Category: The Divorced Billionaire Heiress

At that time, this matter caused quite a commotion around. However, Claire used her relationship with the Carter family as well as her own methods to forcefully suppress this matter. Before long, Rley went abroad, and the girl’s family was given considerable compensation.

The matter ended. The circle had always disliked Rley. The disdain in Nicole’s eyes was undisguised. “Does he think the matter has passed? He still has the nerve to come back?” The corner of Julie’s lips curled in mockery.

“He didn’t come back with his tail between his legs. I heard he came back with a girlfriend who has connections with an arms dealer. To the Carter family, it’s an excellent help. Claire has been living off her older sister. It’s not easy to live while watching the moods of other people. Now that they finally have the opportunity to straighten their backs, how could they not make a grand entrance?” Nicole frowned. “

An arms dealer?” It was no wonder Claire dared to let Rley come back. With this connection, no matter where they went, they would be extremely sought-after. However, the general public simply would not be able to enter this line of strict barriers.

Those who were inside either had connections with the authorities or foreign forces. Even though Stanton Corporation was a large enterprise and Grant was also involved in the underworld before, he pulled out in time before going in too deep. The waters there were too deep, and it was easy to drown. A large corporation like them who had thousands of employees under their hands would not participate in those kinds of deals. It was not because of safety, but because even though this kind of business was lucrative, it was not a long-term solution.

The assets and fame of Stanton Corporation could be passed on in an honorable manner. That was because their trade involved industries that were clean and simple. They never touched firearms. Julie took two glasses of wine from the side and passed one to Nicole. “Yup. If the Carter family is really linked to this connection, the Stantons and Fergusons would have to give way to them in the future…” Although the Carter family was slowly declining recently, they were still able to maintain their position behind the Stanton family. As long as Ian did not deliberately make a mess, there would not be any major changes. Nicole suddenly smiled and shook her head. “That’s impossible.” Julie asked, “What’s impossible?” “The Carter family won’t welcome this special guest.” Nicole spoke indifferently. Julie did not understand and frowned slightly.“ Nicole looked at her.

“Have you forgotten how Ian’s older brother Hendrick died? Old Master Carter is still around. How would he let his grandson be in danger again?” In an instant, the atmosphere became cold and sullen. Julie’s face changed slightly.

How did Hendrick die? They went abroad as peacekeeping troops, but in the midst of a fierce battle, they were killed by a group of people from unknown sources who shot indiscriminately. When the gunshot wound was found to be from the group of foreign arms dealers. The Carter family lost a child for this reason. How would they allow Ian to have any contact with them too? Both of them did not speak. They suddenly heard sounds coming from the door.

Claire pulled Mrs. Carter out, smiling brightly. “Rley is back. You haven’t seen him for a long time either. He misses his aunt every day!” Mrs. Carter put on a fake smile and lowered her voice. “Why did he come back? It’s better to find a job abroad! ” “Don’t you want to meet his girlfriend?” Rley smiled and went over. She looked at Riley, who was wearing a pink suit and smiling as he walked in. His hair was slicked back, his face was greasy, and his facial features were sunken. Although he was tall, he was extremely thin. It looked like a gust of wind would blow him away.

There seemed to be no noise around. The person in front of Nicole stared at her with dim eyes. Nicole’s gaze was extremely calm and cold. She could feel Eric’s change. However, it just did not have any effect on her anymore. Just looking at Eric and thinking about the past made her sad. Now, there was someone in her life who could make her laugh. Nicole yearned for happiness even more.

She pondered for a few seconds before speaking in a light tone. “ I have a boyfriend now, you know that. Even if I didn’t, I will never go back to you.” Eric was silent for a moment before sneering. “ I know. It’s just a boyfriend. You can get divorced after marriage, let alone if you’re not married yet. Other people still have a chance, right?” Nicole frowned. Just as she was about to say something, she suddenly heard Julie’ s voice from the side. “Nicole…” Nicole looked over, and Julie waved at her. It seemed like it was something urgent. She immediately stood up.

“Excuse me.” Nicole did not want to continue with this topic anyway. Eric did not stop her. He just picked up the glass of wine on the table and gently took a sip. The side of his face was cold, and his gaze was dark. Nicole walked over. “You just arrived?” Julie nodded. “Yvette will bring her boyfriend along later, so I’m the only single one. I didn’t expect to see you chatting with Mr. Ferguson.

