The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride novel Chapter 1861

The words hit Ronald like a ton of bricks, and he fell silent, his gaze shifting to Yulia, filled with an intricate web of emotions.

Yet Yulia simply couldn't contain the smile that Nathan's words brought to her lips, a mixture of shyness and quiet joy that sent a chill through Ronald's heart.

He had thought he could brush aside the fact that she had confessed her love for Nathan, assuming it was just a convenient excuse to get rid of him. But now, even if he wanted to deny it, he couldn't. It was just too self-deceptive.

He knew that Yulia wasn't the type to lie, and the look on her face now was undeniably genuine.

Nathan, no longer paying Ronald any attention, swung the car door open, ready to usher Yulia inside.

"Yulia!" Ronald called out again, and she turned to look at him, the smile instantly fading as she faced him, leaving her expression cold and distant. "You sure about this? What about Anya? Have you told him about her? You're just going to trust him that easily? You're not afraid of what might happen later?"d1

Yulia's response was even chillier, "This is my business, and I'd appreciate it if you'd stop bringing up things that no longer concern you."

Disappointment filled Ronald's face. "Do you even realize the consequences if something goes wrong? Can you handle that?"

There was a brief silence before Yulia spoke again, "If I can't handle it, then I'll stick to him like glue. Wherever Anya is, that's where I'll be."

The comment stung Ronald as though he had been pricked by a needle. Was she implying that they had discussed Anya's situation the previous night? Did she really also disclose Anya's background to Nathan?

In a bout of impatience, Nathan cut the conversation short, brusquely guiding Yulia into the passenger seat.

"Enough chit-chat with him."

He slammed the door shut and walked over to Ronald, giving him a cold stare. "Get a grip, dude. Stop acting like some love-struck puppy. You pushed her away yourself, and now you want her back? You think the world revolves around you?"

Nathan chuckled at his own words and gave Ronald a once-over with a scoff.

Ronald's usually calm exterior cracked, and his forehead bulged with veins. Nathan didn't care. He simply chuckled again, got into the car, and drove off with Yulia, who had buckled up and was smiling at him.

"You are such a good sport today. I'll make sure to give you a proper reward tonight." Nathan said with a wink.

Yulia blushed, "That's sweet, but I was just doing what I should. No rewards necessary."

"Can't have that. You're too cute not to be taken care of properly."

Yulia muttered, "You're just looking for an excuse to play the rogue. Besides, that's not a valid reason. I decline the 'reward,' thank you."

Nathan just smiled and didn't respond, but Yulia felt a tremor inside. She knew that Nathan was far from as calm as he seemed and was probably scheming something.

...

After dropping Yulia at her office building, Nathan wrapped her in his arms for a deep kiss before letting go.

"Be good and wait for me to pick you up tonight."

Both Yulia and Nathan were the talk of the town at the moment. They were well aware of the potential presence of reporters around the company. Their public display of affection was sure to stir the pot.

The news was buzzing, with mixed reactions. Some criticized Yulia for lacking principles, willing to forgive an affair for the status of Mrs. Harper. Others surmised that if the couple was this affectionate, perhaps the rumors of Nathan's bar escapades were unfounded.

Regardless of the online frenzy, Nathan and Yulia seemed unaffected.

During the day, Nathan was particularly energetic in the company, making his colleagues look down on those people online who were still speculating about the true and false of their relationship. In their eyes, those people were no different from clowns.

Nathan was in a good mood today, and he had done twice the work with half the effort. He had completed all the work piled up yesterday, as well as today's and tomorrow's, before the end of his shift. He rested on his chair for a while, then picked up his phone and made a call.

The call was quickly connected, and he straightened up from his chair and picked up a pen. "How's the investigation I asked you to do?" He asked.

The office was very quiet, and the voice on the phone could be heard faintly. "Not yet... it hasn't even been 24 hours, and I'm investigating things from years ago. I need more time..."

Nathan pursed his lips, threw the pen on the table, and leaned back into his chair. "Hurry up!" He ordered.

"Actually, boss, instead of getting me to investigate all this, why not just take the opportunity to do a paternity test? That wouldn't be wrong..."

"You don't know shit! Just do what I asked you to do and don't meddle in other things." He hung up, and Nathan's face wasn't looking too good.

A paternity test? If Yulia knew about it, wouldn't she make a big fuss? Besides, Ronald was so sure that it was his child. If he took Anya to do a paternity test now and it turned out not to be his, he couldn't even imagine what his feelings would be like then.

Besides, for the life of him, Nathan couldn't figure out any point of connection with Yulia that could have resulted in a child. The mystery of Anya's parentage continued to haunt him. If he had to pinpoint it, the only time that matched up was that year in Brookside. The timing was right, but that was about it.

How the hell could it be Yulia? He remembered distinctly, that woman was a virgin. And Yulia, she had been with Ronald for ages. It just didn't add up.

Rubbing his head in irritation, his good mood for the day was shot. After swiveling in his chair for what felt like an eternity, he finally stood up, his face set in a grim line as he strode out of the office.

He drove straight to Yulia's workplace, timing it perfectly with her clocking out.

Yulia practically jogged down to the car, still catching her breath as she asked him, "How come you're here so early? I thought you'd wait until after work. I just brewed some coffee, was gearing up for some overtime."

"Overtime? Being the boss means you get to cut corners."

Yulia chuckled, "Shouldn't the boss set an example for the employees?"

"What, they're so dim they need me to model clocking in and out?"

Yulia chuckled.

"Besides, I’m setting an example now. If they want the luxury to come and go as they please, they should hustle and become the boss themselves."

Yulia was at a loss for words. What he said was beyond contesting.

They swung by the apartment to pick up Anya before heading straight to Greenfield Village.