SWNOVELS Chapter 7
Chapter 7
Samantha briskly strode through the rain, the sodden ground threatening to trip her with every step. Yet, she maintained her pace, showing no signs of fatigue.
Enzo, too, was undeterred. In stark contrast, Lincoln struggled to keep up, his exhaustion evident as he gasped for breath. Rain drenched his expensive suit, stray hair plastered against hus forehead, and his vision blurred by the downpour. Nevertheless, he still halted Samantha. “Sammie, please, wait. Can you calm down and hear me out?”
“What more is there to say?” Samantha’s gaze remained fixed ahead, her tone icy. “Why are you following me? Samantha pondered. He’s practically asking for a beating.
Despite Enzo and Lincoln’s friendship, Enzo sided with Samantha, for he had known Samantha for over ten years and only got acquainted with Lincoln a few years back.
Tm worried, Sammie. Can we please talk? It’s dangerous to venture deeper into the forest. Will you come back with me?” Lincoln implored. Lincoln regarded Samantha cautiously, hoping she’d listen to him. He was essentially pleading with Samantha, and the corners of his eyes were tinged with redness and moisture which could be tears or
rainwater.
Samantha brushed away the raindrops from her face, meeting Lincoln’s gaze. “All right. You want me to return, don’t you? If you can safely make it to the foothills. I’ll go back with you.”
Both Enzo and Lincoln were taken aback, each harboring different thoughts.
Enzo thought. “Samantha’s making things too simple for Lincoln Since Samantha’s here, all the obstacles will be cleared!
Meanwhile, Lincoln reflected. Tve seen the wild creatures near the foothills. There are coyotes, ferocious beasts, and venomous serpents. Nevertheless, to not worry Mom and the others, I’ll proceed!’ Lincoln nodded in silent resolve, trudging into the depths of the dark forest.
The night had draped the entire mountain in obscurity. Walking without lights was akin to venturing into a haunted house.
Samantha folded her arms thoughtfully while staring at Lincoln back. She mused, ‘Do the members of the Vanderbilt family each have different personalities? After a brief moment of hesitation, she trailed after him in silence. Witnessing this Enzo found himself taken aback; Samantha was not known for her sentimentality. It appeared that familial ties were indeed. powerful. Enzo smiled with relief and caught up with her.
Meanwhile, silence descended upon the main hall of the Vanderbilt residence following Samantha’s departure. All eyes turned toward Adrienne, who hung her head low. She cursed Samantha inwardly.
“I knew it. Not only does this supposed daughter of the Vanderbilt family perform poorly academically, but she also bears no resemblance to Mr. Vanderbilt. Turns out she’s an imposter!” remarked one of the guests.
“There had been rumors about Adrienne being a bully, but they were quickly hushed. Is that true?” someone else chimed in.
“Most probably. Like mother like daughter. Her mom might not even acknowledge her in the future,” remarked another onlooker.
“This whole thing’s like a cuckoo in the nest. I wonder what Mr. Vanderbilt is thinking, wanting to give them equal treatment. How is that possible?” someone sneered.
Another guest agreed, “I second that. Plus, Ms. Samantha Vanderbilt is Professor Brooks, Mr. Vanderbilt probably chose Adrienne because there’s something wrong with him.”
“What a complicated family…” An onlooker sighed.
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Chapter 7
They chartered and beinied Adnenne. Adrienne mused. So what if Samantha’s a professor? What’s so noble about that? With Dad’s approval. I will always be the only darling daughter of the Vanderbilt family!
Dad. I’m quite disappointed in you. Im tired. I go find Mom and the others. You carry on Conrad sighed and looked at Adene the usual affection in his gaze replaced by disgust. He knew that Adrienne was also a victim, but he was still inexplicably disappointed and disgusted Conrad turned and walked out of the house without hesitation. It was raining outsode, so he took an umbrella As soon as he arrived at the door, he saw Kathleen squatting on the ground, sobbing
“Mom, whats wrong” Where’s Samantha Conrad asked. Conrad held the umbrella over Kathleen’s head, but he couldn’t End Samantha Lincoln or Enro around
ammie ran away from home because she’s angry with your dad. She doesn’t want me anymoresaid Kathleen. Tears and
mingled on her reddened cheeks, and her meticuloudy applied makeup bore the smudges of the downpour.
