Chapter 4 You Look Like Samantha

• Nadia was rendered speechless.
• The soft footsteps didn't stop, moving straight on instead.
• A sense of unease settled in Nadia's heart, wondering if Joseph's sudden departure had something to do with her. Thus, she left as soon as the chess game ended.
• Upon stepping into the courtyard, a blinding ray of light shot toward her. Nadia instinctively raised her hand to shield her eyes.
• From behind the light, a somber voice was heard. “Get in the car!”
• Nadia's brow furrowed.
• As she took a stride toward the Maybach, the car lights were turned off. She then settled herself into the back seat of the car.
• Nadia had seen Joseph driving, with Samantha in the front passenger seat, so she didn't take that spot.
• Joseph's voice came from the driver's seat, his tone unfriendly. “Did you tell my mother?”
• “Tell her what?” Nadia was confused.
• Joseph chuckled lightly, clearly exasperated by her innocent act. “On Sammy's birthday, I gave her a necklace worth a million. You got jealous and asked my mother for one worth five million. You even took the opportunity to tattle on me!”
• Wanting the necklace wasn't a big deal, but tattling was truly despicable.
• Nadia was outraged by what she heard. “Are you out of your mind? Who would care about that piece of junk!”
• If she had a fondness for wearing jewelry, all the pieces she owned wouldn't be gathering dust in the cabinet.
• Moreover, how was she supposed to know what birthday gift he had given to Samantha?
• Nadia's breath hitched, her irritation prompting her to add, “Do you really think I need to tattle about your little affair with Samantha? Everyone already knows about it.”
• The words echoed Rebecca's exactly.
• Joseph scoffed coldly. As the last bit of his cigarette burned out, he flicked the butt away, rolled up the car window, and drove off.
• However, not long after the car left the mansion district, it pulled over to the side and stopped.
• “Get out of the car!” Joseph barked.
• Taken aback, she stared at Joseph in disbelief.
• The passing headlights outside briefly illuminated his handsome face before it faded away. Nadia caught sight of his somber expression and how his lips were pressed into a thin line.
• Realizing that he genuinely wanted her to get out of the car, Nadia didn't hesitate any longer. She opened the car door and stepped out.
• Without a moment's hesitation, the Maybach drove off, quickly disappearing into the flow of vehicles under the cover of night.
• Nadia watched as the car drove away, feeling a sense of gloom. Who on earth have I married? Not only am I accused of something I didn't commit, but I am left stranded on the side of the road.
• The Lawson residence was located in the suburbs. Although the road was busy with traffic, hailing a taxi was challenging. Nadia had to wait for half an hour before she managed to flag one down.
• At Summer Night Bar, Nadia stood by the bar, tilting her head back to down the cocktail the female owner had personally mixed for her.
• Lana Summers flashed a grin. “Upset again? I told you before, you can't rely on a man like Joseph!”
• Handing a cocktail to another customer, Lana leaned her seductive figure toward Nadia from across the bar. “Would you like me to introduce you to some handsome guys to hang out with?”
• Nadia choked on her drink. “No!”
• I don't want to be a maneater.
• Lana laughed, then motioned for someone to come over. “Go and call everyone here!”
• In no time, several strong-looking and handsome young men had gathered in front of Nadia.
• Lana said, “Take your pick. You can choose one or take them all. Today, they're on the house!”
• Nadia spewed out a mouthful of her drink. “Stop, stop!”
• If she really had to sleep with these men, she didn't feel like she was betraying Joseph. After all, he was the one who had wronged her first. However, she felt guilty toward Rebecca.
• The latter had pampered her as if she were her own daughter.
• Moreover, Victor treated her as if she were his own granddaughter.
• With a charming and flirtatious smile, Lana said, “Alright, whatever you say.”
• Nadia stayed at the bar until late into the night before finally leaving in Lana's car.
• She didn't return to Willowshire Villa, as she didn't want to see Joseph. Instead, she went straight to her loft condominium in the city. This was her private property, unbeknownst to Joseph.
• She stayed there for two consecutive days, and on the third day, Lana came to pick her up, mentioning that she wanted to introduce some friends to her.
