Chapter 035

35.

“Mum!” Samantha called as she knocked on her mother's room door. When she didn't get any response, she opened the door, but her mother was not in. She stepped into the room and looked around. She wanted to ask her mother whether she had no idea of the party Estella had thrown.

“Mum!” she called again.

“In here, dear.” Jessica answered, and Samantha realized she was in her art studio. The studio was located in a part of her mother's room. Her mother always called it her safe spot, and it was a place where her mother could escape and express herself through her art.

Samantha made her way to the studio, her heart still racing from the confrontation with Estella and her friends. She found her mother standing in front of an easel, paintbrush in hand, lost in her creative world. “Mum, we need to talk,” Samantha said, trying to keep her voice calm.

Jessica looked up, concern etched on her face. “What's wrong, sweetie? You look upset.” Samantha took a deep breath and launched into the story of Estella's party, leaving out no details. Her mother listened intently, her expression growing more and more concerned.

“I wanted to know if you even knew about it and refused to say anything.” Samantha concluded and Jessica sighed.

“I know, and I did confront her about it, but you know Estella, she refused to listen to me and told me how she was a grown lady and could do whatever she wanted. She was so mean, and I couldn't stand letting her and her friends disrespect me, so I came here to paint and shut the noise out.” she explained and Samantha took a deep breath.

“I'm beginning to get fed up, mum. She is going out of control, and this can land her in serious trouble. Not to mention her health and the reputation of the family. Should we just sit and watch Dad's hard work go down the drain because of her?” she asked and Jessica facepalmed.

“I understand how you feel, baby, I do, but I don't think we can do anything until your dad returns from his trip. He should be back for the handover ceremony of the Sullivans.”

“You know about that too?” Samantha asked and Jessica chuckled softly.

“Yes. I was sent an invitation too. I guess we're in for a show, aren't we?” she asked and Samantha smiled.

“Have you eaten?” Samantha asked.

“I should be the one asking you that question, my dear. You've been stressing yourself these days and even though your beauty is still intact, I'm worried about your health. I don't want what happened the other day to repeat itself.” she muttered, her expression turning sad.

Samantha held her hand to comfort her. “Don't worry about me, mum. Nothing is going to happen. I'm considering hiring a manager. I think James will do a good job. He was father's secretary and knows the ins and outs of the company. I've been watching him and he's the right one. Once he becomes the manager, I will be able to rest.” she assured Jessica, who smiled and patted her back.

“My daughter,” she called lovingly. “I'm so proud of you. You've grown into a beautiful and powerful woman, and I can't be more proud. Nathan didn't deserve you after all.” she cupped Samantha's cheeks and Samantha moved away.

“Mum, I'm not a baby anymore. You shouldn't cup my cheeks like that.” she chuckled.

“You're my baby and I won't stop cupping your cheeks because you're too cute,” she winked, causing Samantha to chuckle. “How is it going with you and Aiden?”

Samantha pressed her lips into a thin line, not knowing how to answer her mother's question. Jessica raised an eyebrow. “Don't tell me you're burying yourself in work and not spending time with him.” she covered her mouth.

“But Mum, I don't have any feelings for Aiden. I have no idea why you and Dad are forcing him on me. Shouldn't you be sympathetic with me after what Nathan did to me, huh?” she whined, the confident lady in her crumbling before her mother.

“Nathan was your mistake, not ours. After all, we warned you and you went ahead. But we know what is best for you. Aiden is the best person for you.”

Samantha shook her head. “But I don't love him!”

“We're not expecting you to fall in love with him at first glance, Sam. We want you to grow to love him. But how do you know you would grow to love him if you don't spend time with him?” she asked. “Love is a very beautiful thing, Sam. It takes time to grow, and sometimes it needs a little push,” Jessica continued. “Just give Aiden a chance, sweetie. He's a good man, and he cares about you deeply. And who knows, you might be surprised by how your feelings develop over time.” Samantha sighed, knowing her mother was right.

She had been so focused on her work and her anger towards Nathan that she hadn't given Aiden a fair chance. Maybe it was time to start trying, for her mother's sake and for her own. “Okay, Mum,” she said finally. “I'll try. But if I don't feel anything after a month, I'm blaming you and Dad for trying to arrange my life.”

Jessica laughed and hugged her daughter. “Deal, sweetie. Now let's go get dinner. I'm starving!” Samantha smiled and followed her mother out of the art studio as they headed for the kitchen.

***

AIDEN'S MANSION

Meanwhile,

Mia was in the living room, a bowl of popcorn in front of her, her legs crossed with her gaze on the television, but her mind was faraway from the movie she was watching.

She would glance at the wall clock from time to time, wondering why Aiden wasn't back from work yet.

“Hope he isn't out for dinner again with that bitchy lady he calls his fiancée!” she asked no one in particular, her expression turning sour instantly.

The door opened, and she beamed, thinking it was Aiden, but her face fell when she saw that it was one of her bodyguards.

“What is it?” she asked as he got to her.

“I got the information on Samantha like you asked. These files contain everything you need to know about her.” he conveyed.

She collected the files from him and gestured for him to leave while she went through it. When she was done, she dropped the files and smirked.

“Samantha Salvador,” she chuckled. “You think you can just show up in Aiden's life and try to take him away from me, right?” she huffed. “Let's see how that works out for you.”