Kylie quickly got up and opened the door. Even from a distance, she could smell the faint scent of tobacco and alcohol on Samuel mixed with a woody fragrance. It was surprisingly pleasant. Samuel suddenly wrapped his strong arms around her waist and dragged her toward him. Caught off guard, Kylie crashed into his arms. She could feel the warmth of his body and firm chest through the thin white shirt. “What are you doing? Her nerves tightened instantly. She instinctively raised her hands to push him away and tried to put some distance between them. But Samuel tightened his grip. The difference between their strength was so great that she couldn’t get him to move an inch. “Acting innocent? Playing hard to get?” His lips curled into a cold smile as his languid voice carried a teasing, almost mesmerizing charm. “Forcing a marriage and throwing yourself at me; do you want to marry me that badly?” “This isn’t what you think. Don’t do this. Listen to me. You’re drunk.” Kylie stiffened as her heart pounded in her chest. Samuel lowered his head and leaned close to her flushed ear. “Drunk? Isn’t that exactly what you wanted?” Yes. He’d been drinking, but he wasn’t drunk. Vincent was critically ill, and now, he was being forced into marriage by some country bumpkin; this was the biggest humiliation of his life! The mere thought of it sent his blood boiling. After sending Iris away, he approached Sebastian for a few drinks. He’d always been self-controlled and was far from being drunk. “Don’t do what? This?” His deep, alluring eyes carried a hint of mischief as his warm breath brushed against Kylie’s ear. It felt like a jolt of electricity, prickling her nerves. Kylie’s heart was in chaos. Her pulse raced wildly, and a soft blush spread across her cheeks. A bang sounded. Before she could react, a sharp pain shot through her wrist. Then, she was lifted and forcefully thrown onto the large bed. She frowned in pain and struggled to sit up. Her heart tightened in nervous anticipation of his next move. He sure was an unpredictable man! She watched as Samuel took out his phone and dialed a number. Then, he coldly ordered, “Bring it in.” Soon, two tall, muscular men entered the room. One of them carried a cocktail. When Kylie saw the drink, her pupils constricted in shock. It was Hanky Panky—the cocktail Iris and Scott had at Zouk Lounge. “What are you doing, Mr. Vance?” she stared at Samuel in disbelief and instinctively backed away in fear. Lifting the glass of the cocktail, Samuel’s lips curled into a wicked smile as he forced her to the headboard. “I promised Iris I’d give her an answer. Considering you’re treating Grandpa, I won’t go too far. Drink this, and I’ll let it slide.” Kylie didn’t move as her eyes widened in shock. “Do I need to repeat myself?” Samuel frowned as his patience was wearing thin. His eyes burned with uncontained fury. A storm of emotions surged within Kylie, but she suddenly laughed. “Fine.” She stepped forward and took the glass from him. Samuel kept his eyes locked on her and frowned. He must be seeing things because, for a brief moment, he found her somewhat familiar. Kylie raised the glass and met his sharp gaze. “Since you believe I set Iris up and ruined her innocence, does that mean you’ll have someone assault me after I drink this? An eye for an eye to avenge your beloved?” She had calmed down by now. The blush on her face had faded, and it was now pale. Her smiling eyes held an unwavering determination, and they shimmered with unshed tears. The firm look made Samuel pause. An inexplicable sense of irritation crept up on him. When he spoke, his voice grew colder and more ruthless. “Are you that eager? You may not care about your reputation, but the Vance family does. “Remember that all you’re supposed to do is cure Grandpa and remain a widow for the rest of your life. Nothing more.” His voice was commanding and absolute. Kylie knew Vincent was her lifeline. With that in mind, she felt a little less afraid of Samuel. Then, she continued bearding the lion and muttered under her breath, “So, is being cheated on the Vance family’s idea of maintaining their reputation?” “What did you just say?” Samuel’s sharp gaze snapped to her. “Nothing.” Kylie held the glass and fearlessly met his gaze. A calculating scheme ran through her mind. It was just a drink. At worst, she could take a cold shower later. Just as she was about to drink, her hand emptied. Samuel lost all his patience as he grabbed her chin and forcibly poured most of the drink into her mouth. The fiery liquid burned her throat and made her cough violently. The next second, he smashed the remaining half-filled glass onto the floor and shattered it. That was when Jim arrived on the second floor after receiving a call from the Vance residence. He froze in shock at the sight of Samuel shattering the glass. What… was going on? In all his years working at Hythe Villa, he’d never seen Samuel this furious. The latter emanated an icy, oppressive air. “What?” Samuel shot him a sideways glance. Jim cautiously stepped forward and said, “Mr. Vance, the Vance residence just called…” “Did something happen to Grandpa?” Samuel had always been skeptical of Kylie’s medical skills. Now, hearing Jim’s words, he naturally assumed the worst. Without waiting for him to respond, he turned to Kylie with a gloomy expression. “If anything happens to Grandpa, I’m never letting you off!” “I think you should let Jim finish his sentence unless you enjoy eating your words.” Kylie’s face flushed with an unnatural pink as she turned to Jim and confidently asked, “Jim, has Grandpa woken up?” She had full faith in her medical skills. Samuel pressed his lips as he looked at her rosy profile. Eating his words? Countless specialists had failed to treat Vincent, so how could she be so sure? Jim respectfully replied, “Yes. The Vance residence called to say that Mr. Vance Senior has woken up but is still weak and needs more rest. He wants you both to visit tomorrow.” Kylie’s face lit up with a bright smile. “Sure. Tell Grandpa we’ll be there.” Samuel’s expression flickered with the slightest trace of joy upon receiving the news, and Kylie caught it immediately. She casually commented, “That was a pretty quick slap on the face.” Samuel said nothing while the air around them seemed to freeze.