What, has he still not given up yet?” Nicole smiled indifferently. “People always want the things they can’ t obtain the most. Who would believe it if he said that he was wholehearted and sincere?” Julie heard the cold words and was stunned.

“You really…” She instantly felt a little heartache for Eric. Nicole always used reason to look at people she did not care about, so she could objectively speculate on the dark state of Eric’s mind to comfort her determination to leave.

However, everyone knew that in this game of divorce, the most wounded person was Mr. Ferguson. Nevertheless, Julie did not say anything. She knew that Nicole and Clayton hit it off and naturally hoped that their relationship would only get better.

“By the way, I heard that a special guest is coming today.” Julie leaned in and spoke. Nicole turned her head. “What special guest?” Julie pursed her lips and shook her head. “Mrs. Carter’s sister was bragging earlier that her son Rley is coming back from abroad…” Nicole smiled. “That trust fund kid?” Riley was Ian ‘s cousin who did not even graduate from high school because of a fight that left him with a criminal record.

He was forced to study abroad after being expelled, but he was expelled from the school abroad after two years as well. However, he still mingled in the elite circles abroad. It was probably by relying on the Carter family’s reputation. The Carter family’s prestige being lowered was mostly thanks to the credit of Mrs. Carter’s younger sister, Claire. The other half was because of Claire’s son, Rley.

Although Ian was not much of a genius when it came to business, his character and personality had always been loved. Riley was different. He had such a nasty energy in his bones. He bullied girls, had no respect for others, and was just a shameful bum. When he caused trouble in school in the past, Claire had stopped him.

However, there was once where he bullied a young girl that did not have a good family background. He took naked pictures of her and blackmailed her not to say anything. Not long after, the girl became pregnant and went to him, but he refused to acknowledge her.

The girl’s family reported it to the police, and when the police went to find him, Claire tried to use money to solve the problem. Just when the two sides were about to negotiate a settlement, Rley ran over to humiliate the girl, who took things too hard and jumped down from the school rooftop. Two lives were lost in one body.

Ian’s expression changed instantly. Adeline looked at Ian with an eager gaze, as if her heart was hanging on his body. When Terrence almost ruined the Carter family before, the Carter family already regarded the Zabel family as a thorn in their side, but it did not affect Adeline’s love and obsession for Ian. The moment Adeline saw Ian, her eyes instantly lit up and she lifted her skirt to come over.

Ian was frightened and let go of Nicole’s hand, wanting to leave Nicole behind and run away. At that thought, that was what he did. “Nicole, I’m leaving. Take care of yourself!” Then, Ian lifted his legs and ran. He bumped into several wine glasses and was gently chided by the elders and relatives on the side for not being steady enough. However, the moment they noticed Adeline, their chiding voices changed. “Hurry up and run. Don’t get caught!” Nicole looked at this scene with surprise. It was like a farce. Eric, who was in front of her, only wanted to be alone with Nicole. He had not talked to her alone for a long time. He reached out to take a hold of that slender fair wrist and forcefully pulled her to walk away.

Nicole was still immersed in the drama of watching a good show and was completely caught off guard. She subconsciously tried to break free, but it was useless. She was a little upset, and her face was clear and cold. “Eric Ferguson, let go.” Nicole did not want to let others misunderstand their already-impossible-to-repair relationship on an occasion like this. She wanted to avoid unwarranted speculation.

Maybe her voice was too cold. Eric really let go of her hand, only to turn around and block her path behind as well as the sight of others. He looked at her with sunken eyes and jerked his chin to the rest area. “Can’t we just sit there and talk a little?” The direction he took her was not a remote area. It was just that people did not gather there, so it was relatively quiet. Nicole wanted to make things clear so as not to cause awkwardness between them later. There was no point in dwelling on the past all day. The two of them sat face to face. Very rarely, there were no arguments or coldness or ignoring each other. They both stepped back and compromised. It was not easy to maintain the current superficial harmony.

