When the maid brought up the fish and chips, Samantha had already finished the last bite.

"Caitlin, there's a cocktail party tomorrow night. You're going with me." Alexander sat at the head of the dining table, his tone icy as usual.

"Not going." Samantha downed the last sip of her cola, let out a satisfied burp, and got up to head upstairs to bed.

"I'll be back from a meeting by 2 p.m. tomorrow. I'll take you to pick a dress," Alexander added, completely ignoring her refusal.

Samantha didn't bother replying. She just waved him off behind her back, clearly not in the mood to deal with him.

"You might actually be interested," Alexander said with a hint of sarcasm flirting at the edge of his lips. "It's a pitch meeting with the Rivers Group about investing in Samerra Designs. The company you built from scratch might be getting funding. Don't you want to see it for yourself?"

"Samerra?" Samantha suddenly paused mid-step.

That was Caitlin's company. And it was named after her, Caitlin had really missed her... so much that she named her company after her.

Her eyes welled up a little. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to snap out of it. Then she turned her head slightly with a calm smile. "Not worried I'll stir up trouble at the party?"

"Do what you want-not my problem." Alexander's reply was cold, but inside, he felt a small surge of triumph.

Women-just hit the right nerve, and they'd fall in line on their own.

"I'll pick the dress myself." Samantha said plainly and turned upstairs.

"Sure." Alexander raised an eyebrow, scoffing.

He'd be there anyway.

After she left, Alexander stared at the plate of fish and chips in front of him. Compared to hers, his version was clearly elevated-crispy beer-battered cod fried to a perfect golden brown, hand-cut fries dusted with sea salt, a side of minted pea purée, and malt vinegar served in a tiny glass dropper, as if it were some rare elixir. A sprig of parsley sat on top, likely for show.

He picked up a chip, dipped it lightly, and took a bite.

Didn't taste half as good as Samantha's earlier.

His brow creased.

Time to find a new chef.

...

Having stayed up till almost 4 a.m. last night, Samantha was still groggy when she woke up the next day at around eleven. If Ethan hadn't called, she probably would've slept right through lunch.

"Sam, can you come down for a bit? My car's parked out front," Ethan's voice sounded low, almost uncertain.

"Sure. Give me a few minutes." She ended the call and dragged herself to freshen up.

Even though she'd called him out last night for being useless, Samantha didn't actually dislike Ethan.

He was someone her sister loved and had entrusted to look after her. He'd been quietly supporting her for years. To Samantha, he was someone she owed.

And she'd always believed in paying back what she owed-whether it was kindness or a grudge.

After a quick wash, she opened the wardrobe. It was full of her sister's favorite soft linen outfits.

She let out a deep sigh. That look Ethan had the other night when she came out wearing her sister's clothes-it said everything.

She didn't want to trigger that again. So instead, she headed to the big balcony on the second floor, dug through the clothes drying on the rack, and pulled out a white button-up shirt to throw on.

It belonged to Alexander-the size difference was obvious. The sleeves hung past her wrists, and the hem hit mid-thigh.

Samantha went back inside, found a wide belt to cinch her waist, threw on some embroidered jeans, and tucked the shirt in casually.

Looking in the mirror, she saw someone new looking back-sharp, stunning, and confident. A total boss."Uncle Ethan, what's going on?" Samantha got in the car and went straight to the point.

"You and Caitlin look exactly the same, but... you give off such a totally different vibe. It's like night and day." Ethan glanced at her, something flickering in his eyes.

"Different personalities, different tastes. It's not that weird. Next time, try not to mix us up," Samantha said bluntly, no sugarcoating.

Ethan quickly averted his gaze and gripped the steering wheel. "Sorry... I couldn't help it."

Ethan paused, then added, "Can you stop calling me Uncle Ethan? I'm only ten years older than Caitlin."

"Ethan," she nodded, cutting him no slack, "What is it?"

Ethan seemed to let out a quiet breath of relief. He jumped in, "This afternoon, there's a party hosted by the Rivers. They're planning to discuss investing in Caitlin's company. I got two invites-"

"I know. I'm going there with Alexander," Samantha said, calm as ever.