“Dawson, where id they go” Conrad asked. Looking at Kathleen sobbing, Conrad began to worry, too. He mused. It’s dangerous at night. What if. No. No way. Everything will be fine”
Pointing to the forest. Dawson answered. “They left long ago. They would have reached the foothills by now if everything was fine. But… Lincoln is afraid of darkness, isn’t he?”
“Okay. You take care of Mom. Im heading down now. There’s a car down there, and worst case scenario, we’ll go back to our
randparents place tomorrow,” said Conrad Samantha must visit their grandparents if she decided to rejoin the family. However, Adrienne was their grandfather. Rafael Vanderbilt’s favorite. Conrad wondered if Rafael would pass out upon knowing that Adnenne was an impostor and his real granddaughter had been wandering outside. Conrad did not have time to dwell on that. He stuffed the umbrella into Dawson’s hand and stepped into the rain with his leather shoes. Ten minutes later, he disappeared from view.
Kathleen stopped crying and decided to divorce Hansel, musing. He can pamper Adrienne all he wants. I’ll take care of Samantha myself. Having made up her mind, she took out her phone and called someone.
“Ms. Fontaine.” A respectful male voice came from the other side of the phone.
“Draw up a divorce agreement for me. I want it done by tomorrow,” said Kathleen.
The man was stunned for a moment, but he soon replied. “Okay, Ms. Fontaine. Do I need to inform Mrs. Fontaine
Kathleen answered, “No need. Tell her that her granddaughter will return to the Fontaine family soon!”
“Okay!” the man replied, albeit confused. He thought. Isn’t her daughter Adrienne, the money grubber?
Kathleen ended the call, and Dawson was dumbfounded, wondering if he heard that right. Why’d I hear her say divorce agreement! he mused. “Mom, calm down. Dad indeed made a mistake, but maybe he was just confused, and he’ll come to his senses someday, said Dawson.
Kathleen responded. “Stop talking. You guys should discuss whether to live with your dad or me. Anyway, Sammie must be
mine!”
Dawson scratched his head, exclaiming inwardly. How’d things end up like this?” He began, “Mom, you’re…”
Before Dawson could finish his words, Kathleen wiped her tears and made her way to the main hall. Seeing that, Dawson panicked.
The guests were perplexed at the sight of her, as just moments before, she was gorgeous, but now, she appeared disheveled.
“Hansel, answer me. Do you choose Adrienne or Samantha?” Kathleen questioned.
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Chapter 7
Everyone mused in shock. Is Kathleen Fontaine’s snarky nature back at it again?”
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Hansel was similarly taken aback, not knowing why his wife had suddenly reverted to her usual feisty self. “I… What do you mean? Do I have to make a choice?” Hansel asked.
“Cut the crap! You have to make a choice today!” demanded Kathleen. Her fury was evident in her expression. In terms of personality, she and Samantha were no different.
T-I choose Adrie. Kath, do you really feel nothing at all after raising her all these years? After all, Samantha has just returned. and she’s Professor Brooks. She has no problem supporting herself. Hansel tried reasoning with Kathleen.
Kathleen responded, “Fine. Since you’ve chosen Adrienne, I’ll take Lincoln and Conrad with me. I’ll raise Samantha. From now on, we’ll go our separate ways. My personal attorney is now drawing up the contract. Remember, Fontaine Group holds just as much weight as Vanderbilt Corp. Don’t forget that the Fontaine family is the head of the three most prestigious families and the Vanderbilt family’s only the third!” Judging from her harsh words, the onlookers once again confirmed that her persona as Hansel’s wife was now replaced by her usual self. The feisty, tough daughter of the Fontaine family.
“Kath, are you serious?” Hansel asked. He panicked, for she didnt seem like she was joking at all. Only then did he realize he had made a big mistake. Nonetheless, he felt like he was controlled by some unknown force, compelling him to pamper Adrienne. That was confusing because his relationship with Adrienne was never close before this. He wondered. Is it because she’s Professor Brooks’ protégée?”
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