"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
"Alright, call me if you need anything," Mason reminded Nikita."Okay."As the sound of footsteps faded and the door clicked shut, Nikita mustered all her strength and slapped Nathaniel hard across the face.The impact jolted his head to the side and left him momentarily stunned. He couldn't believe what had just happened.Moments later, he gingerly ran his tongue over his numb cheek. He then turned to Nikita. His eyes were burning with anger. "You actually hit me?"No one had ever dared lay a hand on him before—not even his parents.Nikita's expression was cold and unyielding. "If you don't leave now, I'll do it again."Nathaniel's eyes blazed with fury. In a single, fluid motion, he lifted Nikita and threw her onto the bed. He pinned her down as he began to tear her clothes.In the next second, a sharp slap rang out. She had struck him again and stopped him in his tracks.With half his face shrouded in shadow, Nathaniel's expression was unreadable.Nikita looked at him impa
Regina edged closer. As soon as she saw the purple gemstone necklace, she couldn't help but exclaim, "It's absolutely stunning!"Casting a sideways glance at Nikita, she raised her voice deliberately. "Nathaniel, I love this necklace. Since my birthday is coming up in a few days, would you mind buying it for me?"Regina tugged gently on Nathaniel's arm as she spoke in a sweet and persuasive tone. She had noted the necklace's hefty price tag of five million dollars. Owning it would certainly give her a significant bragging point back at the office.Nathaniel's focus returned to the necklace, and he assessed it briefly. "You really like it?"Regina nodded enthusiastically. "Don't you think it's perfect for me?""It does suit you," Nathaniel replied casually. He then signaled to a staff member and completed the purchase on the spot.The moment Regina received the necklace, she could hardly contain her excitement. She hurried over to Nathaniel and asked, "Nathaniel, could you help me
Nikita had completely ignored Nathaniel. On the other hand, Mason was so pleased he nearly burst into laughter. He quickly stifled his grin and was ready to take Nikita back to the hotel to change.Since the exhibition was still in full swing, she told him to continue browsing while she headed back alone.Even after she disappeared through the doors, Nathaniel's gaze lingered on the spot where she had vanished.Regina didn't miss the brief flicker of jealousy in his eyes. She could hardly believe it—Nathaniel was actually jealous!Although the necklace around her neck was worth millions of dollars, it suddenly seemed less significant. After all, a few million was mere pocket change to Nathaniel. What truly mattered was his attention, which felt far more valuable.Nikita had already seen enough of the exhibition, and the thought of running into Nathaniel and Regina again soured her mood.The spilled drink had soaked through her clothes, sticking to her skin, and the cold wind outs
"What use is rejecting it? Didn't our families discuss it already? A marriage alliance is a very normal thing. You should just accept it."The elders of the Grays and the Lamars had been in a hurry to get the engagement done, but if Mason refused to speak up, they wouldn't be able to set a date at all.Mason could not understand why Jasmine was acting as if she was devoted to him. They had only met twice, after all."I can't accept this, because the person I have feelings for is Nikita."The atmosphere seemed to congeal at once.Nikita had been enjoying the show, but upon hearing Mason's words, her expression stiffened. She turned to Jasmine in a panic to try and explain.She did not have any feelings for Mason at all! It wasn't as if they were in some kind of melodrama.Jasmine raised her hand and covered Nikita's mouth. She was very calm. "You don't have to say anything. I know that you don't have any such intention. It's just Mason's unrequited love."Nikita blinked to expre
Jasmine answered all of Mason's questions. Actually, Nathaniel had been a pretty nice guy in high school. No one knew when he had started to become so cold and ruthless.After listening, Mason's heart ached even more for Nikita.Jasmine saw that he looked like he had lost his soul, so she thought of pouring him a glass of water.She was wearing a long skirt that day, and when she got up she accidentally stepped on it, making her fall forward.Mason reacted quickly and grabbed her arm. He instinctively pulled her toward him, and Jasmine fell right into his arms. Jasmine's cheek was against Mason's neck, and the two of them were pressed tightly against each other. They could both feel the warmth emanating from the other.Mason was startled. The woman in his arms felt even softer than he had imagined, and strands of her long hair tickled his nose. The scent of her shampoo smelt very nice. Jasmine recovered first. She looked up and laughed rather awkwardly. "Sorry. My lipstick got