Chapter 709 My Woman Moments later, Samuel was focused on the road, whereas Natalie was seated quietly next to him in the car.
Somehow, Samuel pulled the car to a halt by the riverbank instead of heading toward the Bowers residence.
The glittering neon lights along the riverbank cascaded on the surface of the river, forming kaleidoscopic reflections. Meanwhile, the night breeze blew across the riverbank, ruffling Samuel and Natalieâs hair.
Leaning on the railing, Natalie mumbled in low spirits, âThanks for speaking up for me in the face of all those elders just now. If not for you, they might have sent me to the police station. Itâs no big deal if I were held captive temporarily there earlier. However, there are a lot of urgent matters in Dream Corporation at the moment that I need to settle. If I end up being held there now, the corporationâs operation would surely be affected as many things will have to be on hold.â
Samuel raised his eyes gradually, fastening his gaze on her face. âIâm convinced that youâve nothing to do with Grandpaâs death.
Regardless of how respectful Iâm of those elders, I wonât let them wrong you! Didnât I say that youâre my woman? No matter what, Iâll protect you against any harm!â
Natalie was stunned. Seconds later, her lips curved into a smile.
Clutching onto Samuelâs collar, Natalie emphasized, âThanks for trusting me. Even though Old Mr. Bowers was strict toward me and opposed our will to be together, I donât feel hatred toward him. After all, heâs your respectable grandpa who had nurtured you these years and the kidsâ great-grandpa. Hence, remember that Iâll never inflict any harm to him!â
As they were only inches away from each other, Samuelâs ears caught every word clearly against the whizzing of the night breeze.
His thin lips parted as he replied softly, âI know.â
âHmm!â Natalie hummed and loosened her grip on his collar. Running her fingers through her ruffled hair, she uttered casually, âNow that such a terrible thing has happened, I donât think we should continue to be together. Apart from racking your brain to clear my name, you might be placed in a worse predicament. Hence, I suggest we separate from each other temporarily and try to cool our heads off.â
âNo way!â Samuel protested adamantly.
Natalie turned to gaze at him. âWhy not? Since youâre still digging up the culprit who poisoned your grandpa and my name is not cleared yet, itâs better for us to part temporarily. When Iâm away, take great care of the kids.â
âThen how about you?â Samuel asked worriedly.
Locking her eyes with Samuelâs, Natalie assured, âDonât worry about me as Iâll take good care of myself. Iâve gone through a lot before we got to know each other; yet, Iâm sound and safe till now. After all, thereâs still a lot for you to cater to for your grandpaâs sake. Moreover, as the patriarch of the Bowers family, youâve to take charge of the whole family. Donât you know that Iâm like a whirlpool of trouble now? If I continue to stay by your side, youâll be drawn toward the disastrous tornado!â
âIâm not afraid of the so-called tornado!â Samuel clenched his fists. There was a hint of frigidness in his eyes.
âBut I am.â Natalie stood on her toes, inching closer to him. âTry to hold on. It wonât be long before weâre reunited again.â
Seconds later, she lifted her dainty face and kissed him affectionately on the lips.
Nonetheless, it was a light kiss. Seconds later, she pulled herself back just before Samuel came to his senses and intended to kiss her back.
âNat...â he murmured reluctantly.
âThatâs all for today. Iâll continue with that when I have the chance some other time,â Natalie reassured him mischievously with a bright smile.
The next moment, she turned and left the riverbank.
She could feel that the man never shifted his passionate gaze away from her retreating figure. Nevertheless, she did not turn to look at him. Deep down, she was relatively touched when Samuel insisted on trusting her despite his grandfatherâs sudden death and oppressive words from the others.
Apparently, the mastermind started to stir up trouble for the Dream Corporationâs medicine before driving a wedge between her and the Bowers family. She had a gut instinct that there would be a series of obstacles awaiting her.
Anyway, itâs too early to jump to a conclusion about whoâll have the last laugh! She snorted inwardly.
Her smile faded away as a flicker of coldness flashed across her eyes.
When Samuel was back at the Bowers residence, Gavin approached him at once. With tears welling up in his eyes, he sobbed.
âMr. Samuel, I heard that Old Mr. Bowers...â
Samuel knitted his brows and stated gravely, âGavin, keep it mum from Franklin and Sophia for the time being. Besides, I wonât let them go to school for the time being. Iâll hire a tutor to teach them at home. Try to keep everything under wraps so they wonât be bothered.â
Understanding Samuelâs intention, Gavin nodded solemnly. âNoted, Mr. Samuel.â