Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Thea felt faint and weak, barely able to move. Just before losing consciousness, she saw Nicolas rushing toward her with at group of people. Nicolas scooped her into his arms, her body burning with fever and her breathing shallow and quick.

She clung to his shirt like a drowning person grasping at a lifeline, her lips moving as if she were trying to say something.

Wiping the sweat from his brow, Darwin said urgently, "I'll get a car to take her to the hospital."

Nicolas shook his head. Taking her to the hospital could draw unwanted attention. Have her taken to the Hendrix family home instead.

"Understood." Darwin nodded, hurrying to make the arrangements.

Thea felt as though she were drifting into a strange dream. In it, he was lying in Nicolas's arms, but rather than feeling uneasy, she found comfort in the closeness. The dream felt incredibly vivid. She could even sense the coolness of Nicolas's body temperature.

Seeking warmth, she nestled her face against his neck, feeling soothed by the position and instinctively nuzzling closer.

Nicolas's body stiffened. He awkwardly tried to move her head away, but Thea, still half-conscious, grabbed his hand and pressed it gently against her cheek.

Meanwhile, Jake, agitated and restless after returning home, couldn't shake the image of Thea's cold, expressionless face from his mind.

He threw things in frustration, but it didn't help. Deciding to step outside for air, he walked to the balcony and saw a familiar car pull up.

Nicolas got out, carrying a woman wrapped in his coat. Her face was hidden against his chest, but Jake could see her delicate, slender limbs, looking fragile and vulnerable in his arms.

claimed he met someone special abroad years ago and rejected all the arranged marriages. But in the end, he's

flicked his cigarette to the ground, crushing it under his foot before heading back inside. Curious about who the woman might be, Jake decided to

had been placed in a guest room. Jake scoffed, thinking Nicolas was just putting

door was slightly ajar, and through the gap, he

from behind him, cold. and sharp. "Can't mind your

as he heard Nicolas's voice. He quickly spun around, standing,

cold and filled with contempt, "I believe I mentioned your people have been causing trouble lately. Tasked for answers over a week ago, but you've remained silent. Do you think I'm bluffing, or that I'll let it slide just because you're my

Fall in line.

I'll make sure

D

42%2

4204

out about Thea's involvement in the data leak, Jake

handle whoever leaked the company data quickly.

his disdain cutting Jake

Jake slunk away.

feeling disoriented. For a moment,

morning. Thea woke

night came back to her. Her head was throbbing, and she winced, clutching the covers. She realized that the stress of the past few days, coupled with not eating, getting soaked in the rain, and a fever, had likely caused

something else nagged at her. She wondered if she had really been so bold with

'Nicolas is known for being proper. If I'd really acted like that, he

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255