Chapter 101

At that moment, Samuel’s expression shifted slightly the kind of polite smile that hid intent. He turned toward Robert, his tone casual, yet carrying a subtle charm that made his suggestions sound harmless.

“How about this,” Samuel said, his voice smooth, “why don’t we take a picture? A really good one. Something to remember this moment me meeting one of my greatest fans, and you meeting someone you’ve admired. We can share it among ourselves later… a good memory p>

Hearing Samuel words Robert’s face lit up almost immediately. The excitement in his eyes was genuine; he clearly liked the idea. “That’s perfect!” Robert said eagerly. “Yeah, we should definitely do that. A photo would be great p>

Without hesitation, Robert reached into his jacket and pulled out his phone. He quickly unlocked it, moving closer to Samuel as if they’d been friends for years. Samuel smiled, his body language relaxed, though inwardly he was studying every little detail Robert’s enthusiasm, Cora’s silence, the way the moment tilted in his favor.

“Alright,” Samuel said lightly. “Let’s make it a good one p>

Immediately the two men adjusted their posture, standing shoulder to shoulder. Robert positioned the phone, holding it high and angling it slightly to catch the best light. They leaned in just enough for the shot to look natural.

“Ready?” Robert grinned.

“Always ready,” Samuel replied with a faint laugh.

The camera clicked, capturing the moment.

At that moment Robert looked at the screen and laughed, clearly pleased with the shot. “This is great!” he said, showing Samuel the photo briefly before saving it to his gallery. “Man, I’m keeping this p>

Immediately Samuel chuckled softly in response, nodding.

“Send it to me later,” he said smoothly. “I might frame it meeting my biggest fan isn’t something that happens every day p>

While the two men laughed lightly at their exchange, Cora stood silently off to the side. She hadn’t joined in their conversation, hadn’t smiled for the photo, instead, she stood in the corner, arms crossed loosely, her expression unreadable. Her eyes shifted from Samuel to Robert, observing them both, her thoughts hidden behind the calm mask she wore.

At that moment, after the picture between Samuel and Robert was taken, Robert slipped his phone back into his pocket, turning to face Robert with a calm yet curious expression. The polite smile on his lips remained, but his words carried a certain weight as he asked, “So, Robert, what brings you here? I wasn’t expecting to run into you tonight. Quite the coincidence we meet like this, isn’t it p>

Robert, still riding on the excitement of having met someone he admired, gave a small chuckle and gestured toward Cora with an open hand. “Actually,” he said warmly, “I came here for a business deal… with this beautiful lady right here p>

The compliment was casual, friendly, yet it hung in the air. Cora remained composed, her face neutral, though her fingers tightened slightly on the strap of her purse. Samuel’s eyes, however, flicked immediately to her, his smile still fixed in place, but his gaze sharper, probing, almost as if searching for something unspoken.

Robert, oblivious to the undercurrent of tension, continued, curiosity sparking in his tone. “You two seem familiar. Do you already know each other? What’s between the both of you p>

Samuel’s response was a low chuckle, a soft laugh that carried neither defensiveness nor surprise. Instead, he tilted his head slightly, his voice calm and smooth, yet laced with an unmissable hint of pride.

“Know her?” Samuel said, glancing briefly at Cora before fixing his gaze back on Robert. “Of course I know her. This beautiful lady right here… she’s actually my boss p>

Immediately Robert blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “Your boss?” he asked, intrigued. “Wait, really p>

Samuel nodded, his tone steady, almost playful as he continued. “The entertainment company I’m under? She runs it. Every deal, every project, it all goes through her. Technically speaking, I answer to her p>

Then Robert leaned back slightly, genuinely impressed, his grin widening. “Well, now that’s interesting. That’s one coincidence I wasn’t expecting p>

Samuel smiled faintly, though his eyes never left Cora’s face. “Life’s full of surprises,” he said softly, before shifting his full attention toward her. His expression softened just a fraction, but there was something deliberate about his tone when he spoke next.

“Well, since we’re already collecting coincidences tonight,” Samuel said, his voice smooth yet laced with subtle intent, “what do you say, Miss Cora? Why don’t you and I take a good picture too p>

At that moment, after hearing Samuel’s suggestion about taking a picture, Robert’s eyes lit up with enthusiasm. He nodded his head eagerly, his voice warm and filled with genuine excitement.

“Yeah, that’s a really good idea,” Robert said, leaning slightly forward. “Imagine it, the three of us in one picture. Years from now, people will look at that photo and say, ’This was the real deal.’ Three people, all at the top of their game, all good at what they do, all standing together. That would be iconic. A photo like that… it’d make history in its own way p>

His tone was lighthearted, but there was a sincerity beneath it, Robert genuinely believed it would be a moment worth capturing, something rare and meaningful.

Samuel, however, felt the tension in his own jaw the moment those words left Robert’s mouth. The muscle clenched almost instinctively, betraying the irritation that rippled under his calm expression. He had suggested a picture for himself and Cora just the two of them. A personal moment, something subtle but significant. And now Robert, without hesitation, had wedged himself into the idea, twisting it into something completely different.

But Samuel didn’t let that irritation show. Not outwardly. He forced himself to relax, his jaw easing as a small, practiced smile curved his lips. He even let out a faint chuckle, as if he was in agreement, masking the sharp thoughts running through his mind.

’This guy Samuel thought bitterly, his eyes flicking briefly toward Robert. ’twisting the narrative. I say one thing, he makes it about himself. I wanted one moment with her just her, and now he’s inserting himself into it p>