Chapter 670 Zenobia Receives a Summons
Samuel did not sleep that night.
He stayed by Thalassa's side until morning. When she finally woke, the first thing she saw was a small plush bear on her pillow — the one she had told Leo about so many times.
Her face lit up. She grabbed it and hugged it tight, unwilling to let go.
Leo had been here.
After a while, she noticed Samuel sitting at the edge of the bed. His eyes were bloodshot, his hair a mess, his whole posture weighed down by exhaustion.
Clutching the toy, she whispered, "Mr. Collins."
Guilt flickered in her gaze. Samuel had paid for her surgery. He had given her a place to stay. And yet, she still wanted to be with Leo.
Samuel's voice was hoarse as he answered. He studied her tear-bright eyes for a moment, then reached into his coat and pulled out a bank card. He placed it in her palm, paused, then took the bear from her arms. Unzipping the back, he slipped the card inside.
Thalassa stared at him, puzzled.
He handed the bear back and rubbed a hand over his face. "There's twenty million dollars on that card. When your father comes for you, give it to him. The password is your birthday date."
At first she just blinked at him. Then the meaning sank in. She understood enough to know she would not be staying here. She had been used by Zenobia all her life — but from Samuel, she had felt genuine care.
None of this was her fault. It was Zenobia's. And his — for being a fool.
Thalassa pressed her face into his chest and began to cry softly. She knew the time was close. She would go back to Leo. She would leave Samuel.
He held her small frame, a knot tightening in his chest, a tangle of emotions he could not name.
Finally, he murmured, "Do not tell your mother about the card."
She nodded hard.
From outside came the sound of a car pulling into the drive. Samuel knew Zenobia was back.
He looked down at Thalassa. She met his gaze, her voice small but steady. "I remember everything you said, Mr. Collins."
Moments later, Zenobia came upstairs, the sharp rhythm of her heels echoing through the stairwell. She no longer bothered with pretense — here, she ruled unchecked. No servant dared cross her.
She pushed open the bedroom door, leaning lazily against the frame. Her skin glowed, her smile smug. Compared to Samuel's hollow-eyed weariness, she looked as if she had spent the night bathing in champagne.
"Back from your busy night?" she said with a cutting smile. "Went to watch your ex-wife wrapped up with another man. Did it break your heart? Oh, Samuel, I could almost feel sorry for you."
He had a retort ready, but with Thalassa in the room, he let it go. Zenobia could sleep with whomever she pleased — he no longer cared.
When he stayed silent, she lost interest and turned to leave. But then her eyes landed on the bear in Thalassa's arms.
Her tone sharpened. "Who bought you that?"
Thalassa's eyes flickered with unease.
Samuel stepped in smoothly, his voice flat. "I bought her a gift. Is that a problem?"
Zenobia's suspicion faded. She sauntered away, calling down the stairs, "Tessa, bring me a bowl of seafood soup. Make sure it's cleaned properly this time — last time I found sand in it."
From below, Tessa's polite "Yes, ma'am" carried up. But once Zenobia was out of earshot, Tessa muttered, "She should worry about cleaning up her own messes. Parading around like no one knows she's cheating."
A maid nearby stifled a laugh.
Tessa leaned closer, whispering, "She won't be so smug for long. Mr. Collins will throw her out eventually. But Thalassa — he truly cares for that girl."
The maid nodded. Everyone knew the truth.
Except Zenobia.
In the master bedroom, Zenobia sat before her vanity in a white silk robe, smoothing expensive cream into her skin. On a gilded cart beside her, a steaming bowl of seafood soup waited.
Samuel walked in without knocking. He ignored the display of bare skin, dropped onto the bed, and stared at the ceiling. "When you sneak off with Geraldo, his wife doesn't mind?"
Her spoon froze mid-air. Then she smirked. "She's visiting her parents. Geraldo called me, and I saw no reason to refuse. This house is cold as ice. Since our wedding night, you've never wanted to be with me. I need someone to keep me company."
Samuel's laugh was cold. "I really did misjudge you. I thought you were untouchable. Turns out you just can't go a single day without a man."
Zenobia's smile matched his. "Not everyone is like your precious ex-wife, burying herself in work. I waited for you to come home. I searched your eyes for the faintest flicker of warmth — but found nothing."
"You do wrong and still try to play the victim," he said.
She only shrugged. She no longer cared if he respected her — she wanted his money, nothing more.
After the New Year, Zenobia tried to contact Leo to discuss divorce. She never found him. Instead, a court summons arrived. The plaintiff: Leo. The charge: bigamy.
Standing in the luxury villa, Zenobia nearly fainted.
Leo had dared to sue her.
Her hands shook with rage. She had fought her way into this life of wealth — she would not let Leo destroy it.
She tried to call him, but he refused to speak, telling her to go through his lawyer.
Throwing her phone aside, she cursed aloud. "Men are all bastards. Not one worth trusting."
But she knew the truth. Only Samuel could help her now. She had leverage over him. He would have to protect her. They were tied to the same sinking ship.
An hour later, she arrived at SamZen Tech, clutching the summons. But as soon as she stepped out of the car, she saw the front of the building swarming with workers. At first, she thought it was a remodel — a sign of Samuel's growing success.
Then she saw the nameplate being replaced.
The old sign — SamZen Tech — lay discarded on the ground. In its place: TaySam Tech. Taylor and Samuel.
And Taylor's name came first.
Zenobia's pulse spiked.
What the hell was Samuel doing?