Billionaire's Match (by Tangy Candy) novel Chapter 1009

But for now, Lucas still hoped Nick would focus on his recovery. The company's affairs were, in the end, just business competition. Ups and downs were inevitable—nothing prospered forever.

Nick shifted slightly inward on the bed and patted the space beside him.

"Come here."

Khloe lay down, and he quickly pulled her into his arms.

His hand rested at her waist, his palm naturally settling against her slightly rounded belly.

They lay there quietly for a while.

"How have things been with the Morrison Group lately?" Nick finally asked in a low voice near her ear.

"Not bad."

Khloe closed her eyes, leaning against his chest. His heartbeat was steady, neither fast nor slow.

"Khloe," he called suddenly.

"Mm?"

"Do you… want to go back home?"

Khloe's eyes snapped open.

"Of course not. I want to stay with you. Wherever you are, I'll be there. Didn't we agree on that?"

Nick lowered his gaze to her, his eyes dark and unfathomable.

"But it feels like your mind isn't with me. Ever since we came back, you've seemed distracted. Last night when I woke up, I saw you step outside to take a call. And just now, you skipped my treatment time to handle something, didn't you?"

"Nick, don't misunderstand…"

Startled, Khloe's eyes flickered as she rushed to explain. Nick was perceptive—she knew even the smallest thoughts couldn't be hidden from him. But right now, she was too anxious to think clearly.

"Khloe, you can't hide what's on your mind."

Gently, he lifted her chin, leaning closer, a faint curve at the corner of his lips.

Khloe fell silent, not yet knowing how to respond, when he continued, "Ethan has just taken over. There must be people below him who aren't convinced. And with Olympus constantly making moves, it's only natural you'd worry…"

"Why not?"

"If they were just ordinary competitors, it wouldn't matter. But Olympus came prepared, engaging in malicious competition. It might even be someone we've unknowingly offended."

His words struck exactly what Khloe had been thinking.

She believed the same.

The other side harbored ill intent—this was no ordinary competition.

If it only caused losses for the Hunt and Morrison Groups, that would be one thing. But she feared that in the end, it could destabilize Goldmont City itself, dragging both companies and their employees into suffering.

Khloe paused, and Nick continued, "Our companies are our responsibility. When we got married, we made a promise—not just to Goldmont City, but to the entire country—that this project would benefit the people and contribute to the nation."

Khloe seemed to understand what he meant. She froze for a moment, then shook her head immediately.

"No. Right now, you need to rest properly. Whatever happens, you're not allowed to get involved anymore."

"If you want to handle it," Nick said, "we'll handle it together."