"Caitlin!"

It was the first time Alexander actually raised his voice at a woman, his tone sharp, clearly out of patience.

Lucas, standing awkwardly in the corner, couldn't help but sweat for her. He'd never really liked that timid, forgettable Caitlin, but right now, even he felt nervous on her behalf.

Because last time Alexander used that tone, a manager from the company who messed with a few female employees ended up practically begging the gods to take him early...

Unless she apologized fast, maybe Alexander would at least go easy on her for being a woman. Lucas stared at the woman upstairs, silently praying she'd get a clue.

Ma'am, please don't ask to die today.

But very quickly, Lucas realized he'd overestimated her. That woman-cold as stone-not only didn't apologize, didn't plead, she didn't even bother to respond. Just shot a look down, turned around and left like she couldn't care less.

The silence was brutal.

It was the first time a woman had outright ignored Alexander. His face didn't twitch a muscle, but anyone watching could feel that strange, uncomfortable shift in the air.

"Ma'am! You're savage!" Lucas blurted, giving a thumbs-up in genuine admiration.

A glare sharp enough to kill shot at him, and Lucas zipped his mouth shut, quickly fake-laughing as he ran over to boss around the housekeeping team-trying to look busy and avoid death.

The reflection of Alexander in his laptop screen turned dark and stormy.

Still, that woman who just walked all over him like it was nothing... he was starting to find her kind of interesting.

Five days ago, Caitlin was barely a shadow in the house. Meek, forgettable-housemaids could talk down to her and she wouldn't say a word. Whenever she saw him, that forced smile was basically her default setting. She was boring to the core.

Who'd have thought, barely a week later, her eyes now held this fierce, untouchable fire. Her attitude? Blunt, chaotic, borderline reckless. She didn't give a damn about anything.

To Alexander, sure-it looked like she'd completely lost her mind. But for a woman to dare act like this in front of him? Caitlin was one of a kind.

"Sir, it was Mrs. Perkins who told us to throw away the vacuum! None of this was our fault!" one of the maids said, clearly anxious.

"That vacuum's a brand-new model-it's super quiet! We tried explaining but she wouldn't hear it. Just lashed out at us!" the other added, barely hiding her attempts to throw Samantha under the bus.

"Mrs. Perkins?" Alexander repeated, lips twitching into something that almost looked like a smile.

Before, the staff at the mansion would only ever say "she" when talking about Caitlin. They wouldn't bother attaching a title unless it was formal.

He wasn't clueless. The swelling on one maid's face, the red mark on her neck, the other two clutching their stomachs like they'd been punched in the gut-Caitlin wasn't just losing her temper. She was making a statement.

As his gaze turned to rest on them, Eliza's eyes lit up with a spark of hope-finally, he was paying attention to her!

"Sir, I don't know what got into her," Eliza said, stepping closer and unbuttoning her shirt ever so slightly to show off her collarbones. "She said the vacuum noise was driving her crazy, and when I mentioned you were downstairs trying to rest, she completely snapped and tried to strangle me! Look-"

Her voice soft, innocent, she even pushed her chest forward a little.

The other two housemaids quickly nodded, moaning and doubling over more dramatically, retelling Samantha's earlier outburst with an exaggerated flair, throwing in every detail they could remember, real or not. Especially when Samantha lifted one leg to press down on the maid's shoulder, her hand gripping her throat hard, saying, "I don't like repeating myself," the smirk on Alexander's lips grew colder.

"Pfft..."

Lucas couldn't hold it in and burst out laughing. Realizing he'd gone too far, he quickly cleared his throat and chuckled awkwardly, "Sorry, sorry... Are you guys seriously talking about Caitlin? Hahaha..."

"Madam's eyes were seriously scary back then, like a wolf ready to bite! Mr. Perkins, you have to stand up for us!" The young maid clutched her face and started sobbing hysterically, tears streaming down like someone had turned on a faucet.

"Oh? Ratting people out behind their backs now? Didn't anyone at the great Perkins estate teach you that's bad manners?" Samantha stood at the top of the stairs, looking down with a calm yet commanding air.

