The Triplets My Ex Never Knew About novel Chapter 171

Chapter 171: Chapter 171: After All, There’s a Distinction Between Miss York and Me

Estelle Lockwood paused mid-bite, raising an eyebrow meaningfully.

Thea York hurried over, her expression full of concern. "Nathaniel, put that down! I’ll get you a wet wipe for your hands."

As she went to get a wet wipe, she lectured Estelle with a helpless air. "Estelle, I know you two haven’t been married long and have spent a lot of time apart, but you really should get to know Nathaniel better. How could you ask him to do something like this?"

"He’d have a hard time refusing you, but he’s a germaphobe. You’re putting him in a difficult position. As his wife, you should be more..."

Before she could finish, Nathaniel Sloan had already picked up another shrimp and was methodically peeling it.

The man was wearing disposable gloves. While most people would make a mess peeling shrimp, looking rather uncivilized, Nathaniel remained graceful, his long, strong fingers moving with ease.

Thea York’s words caught in her throat.

Estelle rested her chin on her hand. "This isn’t the first time Nathaniel has peeled shrimp for me. Why the surprise, Miss York?"

Thea York’s expression stiffened. Her hands, clenched into tight fists, began to tremble faintly.

’How could this be... For Nathaniel to lower himself like this for that woman!’

’She’d only been abroad for a few years. How did things end up like this?’

’It’s not fair!’

Julian Jacobs returned just then and frowned. "Nathaniel, what’s the point of this? Thea used to ask you to peel shrimp for her and you wouldn’t even give her the time of day. What are you doing now? Are you deliberately trying to embarrass her?"

"Not deliberately, no."

Nathaniel Sloan replied coolly, "But surely you both understand the difference between who’s close and who’s not?"

Thea York’s face went deathly pale, and she swayed on her feet.

’The difference between who’s close and who’s not... Does that mean *I’m* the one who’s not close?!’

’But *she* was the one who grew up with Nathaniel! She was the one with the matching family background, the one he was supposed to marry! What does that make Estelle Lockwood? Nothing but a damn homewrecker!’

’But...’ Thea York suppressed the malice in her eyes.

’She wasn’t a fool like Noelle Lockwood. She wouldn’t wear her heart on her sleeve. Look at Noelle—after all those years of fighting, what did she end up with?’

’The title of ’fake heiress’? The reputation of a mistress?’

’Noelle’s mistake was being too impatient, too eager to crush Estelle under her heel. That’s why she lost!’

Thea York forced a smile. "Julian, Nathaniel has a point. They’re a married couple, after all. We shouldn’t get involved."

Estelle glanced at her with a wry, knowing smile.

Zane Grant shot Liam Sloan a look, and Liam, feigning curiosity, asked:

"By the way, Thea, where’s your fiancé? Didn’t he come back with you?"

Thea’s hand froze for a second before she feigned a bashful look. "Oh, him? He’s just so busy overseas. He couldn’t get away to come back with me this time."

’That’s right, she has a fiancé. If Estelle were to act ’jealous’ now, it would just make her look petty and insecure!’

’She has a fiancé, so her relationship with Nathaniel is purely platonic—they’re just good friends. Surely Estelle wouldn’t demand that Nathaniel cut off all his friends, would she?’

Liam Sloan visibly relaxed. ’Thea has a fiancé, so she can’t be interested in my brother. Family crisis averted!’

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