Chapter 317 

The Haven Mansion loomed ahead as Walter’s car crunched up the driveway, Sunlight bounced off the windows, splashing gold across the lawn where Samantha stepped out, stomach knotting despite her perfect smile. 

Walter tugged at his collar. “Last chance to bail,” he said with a nervus laugh. “We could hit a drive–thru instead, 

“And miss watching your family size me up? Samantha tossed her hair back. “Not happening. 

She straightened her navy dress–the one she’d bought specifically for her first dinner at the Haven estate, Funny how life worked. out. All those years picturing herself walking through these doors on Adam’s arm, and here she was with Walter instead. 

The door swung open before they reached it. 

“Young master Walter. Miss Wright.” The butler barely blinked. “Mr. George awaits in the sitting room.” 

Walter’s hand found the small of her back. The gesture should have felt invasive, but instead, it steadied her, 

George dominated his armchair like a king on a throne. His eyes–sharp as tacks despite the wrinkles framing them–swept over Samantha in one calculating glance. 

“Right on time,” he nodded, the ghost of a smile appearing. “I like that.” 

“Grandfather.” Walter shifted his weight. “You remember Samantha. 

“The Wright girl,” George said. “Your father’s nerve research is making waves. Impressive stuff.” 

Samantha brightened. “He’ll be thrilled you’re following his work.” 

“I follow everything worth knowing,” George replied. “Walter, show her the gardens before the vultures descend. The roses are showing off this week.” 

Walking between perfectly trimmed hedges, Samantha’s mind raced. This garden, this house, this family–her future? Standing beside Walter while Adam moved on with someone else? 

“You went quiet,” Walter nudged her gently. 

“Just taking it all in,” she lied. “Your home is something else.” 

“Family heirloom,” Walter shrugged. “Grandfather would disown anyone who suggested selling.” 

His fingers brushed against hers–casual, but deliberate. Samantha hesitated, then let her hand slip into his. Not electric, but not 

terrible either 

“Will they approve?” she asked, glancing back at the house. 

“Grandfather already likes you. Dad’s practically ordering wedding invitations.” Walter’s jaw tightened slightly. “Adam’s the question 

mark.” 

Her heart stuttered at his name. “Since when does Adam’s opinion matter for your life?” 

“It shouldn’t, Walter said, something bitter flashing across his face. But around here, it always does.” 

By dinner, the dining room gleamed under soft lights. Samantha cataloged every detail while pretending not to. All the luncheons with her mother had prepared her for exactly this kind of performance. 

Sciety 

1/3 

Chapter 317 

Then the air in the room shifted. 

Adam rolled in, Thomas shadowing him. Conversation died as heads urned. Even confined to that chair, he owned the space, drew every eye like a magnet. 

Their gazes connected for a split second. Adam gave her the barest od before turning to George, 

That was it. No double–take, no flash of regret–nothing. The dismissal burned worse than a slap. 

“Everyone seated,” George waved toward the table. 

Dinner flowed with well–oiled precision. Walter leaned close occasionally, explaining inside jokes and warning her away from family landmines with unexpected thoughtfulness. 

Victor watched them from across the table, practically glowing. He caught Adam’s eye and cleared his throat. 

“Looks like my Walters swept Miss Wright off her feet,” he announced, voice dripping honey over poison. “Wasn’t your mom pushing for you to court her way back when? Funny how these things shake out.” 

The table went church–quiet. All eyes ping–ponged between Victor and Adam. 

Victor’s smile widened. “I mean, you’ve got the company locked down, but my boy’s a catch too. Don’t hold it against us for snagging your leftovers.” 

He nudged Walter. “Get her more food. Can’t have anyone saying we don’t feed our guests.” 

Walter winced but scooped vegetables onto Samantha’s plate. “Try this,” he whispered. “Chef does something magic with the 

seasoning.” 

“Thanks,” Samantha murmured, barely hearing him. Her pulse hammered as she stared at Adam, waiting–hoping–for any sign that 

he cared. 

Adam finished his bite, dabbed his mouth, and looked directly at Victor. “Congrats, Uncle. Wishing you guys all the happiness. Then he picked up his fork and kept eating like nothing had happened. 

The silence was deafening. Even George glanced up, eyebrow raised, before returning to his meal. 

Victor deflated visibly, clearly blindsided. “Hmm,” he grunted, stabbing his food with renewed vigor. 

Samantha couldn’t breathe. Adam’s casual blessing hit harder than any curse. She dropped her gaze to her plate, a cold emptiness spreading through her chest. He really didn’t care–had never cared and everyone at this table knew it now. 

Her fingers went numb around her fork. The food turned to ash in her mouth. 

“Not good?” Walter whispered, noticing her untouched plate. 

“Just hot,” she lied, forcing a smile that felt like it might shatter her face. 

Walter poured water into her glass. “No rush,” he said, his concern surprisingly genuine. 

Samantha nodded, taking a mechanical bite. Walter’s kindness only made everything worse–a constant reminder that she was settling, that everyone knew she was settling. 

Dinner dragged on in awkward patches of silence. 

2/3 

Chapter 317 

Later, Walter squeezed her shoulder. “Dad wants to show me something in his study. Take your time, look around if you want 

The moment he disappeared, Samantha spotted Adam heading toward the library. Before she could think better of it, she cut him 

off. 

That’s it?” she demanded, blocking his path. “You’re really that cold 

Adam looked up, unmoved. “Back off, Samantha.” 

His eyes held hers, glacier–blue and just as frozen. “I’ve found someone I actually care about. I wish you and Walter the best, just like you should wish the same for me.” 

The words stabbed deeper than she’d thought possible. She stood paralyzed as Adam gestured over his shoulder. 

“We’re done here,” he told Thomas, who smoothly navigated around Her. 

Thomas shot her a lock as they passed–something that mixed pity with a clear warning–before wheeling his boss away. 

Samantha couldn’t move. Adam’s rejection played on repeat in her mind, each replay more painful than the last. Years spent molding herself into the perfect Haven match, all those hints from his mother, the expectations from both families–reduced to nothing in a single dismissive sentence. 

Irene Sterling. The name burned through her thoughts. That woman with her ready–made family and mysterious background had somehow claimed what Samantha had spent her entire adult life positioning herself for. 

“Samantha? Ready to go?” 

Walter’s voice cut through her spiral. She turned slowly, seeing him with new eyes. No, he wasn’t Adam. Would never be Adam. But his concern seemed real, and his last name was still Haven. 

“Yeah,” she said quietly, something hardening inside her. 

As they walked out, Samantha glanced back one last time. Even here, surrounded by his own family, Adam had effortlessly controlled the entire situation. Her father and Victor’s pathetic scheming suddenly seemed like children playing at business while Adam ran the board. 

She curled her fingers into a fist, took a deep breath. The road ahead was full of unknowns, but she had no choice except to move forward. 

Chapter Comments 

LIKE