Nicole looked around vigilantly, afraid that someone would notice them and say something ambiguous. “What do you want to say? Spit it out.” She urged. Eric looked at her expression. His face grew slightly sullen and cold. However, after a few seconds, his face turned expressionless. Eric just quietly stared at the person in front of him with dark eyes. “I’m sorry.” Nicole raised her eyes. Her gaze stagnated slightly as she looked at him silently. Eric said, “Only recently did I realize that liking someone who doesn’t like you back was so painful.”]

Nicole’ s heart only twisted slightly and felt sore for a moment. Eric looked at her unmoved expression and smiled. “ It’s probably karma. You’re just treating me like how I treated you back then. It’s quite fair.” Nicole felt like her chest was being pressed by a boulder, making her unable to breathe. She did not like this feeling. She did not like recalling those unpleasant experiences with Eric. It was just another bruise all over again. “Mr. Ferguson, if that’s what you wanted to talk about, then it’s unnecessary to go on.”

“Unnecessary? It’s unnecessary for you, but for me, it’s like taking away half of my life.” Eric sat there and curled his lips. The light was dim as it reflected on the side of his face that was pale and cold, filled with a wretched arrogance. At that moment, Nicole suddenly felt like Eric had fallen from his pedestal and into the mud. He was extremely miserable.

Nicole signed in. Ian ‘s sharp eyes spotted Nicole, and he immediately went over to flatter her. “Ms. Stanton, you look radiant today. The little starlets invited are gonna have to find a hole to bury themselves in! This dress is too beautiful, but a little too short.” Nicole gnashed her teeth, trying to control her expression. “It’s down to my heels but you still think it’s short? Do you think it’s supposed to be a wedding dress?” Ian’s eyes lit up.

“My grandfather dreamed of seeing his granddaughter-in-law. If you walk around with me in a wedding dress, I guarantee that you’ll get gifts worth more than your dividends!” Nicole rolled her eyes.“ I also guarantee that you won’t leave this place with your legs on the ground.” He would be crippled by her at least. Ian did not dare to say more and pulled her to Old Master Carter.

“Grandpa, look who it is! Doesn’t she look like your granddaughter-in-law?” Nicole’s lips twitched. She really wanted to kick him to death! The surrounding relatives and friends who had just arrived saw this scene and could not help but laugh. Old Master Carter narrowed his eyes and sized Nicole up.

“Lil N, you haven’t come for a long time.” Nicole smiled, squatted down, and took out the gift that Floyd had prepared long ago. “Grandpa, I wish you happiness and longevity! ” Although Old Master Carter was old, he was not blind or deaf. He was very clear-headed. He took it and opened it. It was an antique that could not be bought with money. He smiled. “Your father went through a lot of trouble.”

Nicole smiled. “It’s good that you like it!” Ian laughed and joked from the side. “Grandpa, do you like Nicole? Let Nicole be your granddaughter-in-law, okay?” Nicole once again resisted the urge to hit Ian. Old Master Carter laughed. His long beard was trembling. “Nicole is my goddaughter!” The surrounding people could not help but laugh. Ian’s expression stiffened.

Nicole went from being his potential wife to his aunt? Ian could not say anything more. If he did, Nicole might end up as his god-grandmother! He understood that this old man was doing it on purpose. Hmph! Nicole pointed at Ian smugly. “Good boy. Call me Auntie?” Ian’s mouth twitched and he lowered his voice. “I was wrong!” Nicole saw that Ian had a good attitude in admitting his mistake, so she did not continue to embarrass him in public. After leaning there and saying a few words, Nicole planned to turn around and leave.

The moment she turned around, she saw Eric, who had been standing there for an unknown amount of time. Nicole knew that there was no way to avoid him, and there was no need to avoid him either. There would be many more Occasions like this in the future, and it was impossible not to attend just because of one person. They could still interact in the business world.

Ian naturally also noticed him. However, this was an event hosted by his family, so he could not mess it up. He just pulled Nicole’s arm. This resource is at “Let’s go to my mom’s side?” Ian pointed in another direction. Mrs. Carter was surrounded by a circle of celebrities and high-society ladies, chatting with fake expressions. It was exhausting just looking at them. Nicole refused decisively. “No way!” Just as they talked, Eric calmly walked over to them. His line of sight naturally fell on Nicole alone.

