Chapter 14

Ronaldo noticed Joseph's death stare and didn't want to stay at the restaurant any longer. So, he stood up and said, "Samantha, I will be leaving too." With that, he waved at Samantha and left the restaurant following Mina. Only Joseph and Samantha were left in the huge restaurant. Apart from Halcyon Manor and the Lynch residence, this was the first time Samantha was alone with Joseph. She used to look forward to this day for a long time. She would imagine them going out for meals and taking a stroll like an ordinary couple. But now, she felt awkward about it. If it weren't for the sake of Harold, she wouldn't want to be with Joseph. Joseph was the first to speak. "My car is parked downstairs. Let's go down together. Samantha nodded and quickly stood up, walking toward the exit. As if to avoid suspicion or express her dislike for Joseph, Samantha kept her distance from him. This had never happened before. Joseph sighed upon thinking how tense things were between Samantha and him, so he didn't quicken his pace. Instead, he followed her leisurely. Joseph drove a black Porsche today. When Samantha came close to the car, she instinctively opened the rear door and was about to get in. Upon seeing this, Joseph couldn't help but ask, "Why aren't you sitting in the front seat?" Samantha was stunned and stopped what she was doing. "I have germophobia. I don't like sitting where others have sat." Then, she added, "Especially the spot where Erica has sat." Joseph sighed and explained, "I haven't let Erica sit in front. If you don't believe me, you can check if there's any sign of someone sitting here before. Samantha found it hard to believe and blurted, "How is that possible?" Joseph lowered his gaze and grabbed Samantha's hand without waiting for her objection. Then, he opened the front passenger door and said, "See for yourself. No one has sat here yet." Joseph's hand was warm, making Samantha's heart skip a beat. She quickly shook off his hand, feeling flustered, and got into the passenger seat. "Fine! I'm sitting here, okay?" Joseph was satisfied as he closed the door. Then, he walked to the driver's side and got in the car. The familiar scent of cedarwood perfume filled the car. Samantha turned away and wound down the window. She stared at the scenery outside and said, "Start driving." Joseph's gaze darkened. He started the car and complained, "Samantha, you have changed." She used to talk non-stop when she was in his car. However, she was quiet today. She even turned away so he couldn't talk to her. The scenery outside gradually faded away. Samantha casually said, "Isn't this normal? Everyone eventually changes." Joseph wondered if Samantha didn't love him anymore. His eyes glinted with uncertainty. In the end, he didn't ask her the question because he feared he would make a fool out of himself. They didn't talk throughout their journey to the Wyatt residence. For the first time, Joseph felt that it was depressing not having someone to talk to in the car. Soon, they arrived at the Wyatt residence. As Samantha looked at the familiar, yet somewhat unfamiliar, building, her throat tightened and tears welled up in her eyes. During her three years of marriage with Joseph, she only returned home during festive seasons. Otherwise, she spent most of her time at Halcyon Manor. It wasn't a surprise that she didn't know Riley had been bullied. Samantha took a deep breath and suppressed her guilt and remorse. She pretended everything was fine as she got out of the car. Upon seeing the situation, Joseph parked his car and followed Samantha. … Riley was in poor health, and Luke was always busy with the company, so they had their own butler and household staff. As soon as Samantha reached the door, a middle-aged man in a black suit greeted her happily, "Ms. Wyatt, what brings you here? Hurry and go inside. Mr. Wyatt and Mrs. Wyatt will be happy to see you." He motioned for Samantha to go inside and didn't notice Joseph. Samantha smiled at the man and said, "Thomas, it's been a while. I've missed you so much!" With that, she threw herself into his arms and hugged him tightly. Before Samantha was born, Thomas had been working for Luke and managing their household affairs. Thomas didn't have children of his own, so when Samantha was born, he treated her with utmost care like how he would treat his daughter. Naturally, Samantha considered him family too. Thomas was startled by Samantha's embrace. He clumsily hugged her back and gently patted her on the back. "You are all grown up now, but you still act like a child and behave playfully. If you keep this up, I'm afraid my bones will fall apart." Despite what Thomas said, he was all smiles and had no intention of reproaching Samantha. As Joseph watched the lively Samantha, his throat felt tight. He was surprised to see a childlike side to her. Unfortunately, Joseph had never seen this side of her in the past three years. After hugging Thomas for a while, Samantha reluctantly let go of him. "Thomas, let's go inside." "Okay. Let's hurry…" But before he could finish his words, he noticed Joseph standing by the side. He smiled awkwardly. "Mr. Lynch, what brings you here?" In the past, Samantha always came back alone, and everyone knew she didn't get along with Joseph. Thomas was surprised that Joseph had come with her this time. It was a rare occasion. Thomas politely greeted him, "Mr. Lynch, please come in." Joseph nodded and followed Samantha to go inside. … Thomas led Samantha and Joseph into the living room and shouted, "Mrs. Wyatt, Mr. Wyatt, Ms. Samantha is back." After they heard Thomas' voice, Wendy and Riley opened their room doors in unison and looked at Samantha. "Sweetie, what brings you here?" Wendy was the first to respond. She walked up to Samantha, her voice full of concern. "I'm here to visit everyone. Where is Dad? I don't see him." Wendy explained, "He's busy with the company, so he's not back yet. I will call him to come back early so we can have dinner together. Samantha nodded and walked up to Riley. "How have you been?" Riley didn't respond to her question. Instead, he eyed Joseph warily. "Sam, why is he here?"