The reappearance of Caitlin made everyone turn their heads-almost like a spotlight had just hit the stage.

She had on a slightly worn off-shoulder dress that hugged her frame perfectly. The neckline revealed her subtle collarbones, and beneath her full chest was a tiny waist wrapped neatly by a stylish belt. The slit in the skirt flashed a glimpse of fair skin that was hard to look away from.

Her makeup was light and natural, the nude lipstick highlighting her flawless complexion. Her bright eyes sparkled as she spoke, the slight tilt of her lips giving off a sense of effortless charm.

Alexander was momentarily stunned. He remembered her wearing this same blue denim dress before-plain, unremarkable. But right now? She looked... stunning.

Even though he'd never liked her, maybe even straight-up disliked her before... he couldn't deny-Caitlin was beautiful.

He used to see her as weak and pale, with a detached look in her eyes, like she couldn't care less about the world. Always dressed plainly, she gave off a sense of lifelessness. Honestly, he'd never had the curiosity to try and get to know her.

But this Caitlin-subtle makeup, sharp features, a killer figure, and an energy that pulled people in-was a whole different force. Like someone had flipped the switch.

"Whoa...Mrs. Perkins looks absolutely stunning ..."

Before Lucas could finish that sentence, a sharp glare shut him right up.

Samantha casually strolled over to Eliza, and right in front of Alexander, she lifted the girl's chin with a finger and smiled faintly. "Guess I didn't hit hard enough. Some people still don't know their place."

"Mr. Perkins..." Eliza trembled, clearly frightened, and quickly turned to him with pleading eyes, hoping he'd step in.

"Three months' pay. Then get out of the estate," Alexander waved her off, then turned to Samantha. "Happy with that, Mrs. Perkins?"

"Hey, don't look at me. I'm just an innocent bystander here. Don't go blaming me. Your staff, your rules-you deal with them," Samantha clapped her hands and walked off nonchalantly.

The corner of Alexander's mouth twitched up slightly. That over-the-top attitude of hers? Weirdly enough, he didn't find it annoying.

Actually, it was kind of... intriguing.

Because of his height, Alexander easily caught sight of her phone screen-it was a map, and the destination? A trendy hotspot in downtown Lichester.

"Where are you going?"

Samantha rolled her eyes and replied curtly, "Out for food."

"I don't permit that," The word left Alexander like steel. His brows furrowed, his patience clearly at its end. She was out of line, and he would put a stop to it-now.

Disappeared for five days and now she couldn't wait to run off again? What-was something outside really that tempting?

"For real?"

Samantha lifted her head and stared at him, voice laced with annoyance. "No lunch, so I had to just deal with it. And now it's dinnertime, and no one mentions food? Am I supposed to starve here?"

Huh? Lucas, who was standing off to the side, nearly choked on air.

Just "dealt with it"?

That massive burger and the whole bottle of soda-who exactly was she "dealing" that to?

Watching Alexander's face turn darker by the second, Lucas felt his scalp tingling. Afraid they'd explode in another argument, he jumped in quickly, "Mrs. Perkins, did you forget? Madam Henrietta's supposed to join you both for dinner tonight. It's about time to start prepping."

Samantha's eyes widened, disbelief written all over her face as she pointed to herself. "You want me to make dinner? Is this a joke? Doesn't the great Perkins family have chefs on payroll?"

Lucas blinked. "Ma'am, you haven't forgotten, right? Every month, Madam Henrietta comes over to dine with Mr. Perkins and you. She likes to catch up, but after dinner, she'll also keep an eye..."

"Lucas, that's enough."

Alexander frowned. The last thing he wanted was Lucas blabbing the real reason Henrietta came over-so she could micromanage their marriage and rush them into having a baby. That way, Caitlin could pop one out soon and carry on the Perkins bloodline.

But Samantha wasn't letting it go. Her eyes locked on Lucas, teasing out the rest of his words. "Keep an eye on what?"

