Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

In the conference room, Nicholas stood by the window. He had one hand in his pocket while his long legs were crossed casually. He showed no sign of discomfort, although he was in unfamiliar territory. He was just standing there silently. His mere silhouette carried the weight of authority.

Anyone who didn't know his recent turmoil would never connect this composed figure with the man who had been standing on the edge of a rooftop just days ago, on the verge of breaking down. Just thinking about that moment made me feel like I was falling apart, so much so that I let out a self-mockery laugh.

I wasn't sure if I was breaking down because I had been the straw that broke him, or because I was actually feeling pity for him and blaming myself for it.

Douglas opened the door to the conference room. Nicholas turned just in time to catch the mocking smile on my lips.

He glanced over at Claudia, who was sitting at the conference table. His expression darkened, but he didn't say a word to me. Claudia, however, couldn't hide her smugness from the moment I walked in.

"Ariana, Nick said he's here for business. But I couldn't let him come alone, so I tagged along. You don't mind, do you?"

I answered with a slight nod as I sat down. In a place where no one could see, my hands clenched the file tightly.

Nicholas clenched his teeth, his already gaunt face tightening further. His bloodshot eyes desperately sought any emotion on my face, but he found nothing.

He wasn't confident anymore. He knew full well that I never thought about him, although we hadn't seen each other in the past few days. Despite how close we came to never seeing each other again, it didn't change a thing.

was in my thoughts. But

the table and muttered coldly, "Let's get this

could stop myself,

those words, his eyes reddened even more. A wave of helplessness washed over

if he was okay? If I truly cared,

be worse than what he went through

to ask so many questions. But the second our eyes

as

foolish enough

genuine care.

How could he expect anything more

what Ariana is thinking!" Douglas stepped out from behind me, pointing at Claudia. "We're not at Hawk Corporation. No one is

her tongue and clung to Nicholas's arm, hiding behind

I need to say isn't suitable for her to hear

came to him, I couldn't afford to be

his