Chapter 274

A chilling sense of menace hung in the air. Chad and his men had followed Corey for years, accumulating numerous bodies, but never had they felt such palpable murderous intent from a single individual. Nicolas's mere presence instilled fear. "Not only you," he stated coldly, "but everyone backing you; I won't let a single one escape."

Nicolas had one unyielding rule: anyone who harmed Thea would pay dearly.

After Logan and Jamie took Chad and his accomplices away, Thea followed Nicolas into the room, visibly wilted, like a flower struck by frost.

"Tell me the truth," Nicolas said, his piercing gaze making her feel exposed. "If I hadn't discovered something was wrong, would you have told me about any of this?"

Under his gaze, Thea had nowhere to hide. She lowered her head, her voice soft. "You're already so busy, and the situation was handled I didn't want to trouble you."

This meek reply did nothing to soothe him. "Sometimes, Thea, I wonder what you truly think I am to you. I'm open with you about everything, yet you keep me in the dark? Even if I were just your dog, shouldn't I know when you're in danger?" Nicolas rarely showed this level of anger. The thought of finding Thea lifeless chilled him to the core, filling him with dread. He couldn't recall how many times he'd felt this sting of being undervalued. "Thea," he continued, "if you'd called me when Chad broke in, none of this might have happened." Nicolas lived next door; he could have arrived instantly. "But you didn't. Deep down, you still don't truly trust me. You don't believe I'm someone you can rely on in a crisis, do you?"

Thea was at a loss. She wanted to deny it, but her actions spoke louder than words. When trouble started, she hadn't considered Nicolas, convinced he had his own burdens. She'd forgotten that this habit of sparing him only deepened their mistrust.

Feeling a pang of guilt, Thea tugged gently on his sleeve. "Nicolas, it's over now. Let's not argue anymore, okay?"

Nicolas didn't soften; his expression grew colder. "Security here is poor. How about moving in with me? At least I'd be there to protect you." This was his final compromise.

Thea shook her head. "Joyce was caught up in this because of me. If I leave, she'll be in even more danger alone."

Nicolas turned on his heel and walked out, his frustration evident in his stride. Thea tried to follow, but excruciating ankle pain sent her stumbling. He didn't turn back. For a moment, she couldn't tell if her ankle or her heart hurt more. She hated herself for her clumsy words.

From a young age, she'd been less charming and popular than Emmalie, in her mother and brothers' eyes. Now, because she couldn't express her feelings, she'd driven away the only person who truly cared. Tears blurred her vision. Just then, a strong hand reached down…

Chapter 274 (continued)

"Half the roast chicken is gone?" Nicolas, impeccably dressed in his suit, held an oily takeout bag, looking hilariously out of place. "I brought more. After highs and lows like that, one gets hungry."

Roast chicken was the least of her concerns; being with Nicolas filled her with quiet happiness. Taking his arm, Thea leaned into him, breathing in his familiar scent.

"Nicolas," she murmured, nestling closer, "please don't be mad. I promise, next time, no matter what, you'll be the first I call."

Nicolas stiffened as her soft hair brushed against him. Finally, he said, "Don't make promises you can't keep. For now, eat. We'll need energy for work."

Thea blinked, her eyes full of unspoken curiosity. "What work?"

Nicolas's expression turned cold. "After what Corey did, do you still have feelings for him? Anyone who harms you I'll destroy his nest."

In that moment, Nicolas radiated warmth and security. Later, a sleek silver Maybach sped toward Silvercreek's outskirts. There, a lone mansion loomed, its stone walls stark against the night.

Inside, Corey paced, his composure unraveling. "You're insane," he spat. "How many times have I told you never to provoke Thea? Even I wouldn't cross the man protecting her." He'd worked to build a relationship with Thea, only for April's actions to destroy it.

His anger boiled over; he struck April, leaving five red marks. "Do you understand the risk you've put us all in?"

April's eyes filled with shock and tears. He'd never raised a hand to her. "You hit me? For that woman?" she choked out. "Have you forgotten my father's last words? He entrusted the Viper to you, an outsider, to look after me. And this is how you repay him?"

Overwhelmed, her words tumbled out. "Do you really think I don't see it? How you feel about that bitch, Thea?"

Corey's face grew colder. He didn't wipe away her tears. "If it weren't for Mr. Sandy's last wish, do you think I'd have tolerated your antics? April, you've crossed every line, and Nicolas is on his way," he said.

Few knew the Viper's headquarters' location, hidden in Silvercreek, but Nicolas's influence was far-reaching. The thought of Nicolas's arrival tightened Corey's chest. "The Viper was Mr. Sandy's legacy. I won't let you destroy it." April had seen his ruthlessness, but never imagined this.

"You mean to sacrifice me to save the Viper?" she asked.

Corey stroked her hair, but his voice was icier. "April, as Mr. Sandy's daughter, you bear responsibility for the Viper's survival. Besides, you caused this. Instead of clinging to me, consider begging Mr. Hendrix for mercy."