Pls not down His eyes were heavy as if carrying a thousand-pound boulder inside. “Let’s talk alone?” Eric asked. His voice was low. Nicole looked up. “About what?” Ian said, “Can I join?”

Although Ian was eliminated, it did not mean that he had to make way. Ian could still act as sand in Eric’s eyes. Eric looked at Ian with an indifferent gaze and pointed to the right. “Second Young Master Carter, I think that lady wants to talk to you.” Ian snorted with disdain, turned around, and looked at the person to the right. Holy sh*t! It was Mr. Zabel’s daughter, Adeline Zabel!

“Then I won’t hold back. I heard that you were dating Mr. Sloan, but I still feel uneasy without hearing your answer in person,” Asher said. Nicole looked at him. “When did you learn to be cautious, Mr. Sullivan?” Asher said, “I learn from my mistakes.” He was just about to offer his farewell when Nicole chuckled. “Oh, it seems like you learned a lot from Ms. York’s experience.”

There was a sneer in her words. Asher’s expression suddenly changed. He was a smart man and was the best at reading people’s faces. How would he not know why Nicole was bringing Ava up now? It was because, from the beginning, Nicole knew that he had an affair with Ava.

Nicole just watched as he played dumb and as Ava walked step by step toward death. Then, when his conscience was about to be relieved of its full burden, the old story was dug up and his shame was revealed, letting him see what a despicable and shameless man he was. Asher looked at her quietly for a few seconds and stood up with a slightly pale face, even as he struggled to maintain his remaining dignity. “I’m sorry to bother you. Goodbye.”

The arrogance and willfulness were completely gone. Logan did not know how Asher changed so quickly. However, it must be because of Nicole. Logan knocked on the door and walked in, letting the person outside come in. “President, your dress for Old Master Carter’s birthday banquet tonight is ready, and the jewelry was sent from the mansion. Do you want to try it on?” Nicole looked at the time. “There’s no rush.

Put it away for now.” Logan nodded and told the staff to put it in the lounge inside before withdrawing. Grant came over before noon. He sat across from her and did not speak. Nicole was puzzled. She just took a day off, right? “Big Brother, are you sick?” Grant rolled her eyes at her. His gaze was sunken. Nicole choked on her words. Grant said, “Why didn’t Mr. Sloan tell us that he came back?” “He has his own schedule. Why does he need to report to us?” Nicole was a little guilty. Grant said, “If it were someone else, of course, there wouldn’t be a need, but it’s you.

A relationship is a lifelong matter, not a product of an impulsive mind. You need to consider it well before deciding on the way forward.” Nicole’s expression also became serious as she looked at Grant. “I know, Big Brother. You guys think I put precedence on my feelings because I married and divorced Eric on an impulse. But I don’t regret it. If I went back four years ago, maybe I would still choose Eric.” She laughed self-deprecatingly. “

But if I met Clayton first, that might not be the case.” Grant’s brows tightened up and turned glum at her words. However, after hearing the latter part of her words, his expression instantly became complicated. After that, his expression stabilized. The implication was that in her heart, Clayton was better than Eric back then. Grant thought about it, stood up, and did not want to say anything more. “Just make sure you know what you’re doing. Your sister-in-law is going to cook at home, so I won’t be going to the banquet tonight. You have full authority to go on behalf of the Stanton family.”

Nicole nodded. She originally thought that it would be livelier if they all went, but after Grant got married, these social functions were pushed away whenever possible. Grant really seemed like he was going to spend his life with Aida seriously. It was all thanks to Aida’s good training. Even an ice block managed to turn out like this. It was certainly not an easy task! In the evening. Due to the Stantons’ deep friendship with the Carter family, Nicole did not deliberately go late and went there early after getting dressed.

Clayton was also going, but he had some matters at hand and would be a little late. The Carter family generously booked two floors of the banquet hall, upstairs to talk about business and downstairs for socializing. Nicole thought she arrived early, but once she got there, she realized that almost half of the people on the guest list had already arrived. She was not early at all!

Grant was just about to leave when he suddenly remembered something. “When did you come back to Mediania, Mr. Sloan?” “My Cight arrived the night before yesterday.” Clayton answered without thinking. After he did, Clayton realized Grant’s motive. His face changed slightly. Clayton was just about to look up, but Grant already walked away without saying a word. Even Grant’s back had an inexplicable chill.

