Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 438

My face darkened immediately. If I had not heard what Frances said, I might have enjoyed watching how she and Claudia turned against each other.

But how could they do such a thing? Claudia should know what Daniel meant to Nick. Did she not love Nick? How could she bear to see him go through the pain of losing his father?

Earlier this year, Nick and I argued because I went abroad without telling him, which delayed our return home.

Nick was worried about Daniel spending New Year's alone. So, he sent Claudia back first to accompany Daniel.

However, little did we know, the one who returned was not the stepdaughter who had enjoyed life as the Hawk family's princess for over a decade, but a murderer.

At that time, Daniel was already at the end of his rope, barely hanging on thanks to the hospital's care. Even when the doctors said Daniel's condition had improved over New Year's, Nick didn't dare let his guard down. We all understood it was likely the final flare of life before an old man's passing.

So when news came from home that Daniel had passed away, even though Nick was heartbroken, he did not show much emotion on the surface. I knew he had probably prepared himself countless times for that day…

A question then arose in my mind. Should I tell Nick? If he knew that the special person he trusted and cherished in this world called "Claudia" had killed his dearest family member, how would he react?

Neal looked at me questioningly. I said softly, "During New Year's, Nick's father, Daniel, passed away. Nick and I were abroad at the time."

"Murder!" Neal was also shocked.

I nodded tiredly. "It sounds that way. Daniel had been ill for a long time. The doctors said there was no chance of recovery, it was just a matter of time, so Nick and I didn't think much of it."

Neal's pupils trembled. He had not interacted with Ariana much. But recently, their encounters always involved that man called Nick. He knew that due to his profession, too much contact with her was not good. Yet, all the good and bad seemed to revolve around that man.

After all this time, he no longer harbored unrealistic fantasies about me. But hearing me so naturally say "Nick and I" still filled him with uncontrollable envy.

He was silent for a moment and then calmly looked away. "Which hospital? What other information can you provide? I'll send someone to investigate right away."