Chapter 36

Samuel uttered only a few words, and Perry immediately understood. He quickly nodded. "Yes, sir. I'll take care of it right away."

It was clear Samuel wanted him to disrupt the partnership between the two families and incite conflict. Perry glanced up at Samuel, whose fury was palpable. He had never seen Samuel treat a woman like this; it seemed he genuinely cared about Isabella.

The office atmosphere grew colder, causing Perry to shudder. Without delay, he hurried out, leaving Samuel alone. Samuel checked his watch and departed.

As night fell over Riverside Villa, Isabella wearily entered the house.

Megan greeted her with a warm smile. "Mrs. Howerton, welcome back. Dinner is ready." Isabella attempted a smile that didn't quite reach her lips. "Megan, I'm not hungry. I'll pass." She didn't want to inform Megan beforehand, but she anticipated Samuel's return and Megan's subsequent meal preparation.

Slowly ascending the stairs, Isabella didn't notice Megan's worried gaze. "Mrs. Howerton, why not eat a little?" Megan pleaded, thinking, She's far too thin; she can't skip meals.

Isabella murmured, "No, it's fine."

Seeing Isabella's pale complexion, concern flickered across Megan's face. "Mrs. Howerton, did something happen?"

But Isabella had already reached the top of the stairs. Megan sighed, watching her disappear. She glanced at the untouched dinner, feeling a pang of worry.

Just then, Samuel entered, his cold eyes scanning the room. His gaze fell on the untouched plates, and his brows furrowed slightly. "Is Isabella not back yet?" he asked.

Megan stepped forward to take his coat. "She's home, but she seems unwell and upset. She wouldn't tell me what's wrong." Her mind returned to Isabella's earlier demeanor, filling her with unease.

Samuel's expression hardened. "Reheat the food." Without waiting for a reply, he strode toward the stairs.

In their bedroom, Samuel found Isabella sitting on the balcony in a wooden rocking chair. The gentle breeze blew through her hair as she gazed into the distance, her expression distant and ethereal.

Samuel, relieved she wasn't injured, studied her. His cold glare intensified as he thought of Hudson. Just you wait, Hudson, he muttered inwardly.

Isabella turned her head. "You're back? Do you want me to prepare your bath?" As she started to rise, he embraced her tightly.

Isabella froze, her arms stiff, unsure where to place them.

Samuel's gentle yet firm voice broke the silence. "You can lean on my shoulder."

He recalled seeing couples on the street, girls clinging to their boyfriends, crying. He had expected Isabella to react similarly.

Isabella bit her lip. He clearly knew about her day. She gently pulled away, meeting his steady gaze.

"Don't worry; I'm not that fragile. I've just realized what my father is thinking." Her voice was calm and firm. Once, she had longed for Hudson's affection, but that was no longer the case.

Samuel's gaze remained fixed on her. He knew from Perry she had been through much. Her resilience touched him. Most people would have crumbled under such a revelation, but not her.

Chapter 36 (The chapter heading was repeated, this has been removed)

At that moment, Samuel's voice unconsciously softened as he looked at Isabella, gently reassuring her with a firm tone. "This will always be your home."

Tears welled in Isabella's eyes. The bond of blood seemed weaker than her recently forged bond with her husband. Unable to contain herself any longer, Isabella embraced Samuel, whispering, "Thank you."

As soon as the words left her lips, she felt Samuel stiffen slightly, realizing he wasn't fond of those words. Sighing softly, she looked at him seriously and said, "Samuel."

He remained silent, gazing at her.

Isabella continued, "I mean it from the bottom of my heart. After my mother passed away, I felt no care or concern. Over the years, I've felt like a pawn, manipulated. But you've treated me so well."

The coldness in Samuel's deep gaze began to fade.

Isabella continued earnestly, "Especially now, your presence feels like salvation. I truly appreciate you, Samuel. Thank you for being here."

Samuel's expression grew increasingly complex, and tenderness filled his eyes. He didn't respond verbally; instead, he wrapped his arms around her and gently stroked her back repeatedly. Isabella's heavy emotions seemed to lift slightly.

Isabella gradually closed her eyes, thinking that perhaps fate was kind to her. In her most difficult times, Samuel had appeared. Though there was no romance, this bond of friendship was something she would cherish.

After a while, she calmed down and slowly stepped out of Samuel's embrace.

Samuel looked at her pale face, noticing the absence of tears. She was incredibly strong.

Isabella cleared her throat awkwardly. "I… I'm going to take a shower."

"You need to eat first." Samuel swiftly caught her arm, preventing her from entering the bathroom.

Isabella opened her mouth to say she had no appetite, but his commanding gaze made her hesitate. Just as she was about to agree, he pulled her from the bedroom.

"No matter what happens, taking care of your health is most important." Samuel, usually terse, had spoken extensively to her. Isabella felt a flutter in her heart.

Soon, they returned downstairs; Samuel had spent twenty minutes upstairs. Megan had just reheated the food.

Samuel took Isabella's hand and led her to the bathroom. After washing their hands, he led her to the dining table.

Megan watched them, enjoying their interaction, her eyes sparkling with excitement. If I told Mrs. Cwenna Howerton about this, she would be overjoyed, she thought.

Samuel picked up a fork and handed it to Isabella. She stared at him in surprise, taking it hesitantly. It felt surreal. The CEO of the Howerton Group personally hands me a fork. Am I dreaming? she thought, instinctively slapping her cheek to dispel the disbelief.

Samuel looked at her in confusion. "What's wrong?"