Loving DAD 1082

In the past, Johanna had always been a whirlwind of energy, incapable of staying quiet for long. But lately, she had vanished for days on end, not even appearing in their group chats. It was strange. Unsettling. 

Johanna was not a woman who could sit still. 

Victoria found it odd, too. She had tried to invite Johanna out several times, only to be politely but firmly declined. She was completely in the dark. 

“When Johanna arrives,” Victoria said, adjusting her earring with a final glance in the mirror, “I’ll ask her myself.” 

Samantha suddenly remembered. “By the way, is Jamie coming tonight?” 

Victoria paused for a beat. “Sharon will be here. I told him it’s better if he doesn’t. There’s already enough tension between them.” 1 

Samantha sighed softly. “You’re a better person than I am, Victoria. I don’t think I could be so forgiving. After all, her mother was responsible for your mother’s death.” 

A shadow flickered across Victoria’s face. “My mother’s death was an accident—a car crash. There’s no proof it was Sharon’s mother. And regardless, Sharon is innocent. My father and brothers have been good to me. It’s better to look forward than to live a life consumed by hatred.” 

Samantha frowned. “But last time, with the oil tycoon… what if Sharon was behind it, using them to do her dirty work?” 1 

Victoria’s eyelashes fluttered. “Dad already looked into it. It had nothing to do with her. The oil tycoon and the financier simply mistook us for someone else—it wasn’t something she orchestrated.” 

Samantha let out a quiet sigh. “Victoria, you’re far too trusting-” 1 

Before she could finish, Victoria cut her off gently. “Enough, Samantha. It’s almost time. We should head downstairs. Oh, and I invited Carter. He’ll be here tonight.” 1 

At that, Samantha’s eyes lit up. She’d never had a proper chance to meet Carter. Victoria’s birthday banquet was the perfect opportunity. 

She hugged Victoria, her smile brilliant. “Thank you, Victoria. Really.” 

Victoria returned the smile. “Theo is my nephew. It’s only natural to invite his father. Besides, Carter helped me once. This is the least I can do.” 

Mentioning Theo made Victoria thoughtful. “Samantha… Carter has a son. Are you sure you’re prepared for that? 

“I 

For many women, a man with a child was a dealbreaker. A divorce was one thing; becoming an instant stepmother was another. 

Samantha just laughed lightly. “It’s perfect, actually. I don’t like children, and I don’t plan on having any. Getting the status of a mother without any of the labor? Sounds ideal to me.” 

1/2 

The two chatted as they made their way out of the dressing room. 

Meanwhile, in the banquet hall, Sharon wasn’t the guest of honor, so she saw no need for a dramatic, last- minute entrance. She hadn’t tried to outdress Victoria or steal her spotlight–her gown was simple, elegant, and understated. 

Yet, the moment she appeared, heads turned. 

Her beauty was undeniable, every bit a match for Victoria’s. 

“Sharon.” 

Carter approached, his strides long and confident. His features were sharp, his demeanor cool and detached— like moonlight on still water. 1 

As he moved through the crowd, guests watched him. Several young socialites followed his path with admiring whispers. 

Sharon couldn’t help but recall her recent encounter with Samantha at the hospital. 

Carter truly did attract women like moths to a flame. He hadn’t even settled things with Kelly, and now there was Samantha, too. 

A good thing they were already divorced. She wasn’t sure how much more of that emotional whiplash she could have taken. 

Just as her thoughts began to drift, a hand caught her arm from behind. 

“Sharon… careful,” Thomas’s low, steady voice warned. 4