All Too Late

It was seven o’clock at night.

Wynnie had brought Kathleen some food.

She gave Kathleen a big portion. “Here’s yours.”

Then, Samuel received the smaller portion. “And here’s yours.”

Samuel was left speechless.

Wynnie explained, “Well, I only made an extra portion in light of your rescue efforts today. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be getting any food. Not even a bowl of soup.”

Reluctant to speak, Samuel remained silent.

Kathleen saw that Samuel was slightly depressed, so she said to Wynnie, “Mrs. Macari, I was saved today all thanks to Samuel.”

“Oh. Kate has put in some good words for you. I’ll reward you with a bowl of soup later,” Wynnie muttered slowly.

“Hah!” Samuel laughed in disdain. “Thank you, my queen. Thank you, my princess.”

Wynnie scoffed, “I’m your queen, but she’s not your princess. Keep your slick tongue to yourself.”

Samuel decided to shut his mouth as he dined.

Wynnie patted Kathleen’s head, slightly concerned. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” Kathleen nodded.

“That’s good.” Wynnie furrowed her brows. “Mom was furious when she learned about this. She mentioned that she’ll make time for poker tomorrow. She plans on telling her poker friends about this incident. Don’t worry. The news will spread like wildfire.”

Kathleen asked, “Mrs. Macari, is that necessary?”

“Of course it is! They have wronged you,” Wynnie replied seriously.

Kathleen was grateful, but she didn’t want to trouble them.

Wynnie had a good look at Kathleen before taking a glance at Samuel. She felt at ease.

After Kathleen finished her meal, Wynnie tidied up the table and prepared herself to leave.

“I’ll see you out.” Samuel got up to send Wynnie off.

of the elevator when Wynnie asked coldly, “Have you finally thought things through? Do you now know that you have

not

with Kathleen, you’d better do your best to treasure her. Be careful, or she might not forgive you next time,”

anymore. I can sense it,” Samuel

Wynnie stared at him.

continued, “She’s no longer the same Kathleen who

be pestering Kate if it bothers you. Who knows?

find the words to reply, causing his mother

he replied adamantly, “She’s not going to be with Christopher. She came back this time to reclaim

for

a sideways glance. “Didn’t you know? Kate’s parents

knew that already. In fact, I learned about it before you. Who do you think

face was expressionless as he

found out her mother’s real identity. She’ll leave once her business

him her heartfelt advice. “It all comes down to your own doing. How can you be sure if you

Samuel fell silent.

moment, the elevator

send me any further. Go back and keep Kate company,”

Kate’s identity?” Samuel asked all of a

shook

never suspected why Kathleen and Nicolette looked so alike?”

shocked. “Wait… What? Are

once, but

brows tied into a knot. “Could it be that Kate’s mom is actually Old Mrs. Yoeger’s missing

nodded

arm. “Samuel, now that you mention it, I remember how we were supposed to bring Kate to Old Mrs. Yoeger’s birthday party back then. If we had brought her with

breath. “I was the reason why they missed

that the Yoeger family disliked her and knew you wanted to avoid conflict. Between herself and Kate,

that, Samuel’s gaze

cunning as her

soon. She’s probably still investigating the reason behind her mom’s disappearance. After

was unlikely that anyone could just come in and take the child away. Sadly, even after some extensive searching,

with Grandma

assured.” Wynnie

The elevator had returned.

managed to get on it

the elevator

heard a deep and familiar voice calling to