Chapter 682 Seeing Through Anya
Out of the blue, the teasing voice of his good friend, Durkas, rang out from behind him.
In the next heartbeat, the incredibly handsome countenance of the mixed–descent man manifested right in front of him, magnified several times.
With his face devoid of expression, Nathaniel tossed Anya away. Then, he lifted his hand and pushed the man’s face out of his line of sight. “Are you sick of living, Durkas?”
Durkas clutched at his chest, looking devastated to the core. He did not even bother to glance at the woman who had fallen at his feet, promptly reaching out and draping an arm over Nathaniel’s shoulder.
“Don’t be so indifferent with me. It’s been a long time since we’ve last seen each other. How about a drink with Christina when the conference ends?”
Slapping the annoying arm off his shoulder, Nathaniel declined gruffly, “No, thanks. She can’t drink, and I have no time to waste with you.”
Durkas retracted his hand that stung from the smack. He was just about to continue catching up with the man when he glimpsed Anya glaring at them hotly out of the corner of his eye. Putting his blithe attitude away, he asked solemnly, “Why are you involved with someone from the Ludwig family?”
Nathaniel remained as apathetic as ever. “She isn’t of the Ludwig family.
He would never voluntarily tell Durkas that he almost reverted to being single because he fell into a trap in a moment of carelessness.
Hearing that, Durkas tsked and carefully scrutinized Anya’s countenance. As his brows furrowed slightly, he shot a hand out toward her face without warning.
Anya backed up a few steps in fear. “W–W–What are you trying to do?”
Smiling, Durkas replied, “Don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you. There’s something at the base of your ear, and I merely wanted to take it off for you. If you don’t wish to have someone else touching you, you can remove it yourself.”
After saying that, he gentlemanly retreated a few paces, leaving her sufficient space to feel safe.
However, Anya clapped a hand over the base of her ear before spinning on her heel and sprinting off without a backward glance.
Seeing that, Nathaniel unceremoniously mocked, “When did you become so kind?”
“This isn’t your first time meeting me, but your understanding of me is simply too shallow, Mr. Hadley. I’ve always been a kind person, especially toward my friends. Have you forgotten this? Previously, I sought Christina out to discuss a collaboration, as per your orders. For your sake, I gave her all the benefits of the project. Aren’t I considerate?” Durkas riposted shamelessly.
“You wanted the lion’s share, but you lacked the corresponding capability,” Nathaniel retorted bluntly.
Such fury blazed within Durkas that he rolled his eyes, no longer in the mood to entertain the man.
Argh! I shouldn’t have mentioned that or sought this cold and aloof man out to catch up for no reason!
Having cursed himself out inwardly, he proceeded to get down to business. “Earlier, you said that woman isn’t of the Ludwig family. I believe it, for she was wearing a hyper–realistic mask.”
Part of Anya’s hyper–realistic mask had detached at the base of her car. While it was inconspicuous and could be easily mistaken as something stuck to the car it so happened that Durkas‘ family was a toy powerhouse. Not only had they created a variety of masks, but they were also involved in the research and development of hyper–realistic masks.
The hyper–realistic mask on Anya’s face appeared exquisite and lifelike, but it could only dupe amateurs. It went without saying that the sophistication of the technology could not withstand scrutiny.
“You’re sure about this?” Nathaniel questioned.
“It’s impossible for me to make such a mistake. The number of hyper–realistic masks I’ve used since young far surpa*ses the sum of beauties I’ve seen. Furthermore, that hyper–realistic mask was of absolutely shoddy workmanship. I could perceive it at a single glance.”
Durkas was most chagrined to have others doubt his judgment. If he were not totally certain about something, he would never state it as a fact.
Nathaniel trusted his childhood friend. But still, he needed a definite answer for prudence’s sake.
“Keep this to yourself. I’ve got my own plan.”
“Mr. Hadley, do you mind telling me your relationship with that woman?” Durkas ventured in curiosity.
Nathaniel expressionlessly swept a gaze over him. “You talk too much, Durkas. Also, undue curiosity will only bring disaster.”
Inexplicably, Durkas sensed a chill running down his spine. He shuddered, yet his nosiness persisted.
“Isn’t Christina bothered by the many women who flock to your side?”
If he had not mentioned Christina, Nathaniel might have satisfied his curiosity. Regretfully, the man did not know the meaning of tactfulness in the face of a friend.
Nathaniel’s voice turned menacing. “If you feel that you’re too free, Durkas, I can hire you as a director for the entertainment company under my name.”
Flashing him a sheepish smile, Durkas countered, “No, not at all. I’m going to go on a business trip all over the world after attending the international conference today. It’s rare that we get to meet, Mr. Hadley. Are you really not going to have a drink with me?”
“I’ve got no time for that,” Nathaniel rebuffed impa*sively. His gaze traveled through the crowd before stilling on the beautiful figure by the door.
“Then…” Before Durkas even had the opportunity to speak, the man had already abandoned him and left in a hurry.
Hmm, his attitude toward Christina versus others is totally different, at opposite extremes. I’ve known him for more than twenty years, but I’ve never seen him so devoted to a woman. Back when I heard about his marriage abroad, I was so shocked that I almost pa*sed out. If I hadn’t gotten held up by some tricky problems, I wouldn’t have only made Christina’s acquaintance this year!
“Can we talk, Christina? I don’t mind waiting if you’re not free now.” Nathaniel leashed his authoritative and aggressive aura, his unfathomable eyes sparkling with hope. T
Christina’s expression remained placid. Beside her, Victoria stepped out and blocked the matte path “Christina is going to discuss a project later and has no time for you.”
All of a sudden, Sebastian zipped out from behind and grabbed her before striding away.
“What are you doing, Sebastian? Mmph!”
Sebastian swiftly clapped a hand over Victoria’s mouth and urged softly. “This is a matter between Mr and Mrs. Hadley. Don’t insert yourself in it, okay, Darling?” D
Darling?
The endearment turned Victoria’s head, and she instantly threw Nathaniel and Christina to the back of her mind. D
Ceasing to struggle, she launched herself into his arms and clung to him like an octopus.
She nuzzled her head against his chest and purred, “Call me that again, won’t you, Seb? I love hearing
it!”
All the guests surreptitiously cast their gazes over.
Flushing bright red, Sebastian hastily dragged Victoria away. D
Left without Victoria by her side, Christina knew she would have to face Nathaniel sooner or later. As such, she naturally agreed.
“Sure. I think there’s a need for us to have a serious talk about the marital crisis between us.”