A brief shadow crossed Ethan's face. He swallowed hard and asked, sounding a bit puzzled, "Okay then... That's good. It's not a formal meeting-just a talk-so why's Perkins going?"

"He knows Caitlin built Samerra Design from scratch. Probably just wants to watch me embarrass myself," Samantha replied with a faint shrug, like it didn't bother her.

Ethan nodded, frowning. "Alexander's not exactly easy to deal with. Has he made things hard for you?"

"No." Samantha clearly didn't want to get into it. She moved on. "If there's nothing else, just give me a lift. Find a big mall-I need to buy some clothes."

"Sure... We're still heading to a Perkins Mall, huh?" Ethan let out a dry chuckle. "It's the top luxury mall in Lichester-owned entirely by his family."

"Whatever." Samantha looked out the window, her eyes calm. "I won't wear my sister's clothes anymore. They'll all be packed up properly."

Ethan's temples twitched. To lighten the mood, he changed the topic while driving. "You grew up in Farsenia, but your Calverian's still great."

"I owe that to the Calverian foster family you found for me. They let me grow up speaking it every day." Her tone was flat.

"You just got back, haven't had a chance to try much local food yet, right? Let me treat you to cajun seafood boil for lunch?"

"Okay. I'm starving," Samantha replied without hesitation.

They found a cajun seafood boil place in the mall and sat down, chatting while waiting for the food.

"Caitlin loved cajun seafood boil," Ethan murmured, his voice tinted with regret. "But after marrying into the Perkins family, she told me Alexander hated strong smells. Wasn't allowed at home. She had to sneak out just to eat it every now and then."

Mentioning Caitlin stirred something in Samantha. She thought of last night-when Alexander saw her eating fish and chips with malt vinegar and told Mr. Carson to prepare some too. Her lips curled with a trace of sarcasm. "Oh please, like he could actually stay away from it forever."

"What do you mean?" Ethan looked confused.

"Nothing," Samantha brushed it off. "So, any plans for tonight's party?"

Ethan straightened up, his fists tightening. "I want to expose what those people did to Caitlin's company. Once it's out, the Rivers won't invest a dime!"

Samantha looked at him like he had two heads, which made Ethan shift awkwardly in his seat.

He scratched his cheek. "What... Did I say something wrong?"

"Do you have any actual proof? Like Caitlin's drafts, or some other solid documents?" Samantha's tone was chilly.

Ethan shook his head, frustrated. "No. But I thought if we went together, it'd have more impact-you calling them out in person would hit harder, right?"

"So your plan is to drag Caitlin's company down with them? Go out with a bang and leave nothing behind?"

Her detached attitude only made him feel even more defeated.

"I just want to get justice for Caitlin!" There was a flicker of deep resentment in his eyes.

Samantha let out a short laugh. "She worked her ass off to build that company. You think she'd want to see it crash and burn? Is she supposed to smile from above while you wreck everything?"

"And what, just let those two walk away with the investment and live their best lives?" Ethan snapped, fists slamming onto the table. His voice was low and tight with anger. "I can't swallow that!"

Samantha scoffed. "Without solid evidence, who the hell is gonna believe us? The moment I speak out as Caitlin and Alexander's wife, the whole internet's gonna explode. Ten minutes flat. Headlines about her ex and copied designs plastered everywhere. Even if nobody knows who's right, the mess is guaranteed."

Ethan looked suddenly shaken, the color drained from his face. "I didn't think it through... So that's it? Nothing we can do for Caitlin?"

"No, that story needs to come out. We will make it public. Not just that-we're taking back her award-winning work and making them crawl and beg. But it's not time yet."

Ethan blinked, thrown off. "Samantha, what are you really planning?"

Samantha took a sip of her cola, her gaze calm and unwavering. "You shouldn't go to the party this afternoon. There's nothing meaningful you can do there-it'll only mess with your head. Let me handle this. I'll call you in when I need you."

Ethan quietly ate, nodding slightly. After she finished speaking, he stared at her, dazed and confused.

