment he joined the party, Mina had been staring at him. Later, when he defended Erica, Mina looked as if she wanted to cut him to pieces. He wondered why he didn't know Samantha and Mina were that close. As soon as Joseph mentioned the party, Mina was furious. "Mr. Lynch, I have known Sam for years. Of course, we are close. As for the party, you are really something. You were willing to offend my family for your first love's sake. You even wanted me to apologize to her and give her an explanation." Joseph smiled awkwardly. "I'm sorry that I offended you, Ms. Goldsmith." Mina just smiled and remained silent. After that, the four of them remained silent and finished the meal awkwardly. Joseph didn't want Samantha and Ronaldo to be together, so he suggested, "Samantha, let me send you home." Samantha frowned and subconsciously rejected him. "No. Minnie drove today. She can send me home." Mina nodded. "That's right. You don't need to send Sam home." As soon as she said that, a ringtone disrupted the tranquility. With a doubtful look, Mina answered the phone and frowned. "Okay. I understand. I will be right there." After she hung up the phone, she awkwardly glanced at Samantha, "Something happened at my studio. I have to leave right now." After that, Mina looked at Ronaldo and Samantha, feeling conflicted. Upon seeing the situation, Ronaldo waved his hand. "Mina, my house is nearby. Thank you for your hospitality. I can go back by myself later." Mina looked at Samantha worriedly and reminded, "I really have to go. If anything happens, give me a call." With that, she picked up her white handbag and hurriedly left the restaurant.