Chapter 197 Samantha Throws Herself at Him

    When Samantha heard that, a flicker of hesitation shed in her eyes. Things hadn’t been going well for her at schooltely–she’d been hitting roadblocks. everywhere.

    If she could marry Mason and be the wife of the Hawthorne family’s head, her status would skyrocket overnight. At that point, the Rivers family would be the ones begging to be in her good graces.

    That thought sparked a burning wave of jealousy and resentment inside her. Why should Sloane be the one to marry Mason? Mason was supposed to be hers!

    Still, she kept her expression calm and said lightly, “I didn’t really mean to fight with Mom and Dad. It’s just… what they said that day really hurt me.”

    “I know you didn’t mean it. And they don’t me you either,” Adrian said as he reached out and gently patted her head. In his heart, he was relieved. His sweet little sister was finally back.

    “Really?” Samantha beamed, then threw herself into his arms. “You’re the best brother in the world.”

    That afternoon, Helen came to see her. Since Adrian had already been by, Samantha greeted her warmly and apologized right away. “Mom, I’m sorry. I know I upset you and Dad. I didn’t mean the things I said that day—I was just angry. I really do love you both.”

    Seeing her admit her mistake, Helen let the past go. She quickly told Samantha the big news about Mason returning to the country.

    “Between you and Sloane, we clearly favor you,” Helen said as she patted Samantha’s shoulder. “You’re the one we want as the next Aubrey.”

    Samantha nodded obediently, just like she always used to. “Don’t worry, Mom. Once I win Mason over, the first thing I’ll do is have him help us rebuild thepany.”

    “That’s my good girl,” Helen said, full of satisfaction.

    She’d also brought news of Mason’s ns for the night. She handed Samantha a hotel key card. “Samantha, don’t let us down.”

    Samantha went all out getting ready. She put on a sleek ck dress that hugged every curve, applied wless makeup, and looked drop–dead gorgeous. As she stood in front of the mirror, she gave herself a confident smile, then headed straight for the hotel.

    Following the information Helen provided, Samantha arrived at Mason’s hotel. Using the room key, she walked in without issue. The room was dimly lit, heavy with the scent of strong cologne.

    She frowned slightly. For a man, Mason used way too much fragrance. But she pushed the thought aside. Winning his heart was all that mattered now.

    She walked over to the bed, sat down, and waited.

    Before long, the door opened. Mason stepped in. The moment he saw Samantha on the bed, his eyes didn’t flicker with surprise or desire–instead, they turned ice cold.

    are you doing here?” he asked tly, his tone clearly annoyed.

    od and smiled seductively, her voice soft and sweet. “Mason, I heard

    came to see you… catch up a little.”

    As she spoke, she moved closer, pressing her curves against him. Her voice dripped with charm. “Mason, didn’t you miss me?”

    But Mason didn’t react the way she expected. His eyes stayed cold, and his stare turned even darker.

    “You showed up here on your own tonight,” he said, his voice low and chilling.

    Something about his tone set off a faint rm in Samantha’s mind, but her ambition drowned it out. She was too determined to be the next Aubrey to back down.

    She threw her arms around Mason’s neck and leaned in, pouting. “Mason, don’t be

    like that… I really like you.”

    “Hah.” Mason suddenly grabbed her wrist and flung her onto the bed with brutal

    force. “Then let’s see just how much you like me.”