"These past few days... every time I see you, I almost think Caitlin's still here. But then you speak, and I'm yanked right back. Everything you say, how you look-just screams that you're Samantha, not Caitlin."

Samantha sneered. "Ethan, Caitlin was never really by your side. You pushed her away. Again, and again. All because you were too weak and too stupid."

His fork clattered to the floor. His face went pale, chest heaving. It took him a moment to force the words out, almost whispering, "Samantha... for your sister's sake, don't cut that deep."

Suddenly, the loud buzz of the restaurant went dead silent.

Everyone in the restaurant froze, all turning toward the entrance where a strong, cold presence seemed to suck all the air out of the room.

Alexander had arrived. The vibe he gave off was intense enough to make the whole place shiver.

His expression was pure ice, that slight crease between his brows radiating pressure. He strode over to Samantha, voice low and cold, "Caitlin, what are you doing here?"

The entire room could feel the chill in his tone-but Samantha? She didn't even blink. Calmly dunking food into the pot, she didn't bother to look up. "What does it look like? I'm eating seafood boil. Not that hard to figure out."

Lucas, who had heard all kinds of wild stories today about Samantha's stunt last night, nearly choked on air hearing her talk to Alexander like that. He suddenly felt a chill crawl down his spine.

Did she just call him dumb? Seriously?

If Alexander is dumb, then the whole world's full of idiots.Lucas was practically holding his breath for this fierce woman. Ever since he started working with Alexander, not a soul had dared speak to him like that. Messing with Alexander? Yeah, that was pretty much asking for a one-way trip to trouble.

"There's perfectly good food at home-why settle for this greasy mess?" Alexander muttered, face dark as ever, yet casually dropped himself into the seat next to Samantha.

Lucas's eye twitched. Seriously? After being given the cold shoulder twice, the man wasn't flipping the table or storming out. Instead, he actually sat down right next to his so-called rival to share a meal. Since when did he become so chill?

Sam shifted away from him, clearly grossed out. "Alexander, did you hit your head? Thought you just said seafood boil was greasy mess."

Alexander wrinkled his nose and said, dead serious, "I'll allow it once. No next time."

Lucas's lips twitched again. Oh no. What was happening to his boss's tone? That wasn't annoyance... it was borderline doting. Creepy.

Since Alexander had barged in, chatting about Caitlin with Ethan was off the table. So Samantha just focused on the food.

Alexander's sharp gaze flicked to Ethan. "Do you always have this much free time?"

"Happened to be free today. Just thought I'd grab a meal with Caitlin," Ethan replied with a light smile.

"Next time, check my schedule first," Alexander cut in, not even trying to sound polite.

Sam turned to glare at him. "Why should I adjust my plans for you just to have lunch with someone?"

"I asked you out today first," Alexander shot back, his eyes locked on hers. "And you bailed on me to come here with someone else."

Lucas was frozen on the other side, eyes wide. Whoa. The tension in here? You'd think this was some soap opera. And Alexander... was that jealousy hanging over his head?

He leaned in and squinted at Alexander's sulking face. Yep. No doubt. That man was totally jealous.

Lucas had known Alexander for years and not once had the guy ever acted like this over a woman. Normally it was women fighting tooth and nail for his attention.

"I never agreed to that," Samantha said testily. "Told you I was going out to shop."

"What a coincidence. I was shopping too," Alexander said, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Whatever," she groaned, clearly annoyed.

"You're wearing the shirt I planned to wear this afternoon. Now I gotta buy another," Alexander said, glancing at the shirt she had on, eyes narrowing. Damn, though. She wore it well.

"Caitlin!" Before Samantha could snap back, Ethan stood up out of the blue, a bit on edge. "Mr. Perkins. I've got something to handle at work. Gotta run. Enjoy your meal-on me."

Alexander didn't say a word. Lucas, quick on his feet, got up to walk Ethan out.

Watching Ethan leave, Lucas squinted again. Boss was slick with that dog food move. Didn't even have to lift a finger-just swooped in and shut it all down.

"That guy? Stay away from him," Alexander said the second Ethan was gone, voice dropping cold.

