Matthew’s anger surged within him, but he couldn’t understand why the scene had provoked such a strong reaction.
In a cold and distant tone, Matthew cleared his throat. “What are you doing here?”
Even though Dolores hadn’t known Matthew for long, she recognized his voice immediately. She turned her head and confirmed her suspicion. Matthew stood before her; his expression so gloomy that it made anyone nearby feel uncomfortable.
“What did I tell you last time? How dare you ignore my words!”
Dolores pulled away from Sampson’s embrace, realizing she hadn’t been aware of their proximity due to her worry for Jessica.
“I-” Dolores began, intending to explain what had happened, but before she could, Sampson grabbed her wrist. Calmly, Sampson faced Matthew and spoke up.
“Your marriage to Dolores is only temporary, a necessity. You’ll get what you want. So, what right do you have to interfere in her private matters?”
Sampson, aware of the hardships Dolores had faced, was determined to cherish and protect her with all his heart.
Matthew’s gaze fixed on Sampson as he tightly gripped Dolores’ wrist. A mocking sneer danced on his lips momentarily.
“You allowed a woman carrying your child to marry another man, and now you come back to protect her?” Matthew glared at Sampson; his gaze sharp as a sword ready to mercilessly strike. “You’re nothing but a coward!”
Dolores felt her heart race with a mix of shame and helplessness at Matthew’s words. She couldn’t believe he would suggest that Sampson was the father of her child. While she respected and felt grateful to Sampson, her feelings didn’t go beyond that. Why would Matthew shame Sampson by making such an assumption? She released her hand from Sampson’s grip and looked Matthew in the eye.
“You can say whatever you want to me but leave Sampson out of this.”
Matthew was taken aback by Dolores’ reaction, unable to shake the thought that there might be genuine affection between Dolores and Sampson. How foolish could they be? Matthew struggled to contain his anger. She was his wife, yet she showed affection toward other men in his presence. Despite his anger, Matthew understood that Sampson was right. Their marriage was merely a business arrangement. He had no right to blame Dolores. However, witnessing them together still fueled his hatred.
“If you still want the Repulse Bay land contract, come find me,” Matthew said before turning around and leaving.
Dolores stood stunned for a few seconds. She hadn’t expected such an opportunity. In fact, she had given up hope of such a chance ever coming back to her.
The temptation was overwhelming. With the rights to the land, she would finally have the power to negotiate with Randolph instead of being suppressed by him.
“Lola,” Sampson said, a hint of concern in his voice. It seemed Dolores was considering what Matthew had offered.
Dolores shook her head. “I’m fine.”
Twenty minutes later, Jessica was wheeled out of the operating room. Overwhelmed by anger, she had fainted. Dolores was her only family left, and she couldn’t tolerate others insulting her daughter. The sight of the defaced wall had been the breaking point.
“The patient fainted out of anger. Ensure she gets proper rest and try to minimize emotional disturbances,” the doctor explained as Jessica was taken to the ward.
Dolores nodded gratefully. “Thank you, doctor.”
She knew how deeply her brother’s death had affected Jessica. Without Dolores’ support, Jessica might have succumbed to despair long ago. Dolores believed it would be best to keep Jessica away from the city where her brother had died. However, she hadn’t anticipated that Jessica would be hurt once again because of her. Not many people knew about her pregnancy. Who had spread the news, and what was their motive?
Sampson understood Dolores’ thoughts and approached her. “You two can’t stay in that apartment anymore. I’ll find a new place for you.”
Dolores nodded. It was no longer safe to remain there, as Jessica could be harmed again.
“I want to find out who did this.”
Dolores sensed that the incident was no accident, and someone had deliberately targeted her.
“Leave it to me,” Sampson said, offering a reassuring smile. “I am your brother, your family, remember?”
Dolores looked at Sampson, her emotions welling up. Sampson had been too good to her. She wondered how she could ever repay his kindness.
Lowering her head, Dolores remained silent, making a silent vow in her heart. Someday, when Sampson needed her, she would repay him in full.
For now, she needed someone’s help to uncover the truth. Otherwise, she would always feel uneasy, worrying that even in a new residence, someone might come to harm Jessica intentionally.
With Matthew’s earlier words still weighing on her, Dolores’ distress deepened. Sensing her exhaustion, Sampson gently stroked her back.
“Go back and rest. I’ll stay here and take care of Jessica.”
“But…” Dolores hesitated.
“I work at the hospital, remember? I have my own office and restroom. I can take care of your mother too.”
Dolores looked at Jessica, still unconscious, and said, “If she needs me, please call me.”
She shared her phone number with Sampson and left the hospital.
Upon returning to the villa, Dolores found only Coral at home, prompting her to furrow her brows.
“Is Matthew not home?” she asked.
Coral glanced towards the study. “He’s in there.”
Dolores slipped into her slippers and handed her purse to Coral. She made her way towards the study, pausing in front of the door for a moment before knocking.
She knocked repeatedly but received no response. Frowning, she turned the handle and gently pushed the door open.
Matthew reclined in his chair; his eyes closed. It was difficult to tell if he had fallen asleep.
Dolores entered the room cautiously, standing in front of the desk and whispering, “Mr. Nelson?”
Matthew slowly opened his eyes and fixed his gaze on Dolores standing before him. He was surprised that she still referred to him as Mr. Nelson.
Nervously rubbing her hands together, Dolores realized her palms were sweating. “You mentioned giving me the Repulse Bay land?”
Matthew half-closed his eyes, a slight curl forming on his lips. “I’m a businessman. I never do anything that doesn’t benefit me.”
Dolores’ heart sank instantly. She knew she had been foolish to believe that Matthew would help her unconditionally. She had nothing to offer in return. What could she possibly exchange for the land?
“I believe this piece of land would be very valuable to you,” she stated.
Matthew sensed her hesitation. Randolph had sent Dolores and her mother away to another country without any assistance. They had endured a difficult life, and Dolores’ brother had even lost his life due to their financial struggles. Matthew understood how much Dolores despised Randolph. He had thought she wanted the land to give to Randolph, but now he knew he was mistaken.
“But I have nothing to offer you in return,” Dolores admitted.
Matthew was right; Dolores desired the land.
Raising his eyelids, Matthew appeared mature and alluring. “You do.”
“What?” Dolores asked, bewildered.
“You,” Matthew replied.
Dolores stood speechless for several seconds. “Me?”
Matthew stood up and approached her. Instinctively, Dolores took a step back as he gripped her shoulders. “Why are you retreating? Afraid I’ll devour you?”
Dolores couldn’t explain why she was afraid of him, but deep down, she knew he wasn’t as kind as he appeared.
Matthew flashed a faint smile. “Why? Have you done something wrong? Is that why you can’t meet my gaze? Because you feel guilty?”
What had she done? Dolores raised her head. “Why should I feel guilty?”
With their faces now inches apart, Matthew could feel her breath, which strangely felt familiar to him.
He paused for a moment, then pinched her cheek. “We’re already married. And you’ve fallen in love with another man. That’s cheating!”