Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 531

Christopher trembled as I stepped toward him. Although each of my steps was graceful and unhurried, they seemed to fill him with dread.

At that moment, I felt like I was some kind of demon. Why else would it take so many bodyguards to hold Christopher down?

I did not doubt that, if they let him go, he would bolt from me and Nicholas as far as he could.

I smiled faintly, but my voice came out cold and sharp. "Do you remember what I said?"

Christopher stammered, desperate to defend himself. "Ariana, I didn't do anything to you! It was all that woman's fault! She's the one who filled my head with lies!"

My back went rigid. Sure enough, Nicholas cut in, "Which woman?"

"S-She is…" Christopher didn't get to finish.

My heel struck some part of his mouth, silencing him instantly as his eyes watered from the pain.

"Nicholas, I told you not to interfere."

I wasn't the same person I once was, the kind who would let things slide because Nicholas chose to protect Claudia. This time, he couldn't step in—who knew if he would truly be on my side?

There was something unexplainable stirring inside me. It was better if he didn't know.

I narrowed my eyes. "I won't let her go, and you're not getting off either."

Christopher began struggling. "Ariana, what are you trying to do? What do you want?"

"Oh, nothing much. Just hoping we'll meet again in court. Remember, Christopher, if anyone dares to take your case or even defend you for a second, they're crossing me, Jones Corporation, and Jay Caldwell & Co."

His voice softened, almost coaxing. "Please?"

I stiffened, feeling a mix of exasperation and helplessness. "I have things to do. I'm going to work."

Nicholas asked someone to fetch the car keys. "Where are you going? Let me take you. Would that be okay?

In the distance, Douglas couldn't help but shiver at the sight. Hearing Nicholas, the infamous CEO of Hawk Corporation, asking with such a soft tone was more unsettling than seeing him in his usual stern demeanor.

For a moment, Douglas froze, realizing this was someone else's family matter. It wasn't his place to step in, so he quietly got into the car and waited.

Seeing Nicholas's sudden shift in behavior made my blood boil. The man who had just moments ago had me in tears was now putting on this gentle act. What was he even trying to accomplish?

"Nicholas, you don't need to act like this just because of Tabitha. Nothing between us changes because of her. We're divorced. And if you keep holding me like this, it's technically harassment—I could sue you for that."