Chapter 638 Bitterness Beneath the Banquet Lights 2
Samuel's voice trembled. "An engagement gift? Taylor, who is he to you?"
Taylor gave a cold, sharp smile. "Does it matter to you? And Mr. Collins, from now on, call me Ms. Montague or Dr. Montague."
The words hit Samuel like a slap. "So I can never call you Taylor again, is that it?"
"That's right," she said, her tone leaving no room for doubt.
His eyes burned red. The music and laughter of the banquet faded into a dull roar in his ears. He could not understand why his chest felt so tight, so chaotic. It was over between them. He knew that. He had told himself that. Yet seeing her with another man was like a blade twisting in his gut.
Taylor did not notice his pain. She was on the dance floor with Julian, moving in perfect sync, the picture of elegance. Samuel's jealousy burned hot, but he swallowed every ounce of it.
SamZen Tech's stock had only just stabilized. He could not afford another scandal. And for a woman who had cut him out of her heart? Not worth it.
He ground his teeth, eyes fixed on the dance floor. "We're leaving."
Zenobia's smile faltered. She had been looking forward to this evening, to meeting the city's most influential women. Leaving now was unthinkable.
She slipped her arm through his, her voice honey-sweet, "Samuel, let's dance."
He shook her off. "If you want to dance, stay."
He had always treated Zenobia well. But even the most patient man had limits, and tonight she had found his breaking point.
Zenobia froze. Before she could even muster a tear, Samuel was already striding out of the ballroom without a backward glance.
She had no right to sulk. Lifting the hem of her crimson gown, she hurried after him, catching up only in the parking lot.
Samuel sat in the driver's seat, immaculate in his suit, a cigarette smoldering between his fingers. His brow was furrowed, his thoughts a thousand miles away. The passenger door hung open.
Relief flickered in Zenobia's chest. She slid into the seat beside him, tilting her head to study his face. "Samuel, please don't smoke. It hurts me to see you like this. I know you care about me too, right? The past is the past. As long as we're good, as long as Thalassa is happy, the three of us can be together. That's all that matters."
Her words were soft, almost pleading. They struck something deep in him. He crushed the cigarette in the ashtray, then pulled her into his arms. His lips found hers, and the kiss lingered, deep and unrelenting.
When they finally broke apart, Zenobia rested her cheek against his chest. "Samuel, when will we be together openly? No more hiding. No more pretending."
He knew exactly what she was asking. She was pushing for marriage.
He gave her waist a teasing squeeze and leaned back in his seat. "Aren't we already out in the open? Zenobia, you always try on the shoes before you buy them. What if they don't fit? I'd hate to have to return them."
She heard the evasion in his voice. She knew he still hadn't let go of Taylor. This man was sharing her bed while his mind lingered elsewhere.
Her temper flared, but before she could speak, his phone rang. Quentin's name flashed on the screen. Samuel held up a hand for silence and answered, "Quentin, what is it?"
The voice on the other end was urgent. "Mr. Collins, the major investor who bought in last week has started dumping SamZen Tech shares—fast."
Samuel's stomach dropped.
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