The Captain I Married by Chance novel Chapter 457

Nathan remained silent for a long time before offering a tight, forced smile. "I have no concerns."

With that, he stood up. "If that's all, we'll be going."

Mr. Adams stared at him, his gaze caught somewhere between a sigh and deep regret. "Go on."

Nathan took Nora's hand. "We'll head out now," he said smoothly, guiding her toward the door.

Behind them, Mr. Adams called out, "The Task Force has been working overtime on this. Boost their morale. Give them a few days off."

Nathan gave a curt acknowledgement and pulled the office door shut behind him.

Nora stayed quiet, letting Nathan lead her away from the administrative wing.

They didn't return to the Task Force bullpen, heading straight down to the underground parking garage instead.

It wasn't until they were safely sealed inside the car that the rigid tension in Nathan's body finally broke.

Seeing his exhaustion, Nora reached over and gently rubbed his back. "Nathan, are you okay?"

He shook his head slightly. "I'm fine."

Turning his head, he noticed her pale complexion. Assuming his dark mood had frightened her, he immediately pulled her into a warm embrace. His voice was soft, afraid of startling her further. "I'm sorry for making you worry."

Nora shook her head against his chest.

Realizing he couldn't see her face, she smiled softly. "I wasn't worried. I've always believed in you."

Nathan didn't say a word. He simply tightened his arms, holding her closer.

Nora remained perfectly still, melting into his embrace.

After what felt like ten or maybe twenty minutes, her neck started to cramp, and she shifted slightly to relieve the ache.

The heavy atmosphere inside the car finally evaporated.

She didn't let him massage her for too long. Once the stiffness faded, she patted his hand to stop him.

Leaning back against their seats, the conversation inevitably circled back to the transferred case.

"I found something," Nathan said, his tone turning razor-sharp.

"I used the Peyton family network. Since I can't log it into evidence officially, I kept it quiet."

Knowing he was finally letting her in on the secret, Nora shifted in her seat, giving him her full attention.

Nathan's gaze softened. He took her hand, lightly tracing the calluses on her fingertips. He knew they were permanent marks from years of gripping a scalpel.

He rubbed the rough patches affectionately, making a mental note to buy her a premium hand-care kit.