Trick Him Into Divorce, Then Flee With His Unknow Kid

Chapter 158: Chapter 158 The Trap at the Taylor Estate

There was a trace of coldness in Samantha’s voice, along with a subtle note of possessive reproach.

It was as though Rose had become a woman trying to seduce someone else’s boyfriend.

In an instant, several people nearby turned to look in their direction.

Rose didn’t even glance at Ryan. She simply raised a hand and pressed against his chest, creating some distance between them.

Diana had already stepped forward.

Realizing that Samantha’s remark was intended to put Rose in an awkward position, she immediately sneered.

"Miss Hill, exactly what gives you the right to make that demand? Why don’t you explain it to everyone?"

She was genuinely curious to see how Samantha—a mistress in all but name—could act so self-righteously toward Rose.

Oliver looked over. "Just be mindful of appearances. There’s no need to make such a big deal out of it."

Rose almost laughed.

So now they were the ones overreacting?

Wasn’t Samantha the one who started this?

Samantha understood perfectly well what Diana was implying.

But she refused to take the bait.

Instead, she turned to Oliver. "I was only reminding everyone to be careful. It’s already difficult enough for women in the workplace. The last thing anyone needs is unnecessary gossip."

Diana nearly rolled her eyes.

Concerned about Rose’s reputation?

Please.

Rose and Ryan had been married for years. They hardly needed Samantha’s concern.

Oliver shrugged. "Too bad they don’t appreciate your kindness. They just think you’re being petty."

Samantha smiled helplessly. "It’s only a game. If people insist on twisting my intentions, there’s really nothing I can do about it."

Rose had to admit that Samantha was skilled at this sort of thing.

With only a few carefully chosen words, she had successfully turned herself into the reasonable, considerate party while subtly painting Rose as a woman competing over a man.

"Rose, come here."

Jordan’s expression was stern as he stepped forward, decisively cutting off the argument before it could escalate.

He had just witnessed the interaction between Rose and Ryan.

For a brief moment, he had sensed a strange harmony between them—as if they shared a natural intimacy and understanding that no one else could enter.

The feeling had instantly soured his mood.

It was difficult to describe.

Walking up to Rose, he glanced at Ryan.

"Mr. Knight, that was just for the competition, right?"

Ryan slowly lowered his bow. "What else would it be?"

Hearing that answer, Jordan felt somewhat reassured.

He turned toward Rose. "You heard him. Competition is competition. Don’t overthink it. After all, his girlfriend is standing right here."

The message was obvious.

He was reminding Rose not to develop any unrealistic hopes about Ryan.

Rose understood.

Even before the divorce, people had constantly warned her.

She couldn’t compete with Samantha.

She wasn’t worthy of competing with Samantha.

Without responding, she simply turned away.

As she walked, she rubbed the back of the hand Ryan had touched moments earlier.

She rubbed it until the skin turned red.

Ryan caught the gesture from the corner of his eye.

His brow twitched almost imperceptibly before his expression returned to normal.

As for the archery competition, Rose didn’t finish last.

More importantly, she managed to speak with several investors, exactly as she had hoped.

Together, they discussed the future direction of the domestic medical market over the next three years.

Midway through the event, everyone broke for tea break.

The group was escorted to a private tea room.

Grace arrived shortly afterward.

Checking the time, she asked, "When will President Robinson get here?"

James replied, "He’s on his way."

Grace nodded.

Then she turned and resumed chatting with Rose.

Watching Grace’s obvious warmth toward Rose—and her continued interest in Trevor—Samantha narrowed her eyes.

A flicker of resentment surfaced within her.

Finally, she spoke. "Dr. Grace, I heard Mr. Robinson is engaged to someone from the Taylor family."

Rose looked over.

So this was where Samantha had been heading all along.

Grace’s expression softened immediately. "Yes. My granddaughter has been engaged to the Robinson family since childhood. The two families have a formal marriage agreement."

Then her expression dimmed. "But my poor granddaughter..."

