The pain was sharp, yet it felt deeper than mere physical discomfort.

"You're welcome to share my bed anytime. Right this moment, for instance," Andrew said, deliberately provoking Samantha.

He was growing tired of her constant stiffness around him.

Samantha's expression darkened, disgusted by his crude behavior. She fought the urge to slap his arrogant face.

The man truly deserved every harsh word Elizabeth had ever spoken about him.

Samantha drew a deep breath, willing herself to remain calm...just as the door swung open abruptly.

"Samantha...oh!"

Sydney gasped when she saw Samantha perched on Andrew's lap, with Ryan standing directly behind her.

Samantha sprang to her feet, startled by the sudden interruption.

Andrew's fingers twitched slightly, but he remained far calmer than Samantha.

He looked up at the couple in the doorway and remarked, "There's nothing unusual about married couples being intimate."

Yet Samantha felt utterly humiliated standing beside him. As a lawyer, her conscience couldn't accept such vulgar behavior!

"Sorry for interrupting," Ryan said suddenly, taking Sydney's hand as they quickly departed.

Samantha watched them leave, her lips pressed tightly together.

"Go ahead. Chase after them—I'm accustomed to it by now," Andrew said indifferently. "You were always following Ryan around before anyway, weren't you?"

Samantha glanced at him briefly, then moved toward the door.

Andrew's knuckles tightened, but then Samantha suddenly locked the door.

Surprise flickered in his eyes as she returned to him and stated, "Let's continue."

Andrew's heart skipped a beat.

He had only been teasing Samantha—he hadn't actually intended to do anything with her.

Yet as he considered playing along, he noticed the tears gathering in her eyes.

His mood shifted instantly, and he snapped, "I was just messing with you, Samantha! I wouldn't be interested even if you stripped naked before me!"

With those harsh words, he stormed out, violently kicking the door on his way.