"Uh..." Lucas scratched the back of his neck nervously. "Mrs. Perkins, it's getting late. You should really head to the kitchen. Otherwise, there's no way to explain things to Madam Henrietta when she arrives."

"Ugh, half-said stuff is so lame," Samantha huffed, turning her head aside, though thoughts were already spinning in her mind.

This dinner wasn't just a family meal-it was a performance for her dear mother-in-law.

She remembered what Ethan told her: Henrietta only agreed to let Caitlin marry into the Perkins family because some so-called fortune teller claimed Caitlin's birth chart was a golden ticket-tied to wealth, kids, and bringing prosperity to her husband.

But Caitlin had been here over a year and not a single sign of a baby.

Alexander barely even came back to this house. Henrietta hadn't gotten her grandchild and was fuming. Now she came monthly, under the pretense of family dinner, but really just to micromanage things and pressure them into sharing a bed.

Tonight's visit? Probably more of the same.

A cold smirk tugged at Samantha's lips. If they dared push her to sleep with Alexander... she'd make sure that smug bastard regretted ever breathing.

A pang of sorrow hit her all of a sudden. Her sister-married into a rich family, sure-but stuck with a husband colder than winter and a mother-in-law who wouldn't back off.

What kind of life was that supposed to be?

Henrietta, matriarch of the empire that was the Perkins Group in Lichester, was no joke. But Samantha was ready now-time to play this little dinner game her way.

Without realizing, she clenched her fists, that flicker of ice in her eyes sharp and deadly. Unfortunately-or perhaps not-she didn't notice Alexander was watching, picking up on every tiny shift.

He narrowed his eyes slightly. That glance just now... was that hate?

Alexander had barely stayed at the house since the wedding, but he made sure fifty grand landed in her account every month. She didn't lack for anything. Didn't care what she did as long as she stayed out of trouble.

By all accounts, Caitlin lived a life of privilege. Although the two of them were little more than strangers-he didn't care for her, their relationship hadn't descended into hatred.

But then why did she come back from that five-day disappearance, glaring at everyone here like they personally betrayed her?

Watching her retreat toward the kitchen, Alexander's gaze darkened. Something was up.

He crooked a finger at Lucas and muttered by his ear, "Find out where she's been the last few days. Who she's met." Samantha walked into the kitchen, obviously not in the mood. Her sister had been bullied badly by this family-she wasn't here to cook for them, she was here for payback!

But then she thought things through. Coming back all alone and picking a fight with those jerks who messed with Caitlin might be tough. Since Alexander was filthy rich, there was definitely something in it she could use. So, for now, she'd suck it up and play the daughter-in-law role, whipping up a meal to greet that annoying "grandmother-in-law."

She took a lap around the kitchen and quickly hit a wall-when it came to Calverian food, she could barely get past boxed mac and cheese or microwaveable pancakes.

Samantha had grown up in Farsenia with her dad. After he passed away, she ended up in an orphanage until a Calverian family living abroad adopted her. But by then, they'd fully embraced the local cuisine, so classic Calverian dishes? Not something she ever really learned.

Farsenian cuisine, though? That was a whole different story.

And it was all thanks to this Farsenian boy who had a crush on her back in school. His dad happened to be a Michelin-starred chef who owned a top-tier restaurant. Every time they went out to eat, the dad would personally cook for them. The food was so good, she practically became a foodie overnight-and begged to learn. Turns out, her appetite came with a hidden talent that was about to come in handy.

Samantha rolled up her sleeves and got to work in the oversized, near-professional kitchen. Even the kitchen screamed luxury.

The massive fridge was fully stocked-ingredients neatly arranged in labeled containers, spices and condiments lined up like they belonged in a gourmet catalog. As she rummaged through the shelves, her eyes lit up-there were tons of Farsenian sauces, herbs, and specialty items. She'd been worried about the ingredients, but now? Jackpot.

Then she remembered something Lucas had told her: no matter how good Caitlin's cooking was, Alexander never cared. Cold, as always.

So... he didn't like Calverian food?

She frowned slightly, then looked around at all the Farsenian ingredients and suddenly snapped her fingers.

