r that

in its vast emptiness. It had only been five hours since h

sive atmosphere. The suffocating house seemed to constrict even furt

her presence while his gaze remained fixed

she moved, and she couldn't help but comment

was often deceptive, concealing her

d, deliberately ignoring her as h

see how he's handling the news. From the looks of it, not so well," Ashle

same age," Nick retorted, pushing he

Ashley replied with a smirk, expecting a retort f

u don't have to. No one is forcing you,"

inally understood the true

ry a hundred times over than let you take my inheritan

always striving to outshine Nick. Despite her efforts, she never rec

arned for her father's acknowledgment, but he dismiss

ower to prove her worth and reach the top, even

been particularly close to begin with. As a result, Nick took charge of their

tirely. Nick knew that her relentless pursuit of power a

e your freedom. Once you're married, you won't hav

from his seat and making his way towards the exi

n a few drinks and the company of women who c

**

attire, he still exuded an effortless charm that never failed to attract attention. As he settled at

s, Nick found himself drawn to her. Perhaps, he thought

her, a warm smile gracing his lips. "Hi. You have reall

slightly, realizing the clich

flicker of amusement dancing in her eyes. Nick sil

melodic. "But I must be honest wit

capable of enchanting any woman. "Who cares about him?" h

ughter laced with a hint of flirtation. "Sto

ng. "No, I really don't," he assured her, his

lan until an inebriated woman sitting ne

, and in a moment of misplaced anger, he turned to the woman. "Hey, are

without missing a beat. "And clearly, you're a disgusting

to storm away. "You're a crazy bitch, and I'm not going to w

harp retort pierced through his r

ily eclipsed by surprise. He turned on his heel, his

As