Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 639

I stayed with Yasmine until evening before finally leaving her home.

Neal was waiting for me downstairs at Yasmine's apartment. The moment he saw me come out, he sent someone to retrieve the device I was holding.

"You didn't look at it, did you?"

Under the night sky, his expression was heavy, and I found myself momentarily dazed as I looked at him.

"You told me not to, so I didn't. Why so serious?"

Neal paused briefly before suddenly smiling. "This incident is quite serious. It involves some high-level individuals, and there's already a covert investigation underway.

"There are things neither you nor I should get too involved with, so I wanted to keep you out of it."

"Thank you," I said softly.

"Between the two of us, you're the serious one. Why are you being so formal?" Neal handed over the device to his men to take back to the station. Then, he turned toward me. "Come on. I'll take you home."

His work had always been serious and solemn by nature. The Neal who used to smile gently at me should have faded into the past by now.

I pointed to the car across the street. "My driver is waiting for me over there."

"Oh, got it!" Neal turned to look at the car, then back at me. "Then I'll head back too."

I nodded. Just then, the pedestrian crossing light turned green, and I jogged across the street. Looking back, I saw Neal still standing in place.

"Neal!" I called out, raising my voice.

He answered as his voice cut through the night. "Yes?"

"Thank you!"

He crossed his arms above his head, making an "X" gesture, smiling helplessly.

"When you get a girlfriend, make sure to introduce her to me!"

His face turned pale for a moment. Then, he pressed his lips together, forcing a smile. "Of course. There's someone I like, but I haven't won her over yet."

A weight lifted from my chest, and I waved at him with a smile. "Good luck then!" With that, I got into the car.