Chapter 70
Tyler walked briskly alongside Samantha, his hand resting on the small of her back as they weaved through the glittering crowd.
His expression was calm, but there was a tension in his jaw that Samantha knew all too well.
The moment they had left Caleb behind, Tyler seemed to transform, his body language exuding a quiet confidence that made her feel as if he were shielding her from something.. or someone.
Samantha, however, wasn't at ease.
Her thoughts raced, tangling with guilt and frustration.
Caleb's voice still echoed in her mind, his pain and disbelief like needles prickling her skin.
She had just hurt someone who didn't deserve it. And for what? To keep up this ridiculous charade?
She glanced at Tyler, who looked oddly satisfied. There was no doubt he had noticed Caleb's presence and seized the opportunity to stake his claim. That smug glint in his eye said it all.
"So, what was that back there?" Samantha asked quietly, unable to hide the irritation in her tone.
Tyler's smile widened, though he didn't turn to her. "That? Just handling business, Samantha. I won't let Caleb come near you again. Not now. Not ever."
"Tyler...,"
"I mean it," he said, his voice firm. "I made the mistake of losing you once. I won't let it happen again. I don't care what he thinks. You're my wife, Samantha."
His possessiveness sent an uneasy shiver through her.
She wanted to argue, to tell him this wasn't about ownership or his pride, but the words stuck in her throat.
Before she could say more, a familiar voice rang out behind them, sharp and laced with unmistakable authority.
"Well, well, if it isn't the Wills heir, gracing us with his presence."
Both of them turned toward the voice.
Margaret Wills strode toward them, her glittering evening gown a sharp contrast to the razor-edged smile she wore.
Tyler's aunt had a reputation.. respected by some, feared by most.. but to Samantha, she was a source of quiet dread.
"Aunt Margaret," Tyler greeted warmly, his tone unflinching. "I wasn't expecting to see you here tonight."
Margaret's smile softened as she approached Tyler, ignoring Samantha entirely. "Darling, it's been far too long. You've been keeping busy, I see." She gave him a light kiss on the cheek before stepping back to appraise him like a prized possession.
But then her eyes fell on Samantha, and the shift was instant. Her smile turned brittle, her gaze sharp enough to slice through stone.
"And what's this?" Margaret said, her voice icy. "Samantha. I wasn't aware you were... still in the picture."
Samantha forced a polite smile, feeling Tyler's hand tighten on her waist.
"It's good to see you again, Mrs. Wills," she said, her tone calm despite the disdain radiating from the older woman.
"Hmm," Margaret replied, her eyes narrowing. "I suppose it's unavoidable, isn't it?" She turned to Tyler, dismissing Samantha as though she weren't even there. "May I borrow my nephew for a moment? We have some family matters to discuss."
Samantha's heart sank, but Tyler's hand remained steady on her back.
"Whatever you need to say, you can say it here," Tyler said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Margaret arched a brow, clearly unamused. "Tyler, I insist."
After a tense pause, Tyler finally relented, his jaw tightening. "Fine. Sam, I'll be right back."
Samantha nodded, though she felt anything but fine as Margaret led Tyler toward a quieter corner of the room.
She lingered where she was, her eyes darting around the crowded space, trying to look occupied even as her thoughts swirled with unease.
Margaret turned to face Tyler, her polite facade dropping entirely. "What on earth are you thinking, bringing her back into this family?"
Tyler crossed his arms, his expression cool. "I didn't realize I needed your approval, Aunt Margaret."
"Don't play coy with me," she snapped. "That woman is a disgrace to our name. She embarrassed this family once, and you're giving her the opportunity to do it again."
Tyler's jaw tightened. "Samantha has done nothing wrong. Whatever issues we had are in the past, and they're none of your concern."
Margaret's laugh was sharp, humorless. "Nothing wrong? Have you forgotten the scandal? The photos? The whispers at every event about her so-called 'infidelity'? Do you really think your grandfather will turn a blind eye to all that? Or do you think he'll be as naive as you're pretending to be?"
"Aunt please," Tyler stepped closer, his voice low and dangerous. "I won't let you or anyone else disrespect my wife. Samantha has earned her place in this family, and I won't tolerate anyone trying to push her out. Not even you."
Margaret's lips pressed into a thin line. "You're making a mistake, Tyler. If you don't handle this now, I will. Do away with her-or I'll help you do it."
Tyler's eyes burned with defiance. "Do whatever you think you need to, Margaret. But don't underestimate me."
The older woman stared at him for a long moment, her expression unreadable, before finally stepping back. "You'll regret this," she said, her voice quiet but venomous.
"We'll see," Tyler replied, his tone equally cold.
Tyler returned to Samantha a few moments later, his face betraying none of the tension from his conversation.
"What was that about?" Samantha asked, though she already had a sinking feeling she knew.
"Nothing important," Tyler said, his hand settling on her back once more. "Shall we leave?"
Samantha hesitated but nodded, following him toward the exit. As they stepped outside into the cool night air, she couldn't help but glance over her shoulder, half-expecting to see Caleb watching them again.
Instead, all she saw was Margaret, her sharp gaze tracking their every move.
As they reached the car, Tyler opened the door for Samantha and leaned in close, his voice low and firm. "Don't worry about her. I won't let anyone hurt you again."