Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Samantha hesitated for a couple seconds before finally mustering the courage to finish her sentence, “…I’d like to treat Dr. Sherwood to a meal.”

Timothy’s black eyes narrowed slightly. “Reason?”

His voice did not fluctuate at all and Samantha could not tell whether he was angry. However, she was not going to back down easily because she had already raised the subject.

She structured her sentences in her mind and said, “I told you before that Corey wouldn’t have been treated by the little saint if it weren’t for Dr. Sherwood. I told him that I’d treat him to a meal and thank him, but since it was delayed because of…some issues, I’d like to make it up to him with this meal.”

After a pause, she added, “I think this is something I should be telling you about.”

After all, their marriage had just been made public the day before and she had to live up to the reputation of being Timothy’s wife. She had also promised Timothy not to do anything that would shame the Barkers or the Barker Group.

She was free to meet her friends for a meal, but because Alan was once the subject of her scandals, it was better to tell Timothy beforehand to avoid any misunderstandings.

It was something she ought to tell him…

The dark glow in Timothy’s eyes gradually disappeared because of those words and his lips curled up into an imperceptible smile. Samantha, at long last, was finally conscious of her status as Mrs. Barker.

However, she wanted to have a meal with Alan…

Scenes from all of Timothy’s previous occasions with that so-called ‘Dr. Sherwood’ appeared in his mind, prompting him to frown slightly.

Men knew other men best, and he could see that there was more than meets the eye with the way Alan looked at Samantha.

Upon seeing his prolonged silence and lack of expression on his handsome face, Samantha unconsciously bit her lower lip.

If Timothy disagreed with letting her treat Alan for dinner, would she then have to think of another way to thank him?

The next second, however, Samantha heard Timothy’s cold and indifferent voice. “Okay.”

Samantha was speechless and could not react at all for a few seconds. ‘Did you say, ‘Okay’? You’re saying you agree?’

Could Timothy really be capable of such magnanimity?

Timothy seemed to have seen through her thoughts. He looked askance at her and said, “Dr. Sherwood has been of such great help to Corey that it’s only right to treat him to dinner as a token of gratitude.”

That was justifiable and reasonable, but the way he became so considerate all of a sudden somehow made Samantha feel that something was not quite right. She could feel an inexplicable chill on her back.

She asked again in a low voice, “Timothy, are you really…allowing me to treat Dr. Sherwood to dinner?”

Timothy lowered his gaze, looked right into her big round eyes, then affirmed, “Yes, but…”

She knew that things were not as simple as they seemed, but amazingly, she breathed a sigh of relief and her tone became calm. “But what?”

“As Mrs. Barker, it’s imperative that you show your utmost sincerity when you treat him to a meal. You mustn’t embarrass yourself,” Timothy said casually.

Samantha frowned. She understood him to say that she had to find a restaurant that was worthy of her status as Mrs. Barker.

Her initial idea was to look for a restaurant that she could afford. It was not because she was unwilling to spend that money, but because those restaurants which were worthy of her status as Mrs. Barker were simply too expensive. She would not be able to get that kind of money even if she sold her organs!

“I…” Samantha hesitated before continuing, “I… You know that I don’t have much money. I can only try my best not to be impolite.”

The whole nation had probably known what little balance she had left in her bank accounts…

Timothy narrowed his eyes at her once more and showed a dissatisfied look.

Samantha felt doubly embarrassed. It was not her fault that she was poor! A rich man like him would never experience the pain of having no money!

“How about this,” Timothy said, seemingly having thought of something.

Samantha looked at him abruptly and wondered if he wanted to lend her money?

She then heard the man saying word for word. “You can invite Dr. Sherwood to our home for dinner.”

“Home?” Samantha was stunned. “You mean here?”

Timothy cocked an eyebrow. “What’s wrong? Is this villa not worthy enough for Dr. Sherwood to be invited over for dinner?”

“Of course it’s worthy,” Samantha immediately denied.

The villa was much more luxurious than those high-end restaurants and she could not possibly find it distasteful.

However, Samantha felt awkward. “Grandma’s here, and so are you. Wouldn’t it be inappropriate if I invited Dr. Sherwood over for dinner in my personal capacity?”

Timothy looked as though he had long expected that kind of response from her and so replied lazily, “Grandma and Aunt Julia will go back to the mansion for a banquet in another two days and they won’t be here for some time. I, on the other hand, will be very busy at work and I won’t be back. You can do as you please.

“Besides, each and every single one of your movements is being watched now. I don’t want to make the headlines of the entertainment news because of you.”

Although Timothy’s words sounded harsh, it was not something Samantha could refute.

Timothy aside, even she did not want to make headlines on the entertainment news anymore. Being the subject of everyone’s daily conversation was not fun at all.

Since Old Madam Barker would not be around and Timothy would not be home, she would be the only one left in the villa. It was therefore a good idea to invite Alan over and treat him to a meal at home.

She could personally cook him a delicious meal to express her heartfelt thanks.

Samantha nodded and spoke with a touch of appreciativeness in her tone. “Thank you for your understanding, Timothy. And thank you…for giving me the space.”

A glimmer flashed across Timothy’s eyes, though there was no emotion on his face. He remained as cold as ever as he said, “Mm.” He then turned around and went to the dressing room to change his clothes.

Samantha looked at his handsome figure and could not help but think to herself, ‘Timothy’s mood is pretty good today…’

Was it the first time she had such a harmonious conversation with him ever since they got married?

What could possibly make him so happy?

Inside the dressing room, the phone rang and Timothy glanced at the caller ID while buttoning his shirt. He then grabbed his phone and switched it off.

…

Timothy exited the villa and saw Ronald waiting for him by the car door.

Ronald opened the rear door for Timothy as the latter strode over to the car. Timothy bent down slightly and was about to get into the car when a sudden thought occurred to him and he froze while glancing at Ronald from the side. “Have you gotten it out of him yet?”

Ronald understood what Timothy was talking about and replied bluntly. “That Mr. Cheadle has already confessed it all. Someone paid him a huge amount of money, telling him to act as Ms. Larsson’s new husband and testify against her at the press conference.”

Timothy tapped his finger twice on the car door frame. “It was Violet and Penelope?”

It sounded more like an affirmation even though it was actually a question.

Those same words had just reached Ronald’s lips. He could only swallow it all back and nod his head. “Yes. Everything was instigated by the two of them, including using Simon and Cynthia as their tools.”

Timothy lips twitched. Simon and Cynthia were themselves, worthless people.

Once Ronald finished reporting, he saw Timothy looking at him continuously and could not help but get nervous. He asked softly, “Mr.. Barker, did I…not do my job right?”