Clayton was speechless. Nicole was clearly in a good mood this early morning. When the lady at the front desk and the secretary greeted her, she responded to them one by one. Others did not know what was going on, but Logan knew best. However, he could not say. Logan knocked on the door with the documents and poured her a cup of coffee.

“President, Asher Sullivan from Cyndro International wants to see you. Will you meet him?” Nicole paused. “No.” She did not have a good impression of that person. Even if a few years passed, there was nothing good worth discovering. Furthermore, he was one of Eric’s men.

After a while, Logan came over to report. “Mr. Sullivan refused to leave. He said that it wasn’t Mr. Ferguson who told him to come. He has something important to tell you.” Nicole paused. What important matter could he have? However, she looked at Logan. “Let him in.” If it was not important enough, she would immediately tell him to get lost. Asher knocked on the door and came in. He was still dressed sloppily and unconventionally.

He wore a white suit. “Ms. Stanton, long time no see. I wanted to catch up with you alone for a while now…” Asher spoke with a smile. Nicole closed the document in her hand and looked at him with an indifferent attitude. “Mr. Sullivan, if you simply want to catch up with me, then please leave. We’re not familiar with each other.” The smile on Asher’ s face froze and faded slightly. He sat across from her and sized her up, narrowing his eyes.

Even if he did not want to admit it, the intern who joined their company back then was now THE Nicole Stanton who was worth a fortune. That was a fact. Nicole was different from Ava York. Ava made full use of the resources in her hands and made false accusations. When she saw people who made her happy or upset, Ava would always act in the interests of benefits. No matter how annoyed she was, she would act as if she was very amicable with the person.

However, Nicole would never do that. Nicole would write the words“ I hate you” on her forehead. That was why Asher never dared to appear in front of Nicole. He was afraid that she would associate him with Ava. After a few seconds, Asher finally spoke. “Okay, then let’s not catch up. Let’s talk about something else.” Nicole did not even raise her hand. She looked down at her phone. She replied to messages. Asher paused.

“Is there really no more hope between you and Eric Ferguson?” What a ridiculous thing to ask. Nicole lifted her eyes. “What are you trying to say?” Asher touched his nose. “A lady wants me to pull some strings and introduce her to Mr. Ferguson. However, I’m not sure what you think of Mr. Ferguson, so I don’t want to cause any misunderstandings later.

If there’s still a possibility of you two being together, I won’t do such a thing.” Nicole understood why Asher came. She put down her phone. Her bright face was flawless, and the corners of her lips were curved upward, but Asher could not tell that she was smiling. “You shouldn’t ask me. You should ask Mr. Ferguson. I’ve had nothing to do with him for a long time, and I have even less right to interfere with who he’s with.”

Nicole spoke every word clearly. Besides, if Eric could really find someone he likes and let go of the past, Nicole would be more than happy to give him her blessing. Asher observed her face and slowly let out a sigh of relief when he saw that Nicole meant what she said. Thus, he showed his dissolute smile again.

Nicole could not stand their probing looks. Seeing a s the situation was getting awkward, Nicole immediately countered. “I was born with good skin!” Julie immediately stopped Yvette, who wanted to continue speaking. She looked at Nicole with a smile. “Well, your boyfriend went out early in the morning to buy breakfast for us. Thank him properly for us. It’s getting late now, and we still have things to do, so we’ll see you at the banquet tonight.”

Nicole nodded. Old Master Carter’s birthday banquet was tonight, so of course, they would see each other. Yvette was pulled away by Julie. Only Clayton and Nicole were left in the living room. Nicole looked at the breakfast on the dining table and frowned slightly. They tossed around until early morning, but he still had the energy to go out to buy breakfast. Did he not need to sleep? She turned her head to look at him.

Clayton instantly understood what she was thinking. He smiled and explained. “I had someone buy it early in the morning and deliver it downstairs. I just went to get it a few minutes ago.” Realization dawned on Nicole. “So, they were wrong to compliment you?” Clayton laughed.“ I could explain it to them, but I went out to get breakfast so that no one would find out that I was staying here last night.” Otherwise, Clayton would just have their breakfast sent directly to the door.

