Regina's heart sank when she heard this. She felt like a bucket of ice water had been tipped over her.She wanted to explain to Ruby, but the latter cut her off stonily, "You and Nathaniel are close. I came today to see if you'd talk to him for me and persuade him to meet Ms. Gray. He'll like her, I'm sure."Having said this, Ruby patted Regina's hand and added softly, "I trust you have no objection to that."Regina blanched as she nodded. She was resentful and hurt, but she forced a tight smile anyway. "Don't worry, Ruby. I'll talk to Nathaniel about this.""That would be best," Ruby said.When Ruby left, a vicious grimace twisted Regina's face as her fists clenched at her sides.…Nikita had only just left the company building after work the next day when a passing car stopped her.The car window rolled down to reveal Ruby's delicately made-up face that did not show any sign of aging. She ordered in her usual haughty tone, "Get in the car. I need to talk to you."With so man
Ruby frowned at the words. Just as she was about to put Nikita in her place, a glimpse of a tall figure rushing through the doorway caught her eye.Nathaniel's gaze swept over the room before landing on the woman with her back to him. Without hesitation, he strode toward her.Ruby's expression softened into a smile when she saw her son. "Nat, what brings you here?"Her remark made Nikita turn, and she was startled to see Nathaniel. What was he doing here? Did he already know?Standing beside Nikita, Nathaniel's eyes immediately fixed on the check on the table. His expression darkened as he asked, "Mom, why are you giving her money?"He had just finished work when Harvey told him Ruby had taken Nikita. Panic set in, and without hesitation, he rushed to the restaurant. He feared his mother might do something to Nikita. But now, the two women sat quietly. The check was still lying on the table. It was hard for Nathaniel not to jump to the worst conclusion.Ruby exchanged a subtle
Since Nathaniel had already misunderstood the situation, it was easier to let him keep that impression than to risk him finding out about the pregnancy."Yes, I've already taken the money. So, Mr. Foster, please let me go and stop making things difficult for me!" "Nikita Shea!" Nathaniel growled as his eyes burned with fury. In the next instant, he lowered his head and forcefully pressed his lips against hers. He turned what could have been a kiss into an outlet for his anger. He bit down on her lip as if he were a predator attacking its prey.Nikita yelped in pain, but her cries were muffled by his unrelenting kiss. She was on the verge of passing out when Nathaniel finally let her go. His rough fingers grazed her swollen lips as he warned, "You're not leaving Halvord City without my permission. Try it, and you'll regret it!"Still catching her breath, Nikita defiantly tilted her head, exposing her neck. "Then why don't you just kill me now?"Nathaniel gripped her neck. With
Fuming, Nathaniel trapped Nikita against the car seat. "Do you really think it's unfair to be my fake girlfriend for ten million dollars? You'd rather take my mother's money instead, huh? Have you lost your mind, Nikita? Do you think her money is just up for grabs?"Nikita was momentarily stunned. It was the first time she had ever heard him speak with such intensity. Nathaniel gripped her arm tightly. His eyes were blazing with fury as he threatened, "You're coming with me tomorrow. If you refuse, you're not getting out of this car tonight."His hand slid beneath her shirt as he spoke. His touch moved up her slender waist.Realizing the gravity of the situation, Nikita immediately grabbed his wrist. Her breath came in anxious gasps as she met his inscrutable gaze. She had spent enough time with him to know that he was serious. If she didn't agree, he might force himself on her right there and then. Nikita swallowed hard and quickly said, "Fine, I'll go with you."Nathaniel p
After saying that, Mason began to remove his suit jacket, but Nikita quickly stopped him. "It's okay. I'm not cold. The car's warm. Let's just go."She was aware that wearing his jacket back to the office would only spark rumors.Mason understood her concerns and didn't press further. Instead, he graciously opened the car door for her.Just as Nikita was about to step in, a sudden, firm grip yanked her back. She staggered, regaining her balance just in time to meet Nathaniel's fierce gaze. He shot a scathing look at Mason and scoffed. "Is this why you stood me up?"The moment Nikita saw Nathaniel, her mind went blank. What were the odds? She had deliberately ignored the address he sent, yet here they were, running into each other.Her brow furrowed slightly as she replied, "I didn't want to come in the first place. You practically forced me to agree, so why are you surprised that I stood you up?" Her tone was unnervingly calm, as if bailing on someone was no big deal."Stop b
"Clearly, she's so overwhelmed that she can't even respond," Nathaniel thought smugly. Just as he was about to speak, Nikita yanked the necklace off and threw it at him.Nathaniel's body went rigid, and he stared at her in disbelief. "Nikita, what the hell is wrong with you?" he asked with a frown.The last time he had given her a necklace, her reaction had been completely different. Tears shimmered in Nikita's eyes, and she trembled with anger. After taking a deep breath, she snapped, "Nathaniel Foster, you've crossed the line! I'll refund the 500 thousand dollars deposit, but from now on, stay out of my life!"With that, she turned and got into Mason's car.As Nathaniel tried to chase after her, Mason stepped forward, blocked his path, and sneered, "Mr. Foster, didn't you hear her? She doesn't want to see you again."Nathaniel's eyes darkened with rage as he looked down at Mason's hand stopping him. "This is between me and her. I suggest you stay out of it.""You still don't
Since that day, Nathaniel hadn't shown up for nearly two weeks. Nikita had long since refunded the money and considered that job a loss. With her increasing workload, she had no time to think about Nathaniel. Despite her packed schedule, her days felt fulfilling and rewarding.…In a couple of days, Alastria would be hosting a global jewelry exhibition. Mason had brought several skilled designers from the company, including Nikita, to attend the event.After burning the midnight oil the night before, Nikita overslept on departure day. She hurried to the airport with a small suitcase while breathless and flustered.Mason casually took her suitcase and said gently, "There's no need to rush. We can always change our flight."Their colleagues watched their interaction with knowing smiles. Embarrassed, Nikita turned her head and urged, "We need to get through security."Mason glanced at her but said nothing, simply joining the line for security.Once on the plane, Nikita fell aslee
"She didn't bring them!" Nathaniel's voice grew increasingly impatient while his pounding on the door intensified.Worried about disturbing Mason next door, Nikita jumped out of bed and hurried to the door. Exasperated, she yelled, "Stop knocking! I don't have them. Ask Regina to get it for you.""There aren't any pharmacies nearby. I know you have the pills," Nathaniel insisted. "Open the door. Are you trying to make a scene?"At that moment, Nikita resented her previous diligence. Nathaniel was sure she wouldn't change her habits easily, which was why he was so confident."Just stay at the door. I'll give you the pills, but you need to leave right away," she said through gritted teeth.She knew arguing with a drunk was pointless. All she wanted was to get him out of there as soon as possible.After a long pause, Nathaniel replied, "Okay."Nikita grabbed the hangover pills and opened the door just enough to hand them to him. But he pushed hard and forced his way in.Before she