For the first time, the usually sharp and commanding woman looked weary. "I still don’t know where she is."

Rose had no interest in Samantha’s schemes.

Instead, she gently patted Grace’s hand.

"She’ll come home."

Grace couldn’t help looking at her.

Meeting Rose’s sincere gaze, she squeezed her hand tightly.

"Yes. She’ll come back someday."

A faint smile appeared on her face.

"The day she was born, I personally searched for the finest green jade amulet I could find. It will protect her and keep her safe."

Rose had grown up around antiques and jade.

The Bennett family’s antique shop had displayed countless pieces over the years.

"A jade pendant?" Samantha suddenly asked.

Grace either didn’t hear her or chose not to respond.

With a sigh, she stood up.

"You young people keep talking."

Samantha’s expression stiffened.

Was it really a coincidence that Grace hadn’t heard her?

Grace beckoned to James. "Come outside with me."

How could James refuse?

After following her out, he said helplessly, "Grandmother, Miss Hill came here with Ryan. You’re being a little harsh."

He knew his grandmother’s temperament well.

She instinctively disliked people who interfered in other people’s relationships.

Grace snorted. "If I weren’t trying to save face for Ryan, I would’ve thrown her out already."

James rubbed his forehead.

He knew exactly how formidable his grandmother could be.

Back in the day, even the matriarch of the Knight family had suffered under Grace’s sharp tongue.

Crossing her arms, Grace changed the subject.

"Have you invested in G.S.’s newest project?"

James answered casually. "No. Industry evaluations suggest the chances of success aren’t particularly high."

Grace immediately smacked him on the head.

"Short-sighted!"

James winced.

"The Academy of Medicine and Research has already assigned personnel to support the project, and you still think it’s insignificant? This aligns directly with future national policy trends. Go educate yourself before making judgments."

After all, he was her grandson.

She felt obligated to offer guidance.

A look of surprise flashed across James’s face.

For Grace to place such importance on the project...

Could G.S. really have some extraordinary talent hidden behind it?

Grace said nothing more.

With a dismissive wave of her hand, she returned to chatting with several senior officials.

From the doorway, James glanced thoughtfully at Rose.

At that moment, his assistant approached.

"Mr. Taylor, President Robinson will be arriving shortly."

James narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Go get Rose."

A few minutes later, Rose was approached by the assistant.

"Ms. Bennett, President Taylor would like to discuss G.S.’s surgical robotics project with you. Is now a good time?"

Discussing business was one of Rose’s favorite activities.

Who would ever refuse an opportunity to make money?

"Of course. Where is he?"

"He’s waiting in the conference room. This way, please."

Rose followed the assistant through the estate’s beautifully landscaped gardens.

When they arrived, the assistant stepped aside and left.

Rose pushed open the door and entered alone.

The man inside immediately turned around.

The moment she saw him, she frowned.

"Mr. Dutch? Where’s Mr. Taylor?"

Her eyes swept across the room.

Then she suddenly realized something.

This wasn’t a conference room.

It was a lounge.

A large white bed sat in the center of the room.

Rose petals were scattered across the sheets.

The romantic setup was impossible to miss.

A cold light flashed through Rose’s eyes.

Jordan, however, seemed completely oblivious.

Instead, he walked toward her in high spirits.

"Today’s not really the right occasion. Since we’re at the Taylor estate and Dr. Grace is hosting, everything is very formal. We can talk properly once we’re done here."

He assumed Rose had invited him for a private meeting.

The frustration he’d felt earlier had already disappeared.

After all, if Rose had sought him out privately, what reason did he have to remain upset?

Rose looked at him slowly.

"Us?"

Her voice was icy. "What exactly do you mean by ’us’?"

Meeting her cold, beautiful eyes, Jordan suddenly felt a strange sense of unease.

Instinctively, he reached out and grabbed her wrist.

Just as he was about to speak—

The lounge door swung open.

Rose’s heart skipped a beat.

She turned sharply toward the entrance.

A crowd had gathered in the doorway.

And standing among them... were Ryan and Trevor.