Samantha withdrew her slender hand from beneath Andrew's robe. As she turned to switch off the lights, he suddenly swept her into his arms.

She gasped. Towering over six feet, he felt like a giant who could easily crush her beneath his weight.

When he leaned in to kiss her, she abruptly turned her face away. His lips met empty air, causing his brow to furrow deeply.

"What's this? Playing both temptress and saint?" Andrew sneered.

"Kissing isn't necessary for making babies," Samantha retorted.

"So we're just animals mating?"

"Procreating," she corrected, attempting to soften the crude reality.

"Bullshit!" Andrew roared, trembling with fury as he shoved away from her. "You're still in love with Ryan, aren't you? Go have his child then! It would still be a Saunders heir either way!"

"Andrew—"

"Listen carefully, Samantha," he snarled. "I'm not that desperate. A cold fish like you doesn't interest me. Get out."

She sighed wearily, accustomed to his frequent outbursts. Though this seemed more intense than usual, she remained seated.

Enraged by her stillness, he grabbed her like a stray animal and hurled her from his room. The door slammed shut with explosive force.

The entire mansion seemed to vibrate from the impact. Rubbing her sore hip, Samantha slowly straightened her wrinkled clothes.

She'd anticipated this outcome—Andrew was never cooperative, especially when it came to intimacy.

As she rose from the floor, a pale, elegant hand appeared before her.

Looking up, she met Ryan's concerned gaze. Hesitantly, she accepted his help.

"Sorry if I disturbed you," she apologized once standing.

"Don't be. I was awake anyway—still adjusting to the time difference," he explained, having recently returned from overseas after transferring to a local position.

After a pause, he asked quietly, "Has it always been like this with Andrew all these years?"

"I've grown accustomed to it," she replied, unwilling to lie yet reluctant to reveal how difficult things truly were.

"I'm sorry. If I hadn't—"

"That's all in the past now," Samantha interjected with a strained smile. "It's late. I should get some rest."

"Let me walk you to your room," Ryan offered.

As they moved along the corridor, Andrew's door flew open. He witnessed them walking together intimately.

BANG!

He slammed his door with even greater violence than before, making Samantha flinch. Instinctively, Ryan's hand came to rest protectively on her shoulder.

Her heart skipped a beat, but she gently pushed his hand away.

"I only meant—" Ryan began awkwardly.

"It's fine," Samantha cut him off, continuing toward her room.

Before she could enter, Ryan suddenly blurted, "The woman who arrived with me today—she's not my girlfriend. She's just my colleague's daughter. He asked me to look after her until he returns next month."