Free Web NovelChapter 293: Chapter 293 Hidden Agendas
Rose had no need for Ryan’s poorly timed display of concern.
Things like this had happened from time to time during their marriage.
Back then, she had looked at everything through rose-colored glasses, convincing herself it was love.
She wouldn’t make that mistake again.
Some men were experts at putting on a convincing facade.
Ryan was exactly that kind of man.
He wore the mask of a gentleman while hiding a heart that was cold and inaccessible beneath it.
He could watch someone fall into the abyss because of his so-called kindness without batting an eye.
To him, it was probably no different than watching a clown perform.
So she rejected him without hesitation.
Ryan had little appetite and barely touched the rest of his meal.
He simply glanced at the small bowl Rose had pushed back toward him as though it had been tossed aside like something unwanted.
Without reacting, he picked up his cutlery and quietly ate the fish himself.
Rose simply served herself another piece.
Derick happened to notice that she reached for the same few dishes several times.
His gaze settled on her.
Watching the young woman eat quietly and gracefully, her delicate profile illuminated by the light, he found himself strangely drawn to her.
"The dishes you like remind me of an old friend."
Rose hadn’t expected Derick to suddenly speak to her.
The others were equally surprised.
No one else had been paying attention to what she was eating.
They all looked at Derick curiously.
Victoria smiled.
"Who are you talking about?"
Derick paused for a moment.
In the end, he said nothing.
Rose had no intention of asking further.
Daisy noticed that Derick’s attention remained fixed on Rose.
A trace of coldness flashed across her face as she shot Rose a subtle glare.
As the lunch came to an end, Trevor pushed back his chair and stood.
Without the slightest hesitation, he walked straight toward Rose.
Ignoring Ryan, who was still seated beside her, Trevor said, "I’ll take you home."
There was no attempt to hide the intimacy in his words.
Rose didn’t refuse.
"Okay."
Julia, who was in an especially good mood, also walked over.
"Rose, now that everything has been settled today, our families will only be business partners from now on."
"So go ahead and continue planning your wedding with Trevor."
"Don’t worry. We’ll make sure everything is perfect. People will only envy you."
Like mother, like son.
Neither of them made any effort to avoid Ryan, who was still nearby.
They openly discussed Rose’s upcoming wedding right in front of him.
Ryan merely glanced at them.
His expression never changed.
At that moment, Samantha walked over.
Standing behind Ryan’s chair, she rested a hand casually on the backrest before looking coldly at Rose.
"Ryan, let’s go."
Rose couldn’t have cared less.
Just then, Derick spoke.
"Everyone, in three days my mother will celebrate her eighty-first birthday in Washington."
"I’d like to formally invite all of you to attend."
Grace suddenly remembered the occasion herself.
She immediately turned toward Rose.
"Rose, you must come."
"I was actually planning to invite you privately."
"Will you be available?"
Rose knew Grace had always treated her kindly.
Naturally, she wouldn’t refuse.
"Of course. I’ll be there."
Grace smiled with satisfaction.
"Then I’ll see you in Washington."
Derick added, "As for the DNA test, let’s schedule it after my mother’s birthday celebration."
"No matter what the results are, they shouldn’t affect the event."
If the results were good, the family would have two reasons to celebrate.
If not...
It would only cast a shadow over the birthday festivities.
Daisy immediately walked over to Derick with a smile.
"I think that’s the best arrangement."
"I’ll accompany Samantha."
"See you in Washington."
Derick nodded politely.
Victoria’s gentle smile never changed.
She glanced briefly at Daisy but said nothing.
Ryan didn’t linger.
After exchanging brief farewells with everyone, he left the private dining room with Samantha following behind him.
Throughout the entire time...
He never looked at Rose again.
*****
Since Trevor hadn’t driven, he got into Rose’s car.
After fastening his seat belt, he started the engine.
"I’m heading back to Washington with you."
Rose knew the Robinson family’s headquarters were located there.
Julia and Trevor simply traveled between the two cities because of business.
The Robinson family had also been invited to the Taylor family’s celebration.
Trevor smiled.
"Ariel wants to go back, too."
"Should we bring her with us?"
Now that everyone already knew Ariel was Rose’s daughter, there was no longer any reason to avoid appearances.
Rose nodded.
"Sure."
Trevor caught the faint smile that appeared at the corners of her lips.
Without saying a word, he smiled to himself as well.
*****
After leaving the restaurant...
Ryan returned to Kingswell Group because of an urgent matter.
Only after watching his car disappear did Samantha climb into the car with Daisy.
As soon as the door closed, she let out a long breath.
She would be lying if she said she hadn’t been nervous today.
Fortunately...
Ryan had been right.
If she truly became the Taylor family’s daughter, she needed to cut ties with the Robinson family as soon as possible.
Otherwise, once her identity was officially confirmed, the Taylors might force her to end things with Ryan.
There was no room in her heart for anyone else.
Even Trevor couldn’t compare to Ryan.
Daisy was nervous as well.
But unlike Samantha, she was in an unusually good mood.
She couldn’t stop smiling.
Samantha noticed. "Mom, you’re awfully happy today."
"Have you already figured out what to do next?"
"And where did you get that ’Jade token?"
Only then did Daisy let out a smug laugh.
"That’s exactly why I went to that antique shop the other day."
"It was to get that token."
Samantha’s expression changed.
"You mean..."
"Keep your voice down," Daisy interrupted.
"Rose has no idea that antique shop is hiding that secret."
"There are plenty of similar pieces there."
"But I recognized this one because I’d seen it years ago."
"That’s how I found it."
Samantha’s heart skipped a beat.
If the Bennett family had carefully hidden something like that...
Then Rose really might be...
"Don’t worry."
"The Bennett family has no one left except an old grandfather who’s already losing his mind."
"He won’t interfere."
Samantha pressed her lips together.
"Isn’t this too risky?"
Daisy sneered. "You’ve had one setback after another lately."
"If you don’t seize this opportunity now, you’ll never climb back to the top."
"It’s only a title."
"The Taylor family needs someone to fill that position."
"What’s wrong with letting you benefit from it?"
"But there are still too many uncertainties."
Samantha still couldn’t relax.
Originally, she had assumed the real Taylor heiress was either dead or somewhere far beyond anyone’s reach.
She never imagined...
The truth could be this close.
Daisy gripped Samantha’s shoulders and narrowed her eyes.
"So..."
"You can’t rely on just one plan."
"You need a backup."
She deliberately emphasized every word.
"Tell me..."
"How far have things gone between you and Mr. Knight?"
Samantha frowned.
Daisy continued, "To be safe, while you’re competing for the position of the Taylor family’s heiress..."
"You also need to make things official with Ryan."
"When you’re in Washington..."
She leaned in and lowered her voice.
"Sleep with him."
"Once that happens..."
"It’ll be a done deal."
