279 Tactical ploy

"Actually, I have a confession to make. I was really really drunk that night. It was one of my close friend's birthday. All of us had met after really long and I got carried away. When that woman who was wearing your jacket and had similar bearings to you came next to me, I got mistaken and thought it was you. After seeing the videos, I have just realised that someone is trying to create a wedge between the family members of this household. I am not going to leave that person. But before that I owe you and Father Li a big apology. I am truly sorry. I should have investigated the matter properly before approaching Father Li with it. The fault is mine. I don't know how to make amends," Zhu Cheng said in a subservient voice.

Sam was about to call his bluff when she felt Wei's restraining hand on her wrist. Looking up at him, she saw him give a slight nod.

Why was Wei asking her to not expose him any further? She wanted to question Zhu Cheng on how did he know that the jacket belonged to her since she hadn't worn it here till now.

In a manner of showing comfort, Wei leaned in towards Samantha and whispered, "trust me. Let it go for now."

With visible reluctance, Sam refrained from saying anything further. In this moment, she trusted him more than herself.

"Thank God and thank you Mr. Wang. I can see that you really helped our girl today. Now that it is clear to everyone that Li Sam didn't attempt to harm her sister's marriage, I want to ask you something, Mr. Wang," Grandma Li trained her eyes at the newcomer.

Wei bowed politely and said, "I am sorry. I never got a chance to introduce myself earlier. I am Wang Wei, our company has entered into…"

"I know who you are. What I want to know is what are your intentions towards our Li Sam?" she cut his words impatiently.

Both Wei and Sam looked at her in surprise. Sam hastened to assure her that he was just a friend who was helping her out when she found herself in a sticky position.

"Hmmmph… Mr. Wang, I am waiting to hear your reply," the old woman ignored her granddaughter's indignant splutters.

Looking at how things had played out this evening, Wei thought for a few seconds before saying, "you are a sharp woman, Mrs. Li. Samantha and I accidentally met in London some time ago and became friends. It was at her insistence that Father and I decided to look at your company for an investment. Since she was going to be a major shareholder in the company, I insisted that she come and work here so that we could get an opportunity to spend some quality time in getting to know each other and explore uh... various possibilities."

"For a smart guy, you speak really vaguely. Basically, you and Li Sam are dating, is that correct?" she countered sharply.

Without waiting to hear his answer, she looked at Sam with kind censure in her eyes, "why have you not told us about this? Had your father known that you are the reason that this partnership happened, would he have suspected you of such nefarious plots?"

"And you, Li Yichen, I am thoroughly embarrassed to call you my son. Without checking any facts, without enquiring properly, you dive headlong into accusations and conclusions and that too about your own flesh and blood. Is this what your father and I taught you? Now that Sam has been proven absolutely guilt free, where is that apology which you should have given her few minutes ago?" she told her son in harshest of tones.

Li Yichen was still stunned. Not in a million years would he have thought that his daughter would try and work towards the betterment of their family. On top of that, she hadn't once tried to defend herself when he had accused her of all worst possible things. He was too ashamed to even frame proper words of apology.

Looking at her husband, Mrs. Li came towards Sam and took her hands in her own.

"I am really sorry, Samantha. We have failed you as a family while you on the other hand have done nothing but shown kindness towards us. I wish we can make amends and work towards a stronger bond. Can you find it in your heart to forgive us?" she asked gently.

Sam's throat had choked up listening to Grandma Li and then her step mother. She nodded and squeezed her hand in return.

"Welcome to the family, Wang Wei. I can see that you have already started taking care of our Sam. I am really grateful for it. I would really like if you stay back and have dinner with us tonight," she offered softly.