Nicole had nothing more to say. She turned around and went to wash up. When she was done, she watched Clayton sitting at the dining table waiting for her while replying to some emails and messages from Liberty. Nicole suddenly thought of something. “Have the people upstairs left?” Nicole asked. Clayton said, “From the sound of it, they probably have.” Before he went downstairs, he heard the sound of the door closing. Nicole nodded. “You worked hard last night.” Clayton asked, “Hard work in which aspect?” He clearly knew yet he still asked. Nicole’ s smile stiffened.

She really wanted to bash him to death. Clayton was really getting more blatant. It seemed like it must have been very hard for him to put up a gentlemanly front in front of her before. However, Nicole was not willing to fall behind and smiled. “In all aspects.” Clayton was speechless. He did not manage to tease her and was teased instead, as expected of Ms. Stanton. Clayton obediently poured a bowl of soup for her.“ Drink some soup. Your throat is hoarse…” Nicole said, “You should make up for it.” Anyone would know how to hurt others. Men! Nicole did not go to the office yesterday.

If she did not show up again today, Grant would personally come over to catch her. Nicole took a few bites before Clayton sent her to Stanton Corporation. Before getting out of the car, Nicole remembered something. “That lipstick mark yesterday…” It seemed to have disappeared.

Nicole did not remember seeing it when he picked her up from J&L Corporation. Clayton said, “Can I have another one?” “Get lost.” The topic completely veered away. Clayton did not want to let go and looked at her meaningfully. “You’re really not going to kiss me, babe? We won’t have a chance to kiss this entire day.”

Nicole looked at him speechlessly. Was he a child? However, people were coming and going at the entrance, and the Bentley parked here was particularly conspicuous and eye-catching. Nicole did not want to become the topic of everyone’s conversations early in the morning and leaned over with her eyes closed. It was just a light kiss. She did not pay attention and turned around to go out. Clayton did not stop her either and smiled at her back. How cute. Just as he was about to start the car, Clayton looked up, and his face suddenly stiffened.

Clayton quickly regained his warm and modest demeanor, got out of the car, and nodded his head. “Mr. Stanton.” Grant’s gaze was bitterly cold as he looked at Clayton. He saw the scene just now, so his expression was not very good. “Since you’re already here, why don’t you come up for a seat, Mr. Sloan?”

Clayton was a little nervous and inexplicably felt some pressure. “I was just dropping Nicole off along the way. I still have things to do. I’ll definitely come over and pay a visit later.” Grant looked at Clayton indifferently. “That’s not necessary. Just make an appointment in advance if you need something.” “Yes.”

Clayton’s face changed. He rolled down the bed, closed the bedroom door, and locked it behind him. Nicole only told him to close the door, not to get lost. That meant she was reluctant to part with him. Clayton naturally would not be so understanding as to take care of those two people upstairs. As soon as he turned around, Nicole ran to the bathroom using the clothes he had torn to cover her chest.

She was too quick for him to react. Clayton touched his chin and smiled. It was fine. They could take it slow. As long as she did not hate it. Nicole calmed down and began to fill the bathtub. She wanted to soak for a while longer to freshen up.

She could wait for the man outside to fall asleep after being unable to hold back too. Hurrying out would just be sending herself in to danger’s jaws. Nicole very cleverly locked the door and began to soak in the bath. She made sure not to miss the essential oils and candles. The more tedious, the better.

After about twenty minutes of soaking, Nicole was getting sleepy. When she could not stand it any longer, she finally climbed out of the water. There was no movement outside, and Clayton never rushed her. Did he really fall asleep? Only when she came out did she realize that her clothes were no longer wearable. She did not bring in a change of pajamas. There was only a bath towel wrapped around her delicate body.

She was too careless! Just as she was about to speak, she suddenly remembered something and carefully opened the door a crack. She wanted to see if he was still there. However, before she could poke her head out, the door was yanked open from the inside, as if the person had been waiting for this moment for a long time. Before she could react, she was pushed against the bathroom wall.

