Capturing his expression in her eyes, Samantha teased, "How is it? Doesn't it taste good? I made it myself this morning, originally intended as a dessert for myself after lunch, but now it's yours."
Ethan glanced at the almost empty plate of small cakes, his face as colorful as a palette.
He wanted to eat but couldn't let go of his pride, so he said half-heartedly, "It's average!"
Seeing him salivating but unwilling to let go of his dignity, Samantha cleverly stuffed another cake into his mouth.
Ethan obediently opened his mouth.
Another piece of cake went in.
The sweet and sticky taste, like a gentle breeze, scattered the dark clouds in his heart.
To save face, Samantha placed the small cake on the coffee table, pretending to prepare lunch, and went to the kitchen.
Ethan looked at the small cake, swallowed his saliva, glanced furtively in the direction of the kitchen, and quickly picked up a small piece, putting it in his mouth.
Immediately, he closed his eyes in satisfaction, savoring the taste.
Although he didn't like this woman, he had to admit that her cooking skills were indeed good.
Very much to his taste.
Ethan took two bites, brought the remaining cake upstairs, and knocked on Noah's door, "Noah, Aunt Samantha made some small cakes. Do you want to eat?"
The room was very quiet.
Just as Ethan was about to give up and leave, the door was opened, and a hand reached out from inside.
Ethan placed the plate in his hand.
The small hand withdrew, and then the door closed again.
Ethan shook his head helplessly. After this little episode, the annoyance in his heart dissipated somewhat.
At noon, Noah still locked himself in his room.
Lunch was personally delivered by Ethan.
Although he was in a bad mood, he unexpectedly finished the lunch that Samantha made.
In the afternoon, Samantha sat in the garden pavilion, working.
She was focused, very earnestly painting on the paper.
Suddenly, a huge shadow cast over her.
She looked up.
She saw Ethan staring at her without blinking.
"Mr. Steele, what can I do for you?"
Ethan looked at her strangely, hesitated, and awkwardly asked, "How do you get along with your daughter?"
When they first met, he saw their deep mother-daughter bond.
There must be a way to get along, right?
Samantha was taken aback, guessing what was going on, and asked with a smile, "What? Bad relationship with your son?"
Ethan remained silent with a stern face.
This undoubtedly confirmed Samantha's guess.
She propped her head up with one hand and asked, "Have you ever taken him out to play? Have you told him bedtime stories? Have you slept with him? Have you celebrated his birthday? In your free time, do you spend time with him?"
Ethan was caught off guard by her questions, frowning.
Surprised, Samantha widened her eyes, "You haven't done any of these things, have you?"
Ethan, with a guilty look in his eyes, evaded, "He's different from other children; he doesn't need these!"
While speaking, he clearly lacked confidence.
Samantha rolled her eyes speechlessly, "Even if he's different, he's still a four-year-old child who needs his parents' companionship. Otherwise, when he grows up and recalls his childhood, he'll find no trace of you, which is quite miserable."
Ethan seemed to take her words to heart, falling into contemplation.
Samantha stood up, patted his shoulder, and gave him advice, "You can try taking the first step, accompany him to sleep tonight, and tell him bedtime stories. The story itself doesn't matter; what's important is the happy time you spend together as father and son."
Ethan's cold gaze swept over the hand on his shoulder.
Samantha smiled awkwardly and withdrew her hand.
Although Ethan didn't speak, his facial expression noticeably softened.
Taking advantage of the situation, Samantha took out her phone, "Let's exchange phone number, and if you don't know what to do, send me a message on Whatsapp, I'll teach you."
Ethan frowned, looked at her, then took out his phone and exchanged phone number.
Looking at Ethan's phone number in her contacts, a triumphant satisfaction flashed in Samantha's eyes.
With Ethan's contact information, the plan was one step closer.
Little did she know, this scene happened to be seen by Noah, who was lurking on the second-floor balcony. In his seemingly lifeless eyes, a small flame of hope ignited. A plan formed in his mind.
If he could match his father and Miss Samantha, could he become Miss Samantha's child? Yes! That's the plan.
He had to discuss it with Alexander on how to help his father and Miss Samantha get together.
...
In the afternoon, Suzy came again.
After parking her car in the garage, she immediately spotted Samantha and Ethan chatting on the balcony.
Both held phones, talking in low voices, their gestures intimate.
Her face changed instantly; she rushed over and forcefully separated the two, angrily slapping Samantha.
Samantha didn't dodge, taking the slap head-on.
Clear five-finger marks appeared on her fair little face, her mouth corner bleeding, the scent of blood thick in the air.
"Samantha, you bitch! You actually daring to seduce my fiancé. Stay away from him, or I won't be polite to you."
Suzy pointed at Samantha, scolding vehemently without any grace.
"Seduce?" Samantha sneered. Since she was already labeled a seductress, if she didn't do something, wouldn't it be a waste of this label?
Her smile made Suzy feel extremely uncomfortable. "What are you laughing at?"
"Do you know what seduction is?" Samantha said, finished speaking, and, right in front of Suzy, walked over to Ethan. Seizing the moment, she quickly kissed him on the face, provocatively looking at Suzy. "This is seduction. Do you understand now?"
The warm touch left Ethan stunned.
His heart unexpectedly pounded fiercely.
The icy lake in his heart seemed to have a stone thrown in, rippling with faint waves.
***