Rose never would have imagined that they had invited Trevor as well.
She was momentarily at a loss for words. Looking down at her reply to Grace, she suddenly felt the urge to delete the message and pretend it had never happened.
But she had already agreed. Backing out at the last minute would be rude.
Besides, given Grace’s status, the fact that she had personally invited her was already a tremendous honor.
“Did Trevor agree to come?”
“Of course,” Diana replied. “At a time like this, refusing the invitation would look like a deliberate attempt to distance himself from the Taylor family. In our circle, people have to think twice before they act. Everyone cares about keeping up appearances.”
Rose fell silent again.
The reason she was hesitant was Trevor’s "proposal" incident from a while back.
She wasn’t sure whether the matter had completely blown over. Although nothing had actually happened between them—and they certainly hadn’t discussed any next steps—if those rumors somehow reached the Taylor family, it would only create unnecessary awkwardness for everyone involved.
After a moment’s hesitation, Rose told Diana what had happened that day, emphasizing that Trevor had only been trying to help her out.
Diana was quiet for a long time before finally saying, “Trevor... is he really that kind-hearted?”
How come she had never known that?
Coming to someone’s rescue?
By proposing marriage?
Rose coughed awkwardly. “It was just a joke. Neither of us has mentioned it since, so don’t take it seriously.”
A smile tugged at Diana’s lips. “Why don’t you give it some serious thought? Trevor never wanted to marry a Taylor family daughter in the first place. He’s been stuck in limbo all these years. You two have history, and little Ariel adores him. Doesn’t that sound like a match made in heaven?”
Rose ignored Diana’s obvious attempt to stir up trouble.
“Was that what I asked you?”
Diana grumbled, “You can’t reject every eligible bachelor just because you’ve had one bad experience. As for the Taylor family, there’s nothing for you to worry about. It’s tragic that they lost their daughter, but using that engagement to keep Trevor tied down forever is unreasonable. If she never comes back, is Trevor supposed to stay single for the rest of his life? At some point, people have to move on. My brother is already thirty and still unmarried. That’s more than enough consideration for the Taylor family.”
After all, no one owed anyone anything.
Some things simply had to be let go.
After thinking it over, Rose agreed.
This was Trevor’s issue to resolve. She had been an outsider from the very beginning.
Before Rose could respond, Diana abruptly changed the subject.
“I heard Ryan’s in the hospital. I stopped by yesterday and ran into Daisy. She was carrying soup and home-cooked dishes for him, acting like she was already his future mother-in-law.”
Rose’s eyes flickered slightly.
Her expression remained unchanged.
“Oh.”
“And one of my colleagues told me she saw Ryan’s car speeding straight to Blue Moon Manor today. Isn’t that part of the Hill family’s estate? The moment he’s feeling a little better, he’s already rushing over to see his future father-in-law. At the rate they’re seeing each other, anyone who didn’t know better would think they’re already discussing wedding plans.”
The more Diana thought about it, the angrier she became.
Rose was the one who had been hurt.
Yet Samantha seemed to be walking away with a spotless reputation and a happy ending.
“His legs are his own,” Rose said, rubbing the back of her neck. “I can’t control where he goes.”
Since Ryan hadn’t returned to Moon Lake Villa, she had assumed he was still recovering.
Besides, she hadn’t reached out to him, and there was no longer any relationship between them that required her concern or attention.
“I’m just so angry. Doesn’t he know what Logan did to you back then? Or how Samantha and Daisy treated you? The Hill family has caused you nothing but trouble, yet he doesn’t seem to care about your feelings at all.”
Diana gradually trailed off.
These were truths she had always known, but in her frustration, she had blurted them out without thinking.
The truth was often humiliating when spoken aloud.
Knowing Diana’s temperament, Rose merely smiled.
“I really don’t care anymore.”
Only then did Diana finally relax.
After ending the call, Rose received a notification.
The funds from Ryan had arrived.
Not a penny short.
Right on time.
She let out a soft, mocking laugh.
The moment Samantha’s problem was solved and she was satisfied, the money appeared almost immediately.
It was as though the words "Protect Samantha at All Costs" were written across his forehead.
Now that the payment had arrived, she no longer had to worry about it.
Nor did she go to see Ryan again.
There were already plenty of people around him who cared about him. She had neither the desire nor the need to join them.
Ryan had arrived.
And Samantha was with him.
Wherever Ryan went, he naturally became the center of attention.
Samantha had her arm linked through his and appeared to be thoroughly enjoying the attention.
Rose glanced at Ryan.
From his appearance alone, it was impossible to tell how serious his injuries had been. Even on the day he was hurt, he had remained as composed as ever.
Diana scoffed. “Why doesn’t he just glue her to his side and take her everywhere he goes?”
Many people present had already heard the rumors.
The news that Samantha had become the first person in the country to secure access to the Aster database had spread rapidly, making her the center of attention.
Guests crowded around her, offering congratulations and asking questions.
Clearly enjoying the admiration, Samantha smiled gracefully.
“Aster and I share the same goal—to contribute to the advancement of our nation’s medical industry. We’re both committed to pushing medical research forward. I suppose you could say we’re kindred spirits.”
Diana was so irritated she nearly laughed.
“What exactly is she so proud of?”
Rose turned away. “Let’s go say hello to Ms. Morris.”
Diana could only grumble as she followed.
After learning where Grace was, Rose headed directly there.
But just as she reached the door, she ran into Ryan and Samantha, who had arrived at the same time. Oliver followed a few steps behind them, speaking on the phone.
Ryan looked down at Rose.
Rose kept her gaze fixed straight ahead.
At that moment, the door opened.
Grace stepped out.
The moment she saw Rose, a warm smile appeared on her face.
But as soon as she noticed Samantha standing beside Ryan, the smile faded.
“Mr. Knight,” Grace said coolly, “is it really appropriate to attend an event like this without bringing your wife?”

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