Seeing Karen's stunned expression, Samantha opened her arms and gave her a big hug.
"Karen, it's been so long... I missed you terribly."
Karen's rigid facial expression softened instantly. She hugged Samantha tightly, pounding on her back, "You brat, you didn't contact me for four years. I thought you died out there."
"Sorry..."
Hearing the choked-up voice, Samantha couldn't help but feel her eyes reddening.
Having been away for four years with no communication, aside from an apology, she had no idea what else to say.
Karen pulled her away, cupping her face and inspecting her from head to toe. "Hmm, it's really you, exactly like I remember."
Samantha, breaking into a smile through her tears, brought the two little ones from behind. "Quickly call her 'godmother.'"
Noah and Charlotte obediently exclaimed, "Godmother."
Karen looked at the big-eyed kids, her mouth agape. "They... they are your children?"
Samantha nodded. "Yes! She is Charlotte, and He is Alexander, nicknamed Alex."
Karen's gaze fell on Noah's small face, her eyes glinting with meaning. She asked, "Are they twins?"
Samantha nodded again, keeping Alex's parentage hidden deep within her. She had no intention of revealing the truth to anyone.
Karen crouched down, unable to resist pinching Noah and Charlotte's small faces.
"Samantha, you're really good at giving birth. You've made my godson and goddaughter so beautiful."
Being praised for their looks, Charlotte swayed her proud little tail, and Noah stood there with a cool expression, seemingly contemplating something.
Karen withdrew her hand, inviting them into the house.
Samantha looked at her with a wry smile. "My residence was discovered by Suzy and her mother. I might have to stay here for a few days until I find a new place."
Karen gave her a disdainful look. "New place? Without my order, you're not allowed to move out."
Samantha didn't respond to her words. She understood Karen's feelings. After all, she was feeling the same way.
Separated for four years, they had finally reunited. How could she bear to part so soon?
Karen, while tidying up the guest room for Samantha, asked, "What did you mean when you said your residence was discovered by Suzy and her mother? Weren't you always on good terms with them?"
Samantha sighed deeply and recounted the events of four years ago.
Karen was shocked beyond words, flames burning in her usually gentle eyes.
"That mother-daughter pair is really going too far. No, I'll go find Grandpa Miller tomorrow and tell him about this. Let Grandpa Miller make a decision for you."
Samantha immediately pressed down on her hand. "This matter cannot be told to my grandpa. He's getting older and can't handle the stress..."
Karen calmed down, lowered her head, and said dejectedly, "You're right. Grandpa Miller's health is deteriorating, and he really can't handle any shocks."
Samantha smiled and dismissed it, "Also, don't tell Yurika about this. With her hot temper, she'll definitely go after Suzy and her mother. I don't want her to get hurt."
Yurika was also her close friend. They--Karen, Yurika, Samantha, and Justin, had grown up together.
Karen was a gentle girl, but not Yurika.
If Yurika learned about her past, she would probably charge into the Miller family and kill Suzy and her mother.
She didn't want any of the people who cared about her to get hurt.
Karen understood Samantha's concerns and agreed to her request, "Tonight, we'll sleep together, reminisce about the past, and let your twins sleep in the guest room."
Samantha smiled and agreed. Just as she was about to say something more, Noah's figure appeared at the door.
Even though he tried to imitate Alex's way of speaking and expressions.
On closer inspection, one could still see a flash of shyness and discomfort in his eyes.
Samantha didn't notice, but Karen did.
Noah pulled Samantha back into the guest room, with a serious expression, "Mommy, we should go to a hotel."
Samantha, puzzled, asked, "Why?"
"Uh..." Noah, who wasn't good with words, didn't know where to start. After struggling to organize his words, in the end, he didn't say anything. He just reminded in a low voice, "Be wary of people's intentions, and never let your guard down."
Samantha was even more confused, "What do you mean?"
Frustrated with her apparent dullness, Noah was speechless. He tried to explain, "I think Karen is not a good person. Be careful with her."
Hearing his words, Samantha burst into laughter, poking his forehead lightly with her index finger. "At such a young age, you know who is a good person and who is not? I have been friends with her for more than twenty years. I understand her better than you do. Anyone could potentially harm me, but she won't."
Seeing that she didn't take it seriously, Noah was sweating with anxiety.
However, the more anxious he became, the less organized his words became.
Suddenly, there was a flicker of a figure at the door.
Noah squinted his eyes, shouting warily, "Who?"
The atmosphere in the room froze for a second.
Samantha looked at the door with surprise, and then saw the door gently pushed open. Karen walked in with a smile, "Sam, have you had dinner? Do you want me to make some noodles for you?"
Seeing her, Samantha's eyes revealed a hint of embarrassment. She secretly speculated how much Karen had heard.
Noah had a serious expression, "Were you eavesdropping outside the door just now?"
Karen looked surprised, "Eavesdropping? What are you talking about?" She then made a pretended realization and joked, "Are you so afraid that I overheard something bad about me?"
Samantha shivered, stood up, and took Karen's arm, "You're thinking too much! Come, help me pack up. Alex and Charlotte need to go to kindergarten tomorrow, so we should sleep early tonight."
Noah watched them leave, his beautiful eyebrows furrowed tightly.
He couldn't be mistaken.
Someone had definitely eavesdropped outside the door just now.
There were only four people in the house, and Charlotte definitely wouldn't do that.
So, the only suspect was Karen.
Why would she eavesdrop?
And why wouldn't she admit it?
This woman definitely had some hidden secrets.
That night, Samantha and Charlotte slept soundly, while Noah, due to the change in environment, didn't fall asleep until the middle of the night.
***