Chapter 5

Regina's expression turned incredulous, and her eyes reddened as she murmured, "I really didn't know you and Laura were best friends. I… I just… I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…"

Nikita felt uncomfortable just listening to her. She frowned and said, "You've misunderstood me. I was born with this allergy; this has nothing to do with you or Laura."

As soon as the words were out of her mouth, Nathaniel's voice rang out. His tone was cold as he said, "Gigi is constantly taking your thoughts into consideration. How long are you going to pick on her?"

He didn't even bother looking at Nikita as he spoke. All his attention was focused on Regina. "Throw it away if she doesn't want it. You'd be wasting it on her, anyway."

Nikita knew what he meant by that. He was this close to pointing at her and telling her she didn't know her place. She looked at the soy milk, ultimately picking it up and taking a sip. She was only doing it to shut Regina up.

Only then did Regina look relieved. She smiled and said, "It's good, right? I even asked them to put some sugar in it for you! All women like sweet stuff, right?"

She continued almost chidingly, "My mom always says people are allergic to things because they've had too little of that particular food and haven't built up their immunity to it. You can't just skip meals, even if you want to watch your figure. Have more soybeans, and you'll stop being allergic!"

She turned to Nathaniel. "Don't you agree, Nathaniel?"

Instead of answering her, he caressed her head and said, "Stop sticking your nose into other people's business in the future. They won't appreciate it even if you help them."

She pouted, looking innocent and vivacious. "Ms. Shea isn't like that!"

Nikita smiled bitterly. Whatever it was, at least Regina was finally willing to leave.

She was seriously allergic to soybeans. She forced herself to power through a document as rashes formed all over her body. The itchiness was hard to endure, and she wasn't in the mood to continue working.

She rummaged through her drawers but didn't manage to find any allergy medication. She had no choice but to go buy some.

However, before she could even leave the office, her phone vibrated. It was a message from Nathaniel telling her to prepare for that night's dinner.

Nikita stared silently at the message. Did he really not know that she was allergic to soybeans? She lowered her eyes and replied, "Got it."

He wouldn't care, no matter how she explained herself. If that were the case, she wouldn't waste her breath. If she said anything, he would just think that she was kicking up a fuss over the matter.

…

Nikita only realized Regina was with Nathaniel when she arrived. Nathaniel was already feeling impatient. He growled, "Did your watch break or something?"

She said, "No, there was some traffic."

Regina clung to Nathaniel and said coquettishly, "Ms. Shea already works hard enough, Nathaniel. Don't get mad at her."

Then, she turned to Nikita. "I only came along to see what things are like at these dinners out of curiosity. You guys go ahead and do what you need; you don't need to bother about me."

Nikita couldn't bring herself to find anything pleasant in her words. She frowned and decided not to respond. Instead, she checked the time and said, "We should head inside, Mr. Foster."

As soon as she pushed open the door to the private room, she saw some familiar faces inside. This dinner was supposed to be a gathering between acquaintances. Most of them were business partners they'd worked with in the past, so they were familiar with each other.

A rare few that Nikita didn't recognize had still heard about her relationship with Nathaniel. And so, when they saw Regina, the atmosphere became a little awkward.

Nathaniel ignored their looks and took his seat. Then, he held Regina's hand and made her sit where Nikita usually sat. He said seriously, "This is Regina Lane, my personal assistant."

The role of a personal assistant had always come with amorous connotations. In fact, it seemed more like an excuse to cover something up than anything else.

The fact that Nathaniel had introduced Regina to everyone so seriously made it seem like he genuinely only considered her his personal assistant. At the very least, no one would dare look down on her.

Nikita silently took her seat elsewhere. Her allergic reaction was getting worse, and the itchiness was making her feel uncomfortable.

Everyone could tell something was wrong with her, but Nathaniel's attention was only on Regina.

In a low voice, he told the latter not to be nervous. He was unbelievably gentle, both in terms of his tone and expression. Meanwhile, she blushed and leaned against him shyly.

None of the people present were fools, so they quickly understood the situation. Someone even came over to have a drink with Regina. He said, "Cheers, Ms. Lane. It's rare for Mr. Foster to personally guide someone; there must be something special about you!"

Regina was still clutching Nathaniel's sleeve. She looked at the man in surprise and said in a small voice, "But I don't know how to drink. You know that, Nathaniel."

She turned to Nikita and said gently, "You're used to attending these gatherings, right, Ms. Shea? You must be better at drinking than I am. Can you drink on my behalf? I really can't hold my liquor."

Nikita's head was heavy, so she was acting on instinct now. She got up and toasted the room before downing her drink.

"Atta girl!"

"As expected of Ms. Shea. You're amazing!"

The people present cheered, and someone said, "I wouldn't have expected any less of Ms. Shea—it's something she's picked up over the years. Think about when Ms. Shea first started working for Mr. Foster.

"That one guy refused to sign the contract after everything had been said and done, and Ms. Shea drank the bar dry, knocking everyone out. The guy only signed the contract out of admiration…"

Before he could finish, Nathaniel frowned. He put his glass on the table. He wasn't too rough, but the sound made everyone fall silent. Amidst the silence, his voice was particularly clear. "Don't talk about that nonsense with Gigi around."

Regina looked both shy and upset when she heard that. She tugged on his sleeve and said, "I'm not a child anymore. Stop thinking of me as one, Nathaniel."

He seemed to be amused by her words and smiled gently. "Who was the one who called me in tears two nights ago because she was afraid of the dark?"

"Oh, you!" She reached out, looking embarrassed as she tried to clap a hand over his mouth. "There are so many people around. How can you…"

She didn't seem to be able to continue. Instead, she buried her head against his shoulder.