“You’re finally willing to come out?” His voice was husky with a hint of playfulness. Nicole was so nervous that her heart was about to jump out. She tried hard to act as if nothing was wrong, but the nervousness in her expression was clear for him to see. She was not wearing pajamas and was only wrapped in a bath towel.

She was simply a natural beauty. “Why did you come in?” “Why do you think so?” The tip of his nose slowly approached, wanting to continue doing what he left unfinished earlier. Nicole pursed her lips. “Then you should go shower.

I’m done, so I’ll go outside…” She tried to get out from under his arms, but his hand clasped around her waist and easily pulled her back. She was surrounded by his scent. Clayton smiled. His eyes seemed like they could speak, amorous and compelling. “There’s no rush. We can shower together…” Nicole really could not even lift her arms. If not for the sound of walking coming from outside, Nicole would not have opened her eyes. Nicole heard Yvette and Julie talking about something outside, but she could not hear what exactly. She suddenly remembered that she was with Clayton last night.

‘If I was caught… ‘ Nicole instantly got up. The bed was empty beside her. Clayton was not there. Nicole sighed in relief. However, she also felt a little lost at not seeing him early in the morning. The next second, she suddenly heard Clayton’s voice ringing out in the living room. “I don’t know what you girls like to eat, so I just bought some random stuff…” “You’re too polite, Mr. Sloan. Thank you for your hospitality.” That was Julie’s voice.

Yvette said, “Mr. Sloan, you’re really so thoughtful. If it were Nicole, we’d have to go back hungry.” Nicole found a pair of pajamas to put on and went out with her messy hair. “ I woke up as soon as I heard you guys talking bad about me. Isn’t that terrifying?” Yvette sized her up meaningfully. “Nicole, how is your skin glowing after just a night’s sleep?” Nicole froze, and her mind instantly sobered up. The air was stagnant for a moment. Then, Julie looked at Nicole and then at Clayton. Realization struck her.

Clayton thought, ‘Haven’t I already met her friends and best friends as her boyfriend tonight? Why should we be afraid of them seeing us live together? Unless she doesn’t want anyone to know that our relationship is already this close. Did that mean she was ready to end this relationship anytime?’

Nicole realized that she said the wrong thing. She did not know how to explain herself. If the Stanton family heard of this, Floyd and Grant would not let Clayton off the hook.

However, seeing the light in Clayton’s eyes extinguish little by little, she felt her heart break as if it was being squeezed. The pain drilled into her bones. Just as Nicole was about to open her mouth to explain, Clayton stood up calmly with a warm and understanding smile on his face. “Then you should rest well. I’ll go upstairs first.” His tone remained calm without the slightest fluctuation.

However, Nicole heard a bone -piercing coldness. Clayton opened the bedroom door and went out. Nicole suddenly panicked. She knew that if he left like this, they would be completely over. Nicole suddenly ran out, dropping one of her slippers, and hugged his waist from behind. Clayton’ s body stiffened, but he still restrained his voice.

“Let go.” Nicole gritted her teeth and gripped on. He was angry. It was a very serious kind. Clayton patted her hand. His voice softened and no coldness could be heard. “Let go. I’m going up.” That tone was as if nothing was wrong. However, Nicole still did not let go. She hugged him tightly, her voice low and soft. “What if I don’t?” Nicole knew what she was doing, but she could not help it. She did not want to hurt him in such a cruel way. All those other worries could just get lost. Clayton paused. His voice lowered. “You’re really not letting go?” Nicole gripped him even tighter. T

he next second. Her vision flipped as she suddenly found herself in Clayton’ s arms. He clasped her waist with one hand and the other hand around her legs. His actions were almost rough as he turned around and walked towards her bedroom. “You were the one who refused to let go. Don’t regret it.” His voice was already extremely husky. Nicole panicked for a few moments in her heart. It was like he changed into a different person.

The warm and gentle mask on his face was taken off, and he became somewhat unfamiliar. Nicole had noticed these looks that he subconsciously revealed. However, she liked the image he maintained in front of her more. Who would not want to leave a good impression in front of his beloved? Thus, she never pursued the root of what kind of person he really was.

