UNDER HIS RULES

Beatrice sighed deeply. She let the night air ruffle her hair. The darkness of the night at the resort was indeed enchanting, but Beatrice knew there was a far more beautiful place to behold. There was only the sound of crashing waves nearby, occasionally accompanied by the crackling of the campfire burning wood around the campervan. It was so peaceful.

It had been a while since Beatrice had slept so peacefully in the campervan by the coastal beach, quite a distance from the resort. There was no one there except Sam. Although he had mentioned that one of his men was keeping watch behind the nearby hill, it felt the same to Beatrice. It was just the two of them.

It seemed like the past few moments were made for them to enjoy alone. No one to disturb them.

“Aren’t you ready to sleep yet?” Sam asked while draping a large blanket over Beatrice’s shoulders. Actually, he had been in their room all this time, observing with a curious gaze what Beatrice was doing outside. Was she being foolish, trying to make herself sick from the cold?

Unable to bear it, Sam took a woolen blanket.

“It’s cold. Not good for you.”

Beatrice looked up. A smile appeared uncontrollably on her face. Sam’s hand, which was about to move away, was held firmly by Beatrice. She closed her eyes and brought her face closer to his hand, which she thought was large. She pressed her cheek against it, seeking attention like a cat.

No, Sam never got angry or annoyed with Beatrice’s actions. Being with this woman for some time now, he began to realize that aside from the tenderness she enjoyed, she also liked to be pampered.

“Why? Is there something on your mind?” Sam smiled faintly. He pulled a chair in front of Beatrice, positioning himself next to the girl while still holding her hand tightly. His eyes remained closed, enjoying Sam’s touch around her face.

“I was thinking about my grandfather earlier,” Beatrice said with a soft sigh. Her eyes began to open, this time locking onto Sam’s gaze as he extended his hand to gently stroke her cheek. He tidied up the messy strands of hair, although it felt unnecessary. He also fixed the blanket that Beatrice had on her shoulders.

Occasionally, Beatrice wanted to express her thoughts. Sam could sometimes make her feel floaty just from his touch, and sometimes she felt so loved because of his attentiveness. Actually, how many personalities did this man possess?

Upon hearing Beatrice’s answer, Sam grinned. He had expected that the meeting with Alfred earlier had made Beatrice think a lot. He himself did not expect all the things Alfred explained. His eyes also glanced at Hugo occasionally, as if knowing what should be done.

When they first met, he felt a strong ambition in the girl. Hugo, who was asked to gather information, and Sam had no doubts. Beatrice, a girl with black hair, grew up in an ordinary family, and economically speaking, they were not well-off. Her mother loved her very much, while her father was a rude man who could only be a burden in their lives.

Sam took advantage of this situation and waited to see how mature Beatrice would be when they faced each other again.

That was it.

But hearing David talk about many facts and voice recordings of Beatrice’s father, confirming the presence of a little baby found not far from the accident site, strengthened the suspicion that Beatrice was indeed a Quassano descendant.

“I just need a little more proof, Sam,” Alfred said emphatically. “A DNA tests.”

Sam burst into laughter. “Your fictional story is so captivating, sir.” He clapped his hands after

hearing all of David’s explanations and the evidence presented. “But I’m not interested in getting caught up in the drama you’re creating.” Sam leaned back on his sofa.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“I don’t need you to believe, Sam. I only want one thing: Beatrice Catalina. Or if my suspicion is correct, she is my only granddaughter, Leora Quassano.”

Sam laughed even harder. “Put an end to the chaos you’ve created, Old Man.” Sam straightened his back. “Don’t make me pull out my weapon to drive you away.”

It didn’t take a second for multiple guns to be aimed at Sam. Swiftly, Sam’s men did the same, including Hugo, who had already set his target. Two pistols in his hands were aimed at David and Alfred, not far from his reach. He used his back to shield Beatrice, who stood there trembling with fear.

Sam still looked calm, and Alfred resumed smoking his pipe. Puffs of smoke filled the room, accompanied by a sense of tension. “If you insist, Sam, this resort will be destroyed in an instant. I didn’t come here unprepared.” The old man murmured softly. “I want something simple, Sam. A DNA tests. After we know the results, let’s talk about Beatrice.”

“What do we need to talk about?” Sam grumbled, displeased.

“Don’t deceive my eyes, even in my old age, Sam. If you truly love her, marry my granddaughter. Don’t just make her a decoration around you.”

“Sorry,” Beatrice interjected. Hugo slightly lowered the hand that obstructed her view. She nodded briefly to indicate that she wasn’t in danger. However, Hugo didn’t lower his guard to protect Beatrice.

While now being the center of attention, Beatrice walked closer and chose to sit beside Sam. She glanced briefly at the man whose gaze seemed disapproving. But when Beatrice’s hand briefly touched his arm, she knew that his anger was starting to dissipate.

“I don’t know you, sir. It’s only here that I realized you’re someone important,” Beatrice said softly. Her eyes occasionally glanced at Alfred, who was staring at her intently. No, not a lecherous gaze like that strange old man looking at his prey. Instead, that gaze seemed filled with longing.

“I also can’t just believe what you’ve been saying,” Beatrice said with a sigh. “In my twenty-one years of life, the only family I know is my mother and my super-duper awful father.”

“At that time, you didn’t know me clearly, Leora,” Alfred interjected.