I Married My Ex-husband's Beloved Woman's Father After Being Betrayed

Samuel's hand rested firmly around my waist, and his steady strength lent me an unexpected sense of safety.

I looked up at his sharply defined profile, and my heart raced uncontrollably.

"The lead engineer?" Amilia stammered, "Mr. Walker, are you serious? She's nothing but a woman of lowly status...."

Samuel chuckled and glanced down at me tenderly. My new energy project in Europe still relies on Eliza to lead the research and development. Her capabilities far surpass those of you who only know how to play petty tricks—by a hundredfold."

He paused, and his gaze suddenly turned cold as he looked at Timothy and his parents. "And, Mr. Rossi, discipline your people. If I see anyone bullying her again, the consequences will be more than you can bear."

Timothy's face flushed, then paled. He seemed about to speak, but he fell silent under Samuel's piercing gaze.

Marcus even sweated profusely. He nodded repeatedly and said, "Okay, Mr. Walker. It won't happen again."

Jennifer stood frozen, and her face was pale.

She never imagined that Samuel, whom she tried so hard to please, would defend me like that or that he was my boss.

Samuel ignored the others and draped his suit jacket over my shoulders. He said gently, "Are you alright?"

I shook my head, but my eyes felt warm.

When others doubted and bullied me, Samuel, who was reputed for his ruthlessness, sided with me without hesitation.

"Let's go." Samuel wrapped an arm around me, and we were about to leave.

"Wait!" Jennifer suddenly screamed and rushed forward to grab Samuel's arm. "Dad, you can't take her away. She's Timothy's wife. And she is a thief."

Samuel halted and turned to look at her. His gaze was icily cold.

He didn't need to say a word, and Jennifer's face turned ashen. She released Samuel's arm in fear.

Under the gaze of others, Samuel led me out of the banquet hall. He opened the door to the back seat of the luxury car for me.

I hesitated for a moment. "Is that okay? The auction hasn't officially started yet. As the investor, don't you need to stay and mingle with the guests?"

Samuel leaned in and looked at me. "I came here to let everyone know I've recruited you, a genius engineer. Your first appearance was more impressive than I planned. I have achieved my goal. It is pointless for us to stay."

He sounded like he was teasing me, but his words managed to ease the guilt in my heart.

I obediently sat in the car. The faint scent of his cologne lingered on the suit jacket. It made me feel profoundly at ease.

"Care for dinner?" Samuel asked as he settled into the car.

I shook my head and had no appetite after the earlier drama. "Thank you, but I'm a bit tired and would like to go home and have a rest."

Seeing my weary expression, Samuel didn't press further. He just asked the driver to start the car.

The car finally came to a stop in front of my apartment building. Before we said goodbye, he took a delicate white box from his bodyguard and handed it to me. "This cake from a renowned Italian bakery is quite good."

I was momentarily stunned, as I never expected him to have arranged this. I had barely eaten at dinner, so my stomach was indeed empty. I accepted the box and said softly, "Thank you."

Samuel said, "Have a good rest."

Watching the luxury car drive away, I turned and entered my apartment.

I bought this apartment with my savings from working before getting married to Timothy.

On the coffee table lay two documents. One was the divorce agreement from the lawyer, and the other was an apartment sale contract.

I had decided to follow Samuel to Italy as his lead engineer, so I began handling all my assets in the United States, including this apartment, my mother's place, and several new energy patents I previously developed.

I planned to exchange these patents for shares in Samuel's new energy project in Europe so that I could seek more influence.

As for Timothy and his parents, who were dreaming of using my patent to please Jennifer?

They only dreamed of it.

I picked up a pen and swiftly signed my name on the patent transfer agreement. Then I scanned and faxed it to Samuel's assistant.

After everything was done, I opened the cake box and scooped a spoonful of strawberry mousse into my mouth. The deliciously balanced flavor melted on my tongue. It even dispelled much of my fatigue.

Just then, loud banging came from the door, accompanied by Timothy's drunken shouting. "Eliza, open the door. I need to talk to you."

My hand holding the spoon paused, and I frowned instantly.

What could he possibly want to say?

The banging grew louder, and Timothy's voice more agitated. "Eliza, don't pretend you're not there. I know you're at home. Open up."