Chapter 4

It was as if I were the unforgivable villain in all of this.

But in my previous life, I had financially supported Samantha for four years and cared for her devotedly for twenty more.

What had I done wrong?

And yet, that was the ending I received.

A tear slid down the corner of Samantha's eye.

"Th-Thank you, everyone."

A lively expression appeared on her delicate face.

I had never once seen that expression directed at me.

No matter how much I did for her in the past, Samantha had always worn the same icy expression around me.

I didn't bother watching their performance any longer. Nor did I want any further entanglement with them.

Once this meal was over, I wanted everything from the past to disappear completely.

Unfortunately, some people clearly had no intention of letting it go.

"Blake, you still have the nerve to sit there and keep eating?"

Luther was instantly displeased.

The noise had already pushed my patience to its limit.

"So, according to you," I said coldly, "stealing is justified?"

"What kind of animal are you? Do you even have a heart?" Luther shouted. "Sure, stealing is wrong, but look at Samantha's situation! And you're still sitting here acting superior?"

At this point, it wasn't just Luther speaking anymore. Several classmates stood up as well, unable to hold back as they defended Samantha.

"Blake, I thought you were a decent guy these past three years. Turns out you're just like those heartless capitalists."

"Exactly! You're a scumbag who'd eat people alive without spitting out the bones. Your family's the richest in our class, everyone else is willing to help Samantha, but you act like whether your classmates live or die has nothing to do with you."

"And you even got Samantha a criminal record! What's she supposed to do in the future now? Being classmates with someone like you is disgusting."

Listening to their accusations, I took a deep breath. Then I turned to look at Samantha and saw the pride in her eyes as she stared back at me. It seemed that now that people were backing her up, she no longer feared me.

I slowly put down my fork.

"Then let me say a few words."

"What could you possibly have to say? You think you deserve to speak?"

"Yeah, let's hear what kind of garbage comes out of this cold-blooded asshole's mouth."

I swept my gaze around the room before finally stopping on Samantha.

Her eyes flickered away for a moment.

But the next second, Luther grabbed her hand, and she immediately steadied herself again, staring at me stubbornly without backing down.

I shook my head.

In the end, I decided to tell them everything.

"When Samantha was taken away by the cops, I personally brought flour, cooking oil, meat, and vegetables to her mother.

"For years, whenever her mother came to shop at our store, I never charged her. I even found excuses to give her extra things.

"And ever since middle school, Samantha had been taking things from my family's supermarket. My family never said a word about it.

"But she became more and more dissatisfied. Eventually, it wasn't just school supplies anymore. She started taking food, daily necessities, and sometimes even jewelry.

"Like the necklace around Luther's neck.

"Since Luther says he'll pay us back, then fine. We have surveillance footage and evidence. Come to the supermarket sometime and settle the debt.

"As for why I called the police—she'll be leaving for university soon. That habit shouldn't be allowed to continue.

"And since all of you think I handled things incorrectly, then from today onward, let's stop seeing each other.

"Especially you, Samantha. I sincerely hope you and Luther live happily together."

After saying that, I calmly rose to my feet, pushed open the door, and walked out.