• Before setting off, Nadia even took the time to apply makeup, donning the long white dress gifted by Rebecca. It made her look even more stunning than usual.
• Looking at her graceful reflection in the mirror, Nadia thought to herself, No wonder Joseph is so smitten with Samantha. She indeed has a certain feminine allure.
• Lana brought Nadia to a manor in the western suburbs and introduced her to a few of her own friends.
• At that moment, a new figure appeared not far away. The man was dressed in a dark suit, exuding an imposing aura. His eyes, black as obsidian, lingered on her for a fleeting moment before shifting away.
• Beside him, a man who had been seeking an opportunity to strike up a conversation with Joseph said, “I believe that's Mrs. Lawson!”
• He had seen Nadia when he was at the Lawson residence.
• Joseph didn't even spare a glance. “You've must have gotten the wrong person.”
• Not far off, Nadia's hand trembled as she held a wine glass. They were secretly married, and Joseph had never publicly acknowledged her as Mrs. Lawson. Yet, upon hearing his cold and heartless words, a sharp pain still shot through her heart.
• “Excuse me, I need to use the restroom,” Nadia said to the man who was making small talk across the table. Lifting the hem of her dress, she headed toward the restroom.
• However, in the moment she turned around, her face had paled considerably.
• In the direction of the restroom, there was an arched doorway that exuded an antique charm and was adorned with a curtain of beads. As Nadia passed by, a strand of the bead curtain was flung up, striking her face.
• Crying out softly, Nadia covered her face and turned around.
• As Joseph's figure passed through the beaded curtains, his disdainful voice rang out. “You look like Samantha. Aren't you tired of this, Ms. Xander?”
• A burning sting spread across Nadia's cheek, as she retorted in indignation, “Joseph, if you want a divorce, just say it. We can meet at the entrance of City Hall first thing tomorrow morning. Whoever doesn't show up is a coward!”
• With that, she turned around and left.
• She truly had enough of him.
• Beyond the curtain of pearls, Joseph stood frozen at his feet.
• Nadia had never been this angry before, not even when someone had snapped photos of Joseph and Samantha leaving the mansion in Westhill, when he stayed overnight at Samantha's place, and when he had abandoned her halfway.
• However, a single phrase likening her to Samantha deeply wounded her.
• The next morning at eight o'clock sharp, Nadia was waiting for Joseph at the entrance of City Hall. An hour passed, but there was still no sign of Joseph.
• Nadia dialed his mobile number, but there was no answer on the other end.
• Nadia dialed Lucas' number, and the latter informed her that Joseph was in a meeting.
• At ten o'clock, Nadia tried calling Joseph again, only to be met with a busy tone. Undeterred, Nadia called Lucas again. “Has Mr. Lawson's meeting not ended yet?”
• Lucas cast a quick glance at the person working diligently next to him. He had no idea what Joseph had been so busy with all morning, especially since there was no scheduled meeting to speak of.
• His voice brimmed with laughter from the other end of the phone. “Yes, it's still going on!”
• Nadia furrowed her brows. “Then tell him to swing by City Hall once he's done!”
• Lucas replied, “Alright, alright!”
• Another hour slipped by and it was almost closing time for the Civil Affairs Bureau. Nadia dialed Joseph's cell phone once again, but this time, it was switched off.
• Once again, Nadia dialed Lucas' number, her patience stretched to its limit. “Hello, please get Joseph on the phone.”
• Lucas glanced at the tall figure boarding the airplane, feeling somewhat perplexed.
• I haven't heard of any issues needing attention, so why the sudden business trip? I didn't even have time to pack.
• “Mrs. Lawson, Mr. Lawson has left on a business trip. He's already boarded the plane.”
• Nadia was rendered speechless.
• On the plane, Joseph donned an eye mask and closed his eyes to rest.
• Lucas cautiously asked from the side, “Mr. Lawson, what's our purpose for going to Hofcaster this time?”
• Joseph lowered his voice. “You're the assistant and you don't know? Why are you asking me?”
• Lucas thought to himself, Mr. Lawson, you probably don't even know what you're doing there, do you?