Chapter 5 I had never looked into Samuels past .
It wasnt until I saw the scandalous photos on my phone that I realized how little I truly knew about him .
His childhood was far from happy his father was a convicted murderer , his mother was mentally ill , and he had to survive by bouncing between different relatives .
The younger Samuel had been a rebellious troublemaker.
He dropped out of school early , worked in bars serving drinks for tips , and even made a living by conning wealthy socialites .
No one knew how he managed to latch onto Mr.
& Mrs.
Martin , but somehow , he ended up becoming their daughters guardian .
1/10 Chapter 5 + 5 Points There were even photos circulating of him punching Ryan at a banquet .
The comments under the posts were brutal , accusing him of seducing an innocent heiress just to get a stake in the company .
At the restaurant , Liam grew even more worried when he saw how unfazed I was .
What are you planning to do about this ? Wait and see .
The scandal was escalating quickly .
Before long , someone dug up an anonymous love confession I had once posted online about Samuel .
They meticulously connected the dots , proving that the author of that letter was me .
2/10 Chapter 5 + 5 Points The companys boardroom was in an uproar .
They insisted that someone of my status shouldnt be romantically involved with a man like Samuel .
They unanimously demanded that I redistribute my shares among other shareholders just in case I got blinded by love and let Samuel manipulate me .
As I was drowning in all this chaos , Liam sighed in frustration .
This is ridiculous .
Ethan has been targeting me lately for no reason .
By the way , with all this drama going on , has Samuel contacted you at all ? I absentmindedly stirred my coffee .
No.
Hes probably too busy preparing for his wedding to care about my mess .
3/10 Chapter 5 + 5 Points Evelyn … Hmm ? Just as I looked up , Liam suddenly grabbed both of my hands .
Evelyn! Ive always liked you .
When I said we could live our own lives after marriage , I was lying .
I genuinely love you , and I hope youll truly accept me .
His confession caught me completely off guard .
His expression was serious , his palms warm and slightly sweaty he was clearly nervous .
I chuckled softly .
Alright , lets give it a try .
At the next board meeting , they were still 4/10 Chapter 5 + 5 Points arguing endlessly over my shares .
I frowned , waited for them to pause for a sip of water , then dropped a bombshell : Im getting engaged to Liam .
What ? With who ? I smiled .
Liam Hale , the young master of the Hale Group .
They froze for a moment before erupting in protests again .
No way ! That kid is an illegitimate son .
Marrying him would be beneath your status ! Only Douglas Wright , who had been silent , suddenly spoke up : Ive met Liam before .
Yes , hes a bastard child , but hes ambitious and capable .
Rather than letting Evelyn be 5/10 Chapter 5 + 5 Points manipulated by Samuel , she might as well try with Liam .
He could be a good match .
Some still wanted to object , but I stood up , my smile carrying a hint of mockery .
Am I choosing a husband , or are you choosing one for me ? This is my marriage -my decision .
Theres nothing more to discuss .
Its Liam .
Later , while taking a stroll with Liam , he brought up my announcement at the board meeting .
Evelyn , thank you for trusting me .
Dont worry Ill treat you well .
His usual gentle smile remained , but his gaze burned with intensity .
Before I could react , I was already pulled into his embrace .
6/10 Chapter 5 + 5 Points When will you truly forget about Samuel and love me instead ? My heart clenched slightly .
Ill try my best .
I hope you wont make me wait too long .
When it comes to you , my patience is wearing thin .
Liam wanted to take me home to meet his parents .
I hesitated .
Isnt this a bit too fast ? Fast ? If I dont lock you down now , youll slip away ! While my father is still in a good mood , we should finalize our engagement .
But shouldnt my family be involved in something this important ? You know my situation … I cant exactly ask Samuel .
7/10 Chapter 5 + 5 Points Liam gently ruffled my hair .
I know its hard for you .
Let Douglas bring you instead .
Out of everyone around you , hes the only one who truly cares about you .
That was true .
Douglas had always liked me since I was little .
After my parents passed away , he helped me a lot .
If Samuel hadnt been around , Douglas would have been my legal guardian .
Well , I should ask if hes willing first .

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Douglas is a good man .
Im sure hed be more than happy to help .
Sure enough , Douglas agreed and arranged a time to take me to the Hale family residence .
When I arrived , Liams parents were incredibly welcoming .
8/10 Chapter 5 + 5 Points His mother took my hands , nodding in satisfaction , while his father and Douglas sat together , discussing engagement arrangements .
At some point , I stepped away to use the restroom .
On my way back , I noticed a refined looking man tending to flowers in the garden .
I paused , admiring the perfectly arranged blossoms .
Clearly , a lot of effort had gone into them .
Do you like flowers ? The man had already noticed me .
He turned slightly , a faint smirk on his lips .
Yeah , I think most women do .
Heh .
9/10 Chapter 5 + 5 Points His eyes darkened slightly , and he let out a quiet laugh .
Beauty doesnt always mean kindness .
The most poisonous things often come in the most attractive packages .
People are the same they hide behind pretty facades while doing despicable things .
Me : … Evelyn ! Not far away , Liam called out anxiously .
He strode over to my side , his gaze turning cold and wary as he stared at the man in the garden , a silent warning flashing in his eyes .
Ethan , Liams voice was icy , what did you just say to Evelyn ?