Chapter 4

A sculpted face appeared before Isabella. Slightly surprised, she walked closer. “You… didn’t leave?”

Samuel stepped from the car, loading her suitcase into the trunk. Her eyes reddened. In that moment, he felt like her only support. Everyone else was against her, but he remained by her side.

She lowered her head, trying to steady her voice. “Thank you.”

Samuel’s face darkened instantly. His eyes fixed on her swollen cheek. “Who hit you?”

Isabella’s eyelashes fluttered. “Let’s talk when we get back,” she replied quickly.

But Samuel’s chilling aura filled the space as he headed toward the Stout family villa. Startled, Isabella grabbed his arm. “Samuel, don’t…”

“Whoever hurt you is dead meat,” he said, his voice icy. Isabella clung to his arm, pulling him back. Seeing her pleading expression, he turned. “I’m so tired. Let’s… go back, okay?”

Her face was half-swollen, half-pale.

Samuel hesitated, then nodded silently. The drive was quiet.

An hour later, they arrived at the riverfront villa. Several people waited in the living room, greeting them respectfully: “Good evening, Mr. Howerton. Good evening, Mrs. Howerton!”

Isabella blinked in surprise and glanced at Samuel. He had already made arrangements?

He gave her a brief look. “If you need anything, just tell them. They won’t speak to outsiders.”

Her heart fluttered with warmth. He knew she wanted to keep things private, so he'd ensured secrecy. He’d taken care of everything.

Samuel… was he secretly caring? But wasn’t he known to be ruthless?

“Dismissed,” Samuel said. He took Isabella’s hand and led her upstairs.

Isabella watched, puzzled, as he went to a cabinet and returned with a first-aid kit. “You…” she hadn’t expected this.

“Let’s reduce the swelling.”

For a moment, her eyes welled with tears. Samuel, always aloof, was treating her injuries?

Assuming her face still hurt, he frowned. “What exactly happened?” As he applied the ointment, the cool touch startled her back to reality. Flustered, she reached for the ointment. “I—I can do it myself…”

“Don’t move.” His firm voice left her no choice.

They were so close, she could feel his breath.

11:45 AM Chapter 4 (Continued)

Tension filled the air; Isabella’s heart raced. Samuel’s gaze softened as he looked at her flushed face. “Hudson hit you?”

Isabella pressed her lips together, then let out a soft, bitter laugh. “That doesn’t matter anymore. I guess I… don’t have a home now.”

Samuel’s eyes darkened, clearly expecting more.

After hesitating, she quietly added, “I didn’t listen to them, so I was kicked out. They told me never to come back.” Another sad laugh escaped her. Perhaps her father had been waiting for her to apologize and beg for forgiveness. But why had he treated her so cruelly?

Suddenly, a cold sneer played on Samuel’s lips. His powerful presence was overwhelming, but as quickly as it appeared, it faded. She was caught off guard when he gently lifted her chin. His icy gaze softened as he said, with unexpected seriousness, “From now on, this is your home. No one can kick you out.”

Her heart skipped a beat. In that moment, the cracks in her heart seemed to heal.

She stared, lips parting slightly, unsure how to respond.

Before she could gather her thoughts, Samuel released her chin, closed the first-aid kit, and said calmly, “This is the last time. No one is allowed to hurt you again. I, Samuel Howerton, won’t let it happen.”

Isabella blinked, staring at him. She bit her lip and whispered, “Thank you.”

Samuel met her gaze, his cold eyes carrying something more. “Remember this well. I’m your husband, not just in name.”

Isabella’s heart fluttered. What did he mean? Did he…?

“Isabella, I’m giving you time. But don’t make me wait too long!”

With that, Samuel stood, not sparing her another glance, and left the room.

Isabella sat stunned. A knock brought her back to her senses. She answered the door to find a kind-looking woman, probably in her late forties, dressed in simple gray loungewear. She smiled at Isabella.

“Hello, Mrs. Howerton. I’m Megan, the housekeeper.”

Megan. Isabella had heard of her. She had worked for the Howerton family for decades and was highly respected. This house had just been set up; Samuel must have brought her over specifically.

Isabella stepped aside. “Hello, Megan.”

Megan entered, looking Isabella up and down with approval. “Mr. Howerton sure has good taste!”

Isabella’s face flushed. She coughed awkwardly.

Megan laughed heartily. “Don’t be shy. Mr. Howerton already gave me all the instructions. If you need anything, just let me know.”

Feeling overwhelmed, Isabella nodded. “Thank you, Megan.”

“Mr. Howerton, well, he’s not much of a talker and can be a bit cold. But I’ve never seen him this close with any woman before. He even told me to keep you company tonight.”

Chapter 5 (presumably)

Isabella was surprised. Maybe Samuel knew she was feeling down and wanted Megan for company?

“Don’t take it the wrong way, though. It’s not that he didn’t want to stay with you. He just had some urgent business. He’s going on a trip for a week.”

Isabella nodded. Samuel was often busy traveling for work. At least this gave her time to sort things out.

Megan chatted with her for over an hour before preparing dinner. Afterward, Isabella went to bed early.

Today felt like her last desperate gamble. She had wasted too much time at city hall. She wouldn’t be so foolish again.

A few days later, Isabella had pulled herself together. Early in the morning, she got out of bed. Since she had given up on love, she wouldn’t waste any more time on it. She needed to focus on her career.

After a quick breakfast, Isabella headed out, her feelings mixed as she realized she was driving Samuel’s car. He had taken care of everything.

Isabella pressed her lips together, silently making a note to repay this debt someday.

She was driving along—the road mostly clear since it wasn’t rush hour—when there was a loud crashing sound. Isabella’s eyes widened in shock.

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