CHAPTER 162: A PROJECT COMPLETED

"Samantha, darling, wake up." Jake tapped her softly. Samantha opened her eyes reluctantly. She wished she could sleep on for as long as she could instead of being awake to face the depressing reality of Ian's demise. She had slept above her usual hours since returning from New York five days ago. Jake was bothered that the enthusiastic Samantha he knew was lost in this woman who seemed to be drowning in depression. But he was determined to deploy all his wits to bring her back. "Can't I just sleep a bit more, please?" Samantha pursed her lips like a child deprived of a sound sleep. "Sure, you can, but that would be later." Jake rubbed her back gently. "It's time to eat and freshen up. You know your new friends here are waiting for the energetic and passionate woman who came to save them from the poor living conditions they were accustomed to." He referred to the Islanders with whom she had formed an amicable relationship. "Really! “She laid still, looking blankly through the windo