Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 493

"Nicholas, in the future, please only come to me when you genuinely need me to fulfill our agreement.

"I have a daughter, and she needs me more than anything, so don't joke around with me like you did today. My life will never revolve around you."

I randomly hailed a cab off the street. Nicholas didn't chase after me. Through the window, I watched as his figure quickly faded into the night as the car pulled away.

My palm, still red from the slap, trembled from the pain. Who knew slapping someone could hurt this much? But why couldn't I hold back? Why did I have to hit him?

Before I returned home, I had already decided to act indifferent and pridefully make my appearance before everyone, including him.

In the dim light of the night, Nicholas pressed his tongue against the inside of his cheek. His eyes were filled with a mix of emotions.

Once again, I turned my back to him and walked away.

When he finally spoke, his voice was hoarse with confusion. "Did I push her too hard?"

Beth stood a step behind him. She stared at her shoes silently, pretending to be invisible. No one could interfere in matters of the heart, and outsiders had no place to judge.

Besides, she was partly responsible for that slap Nicholas received. But somehow, it showed that I still cared. In a way, he didn't get slapped for nothing.

Nicholas's eyes were bloodshot, and his expression turned grim. "Tell them I had something come up."

He turned and headed toward the car, but Beth called after him, "Mr. Hawk!"

Nicholas paused in his steps but didn't turn around.

Beth hurried to explain, "Mr. Hawk, you arranged work for Mrs. Hawk because you wanted her to stay in the country longer. But you knew she would ask me for the contracts you signed with the shareholders of Jones Corporation.

"Why did you ask me to comply with her request? Once she realizes everything is in order, won't she leave even faster?"

Upon hearing her words, Nicholas turned around. His usually calm eyes were now cold and sharp, full of warnings.