Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 553

At work, I found myself distracted. Douglas had spoken to me several times, but I hadn't heard a word. Even though I was confident in my confrontation with Claudia, I had to admit that her words had affected me.

Who was Nicholas really doing all this for? Claudia claimed it was for her—that he stood up for her in her time of need. Everything she said seemed to add up.

Was it really just a coincidence? I wasn't sure anymore.

I didn't know whether I doubted Nicholas or just lacked confidence in myself. I wasn't sure if Nicholas would pick me over Claudia. To me, it didn't seem possible.

Douglas could tell I wasn't focused on work. I'd never had much enthusiasm for corporate management. So, he tactfully excused himself.

Left alone, I idly flipped through case files, losing myself in them until nightfall.

When I got home, I heard the sound of a car pulling into the driveway. Wendy must have brought Tabitha back. I'd missed her terribly after just one day apart and rushed outside to meet them.

But when I stepped outside, it wasn't Wendy holding the child—it was Nicholas.

The smile I had on my face disappeared instantly when I saw him. Yet, there he was, holding Tabitha, using her as leverage.

"What are you doing here?" I looked at him, my expression cold and distant.

Nicholas felt a pang in his chest when he saw my cold stare. It was so different from the image of me in his memories. The contrast was too much for him to bear, but he had no choice but to accept it.

He wanted to see me, so he had to endure it and put on a smile. "Ariana, about what happened earlier today..."

"Tabitha, Mommy's here. Do you miss Mommy?"