Clayton’s eyes were slightly scarlet. One hand propped up beside her ear and the other hand somewhat roughly undressed her. He caught the panic that flashed in Nicole’s eyes. His movements slowed down. The cold and harshness faded from his eyes and was replaced with warmth and clarity. Clayton was afraid he would scare her. He lowered his head, kissed her eyes, and then slowly trailed down to kiss her lips. She did not dare to refuse or resist, and obediently let him do as he pleased.

However, the next second, she suddenly remembered something and opened her watery eyes. Nicole pushed him away, gasping for breath. He put in some force, not giving her much chance to resist. Lowering his head, Clayton was just about to continue when Nicole kicked him hard. “Close the door!”

The voice that flowed out was delicate and charming. Clayton froze. Only then did he realize that the light cast from the living room was still bright and warm. Nicole’ s face was already scarlet, and her bright red lips reflected a tantalizing haze of light. Clayton was really dominated by his emotions and let the blood rush to his head. They almost staged a live show.

Nicole painstakingly moved Yvette and Julie to the sofa. Yvette was already unconscious. However, Julie still had a trace of sobriety. “I won’t bother you guys. I’ll leave…” Nicole quickly grabbed her in fright. “Where do you think you’re going after drinking so much? My third brother will come back and kill me!” Julie’s eyes were hazy. “Oh, I forgot to call Kai. He told me to call him every night.”

Then, Julie took out her phone from her pocket. Nicole looked at her. It seemed like Julie was really drunk. Julie called Kai and told him everything like she was reporting her schedule.

“Kai, I’m drinking at Nicole’ s place… If you don’t believe me, then listen.” Nicole took the phone in resignation. “Remember to buy me a gift after rehearsals, or I’ll throw her out on the street!” Kai grunted and warned Nicole. “Don’t you dare! Don’t let her go home by herself. You have to stay with her the whole night, you hear me?” It was a warning from her third brother.

Nicole hung up the call and dragged Julie to the sofa to lie down. After doing a headcount, why were there only three drunks? Nicole became anxious. “Where’s Nathaniel?” Clayton pried Ian off of his body time and time again, but Ian clung to him shamelessly. Ian was like a leech.

“He was right here. Why don’t you check the other rooms?” Nicole was overwhelmed. She ran to the washroom, but there was no one there. She went to the utility room. Nathaniel was not there either. She went to the second bedroom — no one. The door to the master bedroom was closed.

Nicole opened it and took a look. Oh, Nathaniel was lying in bed, sleeping soundly. He even remembered to cover himself with the quilt. Nicole rolled her eyes and withdrew to close the door. “Found him?” Clayton threw Ian to the floor and ignored him. Nicole nodded and pointed to the master bedroom. “ In your room. Ask someone to clean it up later.” Nicole did not believe that Clayton would be so virtuous as to clean up places that another man soiled. Clayton nodded in agreement. Nicole rubbed her neck. “I’m tired too. Help me bring Julie and Yvette down

. Let Ian and Nathaniel sleep here while you make do with the guest room for the night?” That was the best arrangement. Clayton hesitated for a few seconds before shaking his head. Nicole clicked her tongue. How dare he not cooperate with her? Clayton pulled her into his arms. His clear voice sounded slightly aggrieved. “We were supposed to have our alone time tonight…”

Clayton did not want to sleep with two drunken men! Nicole pursed her lips. She was not in the mood to think about anything else now. She wrapped her arms around his waist soothingly and patted his back. “It’s okay, three’s a party!” Clayton was speechless. Was she serious? While she was trying to move the people downstairs, Clayton could not resist and went over to help. He placed Julie and Yvette in the guest room downstairs. Nicole wanted to take a shower and go to bed when she saw Clayton sitting on her bed with no intention of leaving.

She walked over and patted his shoulder. “You can go now…” She reminded him. Clayton looked up slightly with a hint of a smile in his eyes. “Are you trying to throw me away after you’re done using me?” Nicole frowned. “You can’t say that.” After all, there were so many people here and the soundproofing was not very good, so they could not do anything.

“Then what are you trying to say?” He insisted on pursuing it to the end. Nicole said, “The people upstairs need to be taken care of.” Clayton said, “I can get a car to take them home.” Nicole could not help it. “You’ll be seen if you stay here. What if Julie and Yvette wake up?” Clayton ‘s smile froze and his eyes faintly stiffened. “Am I an embarrassment?”