Chapter 9
Keanu even felt that Samantha seemed to look even more attractive now.
The little girl who used to pester him all the time back then had turned into an outstanding woman.
In the past, despite always following behind him, Samantha always stayed silent. She also did not dare to talk to him.
He could tell that she felt inferior. She always walked with her head lowered, and there was nothing elegant about her temperament.
Besides, she often applied a lot of makeup, covering up the natural beauty of her face.
Now, there was not a trace of makeup on Samantha’s face, but she looked more strikingly beautiful than ever.
She emitted the sense of beauty from deep within. It was a unique charm that belonged only to her.
At the same time, the legs on the coffee table were also as attractive as they could get.
Although Samantha did not sit or talk in a polite manner, Keanu was attracted to her.
For once, Keanu, who had always been uninterested in affairs between men and women and only focused on his career, wanted to take a second look at a woman.
Sitting next to Keanu, Elise naturally saw that Keanu’s gaze was focused on Samantha.
She gritted her teeth, almost biting a hole through her lips.
It took Elise a lot of effort to secure the marriage contract with Keanu.
She would not allow anyone to snatch it away.
Although Elise knew that Keanu did not like being touched by others, she did not care about that at the moment. All she cared about was stopping Samantha’s shameless thoughts and asserting dominance.)
Just then, Elise hooked her arm around Keanu’s and said gently, “Keanu, are you still busy with work today? Why don’t we go shopping together? You haven’t gone shopping with me for a long time.”
Keanu frowned slightly, feeling nothing but extreme awkwardness to have Elise’s arm hooked around his.
He never liked physical contact with people, and he only felt more awkward than ever now. He knew very well that he should not disrespect Elise in front of the Johansson family. After all, she was his official fiancée. However, he still felt much too awkward, so much so that he subconsciously pulled out his arm and stood up straight. “I’m sorry, Elise. I still have a lot of work to do today, and Grandpa is waiting for me at home. I will go with you some other day.”
He then continued, “Mr. and Mrs. Johansson, Elise, I will take my leave now
Elise responded, “I’ll see you out.”
Staring at the back of Keanu’s figure, Elise kept wringing her hands aggrievedly.
It was the first time Keanu had declined her invitation in front of everyone in the Johansson family.
“Is he really going to rekindle his relationship with Samantha? No! I won’t allow that to happen!” she thought.
Flise looked at Samantha with a vicious gaze.
During these few days, Samantha had been staying in the Johansson residence to recover from her injuries.
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Chapter 9
She had also ordered Whyne, to go out and help her buy some herbs, and she used those herbs to make an ointment that prevented scars for her own use.
She also thought of the fire and the explosion numerous times.
However, subconsciously, Samantha did not want to look into it.
She did not want to bear the bloody truth.
Instead, she would rather just continue living in her state of ignorance under someone else’s identity.
Samantha would pretend to have forgotten about all those people and matters that were in the past.
However, some things were simply meant to be.
Samantha could not hide from them even if it was all she wanted to do.
On this day, during lunchtime, all the men were at work.
Among those who stayed for lunch were Alec, Priscilla, Irene, Lucille, and her daughter, Elise.
Of course, Samantha and Ryland were with them too.
Samantha only wanted to fill up her stomach and return to her room to take a nap. She had stayed up all night last night playing games and felt tired now. Her phone was very low–spec as well. She planned to buy several phones to assemble one by herself the next day after recovering from her injury.
However, she happened to hear a disgusting conversation.
“Elise, is your piano competition going to start soon? Lucille asked proudly
“Yes.” Elise smiled shyly, “I was chosen to represent Elstunda University. This competition concerns not only my personal honor but also my school’s. My mentor said that Jovani Xinos, a piano virtuoso, might be the judge of this competition.”
“Really?” Lucille’s jaw dropped in shock. “Mr. Jovani Xinos is a world–famous pianist! Elise, you have to perform well. If Mr. Xinos spots your talent and makes you the last mentee he accepts, your future will be very promising”
“That’s good.” Alec nodded with satisfaction. “I know about Jovani as well. He is the greatest pianist in Clusia. What he represents is the honor of our country, which far exceeds his own honor. Elise, if Jovani indeed spots your talent, you will definitely bring honor to the family.”
Elise blushed and lowered her head shyly. “I don’t really think about it that much. The piano is really my passion, and I’m willing to work hard.”
“You will need talent too.” Irene said gently, “It’s just like when we learned to dance. Talent is important too.”
“You’re right.” Lucille looked at Irene with approval. Although Irene was trying to sing her own praises, Lucille was in a good mood and did not mind praising her as well. “Elise, look at your Aunt Irene. She joined the Dance Association at a young age and is now famous in the dance industry of Elstunda. You have to learn from your Aunt Irene, guard against pride and impatience, and strive to make your grandfather proud.”
“I understand,” Elise answered obediently.
With the performances of Elise and Lucille, Alec was in a good mood.
They made it look as if Jovani had already chosen Elise to be his mentee, and the latter was already becoming famous throughout the world.
Samantha rolled her eyes quietly and had no intention to make any comments.
11:36 Thu, Oct 3BG
Chapter 9
However, some people still failed to learn from past mistakes. Overcome by their own smugness, they tried to provoke Samantha again.
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“Samantha, Ryland is already five years old. Have you never sent him to a kindergarten during the time you were staying in the countryside?” Elise blinked as if she was asking seriously.
However, Alec’s expression changed slightly again when he heard that.
He had been recuperating for the past few days and had not asked about Ryland.
At this moment, hearing that his most beloved great–grandson had never attended kindergarten despite being five years old. he could not help feeling embarrassed.
“Is that so?” Alec asked, his expression livid.
Protective of his mother and unwilling to let her be bullied, Ryland hurriedly replied softly, “Great–Granddad, it’s not that Mommy didn’t let me attend kindergarten. It’s that there was no kindergarten in our countryside. Besides…”
tinued, “Besides… Ryland was getting more aggrieved as he spoke. He pouted, looking as if he was about to cry as he Mommy and I had nothing else but one another, and we barely managed to get by. How could I even think of going to school?”
Looking at his great–grandson’s aggrieved expression, Alec felt extremely heartbroken. He hugged Ryland and comforted him in a gentle voice, “Oh, Ryland, you must have suffered a lot. Don’t cry. I will give you whatever you want in the future! I will give you everything that other kids have!”
Ryland nestled in Alec’s arms and sobbed, “Thank you, Great–Granddad. You are so kind to me. I will be filial to you when I grow up.”
Alec said, “My sweetie…”
No one noticed the cunning look that flashed in Ryland’s eyes as he burrowed in Alec’s arms.