All Too Late

Samuel couldn’t find the words to reply, causing his mother to snort.

At last, he replied adamantly, “She’s not going to be with Christopher. She came back this time to reclaim

her identity.”

Wynnie was stunned for a moment. “What identity?”

Samuel threw her a sideways glance. “Didn’t you know? Kate’s parents were both orphans.”

“I knew that already. In fact, I learned about it before you. Who do you think I am?” she said.

Samuel’s face was expressionless as he felt mocked.

He continued to explain nonchalantly, “Kathleen is back because she found out her mother’s real identity.

She’ll leave once her business is done here. No one can stop her then.”

Wynnie gave him her heartfelt advice. “It all comes down to your own doing. How can you be sure if you

haven’t tried? As long as you’re sincere, I don’t think Kate will hold a grudge against you forever.”

Samuel fell silent.

At that moment, the elevator arrived.

“All right, this will do. You don’t have to send me any further. Go back and keep Kate company,” said

Wynnie.

“Mom, do you know about Kate’s identity?” Samuel asked all of a sudden.

His mother shook her head.

“You’ve never suspected why Kathleen and Nicolette looked so alike?” he went on.

Wynnie was shocked. “Wait… What? Are you saying that…”

Samuel nodded. “Old Mrs. Yoeger had a little girl once, but she disappeared without a word. Sounds

about right?”

“That’s right.” Wynnie missed the elevator, her brows tied into a knot. “Could it be that Kate’s mom is

actually Old Mrs. Yoeger’s missing daughter?”

“Yes.” Samuel nodded in response.

“Oh my God!” Wynnie took a step forward and grabbed Samuel’s arm. “Samuel, now that you mention it,

I remember how we were supposed to bring Kate to Old Mrs. Yoeger’s birthday party back then. If we

had brought her with us that time… then maybe…”

Samuel took a deep breath. “I was the reason why they missed out on each other.”

“That’s not true!” Wynnie was agitated. “Nicolette must have known! Otherwise, why did she insist on

going? She was aware that the Yoeger family disliked her and knew you wanted to avoid conflict.

Between herself and Kate, you’ll only bring one of them to attend. She was trying to prevent the reunion

from happening!”

At that, Samuel’s gaze darkened.

Grinding her teeth, Wynnie growled, “Who would have thought? She’s just as cunning as her mom! So,

when is Kate going to the Yoeger residence for her big reunion?”

“She hasn’t mentioned when. I’m guessing it’ll be soon. She’s probably still investigating the reason

behind her mom’s disappearance. After that, she’ll head for the Yoeger residence,” Samuel replied

indifferently.

“That’s right. Your grandma spoke to me about this before. She suspected it to be an inside job. The

security in the Yoeger residence was really tight. It was unlikely that anyone could just come in and take

the child away. Sadly, even after some extensive searching, there were no leads for the investigation to

continue on. Otherwise, Old Mrs. Yoeger wouldn’t have…” she trailed off with a sigh.

“Mom, don’t share this information with Grandma just yet,” Samuel reminded.

“I know. Rest assured.” Wynnie nodded in acknowledgment.

The elevator had returned.

Wynnie managed to get on it this time.

Samuel watched as the elevator door closed before him.

Right when he was about to leave, he heard a deep and familiar voice calling to him. “Samuel.”

Turning around, Samuel stared sharply at the woman in the wheelchair. A cold gleam flashed across his

eyes. “It’s you.”

Nicolette was wearing a mask. She sneered at him. “Are you surprised to see me?”

Samuel merely shot her an icy glance and made to leave.

“Samuel!” Nicolette shouted. “I heard Kathleen was hospitalized. I would like to visit her.”

“Get lost!” Samuel’s reply was icy and ruthless.

Nicolette narrowed her eyes. “You’re so cold and heartless.”

Samuel asked with a grim voice, “Do you have a death wish?”

Nicolette snorted with an evil look in her eyes. “Samuel, you cruel man. You broke both my legs for

Kathleen’s sake. The pain I felt at the time was excruciating, do you know that?”

“When you killed our child, Kate was in immeasurable pain too,” Samuel replied impassively.

Nicolette burst into laughter and mocked, “Too bad she can no longer give birth.”

“Shut up!” By this point, Samuel was clenching his fists.

“It’s a fact. Why can’t I say it?” Nicolette appeared to be deliberately provoking him.

Samuel was on the brink of losing himself.

Noticing that, Nicolette stared at him. “You want to hit me? Go ahead! Hit me!”

Samuel narrowed his eyes. “You think I won’t?”

In response, Nicolette shut her eyes and braced herself for the slap.

She was waiting for Samuel to hit her.

Nicolette had reporters on standby. They were hiding around the corner, ready to capture any movement

that might serve as evidence.

If Samuel made a move on her, she’d gain the upper hand in future negotiations. Samuel is going to be

at my mercy, and Kathleen as well! They can both die together!

Nicolette knew now that Samuel wouldn’t have a change of heart.

Since he was unattainable to her, she would rather destroy him.

Once she got rid of him, there would be nothing left that she was afraid of.

Slap!

As expected, Nicolette received a harsh slap to her face.