Chapter 116

“Is this Lucy’s bedroom?”

Eirene eyed the single bedroom with more space than she had ever viewed her own apartment. The last time Samuel invited her for dinner, she had noticed that while his place appeared to be a regular apartment, it was absurdly large.

“Yeah, she chose the style herself,”

Samuel replied, gently placing Lucy on the bed and covering her with a blanket.

This wasn’t the first time Eirene had seen him being gentle. In her memory, Sam had always been rough person, never one to speak softly or show care for others. But now, he seemed like a completely different person. He was often gentle with Lucy and consistently considerate with her.

As Eirene turned to leave the room, she felt the walls she had built over the years crumbling. Shame welled up inside her, was her resolve so weak that it wavered with just a little kindness and affection?

She took a step toward the door but paused when her eyes landed on a small cupboard near the entrance.

A familiar wooden box sat on top of it. Without hesitation, she picked it up. The documents and bankbook were still inside, exactly as she had given them to Lucy. As she turned the box, her fingers traced over a tiny keyhole, barely noticeable—no larger than two grains of rice.

“Is this the box you were talking about?”

Samuel’s voice came from just behind her, startling Eirene. She almost jumped in fright, her heart pounding as she realized just how close he was, barely a centimeter away. His warmth seeped into her skin, sending goosebumps across her arms.

“Yeah, you were the one who gave it to me,”

she replied, quickly stepping away to put some distance between them. She wasn’t sure if Samuel was doing this intentionally or not, but it was definitely affecting her.

“Let’s talk outside.”

Lucy was asleep, and they didn’t want to wake her.

In the living room, Victor was already seated on the couch, sipping coffee while engaged in a quiet conversation with Sia.

Once all four of them settled in, Samuel turned to Victor.

“Did you notice anything or anyone suspicious at the party?”

he asked while casually handing Eirene a cup of coffee, as if it were second nature.

“Nothing,”

Victor replied flatly.

“These are the details you asked me to look into.”

Sia, sensing that Victor wasn’t in the mood to talk, stepped in and handed Samuel a file.

“It’s late; you guys should leave. Eirene will stay with Lucy for the next few days,”

Samuel suddenly announced, shocking everyone in the room.

“I am not staying here!”

Eirene exclaimed, furious. Just moments ago, she had been thinking about how considerate and gentle he had become, only to realize she had been wrong.

“Within a week, we’ve captured three different individuals spying on you.”

Samuel’s words sent a chill down her spine. Instinctively, she turned to Victor for confirmation. He gave her a silent nod.

“Who are they? And why were they watching me?”

she asked, swallowing hard. She had felt someone watching her before, but she never imagined it would be this serious.

“We’re not sure yet,” Samuel admitted.

“And that’s why I think you’ll be safer here. No one dares to enter my domain.”

His words carried a quiet reassurance, but Eirene remained conflicted. She still didn’t trust him completely, but the fear of being targeted by unknown individuals was far greater than whatever scheme she suspected Samuel of planning.

Victor stood up, preparing to leave. He had originally stayed to escort Eirene home, but since she was staying, his presence was no longer needed.

“Give Sia a ride; it’s not right for her to go alone this late at night,”

Samuel said, his tone casual.

Victor narrowed his eyes slightly, Samuel was never the caring type.

“I can go by myself, boss. Don’t forget, I’m strong,”

Sia interjected. She was well aware that Victor wasn’t fond of giving rides, and as a black belt, she could easily handle herself.

“No, Sam… Mr. Richi is right. It’s not safe for pretty girls to be out alone this late,”

Eirene added.

Sia wasn’t as tall or physically imposing as Stella, who could take down multiple men with ease.

Hearing Eirene call her ‘pretty’ made Sia blush, she wasn’t often complimented by someone as stunning as Eirene.

“Let’s go. I’ll drop you,” Victor said abruptly, taking Sia’s hand and leading her out.

He didn’t want to linger. Eirene’s silence had been enough. she had rejected his feelings without a word, and staying any longer would only make it harder for him to pretend otherwise.