Chapter 76

Molly frowned, gathering the rings on the table. Before she could finish tidying, Ivana’s panicked voice pierced the air from the doorway. “Mom, something’s wrong!”

Hearing her daughter's voice, Molly sighed in relief. She placed the ring box on the vanity and walked toward the door. "Coming," she called, wondering what the fuss was about.

As she opened the door, Molly gave Ivana a reproachful look. “You need to learn to stay calm. When you marry into the Logue family, you'll be at a disadvantage if you don't.” She thought, It's fine to be like this at home, but the Logues are strict.

But Ivana was beyond listening. She pulled Molly into the room, quickly shutting the door. “It’s about Queenie.”

Molly's face darkened. If it concerned Queenie, it had to be serious. Anything involving Queenie that could make Ivana this worried was undoubtedly complicated.

“Tell me what’s going on,” she demanded, pulling Ivana onto the black velvet sofa.

Ivana, a bundle of nerves, muttered, “It’s that witch, Isabella. She’s actually Queenie.” Ivana spiraled into panic. This changed everything.

Molly's eyes widened. “What?”

“Are you serious?” she whispered.

“Yes!” Ivana replied, her voice trembling.

Molly gritted her teeth. So that’s why the Cox family servants were replaced. It was deliberate. “Why didn’t I see this coming?” she cursed herself. “We’ve been completely blindsided.” The realization made their previous passivity seem unforgivable.

Ivana recounted Jayden's revelations, her voice growing more frantic with each detail. Both women sat in silence, their faces darkening with each word.

A cruel glint appeared in Molly’s eyes as she stood, turning to Ivana. “Looks like we need to adjust our plan.”

Ivana’s eyes lit up. “Exactly! If she’s Queenie, she’ll know what to do! What should we do? There’s no way she’ll cooperate with us if she’s fully aware!” She slammed her fist on the sofa. “Mom, if she doesn’t marry him, I will have to!”

“Calm down!” Molly snapped, her face hardening. “How many times have I told you? Panicking won’t help.”

“But—” Ivana began, but Molly cut her off. “So what if she’s a miracle doctor? We’ll still make sure she doesn’t see it coming.”

Ivana’s eyes gleamed with hope. “You’ve got a plan?”

Molly smiled wickedly and beckoned her daughter closer. Ivana leaned in, listening intently. As Molly explained her scheme, Ivana's face lit up with excitement. Their eyes glinted with malice. That witch may be Queenie, but that just makes her even more deserving of death! Ivana thought, Nothing will stop me from marrying into the Logue family.

Evening. At the Riverside Villa. Isabella had just arrived home. As she stepped into the living room, she noticed a tall man sitting leisurely on the sofa, legs crossed.

She blinked. “Samuel? Home this early?”

Isabella put down her things, changed into slippers, and walked over to him, curiosity in her gaze. “Why are you so early tonight?” She thought, He’s usually out socializing until nine or ten. It’s barely six.

Samuel glanced up, his cold eyes sweeping over her without a word. He stood and walked toward the dining room.

Isabella frowned. Something’s off with him tonight!

She didn’t press him, following him to the dining room. They ate in silence. Samuel remained silent throughout the meal. He left the table and went straight to his study, the villa's atmosphere growing heavier with each passing moment. He’s definitely in a bad mood, Isabella thought.

After Samuel left, Isabella turned to Megan, emerging from the kitchen. “Megan, did something happen?”

Megan blinked, confused. “No, why do you ask?” She had been busy in the kitchen and hadn’t noticed anything unusual.

Isabella smiled softly. “Oh, nothing. I was just curious.”

Megan, still unsure, nodded and watched Isabella climb the stairs, a slight frown on her face. Did the two of them have a fight?

Upstairs, Isabella showered quickly. When she emerged, Samuel was still in his study. She frowned again. Is something wrong at work?

After drying her hair, she went downstairs, soon standing at the study door, a plate of fruit in hand.

Knock knock. Samuel’s deep, cold voice came from inside, “Come in.”

Isabella opened the door and saw him at his desk, immersed in work. She walked over quietly, placing the fruit before him. “Take a break and have some fruit?” Isabella thought carefully, As a wife, this is what I should do when he’s troubled, right?

Samuel paused his writing, glancing briefly at her. “Okay.”

Seeing he was about to return to work, Isabella smiled. “I’ll leave you to it, then. I won’t disturb you.” She turned and left, gently closing the door.

Samuel stared at the closed door for a long moment. Then, his gaze fell on the plate of fruit. She cares.

Suddenly, he stood and left the study. Upstairs, Isabella was under the covers, phone in hand, about to search something. The door creaked open, and she looked up in surprise as Samuel walked in.

Leaning against the headboard, Isabella sat up, looking at Samuel with a puzzled expression. “What’s wrong?”

Without a word, he crossed the room and sat on the bed's edge, his intense gaze fixed on her. He leaned in, his breath warm against her skin. “Sleep.”

He turned away, exhaling deeply, his emotions still a storm within him. Grabbing his pajamas, he headed to the bathroom.

Isabella watched him go, blinking in confusion. What on earth is going on with him tonight? He’s clearly upset, but he won’t say a word. She picked up her phone, mumbling, “Quiet as a clam.”

When Samuel emerged from the bathroom, he returned to the bed, his movements slow and deliberate. As he crawled under the covers, Isabella glanced at him, still puzzled. Did something happen to you today? She thought, We’re married. If something’s bothering him, we should talk about it.

She expected him to brush her off, but to her surprise, Samuel replied, “Yes.”

Isabella’s curiosity was piqued. So there is something. But before she could ask, Samuel pulled her close, his arm around her waist.

Isabella gasped, falling into his embrace, her body stiffening. Before she could regain her balance, her earlobe was captured by Samuel’s lips.

Her body stiffened. It felt like an electric shock, and she instinctively shrank back. Her hand instinctively pressed against his chest, and she stammered, “W-what are you doing? Let go of me…” Her breath came in short gasps, her heart racing. But Samuel’s grip tightened, leaving her no escape. Isabella’s heart pounded. What’s gotten into him tonight?

Samuel’s voice was a low growl in her ear. “Because of you.”

Isabella froze. So that’s what this is about. But they hadn’t spoken all day, much less had any conflicts.

Isabella whispered defensively, “I didn’t… ugh…” In the next moment, it seemed the man intentionally played with Isabella’s earlobe, sending shivers down her spine.