"How about no?" Sam rolled her eyes hard.

"I don't like him," Alexander huffed.

"Why on earth would I care what you like?" Samantha's voice dripped with disdain. She swore this guy tested her patience more than anyone.

"Caitlin," Alexander said, voice deep and so serious it made her blink. "Pick out a few more outfits later, alright? What you wore in the past doesn't fit you anymore."

Lucas just about choked on his tea. Wait, what?

That tone. That name. Wasn't he about to start a fight?

Nope. Alexander had just flipped the switch from battlefield mode straight into caring-boyfriend territory like it was nothing.

Talk about emotional whiplash.

"No need to trouble yourself." Samantha shot a quick glance at Alexander, blunt and unbothered.

After dinner, she headed straight to a luxury fashion store she'd partnered with, on her own.

Alexander lounged on the sofa like he had all the time in the world, casually bossing people around. "Bring all of these over."

Immediately, six sales assistants sprang into action, arms full of clothes, practically crowding around Samantha, eager and sycophantic.

"Mrs. Perkins, your figure is amazing! The pieces Mr. Perkins picked out suit you so well!"

"He's so thoughtful, really! Must be nice having your husband help you pick clothes himself!"

"Mrs. Perkins, which one would you like to try on first?"

Samantha didn't even glance at the clothes. Her lips curled into a slight smirk as she walked over to Alexander. She placed a hand lightly on his shoulder and leaned in, giving a teasing, confident smile.

"I said I'd pick my own," she said, voice calm but firm. "So do let me. Your thoughtful gesture? Wasted."

With that, she gave a soft laugh, plucked a dress off the nearby rack without hesitation, and strutted off to the fitting room, moving with deliberate allure.

The corners of Samantha's lips lifted just right, a delicate yet sexy curve. Her faint warm scent lingered around Alexander, and with the way her eyes sparkled and her body moved, it hit him all at once-damn, this woman was pure temptation.

He frowned slightly.

Back then, Caitlin was quiet, reserved-the kind of girl who faded into the background.

Now? She had presence. Every step, every glance demanded attention. Not because she asked for it, but because it was impossible not to give it.

Alexander compressed his lips, frustration bubbling inside.

He couldn't control her at all. Hell, he couldn't even keep his own emotions in check when she was around.

A few moments later, Samantha stepped out wearing the dress she'd picked. She stood in front of the full-length mirror, calm and poised.

The staff quickly gathered around again, fussing over her-fixing the collar, straightening the sleeves, smoothing the hem.

Samantha stared at her reflection with pride, her smile faint but sharp, confident.

"Wow, Mrs. Perkins, you've really got an eye! It looks like it was made just for you," one of them said, genuinely in awe.

And they weren't just flattering her to make a sale.

Even bare-faced, Samantha had a beauty that made it hard to look away. The black off-shoulder top hugged her just right, showing off her elegant neck and delicate collarbones. That figure-enough to leave someone breathless in a glance.The back of the off-shoulder dress had two slender straps crisscrossed and tied into a delicate bow, revealing the smooth, fair skin of her lower back. That slim waist of hers-it was the kind that made your mind wander without even trying. Down below, wide-legged trousers in a shade of elegant gray hugged her legs just right, the stretchy fabric outlining her figure to perfection.

Alexander leaned back slightly, raising a brow coldly. "Every size available."

The saleswoman's eyes lit up with surprise and delight. She nodded quickly. "Of course, thank you so much, Mr. Perkins! We'll have the full order prepped and delivered to your home right away."

Another staff member chimed in with a bright smile, "Mrs. Perkins, your husband is really thoughtful-he reserved every size just so you wouldn't match with anyone else at the event!"

"Exactly! With your looks, this outfit on you will outshine everyone. Even if someone else wears the same piece, they'd be the one embarrassed, for sure!"

Samantha offered a faint smile, polite but distant, not saying much. After she changed out of the dress, she casually walked over to the register. With a light lift of her red lips, she recited a string of numbers.

When the system pulled up her profile, the store manager nearly had her jaw hit the floor.

