Chapter 409 Getting Engaged to Me Comes with Risks
Lynda lowered the bouquet of roses slightly, her eyes twinkling with a shy smile as she gazed at Samuel.
Even though Sebastian and Isabella might be on the brink of divorce, Lynda wasn't about to let go of Samuel just yet. Until she secured her position as Mrs. Lawrence and claimed Sebastian for herself, Samuel would remain firmly in her grasp.
She extended her finger, and Samuel, with a pure, almost innocent smile, pulled out a simple ring he'd bought on a whim. Before slipping it onto her finger, he asked, "Engaging with me comes with risks, Lynda. Are you afraid?"
Lynda thought to herself that whether the engagement would succeed was still uncertain. She thought, 'Who knows? I may be Mrs. Lawrence before the engagement even happens.'
"Risks?" Lynda replied with a playful smile. "What risks are you talking about?"
Samuel's smile wasn't quite sincere. He replied with a touch of sarcasm, "Maybe someone will be jealous of you."
Lynda's smile grew smug. She knew Samuel wasn't an ordinary man—he was the heir to Silvercrest's wealthiest family, surrounded by countless women. If he was proposing to her, it was only natural some might be envious.
Although she didn't particularly admire Samuel, it didn't mean he lacked charm or that he was short on female admirers. But what did that matter? Even with all those women around, it was still Lynda who had captured his attention and fascination.
Her vanity was thoroughly satisfied.
"Samuel," Lynda said, lowering her head shyly, "if others are jealous, it just means I have great taste and you're exceptional. Why would I be afraid?"
If Samuel hadn't witnessed Lynda's true colors recently, he would have been touched by her words.
Unfortunately, he had seen through her facade.
Samuel took Lynda's hand with a mysterious smile and said, "Lynda, I did give you a chance. Remember that, alright?"
As he spoke, he slid the ring onto her finger. The cool metal against her skin, combined with Samuel's words, sent a shiver down Lynda's spine.
She looked at Samuel with a smile, and he looked back at her with adoration, his eyes focused solely on her.
Lynda, feeling reassured, said, "I can endure anything for you."
She bent down, pulling Samuel into a warm embrace.
Samuel patted her back, a sly smile playing on his lips. "There's nothing to endure. I'll handle the engagement arrangements. We'll have it in Maple Valley, and I promise you'll get a surprise, Lynda."
"You're so wonderful."
"What's that?" Samuel said. "By accepting my proposal, you're my fiancée. I'll set you up with a few assistants, all highly capable. Whatever you need, they'll make it happen faster and easier."
This was the moment Lynda's genuine happiness shone through.
"Samuel, you really don't have to," Lynda said, struggling to hide her excitement and putting on an air of indifference.
Samuel placed a finger on her lips, shaking his head. "Just listen to me. What I say goes."
"Moreover," Samuel continued, setting a trap with enticing words to lure Lynda in, "these people haven't pledged their loyalty yet. You could mold them into your most trusted allies, individuals who are entirely yours, even beyond my control."
The allure was too great. If Lynda had her own faction, things would become much easier. She could handle Isabella with far less effort.
Lynda found it hard to resist the temptation, though she wondered if it all sounded too good to be true. Yet, she had no reason to doubt Samuel—after all, he was entirely under her spell and completely in her grasp. That was her thoughts.
Quickly shaking her head, Lynda said, "No, really, Samuel, there's no need for that. I don't need people who are solely mine. As long as you are mine, that's enough. And since you're mine, your subordinates will naturally follow my orders."
Her face flushed.
When he heard these insincere words, Samuel's heart twinged with pain.
He had indeed once been enamored with this duplicitous woman before him. Born into the complex Carter family, his life had always been controlled, with no room for personal preference or love and an arranged marriage awaiting him.
Yet, he had still fallen for Lynda.
Not long ago, he even considered giving up certain things and contemplated marriage.
But now, a cold glint of vengeance and malice flashed in Samuel's eyes. Lynda wasn't worthy.
"Things are different," Samuel said, regaining his smile. "The Carter family's situation is complicated. You'll inevitably become part of it, so it's best to build your own power base early."
With the discussion pushed this far, Lynda accepted it with ease.
She occasionally leaned against Samuel with a feigned innocence, her eyes wide. "Samuel, you're truly wonderful."
Samuel smirked coldly. He hoped that on the day of their engagement, she would still think so. And he hoped she wouldn't do too many vile things in the meantime. He'd warned her not to take his words too seriously.
Samuel's gaze deepened, his smile stretching almost to his ears.
At Willowbrook Estate, a sports car pulled up smoothly.
Sebastian carefully lifted Isabella out of the car, his face stern as he strode purposefully toward the house.
Carl rushed forward, ready to report, only to see Isabella unconscious in Sebastian's arms.
"Get George here. Now," Sebastian ordered coldly.
"Right away!"
Sebastian didn't waste a moment, hurrying upstairs without a second thought.
About five or six minutes later, George rushed in, carrying a medical kit and flanked by two nurses.
When he entered, he found Sebastian seated at the edge of the bed, gently wiping the thin layer of sweat from Isabella's forehead with a damp cloth.
"Mr. Lawrence," George said, nodding respectfully as he surveyed the room.
Sebastian stood up, his mood sour, and his lips pressed tightly together, forming a straight line that spoke volumes.
Without saying a word, he lifted his chin, indicating that George should come over to examine Isabella.
The atmosphere in the room grew increasingly heavy, and the two nurses, unable to bear the palpable tension radiating from Sebastian, lowered their heads even more, discreetly wiping away their own beads of sweat.
"Mr. Lawrence," George began, taking a quick assessment before reporting back to Sebastian, "Mrs. Lawrence's emotional state is unstable. She's under too much stress, and if this continues, it could be detrimental for both her and the baby."
Sebastian turned his gaze to George, his expression unreadable, but his presence was enough to make anyone feel like stepping back.
"This time she's fainted; next time, it could lead to a miscarriage," George pressed on, bracing himself against Sebastian's piercing stare. He knew the gravity of the situation demanded a frank warning.
Sebastian understood the implication in George's words. After a moment of tense silence, he stiffly nodded. "Got it. What medication does she need, and how should she take it? Just tell me."
After George provided the necessary details, he took the hint and discreetly exited the bedroom.
Sebastian resumed his place at Isabella's side, gently taking her hand in his.
Looking down, he noticed the faint bruises on her fingers, clear signs of the struggle she had endured. Several of her nails were broken and cracked, exposing tender, pink flesh underneath. The sight was horrifying and pulled at his heartstrings.
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