Bingo. So he didn't appreciate her sister's home cooking, huh? Well then-watch me blow your mind with some real-deal Farsenian cuisine.

After a whirlwind of chopping, grilling, and plating, the table was covered with tempting Farsenian classics. Chocolate glazed pancakes, seared duck breast with balsamic glaze, hearty seafood stew, roasted lamb and potatoes, mussels in white wine, slow-braised beef in red wine sauce, and soft-boiled goose egg with truffle sauce.

As the help carried the dishes to the dining room, Samantha calmly tossed together the final one back in the kitchen-her signature mixed veggie salad.

She'd made the vinaigrette herself, and it was perfect-sweet with just the right tang, super refreshing. She grabbed a handful wearing disposable gloves and couldn't resist popping some into her mouth.

"Mmm, not bad at all," she mumbled to herself, the tangy dressing dripping down her lips. With one arm still holding the salad bowl and the other too messy to wipe her mouth, she leaned in, tongue out, trying to lick the dressing off the corner of her lip.

A pale, slender hand suddenly came into view, gently wiping her mouth.

Startled, Samantha froze mid-move, clutching the salad bowl and backing away as her wide eyes scanned the kitchen.

Seriously? Who shows up like that out of nowhere?

Alexander took a tissue from Lucas and calmly wiped his fingers clean, that usual poker face not showing the slightest reaction.

"You're insane!" she huffed, rolling her eyes hard. "You scared the hell outta me! What, worried I poisoned the food or something?"

Alexander didn't say a word, his face unreadable, but there was definitely a glint of amusement in his deep eyes.

That incredible smell from the dining room... it had actually made him hungry.

Just what else was this woman hiding from him?

"I'm just giving you a heads-up-Henrietta's almost here," Alexander said, expression tightening, voice flat.

Samantha didn't even pause, cool as ever. "Great. My job's done then. Maybe worry about yourself first." She tossed that back smoothly while arranging her mixed salad on a plate. Waving at Lucas, she added, "Hey, um... you, help take this out, would ya?"

Over the past five days, Ethan had stuffed her brain with all the 'key players' in Alexander's life-including his shadow, Lucas-but honestly, Samantha hadn't bothered memorizing any of them.

"Uh, Mrs. Perkins? It's Lucas," he replied, looking a bit stunned, like he wasn't sure if she was joking or legit forgot him.

"Of course I know you're Lucas," Samantha shrugged, totally unfazed. "But your name's kinda twisty. Can't expect me to remember it every single time, right?" She smiled, casual enough to squash any suspicion he had.

Lucas looked like he'd just eaten a lemon. Back when she first married Alexander, she used to speak to him all polite, always calling him Mr. Bennett. Now? She didn't even bother with names.

Women... seriously unpredictable. Best not mess with her.

Honestly though, he kinda respected the new her. Way tougher than before. At least she wasn't the same woman who used to cry behind closed doors when things got rough.

Outside, a sleek Bentley pulled up.

"Mom," Alexander said gently, lifting a faint smile as he helped Henrietta-a regal woman, decked out in designer wear and no-nonsense authority-out of the car.

Henrietta gave a curt nod, her sharp eyes locking on Samantha with a frown. "Samantha, are you pregnant or something? Why didn't you come help me out?"

Samantha gave a slight inner eye-roll. What is this-Game of Thrones? Somebody gunning for a throne here?

Still, she walked over with a fake smile and lightly took Henrietta's arm, guiding her inside with textbook manners.

"When I did the count, today, tomorrow, and the day after should be your optimal days. I had Mr. Carson hand you the test strips. Did you use them?"

Mr. Carson was Perkins family's butler.

Henrietta gave zero care to the table full of dishes. Her voice was ice, straight to the point.

"Test strips?" Samantha frowned, wondering what this new level boss was on about. Ethan never mentioned anything about having to pee on things for the job. What the heck?

"Ovulation tests, girl!" Henrietta snapped, raising her voice. The anger in her tone was uncannily similar to Alexander. "I've had someone track your cycle. This is the key window!"