Turns out, Samantha could pick any piece she wanted in the store, no charge at all. The brand's HQ would cover everything.

And this was no run-of-the-mill boutique-it was one of the top-tier labels in the world. Even their most elite VIPs only got a ten-percent discount and early access, maybe the chance to pre-order limited editions, but buying without paying? That was unheard of.

Alexander, CEO of the biggest corporation in Lichester, might've been influential beyond measure, but now they were realizing-his wife? Was a financial powerhouse in her own right.

His brow furrowed as he noticed the stunned look on the staff's faces. "What's going on?" he asked, voice tinged with irritation.

One of them was about to stammer an explanation, but Samantha stepped in first, raising a hand slightly to stop her. She leaned against the counter, her smile calm but sharp. "Nothing. But thanks for the offer-really. Just... I've got it covered."

Back at the villa, Alexander's face was so dark it was like a thunderstorm brewing. The tension rolled off him, so heavy it felt like it froze the whole room.

Since the moment Samantha returned, it was like she came back with a vendetta-constantly butting heads with him.

And that wasn't even what got him the most.

What really got under his skin was that every single time they clashed... she came out on top.

Somehow, she always managed to throw him, the all-powerful Alexander, completely off balance. Over and over again, she made sure he had no room to retaliate.

She fought him head-on at home, and never gave him the upper hand outside either. The fact that she wouldn't even let him buy her a dress-he couldn't stop thinking about it.

Like it or not, Caitlin-no, Samantha-was still legally his wife. Even if it was all just on paper, she was still his woman.

And yet, the wife of Lichester's wealthiest man flat-out rejected using her husband's money... Worse still, all she had to do was rattle off a code and the store just handed her the dress for free.When a woman no longer wants anything from a man, that's when she truly stops caring.

Alexander looked like he was about to explode-jaw clenched, veins twitching on his forehead. He had completely lost control of Caitlin, and that realization made his fury burn hotter.

Samantha casually headed for the stairs like none of this concerned her, and that was the final straw. Alexander's tone turned sharp and cold as he barked, "Caitlin, stop right there."

She turned on her heel, eyes sharp as glass. "Alexander, maybe show me some basic respect next time. It wasn't me who made a deal with investors using my life."

"Respect? Are you serious? Ever since you married into this family, we've covered every single expense. You get 500K in spending money every month. I'm the one keeping you in this cushy luxury life," he snapped, voice cutting through the air.

Lucas, watching from the side, let out a low whistle. Damn, he thought. This guy's got a death wish. Does he not realize the 'softy' of the past is long gone?

The second those words left Alexander's mouth, the room froze. Lucas felt a bead of sweat slide right down his forehead.

Game over, he thought. A full-blown war was about to break out. And with Caitlin looking like this? She wasn't stopping until the whole Perkins house was upside down.

"Keeping me?" Samantha sneered, her lips curling as if amused. "Yeah, my company got screwed over. But that doesn't mean I lost my talent. I can still earn enough to live on. It's your family who refused to let me work! Do you think I actually enjoy sitting around in this cold, spiritless mansion, being ignored and pushed around like I'm a ghost?"

Her voice cracked sharply at the end, emotions spilling over. She honestly had no clue how Caitlin survived in this dead-silent nightmare of a marriage-but she sure as hell wasn't going to do it.

That's why she hated Alexander's indifference to Caitlin. And from now on, she wasn't about to let him off easy.

She faced him full-on, icy smile tugging at her lips, eyes blazing with contempt so clear it made Alexander's chest tighten. Every word out of her mouth cut like a knife.

Was this really Caitlin-the timid, gentle woman everyone thought they knew?

Alexander's mind reeled. This woman looked like she was daring him to fight back, practically radiating the message: "Come at me if you want. I'm not scared of anything-and you? You're not worth my fear."

It was terrifying, honestly. How could someone flip a switch in just five days and become a whole different person?

"My name is Caitlin," she said slowly, deliberately, jabbing a finger at her own chest. "You'd better remember it-because starting today, it'll haunt you."

And just like that, her presence seemed to suck all the air out of the room, her cold defiance instantly putting Alexander on the defensive.