Chapter 175

Samantha took a quiet but deep breath, then looked straight at Alexander with a calm gaze, her beautiful eyes filled with firm resolve. Alexander's brows twitched slightly. That look of hers—was she telling him to let go? Though she hadn't said a word, something about that gaze made him believe her instinctively. Slowly, he loosened his grip. "Nicholas, you're still recovering. Sit down," Samantha said, her tone steady and gentle, as if nothing had just happened. Nicholas's hand trembled slightly as he held onto her arm. Samantha could tell standing up had already drained him. She gently patted his hand, lowering her voice, "Relax, don't push yourself." Nicholas stubbornly resisted. He always had too much pride to show weakness—not in front of anyone, especially not the woman he loved. Even though his legs weren't up to it, he still forced himself to stand tall, like nothing could break him. "Sit down," Samantha hissed, her brows furrowed and eyes cold, staring him down. Her voice wasn