Chapter 63

France. A grand estate.

Samuel strode through the rooms, phone to his ear, his expression unreadable. It was five in the afternoon, and the fading light of sunset cast a golden sheen on his tall, imposing figure.

Dressed in a black shirt, sharp and sleek, he exuded an aura of cool arrogance mixed with an alluring sensuality. The maids' hearts fluttered at the sight.

Standing at the end of the hallway, he frowned as he put down the phone. That brat had hung up on him. Did she grow bold the moment he stepped away? When he got back, he'd make sure to spank her until she regretted her audacity.

Pocketing his phone, Samuel knocked and then pushed the door open.

Inside, a beautiful brunette doctor was just finishing giving a patient an injection. She looked up to meet the handsome face before her, then shyly cast her eyes down, her cheeks blushing, her voice gentle, "Samuel."

She packed away her medical supplies and left, casting one last longing look over her shoulder. Could such a magnetic man truly exist? His indifference only added to his allure, deeply captivating her. Yet he never spared her, or any other maid, a glance. She wondered what kind of woman would ever catch his eye.

"Didn't Nora come with you?" Holland's health had been poor since the incident years ago, which had necessitated his convalescence in France, leaving the company under Samuel's care.

At over sixty, Holland was a serious and stern figure, maintaining a dignified composure even with his own son, as if addressing a subordinate.

Samuel's lips curled into a sarcastic grin as he drew a cigarette, "Why would I bring her?" Lighting up, he tilted his head, the orange glow defiant in Holland's presence.

The provocation was not lost on Holland, who frowned as the smoke wafted toward him, "You insolent fool, how many times have I told you not to smoke in front of me!"

Samuel's mocking smile grew wider, "You used to smoke more than me, and now you're preaching?" The implication was clear: Holland had no right to dictate to him.

"If you're here just to rile me up, then get out!"

Without another word, Samuel rose to leave.

"You-sit down!" Holland's face grew paler with fury as he barely contained his wrath. "You and Nora, you're getting married next month."

Samuel remained unfazed, his words definitive, "I never said I'd marry her."

"Then who will you marry, if not her? The Eilish family is second in prestige only to the Hollands, and Nora is the obvious choice for your wife."

"The obvious choice in your mind," Samuel retorted, flicking ash.

His dismissal was clear; he was not about to bend to his father's will.

"I don't care how many women you entertain out there, but don't even think about stepping through the door to the Holland family home. You're my son, and I trust you won't forsake your inheritance for some unsavory characters. If you want to secure your seat as the CEO of the Holland Group, then you need to win over the Eilish family."

"What if I don't give a damn about the Eilish family?" Samuel looked up, his gaze piercing and filled with meaning.

A shiver ran through Holland.

He'd spent the past couple of years in France, yet kept close tabs on Samuel's movements and knew his son had quickly risen in influence within the Holland Group.

But Holland believed he still held the reins of power, having been CEO for forty years. Samuel's two years were just a drop in the bucket by comparison.

"Don't cross me," Holland snorted, "I put you in this position, and I can take you out of it just as quickly!"

"Oh?" Samuel smirked coldly. "Why don't you try?"

That smile made Holland uneasy. After decades of dominance in the business world, was he actually intimidated by his own son? Was he getting old?

But Samuel, like a young and fierce lion, exhibited both strength and a not-to-be-underestimated ambition.

His capabilities exceeded those of his brother. If used right, he could be a great asset to both the Holland Group and the Holland family. Misused, however, he could turn on them.

For now, at least, Holland wasn't ready to contemplate that scenario. His face remained stern, but his tone softened slightly.

"Nora is gentle, well-mannered, and dignified, not to mention a doctor-the cream of the crop among all those socialites. I've asked her, and she's willing to give up her career post-marriage, to focus on supporting you and raising a family. She can aid you in both your professional and personal life. What's so bad about marrying her?"

"She's fine" Samuel said, a knowing smile on his lips.

"Are you suggesting I'm at fault then? Because I chose her for you?" Holland bristled with anger. "Let me tell you, you're only allowed to marry a woman I approve of. Those flighty types trying to get into the Holland family will face my wrath. I'm sure your mother would have agreed with my stance."

Samuel's expression turned cold, a hint of emotion finally piercing through, "You don't have the right to speak of my mother."

"Even if I wronged you and her back then, there's no need to hide her away." Holland had long harbored guilt over this matter.

Only by finding her can we keep Samuel under control, or else the whole Holland family is in jeopardy. Yet despite years of searching, my guys haven't found a trace of her.

"You didn't care about her fate back then; it's not your place to ask about her now," Samuel extinguished his cigarette, his face set in a chill expression, signaling the end of the conversation.

Taken aback, Holland opened his mouth to speak and then stopped-questioning was futile; he had to keep searching. Those self-proclaimed "top-notch detectives" hadn't turned up anything worthwhile.

"I've nearly regained my strength. It's time to return home. There's much to arrange for the wedding."

"There won't be a wedding."

"You must marry Nora!" Holland issued an ultimatum that brooked no refusal. After two long years, he wouldn't stand idly by any longer. The marriage to the Eilish family was imperative, even if it required a firm hand!

Suddenly Holland frowned, a thought crossing his mind, "You haven't gotten mixed up with some floozy, have you?"

Samuel had indeed gotten involved, but not with a floozy-instead, with a darling little bunny. His gaze was deep and secretive.

But now was not the moment for confessions. He was waiting for the bunny to bring forth a big "surprise" for Holland.

"I never agreed to marry Nora," Samuel retorted.

Holland was speechless. He had never vehemently opposed the marriage, but whenever it was brought up, his response was always a firm "no," without room for negotiation.

More than once Holland mused that in a past life, they must have been sworn enemies.

"You can play with as many women as you want; I won't interfere. But if you bring scandal upon us, I'll show no mercy."

...

The beautiful doctor had been waiting at the door. As it opened, she quickly found an excuse to approach, "Mr. Holland, I heard that Mr. Holland Senior is returning home in a few days? But he's not fully recovered yet, relying on medications. I'm worried..."

"Tell him there's no need to inform me." Samuel's voice was icy, his stride unbroken as he left the doctor standing there.

Entering his room, Samuel called Mr. Vandella, "How is she?"

"Boss, Miss Adkins just got home."

"Anything unusual today?" Samuel poured himself a whiskey.

There was a silence before the response came. "No."

Samuel's frown deepened, his tone grew icy, "Remember who you work for."

"Miss Adkins went to the hospital today; she asked me not to tell you."

Samuel's hand paused, glass halfway to his lips.

The hospital?

Could it be...

"Find out what she did at the hospital and report back to me immediately."

"Yes, boss!"

Samuel downed his drink in one gulp, a spark of intensity igniting in his deep-set eye