Chapter 200

Nicolas's eyes hardened. "Move," he commanded, his tone unfriendly. His strong aura intimidated Stephanie, making her avoid his gaze. She clung to the doorframe, fueled by defiance.

"Since you saved me," she choked out, tears welling, "it means I still matter to you. You won't abandon me"

Nicolas was weary of her appeals to his sympathy. His voice was firm. "You're right. For your brother's sake, I won't ignore you. But your suicide threat made me realize I've been too lenient. I've enabled this behavior. I'll say it one last time: my wife needs me. Move." His sharp expression panicked Stephanie, and she involuntarily released her grip on the door.

Clutching her chest, she trembled and cried, "I just came back from hell! I need you more than Thea right now!"

Ignoring her, Nicolas left. His determined departure shattered Stephanie's composure. She screamed hysterically, "If you're going to Thea, why save me? I should have died!"

The threat stopped him; he turned back. Just as Stephanie felt she'd succeeded, he said coldly, "Darwin, assign twenty-four-hour guards to Ms. Ralap. Also, detail four maids to accompany her whenever she showers or uses the restroom—to prevent any further… incidents." Darwin nodded, swiftly dispatching bodyguards.

Convinced Nicolas wasn't bluffing, Stephanie broke down. "No, Nicolas! You can't do this! Come back…"

He didn't even glance back.

Stephanie attempted self-harm to regain his attention, but the bodyguards restrained her. She tried biting her tongue, but someone grabbed her cheeks. She wailed in despair and pain.

Darwin's gaze was cold and devoid of sympathy. "If you hadn't pushed your luck, you wouldn't be in this situation, Ms. Ralap. You brought this on yourself."

Nicolas found Thea helping Joyce from Corey's car, preparing to enter a hotel. The Maybach's horn caught their attention. The window rolled down, revealing Nicolas's handsome but cold face.

"Joyce, go ahead," Thea instructed. "I'll catch up."

"Nicolas probably heard you were with the Rowands and worried," Joyce said. "Go talk to him."

After Joyce left, Thea entered the passenger seat. A heavy silence filled the car until Nicolas broke it. "You said you wouldn't trouble the Hendrix family. You're a woman of your word."

Anyone else would have sought his help, given his wealth and power. But Thea preferred cooperating with a shadowy organization.

Sensing his strange tone, Thea tightened her fingers. If I don't have a backup plan, she thought, should I rely on you, who loves another woman? But she maintained a tough exterior. "It's what I should do."

Her calm demeanor was a mask. He wanted to tell her not to distance herself, but Thea changed the subject. "How is Ms. Ralap? She seemed anxious; she must need you. Everything's fine on my end. Don't you need to spend more time with her?"

Nicolas stared at her, unhappy. "Do you really want to push me to another woman? Thea, what about you? Do you really not need me at all?"

Thea recalled her conversation with Stephanie. Nicolas frowned. "Thea, answer me."

"So, that's why you're unhappy to see me today?" Thea asked.

His pupils constricted, then relaxed. "Otherwise, what do you think?"

Her breath hitched. "Nicolas, do you… like me?"

The direct question made Thea blush and her gaze falter. She worried he'd think she was forward. Should I have phrased that differently? she thought. What should I do? Her fidgeting betrayed her nervousness. Nicolas's imperceptible smile suggested his anger was subsiding. "Thea, look at me."

His deep voice pulled her from her thoughts. She met his gaze. "What if I say yes?" he asked seriously. "What will you do?"

Her heart pounded. He was cunning, a veteran at this game, she thought. Did he learn this from Stephanie? The thought soured her mood. Her blush faded, replaced by coldness. Nicolas noticed. "What are you thinking? Why the sudden change?"

Thea felt he should open up, given her honesty. Taking a deep breath, she leaned towards him, resting her hand on the driver's door. "You haven't answered my question. Nicolas, we have a contractual marriage. I shouldn't have fallen for you, but every time you support me, care for me, clean up my messes…"

Her eyes welled, her voice thick with emotion. "Even if you're only interested in me because I'm your wife in name, I'm drawn to you. I crave this feeling, I rely on you."

She met his gaze stubbornly. "Nicolas, I admit it: I like you. What about you?"

Before she could finish, he cupped her cheeks, his features magnified before her. His kiss was hot and demanding.