Trick Him Into Divorce, Then Flee With His Unknow Kid

Chapter 77: Chapter 77 The Price of Devotion

Samantha was overjoyed.

Her gaze became even more tender and affectionate.

She hadn’t expected Ryan to agree so readily.

The last time, they had regrettably been unable to appear together as guests on the livestream.

But this time was different.

It was a documentary.

They wouldn’t have to follow the structure of a livestream or stick to specific topics. They could interact naturally, and the outcome would be entirely different.

The thought made her even more excited.

She had once viewed Rose as a stumbling block, but in the end, the woman was completely harmless—so insignificant it was almost laughable.

Wasn’t Ryan’s attitude, in a sense, a public declaration that she was the only woman he acknowledged and accepted?

If he hadn’t already envisioned a future with her, why would he agree to leave behind footage that belonged exclusively to the two of them?

Even Oliver was surprised.

In truth, he had only been joking.

After all, this was a public documentary.

But now it seemed obvious.

Ryan had already made Samantha a permanent part of his life.

Setting aside the fact that she had once saved his grandfather’s life, he clearly intended to take her seriously.

*****

Filming for the documentary was about to begin.

The production would take place across three locations:

The G.S. Research Center

The New Hope Laboratory

The Peace Clinical Trials Department

Camera positions would be finalized before official filming began.

When Rose arrived, Diana was already directing the crew as they set up equipment.

"Since the theme is modern medicine and pharmaceutical innovation, should we invite Dr. Nathan to make a cameo appearance?" Diana asked.

She felt that if Dr. Nathan appeared alongside Rose—even briefly—the impact would be tremendous.

After all, Dr. Nathan was one of the most respected pharmacologists in the country, a pioneer whose research had transformed the field and influenced generations of scientists.

There was no stronger endorsement than that.

Rose rubbed her arms dramatically.

"The old man retired ages ago. He hates being in the spotlight. Besides, he spends every day with Ariel now. He wouldn’t want anything to do with me."

"Just ask him. Give it a try."

Diana poked Rose’s arm.

It was obvious she wanted to borrow some of Dr. Nathan’s prestige.

"Then go beg Caleb to speak with him. I’m not volunteering to get yelled at."

Rose was thoroughly intimidated by her mentor.

Even though Dr. Nathan treated her more like a granddaughter than a student, years of studying under him had left deep psychological scars.

There had been countless hand slaps, lectures, pharmacology exams, research papers, and grueling hours in the lab.

No matter how good or terrible her medicinal formulas tasted, she always had to sample every single one herself.

And if they ever traveled abroad together?

Her workload would double instantly.

She would have to balance research projects with all the assignments Dr. Nathan would undoubtedly give her.

She wasn’t a masochist.

Still, she planned to have dinner at Dr. Nathan’s house that evening.

Ariel had been saying she missed her.

Fortunately, Phase One of the animal trials was progressing smoothly, giving Rose a rare opportunity to take a break.

*****

Just after six o’clock that evening, Rose arrived.

Caleb was already there.

He shrugged helplessly.

"Diana told me to come, so here I am to get scolded."

Rose couldn’t help laughing.

Diana had really sent Caleb ahead as a sacrificial offering.

As they approached the house, Rose noticed a black sedan parked near the side entrance of the courtyard.

The interior light was on, and someone appeared to be sitting inside, though she couldn’t make out who it was.

The license plate wasn’t visible, but she knew immediately that it wasn’t Dr. Nathan’s car.

A flicker of suspicion crossed her mind.

Still, she didn’t dwell on it and followed Caleb inside.

The moment she stepped through the door, she heard a familiar voice.

"The documentary will consist of three episodes. I’d sincerely like to invite you to participate. Even a few minutes of screen time would be invaluable. I’d like you to serve as a special mentor for my team."

Rose froze.

She looked toward the living room.

Ryan and Samantha were already there.

Hearing movement, both of them turned to look.

The moment Samantha saw Rose enter alongside Caleb, a flash of displeasure crossed her face.

Rose’s appearance at Dr. Nathan’s house could only mean one thing.

