THE DISABLED HEIRESS, MY EX-HUSBAND WOULD PAY DEARLY.
Chapter 54

Chapter 54: Chapter 54

She didn’t raise her voice. She didn’t scold. She didn’t even sound surprised. She sounded like someone who had opened a door expecting peace, only to find noise on the other side.

Samuel, standing in his sharp suit with his hair slicked back like he owned the night, gave her his best charming grin, as if that would ease her mood.

"It’s such a surprise to see you," he said, sliding both hands casually into his pockets. "Honestly, I didn’t expect you to be here all by yourself. I thought you’d be out of town or maybe at a business event. What’s going on? Is this a business dinner or... something more personal?"

Cora blinked at him, unimpressed. Her voice came out flat, like she didn’t even want to waste energy forming her words.

"Whatever I’m here for is none of your business, Samuel," she said, folding her arms. "And I’m not alone. I came here with someone."

That made something flicker across Samuel’s face—surprise, irritation, maybe even jealousy. But he smoothed it over almost instantly. His smile didn’t drop, but his eyes tightened slightly. He had expected Cora to be irritated, sure. But not this detached.

Still, he didn’t care. Not really. He wasn’t here to win a polite conversation.

Because in truth, Samuel wasn’t at this place by accident. Not even close.

He had someone trailing Cora—an employee he paid generously to feed him small but useful details about her movements. So the moment he received word that Cora had been spotted at this particular restaurant, he had rushed over without hesitation.

Because his plan was in motion, Samuel had already tipped off a local gossip blogger and a photographer to "coincidentally" show up outside the lounge and snap pictures of him standing beside Cora. He wanted the press to start circulating a rumor: Samuel and Cora spotted alone together at night—are they dating again?

That was what he wanted. That was the play.

Because once the news got out, once it picked up steam, Cora would be forced to respond. And if she tried to deny it, the public would keep pushing. And when the pressure built up enough, he would swoop in with a statement, suggesting it was all a misunderstanding and publicly "protect" her from the media storm.

It would make him look noble. It would make her seem close to him.

And more importantly, it would force proximity.

Cora had never been this deep into scandal. She didn’t play in rumor circles. She valued her image too much. If he stirred up enough noise, she would need someone to lean on.

And Samuel was determined to be that someone.

Now, looking at her standing there alone in the parking lot, the lights of the lounge soft behind her, he knew this was his moment. Everything was in place.

And he was ready to press the button, only he needed now was to get closer to her so a good and convincing picture could surface.

At that moment, Samuel took a small step forward, his hands still deep in his pockets, his gaze locked on Cora like he was trying to solve a puzzle that refused to be solved.

He let out a soft chuckle, his voice dipping just enough to sound casual, but not enough to hide the intention behind it. "So... you said you came with someone, right? Funny how I don’t see anyone around. You’re just standing here all by yourself."

His eyes scanned the lot as if expecting a shadow to leap out of a car. "I mean, look at it—just you, under the lights, not a single soul beside you. And this place may be high-class, but standing alone at night... not a good idea, Cora."

He cocked his head slightly, trying to sound concerned, though his real intent was crystal clear. He wanted to bait her. He wanted to stir just enough tension that she might lean toward him, maybe even defend herself a little too hard—anything to create the illusion of closeness. That was what the photographer needed. That was what he needed.

Then his voice dipped again. "What if there were hooligans around, huh? What if someone tried to harass you? Where’s your friend now? Don’t tell me he—or she—just left you hanging?"

But Cora didn’t flinch. She didn’t let her expression change either. She’d known Samuel too long. She could smell a setup coming from a mile away.

So instead of reacting the way he hoped, she simply rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. Her voice was calm, but with a sharp edge underneath.

"The person I’m with is coming," she said, flicking her gaze toward the entrance behind Samuel. "And whether it’s a ’he’ or ’she’ is none of your business. You don’t need to worry about me being alone—not here, not ever."

Then, narrowing her eyes slightly, she added, "You and I both know how secure this place is. High-end surveillance. Armed guards. Private valet. What hooligans, Samuel? The only one sneaking around right now is you."

Samuel gave an awkward laugh, scratching the back of his head like he’d just been told off by a school principal.

"Well, yeah, true," he said, flashing his usual fake-smile again. "It’s secure. Very secure. But still—you never know. Even rich people do crazy things. A lot of those upper-class perverts, they don’t even care who’s watching. Some of them get off on power, on the idea that money protects them, but I know it wouldn’t work on you, because you’re as connected as they so when it comes to what you have nothing to worry about."

At that moment he took another small step, still maintaining his charming tone. "So, I’m just saying... it’s better not to take risks like this, even in high places. A woman as beautiful as you shouldn’t be left out here alone—not even for five minutes."

Upon saying does words Samuel was expecting Cora to smile, however Cora lips did even move it remaid on her position.