Wait, what?

Samantha blinked, stunned. Was this real? People actually talked about periods and ovulation at the dinner table in this house?

The corners of her brows twitched. She hadn't even had a boyfriend before this-now she was getting grilled over fertility schedules? Wild.

"Caitlin, don't tell me you've been slacking and didn't test at all?" Henrietta's stare sharpened like a blade, tone loaded with judgment.

When Samantha didn't rush to explain, Henrietta slammed the hot towel she'd been holding onto the table. Her voice came down hard.

"Don't forget why you're in this house, Caitlin! If the Perkins family hadn't invested, your stepfather's company would've died a long time ago! You won't give us an heir, but your family keeps coming with their hands out? Unbelievable!"

Samantha let out a soft breath.

Oh wow. The audacity.That old hag really had the nerve to say that in front of everyone-like she never saw my sister as family, more like some baby-making machine!

Samantha let out a soft chuckle, voice turning cool. "You said it yourself-he's my stepfather, not even blood-related. So why should I be the one popping out babies for the Perkins family just because he needs money?"

"You..." Henrietta clearly wasn't expecting the usually docile Caitlin to fight back. Her face turned shades of red and purple as she snapped, "Caitlin, are you and your father scheming together to milk us dry?"

Unbothered, Samantha calmly sliced a bit of lamb and popped it into her mouth, chewing slowly as she said, "Come on, with how sharp you are, you think I could fool you, really? And even if you're mad at me, what's the point? I can't get pregnant by myself, can I?"

Henrietta's eyes widened, her face twisting with rage. "What-what are you implying?"

Samantha raised her brows, playing up the surprise. "No way, you didn't hear about that? Everyone knows Alexander isn't into women. He won't touch me. What am I supposed to do?"

"Caitlin!" Henrietta nearly choked in her fury. She slammed her hand on the table and stood up angrily. "Watch your mouth! If word gets out, how's the family supposed to hold its head up? Alexander! Alexander! Is this how you let her act at home?"

Henrietta was fuming because Samantha had hit a nerve.

All those rumors about Alexander not being into girls? Yeah, they'd been going around forever. She knew the talk, but she just didn't want to believe it.

It was the unspoken thing in the Perkins family-never touched. Alexander had never had a girlfriend. Everyone kinda knew what was up.

Henrietta had been bitter about it for ages. She couldn't do a thing about her son, so she took it all out on Caitlin.

And now, with Samantha throwing it out so casually in front of everyone, it felt like confirmation. Henrietta's face flushed then went pale. "Say one more word and I'll make sure someone shuts that mouth of yours for good!"

But Samantha wasn't backing down. She gave a smirk that dripped with sarcasm. "Me, lying? No way. You track my cycle every month-you even know my ovulation days better than I do. Everything's in place, except the final step won't show up. Can't blame me for that, right?"

Henrietta looked like she'd been struck by lightning. She collapsed onto her chair, slapping the table and screaming.

"Alexander! Are you trying to kill me? If you don't like this woman, then divorce her and find someone new. There are plenty of women out there, and I'll help you marry whichever one you want. But you can't do this to your mother! Look at your brother now, and then you-how's a mother supposed to live like this?!"

Boom. Direct hit.

Samantha's lips curled just slightly, her smile so faint it almost wasn't there. Getting under their skin was an art-and she nailed it.

Push me, and I'll drag you down for sure.

The air was thick with tension-nobody dared breathe too loud.

It was like Mrs. Perkins had just thrown a grenade at the dinner table. Chaos was guaranteed.

Alexander watched his mother lose it, his arms crossed, brows slightly knit.

Was she seriously trying to bring him into this now? Bold move.

Lucas glanced at his boss's stony face, heart sinking a little as he looked toward Samantha, already worried for her.

To his surprise, she was still casually nibbling on her lamb chop, like nothing had happened-mouth curved into the faintest smile. Lucas felt chills creep down his spine.

She must've just come back from vacation-only someone fueled by beachside margaritas and main-character energy could be this fearless today.