She must be trying to use Caleb’s connections to compete for opportunities.

Ryan also glanced at Rose casually.

Then his gaze paused.

Because he noticed that her expression had gone rigid.

His eyes narrowed slightly.

Rose, however, wasn’t paying attention to Ryan.

Her eyes instinctively shifted toward the staircase leading to the second floor.

Was Ariel home?

Or had she gone out somewhere?

The terrifying possibility of her secret being exposed made it difficult for her to remain calm.

She had never imagined Ryan would appear at Dr. Nathan’s home with Samantha.

"Mr. Knight."

Caleb immediately understood Rose’s anxiety and subtly stepped in front of her.

"Thank you for taking the time to visit Dr. Nathan’s home."

The statement was perfectly polite.

Dr. Nathan lived in one of the country’s most exclusive gated communities, home to numerous high-profile figures.

Without authorization, entry was impossible.

Ryan’s lips curved faintly.

He had not missed Caleb’s protective gesture.

Calmly, he replied, "I was fortunate enough to meet Director Paul, who strongly supports who strongly supports the medical innovation and pharmaceutical research. He kindly recommended me."

Rose silently clenched her fists.

She knew Ryan possessed tremendous influence and connections.

Yet he was using all of them to pave the way for Samantha.

The entire situation felt absurd.

Dr. Nathan wasn’t pleased either.

However, since Director Paul had personally accompanied his guests, outright throwing them out wasn’t exactly an option.

Ryan—who had once practically been his grandson-in-law—had now arrived with his mistress and was asking for favors on her behalf.

Did they really think this was a courtesy visit?

It felt more like a provocation.

"No need to waste your breath."

Dr. Nathan set down his cup of Earl Grey tea.

"I’m not interested in charity work."

His tone left no room for discussion.

Samantha’s expression froze.

Charity work?

No matter how anyone looked at it, she was one of the brightest young talents in the field.

Her résumé stood at the very top among her generation.

How could Dr. Nathan dismiss her so casually?

Did he truly believe someone more talented existed?

She certainly didn’t.

"If you’re willing to help, I can donate fifty million dollars to the Riri Care Children’s Critical Illness Foundation you established."

Ryan’s expression remained calm.

"The funds can be used to assist children suffering from serious illnesses."

He played his card without hesitation.

Even Rose couldn’t suppress a sarcastic smile.

Ryan’s love really was expensive.

Dr. Nathan’s face darkened immediately.

After all, Riri Care had been established in Ariel’s name.

When Ariel was born, her health had been extremely fragile.

Rose herself had nearly died during childbirth.

Only two days after Ariel’s birth, the child had been rushed into intensive care.

At the time, Rose had stood outside the ICU completely alone, crying until she had no tears left.

And where had Ryan been?

Nowhere.

He hadn’t spared a single thought for his wife.

The foundation had originally been created to bring blessings to Ariel and provide assistance to children facing serious illnesses.

And now...

Ariel’s biological father was attempting to use it as a token of affection for another woman.

It felt like a direct insult to Ariel herself.

Meanwhile, Samantha’s earlier dissatisfaction vanished completely.

Naturally, she reached out and rested her hand lightly on Ryan’s arm.

Smiling shyly, she added, "In that case, I’d also like to donate twenty million dollars in support. Ryan and I both care deeply about charitable causes."

Together.

Seventy million dollars.

The room fell silent for a moment.

How could Rose miss the implication?

They weren’t just making a donation—they were presenting themselves as a team.

Ryan made his pledge. Samantha immediately matched it with one of her own. Standing side by side, speaking with one voice, they looked less like business associates and more like a couple making a joint commitment.

Even a charitable contribution had become a public declaration.

If she weren’t the wife being betrayed, she might have applauded the performance.

By now, Caleb realized there was virtually no chance these two would succeed.

They were practically tap-dancing through a minefield.

Dr. Nathan was perceptive enough to catch the implication as well.

His expression darkened further.

He opened his mouth, ready to unleash a furious rebuke.

At that very moment—

A child’s anguished cry suddenly rang out from outside the courtyard.