CHAPTER FOUR: SLIPPERY ENCOUNTERS

“Where is Rose? We are going to be late for the party!” Diana’s voice rang through the Westwood mansion as she fastened her earrings before the mirror.

Rose entered quietly, brushing dust from her hands. “I’m here, Mother.”

Diana turned sharply, eyes narrowing. “Look at you. Such muddy work doesn’t suit you at all.”

“It’s not muddy work,” Rose defended softly. “I was just coming from the NGO.”

Diana gave a knowing huff. “I should have guessed. Still, enough of this. Wear the dress I bought you. It will make a proper impression.”

Rose glanced at the gown laid across the bed, her lips pressed tight. “I don’t like it.”

“You will wear it,” Diana snapped. “Do not make me angry again.” She ordered the servants to assist Rose and swept from the room, heels clicking against the marble floor.

Rose, however, had made her decision. I won’t wear it. Not this time.

Moments later, Diana heard shouts from the room and stormed back. The servants stumbled out, holding the torn remains of the expensive gown.

“Unbelievable!” Diana hissed. But before she could unleash her fury, Rose emerged, radiant in a modern gown of her own choosing simple, elegant, and undeniably beautiful.

Grandmother entered at that moment, her face brightening. “Oh, Rose! You look stunning. Doesn’t her mother agree?”

Diana’s lips stayed sealed. Instead, she clipped, “Let’s go.”

At the Pinch Hotel, Ralph and Kelvin were already waiting.

“Rose,” Kelvin said with a warm smile, “you look so pretty in that dress. Madam Diana truly has an eye for fashion.”

Diana raised her brows but ignored him. “Are the preparations for the jewelry auction complete?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Ralph and Kelvin replied in unison.

Satisfied, Diana swept off to inspect the arrangements herself, leaving Rose behind.

Sam arrived shortly after, brushing dust from his jacket. “Manager,” he said with his usual nonchalance, “you know I couldn’t change. Had to come to my hotel like this, late as I am. Hope you don’t mind a dirty guest.”The manager forced a smile.

Meanwhile, Rose wandered to the poolside, clutching her phone. Her eyes scanned the email from Mr. Hartman about the construction plans that threatened her NGO. She muttered anxiously to herself, unaware of the “slippery floor” sign just a step ahead.

Her heel slid and she gasped but strong arms caught her before she hit the ground.

“You again?” she said breathlessly, staring up at Sam. “Are you stalking me?”

Sam grinned. “No. I just keep being in the right place at the right time. Or maybe,” he added, teasingly, “there’s something wrong with your memory.”

He ticked off on his fingers. “First time your birthday, when you looked so sad, the second time was your hiccups and now, third time you almost fall. Tell me, ma’am, do you understand the pattern?”

“Who is ‘ma’am’?” Rose retorted, raising her chin.

“You,” Sam answered smoothly.

“That’s not my name.”

“Then what is it?” he pressed, eyes gleaming.

Rose smirked knowingly. “I see what you’re trying to do.” She turned to leave.

Sam jogged after her and promptly slipped on the wet floor himself. He landed with an ungraceful thud.

Rose spun around, unable to contain her laughter. Her bright smile lit the poolside, and Sam found himself momentarily spellbound. He laughed too, helplessly, drawn in by the sound.

“Need help?” Rose teased, extending her hand. Just as he reached for it, she snatched it back playfully and walked off still laughing.

Sam stood on his own, watching her go. Her laughter... it’s like sunlight. I wish she had let me hold her hand, even for a moment.

Elsewhere in the mansion, Aunt Cecile poured herself a glass of water, muttering, “I can’t stand the way Diana orders everyone around. That must be what killed her husband.”

Grandmother appeared behind her. “What did you just say?”

Aunt Cecile froze.

“Does anyone speak of Rose’s father in this house? Have you ever seen a single photograph of him? Be careful with your tongue. If Diana heard you, she would have slapped you for less.”

“I only said it because of how she treated Rose about the dress,” Cecile stammered.

But Grandmother turned away, unwilling to hear more. Cecile clenched her fists. Why is everyone hiding the truth about Rose’s father? What secret are they keeping?

In the hotel hallway, Diana collided with Sam.

“You?” she spat. “What are you doing here?”

Sam smirked. “How’s the family? How’s that expensive shawl of yours? Hope it is still good?”

She ignored him.

“I came here to use the restroom,” Sam added cheekily. “These air-conditioned hotels, ah, the luxury! No wonder you like hanging around here too.”

Diana’s face flamed. “Aren’t you ashamed of yourself? How can they allow ill-mannered, classless people like you inside?”

“Funny,” Sam said, grinning wider. “Plenty of people here call me sir. Maybe that’s why.”

Fuming, Diana turned on her heel and left. Sam chuckled to himself. What a day. First a sweet young lady... and then the most annoying old one.

Later that evening, Sam entered his parents’ study to find them in discussion.

“I’m telling you, Samantha,” Richard sighed. “You never let things go.”

“Marriage isn’t something you just let go,” Samantha retorted. She turned to Sam. “Tell me,marriage,Is it good, or bad?”

Sam smiled. “It’s good.”

Richard chuckled. “Fool. Wait until you’re stuck obeying a wife all your life.”

Samantha ignored her husband. “Sam, you’re successful, you’ve taken over the business, and you’re back for good. Why not settle down?”

Sam leaned back, his thoughts drifting to a girl with a smile that could stop time. “Because I don’t just want a wife. I want the one. A girl who makes my heart race every time I see her. Someone I can’t breathe without. Someone whose laughter can heal even the hardest day.” His lips curved faintly. “When I find her, I’ll know. And then, nothing in this world will keep me from her.”

Meanwhile, Diana reclined at Westwood Mansion, a servant massaging her feet as Kelvin and Ralph stood nervously.

“Did you get the diamonds for Mr. Miller’s daughter?” she asked coldly.

Kelvin shifted. “I was busy with the party. I left it to Ralph.”

Diana’s eyes narrowed. “So neither of you fools got it?”

She snatched Ralph’s phone and called Mr. Georgia herself.

“Mr. Georgia,” she said sweetly. “About the diamonds….”

“I don’t do business with women,” he interrupted bluntly. “When you have a man I can negotiate with, call me. Until then, don’t waste my time.The line went dead.

Diana’s hands trembled with fury, but her eyes glittered with cold determination. “So, Mr. Georgia doesn’t think a woman belongs in this business? Very well. I’ll get those diamonds from him at any cost. And when I do, I’ll enjoy watching his pride crumble.”