At the banquet, I used the slight influence of alcohol to project an image of boldness and strength. I stood at the center of the stage, confidently discussing the present and future of Jones Corporation.Over the years, Douglas had not been idle. Of the 24 shareholders, some were still holding on a
I pressed my hand against Nicholas's shoulder, unable to suppress a sneer. "Mr. Hawk, you really are everywhere, always showing up uninvited like you've mastered the art.""Where I want to go, no one can stop me."As he spoke, his gaze traveled from the top of my head to my feet, lingering in a part
I ran out and bumped right into Pete, who had been searching for me. He steadied me, his gaze drifting over my head to glance behind me. I subtly glanced back, relieved not to see Nicholas anywhere.Pete clenched his fist behind his back. His voice was deep as he asked, "Did you see him?"I knew I c
"Ariana Jones! Do you even realize what you're saying?"For the first time, Pete yelled my full name. His face contorted, unable to hold back his emotions any longer. He grabbed my shoulders tightly and shook me. "Did Nicholas say something to you? Did that bastard threaten you!""No, he didn't...
The banquet wasn't over yet, so Nicholas still hadn't left.He found a quiet corner to pour himself a drink, although it wasn't clear what he was waiting for. I clearly didn't need him, and I even slapped him.His hand paused mid-air as the glass hovered near his lips. For a moment, he seemed lost,
Pete's fury skyrocketed the moment Nicholas raised his fist to strike him. He forcefully shoved Nicholas off and hurled himself on top of him. He used all his weight to pin Nicholas to the ground.In an instant, the tables turned. Pete looked down at Nicholas, a sneer spreading across his face."Nic
As the elevator doors opened, a lone figure in black sat motionless in the middle of the open space. Nicholas had his arms wrapped around his knees, his head buried deep.If it were anyone else, I might have assumed they were crying. But Nicholas wasn't the kind of man to shed tears over a fight.Pe
I ended up not attending Christopher's wife's birthday party after all.As soon as my car pulled into an empty spot and came to a halt, someone swiftly grabbed me by the waist and shoved me into a black SUV parked nearby. The movements were so smooth and practiced. If I hadn't seen Nicholas's dark
I didn't want to stay under the same roof as Nicholas, so I took my laptop and went to sit in the courtyard.A while later, Nicholas found me. As he approached, the cool summer breeze swirled around him, carrying it to where he sat beside me."Tabitha finished eating, and her little belly's all roun
Back at Coral Villa, Tabitha had also returned.I carried Tabitha upstairs and started unpacking her things from the suitcase. She was thrilled.Nicholas walked over and squatted beside her. "Tabitha, Daddy and Mommy prepared these for you. Do you want to kiss Daddy and Mommy?"Tabitha stared at him
Nicholas held one of Tabitha's outfits in his hands. It was so small it seemed no larger than a face towel he used to wash his face. He handled them with such care that his overflowing fatherly love seemed to seep into the fabric.I looked into his eyes earnestly and said, "You still have time to be
I pulled Nicholas' hands off my shoulders and turned silently to look out the window.The reflection in the car window showed his pain. I saw him open his mouth, but in the end, he said nothing.When we arrived at Coral Villa, the driver parked in front of the gate.As if eager to please me, Nichola
The drive back was silent and suffocating. Nicholas and I were separated by an invisible barrier, and neither of us dared to say another word to each other.His phone rang, breaking the oppressive quiet. After a few brief responses, he hung up and turned to me. "The police said her injuries are too
The sky had grown dark. A heavy feeling settled in my chest. I wanted to step out and get some air.Nicholas was still seething with anger at Claudia. But he refused to let go of me, holding my hand tightly.In a hoarse voice, I shook my head and said expressionlessly, "I'm not interested in her apo
Nicholas snapped, "Are you done yet?"He grabbed the vase next to him and hurled it at Claudia.The vase, though empty of flowers, still held water. It shattered against the wall with a crash, and shards of glass and water poured over Claudia's head.Claudia barely managed to hold her breath. She co
I fixed my gaze calmly on Claudia. "Alright. Go ahead. I'm listening."Nicholas abruptly shot to his feet, as if a dagger were pressed against his back. He stormed toward Claudia, his anger so palpable he looked ready to strangle her with his bare hands.I quickly pulled him back. "I promise, if any
Upon hearing Nicholas' words, I couldn't deny the twinge of emotion that stirred within me.Was this the misunderstanding Pete had hinted at between Nicholas and me? So Nicholas had actually cut ties with Claudia long ago?A bitter smile tugged at my lips. Had Nicholas not been with Claudia during t